T/N: No updates next week as I’ll be out and won’t have signal. -k
Also, this is the last of the 2x long chapters for ABV. The remaining chapters return to a normal 1 chapter = 1 release length.
After returning to Yan City, Jiang Dao’s itinerary became hectic.
The studio contacted Junyi Outdoor Products, the original sponsor of “True Wilderness”, who gave Jiang Dao an endorsement. With Xiang Yunru’s new winter clothes, and some e-commerce and public service advertisements, Jiang Dao’s October schedule was completely packed.
Of course, Chu Yinlong wasn’t idle either, and rushed to finish his work in October.
The reason for this arrangement is that, from the end of October to mid-November, he had other arrangements – the most famous ski resort in country F will soon open for the season, and he plans to take Jiang Dao to learn to snowboard.
On this trip, Chu Yinlong and Jiang Dao borrowed a translator and assistant from Xiang Yunru to accompany them.
Coincidentally, Xiang Yunru made many friends when she settled in country F. One of them not only speaks Chinese, but is a playboy from a rich background, and is a good candidate for Jiang Dao to observe and imitate, while also being a local guide.
After an eleven-hour flight and a four-hour drive, Jiang Dao followed Chu Yinlong and entered the ski resort.
Although it was his first time experiencing such a large time zone transition, Jiang Dao didn’t seem to feel uncomfortable and was very excited. “This resort this time is really luxurious. Although the hotels last time weren’t bad, this doesn’t feel quite the same.”
Chu Yinlong nodded: “Yes, the price is also very luxurious.”
“Is this what you mean by ‘replenishing qi and nourishing the body’?” Jiang Dao raised his eyebrows. “You brought me to a place where playboys live?”
Their large single-floor suite with a small courtyard is the most luxurious room in the hotel. It not only comes with a courtyard and an independent hot spring pool, but also is equipped with a fully functional western kitchen, which is connected to the courtyard, coffee bar, and a living room large enough to host parties in.
The bedroom is even more exaggerated. A large round bed is placed in the middle. The style of the whole room is gorgeous and atmospheric, and doesn’t look vulgar.
Jiang Dao’s eyes moved from the big round bed to the bathroom with transparent glass walls next to him, and he took an exaggerated breath. “Is this the kind of life noble playboys live?”
“Not all of them.” Chu Yinlong laughed. “But your character’s aesthetic is indeed this style.”
“Okay.” Jiang Dao nodded.
It was still early, and Jiang Dao decided to use a method to forcefully overcome jet lag – play crazily for a day, and wait until after 10 p.m. to go to bed.
This ski resort is located at more than 3,000 meters above sea level, so it’s not suitable to start strenuous exercise immediately without acclimatizing first. Learning how to snowboard is scheduled to start tomorrow.
Chu Yinlong contacted Xiang Yunru’s friend Jacque. After learning the other party had already arrived, he invited him over to have lunch together.
“No problem, we’ll meet directly at the western restaurant in area C of the hotel. I will introduce you to the most popular food from country F!” Jacque spoke decent Chinese enthusiastically. “You can also go to the spa for a massage in the afternoon. If you don’t want to ski, there’s also snow golf and other more tame snow entertainment. In the evening, the hotel has a music party. If you’re interested, let’s go together.”
Such a lifestyle is something Jiang Dao has never experienced, and what he needs to get familiar with as soon as possible. Chu Yinlong did not refuse and agreed on his behalf.
By the time he brought Jiang Dao and the translator to the western restaurant, Jacque was already waiting here with his two female companions.
“Hello! Amanda mentioned you to me. I’ve watched the movies you acted in.” Jacque smiled and shook hands with Chu Yinlong. “Your movie is very good, I like Chinese kung fu very much.”1his grammar and words will be slightly stilted to reflect a lack of fluency
Immediately, he looked at Jiang Dao again and stretched out his hand: “Hello! Nice to meet you, beautiful boy.”
Although the translator was half a step behind Chu Yinlong and Jiang Dao, Jaque obviously recognized his identity at a glance, and just smiled and nodded as a greeting. His priority was very clear.
After introducing the two female companions beside him, Jacque led Chu Yinlong and Jiang Dao into the restaurant. The waiter respectfully stepped forward, took everyone to a private booth, handed over the menu, and began service with lemon water and a basket of sliced bread.
“Do you want to order your own food, or shall I recommend something?” Jacque had a decent smile on his face, making him seem particularly approachable.
Jiang Dao stared at him for a moment, straightened his back a little, and then put the hand supporting his head flat, resting his wrist on the edge of the dining table, and crossed his fingers relaxedly.
“Then please recommend something.” Chu Yinlong said, “I don’t eat onions, and Xiao Dao doesn’t have any taboos.”
“No problem.” Jacque closed the menu, and looked over at the waiting station without raising his hand. The waiter soon discovered his movement and came over.
After ordering, the waiter asked what drinks were needed.
Jacque ordered several wines, and when the waiter left, he explained: “I selected a few red wines that are suitable for steak. You can taste them later and see which one you like the most.”
Soon, the waiter came over with a cart and asked anyone who needed a wine tasting.
After getting the answer, he took three new goblets from the sidecar, poured a small sip of the first red wine into each of the three glasses, and gestured to them.
Jiang Dao’s eyes have been tracking Jacque, watching his actions of serving and tasting wine, and mentally imitating them.
After tasting the five red wines brought by the waiter and confirming which bottle they wanted, the waiter smiled, nodded, and then turned and left.
Jacque was able to find topics that everyone can participate in with ease. The table is full of joy and no one will feel embarrassed. Even the translator sitting in the corner was occasionally included.
After eating steak, the group took a walk in the snow park near the hotel, and then went to the spa to enjoy the hot spring and massages. Finally, Jacque invited Chu Yinlong and Jiang Dao to the music party, where they also enjoyed dinner.
After playing all day, Jiang Dao observed a lot of things from Jacque, and learned more about this playboy’s style.
But he knew it would be challenging to play such a role well.
“He looks very enthusiastic and thoughtful. He seems very approachable, but in fact he has a strong sense of superiority.”
Back in the room, Jiang Dao began to share his observations with Chu Yinlong.
“He is the most sincere to you and takes heed of you the most. The second is me, but he hardly talks to me. After that are his two female companions, and most of the time they are talking about eating. Sister Li is at the end, and he really divides people clearly.”
Chu Yinlong nodded: “But you have to be clear, he is not arrogant.”
“I know.” Jiang Dao said with a smile. “Because of our different identities, even if he’s friendly, there is a difference in how he behaves. But this is a kind of ‘equality’ in disguise, so that people with high status will not steal the limelight and those with low status will not feel left out… It’s amazing, this person.”
“You can write this in the character biography.” Chu Yinlong said. “The script doesn’t focus too much on your character’s background or growth. Most lines aren’t about his character, so you can only explore and try to interpret it yourself.”
Jiang Dao flipped through the script and asked, “Why didn’t you let me play the villain this time? Didn’t they say my image is more villainous and not suitable for decent roles?”
Chu Yinlong rubbed his head. “This character is not a villain, and can be considered both hero and villain, and will be quite popular. And…” He paused mid sentence.
“And what?” Jiang Dao asked.
“…And I don’t want you to always play those death plots.” Chu Yinlong smiled wryly. “The villain of this movie has a bad ending, and some people in the circle believe that always acting death plots will affect an actor’s fate.”
Jiang Dao laughed out loud. “Why didn’t I know you still believed this?”
“I didn’t believe it before, and I didn’t care.” Chu Yinlong looked into his eyes. “But I’m worried about you, and I don’t want to put your fate at risk. Even if I know it’s just superstition, just… let me feel at ease.”
Jiang Dao leaned forward and kissed Chu Yinlong. “Then, how shall I thank Teacher Chu for your concern? How should I repay your thoughtfulness?”
Chu Yinlong took the script from Jiang Dao’s hand, put it on the coffee table, and then encircled Jiang Dao’s waist, pressing him slightly into the sofa.
“Didn’t you say that playing crazily will exhaust you and help you overcome jet lag more easily?” Chu Yinlong whispered. “Don’t you know the best way to be exhausted?”
“Yes!” Jiang Dao raised his eyebrows and smiled wickedly. “I’ve been staring at the hot spring in the yard as soon as we arrived. Teacher Chu, do you want to try something we haven’t tried yet?”
“I’ll go get a towel.” Chu Yinlong quickly got up.
The love of adult men is as such.
…
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