Against the Current Hong Kong 1979

Chapter 147 An unexpected encounter with Jack Nicholson, joining the Face Gang (3rd update, please subscribe)

(3rd update, almost 7,000 words. I'm going to have a meal and rest for a while. I'll write another 3,000 words to finish today's 10,000 words.)

If I have the energy, I'll write another chapter as an extra update.

"Cindy only arrived today, you're really lucky."

Apollonian gave the little girl a wink, and the two of them took Zhang Shuai'an's arm on either side and sat down on the sofa.

Zhang Shuai'an was surrounded by women on his left and right, enjoying a face wash.

Washing your face is such a wonderful thing!

If only I could wash my face like this every day!

A short while later, a commotion suddenly broke out outside.

Before Zhang Shuai'an could react, the curtain separating the private room was roughly pulled open.

The newcomer had a fierce appearance and an angry expression. He pointed at Zhang Shuai'an and said, "Hey, Bruce-Lee, you really know how to enjoy yourself, but you've broken the rules, you know that?"

Since Bruce Lee became famous, many Chinese men abroad have been referred to as Bruce-Lee.

This is similar to the situation after Jackie Chan became a sensation in Hollywood, when Americans would shout "Jackie Chan!" and strike a kung fu pose whenever they saw a Chinese person.

This term of address doesn't carry any malice, but sometimes it does contain a hint of mockery.

When Apollonie and Monica Gabriel saw the person's face, they were startled and even felt a little scared out of their wits.

Even though Zhang Shuai'an recognized who the person was, he was still startled by his face.

This man was Jack Nicholson.

On May 23rd of this year, his film "The Shining" terrified many during the summer blockbuster season, and even contributed one of the most iconic scenes in film history: he chops down a door with an axe, revealing his entire face, and shouts, "Here's Johnny!"

(Poster for The Shining, 1980)

Jack Nicholson is now considered a figure who can stop children from crying at night in the United States.

"Are you talking to me?" Zhang Shuai'an was a little confused, as he shouldn't have any interaction with him.

Jack Nicholson grinned maliciously and retorted in a hoarse voice, "Otherwise, what did you think?"

Zhang Shuai'an smiled and invited, "Jack, talking like that isn't good for your neck. Sit down and talk."

A hint of surprise flashed in Jack Nicholson's eyes. Lately, many people had been instinctively avoiding him when they saw his face. He hadn't expected this Asian kid to be unafraid of him and even dare to extend an invitation.

"Hey, Asian kid, do you know this is Face Gang territory?"

Jack Nicholson didn't sit down. Instead, he moved about five centimeters away from Zhang Shuai'an's face, grinning maliciously, and said, "I'm the boss of the Face Gang. You dare to call this new girl without even greeting me. That's disrespecting me."

Zhang Shuai'an never expected that this Cannes and Oscar-winning actor would have such a childish side.

However, upon closer reflection, he has always been portrayed as a playful old man.

Zhang Shuai'an asked, puzzled, "What do you mean by 'face gang'?"

"Okay, since you don't understand, I'll forgive your offense this time."

Jack Nicholson chuckled and patted Apollonie's right arm to make room for her, then sat down.

His tone carried a missionary quality, and a smile played on his lips: "The Face Gang is a gang I founded. Its initial purpose was to establish the concept that 'Great Thunder Face Washing is the best in the world,' to spread the supreme scriptures of the Great Thunder Temple, and thus to save all sentient beings."

Zhang Shuai'an listened to his serious nonsense, but still nodded: "You're right, Da Lei's face washing is indeed the best in the world."

"That's right!" Jack Nicholson snapped his fingers excitedly upon hearing this, then pointed at Zhang Shuai'an and said, "You're a smart kid. Interested in joining my Face Gang? I've never taken in an Asian before."

"Oh, I'm Chinese," Zhang Shuai'an explained earnestly. "I'm from Hong Kong, my English name is Leonardo, you can call me Leo."

Anyway, Little Li is just a six-year-old kid now, so it doesn't matter if Zhang Shuai'an uses his name. It's like paving the way for his reputation in advance.

Jack Nicholson asked again, quite seriously, "Okay, Leo, are you going to join the Face Gang?"

"Of course, why not!" Zhang Shuai'an nodded with a smile.

Jack Nicholson laughed heartily and ordered Apollonius beside him, "Get two bottles of good wine. I want to have a good drink with this new member, along with your Big Thunder."

Apollonius stood up and hurriedly ran out.

On the other side, Monica Gabriel's fear hadn't faded, and she could only hide behind Zhang Shuai'an, afraid of being targeted by Jack Nicholson.

"Don't worry, little girl, I never steal my members' girls," Jack Nicholson chuckled, then continued.

Zhang Shuai'an patted Monica Gabriel's chest and said softly, "Relax, he's not a bad person. On the contrary, he's a very interesting person."

"Hahaha, I'm funny?" Jack Nicholson pointed at Zhang Shuai'an and said, "You're the first person to say that."

""

Zhang Shuai'an replied, "Really? I don't believe it!"

Jack Nicholson laughed even harder.

Before long, Apollonius came running back, his steps unsteady, carrying a tray with a bottle of red wine and two wine glasses on it.

Jack Nicholson rubbed the cork off Apollonius's large bottle.

Apollonius winced in pain, clutching his thunderous body and rubbing it for a long time.

Of course, she could earn a thousand dollars just by doing this, so she had no choice but to grit her teeth and endure it.

Jack Nicholson poured two glasses of red wine and said to Zhang Shuai'an, "Come on, cheers."

Zhang Shuai'an raised his glass with a smile and said, "To the great Face Gang, to the beautiful things of the world, Da Lei."

"That's absolutely right!" Jack Nicholson laughed heartily, clinked glasses, and downed his drink in one gulp.

Zhang Shuai'an finished his drink in one gulp and then asked, "I wonder how many members the great Face Gang has?"

"There are a lot of members." Jack Nicholson pointed to himself, then to Zhang Shuai'an: "There are at least two of them."

Zhang Shuai'an:

'

'

Afterwards, the two chatted while washing their faces, and seemed to be having a good time.

However, the more they talked, the more astonished Jack Nicholson became about Zhang Shuai'an.

This kid in front of me seems to know everything; he can chime in on anything we talk about.

Even when discussing Hollywood gossip, he, an insider, knew many details that the other person didn't, yet they could talk about it in great detail, as if they had seen it with their own eyes.

Jack Nicholson now genuinely admires Zhang Shuai'an and has given him a personal business card.

"The Face Gang must grow stronger, and as the first member to join, you have a responsibility."

Then he added, "If you have any interesting gossip in the future, remember to call me and tell me. It's really interesting."

After about an hour, Jack Nicholson felt that it was about time and he couldn't stay there any longer.

He's become incredibly popular lately, and he's getting so many job offers he can't keep up.

I just had a sudden urge to come here and relax today.

Unexpectedly, I met such an interesting young man; the trip was definitely worthwhile.

Zhang Shuai'an asked, "Are you leaving already?"

"Having too much work is also a headache."

Jack Nicholson stood up and said to Zhang Shuai'an, "It was a very pleasant hour, thank you."

He shook hands with Zhang Shuai'an and then left directly.

A short while later, Apollonius quietly suggested, "Leo, if you want to come with me and Cindy—it only costs $5000."

Money is a small matter, after all, Brother Long is here.

Apollonius said, "There are private rooms upstairs, where you will absolutely not be disturbed by anyone."

Zhang Shuai'an was still somewhat hesitant.

"This is my first time."

Monica Gabriel suddenly suppressed her shyness and said softly.

Zhang Shuai'an looked at her in surprise: "Is it worth it for you to do this?"

"I need a lot of money, but I can't earn much as a model, and nobody wants me to act."

Monica Gabriel sighed softly, "This is the only way. Fortunately, it's you. You're so handsome, I won't regret giving myself to you."

Do you have a pen?

Zhang Shuai'an turned to Apollonius and asked.

Apollonius didn't speak, but got up and grabbed a pen.

Zhang Shuai'an took a pen and wrote down his room number on Monica Gabriel's milky white snow.

"Contact this number tomorrow."

Zhang Shuai'an leaned close to Monica Gabriel and said, "I'll arrange a job for you."

"But—" Monica Gabrielle certainly needed a job, but she also needed some money to tide her over.

Apollonian suddenly realized something and said, "Leo, I know what you're worried about. We have monthly checkups, and we just got our reports this week. We're even more afraid of catching some disease than you are."

If that's the case, then what's there to be afraid of!

We cultivators, why should we hesitate to fight!