Huayu: Starting from the top talent show

Chapter 596 Queen's Conferment of Honors at Buckingham Palace
On his way back, Shen Juan updated some photos he had taken after landing in London today on Weibo and Instagram.

There were photos of blue skies and white clouds taken through the airplane window, London street scenes under gloomy weather, authentic Chinese cuisine served at noon by the ambassador to the UK, the white cliffs that were not very lively in winter but still refreshing, the vast blue sea, and a long-awaited photo taken with Taylor during dinner.

Actually, the whole thing about marketing a friendship with Taylor (a bit of a flirtatious couple dynamic) was something the company kept internally, keeping the benefits within the company.

After all, Shen Juan, Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift are all signed artists under Universal Music's Republic Records. It's definitely something that Universal and Republic Music would like to see the three of them get together to generate buzz and drive traffic. So they will not only not stop them, but will even increase their efforts to cooperate with the marketing and provide all the necessary publicity support.

This is why, whether it's the current popular sentiment and the prevailing trend that has initially replaced Jelena, who went her separate ways, as the new generation of unforgettable Alexana in North America, or the story of the American girl and the Chinese boy, who are seen by outsiders as a pair of star-crossed lovers who cannot be together for various reasons, both have become the hottest topics at the moment, attracting waves of netizens to stop and watch or participate in the discussion. As a result, many people have written fan fiction about this "love triangle," among which the most popular one is undoubtedly "Stars and Stripes Blue and Chinese Red," which focuses on the cross-border romance caught between national antagonism.

Shen Juan had taken a look at it when he had some free time.

Although the premise may seem a bit bizarre, on a positive note, it does, to some extent, ease the antagonism between ordinary people in the East and West. It is beneficial in breaking down the information cocoon created by the media, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and fostering a more inclusive international exchange atmosphere.

At certain times, turning serious issues into entertainment can indeed have some unexpected positive effects.

The following morning, I woke up and rejoined the team.

Because today's schedule is quite tight, we need to hurry up and complete the global advertising shoot for Clear and Dyson.

By evening, dozens of major media outlets from around the world had gathered in front of Buckingham Palace, their cameras all focused on the motorcade entering the palace gates.

Shen Juan, a Chinese singer hailed as the world's leading pop superstar, will soon be invited to visit and receive an honor bestowed by the royal family.

Commander's Medal, the third class of the Order of the Great Ying Empire.

That is, CBE can be added after the name.

Full statement: Sir Alex Shen, CBE
(From highest to lowest: Grand Cross (GBE) such as Churchill, Knight Commander (KBE) such as Lewis Hamilton who was just awarded the medal for his seven crowns, Commander (CBE) such as Doctor Strange Benedict, Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) such as J.K. Rowling, Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) such as Ed Sheeran)

This honor is intended to recognize his significant contributions and outstanding status in the field of popular music, his achievements in promoting the integration of Eastern and Western cultures over the years, and his outstanding contributions to global public welfare during his time in office. If Shen Juan were British, he could even have been awarded a KBE title.

(Beckham to be knighted by the KBE in 2025)

Just a few days earlier, French President Jean-Pierre Macartney had awarded him the Legion of Honour at the Élysée Palace.

Shen Juan thus became one of the very few public figures to win top honors in both Britain and France and to be received by the president and the royal family.

Being crowned a pop superstar, or the world's number one, should naturally be accompanied by a simultaneous rise in social status and international recognition.

Although last year's special circumstances delayed all the recognition and honors.

But now it has finally come to fruition.

Just after 4 p.m., Shen Juan, dressed in a sharp suit and looking very dashing, stepped out of the car amidst a barrage of flashing lights and then, guided by royal protocol officers, steadily entered Buckingham Palace.

After the British national anthem was played, as the Minister of the Household read out the name of the recipient in a loud voice, Shen Juan, witnessed by all the guests and media present, stepped forward steadily and, in accordance with local custom and royal etiquette, gave a slight bow to the legendary long-lived Queen who was more than seventy years his senior.

The Queen took the CBE medal from the servant and gently pinned it on his left breast. She then smiled warmly and said softly, "Mr. Shen Juan, your music breaks down the barriers of language and culture. The inclusiveness and power it conveys globally are exactly what the world urgently needs today."

Shen Juan nodded slightly in acknowledgment and responded politely in fluent English: "Your Majesty's recognition is the greatest affirmation of the value of cross-cultural communication. I have always believed that music is a universal language that can enable people from different civilizations and cultural backgrounds to find a deep spiritual and emotional resonance."

After the ceremony, the Queen chatted briefly with Shen Juan before leaving the awarding ceremony with the help of attendants.

Although she never imagined that the "unknown" singer who performed at her birthday celebration three years ago would become the world's biggest superstar three years later, it didn't stir up much emotion in her heart. After all, at this age, it's hard for anything to arouse her interest anymore.

So just like civil servants, you can clock out and leave work.

After completing the awarding ceremony, he immediately returned to the palace to rest.

The future ultimately belongs to these young people.

Stepping out of the throne room, Shen Juan arrived at the media interview area.

The media flocked to the scene, and the sound of camera shutters filled the air.

Microphones were handed to the recipient of this prestigious honor.

When asked by a BBC reporter about his feelings on winning two top honors in a row, Shen Juan calmly replied: "Without a doubt, this is a great honor. I never thought I could have such an experience. I love singing and I love creating music, but I never thought they would take me to Buckingham Palace."

"So this is really exciting. Of course, this is not just an honor that belongs to me alone. I think it is proof that Asian pop culture has gained widespread global recognition. So both the French Legion of Honour and this OBE are reminders for me to keep moving forward."

Although Shen Juan didn't like the arrogant attitude of some of the British who considered themselves superior, it was an undeniable fact that England was indeed the most expensive country in Europe, and this honor and recognition had a certain value in England and even the entire Western world. Therefore, Shen Juan certainly wouldn't pretend to be arrogant and refuse to accept it.

The Times reporter followed up with, "We all know you're about to head to the US to prepare for your fourth English album, and the pre-release single 'Easy On Me' has already garnered a lot of online buzz and positive reviews. How do you feel about the enthusiastic response from your fans and listeners?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Juan revealed a sincere and gentle smile.

“I am so grateful! I mean, I think everyone knows how grateful I am to my Alovers. They brought me here and helped me realize one childhood dream after another. So whenever I receive an honor, they are always the first people I want to share my joy with!”

Did the Queen specifically mention your song?

“She mentioned my newly discovered song, ‘Easy On Me,’ and I felt very honored to know that she had heard my songs.”

Towards the end of the interview, a reporter from The Guardian asked him if he believed his global influence had reached its peak.

Shen Juan shrugged and smiled noncommittally: "The value of influence lies not in its peak, but in its continuity. I hope that many years from now, when people mention these honors, they will not think of me personally, but of the process of Asian culture connecting with the world. I think that is the true meaning of honors."

As the words fell smoothly, the interview area fell into a brief silence, followed by an even more rapid burst of camera shutters.

Many British reporters instinctively perked up, their eyes filled with approval at Shen Juan's valuable response.

Having seen so many celebrities feign humility in front of the media, it's rare to encounter one who's willing to put on airs; it's truly impressive!
Several journalists with East Asian features exchanged smiles, their eyes brimming with excitement, clearly believing that the remarks were insightful and profound.

Although it's still just polite talk used to deal with the media, not just anyone would dare to say something so domineering.

After all, without the corresponding level of sophistication and strength, daring to say such things will only invite backlash from the group they represent.

The BBC photographer zoomed in to capture the confident yet composed expression on this great face.

No doubt about it, Sparrow Eater is handsome!

No wonder it has gained so much support and love from young people.

The reason why Asians' social status in the Western world has improved so much in the past two years is mainly because Shen Juan's sudden emergence has eliminated many stereotypes about Asians.

It's no exaggeration for the media to call him the "Light of Asia"!
After finishing dinner and leaving the restaurant, it was already a little past 7 p.m. London time, and the light snow had been falling for about an hour.

Shen Juan had just finished attending the medal awarding ceremony and hadn't changed out of his suit yet. He had only put on a black overcoat for camouflage and warmth. Fortunately, everyone was bundled up and in a hurry to go home, so no one paid much attention to a man in a black overcoat leisurely walking down the street in the snow.

Shen Yujie followed quietly beside him, her down jacket zipped up to her chin, her dark knit hat firmly on her head, hiding most of her face in a mask, revealing only her lively and bright eyes. Every few steps, she couldn't help but look up at the sky, her soft voice carrying a childlike joy.

"It's snowing!" She finally couldn't help but stop and excitedly reached out to catch the falling snowflakes, but they melted as soon as her fingertips touched them. However, she didn't feel disappointed. Instead, as if she had discovered a new fun, she tilted her head back and continued to reach out her hand, trying tirelessly to catch more fleeting snowflakes.

Shen Juan watched the girl, who was unusually energetic and lively on a snowy day, quietly for a while, and couldn't help but chuckle softly.

"What a coincidence!"

"It's not a coincidence, we're just lucky!" Shen Yujie immediately retorted with a smile, then tiptoed and gently reached out to carefully brush the fine snowflakes off his shoulders, her tone gentle and cheerful: "Maybe God knew I was going back tomorrow, so He specially sent snow to fulfill my wish!"

Shen Juan didn't move, obediently letting her do as she pleased.

"Actually, I am a materialist."

"Me too."

“If you’re truly a materialist, then you should know that the person who helps you fulfill your wish isn’t God, it’s me.” Shen Juan had specifically checked the weather forecast before leaving the country, which is why he chose to leave Paris and come to London these past few days, just to fulfill the promise he made a few months ago on the banks of the Huangpu River on the last night before Xiao Shen returned to China, to show her London in the snow, and to have more alone time to cherish in the future.

"But in my heart, my senior is like God himself, someone who can respond to anything as long as you are sincere!"

Before going abroad, Xiao Shen had actually checked the London weather forecast, so she had already guessed that this was not a coincidence, but a thoughtful gesture arranged by this romantic fool. Although her senior had never brought it up, she could always see and feel this hidden tenderness clearly.

Upon hearing this, Shen Juan couldn't help but chuckle again, but this time there was a noticeable increase in doting affection.

No wonder those sweet romance dramas can dominate the current idol drama market.

Because it is.

Some girls are like gentle kittens that suddenly rub against you on the street corner and meow, or happy puppies that wag their tails and come up to you asking for a pet. They don't need to do anything complicated; all they need is a sincere word or a vivid and lively appearance to touch the softest part of people's hearts, making people unconsciously let go of all their pressure and defenses, return to their most primal mindset, and just want to protect this lively warmth.

Although it is said that wherever there are people, there is a social dynamic, some of them are not as simple-minded as they appear.

But isn't there a saying that goes like this?
When the disparity in strength between the two sides reaches a certain level, even if one side gets angry, in the eyes of the other side, it looks like they are just acting cute and charming. They can't hold a grudge and are only indulgent. Whether it's the gentle Xiao Shen or the irritable Xiao Tian, ​​in his eyes they are just people who can only act cute and charming.

Are you treating me like Aladdin's lamp?

"So, are you a senior?" Xiao Shen immediately took half a step forward, blinked her big eyes, and asked with a smile. Her undisguised happiness even made the snowflakes on her knitted hat sway.

Shen Juan raised an eyebrow, neither confirming nor denying.

"It may be, it may not be."

"So when is it? And when isn't it?"

"It mainly depends on whether the person making the wish is sincere."

"Then, since I am sincere, I have one more wish to make!"

Looking at the girl's earnest yet slightly naive and adorable expression, Shen Juan rolled his eyes with his signature, harmless gesture and sighed, as if he really couldn't do anything about her.

"Say it!"

Great!
Shen Yujie couldn't help but cheer with joy. After calming down, she imitated the people making wishes on TV, clasping her hands together in front of her chest and deliberately making her eyes look especially sincere and devout. She recited in a very serious manner, "I hope that the great Aladdin's lamp can help me fulfill my lifelong wish!"

She paused after speaking, as if worried that her somewhat excessive request would be rejected, so she quickly added: "Although I know this wish sounds a bit excessive, in exchange, I am willing to give my body, my soul, and everything I have! Please! I beg you!"

Shen Juan, charmed by her cuteness, tried hard to suppress his laughter, but he didn't want to ruin the wishing atmosphere his girlfriend had worked so hard to create. So he quickly coughed twice and deliberately put on a serious face: "This wisher, your wish is too greedy. A lifetime's wish is no small number."

Before Xiao Shen could react, he reached out and gently rubbed her head, brushing away the snowflakes from her knitted hat. After a couple of seconds, the smile that had been building in his eyes finally spread out, and his voice became lighter: "However, seeing how sincere you are and how willing you are to give everything, I will make an exception and agree. From now on, I will help you fulfill all your wishes."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yujie's eyes lit up instantly. "Then I have a wish that I hope you can grant!"

"explain."

"Could you... hold my hand and take a walk together?" Her voice was softer, but her eyes were full of anticipation and longing.

Shen Juan chuckled and took her hand, but as soon as his fingertips touched the cool back of her hand, he frowned slightly.

Why is it so cold?

"I didn't want to either, but it's already cold outside!"

Feeling happy and warm, Shen Yujie smiled with her eyes crinkling. She simply put her other hand into Shen Juan's warm hand, letting him cup it in his palm. She then squinted and added, "The heating in the restaurant is too strong, and the temperature difference is too great when you come out, so your hands get cold quickly. I think that makes sense."

Shen Juan gazed at her soft, gentle face, like a cute little animal, for a moment, then gripped her hand even tighter.

"Then you should have come to me to make a wish sooner."

Shen Yujie looked up at him, her smile growing even brighter: "It doesn't matter if it's sooner or later, as long as I can find you."

After leaving the restaurant, the two walked further and further apart.

As Shen Juan chatted with Xiao Shen about that rainy London night two years ago, about things she couldn't see from her perspective, such as his feelings when he searched for her location on his phone and rushed towards her, he pulled her along the street.

Like Paris, London's nights are not particularly noisy.

The streetlights cast a warm yellow light, and snowflakes drifted slowly in the light, landing on rooftops, windowsills, and their shoulders.

The streets were quiet and deserted.

This provided the two with an excellent dating environment.

Shen Yujie held Shen Juan's hand and deliberately stepped into the deeper snow after a few steps, making a soft crunching sound. When she got a little tired, she took Shen Juan's arm and leaned half of her body against him. The faint fragrance of his body lingered around her nose, and even the chill of the winter night dissipated.

"If the earth were to be destroyed tomorrow, the only thing I want to do tonight is take a walk with you." She suddenly tiptoed and lightly pecked Shen Juan's lips, like a snowflake landing on his warm skin, then quickly pulled her head back, blinking innocently, "Thank you, senior!"

"Thank me for what?" Shen Juan smiled.

"Thank you for being so amazing, thank you for always being there for me, thank you for going to the games with me, for taking me back to London, for buying me coffee, and for building me a snowman," she said, counting on her fingers. She couldn't help but laugh at the end, "I feel like there are so many things I want to thank you for!"

"No need to thank me, because I have a lot to thank you for, and this is what you deserve, so you don't need to repay it."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yujie almost immediately threw herself into his arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist and pressing her cheek against his coat. "But I still feel like I used up all my luck in this life by meeting you. From now on, whether it's taking a walk or anything else, I want to be with you all the time."

In the quiet of the night, she often uses her time before bed to stare at the ceiling and think to herself: Do people really need to be in a relationship?
Or do you still need someone to share a cloud that won't rain, a strangely shaped tree whose name you can't name, a sunset breeze carrying the aroma of food, a seemingly silly little dog, a cat that bristles and hisses at the sight of people, and love that has been discussed for thousands of years and is still difficult to describe?
Although love remains an abstract concept.

But for Shen Yujie, if Shen Juan takes a casual remark to heart and puts it into practice, that is love.

What makes people happy and joyful is never a gift, but the fact that you remember every word I casually say.

This is indeed very special.

It was indeed very impressive.

As for Shen Juan...
Love is bowing your head slightly.

In front of his girlfriend, whom he knows well, he doesn't need to maintain the air of a perfect idol amidst the cheers of fans and the pursuit of cameras, nor does he need to be constantly on edge, forcing himself to maintain an impeccable and flawless mature demeanor. He doesn't need to deliberately smooth out the wrinkles in his collar, nor does he need to repeatedly consider the tact and weight of every word. Even occasional moments of spacing out, uncontrollable casual laughter, or unintentional displays of childishness and dependence can be revealed without reservation. He doesn't need to worry about being scrutinized with prejudice by haters, about being maliciously interpreted by the media, or about being imperfect.

So in this situation, responding to this girl who only has eyes for him and whose mind is completely occupied by him is more effective than using words.
He is more accustomed to showing love through practical actions.

Without hesitation, he lowered his head slightly, his gaze falling on her face, which was flushed slightly from the cold.

Then he reached out and gently cupped her soft cheeks with both hands, then slowly leaned down and kissed her lips.

Although compared to other girls with distinct personalities, Xiao Shen, who takes an old-fashioned approach and doesn't even want to hug a group, doesn't seem to have any particularly outstanding or memorable personality traits.

But Shen Juan never thought so.

After all, ordinary people will always make up the majority of the world.

Where are there so many unique personalities?

There aren't that many likable personas.

Most people simply experience the gentleness of time in the small, beautiful moments, live out their own style in the ordinary daily life, or shine brightly in their passions.

So her sincerity, her kindness, her gentleness, her loveliness, and all her seemingly ordinary qualities...
He cherished them all.

(End of this chapter)