hapter 421: Something Happened
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
The people in the meeting hall quieted down, as if a strict teacher had entered the classroom with his pointer.
Everyone got lost in Qin Guan's smile.
Clearing his throat, Qin Guan began his speech. "The Columbia Union has a long history of endeavours..."
"In fact, the aim of the union is to provide all kinds of employment guidelines and work opportunities. It also serves as a tie among Chinese students that have graduated from Columbia..."
"The structure of the union is outdated. If I was elected president, I would engage in external relations and focus on the employment of Chinese students..."
In his convincing speech, Qin Guan spoke about the problem the students were concerned about the most. His style was different from the current working style of the union. Most students knew the name of the president, but had no idea what he had done for everyone.
Zhang Dekai was getting more and more nervous. He had originally thought that Qin Guan knew nothing about the internal affairs of the union and had paid no attention to its actual functions.
However, not only did Qin Gian make a perfect analysis on the advantages and shortcomings of the union, but he had also made a good plan for the future, one that was actually much better than his. The loud applause woke him up. Qin Guan had finished his speech.
"Now we would like to invite the next candidate to deliver his speech."
Zhang fixed his tie, mustered up all his courage and got on the stage.
Turning to face the audience, he began his speech.
"Some people can give easy promises, but one should actually show the time they have spent working for the union. I have been a member of the union ever since I registered at Columbia. I started my service as a staff member, at the bottom of the pyramid, and invested most of my time in this work..."
Suddenly, a muted video with subtitles started playing on the screen behind him.
There was a man and a girl in the video. The man was Zhang Dekai and the girl was a sweet junior.
The camera snapped a picture of the scene. The board on the door behind them read "Chinese Union of Columbia".
The two of them were talking happily. The subtitles were transcribing their dialogue.
Zhang: Give me a kiss, younger sister.
Girl: I want a beautiful dress.
Zhang: No problem. I'll ask Liu Tianxia for some money from the union expenditure. I'll buy one for you tomorrow...
Girl: You clever guy...
The shape of their mouths was corresponding to the subtitles. Both Qin Guan and Xu Xiaoxiao were shocked. We should just finish the meeting now. There is no suspense about the president anymore.
The audience held its breath, pretending nothing had happened. That was a really good joke!
The hall was even quieter than when Qin Guan had been delivering his speech. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the screen, leaving Zhang to speak excitedly on the stage.
Suddenly, the scene changed. Zhang was reproaching Liu Tianxia by his campaign car. In the next scene, Liu was working on the fake account.
By then, Zhang had realized that something was going on. He noticed that all the audience was staring at the screen behind him.
What are they looking at? A blank screen?
He turned his head around just in time to catch a glimpse of Liu Tianxian and the forms on the table.
He felt as if he was about to have a stroke. Who did this?
In a corner, Rongzhi was quickly manipulating a small car with a mini ejector, making it escape as fast as possible.
The video was cut off suddenly, leaving no time for Zhang to take action. He didn't even know what everyone had seen before he'd noticed.
He had lost his voice. He turned his head around again stiffly, only to find the audience looking at him full of anger and contempt.
Zhang knew he was doomed. He would be facing not just a failure in the election, but also a follow-up investigation. Thank god Liu took care of the account. I can just say I knew nothing about it.
Suddenly, a member of the audience shouted, "Any other candidates running for president? Any other ideas anyone?"
"No!"
"Qin Guan! Qin Guan! Qin Guan!"
The audience was disgusted with Zhang. They were eager for a representative of their own to put an end to that ugliness. Qin Guan was a newcomer in the union, but they hoped that he would work for their benefit.
Qin Guan was elected president for the next semester. His predecessor also felt hatred for Zhang. There were still six months left before he graduated. What would everyone think of him now?
Standing on the stage, Qin Guan waved his hands down, indicating for the audience to be quiet.
"My first task after taking the post will be looking into the dereliction of duty of the second candidate. I will announce the results publicly. In the future, I want to establish an effective supervising system to make the Chinese union as clean as all other college clubs..."
The audience applauded again. As Qin Guan talked, Zhang was getting more and more desperate.
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Chapter 422: A Powerful General
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
The audience left the hall reluctantly, leaving everyone involved to deal with the matter.
Liu Tianxia took a thick pile of documents out of her bag without a hurry. She seemed well-prepared. "Take a look, everyone. These are the documents concerning the union's finances ever since Zhang took over the job.
They looked at the documents page after page. Zhang's signature was on every page. Without it, the budget wouldn't have been valid.
Every detail was clearly recorded by Liu Tianxia. No rules had been broken. The chief criminal seemed to be no other than Zhang Dekai.
Well done! Liu gave everyone an honest, innocent smile.
Zhang Dekai was taken away. Qin Guan had no interest in seeing the end of his story. Personal shame should not be made public. He would only lose some money and get a warning.
Actually, Qin Guan was interested in Liu's skills. He stopped her before she could leave.
"What are you doing, Master Qin? You want to defend your opponent against this injustice? Impossible! Look at your trouble-making face!"
Without Zhang, the girl had changed completely.
"I just want to hire you part-time at my company."
Liu was stunned. She looked at Qin Guan as if he was an idiot.
"How could you trust me?"
"It's only some basic data. Besides, I do trust you."
Liu burst into contemptuous laughter. "After seeing Zhang Dekai's end?"
"I read through the forms. You didn't make any mistakes in the data or process. All the money was taken by Zhang. You didn't even stuff one coin in your pocket. Why would I not trust you? You are an accountant with professional integrity. I can't let such a talent go to waste!"
Qin Guan's eyes were clear. Liu stopped laughing. Burying her face in her hands, she fell silent.
Everyone felt sorry for her when they saw her shoulders shaking. If Qin Guan was right, then the excellent girl had been hiding from the public eye for a long time.
Suddenly, Liu put her hands down. There was not a single tear on her face.
"You read all the forms in a few minutes?"
"Yes." Xu Xiaoxiao began to show off to her, as if it was his own achievement.
"Have you seen our department's ranking list? Qin Guan is the best postgraduate student."
Looking at him calmly, Liu Tianxia said in a disdainful manner, "I'm a junior..."
The girl was indeed a genius.
"Anyway, I need to have some fun after quitting from the union. You can send the forms to my email. I'll charge according to the current prices."
Liu Tianxia left the hall without looking back.
That day was a celebration for Qin Guan. After six months in the US, he had become the president of the Chinese Union of Columbia. It was unbelievable.
The storm had gradually passed, and a sincere smile had appeared on the faces of the Chinese students.
There were more and more parties and balls, hosted by renowned people from different industries and graduates of Columbia University.
Words couldn't express their gratitude towards the most handsome president their union had ever had. By then, the advertisement of the Armani perfume had been released all over the world. The beautiful small bottles appeared again and again on mainstream channels and TV stations.
The perfume quietly made a gap in the line of defence of Channel in North America.
When they saw Qin Guan hug Raquel, housewives paused, their fingers hovering over the remote.
When he disappeared like a bubble, they burst into tears.
"That b*tch killed him!"
"Vampires are a symbol of evil. Forgive me, my Lord! I am still your sincere servant..."
"I love that handsome boy..."
In the latest edition of NYLON, Qin Guan's advertisement took up a whole page. He had left the perfect image up to fashion insiders.
Qu Xuemei and Richard were preparing for the activity. According to the report on their boss' desk, NYLON had the largest sales volume out of all fashion magazines.
Qu's prophecy had come true. Richard had lost all confidence in Chad.
...
Busy days always went by quickly. Before Qin Guan could realize it, Oscars season had come around.
Before the 2003 award ceremony, movie critics, actors and directors had arrived in Los Angeles to experience the warmth of the West Coast.
It was a fine day. Qin Guan had asked for leave from Prof. Martin and got together with the cast and crew of "Heroes".
He had no idea about the ceremony until he checked in at the hotel. Horrified, he realized that only three people were qualified to attend the ceremony, Zhang Yimou, Zhang Weiping and him. All the other stars were absent because of their tight schedules.
Qin Guan felt strange about the situation, but Sister Xue found out the truth after conducting an investigation in Los Angeles.
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Chapter 423: Different Kinds of Figurants
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
There were only 3,000 seats in the ceremony hall, while the participants were about 6,000. Only guests with invitations would enter the hall.
"People have submitted applications for an invitation from early on. According to the rules, we can only get two to three invitations. We had a discussion and made a decision. You should thank Zhang Weining. He admires you so much."
Qin Guan felt gratitude for Zhang. On second thought, he realized he was useless. He could do nothing to help the crew before the opening ceremony.
Taking advantage of this, he decided to walk around the largest film studio in the US and experience the atmosphere there.
Influenced by the Oscars, everyone in Los Angeles was cheered up. Plenty of companies and investors were pouring into the city. Simple sheds had been set up as temporary interview rooms for figurants.
Qin Guan was excited. He felt like a shark smelling blood.
Sister Xue was his driver. Looking alertly at the annoying boy, she asked him, "What are you going to do?"
"I just wanna take a look." Before his voice could fade away, Qin Guan had disappeared like the wind.
He merged into the crowd at once. He had been bored at the parties he had been attending all day long and planned on making some pocket money for himself.
Money eyes! Murmuring, Sister Xue parked the car. Suddenly, she saw Qin Guan standing in a line of figurants. He stood out because of his rare Asian face.
He had chosen the shed with the smallest numbers of interviewees. In two minutes, he went out with a piece of paper.
It had to be a notice. Excluding the time he had spent on the forms, the interviewer must have talked to him for less than a minute. It must be a terrible role.
Sister Xue went into the shed and realized what Qin Guan had done.
The audition was about a film with a limited budget. The title was a good summary of the film. It was called "Bloody Journey". Sister Xue could already foresee its fate. It would be rated NR-17.
As expected, the figurants would be playing corpses. Qin Guan walked over happily as Sister Xue was reading the script angrily.
"I think it's really easy to act in a film in Los Angeles. I passed another audition in 10 minutes!"
Sister Xue sighed. "Tell me, what's this? A zombie? A monster? The living dead?"
Qin Guan grinned, shaking a sheet of paper before her proudly. "I want to try all kinds of different films to see the distinctions. You know, investments vary."
"This is a B-movie. The investment must be billions. I have one line in the film..."
"Wow!"
Sister Xue was shocked. Asian people were in a weak position in Hollywood, except when it came to independent and animated films. Qin Guan had come across a B-movie at random. He was really lucky.
"The leading actor is Dwayne Johnson."
Sister Xue took the notice, where the shooting time, location and payment were stated. The title of the film was "Walking Tall".
My boy is so lucky!
Before she could come back to her senses, Qin Guan followed the crew of "Bloody Journey" up the hill.
Their studio was on the hillside. There were many small shooting basements there that resembled large warehouses. Figurants could start work right away.
The US fully deserved the title of the country that produced the most films. When Qin Guan and Sister Xue arrived at the studio though, they realized that the crew was even worse than a Chinese troupe.
Inside the giant studio was only a lonely camera and several pale-looking staff members. Before Sister Xue could regret this, a man who seemed to be the director shouted, "All figurants head to the makeup room!"
Qin Guan was pulled into a room surrounded by plastic sheets. He thought it was quite different from a traditional make-up room. That makeup room was like the studio of a machinist. There were all kinds of paints and tools everywhere.
A hairy strong man was sitting in the center of it all. He was carefully painting blood on the bodies and faces of the figurants with a serious expression on his face.
"Next!" He patted the man in front of him. Qin Guan walked over. The strong man took a notebook from the table and read out loud, "Next scene, a man and his fingers. Got it!" He sized Qin Guan up.
"Do you see the iron operating table over there?"
Qin Guan nodded.
"Change into the white shorts on it. If you don't want to stain your expensive polo shirt, I suggest you take it off and give it to someone else for safekeeping."
It seems like my role is a special one. Qin Guan took off all his clothes. The strong man fell into thought as he looked at him in interest.
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Chapter 424: Dracula Makeup
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
"Wow, dude! What do you do for a living? You have the perfect figure. I could make standard models by putting you in a plastic mold."
Thanks so much for the appraisal. I'd die in the mold.
Qin Guan put on the white linen shorts and explained to him, "Strictly speaking, I'm a part-time model."
Then he turned around. When he saw Qin Guan's face, the strong man immediately covered his face with both hands. "F*ck! Let me calm down for a second. I'm not gay! I like girls with big boobs. Okay, let's get to work. Fred will make sure even your own mother won't recognize you."
He took out a box of diluted latex and brushed some on Qin Guan's chest and belly.
When the latex was thick enough, Fred pasted four pieces of artificial skin on Qin Guan's ribs and abdomen. Then his assistant began to apply bad-quality powder and liquid foundation over them.
In five minutes, the snow-white latex had turned the same color as human skin. It looked like Qin Guan's real skin.
Fred estimated the effect and took a small bucket from the table. Inside it was blood, the best tool for the dressers of a dracula movie. Some careful dressers would blend paints of different colors, while some tougher guys would just apply tomato juice.
The man-made blood was poured over Qin Guan's belly. After a while, Qin Guan had a general idea about his make-up.
The reason he was lying on the table was because he had been disemboweled. The texture of the latex expressed that terrible visual.
The assistant took a mini disposable injector filled with a suspicious-looking liquid. "Open your mouth," he told Qin Guan.
Qin Guan looked at the liquid in alert. "What's this?"
Fred laughed. "I thought you were experienced, young man. Don't worry, it's a mixture of syrup and edible paint. It's not eel blood or anything."
Some smaller studios used eel blood for convenience.
Qin Guan relaxed. The assistant injected the artificial blood into the gaps between his teeth.
It was the perfect bloody make-up. Sour, sweet and tasty!
Qin Guan tasted the blood carefully. It's good. I want more!
Before he could say anything, the director shouted outside of the room, "Are you ready for the next scene?"
"Okay! Roll him out!" Fred shouted back.
Dude, can I have some more juice to go?
Before Qin Guan could voice his shameless requirement, he was rolled out by an assistant.
There were some simple mechanical machines in the center of the set. Qin Guan's bed was rolled over to them.
It was dark. There was only a surgical lamp hanging down from the ceiling. It felt like the Sun, projecting heat and light down on Qin Guan.
The latex was burning with the heat. Qin Guan paid no attention to the hot pieces though. He was absorbed in the entrails hanging by threads above his head. The end of a hanging gut was touching his stomach.
This role was an unprecedented tragedy. He was disembowelled and living thanks to all kinds of machines. What a miserable life!
American people are f*cking crazy! I like them!
Sister Xue couldn't stand still from the shock. My baby, you have been a leading actor in two films! If this was China, you wouldn't have accepted such a role!
That was why indie film actors were not very popular in the US. Their films were nowhere to be seen and all their effort went to waste.
Before Sister Xue could come back to her senses, everyone was ready. A D-level actress was standing by the operation table. She was one of the heroines of the seven stories of the film.
Marsha had straight brown hair. She had discovered the abandoned warehouse by chance during summer vacation. It looked like Hell itself. Blood and guts were everywhere.
Besides, there was still a living person inside. At his request, Marsha liberated him from death, but she got in danger later.
Qin Guan was the guy liberated by Marsha, an extra with only one line.
"Three, two, camera!"
Suddenly, Qin Guan entered perfect acting mode.
Marsha mustered all her courage to move slowly into the warehouse. Blood was everywhere. The main source of blood was in the center of the room. It was an operation table.
Artificial blood was pumped into curling guts to form a steam. There were blood drops dripping from the gaps.
"Oh, my God..."
On the cold operation table, she saw a stranger. The man's pupils were already slack and his face was shining with joy.
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Chapter 425: The Green Hand
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
It was the thirst of desire and the craving of self-liberation. There was no pursuit of life. Trembling, he stretched his bloody hand out to Marsha and looked at her with a miserable expression in his eyes.
Both the director and the actress were lost in his sorrowful eyes.
Marsha was out of control. Ignoring their terrible surroundings, she rushed up to Qin Guan and took his shaking hand.
"I'll help you! Stay awake, I'll make a call..."
Qin Guan seemed comforted. His slender fingers held her hand tightly with more energy. At the director's request, the camera zoomed in on their locked hands.
The director was suddenly enlightened. He tried to express his feelings through different methods. Practice made perfect after all.
Young man, you were lucky to have an indie film actor in your dracula movie.
The director was busy changing the position of the camera while Qin Guan controlled the whole process. His slack pupils were gradually concentrating as he got warm. He could see the operating lamp before his eyes, his internal organs hanging on the ceiling, and the beeping machines beside him.
He didn't move. Instead, he closed his eyes quietly. Long eyelashes covered his eyes like butterflies with broken wings.
"Please... I want to leave... Forever..." he said through pale thin lips.
He preferred death over life, but he could not explain it in words. The bloody, violent scene turned to art thanks to Qin Guan.
The director patted his thighs heavily. Who said that American Dracula movies are all about horror? Humanity is everywhere!
Marsha was encouraged by Qin Guan. In her opinion, that kind of life would be an insult for the handsome man. She gently pulled her hands back, for fear of disturbing him, and slowly turned off the machines.
Beep...
The electrocardiogram turned into a flat line, indicating that the tortured man had gone to Heaven. Qin Guan didn't stop acting though. The script was too brief. The writer hadn't taken the natural reaction of a human body into consideration.
The oxygen tank couldn't support him anymore. Qin Guan trembled as if he was experiencing an electric shock. After jerking a couple of times, his eyes opened again. His pupils went slack until any hint of feeling disappeared. His wounds had exhausted him. He had no energy to make a final effort. His toes were stiff. He had finally left that ugly world.
What would Marsha face later on?
The camera was still rolling as she fixed her eyes on the corpse on the operating table. She looked slightly obsessed. The director was also lost in thought, so he forgot to stop the camera.
Qin Guan felt terrible on the table. He was nearly blind under the bright lamp. Plus, the table was cold and the lamp was quite hot. His nose was about to start running.
He was groaning silently, when Sister Xue walked up to the director to remind him. It was crucial to have a considerate agent.
"Oh, okay... Cut!"
Wow! I saw tears in your eyes. Is this your first movie? Sister Xue had a point. The green hand had been shocked by the quiet death.
When Qin Guan jumped up from the iron table, Sister Xue buried her face in her hands.
"Qin Guan, cover yourself with the sheet!"
"Why? I'm not naked." Qin Guan looked down and saw that his shorts were pasted on his body. They were soaked in blood. He looked like a wet temptation.
He wrapped himself with the sheet fast. Then he smiled at Marsha awkwardly and ran to the dressing room. How embarrassing! I hope she saw nothing!
Marsha hadn't seen anything. She had been staring at his bottom. That subtle invitation was the best kind of temptation.
Qin Guan took a shower in the dressing room. The sugar paint dissolved easily in the water. He got out and Fred applied some special chemical agent to the flaying surface to take off the latex pieces.
When Qin Guan went out with clean wet hair, Sister Xue had already gotten his payment.
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Chapter 426: Uniformed Temptation
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
There were certain payment standards for figurants in the US. Those who weren't registered at an actor labor union got paid eight dollars an hour, and those who were registered got paid 10 to 20 dollars an hour according to their resume, including their working experience and the number of films they had participated in.
Waving the 20 dollars at him, Sister Xue cast a supercilious look at Qin Guan. You spent two hours here. What were you thinking?
"I enriched my experience. I just wanted to see different kinds of films. I'll try anything new. I'm in the film capital now!"
"Parties are boring, Sister Xue! We haven't been working together for a long time, but it's great! Here you are!"
Qin Guan took several coins out of his pocket. "Six dollars. That's all..."
"You bastard!"
Sister Xue chased after Qin Guan, waving her handbag at him. It felt like they had gone back in time, to a period filled with laughter.
The next morning, Qin Guan and Sister Xue headed to the "Walking Tall" studio really early.
After waiting for a long time, everyone finally arrived. Then the group headed to a small town in Los Angeles.
The first scene was an exterior scene. This meant that Qin Guan would suffer a loss. His formal work would last only one hour, but he would have to spend half a day in transit. If this had not been a typical American shoot-'em-up movie, Sister Xue would have pulled Qin Guan out of the project.
The cars finally pulled up at the small town, where the other group had arrived before them. It was the group of the leading actor, Dwayne Johnson, a strong bald man with a pretty face. He was quite different from the typical ferocious guys in Hollywood gangster movies.
He had become famous for his role in "The Mummy", where he had portrayed a villain hieromonk from ancient Egypt. The magical power he had possessed had made a harmonious contrast with his pretty face, which had made his career very successful.
He used to be a professional wrestler before he had been discovered by a talent agent. Unlike the antecedent movie "Scorpion", this was his first leading role in a film.
When everyone was present, the director began shooting the first scene.
Unlike their Chinese peers, American directors had no responsibility to give instructions before the shooting. Every detail was written clearly on the script. If one couldn't display the corresponding level of ability, the producer and director would re-evaluate their skill.
It was Qin Guan's first time to put on an American policeman uniform.
It was a black fitting uniform with golden badges on the arms and plaques on the chest. Its belt and slender pants made the uniform look tempting.
When Qin Guan walked out of the simple dressing room, the lighting engineer, who was busy carrying props, couldn't help but whistle. The middle-aged woman flipped her long hair to show her feminine charm.
Qin Guan walked up to the crew slowly, trying his best to pull his pants down. Sometimes slender pant legs were a mistake. His pants shocked the crew.
His upper body looked delicious, while his lower body looked like a clown's. Even Dwayne Johnson smiled.
Luckily, the flaw could be camouflaged. Even the most perfect films could sometimes experience unexpected accidents.
The scene was quite simple. The hero had retired from the navy and realized that his working position had been lost. When he couldn't find his own way, two kind-hearted police officers had escorted him home.
Qin Guan was the officer driving the police cruiser. He was only in the background. The other actor was the one who chatted with the hero. That was why he had passed the audition so easily.
All the cameras were in the proper position. Sitting behind the main camera, the director looked up at the sun and covered his head with a newspaper. "Ready? Three, two, camera!"
A police cruiser drove by slowly. The policemen saw Dwayne Johnson's backpack and introduced themselves warmly.
"Hey, are you looking for a job? The nearest logging camp is in Aberdeen, hundreds of kilometres away from here."
Depressed, the hero answered, "That's too bad."
The kind-hearted policeman continued to suggest other jobs. "You could also go to the casino in town. You could play Black Jack there."
Camera No. 3 zoomed in on the car to reveal Qin Guan. His uniform looked tidy. His head was leaning slightly towards the backseat, and his seat belt was fastened tight.
"Come here, JK. Isn't he handsome?" the director asked.
"Of course!"
"That face would normally attract all the attention. Nobody would look at the other officer in the scene, even if he had more lines."
"Strangely enough though, the two men are in complete harmony. The audience will still be able to notice that the other guy is handsome though..."
Because of that strange phenomenon, as well as the selfishness of the director, the camera was pointed at Qin Guan. As a result, the other figurant remained in the background during the whole process.
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Chapter 427: Fans Everywhere
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Several metres away, Sister Xue was sitting on a brick, watching the scene with her eagle-like eyes. Her face was nearly paralysed from smiling.
"No, thanks," the hero said politely. The director turned to camera No. 2 reluctantly.
The warm-hearted policeman spoke again, "Are you Vaughan? I know your family..."
The director didn't zoom in on him immediately though. Instead, he switched to camera No. 3. Qin Guan was smiling friendly in the driver's seat. His eyes were fixed on his partner.
"Wow! Look at his face!" The assistant director was speechless. This is not a romance film. Why are you so excited?
"Switch to that camera." The assistant director couldn't help but obey the director. Finally, the poor policeman got his close-up.
"Skow, come out. Say hello to the brave soldier!"
The assistant director saw the joy in the director's eyes. He was actually pouting. It's a misfortune to have a director like him.
Qin Guan got out of the car and uttered his first line in the film. "Welcome back, soldier."
"Good! Such a pleasant voice..."
F*ck! How can you tell from one line? The other guy has said so much, yet he hasn't earned any praise.
The policemen drove the hero back home. The first scene was finished.
"Good! Cut!" Qin Guan drove the car back to the cameras.
"Good work! It's a good day today. We can get more work done. Five-minute break!"
The director ran to his backpack and took out his wallet. There was a newspaper clipping in it with an impressive picture of Qin Guan's face. It was the advertisement of the Armani perfume.
Trembling, the tough man with the curly black hair walked up to Qin Guan with the picture.
"Qin Guan, could you please sign this for me?"
Sister Xue was surprised to see the director call the figurant by his name. She was enlightened at the sight of the picture though. He had to be a fan of Qin Guan's.
"No problem. One minute." Sitting down on a brick, Qin Guan smiled at the director. He pointed to another brick across from him. "Sit down, please. What would you like me to write?"
The man looked excited. He sat down and rubbed his hands together, moving his brick closer to Qin Guan's.
"To my truest fan, Kelvin Brey. A heart would also be appreciated."
Qin Guan signed the back of the picture according to his request. When he looked up, he nearly fell down from fright.
The director was so close to him that he was nearly sitting on his legs. Their noses were almost touching.
The assistant director couldn't put up with this. He walked over and pulled Kelvin up from the collar.
"Okay. Get ready for the next scene, everyone!"
"My picture... My picture..." Before Kelvin could burst into tears, Sister Xue ran over and stuffed the picture into his hands. He couldn't help but smile through his tears. "I can die happy now..."
What an unworthy life.
The following scene went smooth. In 10 minutes, Qin Guan's part was finished. Sister Xue let out a long breath of relief.
Let's get your payment and go! Tomorrow you'll be on the red carpet of the Oscars.
Qin Guan followed Sister Xue back to the hotel with a contented smile. It was a dreamless, happy night.
The next day, Sister Xue carefully took out the Armani Haute Couture from the closet. Qin Guan was speechless.
"You are so dramatic. Does your hand hurt?"
"Put it on, you idiot. Careful! Don't wrinkle it!"
Qin Guan put on the outfit piece by piece. The extraordinary couture gradually revealed itself.
It was definitely worth its price of three million dollars. The fabric was extremely expensive. Every thread had been weaved according to the designer's inspiration.
Plus, it had been custom-made for Qin Guan's figure. The simple black suit, the bow made of the same fabric, and the gem buttons on the cuffs were a perfect combination.
"I can't tell the difference between an ordinary suit and this. The design is almost the same, and no one would be able to judge the fabric or the techniques."
Qin Guan wasn't terrified at the idea of wearing an expensive outfit. He knew nothing about its uncommon features until he arrived at the site.
Comparison helped. All the other outfits seemed to be missing something.
The Oscars red carpet was different from the one in China. It was divided into two parts, one for stars and one for guests.
Different attendants were treated differently. Most of the attendants were directors, producers and superstars unwilling to show off. They preferred to chat with each other in the guest area and take this chance to form new relationships.
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Chapter 428: The Oscars
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Qin Guan and Zhang Yimou arrived at the red carpet. According to the request of the organizing committee, Director Zhang would walk on the stars carpet with his actor. Then they would be led to the guest area.
It was a helpless solution. The guest area was crowded, while the reporters were gathered around the stars area. If they didn't get any worthwhile material, they would break the fence and hunt down the guests.
The staff of the organizing committee strolled around the guest area time and again, trying to pull some lazy VIPs to the stars carpet. The VIPs had to go for a walk and then get permission to return.
If the stars in China knew about this situation, they would have been jealous. I should be walking on the red carpet! Not you!
Qin Guan and Director Zhang stood on the edge of the carpet, waiting for the people in front of them to walk a little farther away. Several second and third level American celebrities were waiting behind the ropes. They would get the chance to walk on the carpet after all the stars on the list had finished their presentation.
Haute Couture was showing its real power. Affected by the war in Iraq, most stars had chosen to wear black, grey and white outfits to the ceremony. It was the details that were the most important.
Qin Guan looked like Triton among minnows. Most people around him were members of the entertainment and fashion circle. The envious expression in their eyes was clear. They talked to each other secretly, speculating about Qin Guan's identity.
Then a helpless voice was heard.
"Okay, okay! I'll go! You are capable enough to catch me!" It was Catherine Zeta-Jones, who was complaining to the staff as she arranged her long dress. The beautiful woman was one of the most likely actors to win an Oscar. She shrugged as she stood behind Qin Guan.
"Are you Chinese?"
Qin Guan felt someone poking him in the back.
"Yes." He looked back and gave her a friendly smile.
"Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film?"
"Yes."
"You are out." Zeta-Jones was straightforward. "The award committee was informed five days ago. Besides, I didn't see your movie at the publicity conference a few months ago."
The woman was really rude. Qin Guan cast a glance at Director Zhang, but saw him look calm at the news.
Both "Chicago" and "Gangs of New York" were powerful competitors for the Oscar. The two films had been produced by Miramax Films. Miramax hadn't invested as much in "Heroes" though, because it was a foreign film.
At the indication of an assistant, Qin Guan and Zhang Yimou stepped on the carpet.
The host made an introduction, "The nominee for Best Foreign Film... 'Heroes' from China... Director Zhang Yimou and actor Qin Guan..."
Fortunately, Qin Guan got the chance to hear his full name. He was grateful for the honor.
Sister Xue nearly cried her eyes out as she watched Qin Guan set a foot on the red carpet.
Qin Guan looked his absolute best. He was a completely different guy during working hours. Some people said that Zhang Yimou was the only Chinese director who looked handsome in a western style suit. If they saw the red carpet Oscar show though, they would admit that Qin Guan was the most handsome Chinese man in a western style suit.
Among all the foreign reporters stood a lonely figure. He had been sent by the Xinlang website and had gone to the ceremony by paying for his own expenses. As the only Chinese media representative there, he focused on "Heroes".
Because of his limited budget, he could only take some photos. He had no video camera. His only chance to take pictures was when they were on the red carpet.
"Director Zhang is coming! Get ready!"
Unlike the excited Chinese reporter, the other foreign reporters put down their heavy cameras to take a break after taking pictures of the Dutch star before Qin Guan and Director Zhang. The competitors for Best Foreign Film were not as important to them.
When they saw the two Asian men though, they hastened to lift their cameras up again.
Qin Guan's outfit looked as fitting and natural as his own skin. Everyone took in his perfect figure. Inlaid, handcrafted embroidery was blossoming on his chest. As he moved, it reflected silver light like pure sand on a beach.
Even the outfit couldn't surpass the elegance of the Asian actor himself though. As he walked through the media area, he leaned naturally to the right.
He waved his right hand at the crowd. On the camera, he looked like an angel fallen from Heaven. His smile was like the blazing sun, casting light at everyone around him.
"Wow! Director Zhang and Qin Guan!"
Finally, the Chinese reporter caught sight of the only Chinese faces on the red carpet.
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Chapter 429: The Award Ceremony
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
"Wow! It's Qin Guan! He's with Director Zhang!" the reporter murmured to himself as he looked at their backs. Another photographer, who had heard his words, craned his neck around.
"Dude, do you know that actor?"
The reporter began to introduce his compatriot proudly.
"Of course, he is one of the most famous top models in China. He has also acted in several good TV shows. His audience ratings were unparalleled..."
"Really?" The foreign reporter was surprised. The Chinese reporter had described Qin Guan like a superstar in China.
"Great!" The foreign reporter gave a thumbs-up to the reporter from Xinlang, who held his head high proudly. I may have added some things, but most of the things I told him were true.
By then, Qin Guan and Zhang Yimou had reached the background board and signed it.
"This way, please." A security guard in a grey suit opened the gate at the end of the carpet for them. The stars could enter the guest area through that gate.
There was a curtain hanging before the entrance of the theater. Several iron rods were holding up a temporary ceiling, blocking the sunlight. Celebrities in expensive clothes were chatting in the small area.
There was also a big board, where the official Oscar media representatives were gathered. Only TV stations authorised with independent rebroadcasting rights were qualified to set up their cameras there.
The staff was still playing a game of running and chasing. They walked among the crowd, occasionally getting hold of some stars or celebrities.
Some famous directors had failed to escape and were standing in front of the tall golden figure, taking pictures for the press.
Following the guidance of the staff, Qin Guan and Director Zhang also stood by the splendid golden figure, which was about two meters tall. It was the first time Qin Guan felt the desire to take out his cell phone and take a picture.
Although he preferred indie films to commercial films, he was shocked by the atmosphere there. This was the capital of the film industry all over the world after all.
It was a pity that he hadn't taken his cell phone with him. Sister Xue was standing behind the ropes. One day I, Qin Guan, will take pictures here with the golden statue! I will not be a guest, but a winner!
Qin Guan's ambition couldn't be concealed from Zhang, who also wanted desperately to win an Oscar.
After taking some photos, they retreated to the edge of the red carpet. They exchanged a glance with each other and cast a meaningful look at the golden statue.
Under the light of the setting sun, the guests entered the hall with their invitations.
The stage was decorated in baby blue and crystals, which made a sharp contrast with the red chairs and carpet under the stage.
When the audience was seated, Steve Martin, the host of the ceremony, mounted the stage with a serious expression.
"Before the grand award ceremony, all the actors and reporters should deliver a speech about the wrongful war. It is with heavy hearts that we have gathered here today for this award ceremony. It was not long ago that the war in Iraq broke out."
He was right. At previous ceremonies, actresses had dressed up like peacocks. That day though, all the ladies were dressed in black or white. No one had dared wear jewellery. Thanks to Steve's humor, everyone eventually felt comfortable.
The first award winner was announced. The musical "Chicago" had beaten "Gangs of New York", "The Lord of the Rings II" and "The Pianist" and won the Oscar for Best Film.
The executive director of Miramax, an old man with grey hair, was smiling so happily that the wrinkles on his face seemed to form a flower.
Adrien Brody, the leading actor of "The Pianist" won the award for Best Actor. Holding the golden statue, he burst into tears on the stage.
The cameraman zoomed in on another nominee for the award. Nicholas Cage was smiling calmly. Even Qin Guan though, who was sitting in the back of the hall, could feel his disappointment.
As a skilled actor, an Oscar was his lifelong dream. It was also the dream of thousands of actors in the US. That small golden statue was their only aim. There were so many factors involved though, including the script, the director, the producer, the distributing company, the audience, the national policy, and so on. Of course, luck was the most important factor.
Qin Guan slowly let out a long breath. Suddenly, he saw Catherine Zeta-Jones walk on the stage.
The British woman, who had been criticized for using her body to her advantage, had finally received an acknowledgement of her talent. She hugged her husband excitedly as she accepted the award. Steve made a joke about feeling jealous.
"Film stars play all kinds of roles. I appreciate them, worship them, but also feel dissatisfied with them. For example, some of them only cooperate with their wives!"
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Chapter 430: Happiness Is Simple
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Before his voice could fade away, loud laughter broke out. Everyone fixed their eyes on Michael Douglas, the winner of the Oscar for Best Actor in 2000.
Douglas, who was older than Catherine Zeta-Jones by 20 years, had won his first Oscar after they'd gotten married. As a result, people said that he had won the award because of Catherine's fortune.
It was an Oscar tradition to make dirty jokes during the ceremony. If one didn't know, they would have been confused.
The crowd quieted down eventually, and the large screen on the stage changed. Director Zhang couldn't help but straighten his back. Finally, the time had come.
"Let's announce the Best Foreign Film of the 75th Oscars. The nominees include 'El Crimen del padre Amaro' from Mexico, 'I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore' from Germany, 'The Man Without A Past' from Finland, and 'Heroes' from China."
The highlights of each film were played on the screen as the host made an introduction. When he came to "Heroes", the black solemn Qin palace appeared on the screen. Li Lianjie was standing in the center of the frame with a murderous look on his face. Red satin ribbons, yellow sand and white petals were dancing around him.
It was a typical, yet impressive oriental film. Even informed famous directors couldn't help but fix their eyes on the screen.
It was a pity that the highlights lasted no more than 10 seconds. Before people could get a general idea, the video switched fast to another film.
Finally, the light on the screen faded away. Steve Martin opened the envelope that contained the name of the final winner. "The winner for Best Foreign Film of the 75th Oscars is... 'I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore' from Germany!"
Caroline Link, who was sitting only two rows in front of Zhang Yimou, hugged her producer upon hearing the news. In her film, the female director had depicted a cruel war from an exquisite point of view. The film's alternate title was "Nowhere in Africa".
Another reason the film had won the award was the ongoing war in Iraq. American people were sympathetic about the devastation caused by the war.
The camera turned in the direction of Qin Guan and Director Zhang. Qin Guan was in no mood to expose himself in such a way, but Director Zhang remained calm and expressionless. When he looked at the female director though, he seemed jealous. Words couldn't express his feelings.
That award had been his goal for so many years. It was an acknowledgement of all the zeal he had put into his work. His heart was full of mixed emotions. Men did not shed tears easily though, so the Chinese man had no outlet for his feelings.
Silence. Endless silence. This was the closest he had ever gotten to winning an Oscar. It was a pity that he had missed his chance.
The rest of the ceremony was peaceful for Director Zhang and Qin Guan. The next jokes and awards had nothing to do with them.
The stars were twinkling above the theater as everyone went out. Some people looked happy, while others looked depressed. After one day of noise, the place finally quieted down. Sister Xue was waiting for them.
Director Zhang looked unconsciously at the clean night sky and covered his eyes gently with his hand.
"Are the stars dazzling?" Sister Xue looked up at the sky.
Zhang Weiping held his laughter back. He had originally wanted to comfort his old friend.
Director Zhang felt at a loss. He didn't know whether he should cry or laugh. Actually, he was luckier than most people in the film circle.
He had been to the Walk of Fame. He had attended an Oscar ceremony. His film had been nominated for an award.
His dream would go on. Cheers! To the filmmakers and directors in China!
"We should drink something."
"Yes, it's a pity to attend such a show and not have a late night snack."
"There's a canteen over there!"
They bought Mexican corn cakes from a canteen beside the theater, ignoring the looks they got from everyone around them. They couldn't resist their stomachs and the temptation of delicious food.
This was also the most delicious Mexican food in Los Angeles. A large box of Tito's Tacos cost only 20 dollars. They enjoyed their cakes without dignity at the entrance of the theater.
The cakes were made of fresh corn kernels instead of corn flour. The brown cakes were sweet and fresh. There was New Orleans roast, fresh red onions, and green peppers in the cakes. Combined with some green onions and black pepper, the cake was really a surprise.
Qin Guan took a big bite. The onlookers around him swallowed their saliva. That Asian boy seems to be enjoying his cake so much!
The roast was tender with a crispy crust. The pressure of his teeth made the juices flow out and ran down along his mouth.
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