As she looked at the paper bag on the table, a flash of fear crossed Karolina Kurkova's eyes. A "magical potion"? What kind of magical potion? Was this man planning to play some new trick?
For some reason, as she stared at the paper bag and then at Matthew, a deep sense of dread filled her heart. Ever since she had agreed to audition for the role of the red-haired woman, the unforgettable experiences and the unconventional games she had been put through left her with no desire to refuse him.
Suddenly, Karolina Kurkova felt an inexplicable desire for the so-called magical potion in the paper bag. Would it bring a different kind of experience? Something life-changing or euphoric?
She wanted to try it.
Matthew noticed the flash of fear on Karolina Kurkova's face, but as he reached for the paper bag, he missed the excitement that followed.
From his perspective, Karolina Kurkova had clearly misunderstood.
This wasn't some strange or dangerous potion at all—it was just a remedy for heat and insect bites!
See, he was trying to be helpful, and yet Karolina Kurkova had completely misinterpreted his intentions. Being a good person was truly difficult.
"You're overthinking it, KK," Matthew said as he took out a few boxes from the paper bag, opening one with a green package. "This is called Fengyoujing."
He then opened another with a red package, speaking slowly. "This is called Qingliangyou. They both come from the East."
Karolina Kurkova stared blankly at Matthew, completely confused. She had never heard of these names before, only knowing that some Indian oils from the East were quite famous.
Matthew could see that Karolina Kurkova had misunderstood, and he shook his head silently. These supermodels knew too much and overthought everything.
"These are topical ointments," Matthew said, placing the Fengyoujing and Qingliangyou back on the table along with the paper bag. "Use them as you see fit."
Being a good person was really tough, and he didn't feel like explaining further.
"Topical ointments?" Karolina Kurkova was puzzled, having never heard of these names before. She couldn't help but ask, "Matthew, where… where do you apply them?"
Matthew turned to look at Karolina Kurkova. He had only ever used these for mosquito bites before, so where exactly should one apply them for heat relief?
He recalled reading a news story about Qingliangyou when he lived across the Pacific, though he wasn't sure if it was true. It was said that an Egyptian tour guide, believing the medicine was a miracle cure from the East, once applied a large amount of it to his back for pain relief, only to experience excruciating agony...
"Matthew…" Karolina Kurkova's voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts. When he looked at her, he saw her pointing weakly between her legs, asking, "Do I apply it here?"
Cough! Cough!
Matthew nearly choked upon hearing that. These supermodels, why did they always think in that direction? He had come here with good intentions, yet her mind had gone there?
He reminded her sternly, "Don't apply it randomly."
"I understand," Karolina Kurkova replied softly.
Matthew nodded, stood up, and was about to take his leave when Karolina Kurkova added, "I promise, I'll only apply it when you need me to."
"Uh…" Matthew was momentarily speechless. Not wanting to continue the conversation, he waved his hand. "Whatever you think."
He gave Karolina Kurkova one last look and said, "Get some rest. I'm leaving now." He pointed at the paper bag and the ointments. "Make sure to keep those safe."
As Matthew stepped out of Karolina Kurkova's trailer, the sky had already turned pitch black. He glanced up at the crescent moon hanging in the sky and suddenly felt the urge to head back.
Speaking of Fengyoujing, he wondered if it worked on every woman. The memories of the "Band of Brothers" set were hazy—maybe he should have Karolina Kurkova try it?
After "G.I. Joe" was released next year, his agreement with Karolina Kurkova would expire, and he wouldn't have the chance anymore.
Was this thought a bit wicked?
Matthew quickly shook his head and walked forward. As a man recognized for his goodness in Hollywood, how could he do something so immoral?
Besides, wasn't Karolina Kurkova suffering from heatstroke? Even if he wanted to test it out, he should wait until she recovered, right?
"I really am a good person," Matthew muttered to himself as he walked toward the dining area, surrounded by bodyguards. "Good people always think of others."
He thought back to that news story. The Egyptian tour guide had no idea how to use Qingliangyou; it wasn't meant for back pain relief. It was clearly meant to create a euphoric sensation.
As he walked, Matthew mused about his upcoming trip to Africa next year. He had read somewhere that Africans loved Fengyoujing and Qingliangyou. They were effective not only for preventing mosquito bites and refreshing the mind in tropical regions but also for treating various ailments like inflammation, rheumatism, body odor, diarrhea, constipation, and even toothaches.
He decided he'd have to stock up on several boxes of it to bring some comfort to the people of Africa.
But he wondered, would the African people use it for cooking? Adding a bit of Qingliangyou while frying in a non-stick pan?
When he arrived near the dining car, he noticed that, since the wind was minimal tonight, a large outdoor dining area had been set up, and most of the crew, numbering over a hundred people, had gathered there for dinner.
Matthew found a relatively quiet spot and sat across from Jason Statham.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Jason." Matthew pulled out a chair and sat down across from Jason Statham. "Something came up, and I'm a bit late."
Jason Statham's voice was slightly raspy. "No worries." He smiled, his handsome face lighting up. "I heard about it. Is everything okay?"
Matthew shook his head slightly and briefly explained, "It was just an overly enthusiastic fan who snuck into the camp wanting a photo with me."
He called over a server who was specifically there to serve the core members of the crew and said, "Bring up the beer and food I ordered."
Soon, the chef's carefully prepared barbecue and chilled beer were brought to their table.
Matthew and Jason Statham didn't bother with glasses; they each grabbed a bottle of beer, clinked bottles, and took a big gulp.
In this typical desert climate, the cold beer going down their throats brought a refreshing sensation, much like applying Fengyoujing.
After finishing their first bottle of beer, Matthew and Jason Statham began to talk more. Despite his reserved demeanor, Jason had plenty to say once he got started.
"I started off in diving, but I never got to participate in the most important event, the Olympics."
Without needing any prompting from Matthew, Jason Statham began to recount his story. "I missed out on the Olympics selection twice, which frustrated me so much that I retired. But I couldn't find a suitable job, and I ended up in the acting industry."
He took another swig of beer and said, "Originally, I was in the independent film scene in the UK, hoping to become a serious actor. At the very least, I wanted to win a BAFTA someday."
Matthew found it hard to imagine that behind Jason Statham's handsome exterior lay such ambitious dreams.
Jason shook his head as he continued, "But somehow, I ended up as an action star, typecast in that role. No one in other genres wanted me, and even when I offered myself up, they wouldn't take me."
Matthew picked up his beer bottle and clinked it against Jason's, saying, "Being an action star isn't so bad."
"Yeah, you're right." Jason nodded. "If I hadn't become an action star, I probably wouldn't have gotten to where I am now."
"To action films!" Matthew raised his bottle to Jason Statham. "Cheers!"
He could see that Jason Statham had a clear sense of self-awareness, something that was actually quite rare in actors.
"Cheers!" Jason replied, downing the last quarter of his beer in one go.
Matthew also finished his beer and then opened two more bottles, placing one in front of Jason.
"Jason, speaking of action movies, I think we could work together again." Matthew said tentatively. "Are you interested in racing?"
"Racing movies?" Jason Statham had just filmed Death Race last year and asked, "It's not the Fast & Furious series, is it?"
Matthew nodded. "Yeah, I've currently planned a trilogy for the series and would like to invite you to star in one of them in the future."
Inviting Jason Statham to act opposite him—having that striking bald look as a contrast would only make Matthew look even more distinguished.
"Sounds like a good idea." Jason Statham put down his beer bottle, thought for a moment, and said, "Matthew, I'll discuss it with my agent."
He considered it further and added, "But it might not be possible in the near future; my schedule is packed."
Matthew could tell that Jason Statham wasn't brushing him off, so he said, "It'll be a few years down the road. Fast & Furious 4 is releasing next year, and the script for Fast & Furious 5 is already planned. The earliest would be Fast & Furious 6, or maybe even
the seventh."
Jason Statham readily agreed. "Okay, give me a call when the time comes."
After saying this, he suddenly brought up something. "Actually, we might have another opportunity to work together next year."
"Next year?" Matthew was puzzled. Did he have a project with Jason Statham next year?
Could it be that Christopher Nolan had invited Jason Statham to join the cast of Inception? Nolan was known for his preference for using British actors, so it wasn't impossible for Jason Statham to appear in Inception.
Thinking of this, Matthew immediately asked, "Are you going to be in Inception?"
"Inception? Christopher Nolan's movie?" Jason Statham scratched his nearly bald head. "I don't think Nolan would be interested in me."
He laughed without any embarrassment and said, "Stallone mentioned you to me. Hasn't he extended an invitation to you?"
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