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Chapter 181: Romance Across Time and Space
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
In that scene, Cai Jing thought that Tan Yi was sincerely seeking shelter from him, so he invited Tan to his mansion for a tea drinking ceremony. Cai's servant found Tan's hidden weapons though, and Tan was caught by the guards.
Cai dared not execute Tan without permission, as he was Princess Grace's tutor. He just reported him to the emperor.
"Camera!" Li Jie began serving tea.
As soon as he picked up a cup from the tray, the director frowned. "Cut!" This was the most annoying word for an actor to hear.
The director couldn't tell what Li Jie's fault was, but he got a strange feeling from his acting. Qin Guan knew where the problem lay though. After a long-term training with Teacher Rong, he had learned how to serve tea.
He held up his hand to break the deadlock. "May I try?"
"You're good at serving tea? But of course, you were the high school prince!" Fang Pingping looked at Qin Guan in admiration. What an elegant boy!
With the director's permission, Qin Guan began right away.
Kneeling before the tea table, he cleaned his hands, looked at the tea leaves, and warmed the cups and pot. Then he poured boiling water into the dark red enamelled pottery, the Fair Cup, the Fragrance-Smelling Cup, and the Tea-Tasting Cup [1].
Next, he put the tea into the pot. His fingers were dancing around the tools, his long sleeves moving gracefully.
Afterwards, he washed the tea leaves and brewed the tea. His natural, smooth movements were like flowing water. After a short time, he whisked the leaves floating in the water with the pot lid for fear that they would influence the taste of the tea.
Finally, he poured the tea into the Fragrance-Smelling Cups and passed one of them to Li Jie with both hands, as the Chinese traditional courtesy dictated.
Everyone was staring at Qin Guan with an open mouth. He's the perfect man! What will the leading actor do?
Li Jie was under great pressure. He was seeing stars before his eyes. He had to put up a desperate fight!
The director could only ask Li to copy Qin Guan's movements, not his style.
After several breaks, the scene was finished at last. Qin Guan's work that day was over. His next scene would be in two days.
Taking advantage of his spare time, Qin Guan decided to visit the studio of "Romance Across Time and Space", which was located in the suburbs of the capital. If he passed the audition, he could shuttle between the two studios. That was the advantage of being a supporting actor.
They arrived at the studio, but before Sister Xue could introduce herself, the assistant director pushed Qin Guan to try on his costume. Sweat was dripping down his face.
It was a romantic comedy in period costumes, but it was the first TV show to document different eras. Although the crew was somewhat tight on the money they spent on props and settings, the actors were pretty good. They were not the most renowned actors of the time, but they were really talented.
Because of their tight budget, the crew had to give each actor different roles. They didn't set strict standards on co-stars, as several of them were temporarily employed by idling agents.
Qin Guan's role was not an important one. He was just a villain, so the director didn't pay any attention to him.
The dresser was excited though. Even Wan Hongjie, the actor who portrayed Zhu Di [2] and was sitting right beside him, was surprised.
Wan was supposed to be a handsome prince in the play, and he was used to being the most beautiful person on set.
When Qin Guan put on a black costume with golden silk embroidery and held up a sharp sword though, Wan felt like a pauper in his yellow dress. What a miserable life! The production is so stingy!
Qin Guan would play the commander of the imperial guard of the Ming Dynasty. When the two of them came out of the dressing room though, the whole crew was shocked.
"Is that the actor who'll play Gao Fuming? He looks like a rising star."
"I know him! He played Yang Lianting. It was only for two episodes, but he impressed me quite a lot."
"Ha ha! It looks like the play is about a detective from the imperial guard and Zhu Di is the killer."
"Hush! The director is coming. We'll know soon enough!"
The director took a long time to come. He paid no attention to Qin Guan, who was just a supporting actor. He was only hoping that he wouldn't make any mistakes. Money was precious.
Qin Guan was not in the first scene, so he sat on a small stool, watching the other actors' performances carefully.
That show was really funny! He had learned a lot from other actors, and he knew that a comedy was a trial for every actor.
Xu Zheng, the leading actor, was good at making others laugh with his serious expression and humorless attitude. He didn't use exaggerated body language.
That was the secret of his success. After struggling for many years, he had finally won a prominent place among comedians. Not long afterwards, he would become a guarantee of box office success.
At the time, he was still a young man with a baby face though. His style was not quite developed yet. Unlike him, Zhang Ting, the heroine, had been born without any humor.
The director shouted "cut" many times, not because of mistakes in lines or acting, but because the actors and assistants couldn't control their laughter.
The director roared angrily, "Be serious! This is work!" Their laughter got louder as he shouted.
Qin Guan supported his belly with his sword as tears filled his eyes.
The director was fuming with impatience. He looked angrily at the actor who was laughing the loudest. Pointing at Qin Guan, he shouted, "Gao Fuming, your turn! What are you laughing about? Get ready!"
Translator's Thoughts
Lan Lan
[1] They are all parts of a tea set.
[2] Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
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Chapter 182: Several Slaps on the Face
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Qin Guan stopped laughing abruptly and took a deep breath. Ah! I feel pain in my chest!
"Camera!" Qin Guan's face was still twisted in pain. Taking advantage of it, he began acting.
He looked up with a cold expression. The slightly twisted muscles on his face showed the sinister nature of the commander of the imperial guard.
It was the only thing that was effortless. His demeanor changed the atmosphere from funny to tense though.
His expression along with his black uniform made the crew feel afraid. They were all shocked by Qin Guan's acting skills. That young man has a great future ahead of him.
When that scene was over, the crew ran around to prepare for the next one. Meanwhile, Qin Guan was shouting inwardly. Someone help me! My chest hurts!
As soon as he recovered, the next scene began. Gao Fuming was having a discussion with his subordinates in the prison. He was planning on hiring an assassin for Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan.
Qin Guan was in his black gown with the golden embroidery. His tassels were hanging down from his hat, reaching his temples. His handsome, cold face was visible under the candlelight, setting off his aggressiveness and charm.
He looked like a hero, an aggressive villain high on the hierarchy of an evil sect, someone called Xuanyuan Aotian or Qiankun Wudi [1].
Qin Guan was surrounded by the imperial guards in their red uniforms. He waved his sword around, shouting, "Break the gate!" His imposing manner had reached its peak.
He stepped into the mansion valiantly as his soldiers caught Consort Shu and her female servant.
Consort Shu was really a good actress. She was the funniest one in the show. Qin Guan was very happy to work with her.
In that scene, Gao Fuming was supposed to smack the servant. Even though she was a brainless woman with big boobs, Consort Shu slapped Qin Guan right back. Suddenly, Gao Fuming noticed seven port-wine marks on her palm, which meant that she was his real master. He was so stunned that he forgot to get out of the way and he was hit on the face again.
According to the director's instructions, Qin Guan had to get slapped for real, not use some kind of dodging trick. The actress who played Consort Shu couldn't bear to hit his handsome face though. Qin Guan encouraged her, "It's nothing. I know how to ease the pain. Just hit me, I can handle it!"
Gritting her teeth, the actress slapped Qin Guan on the face. "Ah! The director didn't say 'camera'!"
"Sorry! Sorry!" The actress got even more nervous.
"Three, two, camera!"
Clap!
"Cut! Show your palm to the camera, or the audience won't see the marks clearly!"
Clap!
"Qin Guan, turn your head this way. You must look handsome!"
Bro, I'm only a supporting actor!
Clap! Clap! Clap!
After seven or eight slaps, the director called, "Good!"
In the next scene, Gao Fuming asked for another slap to see the marks more clearly.
Qin Guan nearly burst into tears. Miraculously, the scene was finished in one take, as the director was more worried about the scene between Gao Fuming and the Prince of Yan the next day.
Qin Guan went out of the studio exhausted. He put an ice pack on his red face and complained to Sister Xue, "What a stingy crew! They want to finish three days worth of work in one day!"
Sister Xue was speechless. Still, you make more money in a short time!
Covering his bloated cheek, Qin Guan was shocked by the scene he faced in his dormitory. There were lanterns, colorful ribbons, and paper flowers everywhere, as if there was some kind of important festival.
Confused, Qin Guan walked in his own room. His roommates were boiling instant noodles calmly on a small stove.
Li Jie was the cook, and Mu Lejiang was his assistant. There were also sausages and spiced corned eggs on the table.
Qin Guan sat down on his bed and said, "Good idea! Where did you get the stove?"
"From the tool store."
"Why are you making instant noodles again? Are you out of money? I could lend you some." Qin Guan patted his own fat chest proudly.
"No, thanks. We'd have to pay you back."
Qin Guan didn't try to persuade them. He squatted down shamelessly and watched the noodles in the boiling water. "Can I have some?"
You have so many bills in your pocket and you want to share those poor men's noodles?
Who cares? I'm hungry!
After the satisfying feast, they lay down on their beds and fought for fun. There were still celebratory activities going on in the corridors. It was late at night, yet Ye Dong hadn't come back yet.
"What happened? It's like a Spring Festival outside."
Mu Lejiang murmured, "Ye Dong mentioned something about it. Our bid for the 2008 Olympics won. It must be a formal celebration. Ye Dong organized it."
"It has nothing to do with us. Let's just sleep."
The tough guys fell asleep amid the noise of gongs and drums. Something's wrong! Qin Guan sniffled unconsciously in his sleep. I can smell smoke.
He jumped out of bed and knocked on the iron pipes fiercely, shouting to the others, "Get up! Get up! Fire!"
His voice had barely faded away, when screams were heard in the corridor.
"A f*cking fire!"
"Run!"
Translator's Thoughts
Lan Lan
[1] Common names for powerful heroes in web novels.
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Chapter 183: Fire!
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
"Hurry! Knock on every door!"
"There's so much smoke! I can't see clearly!"
The whole building was on fire. Qin Guan's roommates jumped out of bed and rushed into the corridor with their most valuable belongings.
Dense smoke filled the whole corridor. Scared students were everywhere. Qin Guan picked up a thermos from the table and wet some towels.
"Cover your mouths and noses with them! Bend down! We have to rush out along the side wall."
They did as Qin Guan told them.
"It's so hot! It's boiling water!"
Liu Xiaoyang burst into tears. I shouldn't have trusted him. His calmness misled me!
Shocked by Liu's misfortune, the others silently blew at the steam rising from their towels. It was almost bearable now.
They sneaked along the wall in a line, heading towards the exit of the building. Scared students had formed a crowd downstairs.
After confirming that everyone was safe, they let out a long sigh of relief. Liu Xiaoyang sat on the ground, feeling cold between his legs. He looked down and realized...
It was bedtime, so nobody was dressed properly. They were wearing shorts, briefs, bedsheets, some of them nothing.
Mu Lejiang looked around and saw that nobody had noticed. "The fire..." he whispered to his roommates.
"It can't have been us. I put it out after dinner."
"Did you put on the special cover?"
"What was that for? Could the stove rekindle?"
They exchanged several glances before changing the topic.
"Fine day, isn't it?"
"Yes, It's cool."
Before the fire truck could arrive, the dormitory staff had already put out the fire with the fire extinguishers. It was said that the origin of the fire had been a tiny kindling point.
They all observed the stove carefully and reached the wonderful conclusion that they hadn't committed arson.
The tired boys felt relieved. They lay down and fell asleep soon.
Ye Dong didn't return to the dormitory until the next day. He told them that the fire had been a fine example of "no zuo, no die" [1].
Several students had held a firework party on the rooftop of their building after the celebration. They'd had all kinds of fireworks and beer.
They had drunk beer under the stars and watched the colorful fireworks in the sky. It had been really cool.
They had forgotten that there were piles of colorful ribbons, paper flowers and posters left after the celebration though.
A small firework had silently started burning under the posters, producing stinky, dense smoke, although it had not been burning fiercely.
Aware that they'd been enveloped in smoke, the students had run away instead of checking the source of the smoke.
According to the staff, they had found nothing but a lump of plastic emitting thick smoke. That had been the origin of the fire.
If they'd had a clear mind, the students could have prevented a tragedy by pouring water on it. Their drunk brains had made them all idiots though.
Qin Guan was packing his luggage, complaining without any guilt, "Those guys don't take public safety seriously. They brought prohibited items into our dormitory without scruple."
What about your spirit stove and the cheap water heater?
Ye Dong agreed with Qin Guan and added, "Our college will do a general inspection. The tutors in charge will check our dormitories for any prohibited items. They'll search each room one by one."
"What?"
"What?"
"When?"
"Now! Building No. 2 has already been inspected. If I'm right, the inspection group has to be in the corridor."
"What the f*ck..."
"Ye Dong, could you be more practical? You're talking rubbish all the time. This is a big thing..."
Ye Dong was confused. "We only have a water heater. They're not interested in that kind of thing."
Li Jie covered his face sadly. "I just wanted to eat instant noodles. I'm not to blame. My investment will go to waste now..."
He pulled the spirit stove from under the bed.
"My political career will be ruined!" Ye Dong yelled desperately. "We must destroy all evidence!"
"Use your high IQ! Or do you use it only for food?"
Qin Guan had gotten dressed by then. He picked up his suitcase. "I'm leaving. Put the alcohol in the plastic bucket and take the stove apart. I'll put the parts in my trunk."
Remaining calm was the best strategy. As Qin Guan was about to go out, he saw the tutors and inspectors walk towards his dormitory.
Translator's Thoughts
Lan Lan
[1] Funny Chinglish. "If you're obedient, you won't die".
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Chapter 184: The Human Rights of a Tortoise
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Qin Guan retreated to his dormitory. He picked up a pen and wrote six graceful characters on the bucket, "Niulanshan Erguotou" [1].
Then he threw the pen to Liu Xiaoyang, ready to fool the inspectors with his acting skills.
The pen hit Liu on the forehead, leaving a large dot there. Dear Qin Guan, you are only pretending to be calm. You are actually frightened. You forgot to put the cap on the pen.
As Qin Guan was approaching the inspectors, he whispered to himself, "Keep calm! You're a brave boy!"
His legs were not trembling.
As he was about to brush past them, a girl in the inspection group asked, "Senior Qin, is that you?"
The question attracted the tutors' attention. She was staring at the bucket. This looks like alcohol!
"What's this?"
Qin Guan looked at her with his most innocent expression. "It's for the crew. I'm a green hand, so I have to get close to them."
Liar! You ran away like a rabbit after the shooting. It's your agent who kept flattering the crew shamelessly.
Unexpectedly, the strict tutor was convinced. Qin Guan is having a hard time. He even has to pay for the alcohol!
Wang Lei, who was hiding behind the door and observing the situation, was laughing at their IQ. If we knew they were such idiots, we wouldn't have sent Qin Guan to deal with them.
Qin Guan left, and the group entered their dormitory. Wang Lei realized that their IQ had returned to normal.
It was unfair. Wang Lei let out a long sigh in front of the tutor and the students. This was Qin Guan's home court after all.
Qin Guan got to the studio and put on his costume. Everyone patted him on the shoulder, expressing their sympathy.
Qin Guan fastened the turtle shell around his body and lay down before the gate of Prince Yan's mansion.
He tried to copy Xu Zheng's acting method. Putting his poker face on, he recited his lines in a flattering tone, "Your humble servant was a blind bastard. My senses were fooled. I was a crazy dog that bit its own master by accident..."
He started kowtowing. "Your Highness shouldn't fuss about a humble servant like me. Forgive me, Your Highness!"
What a slug! The actor who portrayed Zhu Di couldn't help but start laughing before Qin Guan could finish his lines.
All the onlookers burst into laughter, as if a water drop had fallen into a hot frying pan.
Hey, show some sympathy, guys! That was a heavy costume!
The director suppressed his smile before warning them, "Stop! Stop! You are wasting our money!"
Everyone kept laughing secretly.
In the next scene, Qin Guan had to fix his eyes on Zhu Di, who was sneering at the kneeling Gao Fuming.
"Your tears are flowing fast!"
Of course, I'm a poor tortoise! Qin Guan recited his funny lines, "Your Highness, it's not tears, it's the blood of your humble servant."
F*ck! You're smirking, Zhu Di!
"My heart is bleeding whenever I think of my evil deeds. I see Your Highness' kind face and my heart breaks..."
Stop smiling, or you'll start laughing! Out of sight, out of mind. Qin Guan lay down on the ground again.
You did it, Qin Guan. If he'd looked at your face, he would have started laughing again!
After that scene, Qin Guan could rest for a few days. As a social elite though, he was still really busy. He had to work on his courses, study for the TOEFL, and shuttle between the two filming studios.
In half a month, his cheeks had become concave.
Nah, It's just you. You just missed a few meals.
Qin Guan finished working on the shows. He died twice and he would die two more times. He had been playing villains in all four plays after all! He lay on the steering wheel feebly, trying to weep, but failing to shed a tear.
Only delicious food could comfort him.
He was not far from Xiaochang Chen, so he decided to have a bowl of boiled pork giblets with baked wheaten paste.
No giblet-lover could say no to that. Originating from the Guanxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) in the southern part of the capital, that dish had quickly conquered the country.
During that era, people living in the southern part of the city and engaging in physical work had replaced the pork in their broths with pork heads and giblets. After being processed by cooks, the dish had evolved into boiled pork giblets.
At Xiaochang Chen's restaurant, the chef boiled chitterlings, lungs, bean curd, blood curd and marinade together. After adding garlic juice, fermented bean curd and caraway, the thick soup got soft and tender. If the customer also bought some white-water sheepshead from Li's restaurant right next door, they'd enjoy the most perfect feast on the Earth.
Translator's Thoughts
Lan Lan
[1] A kind of famous but cheap spirit in Beijing.
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Chapter 185: The Manservant
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
The soup was boiled again and again to feed the endless customers. After a long time, there was a pot of soup left. The restaurant's business was flourishing because of it.
Qin Guan was among a group of men who were eating and sweating. Nothing could compare to a delicious meal after a busy day.
Actually, there was something. A good salary!
The next day, Qin Guan returned to the studio for his last scene. He would get paid soon.
Finally, Cai Jing was defeated in a political struggle. He was degraded and exiled to the borders. He died on his way there due to the hardships he went through.
Qin Guan was lying in a torn carriage with dry lips. He was seriously ill. Looking in the direction of the imperial city, he closed his eyes reluctantly.
The script assistant nearby was sobbing. Her eyes had nearly swelled.
Why do those evil guys kill all the characters? The hero's fiancee and parents all died for the heroine. Why don't you die instead? Leave Master Cai alone!
Qin Guan finished the scene without any trouble. "So much for Cai Jing! Let's applaud him!" the director suggested. He was happy, as Qin Guan had added glamour to the funny show.
Qin Guan got an extra bonus. This was one of the advantages of a generous production.
There was also an advantage to being a supporting actor. If the crew got to know you, you would have a steady flow of jobs.
Fang Pingping walked up to Qin Guan as he was packing his things. She touched his bag on the ground with her tiptoe. "Why don't you stay longer? You could at least attend the celebration."
"I have another show to shoot. And another one after this. I'm really busy these days."
Fang looked at him in surprise. "You work harder than me! Do you want to make a living in the entertainment circle?"
"No, I'm a college student. I only act in my spare time. Besides, if I wanted to join the circle, I'd have to attend all the social activities."
Fang felt insulted. "I'm a nobody in the circle. Ever since 'Prince Pearl' [1], I have gotten lots of main roles, but I couldn't impress the audience. 'Prince Pearl' has limited my choices."
Qin Guan smiled to himself and comforted her, "In two years, you'll be a superstar! I have faith in you."
With the development of the internet, you will define the beauty standards of a whole generation. You will make the pointed face popular.
The girl seemed happy with Qin Guan's flattery. "It's unrealistic to have such a handsome guy praise me. I have to fight for success. I have to become more famous so I can help you. We are schoolmates after all!"
Qin Guan opened his arms, and they hugged each other farewell.
"It was nice to meet such a considerate boy while I was feeling so low. Stop! Stop! This is not goodbye forever. I have your number, young man. I will call you and invite you to social gatherings! Oh, I wanted to ask you a question on behalf of my female schoolmates. Do you have a girlfriend?"
"Yes," Qin Guan answered unconsciously.
Fang Pingping smiled. She patted Qin Guan on the back and winked at him. "Me too."
Qin Guan was stunned. "You have a girlfriend?"
Before Fang could raise her fist, Qin Guan walked away, looking back and waving his arms at her. Fang waved back at him with a smile.
I have to work hard today. Shall I see him after work?
Meanwhile, at another studio there was a different show, way more interesting than "Grace Princess". The assistant director was interviewing actors. It was said that the play was just a way for the producer to promote his lover.
Qin Guan passed the audition and checked out the crude props. The set was simple, and the actors were horrible. It was really bad.
The salary for each episode was 1,000 yuan higher than other shows though, so Qin Guan decided to stay.
The title of the show was "Female Servants of the Red Mansion". Just as it implied, it was a play about women. The scriptwriter kept changing the plot all the time.
Normally, female servants like Yuanyang and Pingr would be beauties of different styles, so Qin Guan had expected to see beautiful girls there. Alas, there were none.
Wang Xifeng was standing in the middle of the set with Pingr, who would have a romantic relationship with him. Wang looked like a middle-aged woman. They were both looking at Qin Guan with open nostrils, as if they were nymphomaniacs.
The other servants, Ningr, Huar and Duor, looked even worse. Qin Guan couldn't even bear to look at them.
He began to defend Jia Lian, his character, against that injustice. His character was supposed to be more beautiful than any girl in the show.
He didn't say anything when he got his costume. As a childe of the Duke Mansion, he had to dress like a junkman.
Even at "Romance Across Time and Space", Gao Fuming's costume had been top quality. When Qin Guan saw one of the other actors though, he suppressed his annoyance. At least he would suffer alongside a future superstar.
This was not Hang's lucky day. He was a drifter in Beijing, playing tiny roles in every production, and an acquaintance had introduced him to this studio to play a manservant.
That's right! He would be playing Qin Guan's manservant, who was mentioned once or twice in the original work. To Hang's pleasure, he would have some lines. More than one actually!
Translator's Thoughts
Lan Lan
[1] A popular TV series in the early 2000s.
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Chapter 186: So Funny!
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Huang Bo felt bored in a crew full of girls who always talked about clothes and makeup. There was no other man around. Therefore, he was really happy when he saw the actor who would play Jia Lian that day.
He was stunned when Qin Guan walked out of the dressing room with a high bun and a green gown though. Oh, my! That man is way more beautiful than those chattering girls!
Huang Bo lost his head. I'm not good at getting along with elegant people, and that guy looks like a nobleman. He will ignore me if I greet him.
Meanwhile, Qin Guan had rolled up his long sleeves and walked up to Huang, hugging him around the shoulders.
"Huang Bo? Are you the actor who will play Xingr? I'm Qin Guan, and I'll play Jia Lian. We'll become good friends. It's nice to meet you."
"Same here, same here." Huang gave him his symbolic silly smile. He looked confused.
Good lenses, but bad frames. He's a bold guy. I like him.
They had gotten close from their first meeting. In 10 minutes, they were already familiar with each other.
As an elder brother, Huang thought he had the responsibility to tell Qin Guan about the crew.
"We wonder if the producer wants to promote a certain actress. It might be Yuanyang. Pingr is impossible. She is such an ugly girl. Don't provoke those girls. One of them could be the producer's lover. Stay with me, I'll protect you."
Protect him from what? From the girls?
Before Huang could finish his speech, the girl named Ningr came over to greet Qin Guan.
"So you're the actor who will play Second Master Lian? Why don't you introduce yourself to us?" she said, pointing to the group of actresses.
The girls were looking at Qin Guan. They all pushed up their breasts and fixed their hair, trying to impress the handsome guy.
Qin Guan dared not go. He had to fabricate an excuse to escape.
What will I do later in the studio?
The director was not interested in Qin Guan's feelings. The first scene began soon.
In a show full of women, Qin Guan's part was not that big. In the first scene, he committed adultery with Ningr, his wife's servant. Unfortunately, he was caught by Wang.
Jia Lian was quite a mighty man! He even debated putting on his clothes again.
It was a perfect scene. The director stopped three times, because Ningr was staring at Qin Guan's chest. Wang Xifeng also forgot her lines five times, because she was staring at his face. Generally speaking, the two-minute scene was a f*cking success!
Exhausted, Qin Guan walked out of the studio. Huang Bo tried his best to suppress his laughter. His small charming eyes seemed to be gloating.
To Qin Guan's disappointment, Huang was too young at the time to have his symbolic wrinkles.
Staring at Huang and Yuanyang before the camera, Qin Guan sighed with emotion. The superstar is still a nobody. He can only play a manservant.
He had a long way to go before he became successful. Those roles were insignificant, but his hard work would lead to success.
Qin Guan came back to Earth and saw Huang finish his scene smoothly. Then the two of them got together again and began to criticize the scriptwriter. With some beer and cold dishes, they could talk about that awful script for a whole day.
"After the birth of her daughter, her tripe became a rock!" [1]
"She deserves it. As servant girls, we have to fight for our destiny."
The two guys were left speechless by the lines. They laughed so hard that they started feeling dizzy.
Then it was time for Qin Guan's next scene. He had to put on a cloak weaved by black and white yarn.
"Pingr has my son? Pingr has my son? I had no idea! How?"
The director made a grimace full of anxiousness and excitement.
"Pingr has my son?" Huang fell on the ground and rolled around in laughter. What funny lines! Is that your father's son? What a tragedy!
"Madam and Master promised me that I could marry anyone I like." Those lines must have been written by a group of illiterates. You could get a concubine, but never marry her!
"Wang Xifeng! You always bully me, but you have to obey me now!"
Qin Guan's character seemed like a coward who was only strong on the outside. His voice was shaking as he recited his lines.
His secret of success was imagining that Cong Nianwei had discovered his own adultery. Wang Xifeng was nothing but a firecracker, but Cong Nianwei was a canon!
He had never experienced the anger of that calm girl.
Qin Guan could not help but shiver at the thought.
"Ha ha ha!" Huang Bo fell off his seat from laughing too hard. He's so talented! How can he be this good when he's so young? A man cannot be judged by his looks.
The director looked at Huang speechlessly. He also hated that terrible show, but he had to carry on. He was under great pressure. Nobody knew his pain.
Are you the troublemaker? You're lucky the final shot was finished, or I'd kill you!
Translator's Thoughts
Lan Lan
[1] It indicates infertility.
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Chapter 187: Accepting the Younger Brother
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
"Shut up! Silence! Do your f*cking work! Move! Get ready for the next scene!" The director cast a warning glance at Huang Bo.
Huang bent his head and hid behind his script. He wouldn't miss the next action scene for the world. Perhaps you're wondering why there was an action scene in that show? Keep watching to find out!
Pingr was torn by grief. She intended to commit suicide with the scissors on the table, but Jia Lian seized the scissors and shouted, "No! I'll die with you!" The two of them started wrestling together, fighting over the scissors.
Huang's tiny eyes were shining with laughter. It looked like he was farting.
Wang Xifeng was shocked. "Second Master, calm down! Look at the bigger picture!"
"You look at the f*cking bigger picture! You are always blocking the view from me!" Jia Lian couldn't seize the scissors from a girl, so the three of them ended up wrestling together. What a mess it was!
"Okay!" the director shouted. He ran outside immediately, as if relieved from a heavy load. Huang was still laughing.
Annoyed, Qin Guan took off his gown and told Huang, "My work is done for today. I'll be free for several days. You have no lines left. What's your plan?"
Huang grinned and said in a self-mocking tone, "I'll just be waiting for notices. I have to stay in the area and look for new opportunities."
Qin Guan had a flash of inspiration. He pulled Huang with him and walked towards Sister Xue, who was standing sleepily by the set. He wanted to introduce them to each other. That way, Sister Xue wouldn't starve when he left.
He made a mutual introduction, which surprised them both.
Huang was thinking, "Should I get an agent? It's too early. Does an extra even need an agent?"
Sister Xue was thinking to herself, "What a joke! No brand will hire such a short boy as a model. And look at his face!"
After negotiating, Sister Xue had agreed to remain Qin Guan's agent until he left for the US. Then he wouldn't need to worry about the film or TV circle anymore.
Qin Guan just wanted Sister Xue to give Huang a chance. The final outcome would depend on his talent.
The shepherd didn't care about the number of the sheep after all. Besides, the new sheep was obviously a wild goat, so he would be much easier to deal with than Qin Guan.
Sister Xue learned about figurant auditions from several crew members and made a tight schedule for Huang. She was unprecedentedly satisfied with his admiring expression.
Compared to picky Qi Guan, Huang was by far the better actor. He was afraid of neither hardship nor fatigue. Besides, he asked for very little in a play. He was happy with one line or a close-up of his face. Could he become my next source of money in the future?
In the flourishing film and TV industry, there were many similar groups doing business on their own. Neither Qin Guan nor Huang were famous at the time though, and big companies held such small fish in contempt.
They had no desire to sign a contract with Sister Xue, so she and Qin Guan had been free and unfettered for a long time. Those wonderful days would be gone though, as Qin Guan's advertisements were aired on all TV channels.
The pharmacy plant had invested a large amount of money in promotion, and the other two famous brands had done the same.
The TV audience thought this was a strange phenomenon. Whenever they turned on their TV, no matter the channel, they would see that handsome boy.
"Xianqu Biscuits, your best choice!"
In the evening, a housewife saw the advertisement during the break of a cooking program. On the screen, Qin Guan was fighting with a cute dog over a package of biscuits.
The woman swallowed her saliva as her tiny dog barked at the TV.
"Okay! We'll go to the supermarket after supper and buy those biscuits!"
The dog lay down on the floor again silently. Not long after, the woman stood up and prepared to go out. "Still hungry? Let's have a snack first!"
...
Another woman was watching her favorite health program, when she saw a snotty boy on the screen.
"Poor boy! He should go to the hospital at once!"
In one second, Qin Guan had already recovered and he was smiling at her, holding the XXX medicine.
Absorbed in thought, the woman stood up and decided to buy the medicine. It seems to have a good effect! Don't judge it only by an advertisement, woman!
It was late at night, and a young white-collar woman was lying down on the couch. She looked exhausted. Overcome by boredom, she turned on the TV to watch a midnight series. Suddenly, a naked handsome young man appeared on the screen.
She cheered up at once. Sitting up, she fixed her eyes on the screen.
Qin Guan was in the shower. Water drops were flowing along the sexy muscles of his back and down to his slender waist. Qin Guan wiped the water from his face and turned around, facing the audience.
It was a high-definition ad. The blue veins on the woman's hand, the one that was holding the remote, popped up.
"Turn around! Turn around!" Chest. Abdominal muscles. The Adidas body wash. "I love sports, but I also love taking a shower afterwards. Adidas body wash, the right choice!"
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Chapter 188: Becoming Famous
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
F*cking body wash! She threw the controller at the couch angrily. Tomorrow I'll buy it! Who said sports body wash is only for men? Who?
Finally, Qin Guan had become famous. His advertisements were everywhere. Of course, the audience didn't remember his name, but it was familiar with his striking face.
J clothing and LEE jeans were doing good on sales, and so was ELLE clothing, which had published a photo of Qin Guan on its back cover. The brands who had invited Qin Guan to their shows could also show off to their distribution partners.
Qin Guan's status in the modelling circle was upgraded to somewhere between B+ and A-. The director of the Marketing Department at New Silk Road was in a really good mood. A rising star would promote the image of the whole company.
The offers for advertisements, runway shows and printed media came one by one. His phone nearly exploded from ringing 24/7. The audience had made its decision.
Other big 4A advertising companies rushed over. Very seldom could a face be remembered by the audience like that, let alone a face that belonged to a male model.
Film companies, who always observed the events in the entertainment circle, also took action.
A guy that 30% to 40% of the audience was familiar with was extraordinary even for them. Qin Guan was more famous than their second level stars. They could never let such a talent slip away.
Sister Xue's phone kept ringing from early morning till late night.
They wanted to have an interview, take photos, invite Qin Guan to fashion shows, or sign a contract with him. Sister Xue was very annoyed.
That was only one side of reality though. Meanwhile, a terrible rumor was spreading on the internet.
"The most handsome actor in period dramas was originally a model." That was the gossip going around.
"I have a catalogue of Qin Guan's photos!" Fans had made a film using Qin Guan's videos and photos.
"Qin Guan is a senior here!" This was a post from a traitor from college. In a short time, the posts about Qin Guan reached the top of the Haijiao Forum.
It was the first time Qin Guan felt annoyed by his fame. The students at his college knew him well, so he was under observation all the time.
Putting on sunglasses and a cap, Qin Guan met the real estate agent in secret. He sighed in relief. It was a wise decision to buy a car in advance. Otherwise, I would not be able to escape from college. They keep gossiping about everything. They follow me everywhere and share their experience online with other fans.
The attitude of the agent had changed completely. I have served a star. Although he was only an advertisement star, it was enough for him to show off to his other clients.
I'm Qin Guan's exclusive agent. He bought more than ten houses from me. That sounds really powerful and professional!
He put a pile of paperwork on the desk. He had gone through every street and hutong, distributed leaflets, and fought with the neighborhood committees, all for Qin Guan.
In 10 days, he had found eight small houses of different structures in different areas. He had also gotten the phone numbers of the owners. That day, he would show Qin Guan everything.
They walked around an area with one-storey houses. The houses there had grey walls and seemed very old.
Qin Guan entered a small house. At first glance, he saw bed sheets, clothing and diapers hanging on a clothesline in the yard.
The agent led Qin Guan through all the blocks. Finally, they reached the house furthest to the right. Before he took out the key, an old woman stopped him. She was cleaning vegetables right next door.
"Hey, young man. Where are you from? Why are you going into Zhang's house?"
"I'm an agent, madam. The owner has hired me to sell the house. This is a buyer."
The old woman was surprised. She put down the vegetables and stood up. "Aha! You're that boy from the advertisements! The medicine, the biscuits... I've watched them all!"
Qin Guan smiled.
The old woman cheered up. He is more handsome than he looks in the advertisements. I should help him so he doesn't lose any money.
She followed them into the house in high spirits. She was afraid that Qin Guan might be cheated by the agent.
It was a small house with only one bedroom and a living room. In fact, it was just one room divided by a wall. The kitchen was in the yard, and the washing room was outside. There was nothing much to see.
The room was facing east and west, and it was around 30 square metres. It would be a good residence for a single man.
The old woman thought Qin Guan would leave in disappointment. The agent looked nervous as well.
"How much is it?" Qin Guan asked.
"4,000 yuan per square meter. More than 120,000 in total."
"Okay, deal! Show me the next one!" The other two were shocked. You're buying a house after only one glance? You should bargain, or try to look for shortcomings!
By the time the old woman came back to her senses, they had already left.
"That boy is so generous. Lao Zhang is really lucky! He got rid of that shabby house!"
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Chapter 189: Negotiation
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
It took them less than an hour to go through the whole area.
There were eight houses on sale. The total area was about 500 square metres, and the unit prices ranged between 3,500 yuan to 4,200 yuan. Qin Guan actually bought them all!
The total amount was two million, which was enough to buy three houses in the city.
The agent was over the moon. After that last round, Qin Guan signed the contract in satisfaction.
The agent was mad with joy. If he added his commission that month and Qin Guan's bonus, he had made a big fortune!
Besides, Qin Guan had entrusted the leases of all eight houses to him. Houses in that area were popular in the house-renting market.
Hiding behind his desk, the agent opened the envelope with his bonus excitedly. Judging by its thickness, there had to be at least 1,000 yuan in it. Good, new 10-yuan bills. That's why it was so thick...
Qin Guan was finally relieved. He didn't need to do anything anymore. He just had to wait till Wanda started its business in 2004. Then his money would be multiplied by six.
My capital was limited. Otherwise, I would have invested more.
In the summer, the sun was shining fiercely in the capital and in Sister Xue's heart, who was now addressed respectfully as 'Sister' in the modelling circle.
In the past few years, there had been many female models springing up, but male models were as rare as pandas. The combination of an informal agent and an independent model had shocked everyone in the circle.
Reviewing Qin Guan's past, they discovered that as a green hand, he had participated in top shows and received positive evaluations. Thanks to his fame in the entertainment circle, Qin Guan had also become popular in the domestic modelling circle.
Sister Xue was meeting with delegates from film companies in her private meeting room at New Silk Road.
"Impossible! You're really stingy about sharing profits! I won't sign a contract with you!"
One of the delegates knocked on the contract in dissatisfaction. "Two of a trade can never agree. It's common sense. But you invited us here, you cunning woman! You have the perfect model, so you make all the calls!"
"We should just put all the terms on the table. That way, you can choose the best option. As long as you're satisfied, we have nothing to complain about. You are Qin Guan's exclusive agent after all."
"But she's saying no to everything! Are you kidding?"
Sister Xue forced a smile and picked up her pack of cigarettes. "Would you mind?"
The men also took out their cigarettes with a nervous expression. "Not at all."
Everyone started smoking together.
Sister Xue blew some smoke out before sighing. "I know your terms are as favorable as possible for us, but do you know what my share was at the beginning?"
"80 percent?"
"70 percent?"
"60 percent? Couldn't have been lower than that."
"30 percent! 30 percent for me and 70 for him!"
Everyone was stunned. The cigarettes nearly burnt their fingers. Impossible! They immediately felt sympathetic towards Sister Xue. They now shared the bitter hatred of a common enemy.
Sister Xue started telling them about her woes, "He took only part-time jobs in his spare time. He refused to sign a long-term contract. He didn't accept plays outside the capital for fear of them affecting his courses. He denied longer plays or roles for the same reason..."
The delegates were feeling more and more sorry for Sister Sue. Misfortune always narrowed the gap between people. Sharing one's miserable experiences with others brought people close and strengthened the friendship between them.
Silence prevailed in the meeting room. No company could meet Qin Guan's demands.
He had been born an independent guy, but this was like waiting for food to start falling from the sky.
As a rising green hand, one could not set such strict terms on their contract. They had to compromise in order to become a superstar.
Sister Xue saw the opportunity and grabbed it.
"I know why you are all so eager to sign a contract with Qin Guan. I know him very well. He is an amazing model, but you must be wary of him. I promise that, as long as he is my model, he will cooperate with you whenever you need him, provided that the schedule is okay. The pay will also be reasonable. Don't worry, we won't play any dirty tricks when competing for roles, or seize main roles in plays with larger investments. Now, there's some good news. Qin Guan is a great student at college. He will go abroad in two years. Don't be afraid. Actors can see a clear sky after a cloudy soon. Be tolerant!"
The delegates burst into tears. The one from H. Brothers was the most inconsolable.
According to his boss, he had to sign a contract with Qin Guan at any cost.
What will I do now? I achieved my goal without doing anything. I should stop wasting time here. I should go back and report everything to my boss!
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Chapter 190: Dedicating Oneself to the Motherland
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
By the time they left, they had already become good friends and exchanged information with each other. When they were all gone, Sister Xue fell back against her chair and began beating her chest and stamping her feet.
She was really jealous of the contracts, which provided favorable enough terms for a second level star. I'm treating you fairly, Master Qin. I could have sold you at a high price just now, but I didn't.
The bosses were calm when they received the reports, but they suspended several actors. Good luck to them. They had to depend on their own skills now.
Qin Guan's refusal was a symbol of pureness in the entertainment circle. Some actors, who were frustrated with their talent, finally saw the light.
Qin Guan was chatting with Huang Bo, who was about to get a bonus that day. His character would commit suicide soon.
As an NPC, Huang Bo was sitting by the road, watching the final scene between Qin Guan and the protagonist.
Qin Guan was wearing a black gown and shining golden armor and sitting in a cave where treasure was buried. Huang wanted to ask if Qin Guan was a close relative of the prop master. His costume was the best one in the whole play.
Holding the order flag with both hands, Qin Guan sat up before Chen Youliang's [1] deadee.
The director zoomed in on his sad face. The cameraman was speechless. This is discrimination.
The director had his own reasons. The audience ratings would be raised by 0.01. That was the truth. The biscuits advertisement, where Qin Guan's face had occupied the whole screen, had seemed like a makeup advertisement.
"Camera!"
Qin Guan read his lines in a heart-breaking tone. "My lady, the young lord has betrayed you. I have the order flag, but I'm powerless." He closed his eyes in grief and indignation.
Disregarding his sorrow, Consort Shu criticized Gao loudly.
Qin Guan stared at her in disappointment.
"I had originally planned on killing Zhu Di, but he died. I can drop the idea of becoming queen forever now!"
Qin Guan closed his eyes, tears falling down.
Huang Bo was shocked. What a wonderful actor! He cries so naturally. Qin Guan continued speaking.
"Gao Fuming, return with me and admit your guilt," the heroine tried to convince him.
Qin Guan laughed crazily. Huang was learning from him.
Everyone had a good opinion of Qin Guan. Gao was a loyal man, but he had a really stupid master.
Qin Guan laughed miserably before he said loudly, "I am a patriot, and I'm loyal to the throne. You should be feeling guilty. You are the one who betrayed our country!"
By then, the assistants and script girls watching Gao Fuming had tears in their eyes. They could feel the extreme despair of failing to dedicate oneself to one's country.
Qin Guan cried before the deadee, "My Lord, I'm coming! I'll die with everlasting regret!"
He threw the order flag up to the sky, took out his sword, and touched his neck with the sharp blade.
All the shots were close-ups, without exception.
Qin Guan supported his body with the sword as he kneeled before the deadee. His eyes were wild, and his armor was shining. This was the last glory of his miserable life.
As one girl stopped crying, another one started. The director waited for a long time before he shouted, "Okay!" The cameraman cast another supercilious look at him.
Qin Guan stood up on his aching knees. Huang Bo walked up to him.
"Hey, bro. Wonderful acting! You started crying just in time!"
Qin Guan looked around and whispered to Huang, "I'll tell you my secret. You can have tears in your eyes in ten seconds."
"Just close your mouth and take a deep breath through your nostrils. Just like a yawn. Don't open your mouth though."
Huang did as Qin Guan told him.
"Hold up and blow out slowly through your nostrils, just like holding in a yawn. Your nose feels sour, right? Tears must be on the corners of your eyes now!"
"If you want the tears to start flowing, just repeat the process." Huang listened carefully. It's so simple! It's much easier than triggering my emotions!
Sister Xue smirked in disdain. Lazy guys like Qin Guan used their high IQ to come up with tricks. He must have thought really hard about this one.
After sharing his secret with Huang, Qin Guan tried to take off his armor. "What are you doing?" the assistant director asked him.
"My part is over. I have to go to another filming studio." The female servants were all waiting for him.
"You have to play the corpse!"
Qin Guan put on his helmet again speechlessly. Who added that part? Why not something better? I know your plan! You just want to shoot my face! I don't care as long as you pay me!
Huang wanted to laugh again, but he held his laughter back. He had to ask Qin Guan for a lift to the next studio.
Translator's Thoughts
Lan Lan
[1] Chen Youliang (1320-1363) was one of the leaders of the peasant uprising at the end of the Yuan Dynasty.
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