Seeing Them Annoys Me

New York,

Seventh Avenue, Holton Apartments,

Marilyn woke from her sleep, ran a hand through her golden hair, looking especially languid. Wrapped in a bedsheet, she got out of bed and searched the table. The cigarette pack was already empty. Seeing a pack of men's cigarettes beside it, she reluctantly lit one.

"Cough, cough, cough!"

The men's cigarette was too harsh, making Marilyn cough repeatedly. She hurried to the liquor cabinet, opened a bottle, poured herself a glass, and downed it in one gulp.

The camera moved closer. Marilyn finally found her clothes. In the shot, the bedsheet slipped to the floor, and a pair of hands picked up a silk dress and slowly pulled it up her legs. The shot stopped only when it reached her thighs.

"Cut! This scene is done. Get ready for the next one," Jiang Hao said.

The Courtesan had begun filming. Jiang Hao planned to finish shooting it in two months, then spend another month on post-production. It would likely be released in August.

Jiang Hao had made this film specifically to win awards, so he polished it meticulously. Every plot point was far stronger than in the original film, and the conflicts involving society, love, and ideals were more intense. Naturally, it also demanded more from Marilyn's acting.

While Jiang Hao was busily filming his movie, Noodles's gang expanded rapidly and made a fortune from its businesses. Andy's securities company was also carrying out its own financial plans, handling bonds for medical research institutes.

In the blink of an eye, more than three months passed. The Courtesan was complete. For promotion, Jiang Hao had specially written a song, "Coming Out Strong." It was powerful rock music, yet a sorrowful song that suited the film perfectly.

Jiang Hao sang lead vocals.

His musical ability