Chapter Nineteen: Chen Siyuan Ambushed

Liu Xiaoli shot Chen Siyuan a sharp glance, then hurriedly tidied her hair and clothes. That kiss just now had nearly taken her breath away. Glancing again at the living room, she saw Nicole Kidman still coaching Liu Yifei on her acting, and only then did she exhale in relief.

Pushing aside the somewhat smug Chen Siyuan, she carried a glass of water and stepped outside. "Nicole, have some water first," she said, placing the glass on the nearby coffee table.

"Thank you, Liu. Crystal, your performance just now was marvelous—you’re the most gifted young actress I’ve ever seen," Nicole Kidman praised Liu Yifei enthusiastically.

"Thank you, Teacher Nicole!" Liu Yifei beamed, delighted to receive such recognition from someone she admired.

"Jack, what are your plans for Crystal? If you want her to start her career now, I can help," Nicole Kidman asked, taking a sip of water and turning to Chen Siyuan who had just come out of the kitchen.

Chen Siyuan shook his head. "On this matter, Xiaoli and I are in complete agreement. For the next couple of years, Crystal’s priority is her studies. I have no intention of turning her into a child star."

"In a few years, I plan to take her back to China, have her apply to a film academy there, and launch her career in China."

Nicole Kidman frowned. "Why go back to China? With Crystal’s talent and your connections, Yale or USC would both be excellent choices."

Even Liu Xiaoli looked at Chen Siyuan with some confusion. She had brought Liu Yifei to New York precisely because of the educational resources here. Why would Chen want to backtrack?

"Whether you admit it or not, racial discrimination still exists in this country," Chen Siyuan said calmly, like presenting a case in court. "Even if you can help Crystal for a while, Nicole, you can’t help her for a lifetime. Crystal will never be the brightest star here."

"China’s cultural and entertainment industries are just beginning, but developing rapidly. With its massive population base, I’m confident I can turn a large number of people into Crystal’s fans. Even if it’s only a portion, that’s incomparable to what’s possible here."

Nicole Kidman raised her eyebrows. "I’ll reserve my opinion. If Crystal wants to develop here, she can always come to me."

"Thank you, Nicole," Chen Siyuan said with a nod, appreciative of the offer.

Liu Xiaoli glanced at Chen Siyuan but said nothing. If she had anything to discuss, she would wait until Nicole Kidman left and then speak to Chen privately.

Liu Yifei was well-behaved, quietly clutching Chen Siyuan’s arm. No matter what decision her father made, she accepted it.

Chen Siyuan affectionately stroked Liu Yifei’s head.

"Jack, I didn’t expect you to be a daddy’s girl’s slave too," Nicole Kidman muttered with a smirk.

Chen Siyuan smiled. "Crystal is a gift from heaven. I will cherish her dearly."

Liu Yifei’s eyes sparkled as she tiptoed and kissed Chen Siyuan happily. Nearby, Liu Xiaoli relaxed instantly upon hearing this. Indeed, with how much Chen loved Crystal, how could he possibly harm her? Chen’s reasoning must be sound.

"Nicole, stay here for dinner tonight," Liu Xiaoli invited.

"Are you cooking?" Nicole Kidman asked curiously.

"I’ll do it," Liu Xiaoli said, heading to the kitchen.

"I’ll help!" Chen Siyuan quickly followed.

"Nicole, feel free to make yourself at home," Chen Siyuan said before entering the kitchen.

Nicole Kidman watched Chen Siyuan and Liu Xiaoli bustling about, then resumed coaching Liu Yifei on mimicking scenes from Roman Holiday.

"Do you have any questions?" Chen Siyuan asked Liu Xiaoli as he helped wash vegetables.

"Yale and USC are world-renowned schools, right?" Liu Xiaoli still somewhat believed in the education here.

"They are indeed world-class. Many famous actors have come from those schools; calling them star cradles is no exaggeration," Chen Siyuan nodded.

"Then why...?" Liu Xiaoli hesitated.

"Here, being yellow-skinned is a sin! You can’t imagine the extent of the racial discrimination. I don’t want Crystal to suffer," Chen Siyuan said seriously, looking into Liu Xiaoli’s eyes.

Her heart trembled. She suddenly understood Chen Siyuan’s profession—a lawyer standing at the very pinnacle of the federal system. He could see things others could not.

"I trust you, Siyuan," Liu Xiaoli decided resolutely. She was willing to believe Chen had their best interests at heart.

"Actually, it’s the same for you. When you reach the peak, sometimes you must retreat gracefully," she nodded.

Even without Chen saying it, she would have done the same. She cherished the journey more than the outcome. Just as when she had won the highest award in the dance world back home, she never abandoned her dream of dancing.

Together, the couple’s combined efforts soon produced a sumptuous dinner.

"Jack, Liu, this is absolutely delicious!" Nicole Kidman praised without pause.

Indeed, in terms of flavor, even simple Chinese home cooking outshone those so-called Michelin-rated dishes.

"Eat as much as you like," Liu Xiaoli encouraged Nicole, sharing a little wine with her. Chen Siyuan and Liu Yifei drank juice.

"Jack, I think I’ll be coming over often from now on. Crystal’s performance is excellent and needs proper nurturing," Nicole Kidman said, her motives worth pondering.

"Of course, you’re always welcome," Chen Siyuan replied.

"Then it’s settled!" Nicole Kidman smiled radiantly. A little wine made her all the more charming.

The group ate and chatted like old friends reunited after many years.

After dinner, it was late. Liu Xiaoli looked at the slightly tipsy Nicole Kidman and turned to Chen Siyuan. "Siyuan, I’ll clean up here. You should see Nicole home."

Chen Siyuan stood and nodded.

Nicole Kidman also rose and hugged Liu Xiaoli. "Liu, let’s drink again next time."

"Sure, next time I’ll prepare a proper feast for you!" Liu Xiaoli promised.

Nicole Kidman left with Chen Siyuan. After getting into the car, Chen started the engine immediately. But as they left the town of Douglaston, Nicole suddenly asked him to stop.

Unbuckling her seatbelt, she threw herself onto Chen Siyuan and kissed him deeply.

After a long moment, she pulled away.

"Jack, Tom and I are having problems," Nicole Kidman said softly.