Chapter Seventeen: A Chance Encounter with Nicole Kidman

The premiere of "The Death of the New Swan" was underway.

Thanks to the groundwork laid earlier by Jack Chen, "The Death of the New Swan" quickly took North America by storm within just a few days.

Throughout the entire Christmas season, the buzz surrounding "The Death of the New Swan" surpassed the ballet itself.

The production had undeniably broken out of its niche.

Major media outlets were relentlessly covering "The Death of the New Swan" during this festive period.

They invited numerous experts and scholars from the art world to comment on the ballet.

They hailed it as a victory over the Russians!

Beating them at their own game in the artistic realm they excelled in!

By this point, Jack Chen no longer needed to do much.

Naturally, countless people scrambled to capitalize on the buzz for their own gain.

Of course, that didn’t mean sitting idle.

Throughout the process, Jack still needed to guide public opinion with a careful hand.

Discussion was welcome, occasional doubts were acceptable.

But malicious slander would not be tolerated!

At first, there were those who dared to cross the line.

However, once they received Jack Chen's lawyer’s letter, they all quieted down.

The once notorious playboy of New York suddenly transformed into a fiercely protective husband.

In fact, during the early performances of "The Death of the New Swan," no matter how busy he was, Jack would always make time to stand by Liu Xiaoli’s side.

Many who knew Jack Chen found this hard to believe.

But faced with the facts, they had no choice but to warn those around them:

Do not provoke the woman named Xiaoli Liu.

Even those who draft federal laws weren’t sure they understood the law better than Jack Chen!

It was unwise to make an enemy of a man like him.

"Jack! Long time no see."

After one performance of "The Death of the New Swan," while waiting for Liu Xiaoli, a voice called out behind Jack Chen.

He turned around and saw a familiar face.

"Nicole? Hello, long time no see."

Standing before him was none other than Nicole Kidman.

Jack wasn’t surprised to see Nicole here.

Although Nicole Kidman had become a well-known Hollywood film star, she was originally trained in ballet.

She held an unbreakable bond with the art form.

As for why Jack knew Nicole Kidman, it was because of her husband, Tom Cruise.

Jack had met Nicole while handling a legal case for Tom Cruise.

Cases that had baffled many lawyers were easily resolved by Jack.

Because of this, Jack became good friends with the couple.

They often gathered socially, though lately both Tom and Nicole had been busy filming, so it had been a while.

"Never thought the old playboy would settle down—and it seems you’re serious about it."

Nicole’s eyes were captivating. Had she not been married when Jack met her, he surely wouldn’t have let her slip away.

"Nicole, fate is a strange thing. Sometimes even I find it hard to believe."

"Xiaoli, over here!" Jack waved toward Liu Xiaoli, who had just changed and come out.

"This is...?"

Liu Xiaoli was equally impressed when she saw Nicole Kidman beside Jack.

After careful grooming, Nicole possessed a beauty that transcended East and West.

"Who is she? What's her relationship with you?" Liu Xiaoli felt a twinge of unease.

She suddenly realized she knew nothing about Jack’s past.

She was completely unaware of his circle of friends, especially female friends.

"Xiaoli, this is Nicole Kidman. Her husband is the national treasure actor Tom Cruise. We’re all good friends," Jack said openly.

He had nothing to hide about Nicole.

"By the way, Nicole studied ballet for many years as a child. I thought you two might have something in common," Jack added.

"Hello, Nicole. May I call you that?" Liu Xiaoli smiled warmly and extended her hand, feeling reassured.

"Of course, Liu. Nice to meet you."

"Nicole, if you’re free, please come to my house sometime. Crystal just watched your 'Devotion' a few days ago and regards you as her second idol," Jack invited with a smile.

"Crystal?"

"Yes, my daughter," Jack’s face lit up with the smile of a proud father.

"Oh, she must be adorable. But why second idol?"

Nicole was curious—being second to someone was a strange title.

"At the moment, Crystal’s first idol is Audrey Hepburn."

"Well, I’m honored to be mentioned alongside Audrey Hepburn," Nicole laughed, blossoming like a flower in that instant.

"Hey, isn’t that Nicole Kidman? Why is she with Jack Chen and his wife?"

"Jack Chen, Nicole Kidman, and Tom Cruise are good friends, didn’t you know?"

"Of course I did. I’m just surprised Nicole would come to watch a ballet performance."

"Why is that surprising? Nicole Kidman is a ballet dancer by training, too."

...

Curious voices drifted from afar.

"Nicole, let’s go before the reporters descend."

"Okay."

Nicole accepted Jack’s invitation.

After a brief word with her assistant, she got into Jack’s car.

With a shared bond, the two women quickly became close friends.

Laughter and chatter filled the ride.

Once they picked up Liu Yifei from school,

The backseat became a stage for three women!

Liu Yifei grew excited upon seeing Nicole.

"Aunt Nicole, I love your performances so much!"

"Oh, Crystal, do you want to be a dancer like your mother or an actress?"

Nicole mischievously posed the question.

Liu Yifei blinked, finding it hard to answer.

She glanced at Jack for help.

"Save me, Dad!"

Jack noticed immediately.

"Just be honest. Whatever you want to do, Dad will support you!"

Jack transformed into Liu Yifei’s staunchest supporter.

"I want to be an actress!"

Liu Yifei boldly declared her dream.

Her mother’s authority was neutralized by her beloved father.

"Hahaha, Crystal, then let me teach you the basics of acting!"

Nicole’s mood was playful and lively.

"Nicole, you’re ruining my plans..."

Liu Xiaoli looked helpless.

With Jack’s backing and Nicole’s encouragement, Liu Yifei finally revealed her true ambition.

Her carefully laid plans fell apart.