16. A Star Reborn

In a dimly lit auditorium filled with eager anticipation, the moment of culmination arrives for the attendee as winner for each nomination announced one by one.

Among the nominations, the Committe's Choice Best Entry wasn't the most sparkly but given the scale of the event it was still amazing.

The air was thick with tension as the host announced the nominees.

Wu Yige was one of the nominees for that category. His face was on the screen with four others director that had tehir first movie submitted for the festival. To be on screen seen by this many renowed master of the industry was already an honor. The seconds feel like an eternity, and then, with a mix of disbelief and joy, Wu Yige heard his name echoed through the venue.

Katrina was the first to stood up and clapped for him vigorously.

As Wu Yige stands frozen in a moment of disbelief, the spotlight turns towards them. The applause was thunderous, a symphony of recognition from peers, industry professionals, and avid film enthusiasts who appreciate the artistry and dedication poured into their cinematic creation.

The presenter hands over the gleaming trophy, a symbol of recognition and validation. The weight of the award in Wu Yige's hands was not just physical; it carried the weight of countless hours of creative labor, tireless dedication, and the emotional investment poured into bringing a vision to life.

It just those weren't his.

Wu Yige was busy hollowing in self pity when everyone around him was creating this masterpiece to cleaned his mess.

His past action played like a messy reels.

He remembered his room once filled with shared laughter and the warmth of love, felt like a cavernous echo chamber amplifying the haunting silence of his loneliness. Every corner seems to hold memories that pierce through the shattered fragments of his heart.

On the table was the remnants of letters, photographs, and tokens of affection — now rendered meaningless. Each item was a cruel reminder of a love that slipped away like sand through his desperate fingers.

A mix of gratitude and regret washes over him. Grateful for the support he received, yet regretful for not seeing it sooner. The realization that he wasn't alone in his struggle becomes both a balm and a wound, a reminder of the human capacity for kindness and his own vulnerability.

Others brought their crew together, but Katrina was the only one from Wu Yige's side. Her smile complimenting the blinding earrings and necklace, plastered on all other screen.

Wu Yige chuckled on the sight and immediately started his speech.

Standing at the podium, Wu Yige took a moment to absorb the reality of the win. The microphone captured his voice as they express gratitude to the cast, crew, and everyone who believed in the project. It's a moment of acknowledgment for the collaborative effort that birthed the cinematic masterpiece.

Wu Yige gave half bow to the audience before leaving the stage.

He realized in the aftermath of heartbreak, in the crossroads of despair and redemption, he could paint the narrative of his own resurrection. His surrounding was helping him, he was too numb to realized it before, but he knew the collective warmth of compassion could rekindle the flame within a broken heart.

Wu Yige was revived tonight.

***

Due to the nature of her job, Katrina had always been cautious. She had expected the crowd once they're back in home country and coordinated with the company's security team to make a diversion and escorted Wu Yige safely to the house.

Unfortunately, she didn't anticipate the pandemonium that awaited her at the arrival gate.

The moment Tae Yang took Wu Yige away to another gate, she went through the original.

The first sign of chaos comes in the form of blinding flashes and the clamor of rapid shutters. Paparazzi, drawn like moths to a flame, descend upon the scene, vying for the perfect shot of the emerging celebrity. Camera lenses click and flash, creating a frenetic dance of light and chaos.

Katrina stepped out to make way for whoever the artist they were waiting for, but the reporters followed her every step.

"Katrina, do you have a plan to debut?"

"Your campaign for The Ones is trending worldwide? Are you their ambassador now?"

"Are you contracted with another agency or Wang Mediaoffered you one?"

"Are you planning to be an actress or idol? Or do you plan to work as a model like now?"

"Wait, wait, wait!" Some reporters were familiar, they used to interview Wu Yige and she had to stop them one or two too many times. "Why are you guys asking me this question? Don't you have POI to chase?"

The reporters laughed, visibly amused by the confusion of the woman in casual wear and baseball cap.

"You are our POI, Katrina."

"You should get used to the fame now."

"Please answer our question before your fans-"

"Sister Katrina!!"

"Katrina is there!"

"Katrina!!!"

Word of Wu Yige'ss arrival spreads like wildfire and they knew Katrina Shin would be with him. They were fooled for a while and followed him instead, but they didn't see the little beauty that is usually with him. When they turned around, the crowd of reporters caught their attention.

The fans had been patiently awaiting this moment, they erupted into cheers and screams. The decibel level rises to a crescendo as a sea of smartphones raised, capturing the unfolding spectacle.

Amidst the chaos, snippets of conversation and excited whispers permeate the air. Fans swap stories about Katrina's rise to fame, speculating on their latest projects and eagerly sharing anecdotes about how they first became fans. They couldn't wait to know their nickname and to follow Katrina's further schedule.

"Katrina, I'm your fan!"

"I queue at The Ones to get your Seoul poster!"

"Can we take a picture together? I want to upload it to Instagram, please, please!"

Microphones extend like probing antennae as foreign media outlets seize the opportunity for impromptu interviews. Reporters clamor for soundbites, asking questions about Katrina's upcoming projects, style secrets, and the whirlwind journey to fame.

"(Miss Katrina, Paris's YeonWoo is mentioning you on Instagram. Will you signed with them?)"

"(You started your career since The Ones' debut, do you close with the CEO - Miss Shen Fe?)"

"(Since your global campaign started in Seoul, are you considering attending Seoul Fashion Week? Which brand are you representing? Is it The Ones?)"

The airport's intercom system crackles to life, attempting to restore order. An overhead announcement urges everyone to clear a path, emphasizing safety and the need for an orderly flow of foot traffic. The plea, however, was often drowned out by the persistent buzz of excitement.

Although airport security personnel, caught off guard by the sudden influx of the foreign paparazzi and fans, they still mobilize swiftly. They form a human barrier, attempting to create a pathway for Katrina to navigate through the cacophony. It's a delicate dance of maintaining order amidst the burgeoning excitement.

In the midst of this whirlwind, Katrina was guided toward a waiting car. Security personnel create a protective shield, allowing a brief respite from the frenzy. The tinted windows provide a moment of privacy as the car speeds away, leaving the chaos of the airport behind.

Wu Yige' teasing smile greeted the disheveled hair of Katrina. Her hat was gone somewhere along the way and she was still in shock.

"You're done playing hero, now?"

"What do you mean by that? I'm just doing my job. I don't understand why people are following me."

Tae Yang from the front seat chuckled, "Come on, Katrina. You've almost worked with us for a year now. You know how people love viral things."

"So?"

"Shen Fe put your Busan Festival's picture as the face of the global campaign. She personally tagged your instagram on her entire post, I bet your phone will blow up by now."

"It's just one favor, we classmates. It's normal. Besides, virality is not credible. I hope they'll get bored soon."

"Forget about that. What did Brother Kun say about the settlement?"

"It's all done by legal. We lost some endorsement because of his M.I.A but The Ones offered a generous amount to be their Global Spokeperson."

"My bestfriend is as keen as always,"

Wu Yige didn't partake in the discussion and quietly played on his iPad while the two finally talked about Wu Yige's upcoming schedule.

Katrina learn from the mistake in the airport and swiftly entered the building with Wu Yige, leaving the fans under the security team's control.

Tae Yang was the last to entered the building and his hand full of gifts, "At this point Brother Du Chen will offered you a contract, Katrina."

"What?"

Wu Yige observed through the glass door, "Look at that. Half of them are your your fans."

It took only a couple glances for Katrina to realized their meaning.

Instead of wearing headband of Wu Yige's name or lifting a poster with his face, some of them was Katrina's name and her recent poster for The Ones or her printed picture from Instagram.

"Brother Tae, let me help with that," Katrina took the gifts and bolted to Wu Yige's room.

She couldn't wait for this heat to die down. Unless you're ready for this spotlight, this situation was quite uncomfortable.