2014 Dream Comes True (Chengdu) Gathering

Event : 2014 Dream Comes True (Chengdu) Gathering
Date : 25 May 2014 (Sun)
Venue : The Ritz Carlton Chengdu
Written by : AWCCN01234

I was elated when I heard Andy would come to Chengdu for film shooting. And I could not control myself but kept laughing while knowing the Mainland China Gathering was held in Chengdu. When my hubby said I was permitted to join the Gathering, I replied him “You’ve got to be kidding!”. I had to spend $2000 for air ticket to attend the gatherings in the past but this time I only need to spend $2 on public transport. (of course the transportation fee should be more than that, like the parking fee was already $40!) How can I not attend the Gathering?” Yes, it was held right in front of my home. Haha…

Looking at myself in the mirror and found that I was not young anymore. Although there were already freckles on my face, they became more obvious than before. I had to blame myself for not using skin care products. Since the Gathering date was getting closer and closer, I had to look bright by applying facial masks for 3 continuous days. Fortunately, the photo-taking session has been cancelled, I did not have to match with Andy’s handsome face.

This morning I wore AWC uniform to work with a glowing stick and membership card that packed at the night before. Poor me, I had no choice but to work on this special day. How could I concentrate on my tasks? I hurried to the venue once it was time to off work at noon. Every AWC members’ gathering was our gathering too. We got a chance to gather again because of the same man. We were just like old friends and did not meet quite often. There were lots of familiar faces waiting for admission in the hotel. We greeted to one another warmly.

The decoration was different from those gatherings with stage and auditorium in the past, it was held in a ballroom with 27 round tables which seat 12 people each. Without the stage, it was the same as the Hengdian Gathering – Andy would come over to each table for chatting! When I thought about this, I was so excited! Sitting in the same table with Andy, this…. was more than great!

Andy’s charming was incompatible. Members from different provinces like Xian members who had formed a tour to join the Gathering,. Members of our table were from cities of Guizhou, Anhui, Hubei and Sichuan in different age ranges, like post-60, 80 & 90 generations. There was even a post-95 Year-2 student. I also saw a kid around 2 years old sitting in the next table. The attractiveness of Andy is unbelievable!

The opening slogan adopted Chiung Yao’s style, “Big Bro, you grow up with us, we grow old with you!” Then, Andy spectacularly appeared. For truth without any overacting, he was far too handsome and shinny and my eyes could not blink by his charming! Simply, neat short hair, no beard and a pair of sunglasses marked his chiseled facial features. Pink shirt with sky blue sweater and loosen jeans, he could not be described as handsome only! It was a pity that we were not allowed to take pictures of him. If not, there would be non-stop shutter sounds! His image in <Strays> made a great contrast with his stunning look. The farmer style made me worried his gorgeous image would be ruined. Luckily, he was back! It was heard that Andy shaved immediately once the film shooting finished last night. It could prove he do cared about his look.

Andy said he would like to stay one day more to meet us after the shooting finished in Chengdu. I was moved when I heard his words. Then followed by the Lucky Draw session, a number was drawn from a little box. It was noticed that a number slipped through the bottom of the box. And he said, “Just like giving birth to a baby, once in a few months.” Wah! Was it real? Was it like what we read from the media, his wife was pregnant again? Claps burst out loud for congratulations. Andy explained when we misunderstood his meaning, “What I mean is THEM! They make up news once every few months, don’t they feel bored?” Screw the media, always spreads fake news!

After that, we started the chatting time. Andy came over to each table for a few minutes to chat with us. My mind was away when he sat down in the first table. Members from our table started to discuss who the representative was and what questions should be asked. To avoid our absent mind, we jotted down the questions. However, it was useless because we only stared at his face without looking at our notes.

Members from the first few tables acted a bit foolish as they did not have enough time to prepare questions before Andy sat down and chatted with them. Luckily, he was an initiative person, he started the conversation. We, Table no. 19, were quite busy with our own questions, eavesdropped what other members asked and tried our best to look at Andy as much as possible. At last, Andy walked towards our table!

After he shook hands with members of the table beside us one by one, he walked towards us. I immediately stood up and waved with him, “Big Bro!” He stopped at my left hand side saying Hello and sat down. Woo… he sat….next to me! I could not say a word but only turned my head 90 degree staring at him. From his face to his hands, I could even notice he got a tiny mole on his right ear! When I was a student a decade more ago, I always looked at his photos, postcards, albums. How many times I had a close look of his right eye and right ear? And he was sitting right beside me at this moment, how could I miss it?

The Year 2-boy from Huhan asked Andy with a trembling voice, “Do you often do cooking, Andy?” Maybe his voice was too soft and Andy could not hear quite clearly, “Often do what?” Then, I cleared my throat and repeated it in Putonghua, “Cooking.” He then replied, “Not really. But if I am out for film shooting for one to two months, I will cook.” A member raised another question, “When I looked at the pictures taken while you were cooking, I notice that your kitchen is very neat and clean.” He said, “Yes, I’ll clean up the kitchen after cooking every time. I don’t like walking on oily floor.” OMG! What’s happening? He is handsome and got a propensity for cleanliness.

I could not allow myself to be a listener only. I had to catch the chance to talk with him in 5 to 6 minutes. I asked, “Andy, I heard that you have body check every year. Does every index indicate normal?” Occupational hazard again. Actually, I would like to ask about his health condition as being healthy is his asset. Was my voice too low or he could not hear clearly? He lean forward and put his hand on his right ear giving a sign to me to speak up. I rose up my voice and asked again. He heard it and answered me seriously, “My body check is normal every year.”

“Your cholesterol index seemed a bit high in the past, is it ok now?”
“Yes, it was bit higher before but now it’s fine.”
“Do you think it’s related to being a vegetarian?”
“No,” he frowned. “I’m used to it. I don’t even have a mouthful of meat each day. Don’t you think there’s a ‘smell’ of it?”
“Smell? Meat got its own taste and so as vegetable. Can’t you say it is disgusting?”
“No, I just don’t like it. And it’s a habit now.”

Then I saw the crew members reminded him about the time. Oh God! Couldn’t let Andy sit a little longer next to me? He took out his iPad, showed us the pictures of Hanna and started to describe about her – her face looked like mother but her head form and ears are similar to father. I asked another question, “Does she dislike your prickly beard?” He quipped, “She does.”

It’s time for him to chat with other members, so he shook hands with each of us. I did not wish to let go of his hand while we shook hands. His palm was so warm that reminded me the first time we shook hands at the airport in 2008. 6 years had passed and we were 6 years older. But our friendship would never change. “Andy, can we bid farewell to you?” I asked. He nodded, “Why not?”

“When?”
“Tomorrow.”
“What time?”
“I don’t know. Even I know, I can’t tell you.”

It was understandable. We could check the flight schedule. I was planning to say goodbye to him at the airport if he left Chengdu tonight. However, I could not make it if it was the next day as I had to go to work. There was rumor that Andy would have concert in the next summer. If it is true, then I have to work harder for the ticket. No Money No Andy. No Andy, Unhappy!

Andy spent almost two more hours to chat with members of 27 tables. He should be tired after that. It was worth participating in this Gathering. I spent a great time by sitting next to him, chatting about everything and sharing the growth of his little princess. I hope Andy can feel our passion and organize more gatherings like this time in Chengdu.

Andy, take care!