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hapter 211: A Gaffer Named Wenwen
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
The bean curd jelly was steaming in the marmite. The marinade made of mutton chops, dried mushrooms, soybean sauce and starch, as well as the slightly parched sesame baked roll, made it extremely delicious.
Qin Guan scooped up a block of bean curd jelly, and poured a spoonful of sauce and some capsicol on it. Then he stuck it in his mouth. It was so good!
While he was eating, he recited an ancient poem about bean curd jelly. Sister Xue and Huang Bo watched him with a horrified expression, sesame seeds dropping from their mouths.
Was he sad about those directors? Did he think he would never appear on the large screen?
Don't get discouraged. Indie films might not be for you, but there's always commercial films.
If Qin Guan hadn't been planning on going abroad, Sister Xue would have taken him to Hong Kong to act in commercial films.
"What are you doing, Qin Guan? Why are you reciting poems? Are you okay?" Huang Bo asked him kindly.
Qin Guan shook his head disappointedly. Then he told the busy woman at the stand, "Your dishes are really authentic!"
Qin Guan was her most handsome customer in years, so she was pleased by his approval. She wiped her hands on her apron proudly.
"It's an ancestral skill. My grandmother taught me so I could support my family."
She picked up the iron scoop and added a full scoop in Qin Guan's marmite. "Have some more if you like it. My treat."
Huang Bo was surprised. I want more too! "Fill my marmite!" he told the woman.
"No problem!"
A scoop of bean curd jelly and tasty sauce was poured into his bowl.
Huang couldn't believe it until they left.
"It's so unfair! A handsome guy can have a free lunch, but she charged me for two bowls!"
Sister Xue patted his hair to comfort him. The Cherokee roared to life, and they left the plant district.
No one knew whether this would be the cradle of the two young actors, but a small fire had been lit. Time would help it burn through the wilderness.
Now let's go back to the World Cup, the sole focus in Qin Guan's dormitory.
On August 31st, 2001, the second phase of the preliminary competition began in Muscat. It was not only a celebration for Chinese soccer players, but also the final party of the six roommates before they became seniors.
Taking advantage of his job, Qin Guan took them to the rooms on the third floor of the Fruit & Candy club. The director welcomed them warmly, opening the door for them.
Qin Guan was too embarrassed to ask Bu Qinglu to use the VIP lounges on the fourth, fifth and sixth floor.
It was excessive enough for them to enjoy the free service on the third floor.
His roommates didn't see themselves as outsiders though. Before the competition began, they started singing songs to amuse each other.
As a loyal friend, Wang Lei accompanied Qin Guan to the drinks market to get some beer. There was an open buffet in the hall and a drinks market nearly 100 square metres big. Guests could take whatever they wanted.
Expensive red wine was on the drink menu, but ordinary drinks were in the supermarket. This was both for the convenience of the clients and for saving money. It was like killing two birds with one stone.
Qin Guan took a small handcart and walked to the beer shelf. Suddenly, Wang Lei pulled at his clothes.
"What's the matter?" Wang Lei didn't say anything. He just pointed at the French glass windows across from them.
Tens of girls were leaning against the glass, staring at Qin Guan with wide eyes. They were the girls who worked at the club, whose job was to drink with customers.
Wang Lei asked Qin Guan in a low voice, "Your enemies?"
Qin Guan shivered before answering, "I have to sneak away. Take the beer and pretend you saw nothing. I'll pay you later."
Wang Lei blocked Qin Guan with his body. The girls were pulling their hair in disappointment. Qin Guan squatted down, intending to sneak back from behind the shelves.
"Alas! It's Grand Accountant Qin! He's such a rare guest here!"
Qin Guan was walking fast, his body bending down when a pair of high-heels appeared in his way.
Qin Guan looked up along the slender ankles, the legs in black silk, and the red lips that opened and closed above his head.
"Brother Qin, you are really a rare guest. Most of the time, you just talk about business with our boss. The girls have been missing you desperately. Today I caught you though. We are free now. Have a talk with your sisters, okay?"
Qin Guan straightened his body awkwardly and patted imaginary dust off his clothes. Then he greeted her, "Sister Wenwen! What a coincidence!"
Sister Wenwen was pleased with his words. She fanned her heated cheeks before saying, "Alas! You flatter me. Each time you run when you see me, I feel like a cat chasing a mouse. Why do you look down upon your sisters? We don't bite!"
"We can't be compared to the boss' favorite girl on the sixth floor though. Lily is like a white lotus, living in the silt without getting dirty. Grand Accountant Qin also cherishes her, don't you?"
"No, no! Listen to me!" Before Qin Guan could speak, Li Jie shouted loudly from the door of the supermarket.
"Aha! You are not loyal to your brothers! You know such a beautiful girl, yet you haven't introduced her to us! Are you afraid we'd tell your girlfriend?"
Confident now thanks to Li Jie's words, Qin Guan said, "You see, I have girlfriend. That's why I have to maintain my integrity. I'm afraid I could make a mistake if stayed too long around such a hot girl like you."
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Chapter 212: Girls
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Shocked by Qin Guan's words, Wenwen cast a miraculous glance at him that enchanted Li Jie. He felt dizzy and numb.
Sister Wenwen sneered, scrunching up her nose, "Interesting! Don't be afraid. We just want a taste of a luxurious dish."
Qin Guan's face tensed up in response to Wenwen. Suddenly, Wang Lei started laughing loudly, losing his self-control.
Wenwen was not in the mood to talk nonsense with Qin Guan. She raised her eyebrow at Li Jie, who was drooling with envy by the door. "You have to satisfy the girls if you want to leave safely. If you escape and influence their mood for work, I will come after you!" she said.
"Okay, okay, as you wish. Our room is 3066. We'll be there!" Before Qin Guan could speak, Li Jie had betrayed him. He was crazy about that sophisticated lady.
Wang Lei was laughing like a madman, while Li Jie had fixed his eyes on Wenwen's breasts. Qin Guan pulled them back to their room gloomily after paying for the beer.
"Where were you?" Ye Dong opened a bottle of beer, staring at the screen.
Qin Guan spread his hands open speechlessly. Wang Lei rolled around on the leather couch. "Ha ha! The girls at the club love Qin Guan! They are lining up to see him!"
Suddenly, the door was pushed open and several girls entered, pulling and pushing each other.
"Who are you? This is our private room. We didn't ask for room service!" Liu Xiaoyang stared at them. Laughing, the girls cast several charming glances at the boy and went around him. They sat on the couch next to Qin Guan.
"I got here first, go away!"
"You go away, or I'll sit on your legs!"
The girls, who used to be close to each other, began to fight. Wang Lei laughed even louder. He was almost out of breath.
Qin Guan felt awkward. "Why aren't you on duty?" he asked. "It's peak time for guest flow."
"What's the hurry? We have to get ready before work. Some people get a refreshment, and some choose alcohol. We prefer to see you. We'll have an energetic day afterwards."
"Don't look down on us. We bought ELLE and VOGUE especially for you!" The two chief editors would have been glad to hear that.
Qin Guan resigned himself to his destiny. He sat up straight and sighed. "Come on!"
"Ha ha!" The girls stretched their hands towards Qin Guan.
Several girls held Qin Guan's face between their fingers. They pulled at his flesh before loosening their grip. "So elastic! Wonderful!"
One of them pinched his shoulder with a smile. "So strong. Just as I imagined…"
Finishing their words, the girls threw their long hair back, shook their firm butts and swayed their fair legs, walking out of the room leisurely. They didn't forget to blow the boys a kiss.
"We are the Kitty Group. Call us, boys!"
Witnessing the whole thing, Wang Lei climbed up from the couch. He found it rather hard to swallow. "What's going on? Was that all?"
Qin Guan massaged his stiff cheeks before replying, "What did you want to see? I kept hiding from them because they kept asking me about my skincare routine. They all like to touch my face. I only use ordinary facial cleanser and soap, but they didn't believe me and insisted on pinching my cheeks!"
Words couldn't express Wang's feelings. "A handsome guy like you in such an environment... They don't have any other desires? Impossible! I thought they would caress you from head to toe and do something after we left."
The beer in Qin Guan's mouth was sprayed on Wang's head.
"Wonderful story, bro! You think my looks make me that lucky?"
Wang calmly wiped the beer off with a towel. "Why are you always spraying things out? It's like Wenwen said. You nourish their minds."
"That's just for fun. Those girls are practical. They prefer other customers, because they get tips. Romance? Are you kidding?"
Li Jie immediately argued, "You're wrong. Every girl is thirsty for love. They are all the same. They deserve sincere emotions."
Qin Guan nodded repeatedly. "Right! I like your idea. I'll help you with girls, so long as you don't fall in love with Wenwen."
Before Li Jie could contradict him, the door was pushed open again. "Brother Qin, Sister Wenwen has something to tell you." Some unfamiliar girls had appeared at the door.
Qin Guan answered, "The match will begin soon. Ask her to wait until it's over."
The girls were disappointed. They looked at Qin Guan's cheeks, reluctant to part from him. Then they left, closing the door behind them.
"The first half of the match is about to begin. We are now in Muscat, where the temperature is just right for the game..."
Liu Xiaoyang, who was always anxious to see the world in disorder, turned off the microphone and sat back on the couch, watching the TV. "Why don't you go?" he asked Qin Guan. "What if it's an emergency?"
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Chapter 213: The Green Tea Bitch and White Pond Lily
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Qin Guan shook his head, drinking some beer. "You have no idea how Wenwen is. The club is arranged in good order. Troublemakers will be dealt with by the guards. The managers in charge of different floors will handle any guests who refuse to pay. The disputes among girls will be settled by Wenwen. What does she have to tell me? I'm too afraid to get into trouble."
The shining screen attracted their attention. There was food, drinks and a soccer match. They didn't care about other people's affairs.
They were concentrated on the fierce match, when the door was suddenly pushed open again. Mou Xiaoliu waved at Qin Guan, who was holding a green soy bean in his mouth. "Hurry, Senior Qin!"
Qin Guan raised his eyebrows and left the room. His roommates glanced at him before turning back to the match.
Before he could ask Mou what was going on, the girl pulled his arm and headed for the elevator. Qin Guan staggered alongside her.
"Hey, take it easy! I'll come with you. Just tell me what's the matter."
Mou Xiaoliu stuck Qin Guan inside the elevator. She pressed the button for the sixth floor and let out a long breath.
"Boss Wang is beating a guy to death. Boss Bu is not in today. You're the only one in the club who can talk to him."
The door to the sixth floor opened slowly. Qin Guan walked to the office at the end of the corridor and asked Mou, "What is Da Niu doing? Just get him!"
Mou wasn't quite clear on the exact situation. She just shook her head. Qin Guan sped up towards the office.
It was silent inside the room. Wang Hailiang was sitting in his chair with Da Niu and another strong man standing behind him.
A man was lying on his stomach on the floor. Alive or dead, nobody knew. Lily was in a white dress, squatting down beside him and sobbing. She looked like a pear blossom bathed in the rain.
Wenwen was wearing red clothes, an infinite flirtatious expression on her face. She was standing nearby and watching the scene with pleasure.
Wang Hailiang was panting heavily as he stared at his favorite girl. Ever since Lily had come for an interview, he had fallen in love with her.
She had been assigned to the sixth floor right from the beginning. She didn't have a tough time, nor did she have to drink wine with other guests, and she got paid just as much as a gaffer. She would also get gifts from Wang frequently.
In his mind, he had treated her quite well, yet she had dared betray him with another man. It was unbelievable.
People thought he was a tiger without teeth and paws ever since he had started a formal business.
Lily kept crying, covering her face. Her slender shoulders were trembling. She tried to explain in a weak, helpless voice, "Trust me, Brother Liang. I didn't betray you."
Wang kicked a shelf right in front of her in a rush. "B*tch! I'm not blind anymore! If I was, it was only because of your butt and your talent in the shack!"
Qin Guan saw the clouds of misfortune gather above his head. Mou Xiaoliu is so stupid! Why did she ask me to come here? This is below me!
Qin Guan noticed that the man lying on the floor was breathing. Nobody died. I can still run.
Somebody wanted him to stay though. The sharp-eyed Wenwen had seen his attempt right away. She smiled and said, "It's not my fault, Lily. Why did you do it? For money? Boss Wang is rich, and he's a passionate lover. I'm really jealous of your luck."
"Was it for looks? That Adonis is nothing compared to Brother Qin. You should at least find a guy like Brother Qin if you're going to betray our boss." Thanks to Wenwen, Wang Hailiang noticed Qin Guan, who was about to run. He waved at him before turning to Lily. "She's right! Look at my brother! That's a real Adonis! Now look at the idiot on the floor! This is insulting!"
His guards smirked. Boss, we rely on you to make a living. To tell you the truth though, that handsome guy could get any girl. Why would he take a fancy to your Lily?
Wang's words inspired Lily, who wiped her tears away and looked at Wang with the most innocent expression. With quivering lips, she murmured, "Why don't you trust me, Brother Wang? I have been with you for such a long time. You should know how moral I am by now..."
Wang felt an electric current shock his forehead.
"As you said, Brother Qin is way better. Whenever he was in your office though, I would leave right away. I have never said anything to him on my own initiative like Wenwen and the other girls. Never! That's a testament to my loyalty."
Considering his limited cranial capacity and the electric current going through his head, Wang was muddled. He was thinking over the matter again. Did I treat her unjustly?
Wenwen was calm. She had been spying on Lily for a long time ever since she'd found out about the affair. She was well-prepared.
Slowly, she said, "Then how do you explain the scene just now? All the sisters in the club saw it."
Lily's brain was functioning like crazy. Half-blushing and half-grumbling in a flirtish manner, she cast a glance at Wang and said sadly, "I thought he was Brother Wang. He always liked role-playing. It was so dark in the room. Besides... Brother Wang, say something!"
Wang had calmed down. He was recalling all the role-playing games he liked best. She's right. It was so dark in that room that one wouldn't have been able to see their own hand. If the man didn't speak, Lily couldn't have known it was someone pretending to be me.
He waved at his subordinates and said something in a low voice. The man on the floor was carried out.
Lily glanced at the man fast without saying anything. Silence prevailed.
Qin Guan looked at Wenwen in confusion. She must have been the one who had orchestrated that drama. How had she caught Lily's lover though?
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Chapter 214: Shareholder
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Why had she stopped on the verge of victory?
Wenwen smiled gently at Wang. She was like a bloody rose, bright but dangerous.
"Boss Wang seems to have made his final decision. I'll get back to work. I have no time to waste."
She walked out of the office, swaying on her red heels. Wang glanced at her butt and shivered, swallowing his saliva.
Lily looked at Wang pathetically. She smiled in relief when he stretched his hand out towards her.
They hugged, acting as if no one else was present. Qin Guan coughed awkwardly. "Brother Wang, is there anything else? I have to go."
Wang Hailiang was too busy to pay attention. He gestured and everyone disappeared on the spot.
On the third floor, Mou Xiaoliu was waiting awkwardly to apologize to Qin Guan. Qin Guan just smiled gently and warned her, "Don't meddle here. Remember, you work here only for the money! Beware of people who want to use you."
Mou nodded tamely and disappeared at the end of the corridor.
Qin Guan didn't speak until she left. "Come out!" he told Wenwen, who was standing around the corner, before putting his hands in his pockets.
Wenwen smiled gently as she walked up to him. "You are one of the few clever guys in this company. So is Brother Bu."
Qin Guan looked at her doubtfully. "That was so anticlimactic! That's not your style. What are you planning?"
"Men are always fooled by women's tears. The truth was right before his eyes, yet he was still deceiving himself. I won't waste any more words on him. Tomorrow I'll bring evidence. It'll be interesting to see what the little lamb will say."
"What did you do, sister?"
"That's none of your business. I originally wanted to use you to uncover the truth. You are the most reliable person in their minds after all. It's a pity that you escaped. If you are not helping though, then you don't need to know anything." She walked to the bar without looking back.
"Hey! Is it even worth it for such a man?" She had disappeared before his voice had even faded away.
Qin Guan returned to his room in a bad mood. Even the two goals the Chinese team scored couldn't arouse his interest. An end should be put to that accident. Good luck to them all!
Murphy's Law had worked.
On the first day of his senior year, Qin Guan received an angry call from Bu.
"Qin Guan! Something has happened! Don't ask questions! Just come over immediately!"
Qin Guan hung up right away and drove to the club. What on earth happened? Did my presentiment come true?
Qin Guan parked and locked his car before climbing up the fire ladder to the office in a hurry.
The three steel safes on the wall seemed to be laughing at the stupid guys in the room. They were empty except for some useless invoices and contracts.
"How much was taken?" Qin Guan asked directly.
Bu Qinglu looked up at him. "Several million. It was payment day today."
"Are there any savings in your accounts?"
"We repaid our debt."
Qin Guan covered his face helplessly. "I have told you countless times to deposit the money! Now it's all gone!"
Wang Hailiang's blue veins heaved on his forehead. He jumped up and shouted, "That b*tch! She took my money! I'll catch her though!"
Bu sighed and tried to comfort him, "I've sent men after her. She won't escape. The most important thing is for us to deal with the matter at hand. I have to pinch and scrape and calculate in every way. Our brothers who got paid back thought we were bankrupt. Now I need another million for the employees' salaries."
Qin Guan sighed in relief at the sum. "I could lend that amount to you for your immediate needs. I made a small fortune not long ago. It's for my studies abroad, so I'm not using it at present."
Bu hugged Qin Guan and patted him on the back. "My good brother. I live on XX, XXX Road in the Haidian District. I'll return the sum to you in two months."
Qin Guan struggled out of his embrace and grinned. "I don't need your money. Just add me to the shareholders of the company. It could be considered an investment. Ha ha!"
"You beat me! I had been planning on pulling you onto our boat anyway. As you like to say, no pain, no gain. Now that you're rich, you've gotten greedy, huh?" Bu Qinglu relaxed and teased Qin Guan.
It was better to have him join in. He and Wang were unrestrained men, so it was worth it to have Qin Guan join them with such a small share.
When Qin Guan went abroad, they could contact each other through email.
Wang didn't look happy about the good news. He was still lying on the couch just like he had been when Qin Guan had entered the room.
They heard some steps up the stairs. Wenwen was standing at the door in a close-fitting black dress.
Wang's lifeless eyes flashed. "Wen... Wenwen, why are you here?"
Wenwen sneered coldly and threw a mini recording pen at his bare head. "No reason. I wanted to show you evidence of your sweetheart's affair, but it seems unnecessary now!"
She was about to turn around and leave, when Wang pulled her back from behind.
Bu Qinglu and Qin Guan closed their mouths awkwardly. There must be a story here. We'd better leave.
The door was closed. Wenwen's voice could be heard indistinctly from inside, half-grumbling and half-struggling. "What are you doing? Do you know who really cares about you? Yes, yes..."
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Chapter 215: A Porch Light
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
"Eavesdropping is immoral, Bu! Make some room for me, or I'll calculate our share on the original investment. F*ck! You have no idea what that even means!"
They were eavesdropping on the drama inside happily. It should have been called "Beauty and the Beast".
Life was dramatic. The right person in one's heart might not be truly the right one. A real soulmate might have been by one's side all along.
It's the one waiting for you in the darkness, during your loneliest time. The one who is always there when you're tired or covered in dust.
On his way back, Qin Guan sighed with emotion. Life kept playing jokes on them, and one of them was on him.
It had only been a few days since the semester had begun, but Qin Guan's roommates were already behind on everything. They were not in the right mood to appreciate the freshman girls. Graduation day was drawing near, leaving them with little time to spare.
Cong Nianwei informed Qin Guan about their training class, which was the first step for studying abroad.
Qin Guan had to take time off to attend an evening party. Actually, he was rather disgusted by such activities, so he tried his best not to go. Unfortunately, his popularity was much higher than before, and his presence or absence would be noticed.
That was a drawback of being a rising model.
If Qin Guan wanted to stay in the circle, there was one kind of party that he had to attend, the public relations parties of his 4A advertising company. That company brought him the most profits anyway.
It was not one 4A company, but 10 4A companies all over the capital who were holding that party together.
If a model like Qin Guan dared to turn down the invitation, he would be kicked out of the advertising industry.
Qin Guan put up with Sister Xue's chattering as he changed into his first customized suit in a famous tailor shop in Wangfujing.
It was a black traditional two-piece European-style suit with a French shirt and a black bowtie. Combined with the right silver Hermes sleeve buttons, he looked like a British nobleman.
As Qin Guan got in his precious Cherokee, Sister Xue smacked her lips in disappointment. Qin Guan's car did not match his outfit.
He looked like a gentleman who intended to ride a four-horse European carriage to an extravagant evening ball, but had hijacked a Chicago gang ride instead.
When they arrived at the parking lot of the club, that feeling only increased.
The parking lot was as bright as day with shining lights. It was time for it to wake up.
Luxurious Benz and Audi cars parked together were common. Occasionally, there would be a petit Mini Cooper as soft and gentle as its female owner.
Sister Xue silently parked the Cherokee on the edge of the lot. Its style and taste didn't match the party well.
She entered the club according to the instructions on the invitation. Miss Etiquette showed her around, giving her some general information about the private club.
The club definitely deserved to be the venue of that evening party, as the arrangement and taste there complimented the style of people engaging in the fashion industry.
There was an elegant, dazzling dance hall and an exquisite self-service buffet. The most intimate element though was the cabinets especially designed for couples.
Talented businessmen could have red wine and experience the tea ceremony, as well as a private model performance and a relaxing spa. No one could doubt the place's charm.
As soon as they entered the hall, Qin Guan and Sister Xue walked up to the director of A.M. It was a sensible move, as this was Qin Guan's clique. As their new exclusive model, he had to register with them first.
Sister Xue presented her powerful communicative model. Qin Guan just needed to talk about his professional attainments and give them his most charming smile.
The director of A.M was smiling so hard that his face looked as wrinkled as a chrysanthemum. After all, the companies had similarities in their abilities and clients, which prevented them from being compared to each other.
They could only show off about their performance and resources. As part of the human resources of A.M, Qin Guan was the best asset they could display.
Right before Qin Guan had arrived, the director had watched the boss of Long Teng show off to their common clients about his capable model, Shao Xiaobing. Now his best model was there too. Let's compare!
Qin Guan was pushed into the crowd. He and Shao looked at each other silently for a long time. People engaging in the ad industry and brand businessmen were surrounding them, looking as if they were picking Chinese cabbages in the morning market.
There was no pursuit of beauty in the eyes of businessmen, only value and profit.
Beijing was no romantic Paris, avant-garde Milan, or competitive New York. The capital was burgeoning, brisk and ready to start a great career. It rushed into the surging international financial world, leaving the original mysterious sense of beauty behind it.
Cups were raised as light and shadow interweaved. The guests got gradually intoxicated during the charming feast and forgot about their original topics.
Qin Guan sighed in relief. He was standing by a giant glass wall, looking at the busy streets of the East Third Ring under the cloud-kissed mansion.
Suddenly, a naughty kid ran fast by him. In a trance, Qin Guan recalled a time one year ago, when a concert of cicadas and crickets could still be heard at night in the capital. Now there was only a chorus of trumpets and big crowds.
People were anxious, seeking quick success and instant rewards.
This new exploration of fashion, film and TV would be smashed by Hollywood.
Only the generation of directors in that old warehouse, who stuck by their dreams, would light up a porch light in the dark night.
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Chapter 216: The Mystery Woman
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Qin Guan was holding a round glass, a light yellow liquid bubbling inside it.
He was standing by the window, the dazzling light in the hall casting shadows around him.
"I didn't think you'd attend a business party," Shao said from behind him.
Qin Guan didn't look back, but he left some space by the window for Shao. A pair of shining black leather shoes came into his line of sight. A bottle of champagne was placed on the sill.
"Do you know who they are?" Shao took a sip of champagne.
Qin Guan shook his head. He turned around, following Shao's finger. They watched everyone make toasts, greet each other, kiss and dance in the hall, leaving the twinkling neon lights behind them.
"20 percent of them are directors and senior executives of the top 10 4A companies, and 60 percent are ad and PR representatives of big brands. The rest are related media."
"The party attracted nearly everyone in the advertising market in North China. Small-scale models were dying for an invitation."
Shao turned his head to Qin Guan's right. Qin Guan looked there and saw a model smiling and talking with a senior executive of an advertising company.
If his memory served right, it had to be one of the top 10 contestants of the New Face Competition.
At another table, a female model with an excellent figure and face was proposing a toast to the bosses.
Qin Guan saw the PR representatives of Liuyanghe and Lanqin among the crowd. There were also senior executives of brands famous for their taste and style, such as Citizen and Hermes, who were looking around indifferently.
Shao opened the champagne and filled his glass again.
"Are you content with yourself, Qin Guan? You and me are qualified enough to stand next to them without flattering them. Do you know why?"
"It's because of our value. We could bring a fortune to them, unlike those models who are begging for their mercy. We could make them money!"
"How do you feel? You are flattered by others. Your boss shows off with you to people. We enjoy the same treatment as superstars. It's an honor, you should be proud! Ha ha!"
Shao choked on his champagne. Qin Guan took the bottle and poured the liquid in his own glass. He had nothing to say to his insane rival.
Shao grinned. He looked up with unparalleled elegance shining in his neutral expression. "I'm not drunk. I've never been this sober before. One day, I'll be at the top, where no one has ever been, you or anyone else. Everyone here will worship me, without exception."
Qin Guan raised his head to finish the rest of his wine. He pointed to Shao's agent not far away before setting the glass down on the window sill.
A drop of champagne was flowing down along its bottom, sad at being abandoned by him.
Qin Guan didn't leave the party in advance, as that would have been impolite. He found a quiet place to rest instead.
With a professional smile, the staff of the club led Qin Guan to a side corridor behind the hall.
After taking a turn, they reached a secret garden.
The simple, unsophisticated gate was opened leisurely, revealing a private room with a wooden floor.
The staff member retreated and bowed. "At your service. I hope you like it. 10 minutes before the party ends, I'll come to get you."
Qin Guan nodded in satisfaction and put his hands in his pockets, only to realize that he had no cash in his new suit.
Bending forward, the staff member said sincerely, "Unlike other clubs, you don't need to pay a tip here."
Qin Guan smiled awkwardly and walked into the elegant room. He took off his shoes and put them in the shoe cabinet in the corner, stepping on the slightly cool wooden floor.
The staff member closed the gate behind him carefully.
There was a sanders table, a simple, unsophisticated tea table and a dateless ancient Chinese zither in the room, which was filled with a coiling incense smoke.
Qin Guan walked to the tea table and picked up a jar of scented tea from a well-arranged line of jars. Sitting before the tea table, he decided to make a cup of tea.
On the noisy, depressing night of the party, he enjoyed some peace in that room.
The jasmine was blooming in the hot water, dancing along with the tea leaves. What a wonderful time he was having there!
Qin Guan hang his suit jacket up on the clothing rack and loosened his cuffs and bowtie, ready to enjoy his tea.
The gate was suddenly pushed open with a bang, and a slightly drunk lady walked in, swaying while holding a cup of red wine.
Before Qin Guan could speak, the beautiful woman shook her index finger at him in a naughty way and made a silencing gesture against her lips.
She threw her high heels away and stepped on the wooden floor with bare feet. "Ouch! My silk stockings are torn!"
She looked at a small hole on the sole of her foot nonchalantly.
Qin Guan looked at the smooth, mirror-like floor and muttered to himself, "Could you find a more believable excuse?"
As he came back to reality, the woman pulled at a corner of her red skirt, intending to take off the silk stockings on the spot.
Qin Guan coughed awkwardly, reminding her that there was a man present.
The woman did not give a damn. She pulled at her skirt with one hand and waved Qin Guan over with the other. "Come help me, Qin Guan!"
Qin Guan was stunned to hear his own name. "You know me?"
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Chapter 217: Nothing About Romance
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
"Rubbish! I asked the staff to lead me to your room. I'm here for you. Help me!"
Qin Guan sat still. "Who are you? I'm confident about my memory. Forgive me, but I have never met you before. What can I do for you?"
The woman finished her wine and placed the cup on the floor. Her skirt was hanging down again.
"Hey, Qinqin. Don't be so nervous. This is not funny. You're wondering who I am?" She showed her shining ring to him. "What brand is this?"
Qin Guan glanced at it before replying, "Cartier."
"Bingo! Good eyesight! I'm Fang Meiya, the general director of Cartier in Asia. I'm lonely. Could you keep me company tonight?"
Qin Guan's eyes widened in astonishment. He had heard every word she'd said, but failed to understand them.
Before he could come back to his senses, Fang had come closer. Her flying red skirt was like a dangerous poppy.
Qin Guan gestured for her to stop and tried to persuade her, "You must be drunk. This is a tea room. Let me make you a cup of tea to sober you up."
Fang Meiya was lost in the serious expression in his eyes. She smiled again. "You deserve your status in the modelling circle. Such good taste! Is this foreplay? I'm looking forward to the real pleasure."
Qin Guan wasn't moved by her words. He picked up a bucket of green tea from the shelf and got down to business.
Fang Meiya watched the handsome young man with misty eyes. He looked like he had walked out of an ancient scroll. He was making a cup of hot tea for her, a stranger in that metropolis.
Suddenly, she was reminded of another elegant person who used to make her tea when she returned home exhausted.
Using his slender fingers, Qin Guan held the green cup up and served Fang. "It's hot. Be careful!"
Fang scanned her prey for the night from head to hoe. Qin Guan smiled calmly. "I think you got drunk and mistook me for your lover. You remind me of my girlfriend too."
Fang chuckled. She took a sip of tea and said, "Don't worry, I prefer my man to be willing so we can both experience pleasure. If there's a man willing to give up a forest for a single tree, no one will force him."
Then she put down her cup and said, "Will you accept an offer from Cartier Asia?"
Without thinking, Qin Guan answered, "Never!"
The invitation was as plain as water to him.
Fang's eyes sparkled. She looked at Qin Guan as if he was a newly-released jewel of her brand. Her smile was splendid. "You make good tea, Qinqin."
She handed him the cup, her eyes twinkling. Qin Guan accepted the cup with a smile, ignoring her fingers scratching his palm.
Fang sighed regretfully. Then she put on her high heels and blew Qin Guan a kiss. "Your agent has my business card. Call me if you want."
Qin Guan smiled bitterly as he watched her walk away.
What the hell was that? I'd better return to the hall. The party is coming to an end.
Qin Guan didn't care about the incident. Not long after going out though, Fang found another smiling model waiting for her around the corner.
"What about me? Am I qualified to spend a wonderful night with a lustful lady?"
Shao was leaning against the wall, looking at Fang with obvious desire.
Fang stopped pretending to be drunk. She walked up to Shao in a powerful, arrogant manner.
Their 20-centimeter height difference set off her petite, sweet figure. The dazzling lady was full of ambition. She raised her hand and took Shao's jaw between her fingers. Shao lowered his head.
They kissed without love or emotion, filled with authentic desire.
They parted their lips, both of them out of breath.
Fang Meiya closed her lips to spread her remaining lipstick evenly. She threw her key to Shao. "Pick me up after the party is over. The plate number is 6668. Understand?"
Shao Xiaobing wiped the red lipstick from his lips with his thumb and smiled charmingly. The key was swaying in his hand. They had a date.
Qin Guan had no idea that someone else was dying for what he had rejected. He was leaving the feast with Sister Xue and the others. His mission there was done.
Sitting on the back seat of the Cherokee, Qin Guan watched Sister Xue smoke before she started the car. They reported their achievements to each other as usual.
"Do you know how many advertisements I got? Do you know how many big brands..." Sister Xue talked non stop. Qin Guan suddenly broke in, "Sister Xue, did you lead Fang Meiya to my room?"
"What? Who is Fang Meiya?"
"Stop pretending! You don't know Cartier's agent in Asia?"
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hapter 218: My New Awesome Friend
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Sister Xue coughed awkwardly and suddenly pointed to the front with a quivering finger.
Qin Guan craned his neck from the back seat and saw Shao help Fang open her Mini Cooper. Shao sat in the driver's seat.
"How did they get together? Qin Guan, are you having an affair with her?"
"What are you talking about? Do you think I'm that kind of guy?" Qin Guan pretended to be angry.
Embarrassed, Sister Xue exhaled a cloud of smoke. "I thought she wanted to take advantage of you, like those actresses. I had no idea. That sister is really open-minded. She's from a foreign country. This is so romantic!"
Qin Guan smiled helplessly. Open-minded is an understatement. The truth would shock the audience. Fortunately, my heart is taken, or the outcome might have been different.
Neon lights were shining in the dark night. It was so late that even the moon had fallen asleep. Qin Guan crept up to his dormitory, hung his suit on a hanger and lay down on his bed.
There was a distinct difference between the noisy party and his roommates' snores. Qin Guan tried to recall some important information. Did I have the snow beef tonight? That's terrible! The mad cow disease will break out in Japan in a few days! Then what? I'm so sleepy. I should just sleep.
Another note was added to the dormitory snoring concert. This was the nature of ordinary life. The simpler, the better. His girlfriend would never laugh at him for his moderate aspirations.
Qin Guan didn't tell Cong Nianwei about the incident at the party. Most men had their secrets, and they kept them for self-protection or because they were ashamed.
Hand in hand, they arrived at the training centre in the Handian District, which had been recommended by Cong Nianwei's tutor.
In the following days, they'd have to take the TOEFL, GRE or GMAT exam and apply to American universities with their scores.
Time was pressing. Cong Nianwei had no time to waste.
Both of them were good at English. What they needed was just some training before the exams.
As the last ones to get there, they stood out among the group of students dreaming to go abroad.
As soon as Qin Guan entered the classroom, he noticed that the students were divided into two groups.
The tutor was not there, so all the students looked at the two freshmen. The leaders of each group waved at them. "Sit here!"
Silence prevailed.
"Hey, those are hillbillies over there. Steer clear of them, or they'll break your fragile hearts!" said the student on the left side, who was wearing a fashionable outfit with golden chains.
The student on the right side seemed more serious. He sneered at them, saying, "Look at their binder covers and shirts before you decide. Even money couldn't compensate for their low IQ!"
Qin Guan and Cong Nianwei looked down and saw the logos of their universities on their shirts and binder covers.
The student on the left raised his middle finger towards the student on the right. "You are a just peasant! Students of famous universities are different from each other. Look at the boy's Polo shirt and pants. Would a f*cking poor student be able to afford that?"
Smiling, Qin Guan and Cong Nianwei exchanged a glance with each other before walking to the middle of the two groups, where two calm guys were seating.
They were writing swiftly without looking up. "Rich kids are on the left side and poor students relying on scholarships are on the right."
Qin Guan pulled up the chairs in front of them and sat down. "We are neither."
The two students raised their heads to size them up.
"No wonder you didn't choose a side then. Are you going to study performance or art overseas?" the handsome guy asked Qin Guan.
The other guy stared at Cong Nianwei and said, "Maybe he's a rich second generation heir going abroad for his girlfriend. Let's not invade their privacy."
Cong Nianwei smiled and offered her hand. "Hello, I'm Cong Nianwei. This is my boyfriend Qin Guan. We'll be applying to different departments in the same university in the US. New York, as expected."
The gentle student insisted on his viewpoint, "You are from QH. Judging by your age, you have only two options: Columbia or New York University. As for your boyfriend..."
Qin Guan didn't feel offended. "My goal is MBA at Columbia."
The student was shocked. He sized them up again and shook hands with them. "He Ming. And this is Guan Jian."
The four of them shook hands with each other. The two group leaders coughed unnaturally, but remained silent.
The tutor entered the classroom and the lesson began. Cong Nianwei listened to him carefully, but Qin Guan felt that the lesson was too simple. His gifted memory was the best tool for learning vocabulary.
Cong Nianwei was jealous of Qin Guan's confidence. She was good at professional studies, but Qin Guan was talented in characters and language.
He Ming was doubtful of Qin Guan. As an international student, who had travelled all over the world with his parents, he dared not look down upon the GRE. How could that handsome guy be so confident?
The GRE full mark was 1,600, but Qin Guan was sure that he would get at least 1,100 points. TOEFL focused on speaking, listening, reading and writing. Ivy League universities set high standards for that exam.
Qin Guan began to yawn impatiently. He had originally thought there would be some kind of secret to success. Could I skip some classes?
The annoyed tutor counted the 99th yawn of the striking freshman. Pretending nothing had happened, he announced they would be taking a 15-minute break.
As soon as the tutor went out with his teaching material, Qin Guan became the center of the room. In 2001, most students would choose the US as their destination, as the country was famous for its money, freedom and dreams.
Some fashionable girls gathered around Qin Guan, attracted by his looks. Cong Nianwei's sour look didn't stop them.
"Hey, I know you! You are VOGUE's cover boy!"
"He's a model? But he's Zhang Changzhong, the toy boy from 'Daming Palace'!"
The brave girls wanted to push Cong Nianwei away and take the seat beside Qin Guan. Qin Guan stood up to protect Cong Nianwei.
"He is so tall! And he has such a nice figure!"
"Yes, he deserves to be a model! Take a photo with me!"
The girl tried to lean on Qin Guan's chest.
The leaders of the two groups were watching them happily. Qin Guan patted his desk, making everyone fall silent.
Then he pointed at Cong Nianwei and said, "This is my girlfriend. We are preparing to go abroad, just like you are. I hope we can all enjoy a good studying environment."
Guan Jian, who was sitting behind Qin Guan, kicked the spare desk beside him and said, "Lan Jin and Cui Jun, control your groups. They are too noisy."
The atmosphere was getting charged. Lan Jin, a red-haired boy, waved at the girls, indicating that they should keep a distance from the two demons.
The girls from Cui Jun's group, who had originally been watching silently, took this chance to walk away.
Qin Guan looked at Guan in appreciation. Guan grinned and said honestly, "Don't thank me. I was also annoyed." Then he buried his face in a book and fell asleep.
He Ming smiled and glanced at both sides. The two leaders bent their heads unconsciously.
Nothing else happened. It seemed that Qin Guan and Cong Nianwei had been accepted by He and Guan. No one dared speak to them on their own initiative.
Guan didn't show his face until the class was over. When he stood up, Qin Guan realized he was even taller than him.
Compared to him, He Ming looked much more preppy. They parted ways in the parking lot. One of them got in a military car with a plate number "甲A" [1], and the other got in an embassy car [2]. They drove away, leaving smoke behind them.
Translator's Thoughts
Lan Lan
[1] It means his parents were top military officers.
[2] It means he had a family of diplomats.
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Chapter 219: Weirdos Are Everywhere
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Qin Guan and Cong Nianwei exchanged a glance and shrugged. It seemed that they'd made two extraordinary friends.
Qin Guan was about to open the car door when he saw red hair poking out behind the rearview mirror.
He shouted, "Lan Jin, come out! What are you doing?"
Lan Jin came out, looking embarrassed. "I wanted to check your plate. I was just curious."
Qin Guan looked at his plate. It was 京CXXXX [1], nothing special. Lan Jin looked around him. "I thought I could discover your identity from your plate. Those two guys are showing off with their plates."
"You are swimming in deep waters, Qin Guan. With your simple plate and common car, you seem like a typical Taoist. Don't worry, I won't say a thing! Where do you live? At No. 10 Yard or at Western Hill? Yuquang Hill? Diaoyutai? Zhongnanhai?" [2]
Cong Nianwei burst into laughter. Qin Guan sniffled before replying, "I live on the Loess Plateau, where the strong winds blow [3]. Forget it, I'm no one important. Don't think too much."
Lan Jin scratched his head uncertainly, scanning Qin Guan from head to toe, "You could belong to a noble family from ancient times! Your surname is not Kong though. [4]"
Qin Guan was amused. That boy was really funny. He patted him on the shoulder and said, "You're thinking too much. We're just ordinary students. We're studying here to go abroad."
Lan Jin smiled. Dazed, he replied, "I believe you. I believe you. But who can I believe in anyway?"
Cong Nianwei covered her face. Qin Guan decided to use his mass destruction weapon, his beauty. That poor boy was brought under control at last.
Lan Jin looked around and reminded Qin Guan in a low voice, "You don't need to worry about anything if those two accept you. I admire them for everything except their financial status. By the way, which country are you going to?"
"The USA." Qin Guan and Cong Nianwei found him funny. It was interesting to talk with him.
"Aha! Destiny has tied us together. I also chose the USA. The consultant told me that I would definitely get accepted. I'm studying here only for the score."
"Which university did the consultant recommend for you?" Cong Nianwei asked.
"One in New York."
"New York University?" Qin Guan and Cong Nianwei asked in one voice.
"More or less. There's two more characters though. It's New York City College. Isn't it awful? It belongs to the city government!"
Cong Nianwei failed to answer him. Qin Guan was shameless and quick-witted though. "Yes, how awful! We may be in the same city. We should help each other. It's our destiny!"
Lan Jin clapped Qin Guan on the back and promised, "Abroad or not, we'll become good friends. Tell me if you have any difficulties." Then he pressed his key to unlock his car.
Not far away, the headlights of a Ferrari sports car flashed.
Lan Jin left, looking back at them repeatedly and murmuring to himself, "F*ck! How can his Polo shirt look so good? The spring collection my father bought me looked really ugly on me. I have to talk with him later."
The sports car roared to life and drove away. Qin Guan gestured for Cong Nianwei to get in the car. By then, another guy had run out towards him.
"What the f*ck..." Qin Guan had gotten scared. He fixed his eyes on the guy. "Cun Jun? Why are you here?"
Cui Jun smoothed his hair meticulously and told Qin Guan seriously, "I have to warn you, Qin Guan. You are dangerous now."
Looking around nervously, Cun Jun went on, "You two have yielded to power and money. You could had been accepted by our group of talented students with your high IQ and educational background. Why are you hanging around with Lan Jin and He Ming?"
Qin Guan laughed. "You're too suspicious, Cun Jun. We make friends for pleasure. Why do you insist on the different groups?"
"To be honest, those guys will embarrass Chinese people in foreign countries. They will pay rubbish universities for a diploma. We are different. We apply to the best universities and aim for scholarships. We symbolize the honor of our country."
Qin Guan shook his head. Cong Nianwei seemed impatient with the crazy boy. They both got in the car. "Tens of years ago, you would have been considered a traitor. Keep your word on the US campus."
"And which famous university did you choose?"
"Columbia, New York, Princeton... All of them. I'll pick the best one depending on their offers."
You are that much of a genius that you'll get to select one of the top 10 Ivy League universities? Qin Guan sneered and closed the door with a bang.
Smoke was blown into Cun's face while he was still complaining in the void, dark parking lot. "Hey! That's so impolite! We are classmates! You could have at least offered to give me a ride!"
Translator's Thoughts
Lan Lan
[1] The most common plate number for cars registered in Beijing.
[2] The places where the most important political leaders in China live.
[3] A famous folk song in the 1980's. Qin Guan is making a joke here.
[4] He's referring to the family of Confucius, the noblest family in China thousands of years ago.
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hapter 220: Outburst
Translator: Lan Editor: Efydatia
Cong Nianwei was out of breath from laughing. Qin Guan drove away, humming a song.
They had prepared a thesis in advance, so the training was not that interesting for them. They had originally planned on skipping most courses, but in the end they decided to continue.
Only Qin Guan was worried about his application. Cong Nianwei's tutor had applied for public funding on her behalf. Unless something terrible happened, she would be a postgraduate student at the Department of Civil Engineering at Columbia University.
Qin Guan had to try harder in his courses, as he didn't want to study at some community college in New York.
On September 11th, 2001, they entered the classroom, expecting to have fun. The course that day was "comprehensive question-spotting cram school before the exams", which sounded necessary and really interesting.
The atmosphere was friendly and warm when they got there. Seats had been reserved for them. Other students were sleeping or reading in the back, paying no attention to them.
The color of Lan Jin's hair was really attractive that day. There were blue stripes on its red canvas. The tutor went in and began his lecture.
"Now let's clarify the different question types..." Suddenly, there was noise in the corridor.
"Boy Lan! Boy Lan! Where are you? My good boy!" a voice said in anguish.
"Mum?" Lan Jin looked at his watch doubtfully. It was before 10:00 p.m. His mother, who liked to watch TV shows, should have been at home at the time.
"Mum? I'm here!" Lan Jin stood up and gestured to the tutor apologetically. He went out to find his mother.
"My dear boy! You're still alive! Come home with me! You won't study or go abroad." The portly middle-aged woman burst into tears.
"What's the matter, mum? I have to go abroad for father. I have to take over our business in the future."
"Studying! What the f*ck is that even about? I won't let you die for that. Let's go home. I'll tell your father. You can just study in China, you don't have to go anywhere."
She wiped her snot with a handkerchief and pulled her son outside.
"Mum, stop that right now! What's the matter? What happened? I have already paid the consultant!"
"Darling, come home with me. Watch the TV news. Two tall buildings in the US collapsed. Such tall buildings!"
A thought struck Qin Guan and he turned to Lan Jin. "That woman is really anxious. Something must have happened. Let's go have a look. This course is not that important."
Lan was pulled out helplessly. They heard their conversation from afar.
"How did you get here, mum?"
"My boy, I was so worried about you."
All the students returned to their seats. The tutor announced solemnly, "Classes are suspended for today. Go back and watch the news, everyone. Reconsider your applications for US universities. Dismissed!"
The classroom was in uproar. Qin Guan and the other students drifted apart without any word.
On the way to QH, Qin Guan recalled the tragedy in the US that day. Two airplanes hijacked by terrorists had dashed towards the two buildings of the World Trade Centre in New York, which had collapsed after the attack.
The other five buildings of the World Trade Centre had collapsed from the shock. Then another hijacked plane had crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, part of which had been destroyed.
2,996 people had been killed and 200 billion US Dollars had been lost. And that was only the influence on the US.
According to UN statistics, the damage to the global economy had reached 1,000 billion US Dollars.
There was also an influence to the Middle East policy and the pattern of the world, which were quite far from Qin Guan. Their prospects in the US were difficult to predict though.
After the event, even US people themselves questioned national security.
Although the US government set stricter standards for exit and entry to the country, US universities opened their arms to students from all over the world to show their sincerity in solving the problem.
How Cong Nianwei wished she could greet students with open arms and shout, "Come here! We're safe!"
Qin Guan thought he was a really lucky guy. His country was the best.
He parked the car under Cong Nianwei's dormitory building. Cong Nianwei got out, and Qin Guan waved at her and kissed her on the forehead.
"Watch the news first. Then have a good rest. Call me later."
Cong Nianwei smiled gently. "Okay."
Qin Guan didn't start his car until Cong Nianwei waved at him from the balcony. Life is fragile. The world is unpredictable. I should cherish the people close to me.
His ringing phone broke his reverie. He glanced at the screen. It was Sister Xue. Perplexed, he answered it. "Hello? What's the matter? Okay, I'll be there tomorrow."
Qu Xuemei, the chief editor of VOGUE, wanted to meet with him. After their cooperation on the cover, Qin Guan had only kept in touch with her staff. What could she want?
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