Chapter - 6055

The following day marked the last day before Tawanna's Eastcliff concert.

All the staff members were on high alert, diligently starting the final preparations.

The heaviest responsibility today fell on none other than the protagonist, Tawanna Sweet.

She needed to work closely with her team, rehearsing the entire concert sequence multiple times to build muscle memory and ensure each process was clear and precise.

Despite Stefanie's performance lasting only half an hour, she had to collaborate with Tawanna's team due to the tight preparation schedule, which resulted in an increased workload for her as well.

Today, she arrived with her full crew. The large screen backgrounds and lighting setups for several songs had been meticulously programmed to match the music, so her team had to utilize Tawanna's equipment to present everything flawlessly on stage.

Additionally, the two also needed to engage in verbal exchanges, including greetings, introductions, and acknowledgments to the audience.

Although they had just recently met, they had to create an atmosphere that conveyed familiarity and camaraderie for today and the next three performances; this was essential for an impactful stage presence.

In fact, Tawanna genuinely wished to become friends with Stefanie.

After all, it's natural to be drawn to someone close to Charlie. While fostering a closer relationship with her might not yield direct benefits, it would certainly make her feel a stronger connection to Charlie.

So, while the two women were trying on makeup backstage, Tawanna expressed to Stefanie, “Stefanie, is it really too soon for you to step away from the music industry?"

Stefanie smiled and replied, "It's the perfect time for retirement. Stepping away now won’t delay the wonderful life awaiting me."

After pondering for a while, Tawanna earnestly proposed, “Since we are so close, why not team up and embark on a world tour together? I can help boost your influence in Europe and the U.S., while you can enhance mine in China. We could achieve great things together and become two of the most beloved female singers in the world!”

Stefanie couldn’t help but interject, “But you hold a significant influence in China already. How could I possibly help you? If we did team up for a tour, I'd be the one benefiting from you. My international music status isn’t nearly as impactful; it’s you who can aid me.”

Tawanna responded earnestly, “Even if I’m helping you, that’s okay. I want to support you. As your influence expands, we can still lift each other up.”

She continued, “With your standing in the Chinese music scene, you could remain popular until you're fifty. Just look at how Faye Wong is still in high demand!”

Stefanie smiled knowingly and teased, “Tawanna, you’re quite kind to me. Is your kindness because you have feelings for Charlie?”

Tawanna didn’t expect Stefanie to see through her thoughts and articulate them, making her feel uneasy and nervous.

Seeing her discomfort, Stefanie chuckled, “Oh, there’s no need to be so anxious. Plenty of girls are drawn to Charlie—who wouldn’t be? He’s remarkable, and it would be unusual if those who interact with him weren’t taken with him.”

With no one else around, Tawanna summoned her courage and confessed, “I do like Mr. Wade, but it’s probably different than what you think. The other girls who like him may hold aspirations of being with him, but I don’t dare to hope for that…”

Stefanie asked curiously, “Why is that?”

For the first time, Tawanna opened up honestly. “My love life has been quite complicated over the years. There have been numerous reports about me. After I met Mr. Wade, a major event unfolded that tied back to my earlier indiscretions. Because of that, my reputation when it comes to relationships is questionable. I can’t imagine Mr. Wade being interested in someone like me.”

Stefanie nodded in understanding; having spent so many years in the entertainment industry, she knew how such things worked.

Still, she smiled and reassured Tawanna, “Many scenarios don’t unfold as we imagine, and our futures are often unpredictable.”

Tawanna then inquired, “You must like Mr. Wade as well, right?”

“Like?” Stefanie shook her head, smiling softly. “What do you mean by ‘like’? Charlie is the only person I wholeheartedly love, aside from my family.”

At that moment, Stefanie asked, “Do you know why I’m leaving the entertainment industry?”

Tawanna shook her head, curious. “Why?”

Stefanie smiled and explained, “My future plan revolves around just one goal: marrying Charlie and becoming his wife. That’s why I need to start preparing now. The first step is to distance myself from the entertainment world. I didn’t enter this industry for fame or money; my initial goals have been achieved, and now I’m ready to step back gracefully. I’ve insisted on completing my farewell concert out of respect for my fans, but once the last show in Eastcliff is over, I will say my goodbyes for good.”

“Furthermore, I refuse to let my beautiful life be consumed by the entertainment industry, where every word and action is scrutinized by society. There’s no privacy whatsoever. Even when I fall in love in the future, fans will criticize my choices. For me, the industry acts as a playground—once I’ve had my fill, it’s time to go home.”

Tawanna was taken aback, surprised by Stefanie’s candid expression of her feelings for Charlie. She couldn’t help but ask, “But… Mr. Wade is already married…”

“I know,” Stefanie replied with a smile. “Charlie’s life is always going to be rich and vibrant. Whether it’s his current wife, me, or other women, they are all essential parts of his life. I’ve never aimed to monopolize his affections; I just want to hold a special place in his world.”

“Oh my goodness…”

Tawanna exclaimed, grappling with the unexpected confrontation of ideas. “Aren’t Chinese women traditionally more conservative? How do you hold such a bold belief? This is quite shocking.”

Stefanie chuckled and asked, “Shocking? I think it’s quite normal. I’ve been in this industry long enough and, despite my attempts at maintaining a clean image, I’ve witnessed more than my fair share of grim realities. The entertainment industry in Europe and America can often be even more chaotic than ours. Once you’ve seen enough, your acceptance of different perspectives grows. Plus, you don’t know Charlie well enough; if you understood his capabilities, you’d realize the world will ultimately lose its claim on him.”

Stefanie then stood up and grinned, “Come on, it’s almost time to rehearse!”