Chapter 00288: The Flesh Dragon Crosses the River (Additional Chapter for the Confused Zhang, Alliance Leader)
# The Flesh Dragon Crosses the River (Additional Chapter for the Confused Zhang, Alliance Leader)
Chapter 288
Novel: 1979 Golden Age
Chapter 288: The Flesh Dragon Crosses the River (Additional Chapter for the Confused Zhang, Alliance Leader)
"This is quite the spectacle?"
When Xu Ke arrived, even he was taken aback by the scene before him.
However, he remained composed, holding Shi Nansheng's hand as they walked together.
He wasn’t wearing a suit—just a simple shirt.
Shi Nansheng wasn’t dressed up either, but at least their casual outfits weren’t shabby.
They hurried across the red carpet, entered the arts center, and made their way to the Longevity Theater.
"Look, there are even audience members upstairs!"
Shi Nansheng pointed upward.
Xu Ke glanced around and noted that though the place was small, it had everything one would expect from an awards ceremony.
Soon after, the main cast of *All the Wrong Clues*—George Lam, Teddy Robin, and Michael Mak—arrived.
Naturally, they sat with Xu Ke.
They exchanged glances, their expressions odd, as none of them were dressed formally.
Some wore jeans and T-shirts, others sported casual pants and shoes.
At least they looked somewhat presentable.
"I should’ve worn a suit."
"Yeah, who knew it’d be this grand?"
"*City Entertainment* really has ambition. For their first awards ceremony, they’ve made it feel so professional."
The group chattered among themselves while keeping an eye on the guests arriving behind them.
The moment someone showed up inappropriately dressed, they’d burst into laughter, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.
…………
"What’s this? Wearing sandals to an awards ceremony?"
"Do they have even a shred of respect?"
The same sentiment was shared outside.
Reporters had hoped to snap photos of celebrities in glamorous outfits, but instead, they were met with plain faces and everyday clothes.
While not exactly sloppy, it wasn’t exactly eye-catching either.
"I thought this was some amateur award show, and the stars were just showing face. Turns out, the stars are the amateurs. Have they never seen Western awards ceremonies? Wearing suits and formal attire is basic respect. So unprofessional!"
"Well, you could flip it—instead of focusing on who’s best dressed, make it about who’s dressed the worst. That’d make for a great story!"
"Oh?"
The reporters’ eyes lit up—now that was an idea!
As more celebrities arrived, the cameras kept clicking.
Amidst the sea of plain outfits, a few stood out—like the earlier Cherie Chung and the later Kara Hui.
Kara Hui wore a white evening gown, high heels, and had her hair styled.
She looked the part.
Then there was Chow Yun-fat, who at least had the decency to wear a suit.
"Fat Chai! Over here, over here!"
Chow Yun-fat calmly waved as he strode down the red carpet.
His story has been thoroughly dissected in later years, so there’s no need to repeat it here.
……
Meanwhile, a white van was making its way toward the arts center.
Sammo Hung sat in the front passenger seat, while behind him were the six brothers from *Encounter of the Spooky Kind*: Chung Fat, Jackie Chan, Huang Ha, Wu Ma, Lam Ching-ying, and Tai Bo.
"Ha!"
Sammo yawned, still recovering from last night’s heavy drinking.
"Why aren’t we there yet? Is the arts center really this far?"
"Looks like there’s some traffic control up ahead!"
"Traffic jam?"
Just as they spoke, a police officer approached and knocked on the window.
Recognizing Sammo, he still asked, "You here for the event?"
"Yeah!"
"It’s a bit congested. Drive slowly up ahead."
Hmm?
Sammo sensed something was off.
He craned his neck to look and saw a line of taillights stretching ahead, with officers directing traffic.
Pedestrians were running excitedly toward the venue.
As the van inched forward, the arts center building came into view.
He didn’t know what was happening, but the place was already buzzing with noise and excitement.
Just then, two schoolgirls dashed past, chattering excitedly:
"Is it true? Is Chow Yun-fat really up ahead?"
"I just saw him! Hurry, hurry, or he’ll go inside already… He’s wearing a suit today—so handsome!"
A suit?
Before Sammo could react, the van came to a stop.
With a clatter, an attendant pulled open the door, and a barrage of camera flashes exploded into the vehicle like bombs, leaving the brothers stunned and disoriented.
"Who is it? Who’s arriving in a van?"
"Holy—Sammo Hung!"
"Quick, snap those shots! This is rare headline material!"
"Hahaha! Shorts!"
Shorts?
Sammo instinctively looked down—he wasn’t wearing shorts.
But then his face darkened.
Even if he wasn’t, his outfit wasn’t much better.
He wore an oversized plaid shirt, unbuttoned and hanging open, revealing a mountain of flesh barely concealed by a white undershirt.
His lower half was clad in loose black martial arts pants—comfortable wear for someone of his size, since regular pants didn’t fit.
For formal occasions, he’d need custom tailoring.
Otherwise, nothing would fit.
On his feet were cloth shoes with white socks pulled up high.
This was his usual attire.
He’d assumed today’s event would be a small, industry gathering—who knew Hong Kong had such a proper awards ceremony now?!!!
"..."
When he turned back, his brothers looked even worse.
As stuntmen and martial artists, what kind of outfits could they possibly wear?
The worst was Huang Ha, who showed up in nothing but a pair of large shorts, looking utterly mortified.
"Let’s go! Move!"
"Ignore them!"
Sammo, ever the seasoned veteran, strode confidently down the red carpet, his bulk leading the way.
The reporters on either side weren’t about to let this slide—Hong Kong media thrived on this kind of spectacle, and they were already cackling and jeering.
Huang Ha covered his face and scurried along, only to trip and crash into Sammo’s back.
The impact sent him bouncing off, nearly tumbling to the ground in a roll.
Luckily, Lam Ching-ying caught him.
Once past the red carpet, the group ignored everything else and headed straight upstairs.
An attendant called out loudly, "Mr. Sammo Hung! Sir! You need to sign here!"
"Hahaha!"
The reporters erupted in laughter again.
Tomorrow’s headlines were already written: *Hong Kong Film Awards Red Carpet in Chaos—Sammo Hung, the Flesh Dragon, Nearly Crushes Shrimp in River Crossing*
"Beep beep!"
Just then, a series of car honks sounded from the other end.
Everyone turned to see several sleek cars pulling up in an orderly line.
The doors opened, and Fu Qi stepped out in a crisp suit.
He extended a hand, helping Shi Hui out of the car—she was dressed in an elegant cheongsam.
The two were a legendary power couple, renowned across Hong Kong.
They led the way, followed by Zhang Xinyan and a group of young actors making their entrance.
The third group was led by Chen Qi, holding Qiu Shuzhen’s small hand on his right and Liu Xuehua on his left, with Andy Lau and Tony Leung flanking them.
Having spent a month at the Bank of China immersing themselves in the lives of elites, they’d even learned how to walk the part.
Now, as they strode down the red carpet, their presence was striking and effortlessly cool.
Qiu Shuzhen wore a beautiful white dress and low-heeled shoes, playfully sticking her tongue out at the cameras.
When they reached the middle of the red carpet, Chen Qi raised a hand, and the group stopped, lining up in a row.
Seeing the reporters momentarily stunned, Chen Qi gestured with both hands, and the cameras erupted in a flurry of flashes before pivoting to capture shots from another angle—utterly professional.
"Who’s that?"
"The guy from the mainland!"
"The one who’s always ranting in *Wen Wei Po*? Damn, he’s got guts!"
"I recognize Liu Xuehua, but the others must be newcomers, right?"
As they passed, the reporters buzzed with gossip.
The leftist faction had been low-key for years, but since last year, they’d suddenly surged back into prominence—all thanks to that mainlander.
"This is a full mobilization—they’ve brought out their entire lineup. Looks like they’ve got big plans this year!"
(That’s a wrap!)
(End of Chapter.)