So I managed to head down to Eason's Meet and Greet sesh on Saturday, even though it was raining and I was late. The Boyfriend was supposed to accompany me to the event, but he was put off by the weather and so, in an unprecedented move, I went down to a 粉丝 event on my own.
I was 10 minutes late by the time I'd arrived, and a healthy crowd had already gathered on the first, second and third floors of Heeren outside HMV. Still, I managed to find a decent spot to perch, and so I stayed for the next hour or so waiting, even though I had to go wee-wee.
It was worth the wait. When he finally arrived, Eason delighted the crowd with two songs from his latest Mandarin album <<不想放手>> Aren't You Glad and 不要说话. There was also a Don't Forget the Lyrics-esque game segment, and the participants had the honour of having Eason harmonise for them. He's super nice to his fans - he gave each of the participants a great big hug at the end of the game, and personalised the prize - an autographed copy of his cd - for the winner of the game, which was very thoughtful of him because the next thing on the programme was an autograph session. D'oh.
Which I stayed for, naturally, even though that meant that I would be late for my dinner appointment (I did struggle with my decision for a bit, though) and also that I would have to shell out another 20 bucks for an album I already had (albeit a newer version, complete with MVs).
Anyways, I joined the queue, which was mercifully short (relatively speaking) and proceeded to interact with my immediate neighbours, who initiated contact. As I edged closer and closer to the head of the line, I started to get more and more nervous and excited. I'm gonna meet Eason Chan, up close and personal!
In a short span of 10 minutes that we were in the queue together, us QuikFriends (because it was so instant and so brief) chatted about his songs, his performance and his recent concert. Someone started asking what we would say to him when we met him - provided we didn't suddenly get a case of Celebrity-induced lockjaw - and that was when I decided, and declared to my QuikFriends, that I would ask him for a hug.
I was the last of the QuikFriends to get my autograph, and as I stood and waited, heart pumping, for the right opportunity to pop the question.
I know he took his time to sign my albums, but I don't remember exactly what, so excited was I. I only knew that my cue to speak was when he finished signing and looks up to shake his fan's (that's me!) hand. Which by and by he did.
And so I launched into my monologue:
Me (Grabbing his hand): Hi Eason!
Him (smiles): ....
Me: I really like your music! (milisecond pause) Could I have a hug? (Please! I really meant to say please, I did!)
Him: ??? (I can tell he hesitated for a fraction of a second, then very magnanimously, he stands up and extends himself for a hug, across the table)
Me (after separating myself from him): Thanks!!! Thanks so much!!!!!!!
Him (polite smile, nods): ....
And that was it, my encounter with Eason Chan. I walked off with the albums in my hands, and almost did not bother to look at his name scrawled across them before placing them in my bag.
The moment was brief, but it was mine, all mine. For one second, Eason Chan the Amazing Singer with Manly Forearms, Effervescent Personality and the Energy of a Teenager was mine, all mine.
When I think back on that little episode where I was mad-struck by the Awe of Meeting My Idol, I still can't help but grin.
Well, at least I didn't take his hand and snatch it forward for a forced hug, which is what I heard some other (more manic) fan did.
I leave you with the best shot I captured of him that day:
(Wanted to upload a recording of 不要说话, but too lazy to find a server to put it up. Maybe another day then.)
