The seven-story European-style clock tower stood proudly above the surrounding buildings of Lan Kwai Fong, impossible to miss.
More than a century of history had left its mark on the structure. Weathered by time yet still standing tall, it had silently witnessed Hong Kong's rise and decline through the decades.
Compared to the dazzling neon lights and flashy storefronts of the surrounding bars, the Clock Tower Bar had a much more refined atmosphere. Its exterior carried the weight of history, a simple bronze sign engraved with elegant hand-carved lettering glowed warmly beneath antique-style lamps, quietly drawing the attention of passersby.
Unfortunately, it wasn't open to the public today.
Outside, the street was filled with paparazzi carrying cameras with massive telephoto lenses, hoping to catch a story.
The Clock Tower Music Salon was one of Hong Kong's most prestigious gatherings for musicians.
Its organizers were some of the biggest names in the local music industry, and both the date and guest list changed with every event. Only people with real reputation, status, or talent ever received invitations.
So it was only natural for reporters to stake out the entrance. Their noses for entertainment news were unmatched, and the slightest movement in the industry would bring them rushing to the scene.
It was only four in the afternoon, well before Hong Kong's nightlife began in earnest, but most of Lan Kwai Fong's bars were already open, and the streets were crowded with tourists from all over the world.
Suddenly, camera flashes erupted from the crowd.
"Look, it's Wu Yanan!"
"Jiang Wei!"
"Zhu Wenhua is here too!"
One celebrity after another arrived, instantly drawing curious onlookers. Escorted by their assistants, the singers quickly made their way inside. Security personnel stationed at the entrance strictly turned away anyone without an invitation, including the paparazzi.
Strictly speaking, the Clock Tower Music Salon wasn't all that secretive. Whenever it was held, word spread through the entertainment industry almost immediately, and reporters inevitably showed up. But for the invited guests, that minor inconvenience hardly mattered.
After all, despite being nothing more than a social gathering for music professionals on the surface, the salon had long been one of the most influential events in Hong Kong's music scene. To a certain extent, it even served as a barometer for the direction of Hong Kong pop music.
Of course, there was no denying that local pop music no longer enjoyed the glory days of the past. As the industry declined, the salon's influence had diminished somewhat, but its prestige had only continued to grow.
---
When Lu Chen and Chen Fei'er arrived at the Clock Tower Bar, another well-known singer was entering just ahead of them.
The paparazzi's attention was completely focused on that celebrity, allowing the two of them to slip by unnoticed. After showing their invitations to security, they stepped inside without incident.
The interior was elegant and sophisticated, with every detail reflecting thoughtful design. Just inside the entrance stood a long "Wall of Stars," covered with hundreds of photographs of famous entertainers and public figures.
A distinguished middle-aged man stepped forward to greet them. Dressed in a casual white suit, he wore a warm smile and carried the effortless charm of a mature gentleman.
"Mr. Lu Chen, Miss Chen Fei'er... I'm Guo Huai'an, tonight's host. Welcome."
Guo Huai'an was far from an ordinary emcee. He was a famous host on Hong Kong Satellite TV, a respected journalist, and a well-known newspaper columnist.
Coming from a prominent local family, he had extensive connections both inside and outside the entertainment industry. Combined with his sterling reputation, it was no surprise he had hosted the Clock Tower Music Salon for several years running.
When Ye Xuan invited Lu Chen, he had specifically mentioned Guo Huai'an. In truth, given Ye Xuan's status, he wasn't in a position to invite Lu Chen or Chen Fei'er directly.
Instead, as a regular attendee, he had recommended them to the organizers, and only after they approved the recommendation was an official invitation issued. It had arrived at Lu Chen Studio just yesterday.
---
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Guo." Lu Chen and Chen Fei'er shook hands with him in turn.
As Guo Huai'an shook Chen Fei'er's hand, a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes. He smiled warmly. "I've just realized that inviting Miss Chen today might have been a mistake."
Chen Fei'er blinked. "Oh?"
Guo Huai'an laughed. "You're even more beautiful in person than in your photos. If everyone spends the evening staring at you, no one will pay any attention to the host."
Lu Chen and Chen Fei'er both chuckled. His joke was tasteful without being overbearing. More importantly, he had spoken in fluent Mandarin rather than Cantonese, a subtle courtesy toward guests from the Mainland.
Chen Fei'er smiled. "I think your sense of humor is more than enough to keep everyone's attention, Mr. Guo."
Guo Huai'an laughed heartily. "Miss Chen, you're too kind." He then offered a polite nod. "I still have more guests to greet, so please excuse me for now. Make yourselves at home, we'll have plenty of time to chat later."
"Thank you," Lu Chen said.
---
The layout of the Clock Tower Bar wasn't too different from most bars, occupying two floors with an open central stage for live performances. For today's salon, however, most of the standard tables and chairs had been cleared away to make room for comfortable sofas.
And one thing it certainly didn't lack was food.
Long tables draped in spotless white tablecloths displayed an impressive buffet spread: herb-braised lamb, grilled filet mignon, pan-fried bacon, fresh fruit salad, and delicate cream cakes.
Arranged on gleaming silver platters, every dish looked mouthwatering. Rumor had it that the salon always hired top Western chefs from Hong Kong to cater the event, ensuring impeccable presentation and high standards.
Though it wasn't dinner time yet, everything had already been laid out for guests to enjoy at their leisure.
Around thirty guests had already arrived. Some chatted comfortably in small groups on the sofas, while others wandered about with champagne flutes or small plates in hand. The atmosphere was lively without feeling noisy.
Lu Chen signaled a waiter, took two glasses of champagne, and handed one to Chen Fei'er. As the two of them began looking for a place to sit, a voice called out across the room.
"Lu Chen!"
(End Of This Chapter)
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