Cinephile hustle

"Ian, I don't care if you're investigating Joseph Sherman or anything, I just want to tell you...he's not a normal character. When he wants to destroy you, it's easy. Don't do anything stupid, don't Do anything beyond your control. Once he begins to doubt you, even if there is only the slightest trace, you must do everything possible to escape. Otherwise..."

Xavier paused here and did not continue talking.

"Thank you, Xavier."

"Don't thank me. Lancer will be very upset if anything happens to you."

Xavier walked to the door.

"Aren't you going to stay here for dinner?"

"I'm not in the mood for dinner anymore."

"Xavier, what's wrong with Joseph Sherman?"

"...don't go anywhere with him lightly. Don't eat or drink anything he gives you. And don't be swayed by the fame and fortune he shows you. You have a firm eye. As long as you are in Joseph Sherman If you don't waver in the face, he won't be able to hurt you."

After saying that, Xavier closed the door.

Three days later, Haili was sitting in the office with his head down and playing with his mobile phone, sending various harassing text messages to Ian saying that he was boring. At this time, someone told Haili that his client, Mr. Gubler, had come.

The corners of Haili's lips curled up slightly, and he turned the phone over and put it on the table.

As soon as Gubler's wheelchair arrived at the door of the office, he signaled that he didn't need an assistant to push him in.

"Haley, you really surprised me. In just a few days, you added nearly half a million dollars to my account."

"If you want to make money in the stock market, you shouldn't be too greedy. The principle is to accept what you see."

Hailey clasped her hands on the table, looking professional and confident.

Fitz Gubler smiled, "I thought you were just a lazy kitten. I didn't expect you to be a lion."

"Everyone has their own field."

"Well, I really want to hand over more assets to you, and I sincerely invite you to come to my cruise ship Aurora."

Fitz Gubler gently placed the ticket on Haley's desk.

Hailey was not in a hurry to pick it up, but just shrugged his shoulders at Gubler and smiled, "How about the red wine on the cruise?"

"It is guaranteed to be a fine wine that you have never tasted before." Gubler's expression was very confident.

"Okay, then I accept your invitation."

When Fitz Gubler left, Haley sent Ian a text: See you on the weekend cruise.

Hayley was waiting at Ian's flat before he left the cafe on Thursday night.

"How did you get in?" Ian frowned.

"The secret place where you left the key is not something that only Xavier can guess. Don't you think there should be a plan or something before we board the Aurora?"

"I thought you didn't like plans. And if you had a plan, you wouldn't follow it."

"Because plans never keep up with changes. But Ian, you're the kind of person who makes plans, right?"

Just then, the doorbell rang.

It was Sherman's assistant who brought Ian a suit for the dinner.

"Oh, God, Ian, you should know what a man means by giving a woman clothes, right?" Hailey propped his head on the sofa with a mocking smile in his eyes.

"You forgot, I'm a man."

Ian unpacked the package expressionlessly, and the clothes inside were elegantly cut and of good quality.

"But Sherman wants to pick you up." Haili got up, took the suit from Ian's hand, and turned it upside down. "It seems to be designed by Shia."

"Your good friend Shia? Is he on the cruise too?"

"Of course. But don't worry, he won't expose us."

Haley put down the suit, hugged Ian from behind, and put his chin on his shoulder, "Dear Uncle Ian, you are delicious. Be careful not to be eaten by Joseph Sherman."

"thanks for your concern."

The weekend is coming soon.What Ian didn't expect was that the editor-in-chief Sherman actually drove to his downstairs and picked him up.

The Aurora is the third largest cruise ship in New York.Its extravagance was known by New York high society.There are not only casinos, theaters, and various clubs on this cruise ship, but even to cater to Fitz Gubler's preferences, a catwalk for fashion shows is set up, and its scale is comparable to the largest fashion show this year.

"Do you know Shia Pace?"

"I heard that the dress you gave me was designed by Shia Pace."

"Looks like you don't know anything about the fashion world. It's a good start. Shia Pace will be holding his fashion show on this cruise ship. This show will be the classic of the classics. ’ Sherman laughed.

From his eyes, Ian could see appreciation, and the obsession he wanted to have that was more paranoid than appreciation.

But so far, none of Sherman's behavior toward him has crossed the line of distaste for Ian.

The sky is high, and this is the first time Ian has been so close to the Statue of Liberty.

Seagulls stretched their voices and flew across the sky.

The huge white cruise ship was moored at the port, and many celebrities that Ian had only seen on TV were chatting and laughing on board.

"How does it feel?" Sherman asked with a smile.

"Are you sure it's not the Titanic?" Ian asked.

"So are you Jack or Rose?"

"I'm Ian." Ian walked forward calmly, swiped his ticket at the entrance, and walked in.

His room was very large, the bed was very soft, and the sheets were white, which made it impossible to imagine that this was on a cruise ship.Except looking out from the circular window, what Ian saw was the blue sea.

When Ian lowered his head, he realized that there was a small bunch of white stars on the pillow.

Ian stretched his fingers over, gently fiddled with the tiny petals, feeling their fragility and softness.

At this moment, someone rang the doorbell. It was Sherman.

"Like your room?" Sherman sat down beside Ian's bed.

"I like it very much. Thank you for letting you spend money."

Sherman's eyes stayed on Ian's pillow, and he stretched out his hand to take the small bunch of baby's breath, "Are these the flowers you brought?"

"No. They were on the pillow when I came."

"It seems that you have an admirer, Ian. But why is it full of baby's breath? They have always been just for flowers." Sherman played with the small bouquet, "Do you know who sent it?"

"Will someone send flowers to men? It should be the staff on the cruise ship who sent them to the wrong place."

"That's a pity for the tip given by the other party." Manning casually threw the bouquet of flowers aside, "There is a very important event tonight, and I hope you can participate. Only in this way can you really thank me."

"what activity?"

"I want you to walk down the catwalk wearing the suit I gave you."

"Mr. Sherman... are you crazy?"

"I'm not crazy. You'll have all eyes on you."

Sherman raised his hand, clasped Ian's cheek, and looked into his eyes with certainty.

"That is impossible."

"No, that's entirely possible. Ian, just get out."

"I don't know how to walk the show at all!"

"Do you think catwalks are catwalks? You just need to go out in your own way. After seeing your photos, Shia, the designer of this fashion show, is also looking forward to your wearing the clothes he designed for you Step onto the catwalk!"

"You're saying Shia Pace designed that suit for me?"

"Yes, only you can wear him. Listen to Ian, in this fashion show, except for two models that Shia often uses, the others are all newcomers. Like you, they are walking on the runway for the first time ...they don't have your experience, they don't have your mentality, they aspire to be successful, and you are free. That's the difference between you and them. Like I said, Ian, you need a change. Break away from what you're used to life, you will find that there are other wonderful things in this world.”

Whether it is tone or eyes, Sherman is very convincing.

He is an excellent demagogue, inciting the deepest desires in others.

Fortunately, Ian has a very clear goal.He knew that if he declined Sherman's invitation, he would most likely be shut out of his world.

He had to really earn Sherman's trust.

"Mr. Sherman, did you plan all of this? Invite me here and give me the clothes designed by Shia Pace, so that I can't refuse you."

Ian looked at each other with very serious eyes.

"I'm sorry. But you're not that easy to change yourself, you need an outside push. Don't you?"

"Well, just this once. I mean it, Mr. Sherman."

Sherman was slightly taken aback, he faintly felt that he had stepped on Ian's bottom line.

"I promise, there won't be a next time unless you want to."

Sherman explained the entire catwalk process to Ian.And Ian's part is actually very simple, he just needs to go out, turn around, walk backstage and everything is over.

When Sherman left, the baby's breath that he had placed beside the bed fell down.

When the door closed, Ian lowered his body and picked up the small bunch of flowers.

He put it next to his pillow, and he had a good night's sleep with the faint fragrance in his nose.

At four o'clock in the afternoon, the doorbell rang, and Ian woke up suddenly, only to realize that he had fallen asleep so deeply.

Haley stood outside his door, arms folded, smiling thoughtfully.

"How did you come?"

"Why can't I come? Don't Fitz Gubler and Sherman know that we are friends? If I don't come, they will find it strange, right?"

Haili lay lazily on Ian's bed, propped his head and turned around, "You actually have a baby's breath next to your pillow? Ian, would you do such a romantic thing?"

"If I threw it in the trash, wouldn't you text me and harass me?"

"Ian, have you misunderstood? I didn't send this." Hailey sat up.

Ian was stunned. Besides Haili, does anyone else know that he likes Gypsophila?

"By the way, aren't you going to Shia's fashion show? Shia asked me to come and see you. He still values ​​his fashion show. I hope you can participate in the best state."

"If he really thought that, he wouldn't agree to such an outrageous request from Editor-in-Chief Sherman. I have no training or experience."

Hailey's expression turned cold at that moment.

He lowered his voice, grabbed Ian's wrist and pulled him in front of him.

He put his hands on Ian's waist, raised his face and looked at Ian intently, "Listen, Shia hinted to me that this is not just a fashion show."

"What?" Ian frowned.

"He said it was the beginning of the 'feast'."

"A feast...what the hell is a feast? Xavier saw my ticket that day and warned me to be careful of Joseph Sherman."

"Xia told me that the real meaning of the feast is the place where the bigwigs in the business world pick their 'pets'."

Ian understood such a vague hint.

"So the clothes Shia designed for you have been as low-key as possible. I hope you won't stand out in this feast."

"Don't you think it's a bit late for your friend to say this now?"

"This is already the maximum he can do." Haili raised his hand and gently undid Ian's first button.

The skin around Ian's neck could clearly feel the touch of Haili's fingertips. When he unbuttoned his second button, Ian held his wrist.

"I can change that suit myself."

"I feel bad, Ian. Like I'm going to send you off to those vulgar fellows myself."

Ian lowered his head slightly and looked straight into Ian's eyes, "Why don't you think we are going to overthrow those vulgar and shameless guys together?"

Haili raised the corners of his lips, clasped Ian's waist, turned over and suddenly pressed Ian down, and kissed his lips wantonly.

He was always kissing him so hard that every moment seemed like the end of the world.

In front of him, all of Ian's struggles were like a child's unreasonable troubles.

Ian closed his eyes, letting Haley rob his breath and take all his body heat.

"Why not like before? Push me away? Or kick me hard?"

"And will there be a next time? When I walk down the runway, remember to watch Fitz Gubler."

Ian's voice was calm and his expression was calm.

Haley lay on top of him, resting his head on his chest, "Then do you know why Fitz Gubler didn't let me go to that damn runway show?"

"If it were me, I wouldn't let you go either."

"Why?" Hailey raised his face slightly and asked.

"Because you're an exclusive treasure that no one else can see. Fitz Gubler wouldn't want someone else coveting you like he does."

Haili smiled, and kissed Ian's chin forcefully. His teeth bit Ian's skin, making Ian wonder if this guy was going to bite his chin off.

When the night falls, the shadow of the moon leaves undulating reflections on the sea, and the sea breeze caresses the huge cruise ship.

It is brightly lit, like a bright pearl in the dark.

Ian followed Sherman to the backstage of the fashion show.Here, he saw many young men with hopeful eyes, fit and good figure.

And when Shia Pace came in front of them, their eyes all gathered.

Elegant, intellectual and generous, every gesture is a demeanor that has been carved to perfection.

People say that Shia Pace is one of Fitz Gubler's most proud works.Even if he is not on the runway at the moment, everyone can feel his radiance.

"Hey, Ian, you look... really beyond my imagination. Editor-in-Chief Sherman, your vision is really extraordinary."

Although such praise is not exaggerated, the envy in the eyes of those young people is more of jealousy like a sharp knife.

In a quiet corner, a long-haired man was methodically tying his hair back, with no expression on his face.

Shia walked to his side and patted his shoulder, "Hey, Xavier. I'll leave Ian to you."

Ian was slightly stunned. Although he had been prepared for a long time that he would meet Xavier, he never expected to be in such a scene.

The corners of Xavier's lips curled up slowly. He stood up, wrapped his arms around Ian's neck, and raised his eyes to look at Ian.

"Since Editor-in-Chief Sherman and Shea asked me to take care of you, I will take good care of you." Xavier whispered in Ian's ear, "Right, Agent Connor."

Such intimacy made everyone's jealousy towards Ian even more overwhelming.

It was the first time for them to walk on the catwalk tonight, and they all hoped that they could walk behind Xavier and follow the rhythm of this popular model in the fashion industry, so that there would be fewer mistakes.

When the makeup artist and stylist came to Ian to touch up his makeup and make final adjustments, Shea spoke.

"Ian just needs to maintain the current look. Natural and unembellished is what I pursue in the design of this suit."

Shea just stretched out her hand to straighten Ian's collar, but the editor-in-chief Sherman was already one step ahead.

"Ian, take it easy."

"I'm not nervous." Ian replied calmly.

Editor-in-Chief Sherman smiled helplessly, "I know why you're not nervous. Because you don't care what other people think of you when you walk through that runway, don't you?"

Ian didn't answer him.

"You'll change your mind."

Sherman grabbed Ian's wrist and led him to the edge of the backstage, from where he could see the runway scene.

Bright lights seem to focus the brightness of the whole world.

And the audience are rich businessmen and celebrities who are eagerly waiting.They are all extremely influential figures in their respective fields, but at this moment they are looking at the end of the runway with full expectation.

"When you get their eyes on you, you know how addictive it all is."

Sherman whispered in Ian's ear.

Feeling the heat of his breath, Ian wanted to avoid it, but he calmly pretended not to notice anything.

"I never knew that being watched could be addictive." Ian straightened up, went to a quiet place backstage and sat down.

Shea walked to Sherman's side, lowered her voice and said, "I like his temperament very much. For those people outside, anything in the world is not attractive to them. But Ian No, he has an air of purity and refusal. It catches those people's eyes. Mr. Sherman... If you really like him, why show him? Why not like How about keeping the one you like by your side like Mr. Gubler?"

Sherman opened a gap in the curtain and looked at Fitz Gubler on the other side.He sat in the best view of the whole fashion show, with Hailey next to him.

Haley had a big smile and a very charming demeanor.

Many people looked at him subconsciously, but after noticing Fitz Gubler sitting beside him, no one thought about it anymore.

"Fitz Gubler likes to keep what belongs to him firmly in his hands. Whether it's you or Xavier." Sherman smiled at Shia, "but I'm different. I like the whole world to covet What I value, but they can only look at it, but they can't take it away from me."

Shia smiled helplessly.

At this time, Ian sat on a chair with his legs crossed.He thought in his mind, what would the so-called feast be like?

Was it true that many of the celebrities who came to the show were involved in drug or money laundering, as the NYPD predicted?

The trend of things seems to be getting farther and farther away from the murder of Smith and Ned.

Ian suddenly couldn't understand what he was doing now.

All backstage models and makeup artists got busy.Not far from him, Xavier seemed to be concentrating his thoughts with his eyes closed.

When the rhythm sounded and Shia began to direct the scene, everything seemed to boil.

People keep going out, and people keep coming back.

Those who came back had mixed reactions backstage.Some people feel that they performed perfectly, while others worry whether they were too hasty just now.

Until Xavier stood up, he raised his chin to Ian.

Only then did Ian see Xavier clearly.Perhaps in order not to make him too sharp, the clothes that Shea designed for him were low-key and even a bit dull.But the more this is the case, the more it highlights the charm of Xavier itself.

"Follow my steps, you count one, two, one, two, one, two in your heart, get familiar with my steps, and then you can walk out. Remember?"

"remember."

"I hope you don't have hands and feet."

Xavier turned and walked out, Ian followed behind him.

When he walked under the light, confident, upright, and moving forward, Ian noticed that the eyes of everyone in the audience were frantically pursuing.

At the forefront of the catwalk, Ian saw Hailey.He was admiring Xavier with his chin propped up, while Fitz Gubler looked sideways at Haili from time to time. His eyes showed a kind of doting and care for the young by the elders.Although Ian felt that Haley didn't need it at all.

Ian walked out, he stepped on the rhythm, and followed Xavier.He deliberately let himself be completely blocked by Xavier's figure, without looking sideways.

The celebrities on both sides of the runway followed Xavier to looking at Ian subconsciously, like an ice-blue shooting star passing through their eyeballs, Ian did not have the slightest attachment to their gaze.

When he replaced Xavier at the front of the runway, he finally met Haley's eyes.

He saw a fascination in Haley's eyes, though only for a moment.He had a delusion that Hayley would fly from there, pin him down hard, and do whatever he wanted.

When Ian turned his back, the strong sense of oppression still did not ease in the slightest.

Ian glanced at the surrounding rock climbing and entangled him one by one, and the only one who always made him feel uneasy was Haili.

Ian felt like he was standing at the end of a cliff, and Hayley was falling.

"Your friend is really beyond my expectations. It looks cold, but it easily ignites the fire in everyone's heart." Fitz Gubler leaned towards Haili, whispering deliberately on his cheek.

Hailey didn't avoid it, just nodded and smiled.

"He never knew what his own charm was. He didn't know how easily he could attract moths to a flame."

"It sounds like you have a different feeling for your friend." Fitz Gubler looked at Haili with probing eyes.

Hailey chuckled softly, and said in the ear of the other party: "I'm jealous of him. He is very trustworthy and reliable, but he will not trust others easily. He will not refuse to help the weak, but he wants to really enter into him. In my heart, it is a very difficult thing. Because of the difficulty, there are always many people who want to understand him and want to be by his side."

Gubler smiled, and he said to Haili in a loving tone: "Honey, you have to believe that you are also an extraordinary treasure, and you have to work hard to gain your trust."

Haley was silent.

"Don't be silent, it makes me unable to understand your thoughts." Gubler said softly.

"Actually, this cruise ship is not very interesting." Haili broke his fingers desolately, "Good food and wine, plus a fashion show..."

Gubler stared at Haili's side face for a long time, and finally said: "No, there are other interesting activities here, but I don't know if you are really interested."

"What?" Haili took out the phone without interest, and was about to start playing the game inside, but Gubler's palm covered the screen of the phone.

"If you really want, I can take you to a feast that you have never seen before."

Haley smiled, "I thought I was already at the feast."

"This is an appetizer for a feast. Look at the young people on the stage who are full of expectations. They...are just dishes, ready to be slaughtered. They only have the right to be chosen, not the right to refuse."

"...Then what am I?" Haili asked lazily, propping his chin and raising his eyebrows.

Gu Bole was slightly stunned, the young man in front of him did not seem to come from the world.

"You're the one who tastes them."

"Taste their what?"

"Their hope, their begging, their despair."

"...that sounds dangerous."

"The more dangerous it is, the more interesting it is, isn't it?"

When Ian came backstage, he saw Xavier talking to Shia.

Xavier kept frowning, and Shia tried her best to explain and comfort Xavier.

"What happened?" Ian came to Xavier's side and asked.

Shia stopped talking, but smiled apologetically at Ian, turned and left.

Xavier suddenly grabbed Ian's shoulders, dragged him into the bathroom, and locked the door by the way.