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The Afternoon Tea Party

Author :  Noray, in Chinese

Date :  31 Dec 2000

Translation :  Martial Arts Movies and TV Series - Wu Jing

Original Compilation :  Jing Wu Men

The Post-Conversation Ruminations

On 31st December 2000, some "frands" of Wu Jing gathered to attend an afternoon tea party* that heralded the turn of the century. We chatted heartily and began talking about each other's ideals and goals in life. Ninnie spoke of her intention of doing news research. We were concerned about Xiao-Huo's progress in the script-writing faculty. I was busy brewing coffee [Ed: What about the tea?] for us.

Just when we became totally absorbed in exchanging ideas, the phone rang, giving us a start, since we were not expecting any calls. We could not believe our ears on knowing that the caller was none other than Wu Jing! Then there was a stampede, and we circled around the little phone. Yes, we did mention to Wu Jing in "The Special Christmas Collection" that we would be having a tea party [Ed: With coffee served instead!] , and that it would only be a private meeting among the webmasters. We were already very satisfied to see Wu Jing leaving a message on the web, expressing his gratitude for "The Special Christmas Collection." We were pleasantly surprised and touched, not expecting to receive a call from him, due to his busy schedule.

Wu Jing discussed many topics with us: on films and TV series, his ideals and his fans. He purported to be able to identify a person's character from a person's handwriting. Initially, we took on semi-skeptical, semi-doubtful stance. We thought, "Are you really that capable?" However, when Wu Jing began pointing out each person's personality with an uncanny accuracy, we were completely taken aback and speechless!

Occasionally, he would crack a few jokes, cheering us up, but when talking about his career and principles, he reverted to utmost earnesty. His deep perception, his care for his friends and his sincerity, are deeply etched into our hearts. When he lamented about the trials and tribulations of being an actor, we were heavy-hearted and felt sorry for him. This conversation was profoundly affecting, insofar as bringing tears to Xiao-Jun, who had to be consoled by Wu Jing, "Xiao-Jun, don't cry." (Boohoo! How I wished to be humoured by Wu Jing too!). This conversation gave me fond memories and was indeed the best gift for the coming of new century. Our relationship with Wu Jing has long transcended the superficial boundary of that between a star and his fans. Rather, we treat Wu Jing as a true friend, with heart-felt bona fides. [Ed: And hence, the term frand was born. Frand - a fan of a star, specifically Wu Jing, who has become friends with him.]

Initially, on receiving the call from Wu Jing, we were somewhat hesitating, not certain if there was anything we should or should not say and kept stammering. Wu Jing imitated me impishly, " Er... It's like this ... Hmmm ... That ... Yes ... Like this?" Would that I could plunge my head underneath the ground like an ostrich. But his voice was so lovely, so cute, sending waves of laughters across the room and thereby breaking the ice [Ed: Wu Jing's display of his psychic martial arts prowess; He was apparently in another place, yet he could break the ice in their meeting room!]. I quickly explained that it was not because I had nothing to say, but there are some things that we did not know if we should bring up.

Wu Jing paused, and then intoned seriously, "It's really unusual, and I do not know why. But after reading your writings and seeing what you made, I felt that you were very talented. It's even more curious that I have never treated you as fans; Sometimes, I have these thoughts that you are friends of mine whom I could not meet in person and there are some things which I would very much like to express to you." Subsequently, he stated that he might have some reservations when interacting with other people, but he trusted us whole-heartedly. (It was at that moment that he said he could judge our characters based on our writings.) It is because we only wish him well, and would not harm him. We were so moved then.

Although we considered Wu Jing as a very close friend in the heart, still, we were worried and had the notion it was but a willingness on our part as his fans. However, to our astonishment and elation, Wu Jing perceived our good faith, and reciprocated his genuine feelings with us. We experienced from this conversation such a touching event which we dared not dream of. This kind of emotion is beyond words, I could but only say, "It is ineffably wonderful and euphoric to be regarded as friends by Wu Jing."

* Eventually, Noray replied that one of the frands did have a cup of tea (Lipton Teabag, to be exact).

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