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Chapter 121: Hosting in Tokyo
🕑 Added 2024-12-21 16:48:39 +0000 UTC"Niu bi… Hmm, it literally means 'cow's… uh, you get it, Quentin?" Ethan tried to explain the phrase as cleanly as possible.
Quentin spread his hands. "That's what it means? But I'm still curious—why use 'niu bi' to describe someone as amazing?"
"Maybe because it's big enough," Ethan joked before explaining seriously, "This term evolved over China's long history, originating in ancient fertility worship. It's a neutral term, actually. For example, you could call a skilled kung fu master niu bi, or even describe something outrageous, like a pervert, the same way. It's like saying 'WTF' or 'OMG.' The meaning depends entirely on how it's used."
"I see. I get it now—niu bi, Ethan!"
Quentin grinned and immediately used the phrase, giving Ethan a thumbs-up in admiration.
The two continued chatting, quickly finding they shared a lot in common.
When the topic shifted to women, Quentin grew even more animated. "Ethan, what do you think is the sexiest part of a woman?"
"The feet, without a doubt," Ethan replied without hesitation.
Quentin's eyes widened as he looked at Ethan. "Wow, Ethan, you and I think alike. Exactly, it has to be the feet!"
Ethan smirked. He was well aware of Quentin's well-known fondness for feet. In every one of his films, women's bare feet made notable appearances. From the dancing scene in Pulp Fiction to the bare feet during the fight sequences in Kill Bill, and even the countless close-ups in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Quentin's preferences were unmistakable.
In From Dusk Till Dawn, Quentin had taken things further, acting in a scene where a dancer poured wine down her leg, letting it flow into his mouth as he looked utterly entranced.
His good friend and frequent collaborator Brad Pitt once joked during an awards ceremony, "Big thanks to my co-stars—Margot Robbie's feet, Margaret Qualley's feet, and Dakota Fanning's feet. Honestly, more women have been asked to take off their shoes by Quentin than airport security ever has."
Quentin wasn't embarrassed by his reputation. In fact, he embraced it. He even happily signed autographs on fans' bare feet when asked.
Ethan, however, didn't share such an intense interest. To him, every part of a woman's body held its own beauty. If he had to choose, he preferred black stockings.
"White stockings are too innocent, red ones too bold, nude ones don't stand out like bare legs, but black stockings? They're mysterious, enticing, and full of allure," Ethan thought.
After a while, the other actors finished preparing, and Quentin reluctantly ended his conversation with Ethan. He grabbed his microphone and returned to his directing duties.
Ethan stood off to the side, observing the filming of Kill Bill. Quentin's directing style was neither as aggressive as Ethan's nor as calm as Rob's. Instead, Quentin was constantly on the move, explaining his vision to the crew and actors with great energy. He often referenced old films to illustrate his points, ensuring everyone understood what he wanted.
To Ethan, this approach seemed slow, but it was still better than Rob's overly relaxed methods.
Later that evening, after wrapping up a scene, Quentin enthusiastically invited Ethan out for drinks. Being in Tokyo, they decided to visit an izakaya. Quentin also invited Uma Thurman and Lucy Liu, but the two actresses preferred shopping in the bustling Ginza district.
In the end, only Ethan and Quentin went. But just as they were about to leave, Ogawa Sugikai appeared.
"Excuse me! Please wait a moment!" Ogawa bowed deeply before smiling and saying, "The president of Horipro is waiting for you both at Kuroki. Would you honor him with your presence?"
Ethan and Quentin exchanged puzzled looks. "What's going on, Quentin?"
"I have no idea…" Quentin seemed equally confused. He whispered, "Ogawa was recommended by our local contacts. He's been arranging everything—our hotels, locations, and so on. Maybe someone wants to meet us through him?"
"And what does that have to do with me?" Ethan frowned. "I'm just a temporary art director!"
"Who knows, Ethan? But why not go with it?"
"Go with it? Quentin, you're really into Chinese idioms, aren't you?"
"I love Chinese idioms—niu bi!"
"Fine. They can't eat us, right? Let's see what they want."
After their discussion, Quentin straightened up and said, "Alright, lead the way, Ogawa."
Ogawa's smile widened as he gestured. "This way, please!"
Outside, a stretched Lincoln limousine waited. Ethan and Quentin had barely settled into the plush red sofa when they both exclaimed, "Wow."
Seated across from them were twin sisters with identical sweet faces, matching ponytails, and deep purple high-slit qipaos that revealed flawless, fair legs.
"Ethan, is this Asian hospitality?" Quentin swallowed hard, leaning forward on the sofa.
Ethan, however, remained composed. Though the twin scenario was new to him, he smirked. "This is Tokyo's unique way of hosting. But be cautious—the more they offer, the greater the price. You know how capitalism works."
"Yeah, damn capitalism," Quentin muttered, both critical and intrigued.
Ogawa, seated in the front passenger seat, turned to introduce the twins. "On the left is the elder sister, Suzuki Motomi, and on the right is her younger sister, Suzuki Mihue. They're experts in reflexology and will surely help relieve your fatigue."
"Please, enjoy yourselves…"
Without hesitation, they removed Ethan and Quentin's shoes and socks, placed their feet in warm, petal-filled basins, and began a soothing foot bath.
For Quentin, who was used to admiring women's feet from afar, this experience was overwhelming. Ethan, however, took it in stride, engaging Motomi in conversation.
"Motomi, how old are you?"
"19," she replied, surprised by Ethan's fluent Japanese.
"And your sister?"
"She's one minute younger than me."
"How long have you been practicing this craft?"
"Three years."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Three years? Your days in the group must be pretty monotonous."
"Not at all. We're well taken care of," Motomi replied. But realizing she might have said too much, she quickly lowered her head and stayed silent.
Ethan nodded, his suspicions confirmed. Hospitality of this caliber often had ties to the yakuza. Whether it was the Yamaguchi-gumi or the Sumiyoshi-kai, this meeting was no ordinary affair.
For now, Ethan,He just wants to know what these gangsters want to do with him and Quentin, especially himself. He doesn't seem to be famous, so why was he invited?
Or is Quentin the main target and he is just a byproduct?
