I'm a Master in India

It was a crisp autumn day in Mumbai in November. Ron was in a taxi, weaving through traffic along Marine Drive towards Juhu.

Watching the street scene whizzing past, he couldn't help but wonder if he should buy a car.

Ideally, he'd also hire a full-time driver, making it easier to run around.

Of course, that would have to wait a bit; he was short on cash right now. Besides, Ron wasn't too keen on Indian-made Tata or Ambassador cars.

The shoddy workmanship of the 'Three Brothers' was notorious. For something safety-related like a car, imported goods were a must.

In the distance, the Bollywood R.K. Studios was already visible. The flow of people and vehicles noticeably increased here.

He had just gotten out of the taxi when a figure leaped from behind and covered his eyes.

"Guess who, you rascal?"

"Hmm," Ron sniffed. "It's our lovely and beautiful Lena, of course."

"Bingo! Correct answer!" Lena stretched her head from behind his neck and offered a fiery kiss.

They only broke apart reluctantly when they both felt a dizzying lack of oxygen.

Ron scooped up her soft thighs and hefted her. Little Lena seemed to have gained a bit of weight recently.

"You're getting plumper, Lena."

"Don't you dare call me fat!" She wrapped her arms around Ron's neck and cried out, "I even started doing yoga, but Indian food is just too high in sugar…"

"Yoga? That's great!"

"What mischievous idea are you hatching now?"

"We'll discuss it tonight. Where's Mary? She was the one who called me."

"She's inside. Those foreigners are wary of the local Indians, afraid of being scammed. So, one of us has to keep an eye on things."

"Have they been giving you trouble?" Ron asked.

"No, they're good. They're also very curious about Bollywood. But how did you do it? Other Indian casting agents have tried, and the foreigners' reactions are usually suspicion and hostility."

"Actually, convincing them to play non-speaking roles in Bollywood movies isn't hard for me. They're very receptive because I take them to affordable and clean hotels, good restaurants, and fun places."

"Is that all?" Lena clung to his neck, refusing to get down.

"Basically, you have to earn their trust first. Of course, there's more to it than that; I've also figured out a trick.

I've encountered all kinds of foreign tourists. The way to quickly win their trust is complicated.

It's about two parts humor, two parts catering and flattery, one part flirting, plus a little mischief, a hint of arrogance, and a touch of disdain."

Lena stared, dumbfounded. Was it really that complicated?

"Wait, did you use that trick on Mary and me back then?"

"That's different. I didn't even have a chance to use that skill; I was the passive one. Hey, Mary!"

Ron patted Lena's behind. The latter gave Mary a smug look before jumping off his back.

"Lena, you should lose some weight. Look, someone's so tired they can't even stand up straight, but they're still trying to act like they don't care. How pathetic."

"You!…"

"Alright, let's get down to business."

Ron subtly separated them. It was best to play dumb at this moment.

"Let's talk inside first." Mary let them off the hook. As she turned, she glanced at Ron. That look had a hint of mischief, a touch of arrogance, and a little disdain.

Ron touched his nose, relieved that the awkwardness was only his. The simple-minded Lena couldn't understand any of it.

On the way to the studio, passersby often greeted Mary and Lena, while Ron got fewer greetings.

They had been working together for some time. Just yesterday, Ron had sent over eight foreigners. He tried his best to meet their needs.

Ron had already scouted out those foreigners who met the requirements from the start. He took them to Picadilly Restaurant, Deepti Fruit Juice Bar, and Strand Book Stall, then encouraged them to spend money.

When Mary needed extras, Ron would persuade them on the spot. At this time, the shop owners, managers, and staff would vouch for him one by one, and things would be settled in just a few minutes.

Not only were the foreigners enthusiastic about him, but the locals in the shops were equally enthusiastic. It was a skill, and it worked very well.

After more than two months of cooperation, Mary and Lena had nearly contracted the job of selecting actors for major studios and producers.

Now they were striving to break into the renowned R.K. Studios, Bollywood's most prestigious studio.

Passing through the gate, a tall, gray, sailboat-like tin gable roof dominated the area.

All sorts of messy equipment, cables, and people were crowded at the entrance. Someone was holding a list and shouting something.

Mary went up to say hello, and the guard led them to the soundproof studio. A group of Germans were waiting there; they were the extras Ron had sent over yesterday.

It was currently a filming break, and Lena had prepared some coffee and tea to distribute to the young people.

Several tables were arranged around the stage in the studio, set up like a modern nightclub. They gathered around two of the tables.

Ron went over to greet them, exchanged some pleasantries, and then pulled Mary aside.

"How are they doing?"

"Great," she said happily, "I think they're patient, relaxed, and enjoying themselves. The results will be great.

Ron, the people you've been sending over lately have been excellent. The producer is very happy. Maybe we can really make a name for ourselves in this business, you, me, and Lena."

"You like this business, don't you?"

"Indeed," she gave him a smile that Ron could feel on the back of his head, "I like this job."

Her expression became serious and firm, the firmness seen on the faces of those who fight hard despite having no hope. Her skin was flawless, her rose-colored eyes radiated determination, and her long, curly red hair was combed back from her face into an elegant hairstyle that complemented her dignified and steady ivory-colored pantsuit.

"Ron, I like the people here, the life here. I think you'll like it too."

"Of course, I like you all too," Ron smiled.

He didn't know what Mary had gone through to make her so determined. But Ron knew that she must need to feel cared for at this moment, a kind of love that included friendship, appreciation, respect, and simple affection. He didn't skimp on his feelings.

Mary stared into his eyes, then laughed. She took his arm and led him around the studio.

"This movie is a comedy," she said.

"Not surprising."

"A romantic comedy. The female lead is Kimmy. I think she's sexy and charming. Her dancing isn't great, but she's beautiful. The male lead is Chunky Pandey. He acts well too, if he doesn't keep messing up."

"Speaking of which, where are those producers?"

"Oh, damn it, I almost forgot," Mary covered her forehead, "It's all your fault, Ron."

"What?"

"You distracted me."

Ron blinked innocently. What had he said to make her forget her business?

"Come on, I'll introduce you to a deal." Mary took his arm and walked towards the stage.