Beijing Private Eyes - Part 2 Lights, Camera...

“How did you sleep?” Mark asked.

“Brilliant thanks. The bed was fine. I feel a million times better.” Evie said looking around. “This is a nice place.”

“Thanks."

Yungang Caves, Datong, China (Photo: M Griffiths)

 

Beijing Private Eyes - A foreign teacher in Beijing meets an unexpected and attractive visitor in need of assistance. He offers to help and things begin to get complicated.

Read Beijing Private Eyes - Part 1  Arrival  here


(For my six peak oil short story competition entries set in Australia and China see here)

Part 2 - Lights, Camera…

  

“How did you sleep?” Mark asked.

“Brilliant thanks. The bed was fine. I feel a million times better.” Evie said looking around. “This is a nice place.”

“Thanks. It’s convenient and not too expensive. The apartment block is about 25 years old although the outside looks older. The inside has been redone.” He waved at the polished tile floors. “The built-in wooden furniture seems to be the fashion.”

He gave her a brief tour. “Please make yourself at home. Grab whatever you want from the fridge or cupboards. If there is anything you need let me know. I’m happy to go out and get it. And I promise to knock if the bathroom door is closed.”

Evie nodded. “Thanks. Who is the woman in the picture in the bedroom?”

“That’s Jason’s girlfriend Mei.” He smiled. “I’m not sure her parents know who the guy is yet. She is easing them into the idea very slowly. Some Chinese parents are a bit sceptical about foreign boyfriends. Luckily they live two hours away by train.”

She nodded. “What’s that, a humidifier?” she asked pointing.

“No, it’s an air filter. The pollution here is chronic, especially in the winter.”

“Blimey. I thought L.A. was bad.”

“What would you like for breakfast? Something simple and recognisable from the fridge or maybe some Chinese food? We have plenty of time. We could go out along the street and find something tasty.”

“I’m feeling adventurous so yeah, surprise me.”

As they walked out of the apartment compound several children ran past in school uniforms. “Ni hao xiao pengyou men.” Mark called out waving. Hello little friends.

 They turned and called back, “Ni hao Shu Shu.” Hello Uncle. They stopped and stared at Evie. A girl stepped forward shyly and greeted her.

“Hello. How do you do?”

Evie replied smiling broadly, “Hello. I’m very well thank you. How are you?”

The girl giggled and retreated to her friends.

            “So cute.” said Evie.

Mark smiled. “Yeah they are. I play soccer with them sometimes and they practise their English on me. The kids can be braver than adults when it comes to speaking. Most people just stand and stare. The school textbooks need modernising though. Who says ‘how do you do’ these days?”

            They walked down the cobbled footpath of a street containing a variety of small shops and restaurants. “What kind of food do you like?” asked Mark.

            “Well, French cuisine is my favourite, but I like Asian too.

“Well there are lots of tasty options here. We can try a few different things.” He greeted the waitress as they went in and ordered the dishes.

“Did you learn your Chinese here?” Evie asked.

“No, I did a year at university way back. I always had a hankering to come here and did a couple of short trips. I’ve done more study here too. I can get around and do stuff and understand the general gist of things. I still have trouble with specialised vocabulary though and I don’t know enough characters to be able to read everything. Learning the characters is hard work.”

“I bet.”

            “How about I teach you some phrases in Chinese?”

            “All right. Go ahead.”

            “Hello is Ni hao. Ni hao,” he repeated.

“Nee how,” she copied, “Nee how”

“Good. Ok. Thank you is Xie xie. Sounds like shear shear the sheep sheep.

“Shear shear.”

“Good. Ok, and good bye is ‘Zai jian.’”

“Zai jen.” she repeated.

“Excellent. Oh, and here’s the food.”

 

 

When they arrived at the studio shortly before 10am they went to reception.

“Wang Lianhua? Ahh, she not here, very sorry, her mother sick. She went back her hometown. Another assistant also gone last week. We are very short staff.”

“Oh. So no assistant?”

“Maybe not today.”

Evie shrugged and turned to Mark.

“What about her hotel. Did the studio book a hotel for Miss Thomasson?” he asked.

“Hotel all full, maybe tomorrow not full. Maybe you stay one more night where you are. Ok?”

“Is the Manager here, Mr Zhang?” asked Evie.

            “Very sorry. Mr Zhang away on business. Very busy man.”

“Not making a lot of progress here.” Evie said quietly to Mark,

He nodded. “It’s up to you. We can look for something tonight if you want, or, umm, you’re welcome to stay on at the apartment. I’m on holiday and my plans got cancelled so I’m happy to help out. I’ve never been an assistant to the stars, it might be fun.”

“Are you sure. You’ve done enough already. I don’t want to impose.”

“Not at all, It’d be a pleasure. I’ve got no plans, really.”

She shrugged. “Ok. Looks like you’ve got the job.”

He pursed his lips. “Just one little thing. What does an assistant do exactly? Go for coffee, answer phone calls, what else?”

She laughed. “Umm, yes, coffee is good, or tea. I am English you know.

“That should be easy, China is full of it.”

“And yes, keep an eye on my phone. My agent might call or email. She said there might be some scripts coming through to read. Mostly it would be great if can just help me get around and be on time wherever I’m supposed to be, and translate a bit too.”

“Ok, sounds good. I think I can do that.”

 

They went to meet the cast and crew. The director started to explain the concept behind the Chinese version of the show - more kung fu action, less emotion, more melodramatic. Lily, his assistant translated. “Director Liu says dubbing Chinese over English speaking not very good. Better you speak Chinese. Director Liu ask me to help you speak.”

Evie eyebrows rose slightly. “I’m pretty good at languages, but this is something else.”

“It’s not too bad once you get the sounds and the tones.” said Mark. “I can help you as well if you like. We can do some practice in the evening after you finish here.”

“Are you sure? This is turning into a real job.”

Mark looked around the studio. “Not at all. This TV stuff is kinda cool!”

 

 

 

“Bloody hell, those heels are killer on my feet” Evie exclaimed as she collapsed into a taxi at the end of the day’s filming.

“I think I have just the solution for that. How does a foot massage sound?” asked Mark. “It’s a Chinese speciality, there are oodles of foot massage parlours around.” Mark gave some instructions to the driver. The traffic was horrendous, crawling forward a few metres at a time.

“The traffic here is worse than LA. Gotta tweet this. No one will believe me.”

 

Evie Thomasson @Evie_T

Angelinos congratulate yourselves.

The traffic in Beijing is worse than LA.

 

Mark pulled out the script from his satchel. “How about we got through a bit of this while we go.” He flicked on the taxi interior light.

Forty minutes later as they soaked their feet in a basin of hot coloured water Evie asked “What’s in this water?”

“Tea, oils” he answered “and about eleven herbs and spices. The Chairman’s secret recipe!”

Mark remembered he should let Mei know that Evie was staying in Jason’s room. She was the only other person with a key to the apartment.

 

Hi Mei. Just letting you know.

I have someone staying in Jasons’ room for a few days.

Hope that’s ok? Mark

 

The reply came quickly.

 

Ok. No problem.

Is it someone I know?

He texted back.

 

No. An actress from the US.

The phone beeped again.

 

A woman? J

 

He hurrumphed in his seat. Cheeky cow.

 

Yes. Just a friend.

Don’t get any ideas.

 

Evie pulled out her phone. “Time for another tweet, can you take a photo for me?”

Evie Thomasson @Evie_T

Soaking my feet in tea and herbs. Wonderful!

Foot massage next, yay!

 

“That was so good” said Evie as they walked out the door.

“Are you hungry”

“Yes, I’m starving.”

“Then it’s time for the quintessential Beijing experience, roast duck. I came to this street for a reason. There’s a good place just round the corner. Let’s go.” Mark pointed the way.

 

 

“Would you like something to drink?” Mark asked.

“Yes please. How about a nice glass of wine to go with the duck, and help me get to sleep tonight?”

“Sure, you choose.”

She ordered a burgundy.

A waiter brought a bowl of peanuts.” How are you with these?” Mark raised his chopsticks.

“This is not the first time I’ve been to an Asian restaurant you know.”

“Ok, Try this!” he said waving his chopsticks gripping two peanuts in the air.

“Now you’re just showing off!”

The wine arrived and Evie raised her glass “To China, and having someone to show me the ropes.”

“You’re welcome. I hope you enjoy your time here.” said Mark. “So, tell all about the famous actor.” he continued, “life history, favourite ice cream, all the juicy stuff.”

“No you first. You’re from New Zealand right? I haven’t been there but I’ve heard it’s beautiful.”

“Yeah. Lots of great scenery, friendly people and mostly harmless.” said Mark.

“What’s English teaching like?” she asked.

“It’s good. I enjoy it.  I teach at a private language school, not a school or a university like most foreign teachers. The pay is better but the hours are longer and there are way less holidays. The students are mostly high school and university kids wanting to study aboard. They come after school and on weekends, as if they didn’t have enough study to do. I’ve learned a lot about China from talking with them.

            The duck arrived and the chef did the ceremonial carving, separating the skin slices and the flesh and then removed the bones to make into soup to follow the meal.

“The skin is the richest and yummiest part.” Mark said. Try that first. He demonstrated the procedure: “You get one of the little wraps, put some meat in, add some spring onion and sauce, roll it up and voila, Beijing Duck!”

She followed his lead and took a bite. “Mmmm, it’s great.” After two wraps she paused to sip her wine.

            Mark looked up. “You’ve listened to me rabbit on long enough. So what about you? English actor in Hollywood, chasing the dream?”

“Sort of. Ok, my story. Well, I’m from England as you know. My Dad’s English and my Mum is French. My real name is Yvette after my Mum, but Dad always called me Evie and it kind of stuck. I went to school in England and France, plus a year in Switzerland to brush up my Italian and German.”

“Wow. I did a bit of French and German in High school but sadly I’ve forgotten most of it.” Mark put in.

Evie launched into a stream of French and finished with what sounded like a question.

Mark attempted to reply in German. “Entschuldigung. Ich verstehe nicht.” Sorry, I don’t understand.

She smiled sympathetically. He blushed. Note to self, don’t talk about languages to someone who speaks several more than you.

            Evie continued. “My Mum still speaks French to me on the phone and in emails. She was a singer. Still loves a bit of the glamour, that’s why she likes coming down to L.A. She can’t get my Dad to shift permanently though. He likes the quieter lifestyle in San Francisco and his work is there, although he is semi-retired now.

“San Francisco?”

“Yes. They moved there about ten years ago when I was studying drama in England. Dad does business stuff there. After university I did some TV and stage stuff in the UK and then decided to give Hollywood a shot. I got lucky finding the Private Eyes show so quickly. It was a challenge at first settling into a new place but it’s good. The TV series has opened some doors for films as well so things are going ok.”

            “What’s it like living in Hollywood? Do you have the big house, security guards and all that?”

“Oh no, just small house in the hills of northern LA, enough room for me and my dog. I got lucky there too. Prices fell after the financial crisis and when I got the TV role my Dad loaned me the deposit and I paid him and the bank off after two seasons.”

“Who’s looking after your dog while you’re away?”

“My Mum. It gives her another excuse to come down and see her showbiz friends.”

“I have to admit, it’s a bit strange. I still feel like I’m seeing Sam, even though I know I’m talking to you.” Mark confessed looking at her intently.

She looked at him and shook her head, “I hope that wears off soon. I’m not really a Hollywood type. My job is to play roles and I love it. I love the fans, they’re so supportive, but I don’t want to live the job too much outside the studio.”

“Fair enough” he nodded. “I did read somewhere you had your birthday party in Vegas. That’s sounds a little bit Hollywood or does everyone in L.A. do that kind of thing?”

“True, true. It does kind of grow on you. I wish they hadn’t published that. Actually it was my girlfriend’s idea. She decided I needed a girls weekend away to have some fun and forget about my ex.”

“Your ex? Oops, sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up unpleasant memories.”

She shrugged slightly “We broke up about nine months ago. I don’t seem to have great judgement when it comes to men. I’ve had few dodgy ones. This one was great at the start and then went a bit weird. Wanted to hang out with all the Hollywood types and do the parties. I think he liked the star thing more than me.”

“The curse of fame eh?” He started to sing quietly: “You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave....”

She laughed. “It’s not quite Hotel California.”

“What do you do in your spare time. Apart from partying in Vegas?”

She pulled face at him. “I walk my dog, go hiking and biking. Hang out with friends….”

            He noticed while she talked that without makeup her skin was not as perfect as it appeared on TV and she had resisted the Hollywood pressure to have her teeth made perfect too. But her smile was still as dazzling.

            “What about you?” she asked.

“I go to the gym, study Chinese, play guitar, bike around the city talking photos, and when I have time I love travelling to different places around China. There’s so much to see. I planned to go to Tibet but they had some troubles up there and closed it to foreigners. I also write articles once a month for my home town newspaper.

“Really what about?”

“Just the everyday quirky things about living  in China. There’s always plenty to write about. I suppose if I was young and cool I’d have a blog.”

            Evie smiled. “Why did you come to China?”

“Well,” he hesitated, “it was combination of things. A change of scene mostly, and I’ve always been keen to come here.”

Evie finished her wine “Would you like a second glass?”

“No thanks. You go ahead though.” He waved at a waiter.

“How long will you stay?” she asked

“Don’t know really. Some bits I don’t like so much, like the politics.”

She arched an eyebrow.

“Sorry. Politics is not a great topic for dinner conversation.”

She waved her hand. “Not at all, go ahead.”

“Opinions can get you into trouble around here. The language school’s teachers’ manual prohibits us from discussing the three “T”s – Tibet, Taiwan and Tian’anmen Square. The party controls just about everything and stepping out of line is not tolerated very well.”

The duck soup arrived and he paused as it was served.

“I love China, the food, history, culture, landscapes....all that stuff is fascinating. The government …. Well, I think they could do with trying a few new ideas.”

“The US is a bit like that.” said Evie. “The politics can be a bit crazy, mind you everywhere has a bit of that, and some of the people are umm, ‘interesting’. But there are plenty of nice ones. I’ve made some good friends. A group of us girls have a great time when we get the chance. The work can be pretty demanding though.”

            She sat back and slowly sipped the wine. “Thank you for a lovely meal. That was great. I think I’d better get back now. I’m starting to wilt.”

As they walked out of the restaurant Evie spied a counter with souveniers. “What are those little ducks?”

“They’re chop stick holders. Something to show off at your next Asian themed dinner party perhaps?”

“Yes, exactly.” she smiled. “Please help me buy some.”

 

Evie Thomasson @Evie_T

Beijing duck is great. Try it if you get the chance.

Bought these cute souveniers.

 

 

 

The next morning they set out along the local street again. “Do you want to try a different breakfast today? We could try wonton soup, rice congee, noodles, steamed buns, tofu…?”

She mulled over the options as they strolled, greeting the shop keepers as they passed in her newly acquired Mandarin “Ni hao!”

“There are lots of other dinner options too, spicy Sichuan cuisine, Cantonese, noodles…every region in China has its own speciality and most of them you can get around here somewhere. I know good Tibetan place we can try one night as well. The waitress speaks good English. Actually she wanted me to take something to her brother in Tibet for his birthday but that idea had to be canned too.”

As they walked slowly down the street the shopkeepers and other passers-by stared at them and two women began nudging each other and commenting. Even Evie noticed and cast him a quizzical look.

“They saying you are beautiful and they think I’m either much richer or much luckier than they thought.” said Mark.

“No! Surely not?” she looked half shocked, saw his grin then elbowed him in the ribs.

       They sat down in the same restaurant again and Evie ordered wonton soup and mini steamed buns off the picture menu. “This is fun!” she said as the food arrived. “Much better than eating lukewarm poached eggs at some boring overpriced hotel.”

 

Evie Thomasson @Evie_T

Another yummy breakfast.

Chinese food rocks.

 

 

********

Beijing Private Eyes - Part 3  Room Service, is here

Tell me what you think. constructive comments welcome.

 

If you enjoy the stories tell your friends. Thanks for reading!