When the day’s work ended, Tang Feng left in a car accompanied by his assistant and agent without saying goodbye. After such a thing had just happened, it would be awkward and strange if he were to talk to anyone. In the end, this is still a film set, Tang Feng did not want Gino to eat his fists in full view of everyone.

Tang Feng just wanted to go back to his hotel to take a hot bath and have a good night’s sleep. Then in the morning he’d get up, eat his fill, and then beat Gino up.

Gino, what did that bastard take him as?

Tang Feng knew that Gino had some affection for him, but Gino had gone far too overboard with the things done to him today while borrowing the excuse of work, and had crossed the bottom line between them.

Even knowing the scene was well filmed, it was hard for Tang Feng to cheer up.

He was unsure if Lu Tian Chen knew what happened, after Tang Feng went back with a black face, Lu Tian Chen didn’t ask or say anything, just having a drink of wine with Tang Feng after he came out of the bathroom, then they each went back to their own separate beds to sleep.

Lu Tian Chen had been taking advantage of Charles’ being away to occasionally join Tang Feng in bed, just to hold each other or to cuddle, with at most an innocent peck on the lips. As long as Tang Feng didn’t indicate anything, Lu Tian Chen also would not casually do anything too intimate to the man.

This evening, it was obvious with a glance that Tang Feng wasn’t in a good mood, Lu Tian Chen wisely did not disturb the him.

In the middle of the night, Lu Tian Chen crawled over from his bed, lying beside Tang Feng to hold the man from behind. The half-asleep half-awake man also just hummed twice in his dream, then leaned back into Lu Tian Chen’s embrace.

Lu Tian Chen quietly asked “Who on earth are you?”, lined with a little moonlight, Lu Tian Chen kissed the back of Tang Feng’s neck gently.

♦

Tang Feng who did not have to get up early the next morning woke up naturally after his sleep. He vaguely remembered that someone climbed into his bed yesterday in the middle of the night, that person was probably Lu Tian Chen.

When he got up in the morning, there was no one in the bed next to him, or on the other bed. But when he stretched his hands to touch the sheets, there was still a little residual warmth. Lu Tian Chen should not have been gone for too long.

Stretching leisurely, Tang Feng got up from bed to go to the bathroom to take a bath, slowly transitioning from the half-dream half-awake state to sobriety. He went back to the bedside to put clothes on, at the same time, he picked up the phone to see if anyone had been looking for him, only to find that his phone had been turned off.

Maybe Lu Tian Chen turned off his phone.

Then what about Lu Tian Chen, that guy?

After Tang Feng finished grooming he did not directly call Lu Tian Chen, instead he called his agent Xiaoyu; she usually knew where Lu Tian Chen was.

“Xiaoyu, do you know where President Lu is?” Tang Feng asked. According to Xiaoyu’s habits, she should have told Lu Tian Chen about what happened on the set yesterday. Tang Feng knew Lu Tian Chen wasn’t one to just sit back and watch.

Lu Tian Chen didn’t greet him this morning before leaving, maybe to deal with the thing regarding Gino. Furthermore, Lu Tian Chen was now his boss; he had a valid reason to fight for his employees’ rights.

“President Lu, President Lu, he …” there was some stuttering between the words of Xiaoyu on the other end of the phone.

“What’s the matter, did something happen? Tell me where he is.” Listening to Xiaoyu stuttering, Tang Feng could guess what may have happened.

Lu Tian Chen didn’t do anything rash, did he?

“Gino came to the hotel just now, President Lu wouldn’t let him come up, and then the two of them went to the hotel gym. It seems like President Lu beat Gino up, the agent over on Gino’s side is now rushing over. Tang Feng, you would have found out about this matter sooner or later, but you must not … Hello, hello?”

Tang Feng had long since hung up the phone, pulled open the hotel room door and ran towards the hotel gym. Even if Gino should be beat up it should be him doing the beating right.

He is now in a very complicated mood. On the one hand, he was angry at Gino’s childish tantrum and impulsive unprofessional behaviour yesterday, on the other hand, there is some concern that Gino would be handicapped by Lu Tian Chen.

Tang Feng had consulted Lu Tian Chen on martial arts before. He very clearly understood that beneath Lu Tian Chen’s seemingly gentlemanly outward appearance was a skilled fighter with unmatched fierceness. Since he can evenly match Charles without falling behind, and since Charles can easily beat Gino up, Lu Tian Chen can naturally do so as well.

Lu Tian Chen wasn’t someone that angered easily but once angered he was terrifying.

Like a volcano, which is usually peaceful and quiet, once it erupts, it is enough to shake the ground and destroy the sky.

♦

Sometimes when you really don’t want something to happen, fate has other plans, allowing it to occur despite the best laid plans. When Tang Feng arrived at the gym, the sight that greeted him happened to be the last thing he wanted to see.

There weren’t many people in the gym, it can be said that there was no one. A few people of unknown origins stood at the door. When Tang Feng went in, they just glanced at the man allowing him to enter without obstruction.

When Tang Feng found Lu Tian Chen and Gino on the boxing ring stage, Lu Tian Chen was walking to the ring side, grabbing his coat that was hanging on the post to put it on, only lightly glancing towards Tang Feng’s arrival.

“Lu Tian Chen.” Tang Feng’s gaze landed on the back of Lu Tian Chen’s hand, where his knuckles were stained with some blood. It didn’t look like it belonged to Lu Tian Chen, then it can only be…

“I can still fight! I haven’t lost yet!” A clamour sounded from behind Lu Tian Chen. Tang Feng walked closer and found Gino lying on the ground. This Hollywood superstar looked a little embarrassed, but the blazing flames in his eyes seemed to tell all of them that he wouldn’t easily bow his head and concede.

Lu Tian Chen, with his back to Gino, raised his lips into a condescending sneer: “No, you lost from the beginning.”

“What are you guys doing?” Tang Feng started to walk up to them.

Lu Tian Chen quickly moved forward to stop the man, noticing Tang Feng’s tightly scrunched brow and said, “Let’s go.”

Tang Feng could see Gino behind Lu Tian Chen. The youth’s hair was rather matted; the corners of his mouth were also bleeding, panting heavily presumably because of adrenaline and over exertion from the fight. When he met Tang Feng’s gaze, his pupils slightly constricted, before slowly lowering his head to avoid the man’s eyes.

“This is what he deserves.” Lu Tian Chen said.

“Then it should be me beating him up.” Tang Feng hadn’t actually wanted to beat Gino up this badly.

Lu Tian Chen shrugged it off: “Are you treating him like a child? Don’t forget how lethal the child is.” He paused, his eyes glancing back slightly, “Furthermore, he is a wayward child with the strength of an adult.”

“I know …”

“Then don’t give him any delusions.” This was the first time Lu Tian Chen had spoken with a stern tone to Tang Feng since they started to get along.

Tang Feng nodded, reaching out to pat Lu Tian Chen on the shoulder: “I know what to do.”

Lu Tian Chen looked at the other man, even if Tang Feng didn’t do these things, he would still help this man to complete them.

“I’ll be waiting for you outside.” Lu Tian Chen decided to hand this place over to Tang Feng. He immediately jumped out of the ring and left.

♦

“Do you think I’m a failure? I lost when I fought with Charles, and when I fought with this Mr. Lu, I was beaten till I’m black and blue.” Leaning against the boxing ring’s pole, Gino bitterly laughed in self-pity.

Tang Feng walked over, condescendingly staring down at the youth. He had no intention of comforting Gino. “That’s right. You really are a failure. Not because you couldn’t beat them in a fight, but because you didn’t know exactly what you wanted from the start. I believe the people by your side should’ve called you a willful child more than once, but why haven’t you changed at all?”

“I’m working on it!”

“Obviously you’re not working hard enough!” Tang Feng loudly reprimanded.

“Then what the hell do you want me to do?!” Gino was too emotional; he lowered his head and covered his face.

“Throwing this kind of question at me, is it because if it’s me telling you what to do it would allow you to be able to do it? Then go and be a mature adult. You’re already long past the age of being a willful child immersed in your fantasy dreams. Yesterday’s event really infuriated me. Then let me ask you a question too. What do you even see me as?”

Gino fiercely raised his head, shouting: “I like you!”

“So, you did that kind of thing to me in front of everyone yesterday, is this the way you like someone?” Tang Feng sighed in frustration. “The things you like, other people may not necessarily like them.”

“I’m sorry, yesterday…. I was too impulsive yesterday.”

“Impulse is never an excuse or a reason. Gino, stop finding excuses for yourself. I don’t want to comfort you, or give you reasons and advice. You’re already an adult. Just like what you said before, you’re even older than me. As a man, think about what you should do.” Tang Feng sighed. He looked at the Gino in front of him, continuing: “Think about what consequences your actions will bring.”

“Are you still mad at me?” Gino’s voice quieted.

“If a man were to do that kind of thing to you, will you be mad?” Tang Feng asked instead.

“I think I’ll kill him.” Once the positions were reversed, Gino couldn’t take it anymore, and vigorously shook his head.

“Then that’s that” Tang Feng looked at Gino one last time, then turned around to leave.

Gino just stared after the man leaving. Even though he let Lu Tian Chen beat him up, Gino hadn’t received any comfort, nor had he received the forgiveness that he had imagined.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Translator: Kacy
Proofreaders: Lyrick

ANNOUNCEMENT: Translation of this story has been picked up by: https://hutnovel.blogspot.com/search/label/True%20Star

Movie: Satan’s alley

Scene 58, evening, England ball garden, outdoor shoot, passionate drama (2)

When making a movie, actors always need to get into the role, how to distinguish between their own reality and the film’s own, this line is vague and difficult to find.

Some actors with some experience can always tell themselves to distinguish between movies and reality, but often fall into the atmosphere and plot created by the film, whether experienced or inexperienced, it is difficult to extricate themselves.

Who can see through, who can walk out, and who are deeply trapped in it?

Gino was discovered by scouts in high school causing him to enter the Hollywood entertainment trap with an unexpected start. Since he has a good family background in the beginning he only occasionally showed his face in some TV dramas and small productions.

Acting was not a serious affair for him, and in his view, it was more like an interest, a hobby, a method of God proving himself. He could make different friends in his acting life, let his family know that he could be a big star even through acting, and receive the love and adulation of the masses. Not once did it make him really think about what acting meant to him, and that a movie could shock his mind.

Except, out of countless times, this time, is the first time, it might even be the last time, the only time.

Lighting, audio, photographers, directors and other staff seemed to become more and more transparent. When he slowly opened his eyes, Gino’s world only contained the man in front of him, the com–plete–ly-nak–ed monk , but also Tang Feng?

All of a sudden, he couldn’t tell exactly where he was, whether he was in the 19th century movie or the modern society of the 21st century.

Is the man in front of me a monk from the east, or is it an equally mysterious actor, Tang Feng?

Even in a trance, Gino felt that the man in front of him reminded him of Fiennes, the man of the same oriental ancestry.

At this moment, in front of the com–plete–ly–nak–ed man standing in front of him, it felt rather surreal as though he was stuck in a dream, which would shatter into slivers with the gentlest touch.

As if he wanted to speak yet was too nervous to, Gino reached out towards the man, his fingertips touching the smooth and elastic skin. The warm heat from Tang Feng’s shoulder told him that this is indeed reality.

Movie?

Dream?

Reality?

None of these mattered anymore……

Gino, or maybe it was Chris, opened his arms to bring the man in front of him into his arms. They quickly kissed, kisses mixed with heavy feelings, often carrying a bitter taste, but at the same time, exciting to the point that people cannot stand it.

Tang Feng ripped at Gino’s clothes, Gino did not know whether the other side was playing the monk or himself, but he was determined not to think about this question for the time being.

“Mm—” Tang Feng wrinkled his eyebrows slightly, half of it was acting, and half of it was because it really was tingly.

The ‘Chris’ played by Gino knelt in front of Tang Feng, his hands holding the man’s waist while kissing his belly, the waves of sensations brought about by touching the sensitive area began to coat the surface of his skin with a thin sweat, reflecting like the sheen of a layer of delicate pearl powder under the soft light.

Tang Feng deliberately grasped Gino’s hair harshly, signalling Gino not to go overboard, but the latter ignored Tang Feng’s hint, instead suddenly hugging the man’s waist to drag Tang Feng to the ground.

So long as the director doesn’t yell cut, they won’t stop.

Gino in a random movement used one hand to grope the legs and waist of Tang Feng, the other hand holding the man’s head and kissing him, his movements are rather rough and presumptuous; always inserting his tongue and pursuing the others tongue, sweeping the root and palate. The intimate kiss caused Tang Feng to have faint fluids leaking out of the corner of his mouth. Gino used his thumb to wipe the liquid, the high concentration of his lust lingered in the air, like the strong smell released by a red rose in full bloom.

When Gino was close to Tang Feng’s ear, the man couldn’t help reminding the other party.

“That’s about enough…… “

“Not enough.” Gino replied while biting Tang Feng’s earlobe, the man he was pressing down shook, and the hands holding Gino’s shoulder tightened as if he had been stung.

Soon Gino squeezed in between Tang Feng’s legs. According to the script he was supposed to press the man down from behind, but Gino preferred to look at Tang Feng’s face, and he believed that Chris was also more willing to be face to face with the man he loved.

Since it’s a movie, it naturally can’t be done for real, and Gino has not completely lost all reason yet.

He held the man’s waist and a leg, his eyes firmly and passionately staring straight into Tang Feng’s eyes, the latter was also looking at him. Their gazes met, and Tang Feng quickly felt that Gino was grinding against the interior of his thighs, which was a man’s most primitive and straightforward desire, hard and fiery, the constant friction increased speed.

Even if they did not cross the last line, it still felt like thunder hitting Tang Feng’s body, dealing a hard blow to him physically and mentally.

The over-realistic acting stunned the surrounding staff that had stayed behind, some upright or family men removed their gazes from the grass patch that occasionally issued an ambiguous sound of two people, slightly intolerant and embarrassed.

And there were others who watched with gaping mouths, occasionally looking at the concentrated director, then at the intimate Tang Feng and Gino.

Since Gino chose the position of pressing Tang Feng down from the front, Tang Feng is now the least exposed, and the camera director will also not put too much of the camera’s focus on them, which gives others the illusion that they are really doing it.

The sounds of friction issuing from the grass, the low wheezing and repressed moans, their entangled figures shrouded in the dark moonlight, were all divided by the grass into finely shredded fragments.

Tang Feng slowly closed his eyes, raised his head and breathed, making the recorded performance even more thrilling.

But there was more excitement still to come, he sensed that Gino suddenly accelerated, the gasps next to his ears also simultaneously became more rapid and heavy. As a man he naturally knows what is happening, but at this place, does Gino by rubbing his ** really want to…

Tang Feng had not finished this thought, when he felt a hot fluid between his legs sprayed on his lap like a fountain, which stunned him for a moment.

Gino groaned through his high ** tide, and the sound was a reminder of Tang Feng, who moaned and pretended to end.

Tang Feng relied on his actor’s instinct to finish the scene, but his mind was currently filled with chaotic screaming thoughts, where the thing he most wanted to do was to kick away the Gino that is still pressing him down and groping his buttocks.

God, Gino actually … It’s actually on him …

This is the most embarrassing moment of Tang Feng’s previous life plus this life, what to do now? Between the two of them, he also had his head muddled and lay on the ground wondering what to do.

Then he sensed Gino’s hand reached in between his thighs, pulling the clothes that had just been tossed to the sides and casually wiping.

When did the director shout cut, when did Xiao Yu come over to put on his bathrobe, right until Tang Feng was sitting on a chair inside the RV, with a hot drink in his hand, he was still dazed and confused.

He rubbed his forehead gently. Just now Xiao Yu came over to tell him that the director had asked him to take a day off before resuming work.

The filming is close to the end and will be finished within the next two weeks.

Tang Feng understood what the director meant, Gino’s actions were more or less completely overboard. Even if it was a passion scene, he still shouldn’t have done that on the partner’s body, which makes everything a little awkward.

To say he wasn’t angry would be false, but what made Tang Feng angry was not Gino deliberately taking advantage of him, but that as an actor he caused such an unprofessional scene on set that it caused people to feel awkward and embarrassed.

Fortunately, he was the one working with Gino today. It would be a great blow to Gino’s image if it was someone else who decided to burn all bridges with Gino and even deliberately spread the matter outside.

Xiaoyu opened the RV door and stuck her head inside, “Tang Feng, Gino’s agent is outside …” . She was also a witness of the matter just now, it would be wrong to say she wasn’t embarrassed, but Gino and Tang Feng usually had a very good relationship, she knew she should not interfere too much.

“Tell him, I know what to do, I want to rest alone now.”

“Okay.” Xiaoyu very quickly closed the door again.

Although the scene shot was perfect, it is not perfect for the actors once the scene finished.

Once the filming ended Gino was dragged away by his people, seeing that frustrated and helpless look on his agent’s face, one could guess that he was going to discipline Gino.

It’s just that agents are normally falling over themselves to curry favor with a big star, how can they say anything too harsh.

Tang Feng sighed, he wanted to beat Gino up.

It was a pity that he couldn’t fulfill his wish, for someone else beat Gino up one step ahead of him.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Translator: Kacy
Proofreaders: Lyrick

The day’s line practice could be considered smooth-running. Although Gino looked as though he was getting sick and tired of it, under Tang Feng’s supervision and guidance, he still practiced for the whole day.

“Now, I finally understand why your line foundations are so good. God, don’t you ever feel tired and bored from facing the mirror and reciting your lines over and over the whole day?” Today’s practice finally ended at 4 pm. It was as though Gino’s whole person just collapsed as he lay on the floor with his limbs splayed open.

“Sit up. Drink some water and then eat a lozenge. Speak less from now on if you don’t want to have a sore throat tomorrow.” Tang Feng made Gino a cup of honey water on the side, grabbed a lozenge, and personally placed both items on the floor beside Gino. Tang Feng was rather tired too, so he just plopped down to sit cross-legged on the floor as well.

Everyone thought of Fiennes as a big star. Most people only saw his grandeur and success, but only a few knew of his hard work and pain.

Fiennes would sometimes have four to five interviews a day. Some of his movies only had a few sentences worth of lines, but to prepare, he used to shut himself in his room every day to recite his lines in front of the mirror…..

This kind of busy and tedious lifestyle once made him feel as though it was impossible to bear, but in the end, he still pulled through.

“I used to have a teacher who once told me, the period of time where you feel the most pain is also the period where you’re the closest to success. It’s always darkest before the dawn. If you give up on advancing, it’s the same as forfeiting all your previous work. So long as you pass the long darkness and the most painful period, then you’re not far from the light of success.”

Tang Feng gave the half dead Gino a hard pat on the shoulder, smiling as he said, “Did you hear that, kid?!”

“Ow! I heard it, I heard it……” Gino huffily opened his eyes, then smoothly rolled his pupils as he revealed a mouth of perfect white teeth in a smile. “You should still be younger than me. Why do you speak like a university professor?”

Tang Feng didn’t reply verbally. A fist suddenly lodged itself into Gino’s stomach, though the strength was naturally rather weak, and wasn’t very different from a massage.

Gino exaggeratedly clutched his stomach, giving the appearance of being grievously injured. On top of rolling about on the floor, he added non-stop moans, “Ah, it hurts so bad. You injured me.”

“I hope it kills you.” There was no way Tang Feng was falling for that act.

Gino continued to moan in pain for a while. His body curled up like a prawn with his back facing Tang Feng. The continuous whines made it seem like it really hurt.

He hadn’t really hurt Gino, right?

“Gino, are you alright?” Tang Feng was a little frightened by the other’s actions. He hurriedly turned around to check whether Gino was really hurt somewhere, but the scenario that Tang Feng thought of quickly happened – that of whether Gino was intentionally tricking him.

The answer was obviously yes. Gino suddenly hugged the man then, using the fastest speed, pinned Tang Feng beneath his body, laughing delightedly like a little kid who successfully pulled off a prank. “Hahaha, I tricked you, Tang.”

“This is not funny at all, Gino.” Tang Feng’s face cooled down rather significantly.

“Don’t be like that. I was just joking around.” Seeing Tang Feng getting mad, Gino immediately softened his tone. It’s just that he couldn’t understand why Tang Feng was so annoyed by such a small prank.

“You’re really a little kid, Gino. Never play this kind of joke on those who care about you.” Tang Feng had said similar words countless times. He sighed and pushed Gino off of himself. This kind of joke wasn’t funny at all; he was really scared by Gino earlier.

Once someone fell ill, no one would know what would happen next.

Gino sighed as well. “Okay, I’ll never play this kind of prank again. Stop calling me a kid. I’m older than you by two or three years.”

Only in appearance, Tang Feng thought to himself and didn’t say anything more. He knew he was overly sensitive about this topic, but he didn’t think he’d said anything wrong.

Tang Feng gave Lu Tian Chen a call a little later and the three of them decided to go out to eat. Although Gino had a lot of things to discuss with Tang Feng privately, it seemed as though Tang Feng was doing his best to minimize the time the two of them had to interact alone.

Although Gino still found Lu Tian Chen unpleasant to the eyes, the meal was unexpectedly peaceful since Lu Tian Chen for one, hadn’t fought with him before, and two, wasn’t as noisily irritating as Charles.

After dinner, Lu Tian Chen went to get the car while Tang Feng stayed behind to wait for him to pick him up. Gino approached Tang Feng with a request “Tang, why don’t we just have our practices at my home from now on? I feel more comfortable at home.”

“Okay.” Tang Feng thought about it. Since the hotel wasn’t that convenient, he also didn’t mind coming to Gino’s place.

The two people very quickly reached a consensus. Actually, Gino had really wanted to ask Tang Feng to live with him, but he was unsure whether it was too rash, so he didn’t say anything for now.

Lu Tian Chen’s car arrived. Gino kept watch as Tang Feng got into the car before he turned and left.

♦

Tang Feng hadn’t really taken Charles’ supposed “British Beauty” ramble to heart. After all, that fellow never gives off a serious impression when he talks. His most immediate focus right then was the movie.

Although it’s a little funny, but when Tang Feng and Gino acted opposite each other, only Tang Feng recorded his lines live, while Gino did the mouthing motions most of the times – though the mouthing still needs to match with the other, otherwise it would be hard to sync the audio later.

Today, the scene to be shot is the one where Chris brings the runaway monk Tang to England to sightsee. They spent a lot of time admiring the beautiful scenery, experiencing local culture, and discovering a whole new world with their own eyes.

The scenes were not necessarily filmed in the same sequence as the movie. This morning, Tang Feng and Gino played while they were filming. The director felt that this would allow them to relax because tonight they would have to perform a passionate drama scene in the ball’s garden.

In the afternoon, Tang Feng and Gino didn’t really eat much; randomly nibbling on something to replenish their energy was enough. They very consciously brushed their teeth and washed up, then they each retreated to their own RVs for their makeup.

Tang Feng was quite happy Charles wasn’t around now. If that fellow was here, surely, there would be another ruckus. Lu Tian Chen was much more rational when compared to Charles – even if that man also didn’t really like this scene, but he would still respect Tang Feng’s choice most of the time.

The scene to be filmed this time could be said to be the ‘real’ passionate scene as compared to the previous one. Before, he and Gino were in the grass field just casually going through the motions; whatever could be hidden was hidden. This time, both he and Gino would have to expose their backside [TN: Booties, hehe], which was not considered a big deal for male stars in Hollywood.

However due to Charles’ interference, Tang Feng would use a body double for this scene to help them finish a few, high-difficulty maneuvers, including the back.

♦

Movie: Satan’s Alley

Scene 57, evening, England ball garden, outdoor shoot, passionate drama

“Action!” the director shouted into the night. Filming for the passionate scene officially commenced.

The scene this time continues from the last time: the monks Tang and Chris wore European outfits for the first time to attend a ball. Chris ran into the ball from the back door by bribing the bouncer. They boldly enjoyed the delicacies of the ball and savored the taste of the never-before-tasted wine. They passed through the crowd with interlocked hands and stared into each other’s eyes beneath the dazzling lights.

After living for many years, it felt like this was the first time they could truly relax and be free. As though they had been genies trapped in a bottle who had finally broken free and saw the beauties that the world had to offer.

This is what a fresh life is….

The moment the monk shed his robes, he seemed to have discarded the bonds that had restricted him for half of his life, and at the same time, between the choices of self and God, chose to believe in the former.

He and Chris both came to the garden isolated from the ball, the sky illuminated by the hazy moonlight, without a single soul around them. The garden was big, yet they kept running into the deepest part of the garden.

They couldn’t hear the faint strains of music anymore. Instead,they were surrounded by chirping crickets and frogs; it looked like there was a small pond nearby.

They walked, hand in hand, to the grassy banks of the lake. The area was filled with huge trees and blooming flowers. Under the crisp moonlight, they stood face to face, staring at each other.

There were no words needed, the monk took the initiative to kiss the golden-haired man in front of him. This is his greatest as well as his most direct thanks.

Chris stood still, slowly closing his eyes.

The monk felt a great shift in his beliefs. He felt that his body was light and clean from the inside out. He raised both hands to his own chest, unbuttoning the buttons one by one. His jacket was quickly taken off and thrown to the side, the garment emitting a sound when it landed on the grass.

At this time, the camera was zoomed in to every action of the monk’s hands as they removed the clothes from his body. The scene looked as though it had nothing to do with emotions. Rather, it was more like a solemn and sacred ritual. When the monk took off the last piece of clothing on him, the man’s body under the moonlight seemed to glow with an inner light like precious pearls and was clear like a piece of jade.

The back shown was Tang Feng’s back. When the lens next zooms out, it would become the body double’s naked back.

“Cut! Very good!” At the crucial moment, the director stopped it. “Ten minute break. Makeup touch-up.”

The night was rather cold. Tang Feng, who had just shot the scene, quickly wrapped himself up in a long coat. In reality, he had not stripped naked yet, but in a while, he would really need to do so.

The staff were already starting to chase people off the set.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Translator: Kacy
Proofreaders: Charlotte Grey, Lyrick

To deepen one’s line foundations, in Tang Feng’s opinion, in addition to personal talent, more practice is needed, continuous practice, repetitive practice, until the lines are firmly remembered in the heart, engraved in the mind, integrating the character’s emotions into the lines.

There are no shortcuts or special techniques; it relies on years of uninterrupted practice. One must give up a part of their entertainment time and immerse themselves into tedious practice. This, in the extravagant Hollywood filled with parties everyday, would obviously be rather hard, especially for those stars that got famous too early, who would often require a monumental amount of effort to set aside everything to study.

Many child stars fail to transition properly into adult stars because, other than choosing the wrong direction to develop in, the many different temptations of the outside world lead to their downfall.

The child actor who had previously starred in ‘Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘The Sixth Sense’ and other such films with outstanding performance, Haley Joel Osment, seems to have faded out of people’s field of vision. Even now, Tang Feng still feels pity for this charismatic little boy.

In 1999, when he appeared in ‘The Sixth Sense’, little Haley had already been nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. At that time, he had only been 11 years old. His exemplary performance had led people to believe he would be an international movie star in the future. Unfortunately, due to a series of problems such as smoking marijuana, drunk driving accidents and getting out of shape, etc., Haley gradually faded from the limelight.

That actor is only 24 years old this year, there are still opportunities in the future. So long as he puts in the effort to cut off those negative influences in his life, who knows, maybe he could even become another Robert Downey Jr.?

These are all things that will only be known in the future. The current situation was that Tang Feng had to help the big movie star Gino practice the basics of acting, line foundations.

Yesterday, Tang Feng tried to contact Gino to make arrangements to get together to practice. Tang Feng didn’t know whether Gino’s phone battery had died but whenever Tang Feng tried to call Gino his phone was always turned off. Tang Feng had hoped they could practice in the hotel’s remote flower yard the today.

When Gino arrived, he didn’t call Tang Feng, but went straight to the front desk to ask for Tang Feng’s room. When he heard Tang Feng’s room was actually a standard double room, he was rather shocked. He knew the room allocated by the movie company was obviously better, how did it become a double room.

After Gino asked the hotel staff, he found out that everything was arranged by Tang Feng himself. Because the hotel kept a record of the credit card statements, Gino was able to find out from the staff that the previous room reservation had actually been the luxury suite. Gino didn’t even have to think about it to know who the reservation had been made by.

It must have been that despicable Charles again.

Gino was smarter this time. After chatting with Tang Feng a few times, he had gotten some grasp of his character. That man does not like other people intruding into his private life.

Gino quickly called Tang Feng, claiming he couldn’t go over to the hotel because he wasn’t feeling well today, and had to trouble Tang Feng to come over to his place instead. Even though he was the one who requested for Tang Feng to help him practice his line foundations, he knew that based on Tang Feng’s personality, he definitely wouldn’t think much of this matter. As he expected, Tang Feng did not hesitate to agree to Gino’s request.

“I’ll come over to pick you up.” Gino said over the phone.

“There’s no need. Aren’t you not feeling well? Just give me the address, I can make my own way there.” Tang Feng grabbed a pen and paper and jotted down Gino’s address. Gino owned a house in Hollywood, and he usually always stayed there when in town.

“Alright, then see you in half an hour,” Tang Feng estimated the time needed to travel, hung up the phone after confirming the time, then turned around to pack his things. He didn’t need to bring much – just the script, his phone and wallet.

“Where are you going?” Lu Tian Chen, who was working on the computer next to the window without a flower balcony, looked up. He removed the silver-rimmed glasses resting on his nose bridge, rubbing the slightly sore area.

After Tang Feng downgraded the room from the luxury suite to the standard double room, Lu Tian Chen didn’t say anything and just let the bellboy drag all their luggage down. As for Charles, that fellow had business outside and had not returned to the hotel. He doesn’t know what Tang Feng had done yet.

“Going to help Gino practice his lines.” Tang Feng replied as he bent down to place his wallet inside a black briefcase.

The morning after the night where Tang Feng and Lu Tian Chen had gotten intimate, Tang Feng treated Lu Tian Chen like he had always done before, and Lu Tian Chen also didn’t have any overt gestures, no terrifying promises of eternity, no overly emotional speeches, mild like spring water. “Are you coming back for dinner tonight?” Lu Tian Chen casually asked a very critical question.

“I’ll come back before 8 pm. I think you should eat by yourself. Or you can come over and join us when dinnertime arrives.” Tang Feng picked up his briefcase, ready to walk over to the front door to put on his shoes. “Okay, just contact me later to update me.” replied Lu Tian Chen.

“Bye!” Tang Feng opened the door and hurried out.

Lu Tian Chen returned his attention to his computer screen, opening the video call.

“Is there any news from Charles’ side?” Lu Tian Chen leaned back against the backrest, asking the person on the other side of the screen, exuding the attitude and tone of a boss.

“The England branch of Interpol has already set their sights on him. Charles will temporarily be unable to return to America. We still don’t know where he went, we speculate that he’s probably in Northern Europe, but we are unable to pinpoint his specific location.”

The man laughed mockingly. “The tiger with the laughing face hides a sly old fox in his bones. If his hiding place can be found by people, then he isn’t Charles.”

“President Lu, then do we need to…. “

“No need. He will settle his own affairs.”

♦

Tang Feng had just gotten in the cab when his phone started ringing. It was an unknown number and it didn’t look like an American number.

The first time his phone rang, Tang Feng disconnected the call, thinking the other party had probably dialed the wrong number.

When his phone rang again, he answered the call, to find out who the other person actually was looking for him.

“Hi! Baby!” The sensual, low bass voice of a male rushed out from the mobile phone in an instant, as if a butterfly was flitting and fluttering its wings, often bringing a burst of spring flowers.

“Charles….” Tang Feng smiled weakly. He hadn’t seen this lively, gamboling big bear for a few days. Thinking back, it has actually been four days already.

Charles ran away on the very day they were waiting to upgrade their room. Tang Feng thought Charles left because something cropped up again – Lu Tian Chen and Charles would frequently leave for a few days because of work and then return again. This has more or less become something that Tang Feng has become accustomed to.

They will leave, but they will always return.

“Did you miss me, baby?” It was hard to believe the words said in this sickeningly sweet voice came from a large and burly handsome man.

“If you hadn’t called, I almost forgot about your existence.” Tang Feng chuckled. The biggest charm of this Charles was that he always made people feel happy.

“Ah, God, I feel like my heart has been crushed to pieces by you, you’re really such a heartless man! My dear, cute Tang, I miss you so much!” As though the grief of being completely abandoned was too big, his noisy tears seemed to accuse the Playboy Tang for his evil deeds.

‘Playboy Tang’ couldn’t help but laugh, “Alright alright, do you have to be so dramatic, oh yes, why did you leave the country without a word?”

Only now did Tang Feng recall that Charles’ call originated from overseas.

“There’s this British beauty who’s been chasing me furiously recently, continuously telling me he loves me so much that he wants to die, but my heart already has you, how could it fit anyone else? So I can only leave his sight, not letting him find me, otherwise he’ll use handcuffs to tie me to him forever.” Charles explained as though it was a joke.

Tang Feng actually thought the other person was telling a joke.

“Sounds pretty good, that fellow must really love you, just go with him.”

“No! Absolutely not! I don’t have a single ounce of desire for goods that are sent to my door, plus although that guy looks pretty good he’s so old-fashioned and strict, nowhere near as cute as you. My dear, don’t tell me you want me to go after someone else? Do you not trust my love for you to that extent? I’m so sad …. “

“Your acting level has almost caught up to Albert.” Tang Feng replied while rubbing his slightly aching head.

“Don’t compare me with that tasteless pervert. Okay, darling, I have to tell you a piece of very unfortunate news. That British beauty who chased me everywhere already knows of your existence. I think he’ll go find you to negotiate soon; you definitely cannot give me over to him! Otherwise, when I come back, regardless of whether you’re willing or not, I’ll definitely drag you to the bed for three days and three nights of battle!” The last five words were heavily emphasized, belying his excitement.

Tang Feng calmly hummed disinterestedly, “You really know how to bring me trouble, Charles.”

Charles’ swearing words were like fists hitting a sandbag to Tang Feng – leaving no impression at all.

“I’ll make it up to you, but you have to believe me, even though our path to love won’t be smooth sailing, but we have a firm and tenacious heart.”

“Is there any other nonsense you wish to share?” Tang Feng’s blunt, unfeeling sentence directly knocked Charles down to the ground.

“…. Nothing” replied Charles.

“If there’s nothing, please don’t call me.” Tang Feng decisively ended the call.

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Translator: Kacy
Proofreaders: Lyrick

Tang Feng quickly realized Lu Tian Chen and Charles had worked together to trap him. In this case, he would not be able to last until the end of filming if he were to follow the other two’s rate of consumption.

Yes, he liked to make money and was equally happy to spend it, but that didn’t mean he liked being bankrupt or watching others squander away his hard-earned money. But this was Tang Feng’s idea at the start, he couldn’t just go back on his word like that.

However, he wasn’t someone who would just sit and wait to be shot to death. Since those two wanted to plot against him, then don’t blame him for not being polite.

Whoever pays is the boss. Tang Feng started communications with the hotel at the fastest speed. He not only cancelled the luxury suite, but also directly downgraded the room to a double room. The excess room fees could be used to offset the upgrading fees.

Breakfast? Cancelled!

Additional services such as private spa massages, etc.? Cancelled!

Overly extravagant food delivery service? All cancelled!

After doing all this, Tang Feng went to work. As for how Charles and Lu Tian Chen would react when faced with what he did when they came back, that would have nothing to do with him.

Today, he and Gino were going to shoot a scene at a European ball. Strictly speaking, they were not exactly dancing a duet at the ball in the open, but rather, they were two runaway monks following the vaguely audible music in the garden, swaying in a dance that belonged only to them.

After that, there was a full-length, large-scale, fiery, and passionate scene. The whole scene was expected to take more than a week to finish.

In an old building in Los Angeles, the staff was busy preparing for the final scene. As early as a week ago, the production company had already invited a professional team to arrange the shooting location.

The film would take place in 19^th-century Europe where the two monks came to the not so distant Britain. The British of this time had just experienced the baptism of the industrial revolution – although people still had religious beliefs, most of them trusted science more. This generation was full of confidence and hope for the future.

And this was exactly where Chris had traveled to over the past three years, and had decided that it was a good place to settle down.

The development of various techniques revolutionized the Victorian era, enriching the building architecture, and introducing new building materials. Most of the furniture here exhibited beautiful curves, protruding decorations, and complex carved frames.

The decorations inside the ballroom followed the gorgeous and intricate details of the Victorian era. The central ceiling had gypsum roses and the circular walls were covered with floral wallpaper. The lower edges of the wallpaper were covered with Greek cornices that hid the joint between the wall and the floor. To create a more satisfactory composition, the floor was inlaid with decorative colored tiles in various geometric patterns.

Tang Feng and Gino couldn’t help but marvel at the director’s attention to details when they arrived at the site. As they stepped into the ballroom, it really seemed as though they had returned to the 19^th-century Britain.

These near-perfect decorations not only added color to the film, but also allowed the actors to shift into their characters faster.

Chris and Tang ran all the way to Britain where they discarded their black monk robes. Chris took Tang to a tailor’s shop to get his body measurements and ordered a set of clothes for him. In the last few years, he had managed to set aside some savings, so he should spend the money on Tang who was worth spending on.

At this moment, Tang Feng and Gino were in the dressing room putting on the costumes and makeup. The Victorian era clothes caused Gino, who normally comes off as a playboy, to turn into a proud aristocrat in the blink of an eye. After this rascal wore the costume properly, he even paraded a few rounds in front of Tang Feng, as if to say, ‘Look at how handsome I am!’.

But Gino meekly shut his mouth after Tang Feng was dressed accordingly.

“I think you’re the most handsome Oriental man in formal Victorian attire.” Gino didn’t hold back his words of admiration for the other man.

If Gino looked like a 19^th century aristocrat who walked out of an oil painting, then Tang Feng was the classic Chinese beauty. After wearing the Western formal clothing, not only did the image not feel inappropriate, but there was more of a mysterious suppression of oneself, which was precisely the feeling that Director Li Wei wanted to bring to the audience.

The first time Tang Feng met Director Li Wei, he had already danced the tango with Lu Tian Chen, and he had further improved during the True Star training sessions. Now, he had no issues dancing the tango or any other society dances, but he encountered a problem not long after the start of the filming session.

The tango between Tang Feng and Gino didn’t manage to express the feelings that Director Li Wei wanted. This was another instance of the actors’ performance failing to rise to the occasion, adding to the time when the Director had continuously called ‘cut’ when it came to the couple’s intimate scenes.

There was a common situation appearing in movies where the two leads were obviously reputed, with the handsome male and the beautifully glamorous female, but every time they interact, it would only cause people to feel uninterested. This was the so-called no connection, no chemistry, which was the problem Tang Feng and Gino were facing.

This was not a small matter that can be simply resolved by the two practicing their dance.

As such, the Director prepared to modify the lines to deepen the communication and interactions between the two leads in the movie, as well as to increase the chemistry between the two, thereby resonating with the audience.

It can be said that until now, Tang Feng basically relied on his facial and eye expressions, and the voice-over narration to express his character’s emotions, but in the latter half of the movie, he would need to use lines to deepen his character’s image. An actor’s excellent line foundation can engage the audience even more. Conversely, if an actor’s lines were too disastrous, it could cause the audience to leave in a blink of an eye.

Actually, Gino’s line foundations weren’t bad, but now that they were suddenly pitted against Tang Feng’s line foundations, they suddenly weakened.

When both people were concurrently acting under the director’s guidance, Director Li Wei discovered why there used to be, what could still be considered, a harmonious air, yet they suddenly couldn’t match properly now. Basically, the reason is that in the past, Tang Feng essentially had no lines other than the short one or two words, but now, Tang Feng had to exchange lengthy conversations with Gino. When compared under the same lens, as Tang Feng starts speaking, the whole atmosphere of friendship becomes richer, but once Gino follows up with the reply, the rich atmosphere of the movie becomes rather bland immediately.

Due to Tang Feng’s performance during the final act of True Star’s training class being kept a secret, Director Li Wei only knew that Tang Feng’s English was very good. He completely didn’t expect this man’s grasp of language and line foundations to reach the level of integrating with the movie. This kind of deep foundation, which had always taken an actor 5 to even 10 years of specializing in movies to hone their craft, had actually shown up in a first-year newbie actor, completely out of Director Li Wei’s expectations.

“Director, is it still a no-go? It’s so strange. Tang Feng and I have always been compatible before, why did the chemistry suddenly disappear? What if we try kissing to increase the chemistry?” Gino still didn’t know the Director’s thoughts and didn’t know where the problem was, so he continued to crack jokes like before in order to ease the tense atmosphere.

On the other hand, Tang Feng has already discovered what Director Li Wei just realized. In the end, he is an experienced veteran actor. Although Gino’s line foundations weren’t considered bad among his peers, Gino normally only acted in commercialized, mainstream movies. Mainstream movie directors usually don’t have very strict requirements, the film also doesn’t require the actor to be able to express deep emotions one moment and sorrow the next.

Some characters’ feelings were expressed through their lines, and what Gino lacked was the character’s emotions.

Currently, the set and supporting actors were already in place. Director Li Wei decided first to let the Executive Director and Deputy Director film the scene with the supporting actors, while he called Tang Feng and Gino into the waiting room in private, to tell Gino the truth without any of the others present.

“My line foundation isn’t good enough?” Gino was very surprised by this sudden problem. What he was surprised with wasn’t this, but that Tang Feng – an Asian whose first language wasn’t English – had stronger line foundations than him.

“Tang Feng, you go out first. I need to talk with Gino.” The Director sent Tang Feng out of the room, then turned around and closed the door.

Tang Feng waited outside the door for about half an hour before Gino came out. He was a little worried about this big star, but Gino didn’t look as though anything was wrong. He waved when he saw Tang Feng, and then he ran over.

“I already discussed with the Director. My lines won’t be recorded on scene but will be recorded on a later date.” Gino smiled while explaining, as though he had easily accepted Director Li Wei’s proposal.

“A sound decision.”

Gino squinted at Tang Feng, smiling with hidden intentions, “I didn’t expect your line foundations to be so good. I even got suppressed by you. No wonder. I, Gino, surely have a great eye for people. Other than agreeing with the request of the director, I also asked his opinion.”

“Opinion on what?”

“So long as I have time, I will go find you and let you, the line expert, give me some instruction. As compensation, I’ll treat you to a meal or something occasionally. Or, if you want my body as payment, it’s fine as well.” This Gino said with a non-serious appearance.

But this actually gave Tang Feng peace of mind. He was afraid the big star’s self-esteem would be hurt and hence, ruin their friendship, but now it looked like Gino did indeed have what is needed to be a big star – a positive mentality and a heart geared for continuous learning.

Sure enough, Director Li Wei soon called for Tang Feng to go over, saying a bunch of flowery words that just meant that he wanted Tang Feng to help his partner practice more, and that Gino was not a bad person. Li Wei hoped that Tang Feng could cultivate a good relationship with Gino through this movie, becoming the first step on his road to Hollywood.

Good people were oftentimes right.

Not caring about the fact that they would have to spend more time together, but based solely on the fact that Gino was his movie partner, Tang Feng agreed to Li Wei’s request.

It was just that, on that day, after arranging with Gino to meet at the hotel in the morning, Tang Feng suddenly remembered that he was currently staying in a standard room, and there were two other people staying in it.

By the time he called Gino again, the other had already turned off his phone.

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Translator: Kacy
Proofreaders: Charlotte Grey, Lyrick