Huayu: From charlatan to great entertainer

Chapter 351 Roman Holiday
It's not so easy to escape at any time.

After arriving at the airport from Beverly Hills at around seven o'clock and waiting for three hours, Travolta's application to fly the Dassault Falcon 7X was finally approved.

Fortunately, it was only a small business jet, but it is unknown how much favors were spent to make this trip a success.

Until 11 o'clock in the evening, in the cabin which had stabilized a lot, Liu Yifei, who was still very excited, poked Lu Kuan.

Where are we going?

"Italy."

Boss Lu smiled and said, "Very few airports at our destination can accommodate flights at short notice. Let's go to Rome first, complete the paperwork, and then we can fly as high as we want."

Xiao Liu's eyes lit up: [Roman Holiday, Audrey Hepburn].

This was her idol when she was a child, and she even imitated Hepburn's classic scene of holding a cat in "Breakfast at Tiffany's".

Leaving on impulse was a spur of the moment decision. After calming down a little, Xiao Liu realized that some "supplies were in short supply".

A makeup bag or something is fine, she is too lazy to put on makeup when she is not on a schedule, but she also doesn’t bring enough underwear...

Liu Xiaoli washed all her underwear by hand and hung them in her mother's room.

Looking at Lu Kuan, who was sitting opposite her and smacking his hands on a map of Europe, Liu Yifei suspected that he was wearing only this one set of clothes.

【Don’t you have any clothes or anything? 】

Boss Lu glanced at his phone without looking up: "Just buy it when you land, it will save you the trouble."

He pulled out two VISA unlimited cards from his pocket and placed them on the table.

The Infinite Card provides holders with an exceptionally high credit limit and numerous high-end benefits, such as high spending rewards, access to airport VIP lounges worldwide, and personalized exclusive services.

It can be used unimpeded in European countries in 2007.

"Where do you want to go?" Boss Lu was still planning the route.

Concubine Liu Yi shook her head in a silly manner.

Both of them looked a little embarrassed. They had hardly had a break in all these years. They had been directing, filming, and making money without stopping.

Suddenly saying that I want to find some place with beautiful scenery where not many people will recognize me, I really don’t have any goal.

The young director took a pen and marked a few places on the map of Europe.

"Otherwise...just follow the movies, like Italy."

“Sicily in “The Legend of Malèna” and “Cinema Paradiso”, Florence in “Under the Tuscan Sun” and “Life is Beautiful”…”

Boss Lu muttered for a long time without getting a response. When he looked up, he saw the girl holding her chin and looking at him with a smile.

【Anywhere is fine.】

The young director smiled and continued planning the route.

But for Liu Yifei now, the destination is not important at all. She enjoys the feeling of being on the road and by his side.

After about 12 hours of flight from Los Angeles to Rome, the young man and woman went to bed.

Their dreams are sweet.

However, when Liu Xiaoli woke up, the sky had fallen...

There was only one lonely message on the phone:
Mom, Lu Kuan and I are traveling around the world.

She hurriedly dressed and went downstairs. Martha, the housekeeper, came over and bowed: "Good morning, ma'am!"

"Hello Martha, my daughter..."

"Oh, Crystal went out with Mr. Lu last night."

Liu Xiaoli was horrified: "Last night???"

The old mother glanced at the number on her phone that she couldn't dial. Coincidentally, the cold-faced bodyguard came back from morning exercise and asked, "A Fei, where's your boss?"

Ah Fei spoke frankly: "I took Miss Liu to Europe."

"Europe? For what?"

"It seems like... to relax."

Liu Xiaoli wondered if she was in a movie. How could Xiaolu, who was always so steady and measured, let herself go?

"Why didn't you come along?"

Ah Fei smiled bitterly: "Miss Liu asked me to stay... Mr. Lu couldn't persuade her."

Liu Xiaoli was stunned for a few seconds before she waved her hand weakly and returned to the room.

The old mother quietly put her daughter's underwear away in the cupboard, and suddenly she felt sad that she was about to lose her beloved daughter.

He couldn't stop muttering: "Turn, turn..."

As he thought about it, his face suddenly turned fierce again: "You damn boy, if you have the guts, you should really kidnap her this time! That would also put my mind at ease..."
-
Hotel Hassler, Rome.

Located at the top of the Spanish Steps in the heart of Rome, the Hassler is one of the top hotels in the area.

Like the Serie A team Juventus, it was founded in 1897 and has a history of more than 110 years.

It's a pity that it's difficult for the front desk staff of a hotel of this level to say in a clear conscience, "We only have one room left, please take a look..."

Xiao Liu returned to his room, while Lu Kuan went out to receive his old friend who had helped him with all the arrangements.

Marco Müller, president of the Venice Film Festival.

Boss Lu met him in 2002, so they could be considered old friends before he became famous.

He is the chairman of the three most famous pro-China film festivals. It was he who brought Zhang Yimou's "The Red Lantern" to Venice, where it won the Golden Lion.

Lu Kuan's "Whiplash" is also the result of his work as the film selector for the Asian region. The president of the film festival has deep roots in the mainland and can speak fluent Beijing dialect.

"Lu, I really wish you had brought a movie with you."

"Haha, I'm sorry to disappoint you. I'll definitely do it next time!"

Marco Muller spread his hands helplessly and asked his entourage to take out the relevant documents one by one. Many of them were obtained through the backdoor in the name of the upcoming Venice Film Festival.

For example, a driver's license that is renewed locally;

He and Liu Yifei obtained special visas as guests of the film festival, which allow them to stay in the European Schengen countries for up to three months.

"Do you need me to recommend a tour guide for you?"

"No, we're just sightseeing, driving wherever we happen to be." Boss Lu said with a smile, "It's just like in a movie. Sometimes you take a wrong turn and end up in an alley, but you end up seeing even more beautiful scenery."

Marco Muller gave him a thumbs up and said: "In any case, if you can stay in Europe until August, please come to Venice."

At the 2007 Venice Film Festival, Zhang Yimou was the chairman of the jury.

At that time, films such as Jiang Wen's "The Sun Also Rises" and Ang Lee's "Lust, Caution" will compete for the Golden Lion, and the latter will eventually win.

"No problem!" Boss Lu shook hands with him and said goodbye. When you go out, you rely on friends. This foreign friend who speaks Beijing dialect is really good!
"The car is parked downstairs. I wish you and Miss Crystal a happy honeymoon." Marco Muller gave him a look that all men understood.

He naturally didn't have the leisure to gossip about the true relationship between the two, but it was not strange for such a great artist and wealthy man to take a female companion to relax.

Lu Kuan returned to the room. Liu Yifei shyly poked her head out from the next room and knocked on his door with clear eyes.

Apparently, he had heard all of Marco Muller's teasing at the door.

The two men disguised themselves slightly - just wearing a hat and sunglasses, and went to the hotel parking lot.

Lu Kuan rented a Mercedes-Benz G500 with three locks. The 5.0L V8 naturally aspirated engine and full-time four-wheel drive should be enough to cope with the road conditions in Italy.

Mainly because the Apennine Peninsula is mountainous, if you really "got lost in the depths of lotus flowers" on the road in 2007, you would still rely on this high-end car with excellent equipment carrying capacity, departure and climbing capabilities.

It was July and the heat had just begun in Rome. A young Chinese couple was walking in St. Peter's Square in front of the obelisk.

As the morning light streamed over the cross on top of the obelisk, Boss Lu's white shirt had already turned a light gray due to sweat.

If it were the Xiao Liu of the past, she would be chirping non-stop like a bird out of a cage, but unfortunately now she can only play the role of a mute girl.

She squatted by the wreck's hot spring, her fingers hovering over the marble beard of Poseidon, which was dripping with water.

A corner of her white skirt was lifted by the wind, and she turned around and waved to the man, indicating that he should take a photo.

The young director's camera skills are naturally inferior to those of Zhao Fei and others, but he is still capable of providing such travel photo shooting services.

Looking at the beautiful smile in the camera, Boss Lu can only hope that this psychological healing process can help her get out of the haze.

A silent journey began quietly.

Following Hepburn's itinerary in "Roman Holiday", the two drove to the famous Spanish Steps.

The steps are located between Plaza de España and the Church of the Holy Trinity. They are arranged in a Baroque arc shape, and the alternating wide and narrow travertine steps create a unique sense of rhythm.

Lu Kuan acted as a director, explaining aesthetic concepts to her while taking photos from various angles. The two of them sat on the steps and experienced it for a while.

Around 2019, in order to protect the steps, the Roman government no longer allowed tourists to sit, lie down or eat, and a fine of 400 euros was imposed for each violation.

Concubine Liu Yi followed him and had thrown away all her thoughts.

The little girl suddenly poked him with her finger again, licked her tongue and tapped the ice cream in the hands of others.

This is a classic shot of Hepburn and Peck in the movie, almost a standard feature of the Spanish Steps in Rome——

Taking photos while eating the same double scoop of ice cream as Audrey Hepburn.

The two came to the store.

"What flavor do you want?"

Liu Yifei pursed her lips as she looked at the menu, pointing silently with her fingers.

The waiter could barely understand English and looked at the Chinese-looking girl with some regret.

It's a pity that she is so beautiful.

But why does the man next to her look familiar?

As she wished, she bought a pair of hazelnut and pistachio flavored balls at Antico Cafe. Liu Yifei licked them happily a few times, with innocence and satisfaction on her pretty face.

Just like her travels after she retired from the entertainment industry, this was a way to escape reality and take a short break.

Changing the scenery, the nearest one is the Trevi Fountain on the south side of Piazza di Spagna.

It also has a slightly sinister name, also called the Maiden Fountain.

The travertine rocks along the fountain pool are slightly heated by the body temperature of tourists, and the water in the twilight jumps into the bottom of the pool with the luster of gold coins.

At the moment when the stone horse's nostrils opened, the conch horn in the Triton sculpture's hand just splashed out water mist, and the sparkling light reflected the rainbow in the calcium water droplets.

It also illuminates the mountains of coins piled up at the bottom of the water.

Liu Yifei naturally wanted to experience the same coin-operated wishing method as Hepburn, but Boss Lu was innocently ripped off and spent 74 euros to buy three 50-lira coins.

It is said that throwing a coin with the year of the year into the water will make your wish more effective.

The mist from the Trevi Fountain blew in the face, wrapped in the July heat. When the girl stood on tiptoe, her feet were stained with ice cream dripping from tourists.

Although it's dirty, it's better than the septic tank in Paris.

She was gesturing at the statue of Poseidon's chariot for a long time when a foreign child accidentally bumped into her thigh. The coin slipped through her fingers and fell into the surging pool water, and the splashing water droplets stuck to her fluttering eyelashes.

Xiao Liu looked at the man taking pictures next to him with a wronged look, and took out another coin from his pocket.

The sunlight penetrated the blue and green spring water, casting tiny spots of light on her collarbone, and even the curled ends of her hair were bathed in honey-colored light.

Director Lu, who is good at discovering beauty, changed the zoom and could almost see the delicate hairs on the girl's delicate muscles.

Thousands of coins on the bottom of the pool reflected the stars as she turned, and her sandals made a soft clattering sound as they stepped on the slippery stone steps. Suddenly, a pigeon fluttered past her head, startling Concubine Liu Yifei so much that she hurriedly held down the hem of her floral skirt.

All the beauty is within someone's sight.

The young director laughed and jokingly said, "What's your wish? Is it to get rid of the nickname 'Little Mute' as soon as possible?"

He didn't regard this matter as a taboo. On the contrary, such a casual joke could make her let down her guard.

The little girl smiled and didn't answer. She took the camera proudly and checked the results without telling him her intention.

Her wish wasn't really to recover her health as soon as possible.

Or rather, since she escaped from her original world and embarked on this journey, she has subconsciously forgotten the pain.

This is the positive motivation brought by emotional companionship.

Lunch will be served in the dome restaurant of the famous Pantheon.

The servants bent down to spread the Vatican's custom-made linen tablecloth, which was exquisite, but unfortunately the special wild boar stew with pine nuts and raisins and truffle lasagna disappointed both of them.

The chef has also spoiled the young couple's taste buds.

At four o'clock in the afternoon, the two arrived at the last stop of the day, the Mouth of Truth.

Liu Yifei, who has watched "Roman Holiday" countless times, certainly knows its origin.

According to legend, if a liar puts his hand into the Mouth of Truth, his hand will be bitten off.

The afternoon sun slanted into the porch of Cosmedin Church, and the fangs of the bronze Poseidon relief glowed with a cold light.

Concubine Liu Yi stepped timidly on the cracks of the sixth-century floor tiles, her fingertips lightly touching the edge of the Mouth of Truth, and the thousand-year-old coolness of the marble spread along the lines of her palm.

As the chubby Italian lady collected the two tickets, she explained, "Sir, Madam, you can put your hands in at the same time and think of someone important to you."

"Experience this fascinating lie detection ritual and feel the mysterious atmosphere brought by the legend."

Boss Lu was quite bored, so he helped Liu Yifei hold her clothes and told her to do as she pleased.

Xiao Liu took out his phone: "Imitate Gregory Peck in the movie Roman Holiday and pretend to bite his handle off. I'll take a picture of you!"

"How stupid! Play by yourself!" Lu Kuan had the expression of an old man in the subway.

Concubine Liu Yi had anticipated his disappointment, but this time she acted a bit arrogant and took his hand and pushed it in.

The little girl handed the camera to the fat lady who had received the tip, and then pointed at the two of them, indicating that she wanted to take a photo.

The toll collector was naturally very experienced in her job, so she looked up and down at the oriental-looking girl with some surprise. It was a pity that she looked just like the waitress at the coffee shop...

Their hands intertwined in the Mouth of Truth, and Liu Yifei kicked him, signaling him to quickly perform Gawley Peck's classic scene!
As a Berlin Film Festival winner, shouldn’t you be in a good position to win it?

The young director said nothing and just pretended to be dead.

"hiss!"

Boss Lu felt a sharp pain in his hands and face, and looked speechlessly at the innocent-looking Xiao Liu opposite him, who was looking at him with bright and kind eyes.

I will force you to cut your nails when you get home at night!

"Well, ma'am, your boyfriend put on a great show."

Xiao Liu took the camera and captured the scene perfectly.

In front of the hideous Mouth of Truth, a Chinese man and woman stood facing each other.

The setting sun penetrated the stained glass windows, refracting the gold foil into broken diamonds, which scattered on her collarbone, which trembled as she tried to hold back a laugh.

I was smiling like a flower, but the washing machine had a hideous face.

perfect.

In the car leaving the tourist attraction, Xiao Liu pressed the keyboard of his phone: [Let’s go shopping?]

She tugged at Boss Lu's shirt and suit, which never changed, with disdain.

[You dress like an old man all day long. How about I take you shopping for two sets of clothes?]

Being a man, I have a natural resistance to shopping: "What's your taste? It's good enough if you can dress yourself to look decent."

Xiao Liu punched him angrily, then took out the map of Rome and motioned him to drive towards Via Condotti.

In fact, she wanted to buy some underwear for herself, but it was a bit inconvenient now that she couldn't speak.

Liu Yifei typed mischievously on the keyboard:

[I want to buy some underwear... You come with me.]

"Are you okay?" Boss Lu shook his head like a rattle. "I'll find you a translator there. I can't afford to lose that person."

Condotti is the "Champs Elysees" of Rome and a long-renowned shopping street. Many of the world's top luxury brands are concentrated on both sides of the short 300-meter street.

The street has a strong historical and cultural atmosphere, and the surrounding buildings are elegant in style, overflowing with the unique artistic atmosphere of Rome.

The two of them strolled around casually, sometimes stopping in front of the violinist playing on the balcony, and sometimes watching the performance of performance artists on the street.

Looking at the bustling streets before him, Boss Lu naturally put his arm around her shoulders and said, "Follow me closely. There are so many human traffickers in Europe. Don't get kidnapped and become someone's mute bride."

Xiao Liu covered his mouth and laughed secretly, then slapped him lightly: [You can't spit out the ivory! ]

Lu Kuan said seriously, "Do you think I'm joking?"

"Albania has a notorious European women trafficking industry, and many trafficked women are forced to work in red-light districts."

The later movie "Taken" referred to this real background.

Liu Yifei raised her little fist and immediately noticed the La Perla flagship store on the street, which is a top lingerie brand from Italy.

So the young director put on his sunglasses again with a reluctant look on his face, and was dragged into the store, following her awkwardly while touching his nose.

The store is crowded with female tourists from various countries, and of course there are also some accompanied by male companions.

The openness of Westerners made Lu Kuan seem less outstanding. Concubine Liu Yi began to hold his arm and walked all the way from lace suits to the more high-end Moonlight series.

It wasn't until a pair of sexually charged TALISMAN high-waisted shorts appeared in front of the two of them that the little girl, who had initially intended to play a prank, felt a little embarrassed.

It was really because these high-end designs had some elements of romance that made her, a young girl, blush.

Especially since there is a washing machine next to me that I love.

Xiao Liu stood in front of Boss Lu, who was commenting on the model, blocking his view.

【Wait for me at the door.】

The young director looked at the delicate and shy Liu Yifei and remained unmoved, with an offensive and defensive attitude: "It was you who made me come, and it's you who made me leave. I'm not leaving!"

"Your taste is terrible. Let me, a world-class artist, help you find your taste."

An Italian clerk approached, her tanned chest swaying, and spoke in fluent English: "Sir, Madam, how may I help you?"

"Um... her throat is sore and she can't speak. I'll be in charge of communicating with you. She wants..."

Boss Lu tilted his head, feeling like a young scoundrel teasing a decent girl. "You want to buy some underwear? Or some panties?"

Concubine Liu Yi nodded with a helpless smile, then shook her head, and finally punched him on the arm.

Seeing the extraordinary demeanor of the couple, the beautiful clerk thought it was just a joke between lovers and served them with a very respectful attitude.

"Ma'am, do you need basic lingerie, a lace set, or high-end custom-made underwear?"

"How about you take a look at this lace suit?" The clerk took the two of them to a walnut display cabinet.

Lu Kuan glanced at the $3000 sign and thought that it was easier to make money from women.

The female clerk introduced the product to Mr. Lu, who was watching with great interest, and Liu Yifei, whose face was blushing:
"This is the latest lace suit this year. The black lace cups are embellished with crystal diamonds, the waist is designed with cross-straps, and it is paired with a see-through mesh garter belt."

"Ma'am, you must be exercising regularly. Your shoulder blades are very graceful, and a backless design would be perfect for you."

Xiao Liu felt a little dry in the mouth as he looked at the sexy lingerie full of sexual tension. He really regretted bringing this washing machine in.

Now the weasel has entered the chicken coop and cannot be driven away.

The key is...

He was chatting and laughing with the clerk, while his stealthy eyes were fixed on me, as if he was putting on this lace suit in his mind...

"This suit doesn't suit her, it's too mature." The great artist got into the mood, looked around, and suddenly pointed at a style not far away.

"Give her that two-tone chiffon front-buttoned one and try it out."

"No problem sir, please..."

Boss Lu was startled. He turned around and glanced at Liu Yifei, then decided to let the person make the choice. "How old are you?"

It must be that no one in this store understands Chinese, otherwise the girl would really want to dig a hole and crawl into it when looking at the shameless man in front of her.

She reluctantly handed over the phone.

【75B】

"Is this true?" Boss Lu had an expression that said you must have lied about the data, which made Liu Yifei grit her teeth so hard that it hurt!
The beautiful sales clerk interrupted his questioning: "Sir, Madam, this style is mainly sexy, and our smallest style is 85B, you see..."

European and American women have larger frames, so the sizes of high-end underwear are all in the majority.

"Forget it then." Lu Kuan pointed to another style: "What about that black lace triangle cup? What's the smallest size?"

Xiao Liu couldn't stand this bastard's prank anymore. He kicked him angrily, took out his cell phone and typed a few words.

【Ordinary cotton, please. 】

This is what is meant by regular cotton underwear.

High-end luxury stores also have ordinary styles. Unlike suits and high-end custom-made items that focus on sexy style, the sizes of ordinary styles are relatively complete.

Liu Yifei glared at the washing machine fiercely, then took the underwear handed to her by the regretful clerk and went into the fitting room.

High-end lingerie stores allow you to try on clothes, but they will provide disposable underwear pads to ensure hygiene.

But when she came out again, the damn washing machine was surrounded by several European and American women.

Obviously they didn't recognize who the Chinese man wearing sunglasses was.

Just like mainland movie fans don’t recognize foreign directors who have been famous for decades.

"Sir, do you have an appointment tonight?"

"Can you help us choose some lingerie? You really look like an artist."

"You're much bigger and stronger than any Asian man I've ever met. Would you like to have a drink tonight?"

Boss Lu reluctantly refused the sudden romantic encounter, but he still gave them some suggestions.

"Your collarbone is very defined, and this halterneck lace bra with metal buckles will enhance your neck curve."

"This lady has a perfect waist-to-hip ratio. I suggest she choose a girdle-style bodysuit with vertical lace patterns to lengthen the look. This is a dressing technique."

He finally turned to a red-haired woman and looked her up and down. "Champagne gold suits your skin tone. This see-through mesh and leather dress will create a Caravaggio-style chiaroscuro under the warm light. It's a good choice."

The ladies in southern Italy were passionate and bold, and these few words aroused their interest even more.

Caravaggio-esque chiaroscuro?

This is the famous skill of Italian painter Caravaggio!
Someone who can casually say this word, coupled with his suit-and-tie demeanor, would obviously be an interesting bed partner.

But what was disappointing was that the young Chinese man had no intention of continuing to tease them.

He waved to them and quickly chased after the oriental girl who had just tried on ordinary underwear.

(End of this chapter)