Cinephile hustle

"I met him at a fashion show in Florence."

"He didn't ask you to be his model, did he?" Ian raised the corners of his lips slightly.

"Yes. At first I didn't want to agree to him, but his expression moved me. There was no evil intention, just the expression of wanting to describe something. I haven't seen it for a long time. So I agreed to him."

"His use of color is bold, colorful but not vulgar."

"I have seen many colorful paintings in his studio, but the most moving ones are your portraits, and they are only in black and white."

"...he painted my portrait?"

"Why are you so surprised. Isn't he leaving New York for further studies in Florence to prove to you? To prove that he is not weak, but an ordinary person who can stand at the same height as you. He hopes to get your appreciation and approval , and I hope you will be proud of him."

"I'm already proud of him."

The corners of Ian's lips were sunken, and Xavier on the opposite side raised his eyes to look at him.

"It's a real shame you didn't get into fashion."

"...you're not the first to say that."

"Who else said that?" Xavier asked.

"It's nothing." Ian didn't intend to reveal to Xavier that he planned to investigate Fitz Gubler, so Ian, who was around Fitz, should try to mention as little as possible.

"I might be going to a big fashion 'fest' next week."

"What feast?"

"Ever heard of Fitz Gubler?"

"The titans of fashion."

"Well, he's going to throw a big party on the cruise ship, and a lot of rich and powerful people will be there. We, the sheep of the fashion industry, will be the delicious dishes for Fitz Gubler to entertain his allies. This is The so-called 'feast'."

There was a sarcastic smile on Xavier's lips.

A complex and very uncomfortable feeling surged in Ian's heart.

"You don't have to go."

"I didn't attend his party at Ever Hotel a few days ago. If I don't go this time, I will..." Xavier wiped his neck.

Immediately, he laughed again, "Hey, you know what? At that dinner party, his most important collaborator Ned died!"

Ian didn't speak.Xavier didn't know that this was the case he was investigating.According to the bureau's system, he is not allowed to disclose the case under investigation to outsiders.

"The look on your face makes me think you're contemptuous of Fitz Gubler and those who stand with him."

"Yes."

"I thought that giants in the fashion industry were sought after and admired."

"Only stupid kids who have just entered this circle and want to get ahead will think that. He is just an illusion made of money. And as long as you are bitten by him, unless you wait until he sucks your blood dry, he will die." I won’t let go.” Xavier lowered his head and remained silent for a moment, then said very seriously, “I take back what I just said.”

"Which sentence?"

"'It's a real shame you didn't get into fashion'. That's not for you. You should always be like this."

Xavier lowered his head, with a helpless smile on his lips.

When his eyelashes drooped, it reminded Ian of the rain falling from a height of [-] meters.

This is his unique sense of beauty.

A little lonely, a little lonely, looks fragile, but unexpectedly tough at a certain point.

After dinner, Xavier got up and went back to his room.

"Aren't you afraid anymore?"

Ian felt inappropriate after asking.What if Xavier said he was afraid?Ian couldn't let him sleep on his couch every night.

"If something happens, you can hear it, right?" Xavier stood by the door, twitching the corners of his mouth, "And even the best friends need to respect each other's space."

"Thank you."

Throughout the night, there was no suspicious movement in Xavier's room.

Xavier happened to be leaving the apartment when Ian was leaving the next morning.

"I slept well, thank you."

Xavier said this to Ian when they parted ways downstairs in the apartment.

"Why thank me?"

"Because you slept next to me." Xavier gracefully lifted the windbreaker jacket on his shoulders, stopped a taxi, and left.

And Ian also came to the cafe he had made an appointment with.

His comrade-in-arms Paul gave him a huge bear hug the first time he saw him, "My God! Ian, you must have been nourished by love, otherwise we would all be old, only you would be more and more handsome !"

"Because I'm the youngest of my brothers who left the army alive, and I'm in the golden age of a man." Ian squeezed out a smile.

Paul took two steps back and raised his hand to cover his eyes, "Ian! Ian! What have you been eating these days? It's become more and more sexy! God is so unfair!"

After the two chatted for a few minutes, Paul handed Ian a set of waiter's work attire, and explained to him the prices and characteristics of various coffees.

"Your memory has always been very good. I guess you will remember everything when I say it?"

"of course."

When Ian came out after changing into a complete set of work clothes, the other waiters who came to work were stunned.

The collar of the white shirt was all buttoned up, and the hem was meticulously tucked into the trousers.If ordinary people dressed like this, they would definitely be described as staid and boring, but Ian has a different kind of demeanor.The black suit pants without style made Ian's legs look more straight and slender.The cheap red long apron was tied around Ian's waist, giving people the urge to take it off.

While everyone was still guessing about Ian's origins, he had already stepped forward to entertain the first guest in the cafe.

Several waiters all looked at him while working.They noticed that Ian hardly smiled when he spoke to the guests, who somehow liked him.Because he seemed focused and serious when recording the list, and he remembered the order of each customer's order.Sometimes he was able to stabilize the glass before the guest's elbow almost knocked it off.His movements looked neat but polite.

Most importantly, Ian always smiles whenever a customer says they want to pay.Although it was a very shallow smile, it made several guests look dumbfounded.

When they left the tip to Ian, they said to him: "You should smile more. It looks charming."

At that time, although Ian had no expression on his face, Paul knew that he was a little embarrassed.

"Hey bro, don't mind it. The more guests like you to smile, the less you have to smile. If they can easily see your smile, they won't come back as often!"

For days on end, Ian simply sat around working as a waitress in a cafe, doing nothing special.He didn't know what Haili's identity was, and he didn't know whether Haili had contacted Fitz Gubler again.

Ian had to consider whether it was wise to wait passively like this.But if he actually approached Sherman's magazine and said that he would like to try modeling, such a transformation would be too blunt.

Although we only chatted for a few words, Ian could feel that Editor-in-Chief Sherman was not the kind of person who would trust others easily.

Until this afternoon, a black Porsche parked outside the cafe.

Editor Sherman walked in.He was wearing a light brown trench coat, plaid shirt and slacks.It looks simple and ordinary, but it looks more elegant because of the high-end texture of the clothes.

He sat down at the coffee table by the window and immediately attracted the attention of the other waiters in the shop.

Most of them are just college students, but this does not prevent them from feeling that Sherman is a low-key rich man from the temperament around him.

Just as they walked towards Sherman, Sherman raised his hand, "Hey, Ian. It's not easy to find you."

Ian's face was calm. He was carrying a tray with glass water cups on it. He came to Sherman and put it down gently: "Mr. Sherman, is there anything you want to drink?"

Sherman raised his head halfway, watching Ian leaning down, his eyes fell slightly with his hair, and finally settled on Ian's wrist.

"Shouldn't you recommend it to me?"

"But I don't know your taste."

"I like the taste of coffee not so strong."

"How about a latte or a cappuccino?"

"Let's have a latte."

"Need something for a snack? The creamy waffles here are good."

"Is it because you think it's good, or does this store want you to recommend it?" Sherman propped his chin and looked at Ian carefully.

"I've tasted it."

"Then creamy waffles."

Just as Ian was about to turn around, Sherman grabbed his wrist.

"It never occurred to me that you had served in the military."

Ian couldn't help but worry.It appears that Sherman also checked his identity in the process of finding him.Not sure how much Sherman knows now.

"So?" Ian turned his face to look at the other party, his eyes were calm and open.

"No wonder your standing posture is different from ordinary people. It is very powerful, but not too rigid like ordinary soldiers."

"Thank you for your compliment, I'm going to place an order for you."

"Okay, let's talk later." Sherman let go of Ian's hand.

When Ian walked to the order delivery counter, Paul lowered his head and jokingly said to Ian: "Who is that man? Why do I feel that his eyes want to unbutton your shirt collar one by one?"

"A magazine editor." Ian handed the list to Paul.

After that, Ian didn't have much communication with Sherman, but took orders for other customers, while Sherman patiently flipped through the magazines in the store.

When Sherman's coffee and snacks were ready, Ian came to his table with a plate.

"What time do you get off work?" Sherman asked.

"04:30."

"Let's have dinner together."

"Yes, but I don't go to any Michelin-starred restaurants."

Sherman looked into Ian's eyes and smiled, "Okay, just go to an ordinary restaurant you are familiar with."

After that, Ian got a little busy.

Sherman sipped his coffee leisurely, watching Ian walking up and down the restaurant.Whenever he leaned over, Sherman looked in his direction.And whenever Ian showed that slight smile before the guests left, Sherman would hold his chin, point his finger on his cheek, and show a thoughtful expression.

It wasn't until 04:30 in the afternoon that Ian changed out of his overalls and put on his casual sweater and walked out, and Sherman got up.

"The privileges that other guests enjoy, don't I have?"

"What?" Ian asked puzzled.

"Your smile."

Ian chuckled, "Welcome again."

The depression at the corners of his lips was deeper than when he was facing other guests just now, and there was an elusive smile in his voice.

Sherman froze for two seconds, then shook his head helplessly, "Let's go. I found that you are really fascinating."

"Mr. Sherman, are you kidding me?"

To be honest, Ian himself doesn't understand why Sherman, who is used to the taste of handsome men and beautiful women in the fashion industry, is so interested in him.

"I'm not kidding, and I'm not flattering you. Come on, go where you want to go."

Ian took him to a small restaurant near the supermarket he often went to and ordered a steak.

It was a very cheap T-bone steak, and Ian believed that someone with a good taste in life like Sherman would find it hard to swallow.But unexpectedly, Sherman kept a faint smile and seemed to enjoy the dinner.

"You are only 32 years old. It is the moment when a soldier's experience and energy are about to reach their peak. How did you think of retiring?"

Sherman asked in a nonchalant tone.

But Ian could feel the temptation in it.Sherman was able to find the cafe where he worked, and naturally he could also investigate his past.

Now Ian can only hope that Haley has helped him hide the part that needs to be concealed.

"I was injured. Also, the person who went on the same mission as me didn't come back."

Ian's voice was calm.Although this was the answer he gave after thinking for a second or two, it was the truth.

"I'm sorry. You seem firm and a trustworthy person. It's not your fault that your comrade-in-arms cannot come back. It must be because the situation cannot be reversed by you alone." Sherman's apologetic expression seemed sincere Everything, but Ian felt that there was always something between them.

"Thank you."

"So you went to that cafe after you came back?"

"No, I was at home quietly for a while. Then I realized I needed to find something to do."

"Do you like working in a cafe?"

"I like it so far. When I get busy, I don't have to think about the past."

"What if I have more busy work here to enrich your time?" Sherman slowly put down the knife and fork in his hand, leaned back on the back of the chair, and looked at Ian.

"Are you referring to being a model?" Ian was silent for a moment. "I'm sorry to reject you again. Because I'm not used to receiving the attention of others."

"Because you used to be a sniper. All you need to do is to make others invisible to you. That's why the first time I saw you, you obviously had an outstanding temperament but always kept a low profile." Sherman There was undisguised appreciation in his eyes.

Ian was silent.

Sherman spoke again, his voice slowed down, with a hint of inducement, "Ian, it's time for you to change. Only change can help you get rid of the past. Next weekend, a cruise ship will depart from the port of Manhattan, Heading to Los Angeles. It's a carnival on a cruise ship, and I want you to come and see it. It's another world."

"Thank you for your invitation, I will consider it."

Sherman smiled, and pushed a magnetic card to Ian's finger, "This is the subpoena."

His fingertips slid across Ian's index fingernail, and there was an indescribable meaning in his smile.

The dinner was over, and Ian returned to his apartment.

The lights in the corridor seemed to be out and it was pitch black.

Ian's hand was in his trouser pocket, and he was about to take out the key.

And there was a person leaning against his door.

He remembered that Xavier had a catwalk tonight, so it was impossible to come back so early.

The closer Ian got, the more familiar Ian was with the temperament exuded by the other party.

Elegant, lazy and mysterious.

And the other party was looking at him.

"Haley, why are you here?"

Just as Ian was about to take out the key to open the door, the other party suddenly approached.When his kiss hit, Ian already had a premonition, but he still didn't have time to push him away.

Or in other words, before he had time to exert enough strength, Haili had already hugged him tightly and kissed him.

In the persistent and fiery kiss, Ian was burned by the other party's sudden madness, and there was no room for change.

No matter how you dodge, even if there is a slight gap, Haili will still kiss the corner of Ian's lips, and then squeeze into the gap between his lips, and what Ian will meet will be another round of more powerful kisses. Sweep and conquer.

The whole world seemed to be left behind by Haley.He grabbed Ian's legs suddenly, picked him up, and pressed him hard against the wall, aggravating the kiss.

Ian was taken aback in his heart.He's not light, and he's about the same height as Hailey. This guy lifts him up like a cup of coffee.

Haley's kiss was so hard it nearly crushed Ian's skull.

Having gone through several similar confrontations, Ian knew that he had better not try to get rid of the other party, because the other party would use stronger forces to suppress him.

He could only respond slowly, with the tip of his tongue slightly pushing against the other party, comforting but not showing weakness.

Haili's sanity gradually returned.

He stopped clasping Ian's legs so persistently, but slowly put them down, feeling Ian's slight but rare response.His hands came to Ian's ears, as if to circle a world that belonged to them.His mania gradually sank, replaced by a near-sinking obsession.He kissed Ian very patiently, occupying the warmth in Ian's mouth from various angles.

Aside from the one time they were stuck in the back of a van, it was the longest kiss they had ever had.

Knowing that a door in the corridor opened, the old man complained: "My God! Why is the light broken again!"

Ian pushed Haley away.

With the light from the old man's room, Ian could clearly see Haili's expression at this moment.

There is no smile, no playful eyes.

He indifferently took the key from Ian's hand, opened the door of Ian's apartment, then grabbed Ian by the collar and pulled him in.

"Hey! What's wrong with you, Haley!"

Ian just wanted to know what made him so "abnormal".

He was about to press the light when Haley suddenly grabbed his wrist.

"I want to fuck you."

There is an illusion of burning nerves in the cold voice.

"what?"

Ian frowned, and before he had time to think deeply about the meaning of Haili's words, the other party suddenly hugged him tightly.

"I want to fuck you."

Ian finally digested the meaning of that sentence.

"what happened again?"

"You had dinner with that Joseph Sherman today, didn't you?"

Haili's voice was muffled, a little pitiful, not at all the "overbearing" just now.

"Just because of this?" Ian laughed.

"I can't stand another man sitting across from you eating dinner and fantasizing about doing whatever he wants to you."

"Aren't you the only one who would do this?" Ian patted Haili on the back lightly.

Does he feel like he's been too relaxed about Haley lately?

But it is actually very tiring for one person to be wary of another person all the time.Not to mention, Ian knew he didn't really hate Haley that much.

Hailey hugged Ian's waist, raised his head, and rubbed Ian's chin, "You smell like Joseph Sherman. I hate it."

"What kind of smell?" Ian thought about it carefully, and then realized that the editor-in-chief Sherman seems to have used men's cologne, but the smell is very weak.

This way Haili can smell it, is he a dog nose?

"Coveting your taste."

Ian knew that if he continued to withdraw like this, it would be endless.He pushed Hailey away, turned on the light in the living room, and found that there was a dozen beers on his dining table.

He walked over and there was no signature on it.But Ian probably knows who bought it and put it here.

Apart from himself, only Xavier knew where he kept the spare key.

"Ian, do you like tiger beer that much?" Hailey leaned on Ian while leaning on the table.

It was that exploring look again.

He can easily see everything about Ian.

Ian knew that he had to change the subject quickly, otherwise Xavier might become an excuse for Haley to get nervous again.

"Yeah, I like it very much. Otherwise, would I like red wine?" Ian grabbed a can and opened it, and sat down on the sofa, "Come on, Fitz Gubler must have gone looking for you, right? "

"Yeah." Haili sat down next to Ian with his pockets in his pocket, "He really thinks of me as a broker for a certain Wall Street securities firm."

"and then?"

"Then he showed a surprised expression and gave me 100 million US dollars to take care of. I have already used this money to buy the shares of the Russell Group, and the recent rise is good. If there is no accident, I will give him 150 million US dollars in a week. Dollars." Haley tilted his head back, looking at the ceiling boredly.

"Then should I buy some of your stock?"

Hayley leaned towards Ian and laughed, eyes like a happy cat.

"Everything about me is yours. But this Gubler is real. He thought that 100 million is a lot, enough to make me grateful to him. In fact, compared to his worth, 100 million is nothing. If it was me, as long as Making you happy, Ian, is no big deal if Wall Street is crashing."

"I don't need you to do something like that." Ian looked down at Haili.

The guy looked up, showing a naive expression, "Oh, what happened?"

Ian didn't answer.

But Haili slowly leaned towards Ian's lips, and just as his breath passed Ian's lips, Ian pressed the beer on it.

Haili took a big gulp and frowned, "I really don't understand, what's so good about this!"

"Sherman gave me a ticket for a cruise ship from Manhattan to Los Angeles."

"...I'll get my ticket soon too. Don't worry, Uncle Ian. I won't let that big wolf eat you."

Ian declined to comment.

"And... I know you didn't buy those beers." Hailey said with a smile.

"The reason?"

"The reason is that if you go to buy beer, you will only buy two cans and bring them back in plastic bags."

"Thank you for getting to know me."

Ian knew that the next sentence Haley would expose that Xavier bought the beer.In order to avoid unnecessary trouble, Ian got up and walked to the bedroom, and locked the door by the way.

"I'll see you on the cruise ship, Mr. Russell. Don't forget to close the door when you leave."

Hailey smiled, just sat on the sofa and stared at the dozen beers for a long time.

At two o'clock in the morning on this day, Ian heard the sound of the door opening of the apartment next door.It was Xavier who was back.

The next day, Ian went to work in the coffee shop as usual. After get off work, he found Xavier sitting in front of his door and playing with his mobile phone.

"Why are you here?" Ian asked, frowning.

"I lost my key. Probably left it backstage at the show."

Xavier stretched out his hand, motioning for Ian to pull him up.

Ian clasped his hand, and Ian could feel Xavier's strength as Xavier gripped himself.

"Let's have dinner together," Xavier said.

Ian didn't object.

Just as Ian was taking the key, Xavier caught a glimpse of what was in Ian's pocket, suddenly pressed his hand, and took out the card.

"Why do you have this? This is the admission ticket for the Aurora cruise ship, and it's also a VIP cabin." Xavier asked with a frown.

"A friend gave it." Ian blamed himself for being careless in his heart, how could Xavier see it.

"What friend?" Xavier seemed to have a certain obsession with the Aurora.

Ian was considering whether to push it on Haili, but Xavier's eyes became more and more severe.

"On weekends, I will also board the Aurora. I can easily find out who gave you the ticket."

"Joseph Sherman."

If so, there's no point in Ian making up any kind of lie.

Xavier's fingers tightened, and Ian noticed that his knuckles were turning white.Why did he have such a reaction when he mentioned Sherman?

"How did you know Joseph Sherman?"

"Xavier, you should know what my job is. Other than that, it's a secret. I hope you can treat me as if you don't know me even if you meet me on the cruise ship."

"Are you investigating Joseph Sherman?" Xavier's voice was even colder.

Ian was silent.He was thinking that if Xavier's attitude became more intense, he would have to consider withdrawing from the case.

Xavier got up suddenly, and walked slowly in the living room with a gloomy expression.

He was already tall and tall, coupled with his graceful steps, he was really eye-catching, but Ian was not in the mood to appreciate it.

After a long time, Xavier finally spoke.