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Chapter 474: Who Sent It?

I wish to become a god. #478 2/4/2026
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Sean graduated from the prestigious National University of Music and Performing Arts in Paris, where he developed a high level of mastery and talent in the performing arts. Immediately after graduation, he directed a highly successful film, *The Paris Dream Ship*, which won the Best Director Award at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. This achievement propelled him into the ranks of international film directors, launching a brilliant career in filmmaking. The popular Chinese television series *Dreams of the Red Chamber*, which has been widely acclaimed across China, was officially invited by France's cultural authorities to be staged in Paris, where it received enthusiastic acclaim from the French public. The lead actress, Dong Jiao, emerged as a well-known Chinese beauty star throughout France. Subsequently, numerous high-profile film projects began to come her way, with offers of substantial salaries to cast her in leading roles. Initially, Dong Jiao had no intention of continuing in acting and wished only to return to her homeland, China, after seven months away. During this period, she was invited to join the cast of the sequel series *Dreams of the Red Chamber* as the lead actress, but she declined the offer, opting instead to consider it further. Regarding the sequel to "Dreams Broken in the Red Chamber," it's different from the original in that the sequel is a film divided into five parts. Directed by the renowned French filmmaker Sean, under this backdrop, Dong Jiao had the great fortune to meet the internationally acclaimed director Sean. Sean's production has attracted numerous investors, most of whom are his loyal backers, making the investment exceptionally strong. Due to Sean's international reputation as a top money-making director, virtually every film he directs becomes a hit, and every leading actress he chooses inevitably rises to stardom. After returning to China, Sean did not give up but followed Dong Jiao to the Jingdu City. This time, after Dong Jiao personally denied to High Guang that she was in a romantic relationship with him, she felt deeply disheartened. Indeed, her return to China was specifically aimed at reuniting with High Guang—yet upon her arrival, he delivered a significant emotional blow. Dong Jiao felt deeply let down. With a deep breath, she agreed to take on the sequel film of "Dreaming of the Red Chamber," which brought great joy to Sean, who had followed closely. Immediately, the filming schedule in China was launched. Sean truly is a gifted director; once董姣 started acting, she was immediately captivated by his directorial style. Originally, Sean allowed董姣 to freely express herself, without demanding precise attention to details—this was entirely different from the style of the bearded director previously assigned by Gao Liang. The bearded director was extremely demanding; even if he weren't strict, under Gao Liang's relentless pursuit of excellence, every subtle movement or expression from the actors had to be perfectly executed. Any shortfall meant the scene had to be retaken. Filming was both exhausting and demanding. Although董姣 had achieved great fame after her rise to prominence, few knew that for "Dreaming of the Red Chamber," she had once worked through overnight shoots and even filmed the same scene over ten times to achieve the perfect performance. Once again, during a dramatic scene, after eleven takes, it still wasn't satisfactory—until Dong Jiao moved everyone in the production team to tears with her breathless, strained sobbing, finally earning approval. Dong Jiao had become well-known and now could handle her performances with ease, yet the rigid, traditional style of the director with the full beard remained unchanged, still critiquing her constantly. This could not help but frustrate her. Thus, Dong Jiao's journey as a star began to transform when she went to France and met the internationally acclaimed director Sean at the Cannes Film Festival. This marked a major turning point in her career. Sean was exceptionally humanistic, which deeply impressed Dong Jiao. The freedom to be spontaneous and express herself fully gave her a much broader stage and greater development space. In contrast, the original production team of "Dream Broken in the Red Chamber," led by the director with the full beard, had fallen behind the times and no longer suited Dong Jiao's personality or strengths. Gao Liang had recognized this long ago—Gao Liuang is not a director; he possesses a clear vision. Though I may not provide you with a stage, I will enable you to soar with your dreams and boldly forge your own brilliant path as a star. Gao Liang chose to reject his relationship with Dong Jiao precisely so that Dong Jiao wouldn't feel burdened or carry psychological weight—she could start fresh and light-hearted. The first episode was shot smoothly and received high praise from the production committee. Immediately, as director, Xiong gave Dong Jiao exceptional recognition and encouragement, followed by honors, flowers, applause, and substantial compensation. Dong Jiao was thrilled—this film, directed by a renowned French filmmaker, truly felt different. To express her gratitude, Dong Jiao decided to treat Xiong to a special dinner. The Xiangmi Restaurant, part of the Mengzhu Grand Hotel group, is located near Fenglian Mountain Villa and is a five-star hotel acquired through the hotel's restructuring and merger. Manager Chen Yuting, a highly capable woman, has continuously improved the hotel's management and service standards under the overall guidance of Gao Liang, effectively tapping into internal potential. As a result, Mengzhu Hotel has shone like a brilliant pearl among all hotels in Kyoto City. Its affiliated restaurant, Xiangmi Shifu, has also achieved excellent operational performance, offering a variety of flavorful snacks with options ranging from modest to luxurious, satisfying both budget-conscious and upscale guests, thus experiencing booming business. When Dong Jiao reached the second floor and settled at a round table by the window, it was already 8 p.m., yet Director Xiao Shen had not yet arrived. Dong Jiao grew slightly anxious, wondering why he had not come yet. "Madam! Here's your rose bouquet!" A beautiful female server gently presented a large bunch of vibrant red roses to Dong Jiao. Dong Jiao, who greatly appreciates flowers, gladly accepted them and expressed her gratitude. Before asking who had sent the flowers, the female server had already left. Dong Jiao noticed a note inside the bouquet, reading: "Happy Birthday!" "My birthday?" Dong Jiao was delighted and immediately checked her calendar. Wow! It was June 8—her actual birthday. How touching! She had been so busy filming that she had completely forgotten her birthday. How meaningful this bouquet was—so who had sent it? Just as Dong Jiao was pondering this, the female server returned and said to her, "Madam, a gentleman has entrusted me to deliver this item to you. Please accept it!" Dong Jiao watched as the server carefully placed a delicate small box on the table. After the server had left, Dong Jiao opened the box with great care. A brilliant light radiated from within. What a beautiful jade pendant! Wow—it was a rare and precious "Love Connection" jade pendant. When she wore it, she felt its smooth, refreshing warmth. Dong Jiao has always deeply cherished fine jade. Even in her dreams, she longs to have a piece of beautiful jade worn close to her. However, due to her busy work schedule, she has never found time to visit jade shops, so this wish has remained unfulfilled. Today, on this special day, she would have completely forgotten it if it weren't for a reminder from someone. On this special day, Dong Jiao feels an extraordinary sense of happiness.