Everyone took their time to enjoy the food. Since the dining table I had only had space for 6 at max, some moved to the couch. The uncles offered to bring more seats, but I insisted not to trouble. Everyone had their fair conversations flying about. I was conversed with quite a few times, as the primary of this gathering. Everyone asked about studies and next plans. We talked a lot about local drama, reminiscences and more. After the meal was done, the sky already started turning dark. The elderly and Meng’s family left insisting I catch-up more with my friends. Nuo and Shun joined to help me clean-up the plates, while Zhihao left, saying he had an early shift tomorrow. After the cleaning was finished I sat with those remaining at the sofa.

“Hey Wei. Why did you comeback?”

To the unsuspecting me, Rong struck the question I wanted to avoid the most. I was quite startled and couldn’t respond quite well.

“Eh?... What (do) you mean?”

“You know what I mean. Why did you not stay to work abroad?”

“Ro, that isn’t right. You sound like you don’t want him around?”

Xun stepped-in rebuking Rong.

“I’m sure Ro doesn’t mean it in that way. But… I also want to know. Did something happen?”

“You girls. Is it so bad that I came back?”

“Never mind them. More importantly, what are your plans for now?”

To me who was shocked at having Nuo ask the same thing, Shui also stepped-in to help side step the topic.

“For now, I really don’t have much of a plan. I just setup my place. I will start looking for work. But…”

“You have no clue what you want to do? Mr. Meticulous?”

Cause I avoided her question, Rong stares daggers at me while remarking harshly.

“Well… I have to see what jobs are around first.”

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I gave a weak reason. Rong only responded with a ‘Ho’. Shui spoke after.

“What can you do? Or want to do?

I mean skills, interests and things considered.”

“Honestly, I am a blank right now. I actually did a lot abroad and raised a lot of skills so I am sure to find something. But as for interest, I really don’t have a clue right now.

I want to do something new, challenging but with high rewards.”

“What could be challenging?”

“How about you go and learn Medicine? It should be challenging and rewarding.”

“Now that a full field of study. You want me go out again to study?”

To Rong’s spiteful suggestion, I rebuked quickly in returned, showing a bit of depression. Nuo pinches her, starling Rong who in turn looked hurt. The conversation flowed back and forth. Xun suggested I join a project management company, but I didn’t think too highly of that field. I studied it, but more like an ancillary skill to help along the way. While the conversation flowed, Shui remained quiet for most of the time, only giving a few light inputs in-between. Until…

“How about becoming a celebrity?”

Everyone quieted down instantly. I turned to Shui disbelievingly, Rong and Xun also gave a flabbergasted look.

“Him? This nerdy guy?”

“Who are you calling nerdy?”

“Sorry, no matter how I look at you, you are the least flower-boy material. Also, you have already missed the best age to join that industry.”

“What’s that! You calling me out?”

“Sorry… Nothing flowery or youthful about you at all!”

Rong was quite spiteful, making constant harsh remarks that rubbed me the wrong way. I was quite ready to blow.

“I think that is great idea!”

The one to say so, was the Nuo who was frozen at Shui’s suggestion but spoke up all of a sudden. She turned to me with bright eyes as she continued.

“I mean, Wei is really mature. Has a calm, cool and intellectual look. You also studied abroad so you should have many useful experiences. The world of celebrities is the most harsh and challenging industries to have grown recently and has more room to grow too. Also, after going successful, it pays really well too!”

“Ho?! What’s this? Are these Ms. Nuo’s real feeling coming out? You like our Wei?”

To Nuo’s words, I again turned silent, while Xun jumped into tease her. Rong also smirked and join Xun in teasing Nuo.

“I also totally agree with Nuo. Wei has a good chance at making it. I think you should give it a try.”

“No way. Are you two okay? Are you playing with me?

Why suggest that? It’s so not my thing!”

“Come-on Wei is really good at connecting and is very meticulous in everything. You can surely pull it off.”

“Yeah, Mr. Meticulous can’t give-up before starting. Right Xun?”

“True. Mr. Meticulous never gives in without at least trying!”

Urgh! These guys are merciless. They keep stressing that weird nickname. In the first place, they are the ones to give it to me, because I used to be very meticulous in school and club works. Somehow, my full board preparations, timely arrangements and support earned me that nickname that spread across the school. It is one of the few nicknames, I wish I had never gotten.

With everyone having given their say, 3 in support and 1 against, I was supposed to give a try it seems. I don’t believe myself to be a fit for stardom. I mean, it is a really mean industry. A lot of backstabbing, not privacy and a caged life. But… I guess I’ve no choice but to try. I will meticulously prepare. Urgh! Why did I burn myself?