Wonderland

I had heard about it in advance, but the scale of the event was different from the previous joint artists' exhibition.

For the press conference and VIP invitation opening party for Shushu's Body to Soul exhibition, a photo wall had even been erected in front of Phantom's main entrance.

Guests dressed far more lavishly than at the previous opening party struck poses at the photo wall in order of arrival, while about thirty journalists burst their flashes competitively to capture their images.

Reporters from not only art-related media but also the culture desks of major news outlets had been invited, and most had accepted. Proof that Shushu's exhibition was generating significant buzz.

Well-known actors and models had been included on the VIP guest list, making it an opportunity to appeal even to the general public not particularly interested in art. Even if those people didn't immediately become gallery customers, public interest could translate into influence for the gallery.

The temporary lot in front of the main entrance was taken up entirely by the photo wall and journalists, leaving no room for congratulatory flower wreaths. Beyond the barricades, fans of the invited celebrities and passersby had gathered, making the scene more reminiscent of a major clothing brand event or a movie premiere than an art gallery.

In the art world, no matter how famous an artist is, their public recognition cannot compare to that of celebrities who appear on television — so when celebrities attend such events, a vexing situation where the roles are reversed can occur. But Shushu was an exception.

Arriving in front of Phantom with Manager Han in a darkly tinted luxury sedan, Shushu was dressed in a plain black T-shirt and neat jeans, with no hint of being ostentatiously dressed at all.

Getting out of the back seat and tucking his slightly long wavy hair behind his ears, he gave the impression of a sufficiently sophisticated artist with just jeans and a T-shirt.

People say that each person is the protagonist of their own life — but looking at him, I thought: maybe this is the kind of person who is the protagonist of the world, of every story.

Someone born and existing to be the protagonist.

I couldn't think of any other way to describe him.

"Shushu, look this way!"

"Give us a wave!"

In response to the journalists' demands, he tucked his flowing hair behind his ears again and again, biting his lower lip slightly as if embarrassed — and in doing so, made the impressions of every celebrity and model who had passed before him at the photo wall seem blurry.

As soon as the shooting ended, Shushu quickly looked for Manager Han with his eyes. Manager Han, who had been watching from beside the photo wall, led him away, and they disappeared together through the main entrance.

"I love everything about you, Shushu!"

Perhaps mindful of his long time abroad, someone shouted that from beyond the barricades in English — maybe a foreign fan. Just before disappearing inside completely, Shushu turned slightly and waved with a smile.