novellhall Chapter 183 Unsophisticated and Unsophisticated [5000] Requesting Monthly Tickets
Chapter 183 Unsophisticated and Unsophisticated [5000] Requesting Monthly Tickets
Chapter 183 Unsophisticated and Unsophisticated [5000] Requesting Monthly Tickets
Half an hour later, the five people appeared on a snack street near the City God Temple.
Chen Xun wore a baseball cap, pulled low over his shoulders.
Fan wore a fisherman's hat, covering half of his face.
Paul was the most outrageous, wearing sunglasses and a mask, looking like he was about to rob a bank.
Gale and Tyrese also disguised themselves briefly.
Even so, their features, which were clearly not Asian, still attracted a lot of attention.
But the people of Shanghai are well-informed; after glancing at it a few times, they went back to eating.
"This is it."
Chen Xun pointed to a brightly lit street.
On both sides were densely packed stalls, and the air was filled with the smells of cooking oil, spices, grilled meat, and other unidentifiable foods.
The place was bustling with noise. Plastic tables and chairs were placed in the middle of the road, and diners chatted loudly, clinked glasses, and slurped noodles.
Paul took off his sunglasses, his eyes shining: "Fuck! This is life! Much more real than those fancy restaurants!"
First stop, pan-fried buns.
Chen Xun queued up and bought twenty.
Four for each person!
The stall owner, an auntie, noticed the group of foreigners and deliberately used tongs to pick out the pieces that were fried to the golden brownest bottom.
"Be careful, it's hot. Take a small bite first, then drink the soup," Chen Xun demonstrated.
Fan did as instructed, took a bite, and his eyes widened: "There's soup in here? Hot soup? How did you do that?"
"secret."
Chen Xun took a bite himself.
Thin skin, thick bottom, piping hot gravy, a familiar taste.
He let out a comfortable sigh.
Gail ate cautiously, but soon succumbed to temptation.
"This is a hundred times better than the Chinese dumplings I had in New York," she said between bites. "The skin of those dumplings was as thick as a shoe sole."
Tyrese was the funniest. He grimaced from the heat of the first bite, but he couldn't bear to spit it out. He kept shoving it around in his mouth, and his face turned red when he finally swallowed it.
"Hot! It's delicious!"
He gave a thumbs up.
Second stop: barbecue.
Chen Xun ordered lamb skewers, chicken wings, chives, enoki mushrooms, and grilled eggplant.
The stall owner asked, "Want some chili peppers?"
"Half spicy, half not spicy."
Chen Xun turned around and explained, "I suggest adding chili to the lamb skewers; it'll be even more fragrant."
The meat skewers were still sizzling with oil when they arrived.
Paul picked up a skewer, blew on it, and took a bite.
"Oh, this spice—"
He closed his eyes to savor it: "Delicious to the bone!"
Fan Jia's food was so spicy that he was sweating profusely, but he couldn't stop eating it.
"This spiciness is different from Mexican spiciness." He wiped his sweat as he analyzed, "Mexican spiciness is pungent, this spiciness is fragrant."
Tyrese only dared to eat non-spicy food, but he was still won over.
"American barbecue is all about basting everything with barbecue sauce," he complained. "But the seasoning for each ingredient is different."
Gail is struggling with a skewer of grilled chives.
It was her first time eating it, and she didn't know how to start.
Chen Xun demonstrates: "Bite the whole bunch, chew."
She tried it, and her expression went from doubt to delight: "It's crispy! And it smells garlicky!"
Next, Chen Xun took them to eat xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
This time it's steamed to order.
Five people sat on plastic stools and waited, watching the stall owner skillfully roll out the dough, fill it with filling, and put it in the steamer.
"This craftsmanship—" Paul exclaimed, mesmerized. "It's like art."
Chen Xun watched from the side and couldn't help but laugh.
This little foreigner has never seen anything good before.
When the steamer was brought out, it was steaming.
Chen Xun warned, "This soup is even hotter, be careful."
Fan already had experience; he would first bite through the skin and then slowly sip the soup.
"fresh!"
He quickly commented: "Chicken? Pork? And crab roe?"
"Crab Roe Xiao Long Bao," Chen Xun explained, "a mixture of pork, crab roe, and crab meat."
Gail ate very well this time and even learned how to use chopsticks.
Although the posture was awkward, at least it was clamped up.
"I should record a video and post it on Instagram."
The title is "Hollywood Actresses' Night Market Survival Guide".
Tyrese got burned a second time, but he learned his lesson and blew on it for a long time before eating.
"This taste—I've never had anything like it in America, there's no comparison at all."
Only then did Chen Xun dare to take them to eat stinky tofu.
If we had taken them to eat this from the beginning, these guys probably would have run away long ago!
The aroma wafted over even before I reached the stall.
Tyrese was the first to frown: "What is this thing—it smells like—well, I won't say anything."
Paul pinched his nose and asked, "Are you sure this is edible?"
"Smells awful, but tastes delicious." Chen Xun had already bought several portions: "Blue cheese from Shanghai."
The golden-fried stinky tofu was served with chili sauce and cilantro.
Chen Xun ate a piece first, looking quite pleased.
Fan mustered up his courage and tried a piece. After chewing a few times, his expression changed from wary to surprised to delighted.
"It's delicious." He ate another piece: "Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the sauce is the perfect finishing touch."
Paul and Gail tried it too, and had similar reactions.
Only Tyrese refused to eat, so Chen Xun didn't force him and bought him some fried rice cakes instead.
The rice cakes were fried until crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, then brushed with sweet bean sauce and sesame seeds.
Tyrese ate with a beaming smile: "This is safe! And delicious!"
After eating around the restaurant, all five of them were a little full.
Chen found a relatively quiet dessert shop and ordered mung bean soup, red bean paste, and sweet fermented rice balls.
Sitting on plastic chairs, enjoying the cool night breeze and watching the lively atmosphere on the street, the group felt very relaxed.
"Honestly," Paul took a sip of mung bean soup, "all the Chinese food in America is fake. What General Tso's Chicken, etc."
Fortune cookies, even Chinese people don't eat them.
"That's Americanized Chinese food."
Chen Xun explained, "It was modified to suit American tastes, just like Mexican food in America isn't really Mexican food."
"But these snacks of yours—"
Fan was still savoring the moment: "Every bite was delicious. The bottom of the pan-fried buns had to be fried just right, the skin of the xiaolongbao was thin but not broken, and the ratio of the barbecue seasonings—these are all techniques."
Chen Xun raised an eyebrow.
This guy is a connoisseur of food!
Gail nodded: "And it's cheap. We ate so much tonight, how much did it cost per person?"
Chen Xun did the math: "It's about 80 RMB, less than 15 USD. In the US, 15 USD is probably only enough to buy a hamburger and fries."
Tyrese, having calmed down by now, began to regret not trying the stinky tofu: "Did I miss out on some cultural experience?"
"Next time!" Chen Xun laughed, "The capital city has douzhi (fermented mung bean juice), that would be even more exciting."
What is douzhi (fermented mung bean juice)?
"A fermented mung bean beverage, it's delicious!"
"Then I have to try it!" Tyrese said with an expression that said, "I can't miss it."
As the conversation progressed, the topic turned to movies.
"The audience's reaction here was stronger than I expected," Fan said. "They resonated not only with the action scenes but also with the emotional scenes, especially with your character Chen Xun, that kind of spirit of doing anything to protect the team. They really appreciated it."
"Because Chinese audiences value loyalty and brotherhood."
Chen Xun explained: "Being willing to go to great lengths for friends and risking one's life for family is something ingrained in our cultural DNA."
Paul said thoughtfully, "So the reason our series is so popular here isn't just because of the cars and the explosions."
"Of course not!" Chen Xun said, "It's because the word 'family' carries too much weight in Chinese culture."
The night market was gradually coming to an end.
The stall owners began to pack up, and the diners gradually left.
The five people got up, put the plastic stools back in their original positions, and threw the trash into the bin.
On the way back, Paul suddenly said, "I should bring my family to China."
Let them try these too.
"Your girlfriend and child?" Chen asked.
"Yes! And my mom too, she absolutely loves xiaolongbao (soup dumplings)."
"Next time you come, I'll be your tour guide."
"It's a deal!"
It was almost midnight when I got back to the hotel.
In the lobby, director Justin Lin was chatting with the producer. Seeing them return, he sniffed them and exclaimed, "You smell like barbecue!"
"Director, you've really missed out!" Paul exclaimed. "Those pan-fried buns were absolutely amazing!"
I'll go myself later.
Justin Lin laughed: "Everyone should rest now. We're flying to the capital tomorrow, the flight is at nine in the morning."
Everyone said goodnight to each other.
Chen Xun returned to his room, took off his coat, and the smell of the night market still clung to his clothes.
He didn't dislike it; on the contrary, he felt a sense of familiarity with it.
We flew to the capital city early the next morning.
While waiting to board his flight in the airport VIP lounge, Chen Xun browsed Weibo and, sure enough, saw that the photos of the night market from last night had already spread.
The trending Weibo post was made by an account called "Street Snap Sauce of Shanghai": "We bumped into Chen Xun taking the cast of 'Fast & Furious 5' to the City God Temple Night Market! Vin Diesel's expression while eating pan-fried buns was priceless! [Images][Images[Images]]"
The nine-grid photos were quite clear: the moment Fan got burned by the pan-fried buns, Paul's satisfied look while holding a lamb skewer, Gail's serious face as she struggled with the grilled chives, Tyrese's exaggerated expression as he dodged the stinky tofu, and Chen Xun's profile as he smiled and explained something to them.
The comments section exploded: "Hahaha, Fan's bald head is so shiny under the night market lights!"
"Paul looks just like that 'it smells so good' meme!"
"Gail is so beautiful, even eating street food is so elegant!"
Tyrese: Don't touch me (referring to stinky tofu)
"Brother Xun is so down-to-earth, he actually treated them to this!"
"@ChenXun, could you film a video next time? I'd like to see a dynamic version!"
"Yes! Let's film a vlog! Let's see how these foreigners are conquered by Chinese food!"
"I suggest starting a food vlog channel called 'Hollywood Stars' Food Adventures in China'!"
"I second that! Brother Xun, please listen to the fans' voices!"
The most liked comment is: "@ChenXunGe, you owe us a night market vlog! Arrange it quickly!"
Chen Xun smiled and handed his phone to Paul next to him: "You guys have become internet celebrities."
3
Paul leaned over to look at the photo: "I look pretty handsome in the picture, but what's with this 'it smells so good' meme?"
"It's a popular internet slang term that describes someone who says no but whose actions contradict their words," Chen Xun explained simply.
"Got it!"
Paul nodded: "It's like I say I don't eat spicy food anymore, but I can't resist the smell of barbecue."
Fan Ye chimed in, "The fans are so enthusiastic! Do they want to watch us eat?"
"They want to see you get burned by the pan-fried buns."
Chen Xun pointed to the photo.
Fan touched his bald head: "That was definitely a classic moment. When the soup sprayed out, I thought my tongue was going to disappear."
After boarding the plane, Chen Xun posted a Weibo message in response to his fans: "Last night's night market trip has been discovered. Thank you everyone for liking it. As for the video—I'll consider it."
Less than five minutes after the post was published, it garnered over ten thousand comments: "Consideration means agreement! We'll wait!"
"Please do a live stream! I'll use all the tips to buy you pan-fried buns!"
"Brother Xun, check your private messages! Our fan club has made a food guide!"
"The capital city has fermented mung bean juice, fried dough rings, braised pork, and stir-fried liver. Let's take them to try it!"
The plane landed at Beijing Capital International Airport at 2 p.m.
As soon as the cabin door opened, the dry, cold air from the north rushed in, a completely different feeling from the damp cold of Shanghai.
Chen Xun wrapped his coat tighter and followed the group outside.
As they walked, Rob explained, "There might be fans at the arrival gate later, but probably not as many as in Shanghai. The rules are stricter here in the capital, and it's harder to get permission for large gatherings."
The group entered the arrival hall.
From afar, you could see a huge crowd of people at the arrival gate, holding up various light signs and banners.
Because of the distance, I couldn't see the specific details, but the scale of the event was indeed impressive.
Just then!
Arriving on the same flight as Chen Xun and the others was another member of the mainland boy group Shining Boys, who had just returned from training in South Korea.
All five members sported brightly colored hair, wore trendy clothes, sunglasses, and masks, giving them a very idol-like look.
They walked out of the passage before Chen Xun.
Seeing so many people at the arrival gate, the team leader at the front had a bright idea.
He turned around and said something to his teammates, and they immediately straightened their backs, adjusted their expressions, put on professional smiles, and walked forward while waving to the fans.
The agent whispered a reminder from the side: "Keep a low profile, don't be too flashy."
But the young people clearly didn't listen.
Having debuted for only six months, it was the first time I'd seen so many fans at the airport, and I couldn't help but feel a little dazzled.
They walked closer and closer, waving more and more enthusiastically.
One member even made a heart shape with his hands.
Strangely, there was no response from the arrivals area.
The crowd stood quietly; no one screamed, no one took pictures, and no one responded to their waving.
The group of Shining Youths were a little stunned, and their steps slowed down.
The captain looked at the manager with a puzzled expression, and the manager also looked confused.
Just a dozen meters from the arrival gate, the crowd suddenly erupted in deafening shouts: "Chen Xun—welcome—back—!"
The voices were perfectly synchronized; five thousand people shouted at the same time, and the entire hall shook.
The dazzling young man froze on the spot.
They then realized that the signs did not have their names on them, but instead had words like "Chen Xun," "Coming for the Light," and "Light of the Chinese."
The banner didn't feature their photos; instead, it showed a man in a black jacket.
They didn't know each other at all.
Several people's faces flushed red.
The agent, Ren Yingting, quickly pulled them aside, hissing in a low voice, "Ting, let's go! You're making a fool of yourself!"
They lowered their heads and slunk past the crowd from the side.
One member looked back, still unwilling to give up, just as Ding Chenxun's team came out.
Vin Diesel's bald head, Paul Walker's signature smile, Gale Gard's tall stature, and Chen Xun walking in the middle.
Even though he was wearing a hat and mask, his aura was undeniable.
"Who is that?" the member asked the manager in a low voice.
The agent said irritably, "Chen Xun, he's from Hollywood, just got an Oscar nomination. Don't you guys read the news often?"
"Why would Hollywood use Chinese music?"
"Promoting your movie! Other people's movies have grossed billions worldwide, and you have such meager achievements, how dare you be so smug?"
'
The group fell silent, and Jia Ting fled the scene.
This scene was captured by many passersby and quickly spread online. On Weibo, the hashtag #ShiningBoysAirportWelcomeMishap# became a minor trending topic.
"A scene of utter devastation, a death trap for all!"
"They thought the fans were there to pick them up, but then—"
"Therefore, people should have self-awareness."
"However, Chen Xun's entourage is indeed unmatched by any domestic star."
"Those young heartthrobs will probably never forget this day."
Chen Xun, on the other hand, was completely unaware of this little incident.
Surrounded by the enthusiasm of his fans, he, as usual, reminded his family to be careful and then quickly passed through the pavilion.
This time, the airport arrangements were much better; there was a staff member waiting to see the fans off, and everything was in perfect order.
The premiere in the capital is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the venue is Sanlitun.
Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.
By 4 p.m., the South Plaza of Sanlitun Taikoo Li was already packed with people.
This is even more outrageous than in Shanghai!
There were 8,000 fewer people at the scene.
The streets surrounding the square were also blocked, forcing traffic police to temporarily close the roads.
Three hundred more security personnel were added, along with more than one hundred volunteers to maintain order.
Robert watched the monitor backstage and shook his head, saying, "What if something happens—"
"Nothing will happen!"
Director Liu, the Chinese representative, said earnestly, "The capital city has extensive experience in organizing such events, and your fans are truly of high quality."
Director Liu didn't mention riding, and although there were many of Chen Xun's fans, they were very orderly.
The fans consciously lined up in a square formation, without pushing forward or littering.
Some people brought small stools to sit and wait, while others distributed hot water and hand warmers.
The temperature in the capital city was already close to zero degrees Celsius at night.
The most spectacular thing was the support items.
In addition to the usual light boards and banners, some people also pulled up a huge banner that read: "Chen Xun, let the world see the power of the Chinese people."
In the center of the square, Universal Pictures set up a giant exhibition area.
The 1:1 scale Dodge Battlehorse model reappeared, next to a life-size standee of Chen Xun.
The difference this time is that there is an electronic screen next to the standee, which plays trailers and behind-the-scenes footage of "Fast & Furious 5" on a loop.
At 6 p.m., the main cast's convoy arrived.
This time, I didn't walk the red carpet because there were too many people, and security advised me to go directly indoors.
But Chen Xun insisted on greeting his fans.
He walked to the small platform that had been temporarily set up for the business and took a public microphone.
"Can I see Ding?" he asked.
"able!"
The responses from eight thousand people were like a tsunami.
"Will you listen to me?"
"able!"
Chen Xun smiled: "That's good. Thank you so much for waiting outside for so long in this cold weather!"
He paused for a moment, then said, "I really don't know what to say. Thank you, everyone."
"It's not cold!"
"worth!"
The fans below just shouted.
"I know many people came from overseas."
Chen Xun continued, "I saw that Ding had signs that said people came from Northeast China, Sichuan, and Guangdong —"
"Thank you. Please promise me you'll go back to the hotel to rest early after the premiere and be careful, okay?"
"good!"
Chen Xun looked at the fans with cameras and phones: "I know you all want to take pictures, but don't just take pictures of me, take pictures of the people around you too!"
"These people who waited and cheered with you may go their separate ways tomorrow, but today you've gathered here because of the same movie and the same actor—that's fate!"
"Remember this moment! Remember everyone around you."
Many fans actually started taking photos of each other, making the atmosphere even warmer.
They discovered they had a lot in common.
It turns out that liking the same idol at the same time is so wonderful!