novellhall Chapter 58: No Worse Than Ang Lee
Chapter 58: No Worse Than Ang Lee
On the evening of December 8th, the area outside the Taipei Arena and the red carpet of the Avenue of Stars was bustling with people.
Inside a car provided by the organizers, Jing Tian sat, looking extremely nervous.
"Brother, this is my first time, what if I don't walk well?"
"Bro, it seems like not just ordinary people can walk this red carpet, right? I haven't been nominated for any awards."
Jing Tian clutched the hem of her dress, her expression visibly flustered. Although she was very interested in becoming a star, she hesitated when she actually stood under the spotlight.
"What are you afraid of? There are plenty of shills here. Stand tall and be yourself, just like you always are."
Gu Qing chuckled and squeezed his brother's small hand; it was quite soft, but slightly cold.
Film festivals are always the worst for actresses. If they want to dress beautifully, they have to endure the cold. In this weather, if it weren't for the heating in the venue, they really couldn't stand it.
"I'm gone."
Gu Qing gave Jing Tian a reassuring look and then opened the car door and got out first.
There are specially arranged shills outside, so no matter who walks the red carpet, there won't be any dull moments.
In addition, his film "Cruise" was well received when it premiered in Hong Kong and Taiwan last week, so he can hardly be considered unknown.
In addition, both of them are of similar age and appearance, and can be described as a handsome man and a beautiful woman.
As soon as they appeared, loud shouts and screams came from all directions.
Even though Gu Qing had made ample preparations, she couldn't help but be startled. Jing Tian beside her was even more distraught; if Gu Qing hadn't been supporting her, she probably would have collapsed.
Being a celebrity really requires a strong heart. After experiencing this, domestic red carpet events seem like child's play.
"Take my arm, and we'll pretend we're going shopping."
Gu Qing leaned close to Jing Tian's ear and whispered something.
"It's not that simple."
"Then just treat all those people down there like radishes and cabbages. If anyone's eyeing you, retaliate and cook them up like a dish."
"hehe."
Jing Tian was amused and felt the warmth of Gu Qing's hand. She calmed down and walked the red carpet without any major incidents.
Looking up at the composed Gu Qing, he couldn't help but smile.
The red carpet hosts were Nie Yun and Lu Jiayi, both professional presenters.
"Gu Qing, you're a new director, and this is your first time on this big stage. Is there anything you'd like to say to the fans here?"
Lu Jiayi handed over the microphone, looking at the handsome man and beautiful woman in front of her with curiosity in her eyes.
This is Chang Chen-yue's ex-girlfriend. The two were in a relationship for many years, but ultimately couldn't overcome the seven-year itch.
Passion will eventually fade, and the mundane is what life is all about. If a boyfriend and girlfriend don't have anything in common, they will eventually go their separate ways.
"Well, thank you to the fans and audience for your support. There are also many industry veterans and colleagues here today. I still have a lot to learn."
"Okay, Director Gu seems very modest. 'Triangle' is..."
Gu Qing had expected to be put in a difficult position with barbed remarks, but the conversation turned out to be quite normal. In return, he became much more humble.
After exchanging a few words, we were led into the venue by the staff.
In this situation, the host won't engage in awkward small talk; they'll simply give a brief introduction and call it a day.
These two were already pretty good, getting a minute or two of screen time. There were many others who just went through the motions without saying a word.
"You're not cold anymore, are you? This red carpet is just for showing off, it's not something you have to walk."
Seeing Jing Tian rubbing her arms and her face red from the cold, Gu Qing felt a pang of sympathy and said something.
He then took off his suit jacket and draped it over Jing Tian's shoulders.
Walking the red carpet is not mandatory; you can enter the venue directly through another door, but you'll just miss out on an opportunity for exposure.
However, Gu Qing didn't care about this level of exposure at all.
But if Jing Tian wants to become a star, she has to take that step sooner or later.
"Let's go, it's not good to be blocking the way."
Jing Tian straightened her sleeves and, seeing that many people were looking this way, pulled Gu Qing inside.
The Golden Horse Awards have placed the film in a relatively prominent position, and its five nominations represent a mid-to-high level of quality within this year's nomination list.
Sitting in front of him was Jiang Wen, whose film "The Sun Also Rises" only received three nominations at this year's Golden Horse Awards.
I suspect Emperor Entertainment is behind this; the film is too obscure and profound, and it would take at least ten years for people to understand it.
"Brother Jiang Wen, how have you been lately?"
"My dear brother Gu Qing, I have been tossing and turning at night lately, unable to eat, and filled with endless worries."
"Brother, no matter how difficult things get, you still need to eat and sleep."
Gu Qing laughed. This guy never tells the truth. He didn't believe that being banned from directing twice would make him lose heart again.
At most, they'll only lose a little money; most of it will still go to the investors.
She can still chat and joke with him now, so it seems she has almost recovered.
"Brother Jiang, 'Lust, Caution' is likely to take the top spot tonight. Any regrets?"
"Hey, this movie is too effeminate, it's not my style."
"But if you want me to be scared, I guarantee I'm no worse than Ang Lee."
Hearing Gu Qing's teasing, Jiang Wen was taken aback. He had indeed been approached for the film initially, but he really didn't like making movies with female themes.
Ang Lee directed "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," which viewed the martial arts world from a female perspective, and "Lust, Caution" does the same.
"Okay, let's not talk about 'Lust, Caution' anymore. Who's this person next to you?"
Jiang Wen felt awkward and quickly changed the subject.
"This is Jing Tian, my brother."
After finishing his conversation with Jiang Wen, Gu Qing finally remembered to introduce Jing Tian.
Fortunately, the latter was quite well-behaved in public. At this moment, he sat quietly in his chair, watching Gu Qing chat with Jiang Wen.
"Director Jiang, hello."
"Hmm, hello, you look familiar. Have we met before?"
"I have to say, you're something else, finding such a handsome guy."
Jiang Wen raised an eyebrow and looked at Gu Qing with a strange expression.
Having been through similar experiences, he knew exactly what this kid was up to. Calling someone a brother was probably just a tactic to lower a young girl's guard.
"Alright, Director Jiang, you've talked enough today."
"Hey, what's up? Didn't you initiate the conversation?"
"I was just concerned about you."
"Alright, Jing Tian, right? Now we're acquainted. Since you're Brother Gu Qing, you're my sister. Just come find me if you need anything."
Jiang Wen didn't joke around with Gu Qing; instead, he spoke seriously with Jing Tian, emphasizing the word "brothers."
Gu Qing waved his hand, ignoring the guy.
Jiang Wen recognized Jing Tian, which didn't surprise him. Lu Zheng guessed that Jing Tian had taken him to many banquets.
However, those big-name directors wouldn't respect the people brought by the investors; it's not time for that yet.
After chatting with Jing Tian for a while, the latter returned the coat to Gu Qing.
He didn't refuse and put it on, only faintly smelling the fragrance of jasmine.
"I'll wash you when we get back."
Jing Tian said, blushing slightly.
"No need for that, it's all sponsored, and you'll have to return it after you're done wearing it."
For large-scale gala events like these, the costumes are usually carefully chosen, but most of them are women's clothing.
Wearing a suit for the first time made it look more formal, but later on, Gu Qing planned to wear whatever she liked.