Ella 陳嘉樺 ,(S.H.E)

Happy Birthday Jie. I’m so late, right?  I actually wanted to do this earlier than planned. But I know you don’t mind. I’m sure of it.

I guess the first time I saw you was when you played Lui Rui Xi on Hana Yori, and I guess that’s how it started. By then I started watching, scanning, and saving nearly everything you have done. Movies, dramas, magazine cuts, photoshoots, random practices, and even your interactions towards your friends, fans, family, and screen partners. You have this very unique aura, and whenever people sees you they have the feeling of comfort, and they could act as themselves in front of you. You could make a tense and an uncomfortable atmosphere lively, you could make people show you their weak side, and you also have this ability that wants people to cherish and protect you for a long… long time. I still have no Idea how this started.

You even manage to knock my bias list that has been unrevised for 5 years, but nevertheless you inspire me. You’re like an angel that suddenly appeared and I fear the time that I would  never see you again. This is so ridiculous of me to say, but I still match you up with Jerry. You won’t get mad at me for this, right? I’ve liked him for a long time, and I really thank you for breaking his icy heart. I don’t plan to keep this long, since I plan to finish your present before the clock strucks twelve (I’m already behind my curfew.). I just hope to see you for awhile. No. For a long time. I want you to continue sharing your pictures, talking to your fans, crying over your hardships and problems, and telling the whole world that you have succeeded for another time. I want you to start a family of your own. I want you to continue your plans of building a new company, with your husband beside you and your fellow members. I do hope for an announcement of a baby this year, but I know God has his plans. He plans to give your baby angel at the right time. And of course, your never-changing self. Because we love it. I love it. And that’s what matters.

 Again, happy birthday Bao Bei. I’ll continue to cheer you from afar, whether you’re aware or not. I’ll pray for you too.  This may not be the most heart-warming, encouraging letter your other fans have sent you, but it is as special as theirs.  I may not be your number one fan, but I know you love me as much as them.

Sincerely,

Your fan.

“The Bai He in My Eyes” 
Date of Original Article : 31 Jul 2003

Original Author : 瞿友宁 (Director of popular Taiwanese Idol serial - “The Rose”)

The original article was posted by Director 瞿 after his visit to the hospital to see Ella on 31 July 2003. We have translated this article for the benefit of English readers, in hope that they would gain an insight and be better able to appreciate this lovely angel we all call – Ella.

  When filming a special segment for a Taiwanese entertainment programme, “Super Sunday” to increase public awareness on the Taiwan Fire Brigade’s operations, the popular girl group S.H.E was tasked to jump from the 3rd storey of a building onto the safety air cushion on the ground floor. Ella was the only member who dared to take the challenge and had succeeded during the test jump from the 2nd storey.  Being the most courageous member, and empathising with her fellow members - Selina’s and Hebe’s fears, Ella took the plunge on their behalves; despite she was not the person to take the forfeit. Unfortunately during the actual filming, Ella landed on the air cushion in a wrong posture, resulting in the severe spinal injury. The injury resulted in Ella’s absence from the promotion of the popular Taiwanese Idol serial – “The Rose”, where she did a convincing portrayal of the leading actress, Bai He. In addition, Ella could not be involved in the promotion of S.H.E’s “Superstar” album, as she had to recuperate and wait for her bone to re-grow.

 Till this very day, this old ailment would still act up occasionally if the weather is bad or when Ella is fatigue.

 

It was 4pm in the afternoon when Jin (Huang Zhi Wei), Kui (Joe Cheng), the producers of “The Rose” and myself visited Ella in the hospital.

  Ella was lying in bed, and I was unused to seeing the usually active Ella being so still. Even on days when she was exhausted from her hectic workload and lack of sleep, Ella would always be her most energetic self in the presence of others. When we asked after her, she would dismiss this very much treasured professional and serious work attitude jokingly as “pretending to be high”.  When Ella saw everyone’s concern over her injury, she felt a little awkward. To ease the tension, she started to relate the sequence of events since her fall to the more light-hearted happenings to all of us, such as the presents she had received from friends etc. Gradually, the atmosphere in the ward started to lighten up and everyone relaxed as she made conversation… Indeed, Ella is such a sensible and caring person.

  One may ask, why would anyone need to “pretend to be high”? I gathered it is innate in Ella’s personality. She is sensible and would not want others to worry about her unnecessarily. Most importantly, she wants everyone to be happy through her efforts and encouragement.
Ella is a very kind and caring person, who bore a strong resemblance to the warm Bai He in “The Rose”. One would actually feel heartache for her resilience, as Ella has shown great sensibility and wisdom despite her young age. This is definitely a virtue worth her fans’ efforts to appreciate and support her greatly.

  I still recall memorable moments during the long filming period for “The Rose”.

  I suddenly realised one day, almost all the crew members had started to carry a camera with them and would take pictures with each other at every possible opportunity. When I traced the origin of this “trend”, I found out that it was none other than Ella who had influenced everyone with this photo-taking habit of hers.  I would also hear the crew members humming tunes merrily amidst their busy work, be it while plotting the lights, doing up the scene etc. It would usually begin with a single person singing, but eventually all members of the crew would join in happily. Again, it was none other than Ella who had influenced everyone. Ella has a special charisma to make one feel less inhibited and would gladly and even proudly join in the fun with everyone else to sing out aloud. Our filming site would always be filled with joyous singing. During tedious overnight filming, the crew would immerse themselves in the joys of singing to keep awake and to cheer and lift each others’ spirits up … Sigh… Ella is indeed very much like the “warm little bun” as Kui often teased Bai He in the show, always spreading energy, joy and warmth to those round her.

  I remembered telling Ella one day.
“Do you know you are just like a piece of magnet? You possess the natural quality that draws the attention of everyone in the crew.” The filming site is like a magnetic field, and everyone would naturally be influenced by Ella, be it happy, sad, crazy etc.

  Drawing parallel to the Bai He in my mind. Bai He might not be one who leaves a deep impression at first sight. But it is undeniable that Bai He possesses the very ability to tug at the heartstrings and affect the emotions of those around her. This very quality surpasses way beyond superficial beauty. Perhaps, as Kui rightfully describes in the show, “The so-called beauties are only self-conceited and after flattery. They would immense themselves in perfume thinking they smell nice, but in actual fact, it has become overly pungent.”  Thus, Bai He, being the unconventional beauty, is all the more a rare precious gem. I always have firm belief that Bai He has a rare beauty in her, which is why the 2 Han brothers were totally mesmerised by her. Perhaps even Bai He is unaware of this attractive quality in her that could melt the age-old coldness in everyone’s heart. Coincidentally, Ella does possess this rare quality. With her intelligence and sensitivity, it makes Ella all the more a very special person.

  I must admit although Ella is a very talented actress, Bai He’s character was still the one which I spent most efforts on. No, I am not being biased in saying this. Rather, it was because Bai He is the very essence and core of the Han family and she will definitely be the soul to lead viewers into the Han family. Bai He’s tears and smiles touched Zhi Wei and Joe personally. The power from Ella’s convincing portrayal of Bai He brought about Zhi Wei’s and Joe’s most honest and sincere reciprocal. The chemistry and exchanges between the actors / actresses were my greatest enjoyment during filming. Ella led Zhi Wei and Joe deep into their roles of Jin and Kui, touching the very souls of the characters. This power was then passed onto viewers like yourselves, touching your hearts deeply.

   This immense power also left a deep impression in me. One month into the filming of “The Rose”, the crew encountered our first difficult and crucial scene of “The Rose”. After the scene, Bai He, Jin and Kui totally broke down and could not withdraw from their roles. For the very first time, my heart goes all out to the 3 of them, and felt as though they were truly and really the children of the Han family trapped in the deeply regrettable situation. This magnificent scene would appear in episode 13 of “The Rose”.

  I guess I knew the reason why Ella was injured this time. The very quality of Bai He in Ella had probably surfaced during that moment. Ella would rather be the one to suffer in any given situation, then to leave others dejected. The Gemini Ella would sometimes conceal this kind gentle virtue in her. To meet with the hectic and complex challenges of her work, Ella would probably choose to show only her more jovial, active and sensible side. Nevertheless, I would always remember, treasure and miss the pure kind gentle Bai He in Ella, regardless where she would be or how successful her achievements are in the future.

Ella:
I remembered you mentioned before that it is very difficult to find real friends in the entertainment scene. Perhaps, just like what Bai He told Kui in the show, “You, are the only one whom I would never have to say goodbye to.”

Indeed, it does seem even harder to find a bosom friend whom one would never ever have to say goodbye to. I sincerely hope that Bai He would be everyone’s friend forever. And this special Bai He would always be that touching quality that stays in Ella forever.

(Dance craze overload.)