Chapter 17.1 (1/2)

Luo Zhang Wei was the chief director of the “Apostles”, and also a well-known talker in the film circle.

The toast was a long-winding speech of more than a 20-minutes, detailing the film’s early stage (intention), late-stage (publicity) and box office expectations and a mix of other things. He also had a good reputation in the circle with several influential International Film Festival awards won for best director, hence the main creative crew could only listen and give some enthusiastic applause from time to time.

But in the face of many adorations, respectful, flattery or smiley faces, there was a face that was more and more being blackened: Xiao Jia Shu, a newcomer.

To catch the auspicious time, the opening ceremony was scheduled to take place at 12:30 pm, the same time for food and the ceremony finished in the afternoon at 4. After the ceremony and once people had time to get familiar with one another, forming new relationships. They would then need to rush to the restaurant and it was already 7:30 pm at this point.

Xiao Jia Shu also wanted to smile and calmly wait for the meal, but when the stomach is empty and there’s delicious food in his face, it was impossible to cope ah! He looked at a plate of roast chicken not far away and imagined he stood up and stuffed it into the director’s mouth to stop him talking. He thought to himself, ‘Well, I feel a bit better now, and I can still bear another five minutes’.

He nodded to himself and covered his stomach, completely oblivious of Ji Mian, the Film Emperor’s glance, who was sitting across from him. Ji Mian had a strange expression on his face, as if he wanted to laugh, but was trying to control it.

“……I wish this movie big box office numbers” The director finally concluded, and the crowd began to stand up.

Xiao Jia Shu hurriedly raised the wine glass towards Huang Mei Xuan and Huang Zi Jin and then proceeded to put a piece of duck meat onto the plate. Huang Mei Xuan stealthily pulled his sleeve, but was promptly ignored. After eating a few spoonfuls of rice. He whispered, “ Huang-Jie[i], has the director not finished talking? Why are you not eating?”.

[i] Jie: elder sister

“Quickly go have a drink with the director, Ji Ge[ii] and Heng Ge”, Huang Mei Xuan persuaded Xiao as she handed him some wine.

[ii] Ge: elder brother

Shi Ting Heng and Ji Mian are the film’s male lead no 1 and no 2 respectively, and also big shots in the film industry. The younger generations should pay their respect to them and offer them a drink. Whether they drink or not is another matter.

Although Xiao Jia Shu has been abroad for many years, he was no stranger to Chinese table manners. He picked up the glass of wine and paid his respects to the director, Shi Ting Heng and Ji Mian and says the phrase “please take care[iii]”.

[iii] “please take care”: this means to hope everyone will care and take care of me in the future.

In contrast, other newcomers came to the trio in succession with toasts, pleasantries, and an endless stream of compliments as they try to curry favour. This made Xiao Jia Shu seem more arrogant and ignorant of the proper etiquette (impolite).

This gave Huang Mei Xuan some headache and she couldn’t help but look at the Young Master who was busy eating, she asked, “What are you eating?”.

“Spicy chicken ”, Xiao replied as he raised his head. His lips were red and shining, his eyes covered with a few glistening tears.

“You’re not allowed to eat spicy food! Xue-Jie said you had mouth ulcer and it hasn’t gone yet! Eat some vegetables instead!” Huang Mei Xuan said heaping some green vegetables onto his plate.