#How To Bid To Import Cars From Japan

[khanhayashillc2]

Unlocking Japanese Used Car Auction Access: A Comprehensive Guide

Japanese used car auctions are a treasure trove for those seeking high-quality vehicles at competitive prices. With thousands of cars going under the hammer daily, these auctions offer a wide range of options for buyers worldwide. In this article, we'll explore how to access Japanese used car auctions and what you need to know to make the most of this opportunity.

Why Choose Japanese Used Car Auctions?

High Quality and Reliability Japanese cars are known for their exceptional build quality and reliability. Automakers like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Subaru have a reputation for producing vehicles that last for many years, even when used.

Extensive Selection Japanese car auctions feature a vast array of vehicles, from compact cars and sedans to SUVs and sports cars. Whether you're looking for a family vehicle or a high-performance machine, you're likely to find it in a Japanese auction.

Competitive Pricing Due to the large volume of cars sold at these auctions, prices are often lower than those at dealerships. This makes Japanese car auctions an attractive option for buyers looking to get the most value for their money.

How to Access Japanese Used Car Auctions

Register with a Reputable Auction Agent To participate in Japanese car auctions, you need to register with an auction agent or broker. These agents have the necessary licenses and access to various auction houses. They will bid on your behalf and handle the paperwork and shipping.

Research Auction Houses There are several prominent auction houses in Japan, including USS, TAA, and CAA. Research these auction houses to understand their processes, fees, and the types of vehicles they specialize in. Your auction agent can provide insights and recommendations.

Create an Account Once you've chosen an auction agent, you'll need to create an account. This typically involves providing personal information, proof of identity, and sometimes a deposit. The deposit is usually refundable if you do not win any bids.

Browse Auction Listings After your account is set up, you can browse the auction listings. Most auction agents provide online platforms where you can view detailed information about each vehicle, including photos, inspection reports, and auction grades.

Understanding Auction Grades and Reports

Auction Grades Auction grades provide a quick overview of a vehicle's condition. They range from 0 to 6, with 6 being nearly new. There are also additional grades like R (repaired) and RA (lightly repaired). Understanding these grades will help you assess the vehicle's quality.

Inspection Reports Inspection reports offer detailed information about the vehicle's condition, including any defects, previous repairs, and overall appearance. These reports are usually written in Japanese, but your auction agent can help translate and explain them.

Bidding and Winning

Setting a Budget Determine your budget before you start bidding. Remember to account for additional costs such as auction fees, agent fees, shipping, and import duties. Setting a clear budget will help you avoid overspending.

Placing Bids You can place bids through your auction agent. Provide them with your maximum bid amount and they will handle the rest. It's important to stick to your budget and not get caught up in a bidding war.

Winning the Auction If your bid is successful, your auction agent will notify you and start the paperwork process. They will also arrange for the vehicle to be shipped to your country. Ensure you understand the payment terms and timelines to avoid any delays.

Importing Your Vehicle

Shipping and Logistics Once you've won the auction, the next step is shipping the vehicle to your country. Your auction agent will handle the logistics, including arranging for transportation to the port, booking a shipping vessel, and managing customs documentation.

Customs Clearance and Duties Each country has its own regulations and duties for importing vehicles. Familiarize yourself with these rules to ensure a smooth import process. Your auction agent can provide guidance and support to navigate customs requirements.

Receiving Your Vehicle After clearing customs, your vehicle will be transported to your location. Inspect the vehicle upon arrival to ensure it matches the auction description and is in the expected condition.

Conclusion

Accessing Japanese used car auctions can be a rewarding experience, offering high-quality vehicles at competitive prices. By partnering with a reputable auction agent, understanding auction grades and reports, and being mindful of your budget, you can successfully navigate the auction process. Enjoy the benefits of owning a reliable and well-maintained Japanese car, all thanks to the vast opportunities presented by these auctions.

[satjapan12]

Japanese Used Cars for Sale: Your Ultimate Guide to Car Dealers in Japan

Introduction to Japanese Used Cars When it comes to reliability, affordability, and excellent performance, Japanese used cars stand out as a prime choice for buyers worldwide. Japan's reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and advanced automotive technology has solidified its position in the global car market. Whether you're a car enthusiast or a practical buyer, the variety and value offered by Japanese used cars can't be overlooked.

Why Choose Japanese Used Cars? Japanese vehicles are known for their longevity and robust engineering. Brands like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Subaru are synonymous with durability and efficiency. Choosing a used car from Japan often means benefiting from a vehicle that has been well-maintained and serviced to high standards, thanks to Japan’s strict vehicular regulations and the culture of care among Japanese car owners.

Finding Reputable Japanese Car Dealers When searching for the best Japanese car dealers, it’s crucial to partner with businesses that offer transparency and credibility. Reliable dealers are typically members of JUMVEA (Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association), ensuring they adhere to a set of ethical guidelines that protect buyers.

Navigating Japanese Car Auctions One of the most dynamic aspects of purchasing used cars in Japan is the access to car auctions. These auctions are a hub for finding high-quality vehicles at competitive prices. It is essential to understand the auction grading system, which rates cars based on their condition, mileage, and overall quality.

How to Import Japanese Used Cars Importing a Japanese used car involves several steps, which include choosing the right car, understanding the import regulations of your country, and handling the shipping and customs clearance processes. Partnering with a knowledgeable dealer can streamline this process, ensuring all paperwork and legal requirements are accurately completed.

Comprehensive Services Offered by SAT Japan SAT Japan stands out as a premier dealer and exporter of Japanese used cars. Offering a wide range of services from auction participation to final delivery, SAT Japan ensures a seamless buying and shipping process for global customers. Their expertise in the market translates into better selections, higher quality vehicles, and more satisfactory outcomes for international buyers.

Benefits of Partnering with SAT Japan

Expert Guidance: SAT Japan’s team offers expert advice on the selection of cars, bidding strategies, and detailed reports on vehicle conditions.

Wide Selection: Access to thousands of cars through auctions and direct dealership inventory.

Quality Assurance: Every vehicle sold is inspected and comes with detailed information on its condition and history.

Customized Services: From bidding to shipping, every step is tailored to meet the client’s specific needs.

Conclusion Choosing a Japanese used car is an excellent decision for anyone seeking value, performance, and reliability. With reputable dealers like SAT Japan, you can navigate the purchase and importation process confidently, ensuring that you receive a vehicle that meets or exceeds your expectations. Whether you’re looking for an economical compact car, a rugged SUV, or a high-performance sports car, the Japanese used car mar

[careacarnzimport-blog]

Direct Import Used Car From Japan | How To Bid To Import Cars From Japan

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[prettyboyreid]

Spencer Reid x reader and the reader owns her own pottery shop where she sells the things she makes and hold classes on making pottery and the team comes in one day to relax and make some pots?? Maybe Spencer struggles more than everyone else and reader helps him and is super encouraging

my favorite piece of art

Spencer Reid x Reader

word count: 1,525

You flipped the sign at the front of your shop to “OPEN” once you watched the clock on the front wall hit 10:00 AM, wiping your hands on your smock as you made your way back to the front desk.  It was a special day today, because Spencer had taken it upon himself to make it a team bonding day at your pottery shop.  He had wanted his team to meet you for a while, and he figured it would be best if they met you in your shop; it was the best way to introduce them to what you do.

Just as your boyfriend had insisted, him and his team began filing into your small shop promptly after ten.  The first to arrive was Spencer, of course, and Penelope.  She insisted on coming in with him, just so she could meet you first.  She wore a bright top and a pair of worn down jeans, which was just about perfect for what you had suggested.  Spencer - as you had expected - had worn his usual attire: a button-up shirt and a pair of khaki pants.  

“Oh my God, you must be Y/N!” she said excitedly, making her way over to you quickly before wrapping her arms around you.  You couldn’t help but laugh a bit at how forward she was, hugging her back for a moment before she pulled away.  “I’m Penelope.  Oh, you look so much prettier in person!  Not that you weren’t pretty in the pictures he showed us,” she rambled slightly, only causing you to grin. 

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Penelope,” you said, smiling softly over at your boyfriend.  “I can get you two some smocks and set you up at a wheel while we wait for everyone else?” you suggested, heading to the hooks where you kept all of the smocks for customers to use. 

Emily and Aaron arrived next.  He had brought along his son, Jack, who smiled brightly and wondrously the second he entered the shop.  They greeted you immediately, not with quite as much enthusiasm as Penelope but still with smiles.  Jack excitedly looked around at the different pots and vases you had on display, making it very clear to anyone around him that he couldn’t wait to make one too. 

Rossi came with Morgan, both of them discussing something about cars as they arrived.  Derek, just as Spencer had warned you on multiple occasions, was quick to flirt with you.  Despite everyone knowing it was playful, you couldn’t help but smile as Spencer snuck up beside you and snuck his arm around your waist.  

Jennifer arrived last with her husband Will, both of them chattering and laughing with each other.  They greeted you with bright beautiful smiles, complimenting the workshop that you had worked on for the past five years. 

It didn’t take you long to get everyone set up.  You had made sure to place all of the wheels in a circular shape so they could all still talk to one another, making sure they all had slabs of clay before showing them how to use the throwing wheels.  They all seemed to be quick learners, but the resident genius seemed to have a few struggles. 

“Come on, pretty boy, just hold down on the pedal,” Morgan teased him, keeping his hands and the clay damp as he began to mold it into his desired shape.  Spencer did as he was told, but used the full force of his foot to step on the little pedal.  You couldn’t help but giggle as flecks of wet clay flew onto his face and smock, his face contorting into a confused frown before you got up and made your way over to him. 

“Here, Spence,” you said, sliding onto the stool in his place to show him how to use it.  You pressed lightly onto the pedal, making it go at different speeds as you demonstrated.  “Just… don’t overthink it,” you encouraged him, kissing a clean spot on his cheek before you returned to your seat.  You grinned as you noticed his cheeks tinting pink, and Morgan nudged him playfully with a grin. 

They all shaped their little pottery creations as they joked around with each other, simultaneously making more of a mess than a group of second graders you had a few weeks back.  But you could feel the love and happiness they all radiated together.  It brightened up the room and covered you with a warm feeling, one that you really only felt with Spencer. 

It was nice. 

Hotch, Emily, and Derek all made little bowls.  Emily said she wanted hers for a candy dish on her desk, Derek wanted his for cereal, and Jack said his dad wanted his for soup.  Rossi, Penelope, and Will made key dishes, though Penelope claimed that hers was for putting her favorite little unicorn on display by her computers.  Jennifer, Jack, and Spencer all made vases, though Spencer’s was caved in a bit and slightly lopsided.  He was very proud of it, nonetheless. 

They all decided they would come back in a few days so they could come back and glaze them, all of them helping clean up the place a bit as you loaded their art into the kiln.  You came back into the studio to see them cleaning and wiping down the wheels, still smiling and joking around while they did it.  It was quite admirable of them, if you were being honest.  They were hot shots that had much more important jobs than you, but were still humble enough to help clean up the mess they had made. 

They insisted on taking me out to dinner with them, since I didn’t close the workshop until six.  They told me where to meet them and at one time, bidding me farewell and thanking me for the use of my workshop.

Spencer was adamant on spending his free day with me, even if it was just hanging out in the almost empty shop all day.  He sat at the front desk with me, looking through all of the different pictures of art and pieces of art I had filed away.  Despite being a man of science, he seemed to find a fascination and admiration for art.  (In all honesty, you thought that he only said that since he started dating you, but you thought it was cute either way.)

Since Spencer was staying with you for the day, you wanted to surprise him with a vase he had made a while back with you that you had never gotten around to actually firing.  He had glazed it the last time he had a day off, and while he hadn’t seen it yet, he had been very proud of it.  When you retrieved it from the back room, he smiled brightly at the glossy finish it had.  It looked a lot like the one he had just made shape wise, but it had a baby blue glaze mixed with drops of violet glaze all over it.  

He smiled brightly as soon as he saw it, taking it in his hands and examining it the same way he looked at his dissertation on engineering.  However, whenever he gets excited, he becomes a little clumsy, as we all know.  He got up to go wrap the vase before his slightly sweaty hands dropped it onto the tile floor, and you watched as his face dropped quickly.  

“I’m so sorry,” was his immediate reaction, leaning down to pick up the large pieces that he had dropped moments before.  He moved to throw them away before you rested your hand on your shoulder, taking the pieces from him and setting them on the desk before digging through your drawers.

“When my mom went to Japan,” you began to explain to him, getting out some glue from the middle drawer before applying some of the industrial glue to the edges, carefully holding them against each other as the glue quickly dried.  “She told me that instead of throwing out broken vases, some of them would glue them back together.”  You quickly were able to restore the vase, smiling up at him before grabbing some gold enamel from the drawer as well.  

“They also add a little bit of some enamel to the cracks, to make them stand out a bit,” you explained, generously applying the enamel.  “Some argued that it even made the vases more beautiful than they were before,” you finished, setting down a small paintbrush you had used to cover the cracks.

You looked up at Spencer, who had watched you intently with a smile before looking back to the vase.  “This has got to be my second favorite piece of art in the world,” he said dramatically, inspecting it a bit closer without touching it.

“Oh, really?” you teased, wiping your hands off on your smock.  “What’s your first?  The Golden Ratio?” you joked, looking up at him from your seat on the stool.

“Nope,” he said, not looking away from the vase as he looked at all the little imperfections you had perfected for him. “You are.”

[newstfionline]

Monday, July 5, 2021

Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter mark 75 years of ‘full partnership’ (AP) The young midshipman needed a date one evening while he was home from the U.S. Naval Academy, so his younger sister paired him with a family friend who already had a crush. Nearly eight decades later, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter are still together in the same tiny town where they were born, grew up and had that first outing. In between, they’ve traveled the world as Naval officer and military spouse, American president and first lady, and finally as human rights and public health ambassadors. “It’s a full partnership,” the 39th president told The Associated Press during a joint interview ahead of the couple’s 75th wedding anniversary on July 7. It will be another milestone for the longest-married presidential couple in American history. At 96, Carter also is the longest-lived of the 45 men who’ve served as chief executive. Yet even having reached that pinnacle, Carter has said often since leaving the Oval Office in 1981 that the most important decision he ever made wasn’t as head of state, commander in chief or even executive officer of a nuclear submarine in the early years of the Cold War. Rather, it was falling for Eleanor Rosalynn Smith in 1945 and marrying her the following summer. “My biggest secret is to marry the right person if you want to have a long-lasting marriage,” Carter said.

Tropical Storm Elsa nears Cuba amid fears of flooding (AP) Tropical Storm Elsa swept along Cuba’s southern coast early Monday, and forecasters said it could make landfall on the island’s central shore by midafternoon. By Sunday, Cuban officials had evacuated 180,000 people as a precaution against the possibility of heavy flooding from a storm that already battered several Caribbean islands, killing at least three people. Most of those evacuated stayed at relatives’ homes, others went to government shelters, and hundreds living in mountainous areas took refuge in caves prepared for emergencies. Elsa was forecast to cross over Cuba by Monday night and then head for Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 15 counties, including in Miami-Dade County, where a high-rise condominium building collapsed last week.

Brazil Vaccine Scandal Imperils Bolsonaro as Protests Spread (NYT) The plot twists of a coronavirus vaccine kickback scandal that has rattled Brazil’s capital have been worthy of a reality TV show. The main stage has been a congressional hearing room, where scores of witnesses have been shedding light on the government’s chaotic response to the pandemic, which has killed more than 520,000 in the country. There has been plenty of yelling as the audacity and scope of a scheme by health ministry officials to solicit bribes from vaccine dealers have come into focus. The outrage drew tens of thousands of Brazilians to protest across several cities on Saturday, the third large wave of demonstrations in recent weeks. Much about the scandal, which federal prosecutors are investigating, remains unclear and in dispute. But the widening inquiry is likely to pose a major threat to President Jair Bolsonaro’s re-election bid next year—and perhaps even to his ability to serve out the remainder of his term.

Cyber attack against U.S. IT provider forces Swedish chain to close 800 stores (Reuters) The Swedish Coop grocery store chain closed all its 800 stores on Saturday after a ransomware attack on an American IT provider left it unable to operate its cash registers. Hundreds of American businesses were hit on Friday by an unusually sophisticated attack that hijacked widely used technology management software from a Miami-based supplier called Kaseya. According to Coop, one of Sweden’s biggest grocery chains, a tool used to remotely update its checkout tills was affected by the attack, meaning payments could not be taken. State railways services and a pharmacy chain also suffered disruption.

EU deploys assistance for Cyprus as huge forest fire rages (Reuters) The European Union on Saturday deployed aerial assistance to help Cyprus contain a huge forest fire raging north of the cities of Limassol and Larnaca, a blaze one official called the worst on record. The blaze, fanned by strong winds, affected at least six communities in the foothills of the Troodos mountain range, an area of pine forest and densely vegetated shrubland. “It is the worst forest fire in the history of Cyprus,” Forestries Department Director Charalambos Alexandrou told Cyprus’s Omega TV.

Japan’s leader pushes rescue after deadly mudslide hits town (AP) More than 1,000 soldiers, firefighters and police on Sunday waded through a giant mudslide that ripped through a resort town southwest of Tokyo, killing at least two people and leaving about 20 missing as it swept away houses and cars. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters 19 people had been rescued, and 130 homes and other buildings were damaged in Atami. Two people were dead, but more were feared missing, he said speaking after an emergency Cabinet meeting. Earlier, disaster officials said 20 were unaccounted for, but warned the number may rise. Troops, firefighters and other rescue workers, backed by three coast guard ships, were working to clear the mud from the streets of Atami and reach those believed to be trapped or carried away. They were barely visible in the rainfall and thick fog except for the their hard hats. Six military drones were being flown to help in the search.

Some Chinese shun grueling careers for ‘low-desire life’ (AP) Fed up with work stress, Guo Jianlong quit a newspaper job in Beijing and moved to China’s mountain southwest to “lie flat.” Guo joined a small but visible handful of Chinese urban professionals who are rattling the ruling Communist Party by rejecting grueling careers for a “low-desire life.” That is clashing with the party’s message of success and consumerism as its celebrates the 100th anniversary of its founding. “Lying flat” is a “resistance movement” to a “cycle of horror” from high-pressure Chinese schools to jobs with seemingly endless work hours, novelist Liao Zenghu wrote in Caixin, the country’s most prominent business magazine. “In today’s society, our every move is monitored and every action criticized,” Liao wrote. “Is there any more rebellious act than to simply ‘lie flat?’” It isn’t clear how many people have gone so far as to quit their jobs or move out of major cities. Judging by packed rush hour subways in Beijing and Shanghai, most young Chinese slog away at the best jobs they can get. Still, the ruling party is trying to discourage the trend.

Myanmar forces kill 25 in raid on town, resident and media say (Reuters) Myanmar security forces killed at least 25 people on Friday in a confrontation with opponents of the military junta at a town in the centre of the Southeast Asian nation, a resident and Myanmar-language media said on Sunday. Myanmar has been plunged into chaos by the Feb. 1 coup against elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with violence flaring in many parts of the country of more than 53 million people.

Philippine military plane crashes, 45 dead, 49 rescued (AP) A Philippine air force C-130 aircraft carrying combat troops crashed in a southern province while landing Sunday, killing at least 42 army soldiers on board and three civilians on the ground, while 49 were rescued from the burning wreckage, officials said. Some soldiers were seen jumping off the aircraft before it crashed and exploded around noon in the periphery of the Jolo airport in Sulu province, military officials said. Three of six villagers who were hit on the ground have died.

Former South African president Jacob Zuma delays prison deadline with last-ditch legal maneuver (CNN) Jacob Zuma and his lawyers successfully delayed the former South African president’s prison sentence for contempt of court on Saturday when the country’s top court agreed to hear his application for a review of their decision to sentence him to 15 months in prison. In the application, 79-year-old Zuma and his lawyers claimed that the sentence threatened his life and that the Constitutional Court’s decision was unfair to their client. This comes after Zuma was ordered to hand himself in to a police station in his hometown Nkandla or Johannesburg by the end of this Sunday. Failing that, the police were given three days to bring him in. The Constitutional Court hearing will take place on July 12. Some legal analysts say the application is highly unlikely to succeed, but it buys Zuma more time.

Pope doing well after intestinal surgery, Vatican says (Reuters) Pope Francis is doing well following intestinal surgery, the Vatican said on Sunday after the 84-year-old pontiff was hospitalised for the first time since his election in 2013. Spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement that the pontiff "responded well" to the surgery, which was done under general aesthesia and which the Vatican had said earlier had been scheduled and not prompted by an emergency. Francis underwent surgery for symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon, a condition where sac-like pouches protrude from the muscular layer of the colon, leading it to become narrow. The operation was carried out by a 10-person medical team.

[hanawrites404]

Part 2

Noriko stood up from her seat as she locked her eyes with the tall man's emerald ones. Without wasting any more time, she quickly bowed to him.

"It's a great pleasure to meet you, Dr. Kujo" she greets. Her tone sounded like that of a child who is meeting her favourite Marvel superhero but is trying her best to be polite.

"The pleasure is all mine Noriko" he replied.

Noriko then stood up, a pink blush was visible on her cheeks.

"And by the way Dad, she is very, very, very fond of you" Jolyne informed. "Is that so??" He asked back. "Yes. I mean, she has literally read every single text which was written by you, and she is absolutely in love with you".

"J-Jolyne-chan, it's not like that!!" the girl blushed more. Noriko then looked back at Mr. Kujo, whose eyes didn't leave her even for a second.

"I-I-I'm so sorry Mr. Kujo. It's nothing like that at all. Jolyne is just messing with you" Noriko added with an awkward laugh.

"Yeah right" Jolyne smirked and crossed her arms.

"It's alright Noriko. No need to be sorry" Mr. Kujo replied. Noriko then bowed to him again. "Thank you so much professor!!!".

"No need to be so formal. Mr. Kujo is fine". "Yes sir!!! Mr. Kujo sir!!" Noriko replied without getting up.

"Ugh, give me a break" Jolyne then grabs Noriko by her arm and drags her away. Noriko stumbles a bit but then goes with Jolyne to where she was taking her.

"W-Where are we going??". "To my room of course. I cannot let you wear that stinky uniform tonight. You gotta change". "But it's alright Jolyne. I'm not going to stay that long".

"So what?? This uniform sucks. You deserve a break from wearing it. Now come on, get in" she then shoves the red head in the room and closes the door.

Mr. Kujo on the other hand reached for the photo on the table. It was a picture of his younger self and his companions at that time when all of them voyaged to Egypt in order to defeat a powerful vampire.

His lover too was a part of the crusaders. But unfortunately, he had lost his life during the last fight, and Mr. Kujo can never forgive himself for letting him die. He still carries the guilt of letting his loved one die.

It could have been him.....no, it SHOULD have been him. However, it seemed like fate had some other plans for him, because his lover was back now, but in a very different form which was unfortunately a disadvantage to him.

The fact that he returned as a girl and half of Mr. Kujo's age, the relationship was going to look very questionable and inappropriate. People would think that it is some kind of pedophilia or a sugar-daddy relationship instead of a normal couple.

But why was he going to care?? It's not like he is bound by the insecurities of what the society might think. He will do whatever he wants to. He doesn't give a shit to what people would think of him, and that's what he has been doing for the past 22 years.

But the real problem was......what would Jolyne think of it?? She would literally get traumatized to hear that her friend who is as same age as her is dating her father. She would be disgusted to even imagine Noriko and Mr. Kujo holding hands.

Now what can Mr. Kujo do about that?? He had already lost his lover once, now if he has finally come back, then why lose him (or her) again?? Mr. Kujo really wants to mend the things which were left incomplete between both of them.

He hates carrying the guilt of his lover's death for more than a decade and really wants to let it go. Uniting with Noriko is the only way he can do it to finally let his lover's soul rest in peace. But how will Mr. Kujo win Miss Noriko's heart??

"Come on Noriko. It's alright. You look very cute in it" Jolyne had changed her attire from her school uniform and was now trying to pull the red head out of the room but was resisting her.

"I-I don't want to, not in front of Mr. Kujo" the other girl replied.

"Ugh, there you again. Mr. Kujo-this, Mr. Kujo-that. Can you not take his name after every fucking minute??".

"I-I'm sorry but, the lowers are too small. I cannot come out like this in front of him". "Don't worry Noriko. Dad is not going to bite you or anything". "B-But--". "No buts. Are you coming out or shall I do the hard way??". "........Fine.....".

The red girl steps out of the room, her cheeks dusted pink and her hands trying to hide her exposed thighs. She was wearing a light blue t-shirt which had a star on it and green shorts.

"See?? Not hard at all" Jolyne grinned. "I-I guess" Noriko replied shyly. "Oh come on, are you acting all shy because Dad is here??" Jolyne asked.

Noriko looked at Mr. Kujo who was staring continuously at her too. When he realised that Noriko was looking at him, he pushed his hat down to cover his eyes. Noriko blushed more and looked down at the ground.

"Come on Noriko, you must be hungry. Let's grab a snack and then we will study" Jolyne pushed her forward by her shoulders to the pantry.

"B-But I don't want to trouble you that much Jolyne". "Bullshit!!! You are my guest Noriko. Imagine it like you are in your own house". "I live a hostel Jolyne". "Alright, then imagine this as if you are at your parent's house" Jolyne said.

"I.......I don't have any parents Jolyne".

The taller girl stopped in her tracks, while the shorter girl's eyes got shadowed.

Mr. Kujo was noticing everything what was going on between the girls. When he heard that Noriko had no mother and father, he tensed up.

"Oh I'm so sorry Noriko. I didn't know that" Jolyne apologized. "It's OK.....It's not your fault........"

Noriko rubbed her eyes to stop the tears which threatened to fall from her pretty eyes. But even after her resistance, a stubborn and salty tear slipped from her eye as she closed her eyes to accept the wetness.

But suddenly she felt a calloused yet very gentle thumb wiping the tear from her cheek. Noriko opened her eyes to see whose thumb was it and it was none other than Mr. Kujo himself.

"I'm really sorry for you Noriko......" Mr. Kujo told her.

Noriko then sniffed and wiped the snot which was coming from her nose. She then said "Don't be sorry Mr. Kujo. It's perfectly alright".

"Noriko-chan......Where are your parents?? What happened to them??" Jolyne asked her.

"I-I was away from them at Florida while Mom and Dad were at Japan. Both of my parents were returning from work and they were travelling in a bus. But then a truck came out of nowhere and t-then at the midnight I-I-I got a call saying that--"

"Don't" Mr. Kujo placed his finger on her lips to stop her from continuing the story. He then slowly brushes a strand of her red hair behind her ear.

Noriko gives him a sad smile and then continues calmly.

"Whatever Mom and Dad had earned went to my relatives, so I had nothing to rely on. And that's why I studied hard, got my scholarship and also did numerous part-time jobs to pay the rent of the hostel. The hostel is very shabby and the manager is one big pervert, but that's all I can afford".

"Noriko......why didn't you tell us earlier?? We could have arranged something for you, right Dad??". Mr. Kujo agreed to her daughter.

"No no no, don't do so much for me. I don't want to be a burden to you" Noriko stopped them while shaking her hands as to say 'no'.

"Nonsense!! Just look at your condition Noriko!! You work like an ox daily and all you get is a shitty hostel AND a weirdo manager!!!" Jolyne held her by her shoulders as she explained her face to face.

"Then......what shall I do?? I have nowhere to go". "Stay with us, obviously" Jolyne told her. "B-But--". "No buts. You are officially living with us from now on".

"Jolyne, that's very sweet of you but why are you helping me?? I have done nothing for you, nor I am like a close friend to you. They why??".

"Let's just say that I like you a lot, and I truly think that you deserve a better place. Being without friends and parents and coping with life alone must be very hard for you. Also, studies are a pain in the ass, so why don't I make your life a bit easier??" Jolyne winked at her.

"I.......I don't know how to thank you both.........." Tears welled up in her eyes. "You are already helping me with my studies. I bet if I work hard under your tutelage, I might top the class. Now THAT would be a tight slap on Anderson's face" Jolyne laughed.

Noriko chuckled with her too. She was wondering how she can deserve such generous people.

"So it's settled then. Welcome to your new home Noriko-chan" Jolyne said.

Noriko couldn't hold it on for more and suddenly hugged the taller girl. Jolyne was taken aback for a second, but soon wrapped her arms around the smaller girl.

"Thank you Jolyne. I'm really fortunate to meet you". "You are flattering me now" Jolyne laughed.

"No really.....you don't know how lucky I am to meet such a sweet person like you" Noriko said.

"Yeah yeah whatever. But don't expect me to treat you so nicely like this". "That's fine by me" Noriko chuckled. Jolyne smiles and hugs her tight.

Both of them then let each other go. "So what are you waiting for?? Go get your bags from your hostel, and also don't forget to give a punch on the manager's face" Jolyne punched her hand.

"Sure I will" Noriko smiled. "Wait Noriko, I'll come with you" Mr. Kujo offered. Noriko turned to Mr. Kujo and said.

"It's perfectly alright Mr. Kujo. I'll handle it myself". "It's night, and young girls should not go alone in the dark like this. Let me accompany you" Mr. Kujo suggested.

".....OK sir". "Come on then" he then holds her shoulder and then they both go outside.

"Be back quickly both of you" Jolyne bid them farewell.

Mr. Kujo got his car and Noriko sat beside him. Both of them wore their seatbelts because safety is important and the author wants to promote road safety.

"What's the name of your hostel??" Mr. Kujo asked the girl. "Virgin Donuts" Noriko replied.

Mr. Kujo looked at the girl beside him with cringe written on his face.

"What kind of name is this??" He asked. "I-I know. I-I-I had no choice" she blushed from embarrassment as she hid her face from the man.

The man sighed and he adjusted his hat. "Give me a break" and he then started the engine and were off.

*5 minute time skip, brought to you by Piss Tea*

Mr. Kujo and Noriko were stuck in a traffic which was not going to be cleared in less than 10 minutes. So both of them sat idly wherever they were.

"Ummm....Mr. Kujo??". "Hmm??". "I-I was wondering.....are you going to write another thesis??" Noriko looked at Mr. Kujo who was keeping his eyes on the traffic lights.

"Well yes. I'm still researching but it will be out soon" he replied. "That's great. I can't wait" Noriko smiled as she made herself comfortable in the seat.

Jotaro slightly smiled to himself and he stole a gaze from the red head. He first looked at her bright eyes, then at her perfectly framed nose, and then at her plump lips.

She really reminds me of Noriaki......I still remember how he used to eat his cherries weirdly in front of me.........

Mr. Kujo smiled to himself. Those were some bittersweet memories which he cherished the most.

"By the way Noriko, you have no guardians at all??". "No. I do have relatives but they don't really care about me. They have inherited my parent's house and whatever they had ever possessed. I bet they don't even know that I exist" Noriko said.

Mr. Kujo felt pity on her. He was born in a family with priveledges, so he never had to face such a situation. But it didn't mean that he does not understand Noriko and her struggles.

Mr. Kujo couldn't help himself from holding on any more, and so he reached for Noriko's hand and held it.

Noriko looked at the man in his eyes, and without saying anything, she lightly clenched her hand around his bigger one. Mr. Kujo rubbed his thumb against her knuckles, feeling the soft skin of her hand.

The red head was not sure why, but she felt some sort of connection with the professor.

It felt like magic to her, as if a spell had been casted on her, which was slowly drawing her closer to the man.

Noriko noticed how handsome the professor was from close. His raven black hair and his sea green eyes complimented his face.

Mr. Kujo and Noriko were only inches away from each other, their lips longing to meet and tug at one another. Both of them were waiting for the other person to make a move but it seemed like they were too shy to do so.

The sexual tension was immense in the car. But fortunately, a car horn dissolved it all.

Both of them jerked away from each other and let go of their hands. Noriko was blushing madly while Mr. Kujo pulled his hat down, a small blush on his face.

He also noticed that the traffic has been finally cleared, so he drove his car forward and headed towards the hostel.

*7 minute time skip, brought to you by RaDIOactive*

"That's it. Here is the hostel". Mr. Kujo looked through the window at the small building Noriko mentioned.

"This is where you live?? Even a cardboard box looks neater than this.........structure" Jotaro commented. Noriko sighed as she took off the seat belt and got out of the car.

She then opened the door and much to her disappointment, the manager was there at his desk. At noticing the red lady, he smiled creepily and stood up and dashed to her like a predator.

"Noriko!! My Rose~!! I thought you won't come tonight" he hugged her and buried his face in her chest.

Noriko had already started to feel very uncomfortable. She tried to push him away from her but he was holding onto her like an octopus.

"Oohh~~ Now would you look at that?? You came to visit me in such short clothes hmmm...." He then started to run his hands on her thighs and hips.

Noriko just stood there trying to resist everything, but the man was like 3 times her size, and it was impossible for her to push such a man away from her.

Mr. Kujo entered the building and the first thing he saw was Noriko getting assaulted. His eyes became shadowed and he tensed up a lot. His whole aura had become menacing and murderous.

"You are such a naughty girl Noriko. Say........wanna have some fun at my room??" The man whispered in her ear.

Noriko was petrified beyond anything. She was praying that someone would come to rescue her from this dire situation. And fortunately, her hero was right behind her.

"Noriko......" Mr. Kujo called. Noriko turned around to him, and then the professor pulled her close to him and shielded her with his huge arms, separating the manager from the red girl.

"Huh?? Who are you?? And how dare you interrupt me??" The manager glared at the taller man's eyes, as that was the biggest mistake he had ever made.

"Noriko.....go and get your things. I want to have a talk with the manager alone" Mr. Kujo then let go of the small girl so that she could get her possessions from her room. Noriko gave a small smile at the professor and caressed his arm and then she left, leaving the perv and Mr. Kujo alone in the hall.

"I-I-I'm s-s-sorry sir. I-I-I didn't k-know that s-she was y-your d-daughter" the manager stammered.

"You fucking idiot, she is not my daughter. She is my lover". "What??? You?? Her lover?? But she is half your age!!" The manager was shocked to hear that from the man.

"How Ironic, coming from a disgusting scum who was just harrassing an innocent, young girl shamelessly" he then cracks his knuckles and stares deathly at him.

"You wanted fun right?....let me give you fun". Then, a spirit-like creature formed behind the taller man, and let's just say that the manager retired tomorrow and would never be able to get back to work, nor he would ever be able to have children, or actually do anything at all.

*2 minute time skip, brought to you by Maid Polpo*

Noriko was done packing her bags and exited her room to meet Mr. Kujo outside. Once she reached the hall, she spotted Mr. Kujo smoking a cigarette, looking outside from the window.

"Mr. Kujo, I'm done" Noriko called to him. The professor as soon as he heard the girl's voice, got his cigarette disposed of and he then went to pick her bags up.

Noriko looked around the hall, but she could not find the one she was looking for, so she asked the taller man.

"Where is the manager Mr. Kujo??". "He had some business to take care of so he left" he replied.

Noriko clicks her tongue from disappointment as she placed her hand on her hip.

"What's the matter??" Mr. Kujo asked. "I wanted to give him a punch on the face like how Jolyne told me to, now I have lost the chance to do that" Noriko whined.

Mr. Kujo sniggered at the sassy girl and then patted her red head. "Jolyne is really turning you into like herself. If she was at your place, she would have cut his balls off and stuff it into his own ass" he said.

"Pfffff-hahahahahahahhaha!!!!"

Noriko started to genuinely laugh at Mr. Kujo's statement as she brushed her bang behind. The man observed how beautiful she looked as she giggled her heart out. Also how her vocals bounced as she expressed her happiness.

It reminded him of that time when his boyfriend was laughing after the battle with The Wheel of Fortune along with the others. That time was also the first time Mr. Kujo witnessed his lover truly laughing joyfully.

He always wanted to hear his laughter one more time, and today his wish came true.

Once Noriko's laughter had started to slow down, she wiped the tears which came out while she was laughing. She then regained her breath and said.

"Oh Mr. Kujo, Jolyne is one badass. I am truly grateful to have a friend like her. And also--".

"Jotaro".

"Huh??" Noriko looked at the professor. "Call me Jotaro. That's my first name" he told her.

"A-Alright Jotaro" Noriko timidly took his name and blushed pink. Jotaro felt butterflies in his stomach when he heard his name slipping from the sweet-looking lips of the red head.

"It's getting pretty late now. Let's grab some dinner and go home. Jolyne must be waiting".

"Y-Yes si-- I mean, Jotaro-san" Noriko corrected herself.

Noriko's cuteness touched Jotaro's heart as he blushed pink and pulled his hat down to hide it. It's a good thing that Noriko didn't notice him getting flustered.

*20 minute time skip, brought to you by Caesarino*

Jotaro and Noriko had gathered the dinner and were now heading home. Noriko was humming along the song which was playing on the radio. Though he found Noriko's voice to be angelic, Jotaro was praying for the song to end. You know why..........

(Part 3)

[spicyfloaty]

Give & Take | Chapter 6

pairing: kacchako

genre: slowburn/fluff

words: 3.2k

summary: Ochako's grades are slipping. Bakugo is dangerously nearing suspension, or worse, expulsion. A certain twist of fate pairs them together for tutoring sessions. He teaches her math. She keeps him from getting suspended. A simple exchange, but what if this only brings them closer than necessary?

header credits: @alexbenedetto

[READ ON AO3]

Chapter Five

Chapter Six: Bakugo Drools In His Sleep 

Bakugo manages to show up for the next couple of sessions, all of them, thankfully. Ochako’s almost used to the routine of bickering with him for at least ten minutes before their actual sessions start, then to be followed by more bickering in between topics. As much as it was tempting to shove an entire pencil case down his throat whenever they would argue over the littlest of things Bakugo would deem worthy of being remotely upset about, such as times when she would forget to round up a decimal or factor a term, she can’t deny the fact that she was still learning nonetheless. 

Ochako had also grown accustomed to the close proximity they would consistently share, it didn’t look like Bakugo had any intention of finding another desk to use, let alone another pen. They were all so familiar to her now, though she must admit that there were still moments when she would need to exert a considerable amount of effort to force all thoughts pertaining to how close he was to the most hidden and secluded areas of her brain. Something she still has yet to get used to was Bakugo never failing to immediately take off the second her alarm goes off.

She had never needed to use his number during the last weeks and Bakugo had never needed to use hers. She’d know this since she has been checking her phone out of habit now just in case he does. It’s not like she wanted him to text her or something like that, she just didn’t want to miss anything important that could come up at any moment.

“You’re gonna end up spraining your wrist if you keep checking your phone every five seconds.” Kit points out, leaning against the counter. They were in the middle of a self-proclaimed break since there weren’t any new customers coming in the cafe during this time of the evening, this only gave Ochako more time to habitually check her phone for new text messages.

“Waiting for a text from your boyfriend?” Her coworker grins at her as if he’s caught her hand inside the cookie jar. 

She swiftly sets her phone face down the counter, she might have to check it for cracks later, “No! I mean--He’s not my boyfriend.” She sputters out, blushing from behind the counter.

Kit’s grin only grows a mile wider, “So there’s a he?” He presses. Ochako feels cornered against a wall, her face must have been giving all the stoplights in Japan a run for their money and it does not help her intentions of trying to convince Kit that this he wasn’t someone of importance.

“Well yeah,” She begins, but Kit’s eyebrows skyrocket through the roof, “but it’s not what you’re thinking!” She quickly adds.

Kit pushes himself off the counter and turns to face her with the full force of his skepticism, “Right.” he glances down at her phone, “So is there a reason why you’re waiting for this he to shoot you a text?”

Ochako only gives him the same answer that she gives herself whenever she asks the same thing, “I just...don’t want to miss anything important, that’s all.”

“I don’t know, ‘Chako,” he points at her face, “from the looks of it, you are missing something,” he smiles, “or someone.”

She shoots him a glare that fully conveyed the two words she had locked and loaded inside this look, Shut Up. Math wasn’t the only thing she had been learning from Bakugo and if she does it just right, she’d also be able to replicate the bone-chilling scowl that he pairs with it to complete the expression.

Kit holds both hands up in surrender, “Okay, okay, I’ll drop it, geez.” he concedes, “Since when did you give death glares?”

Since Bakugo Katsuki, that’s when, is what she would have said if she had wanted to continue this interrogation from her coworker, “I don’t know, I just naturally got better at it for some reason.” she observes, “How was it?”

“Terrifying.” Kit echoes out as he makes his way to the doors upon spotting a group of people beginning to approach the cafe, “Ready, ‘Chako?”

Ochako straightens herself up, promptly adjusting her cap while giving her phone one last glance, “Ready when you are, Kit.”

Kit cheerfully greets the group of newcomers, two girls from the lot giggle after he gleefully escorts them to their tables. Ochako discreetly chuckles at this, her coworker was conventionally attractive, yes, but she can’t help but think of him only as an older brother. Her crushing on Bakugo would be a more plausible scenario than her crushing on her coworker. She physically pauses from handing a customer their change the moment she realizes that she could have worded that comparison better, forcefully shoving the thought behind her head

Her shifts during the weekdays had always been the tougher ones since she had school immediately before. She had always been arriving to work late, bustling through the evening commute just to avoid passing the thirty minute grace period her boss had given her, but thanks to Aizawa’s schedule, she was being dismissed from class two hours early to give her more leeway time for her job and less of a workout/marathon whenever she rushed to the neighboring town.

Ochako was cleaning the countertop when she hears someone clear their throat, she looks up to see a woman smiling at her, “Hi,” she begins in a honeyed voice, “I was just wondering when I’ll be seated, I’ve been standing here for forever now.”

Her tight-lipped smile makes her stomach drop to her feet, she glances towards Kit’s direction and notices that he was busy serving two tables near the back. Her eyes flicker to the other tables and seeing as to how all those tables were occupied, she gulps.

“I’m sorry about that, ma’am.” Ochako says gently, “There aren’t any available seats yet, but I’m sure there’ll be one soon.” she gestures towards the exit, “You can sit at the waiting area outside in the meantime.” She offers her a sweet, apologetic smile, but the woman’s smile quickly twists into a frown.

“I’ve done enough waiting as it is and you’re gonna send me back out there to do that again?” She sneers.

Ochako had dealt with customers like these before but it doesn’t make it any easier whenever she gets lucky and encounters one again, “I’m really sorry, ma’am, but we had already reached our full capacity,” she tries to explain, “Would you like your order to go so you won’t have to wait any longer?” Her effort to make the situation better was ignored, the woman’s scowl deepens into a grimace.

“This is ridiculous! I want to be seated at a damn table!” She raises her voice just enough so that a few people seated at the front tables curiously look their way, “I’m not asking you to do the impossible here, young lady.”

You kind of are, she thinks to herself. Ochako can’t just make random seated patrons disappear into thin air just like that, she can’t exactly just make some of them go away either just to satisfy the impatient customer in front of her. She quickly scans the cafe once more, praying for a table to miraculously become available.

“Hello?” A hand snaps in front of her face, “Are you deaf? Or just dumb?”The woman icily asks.

Ochako would have snapped right then and there after that comment, but another thing she’s learned from her tutoring sessions with Bakugo was to know when to respond to a rude remark and when to just ignore it and keep a level head. She observes the lady one more time, noticing the business attire she had on. Maybe she’s just having a rough day at work, she assumes. The woman might also be tired and hungry, which would explain why she was having this kind of reaction over a mild inconvenience.

“There’s really nothing I can do about the seats, ma’am,” she begins, “but I can offer you a complimentary snack on the house while you wait for one?”

Ochako knew that the cafe doesn’t do complimentary snacks so this would come out of her own pocket if the lady were to accept her offer, but she brushes off the concern. She felt like it was the right thing to do.

The woman rolls her eyes, “Oh, save it for someone who cares, I’m gonna have to call your manag--”

“Sorry for the wait, ma’am, right this way to your table.” Kit arrives with semi-perfect timing, flashing the woman one of his million dollar smiles. She visibly blushes at the sight of him, but she is quick to compose herself as she follows him to the newly vacant table. Kit looks back at her and mouths Sorry about that, but she shakes her head and mouths a Thank you back at him.

A few busy hours go by and it was already the end of their shifts. Ochako let out a strained yawn as she stretched her arms behind her head, another day at work had left her bone tired as usual, but today had just sucked the soul out of her. She changes into her casual clothes, but leaves the top of her uniform on since she forgot to bring an extra shirt today.

“I’ll walk you to the station?” Kit offers as she exits the break room.

“Oh! You don’t have to.” She immediately declines, “I’ll be fine on my own.” It was pretty late at night so she understands that Kit just wanted to make sure she got home safely.

“Alright.” he smiles, “See you next week, ‘Chako”

She bids him goodbye as she made her way outside, the hum of jazz music inside the cafe now replaced with the myriad of bustling pedestrians and the chorus of cars huddled in traffic. Her legs were heavy, but they still managed to carry her all the way to the station. She would have slept through the entire train ride and missed her stop if it weren’t for the sweet old lady that tapped her on the shoulder to wake her up.

Ochako finally arrives at the dorms, her thoughts drifting to the soft embrace of her bed. She hobbles her way to the common room, but what she sees stops her dead on her tracks.

Bakugo’s sleeping figure is slumped over the table just in front of the couches, his back steadily rising and falling to the rhythm of his breathing. It was already past ten when she had returned, why wasn’t Bakugo sleeping in his room?

She approaches the couches with the intention of waking him up but she notices the open notebook beside his head, slightly covered by the explosive, blonde mess of his hair. She takes a closer look and the word Round Face catches her eye. Curiosity takes over and she takes a seat beside him, peering at the mysterious pages covered in Bakugo’s handwriting.

Her heart begins to race, eyes slowly widening at the realization that dawns on her as she reads its contents. They were notes. Notes on the things they went over during each session and the points she had gotten wrong. He had also taken note of the concepts she was having a hard time on, a list of sample questions and problems that he had most likely thought of by himself was scrawled beside them, some of them he had crossed over in thick, harsh lines.

She looked over to Bakugo in disbelief, he was still very much asleep. The warmth in her belly spreads to her chest and curves the corners of her mouth into a small smile, Oh, Bakugo. Ochako brings her attention back to the notebook and was about to flip to the next page when a hand grabs her wrist.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Bakugo hisses. She quickly turns to face him, his eyes were hazed by the sleep he was still coming out of, but his glare, even with only half of its power, still held the same flaming intensity.

“I was uh,” she struggles to explain herself. She spots a trail of drool on his cheek and in a moment of pure, utter stupidity she continues, “You have, um, something on your…” She points to his cheek.

His eyebrows knit together, using his free hand to touch his face. He must have felt it because he instantly lets go of her as though he had touched the surface of a burning kettle, briskly wiping his cheek with his sleeve, red tinting the tips of his ears.

He was probably in the middle of an insult when his gaze dropped to her shirt, “What’s that?” He asks pointedly. Ochako follows his line of sight, her eyes landing on the name tag still very much attached to her shirt. Crap, I forgot to take that off.

“Oh, this thing!” She blurts, hastily taking the pin off, “Gunhead started making us wear these now.” She laughs nervously, Bakugo still staring daggers into her soul. Before the silence gets too stretched out or before Bakugo could pick up where he left off with that insult, she tries to change the topic, “How about you, Bakugo? Have you been interning somewhere too?”

She hears the tiredness in her voice, her body was weighing heavier by the minute. Bakugo’s eyes dart away, “It’s none of your business.” He bites back.

Ochako internally sighs. She didn’t have the energy to fire something back at him and her patience tank had sadly already ran out of steam just from her shift at work today, “You know,” she starts, bringing both of her hands to her lap, “I was just trying to make conversation, but if you don’t want to talk to me, that’s fine.” She breathed out as she stood up from beside him.

Her quirk was no match for the gravity pulling her to the ground as the weight of the day grew heavier with every step she made her way towards the staircase.

“Jeanist.” A low, gruff voice says.

She pauses, turning around to face Bakugo. His eyes were focused on the walls, but she gives him an expectant look when they briefly meet hers.

“I worked with him for a while,” He continues, still refusing to look at her directly, “but he’s not taking any interns right now.”

“I see.” She replied. Ochako’s mind goes blank on what to say next.

“How did you end up in an agency like Gunhead’s ?” He suddenly asks, breaking the silence that she had failed to fill. She almost takes offense to this question, was he thinking that someone like Ochako would be too frail or girly to be associated with an agency like Gunhead’s.

Before she could give him a piece of her mind, he adds, “He’s not even in the top 10, you could do better than that.”

Ah, only Bakugo would consider hero rankings when choosing an agency to intern for.

Ochako walks a few steps closer to where he was still sitting, “You.”

A look of confusion instantly twists his face, “Huh?”

“I chose his agency because of you.” She repeats more clearly.

One of his eyebrows shoot upwards, “What the fuck did I do?” He asks as if she had just accused him of stealing the last of her savings.

She had forgotten that she had to be more specific when talking to Bakugo in particular, “Do you remember our fight last year during the sport’s festival?”

“Yeah.” He didn’t need any more words than that to prove it because the way his expression hardens, jaw tightening at the mention of the memory, already told her that he was telling the truth. He stares her down the same way he did in that arena, carefully studying her in anticipation of what she’ll do next.

“After that match,” she continued, “I realized the number of possibilities that could open up for me if I got stronger.” Ochako looks up at him with complete sincerity, “You helped me realize that.”

Bakugo’s gaze linger on hers for a few moments before grinning, “Guess you’re not as much of a dumbass as I thought, round face.”

She smiled at this, only he could make a compliment sound anything like an insult. Despite this, Ochako knew that this comment from Bakugo was worth more than most compliments combined.

“Even with all that training, I still did pretty bad at this year’s festival.” She jokes, looking back at the events that took place months ago. Compared to her first tournament, she had successfully made it past the first round, but only to be defeated minutes after the second one commenced.

“No you didn't.” Bakugo says flatly, his eyebrows could knit scarves with that puzzled look on his face.

Ochako challenges his confused expression with one of her own, “How would you know?”

“Because I watched you.”

This catches her off-guard for two reasons. One being the fact that for Bakugo, whatever he saw during that match was enough proof for him to say that she did well. The second reason being that she didn’t expect Bakugo to care about other people's matches unless he thought that the people fighting were people he found interesting enough to stay for.

“Too bad I didn’t get to beat your ass again.” He teases, crossing his legs as he leaned back into the couch.

Ochako’s hands prop on her hips, “Who says you beat my ass the first time around?” She fires back.

Bakugo scoffs, “Tell that to the medal, round face.”

“The one you refused to accept?” She grins, pleased with herself.

“Tch, whatever. I won that fucking match and your cocky ass knows it.” He barks.

It does, Ochako thinks to herself, “I almost got you though.” She points out. Sure, Bakugo won that fight, but he’s got to admit that her plan had almost won her that match. Not that she expected him to, though.

To her surprise, he mutters, “Yeah.”

Before she could stop herself from blurting out the next idea that popped inside her delusional, tired, brain, she spits it out, “How about a rematch, then?” She hoped that he wouldn’t take it seriously, but she knew better than to think that Bakugo won’t take anything seriously.

His chin tilts upwards, a calculating look masking his face, “You’re on.”

“But,” he lifts himself from the couch, taking a few steps until he was right in front of her, “You have to ace that exam first before I can even consider giving you that rematch.” Ochako remembers the upcoming exam they had for Ectoplasm’s class scheduled weeks from now, it was going to be focusing on the concepts she found the hardest to understand, but deep down she was confident that she’ll be fine once the time comes.

Bakugo walks past her, the sudden electricity from their arms brushing each other almost jolts her awake, “So you better not fail, dumbass.”

“How can I?” She calls out, “The great Bakugo Katsuki is tutoring me.”

“Tch, shut up.” He bites. He was already a few feet away from her, a few steps onto the staircase, when she hears the faint sound of his voice mutter, “Night, round face.”

Ochako smiles, somehow thinking that maybe today wasn’t so bad after all, “Good night, Bakugo.”

[whenthemarshmallowmettheslayer]

Pet Shop of Horrors fic rec.

1.) El Tango by Homebound_Stranger. On ao3. Oneshot. Rated M. Summary: They say that life is a dance with many interchangeable partners, some more significant than others. They can be fun or passionate. They can be sad and downright frightening. But never could you have guessed how this one dance would ruin you.

2.) Devour by xannish. On ao3. Oneshot. Rated T. Summary: Leon scowled. “Look, you’d better be doing more than assuming. We get a guy disappearing out of his house, car still in his driveway, with a wife who won’t say jack. That’s already really suspicious. When the last person she called on that night was you? Well, I’ve got more than a few questions.”(An early case in the first series. Leon investigates the disappearance of one of D's clients.)

3.) Not Amused by Cinnie. On ao3. Oneshot. Rated G. Summary:Soulmates have the first words of their soulmate written on their bodies.

4.) Eyes of the Beholder by Lady_Ganesh. On ao3. Oneshot. Rated G. Summary: Sometimes D makes a match that doesn't end in tears.For gryphonsegg's winning bid in the Save_Liz community! Thanks to lynndyre for her excellent beta.

5.) Parallels by KH Ivywater (khi). On ao3. Oneshot. Rated M. Summary: Takes place after volume ten of the original series (ignoring the future scene). Leon has left a lot of things unsaid in the past. But he isn't a little boy anymore; he's chasing airships instead of cars. So this time he'll say what he needs to say, but the question is: will D listen?

6.) The Cat Burying Girl by takadainmate. On ao3. Oneshot. Rated T. Summary: There was once a girl who wrote a story about cats, and how she always seemed to come across them where they had been left to die. She buried them. She put them out of their misery. She learned to carry a shovel.

7.) Mercy by Rose_Gialle. On ao3 (you have to login in to read it). Oneshot. Rated G. Summary: Leon's had a hard day

8.) Ditz by Cheloya. On ao3. Oneshot though part of a series. Rated T. Summary: Old, imported. Dee is not the most together TA.

9.) It - something by Litaraniel. On ao3. Oneshot. Rated M. Summary: It's funny, in a not-funny way. Leon shouldn't be where he is. Shouldn't be doing what he does. Only he absolutely must. That is, until he remembers. Or, perhaps, especially then.I dunno. A drabble? I blame sleep-deprivation. Totally. Rated for - well what do you expect?

10.) Hospital Flowers by orphan_account. On ao3. Oneshot. Rated T. Summary: He feels resentful (towards the assassin), guilty (that just when he finally got close to Chris he left him again, and now he may never have the chance to be a decent big brother), and frustrated (that fifteen months after leaving LA he’s still no closer to finding D).

11.) Dappled by GreyLiliy. On ao3. WIP. Rated T. Summary: Leon finally finds D in Japan and gets more than he bargined for from the not so mysterious Count D and his latest stalker, Taizu.

12.) Bound by Fear by MyraMint. On ao3. Oneshot. Rated T. Summary: After trying some of Count D's tea, Leon wakes up to find himself transformed into a lion and stuck inside a cage.

13.) Stakeout by Litaraniel. On ao3. Oneshot. Rated T. Summary: Agent Howell is covertly watching Count D. Or so he thinks… Currently an oneshot, although probably can be seen in continuity with "Wild strawberry". Contains slashy hints at Vesca and D the second.

14.) Five Things That Never Happened to D by Dusk. On ao3. Oneshot. Rated T. Summary: An unhappy AU, or how D learned to be the son of his father. 

15.) Hard Sauce by Feather_Qwill. On ao3. Oneshot. Rated G. Summary: Four Christmases, in varying states of disrepair.

16.) Displaced by Vituperative_cupcakes. On ao3. Completed multi chapter fic. Rated G. Summary: Adopted after their first daughter was kidnapped, Kara has never really felt completely at home with the Vogels. Will adopting a pet from D help her, or will it make things worse?

17.) china town by mothicalcreatures (laelreenia). On ao3. Oneshot that’s part of a series. Rated G. Summary: While looking for D after his disappearance Leon comes to terms with his position as a former police officer in relationship to the history of the police’s presence in Chinatown and his desire to do things differently than Vesca.

18.) Narcissus by Vituperative_cupcakes. On ao3. Completed multi chapter fic. Rated T. Summary: D gets a young, beleaguered housewife as a customer. The only thing is...she doesn't want a pet. What does she want? Can D help her?

19.) Many Happy Returns by Cheloya. On ao3. Oneshot. Rated Not Rated. Summary: Imported, from 2006. The holidays are hard for Papa D. Vesca helps.

20.) Devotion by Vituperative_cupcakes. On ao3. Completed multi chapter fic. Rated T. Summary: Nobu is in love with pop idol Eriko. He knows she loves him too, even though they'e never met. So he gets a pet in a bid to impress her. But how far will his devotion take him down the path of madness?

[bidgodrive]

Coronavirus and Car Buying: What You Should Know??

While there remains a lot that we don’t know about how the COVID-19 coronavirus will play out, U.S. health officials still say there will be many more cases here and elsewhere in the world before the situation gets better. As a result, U.S. auto production is essentially shut down through April, though car repair facilities generally remain open, as does some level of sales and leasing operations in most states. There will definitely be a shortage of new vehicles. Rebuilding a salvage vehicle may be one of the only way to purchase affordable transportation. Prices on the used car market will sky rocket because of the demand and shortage of vehicles. The virus pandemic is global, and few industries are as interconnected around the globe as the auto industry. While China was the first country affected and South Korea followed, the situation has improved in those countries. Europe and the U.S. now are world centers of new cases. Buying a car might not be your major concern right now. However, we will eventually get back to normal life and work, so you might have questions if you need a vehicle now — or at any point in 2020 or even 2021. This includes replacing a vehicle coming off of a lease , if you need reliable/affordable transportation for a young adult going to college or a cheap commuter car to go to work. We are continually surveying the available information and will periodically post updates on the BidGoDrive blog. Buying a repairable vehicle is an excellent way to lower your monthly expenses and get rid of that car payment.

Are car dealers still open?

The situation is changing daily, but car dealers are not being ordered to close, even in most states and localities with the strictest rules. The federal Department of Homeland Security included vehicle service and parts businesses as well as vehicle leasing and rentals on its list of essential infrastructure exempt from closure orders, but it did not address sales. Some jurisdictions have set specific rules for conducting sales to stop in person transactions and to conduct all business remotely when possible. Click here to read how Bid Go Drive will handle all vehicles sales until things go back to normal.

What if I have a vehicle coming off a lease soon?

Most makers’ finance units are creating coronavirus plans with flexibility on leases — typically up to a six-month extension on expirations. Contact your dealer or finance company to learn more.

Will there be shortages of vehicles from domestic and foreign automakers that are built in North America?

Currently NO, but there will be end of 2020 and most of 2021, particularly for popular vehicles. Production in the U.S. is mostly shut down, with prospects for a restart uncertain. Here at Bidgodrive.com we have plenty of domestic made vehicles for sale. Honda was the first to announce a company-wide shutdown of all North American plants and that’s been extended, cutting output across much of its Honda and Acura lineups. GM, Ford and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles initially shut down production in North America through at least end of April 2020, but Ford and GM already have announced that the closures will extend indefinitely. For others, the situation also is fluid. Toyota, Tesla, Nissan, Volvo, Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz have shut down in North America with varying hoped-for dates to restart.

Will there be shortages of imported vehicles?

So far, no — but it’s likely down the road, at least for European vehicles. Here at Bidgodrive.com we have plenty of imported vehicles for sale. Production problems vary by country, and it also remains to be seen how much the pandemic will affect the shipping and delivery to dealers. The only China-built vehicle currently sold in significant volume is the Buick Envision compact SUV. Th U.S. gets lots of vehicles from South Korea and Japan, where automakers have mostly only had brief disruptions due to the virus. But some production in Japan — including by Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru and Mitsubishi — now is being curtailed due to parts problems and uncertainty about future demand. In hard-hit Europe the entire auto industry has ground to a halt. The effects on U.S.-sold models vary from every Porsche or Land Rover to just the Arteon for Volkswagen.

Will there be delays of new models for the 2021 model year?

Yes. Factory disruptions also could slow retooling and arrival of new models. Delays already are being reported, such as for the redesigned full-size SUVs from GM that were supposed to begin production in April. Several unveilings of new models have also been postponed — including an event for the all-new Ford Bronco — or are being streamed online. And look for more delays in all-new and updated vehicles due to dealers this year and beyond, such as Ford’s Mustang Mach-E electric SUV and Jeep’s coming Wagoneer. Michigan’s shelter rules have shut down construction at a plant for that Jeep as well as one that would build a redesigned Grand Cherokee. Automaker financial stress also could result in delay or cancellation of development projects: FCA let go 2,000 contract workers supporting projects that are now on hold, and GM has told suppliers that development of several new and refreshed vehicles has been suspended to save money to weather the storm.

Should I avoid cars built elsewhere with major parts from outside the U.S.?

That wouldn’t be easy because of global supply chains. Then again, none poses a significant risk: An official of the Centers for Disease Control reports that the life of the virus on various materials can range from hours to days, but not as long as it would take even most U.S.-built cars to show up at dealers.

Can I take precautions with a new car — or any car — if I am worried about exposure?

Coronaviruses are relatively easy to render harmless with common household disinfectants, such as Lysol, that also would be easy on your car. You can find a list of COVID-19-fighting products here.

Does the virus mean there will be deals?

Not yet, however New Car Manufacturers have brought down costs for payment buyers to almost 0% interest. And several makers have announced plans for initial payment flexibility for buying new cars. Hyundai and Genesis also have plans to help existing owners with payments should their jobs be affected. While production cuts will limit supply for the next year or two, automakers and dealers are likely to increase incentives down the road to clear the lots and to support ramping factories back up. The shortage of vehicles in the new car market will only cause a spike in used car market and increase the demand for used cars. BidGoDrive.com encourages you to consider purchasing a repairable vehicle for a fraction of a used car's retail value. We will continue to monitor the global pandemic and post updates on our blog. We encourage all our customers to continue practicing social distancing, stay home when ever possible, disinfect your home as often as possible, where a mask in areas where social distancing is not possible and wash your hands regularly. We hope you and your family are safe! Thanks BGD Management Read the full article

[foreverlesliecheung]

1999 - COUNTDOWN WITH YOU

Leslie had once said, "My career is the only thing that worries me. I am a very enterprising man and put all my focus on my career. They know I have done my best for my career. And after all these years, Leslie Cheung still stands here and does all these things for them. I am still commercially successful and get good responses from them. All this is due to my performance in my career. That is all they need to know, and my personal life is purely a matter of privacy."

Now, Before and Then

Three hundred and sixty five days of the last year of the second millenium passed quickly in Leslie's life. On 18 January 1999, "A Time To Remember" premiered in Hong Kong. Although a copy of this visually beautiful film was dubbed in Cantonese, the dialogue of the version of the film that was screened in Hong Kong was still a mix of English and Mandarin. This last year of the millenium was still a year of hard work for Leslie. His career was the most important thing in his life. Leslie recalled his early days as a new performer when a radio host talked about the lack of respect that new singers displayed, and asked Leslie's opinion. Leslie said that those new singers were definitely luckier than he was. Their success had come without having to put in too much effort, and they did not show as much respect as his generation did to the older singers. But Leslie said that he had once been a "newbie" too. "Give them a chance, they are still young," Leslie commented. When probed on another topic, Leslie didn't deny when the host called him a narcissist. "Yes, I am. But an artist should be narcissistic."

Host: "Does narcissism equal treasuring oneself?"

Leslie : "Not always. Many narcissistic persons take drugs. It can be very different. A narcissistic person would like his appearance to always be perfect. But it doesn't mean that he values his inner self, and it might have something to do with arrogance. Some people might be too narcissistic, regarding themselves as the most beautiful, to ignore everything. They don't care what others think. If they never introspect, they might think they are still beautiful even when taking drugs, and it is very dangerous."

Leslie had witnessed many examples of the lives of senior artists, whose experience kept his eyes open. "Actually their true stories enlightened me. I have seen many artists, who could have made a lot of money from their fame and lived a happy life when they got old. But for some reason or other, they didn't practice discipline or value themselves, and wasted themselves on gambling or just dissipated away. They led miserable lives when they got old. It is a real pity. That would be the last thing I want."

Leslie's family background had a great influence on him. "A lot of people know my background. My father was a renowned tailor, but the whole family finally fell apart, which made me feel I should value myself more."

Host: "GorGor, it seems that you like to use the word 'introspect' when chatting."

Leslie: "Actually introspection means a lot to a person's progress. Besides it, one should also have confidence in what he is doing. Otherwise, he will hesitate in his cause. I don't mean that I regret what I did before. But one should look into the future while summarizing the past."

Leslie considered himself a lucky man in terms of his love life. There wasn't any problem at all in this aspect. He made it clear that his career was the most important aspect, and that his personal life was purely a matter of privacy.

Host: "But you sang the song 'The Moon Represents My Heart' on stage."

Leslie: "That was exaggerated by the media. That song was primarily sung for my mother, because I knew that it would be the last time she would go to my concert. It was the last night of my concert. As I said at that time, a friend in need is a friend indeed. This very best friend helped me when I was in trouble. There are a lot that make perfection still more perfect, but how many people can provide timely help?"

Host: "Actually the timing is important too. You won't need people's help now."

Leslie: "That's for sure. I might not cherish it as deeply as before. But at that time, we were both young, and had been close friends for many years. The feelings were really warm when got help from him." Host: "Is it great to have no trouble in this matter?"

Leslie: "Really great. As I mentioned before, I am a career man. My good friend, he is now my investment consultant."

Host: "Is he helpful to you?"

Leslie: "Yes, because as an artist, I have no idea how to handle money. And he makes appropriate investments with what I earn, which is very helpful to me."

His sincere friendship reminded him of what Nat Chan (Lolanto) had said about his relationship with Alan Tam, "I treat all people I've known over 15 years as true friends." Leslie said, "Why is he so close to Alan? I think it is because they met each other when they were still nobodies. I really appreciate Nat on this matter. I think he is a friend worth making and would be a real friend. It is their fate that they become good friends. I would like to be his friend. If Nat treats me as a good friend, I also hope that we can be friends. In the past when Nat said something unpleasant about me, I would ask myself why he did that. But I also know, if my friend did the same thing for me, I would cherish him very much." In the 80's Nat Chan had made very unpleasant comments about him, it was almost like putting a curse on Leslie. But Leslie still wanted to be a friend of his nonetheless. He gave Nat a pair of goldfish.

When the host asked if he had any regrets in his life, Leslie answered immediately, that how dare he say the word regret! It would spoil his blissful state of being. He had adopted a positive attitude: because he is healthy, kindhearted and successful in his career. He believed that in this world, having good health and happiness is the most important thing. He also believed it is also important that one should be fair. That people, won't treat you bad as long as you treat them well.

Rush Rush

Chitose Shima and her team rushed the production of the book that she finally entitled, "All About Leslie" as Leslie and Anita Mui were to act together in a new movie. Its temporary title was "Ruined Scenery", which was to be directed by Stanley Kwan in early May.The film shoot was to be held in Europe so Chitose Shima had no choice but to hold the autograph signing event within the month of April. She got back to Hong Kong in early February of 1999 to show the layout of the book to Leslie. She stayed at the Hotel Hong Kong in Kowloon. Upon arriving in Hong Kong by the night flight, she called Leslie. The next day at 3 o'clock in the afternoon Leslie showed up with a cellular phone in one hand and a car key in the other hand. He looked very casual, wearing an off-white T shirt and worn-out blue jeans. In addition, a bit of his hair was tousled at the top, maybe because he had not smoothed out his hair! When he found Ms. Shima, he came toward her with his big smile and open arms. After their quick exchange of recent happenings, Leslie gave a quick look around the lobby and the coffee shop. He paid attention to many details, and he remembered the old atmosphere and appearance of the coffee hop. Ms. Shima was impressed with the fact that Leslie was familiar with the details of the hotels in Hong Kong. Then Ms. Shima showed Leslie the draft copy of the cover page. And it happened that Leslie actually blushed when his picture was seen and admired by the waitresses these. It was then that Ms. Shima realized that Leslie was actually rather shy, despite the fact that he had been in showbiz for more than 20 years! He then invited Ms. Shima to his house the day after, as he wanted to hold a party for them.

At that time, a group of Leslie's old fans from Hong Kong complained about him as they felt Leslie showed more favouritism towards the Japanese market and fans. Leslie held a private gathering exclusively with the Japan Fan Club members. There were more than 300 fans from the club, and each of them paid a large fee to attend this gathering with Leslie. Leslie also put three of his concert costumes up for auction so the Japanese bid on them. His Hong Kong fans were dismayed with this. They wanted Leslie to consider his Hong Kong fans who had been loyally with him since the 80's.

On her second night in Hong Kong, Ms. Shima visited Leslie's house. As soon as she rang the doorbell, Leslie showed up at the front door, wearing a shiny blue shirt and a pair of slim pants made of a soft material. Ms. Shima was charmed by his good looks and thought to herself, "How wonderful this man is!" The party had already started and there were several guests, they were involved in the photo book. They put the 200-paged draft layout on the floor of the living room. Leslie looked at the pictures carefully, starting with the first page and the rest of the guests followed suit after Leslie. Leslie reacted differently depending on the pictures; at times he was a bit embarrassed, shaking his head or frowning. Then finally he gave his approval to all of them except for two photos, both of which Leslie would not use at all. They are so similar to the pictures in "Stark Impressions" so it looked as if he had not grown up at all in the 10 years between. When they finished checking all the photos, Daffy Tong joined them. Leslie was standing between Daffy and Ms. Shima, and he introduced them to each other.

After finishing checking the draft of the book, Leslie invited his guests to the dining table. A female chef, who was a long-time friend of Leslie and a chef of a very famous restaurant in Hong Kong created all the delicacies for the dinner. After dinner Leslie brought out some bottles of his treasured red wine from his wine cellar and poured some into their glasses. In Leslie's living room there was a large black sofa set and a white sofa bed for his nap, and by the pillar was a small antique chair. With a wine glass in hand he sat himself down on the small chair. He looked so cute in that antique chair.

At first, the photo book was supposed to be published only in Japan since photo books and magazines were customarily sold by the street venders in Hong Kong. Leslie did not want it to turn into a cheap book. Also, Leslie was extremely afraid of the emergence of a pirated edition. He was therefore very much against having his book printed by the publishing companies in Hong Kong. Leslie was aware that there would be complaints by his older Hong Kong fans if his photo book was only published in Japan, so he agreed to sell the book in Hong Kong as well. They chose one book store and asked them to sell only 300 copies. Leslie would autograph all of them.

That night Leslie told Ms. Shima that he was very interested in designing interiors, and in making small items. He was eager to make those items and design some souvenirs like mugs, cups and spoons with his signature in English. Leslie had a dream to open an interior decor and bedding shop in Japan in the future. He also said that once he started drawing rough sketches on his design notebook, and he enjoyed it so much that he forgot the passage of time. After this, Ms. Shima went back to Japan to prepare the book's production.

Moonlight in Japan

Leslie appeared at "Planet Hollywood" in Hong Kong on 8 March 1999, at 2:00 pm as he was invited to present an award in an event organized by the Hong Kong Film Critics Society. Right after he presented the award, he was surrounded by reporters who were anxious to hold interviews with him. He was overheard saying, "Sorry, I have to leave. I am in a hurry". So he didn't stay long and left by the back door. He was in a hurry heading to the airport, leaving for Japan.

Leslie arrived in Japan on 8 March for the promotion of his new movie, "Moonlight Express" which would be held on 10 March. His co-star Takako Tokiwa said, "Amongst everybody, everything, even amongst every being that exists in this earth, the person whom I respect most is Leslie Cheung. Up till now, I have never met a person who has always shown such a deep affection for others as Leslie. Leslie is like a brother to me. He has a caring heart for others, paying particular attention to them even in minor details. Although I think nobody is perfect in this world, he is considered as a "near-to-perfect" person to me. He holds such an extraordinary perception about life, regardless of whether it is in handling different matters or in treating other people. He is such a special person. I hope that being a woman, I can possess his character. And he is indeed the most ideal type of husband who I am looking for!"

The film company had secured sponsorship of over HK$10 million, which included credit card, airline, travel agent and jewellery companies. In line with the "Moonlight Express" screening, the film company was to launch premium items like the movie photobook, mousepad, postcards, the making-of the film, bookmarks, etc. Two version of the movie photobook would be published, there would be a Japanese version as well as international version. An article, written by Leslie regarding the shooting of the movie would be part of the photobook. There would be pictures from shots that we would not see in the movie. It was reported that more than 200 reporters attended the press conference on 10 March at the Park Hyatt Hotel, and 70 media have registered for interviews with Leslie. The press conferences for "Moonlight Express" continued in Hong Kong on 26 March 1999.

Future Plans

Dressed in a grey sweatshirt, Leslie attended the Spring Dinner of the Mandarin Movie Co. Ltd. CTN interviewed him. Leslie disclosed that he had formally declined TVB's offer to play the role of Wong Chong Yang in "The Condor Heroes". He also said he would not renew his contract with Rock Records, which had already expired, but would sign up with another record company. Further details were to be announced in April and his new album would be released in the Summer. Also, he would take part in two movies that year, he would star in one and be the director in the other. As to the movie he was going to direct, he said it would be a love story about three couples of different ages (old, middle-aged and young). When asked about who would star in the movie, he said he had not decided yet but one of the lead actresses must have a "classical" look. Someone suggested Shu Qi but Leslie said he would not consider her as her Cantonese was not perfect, and the movie would be in synchronized-sound. He thought that Karen Mok might be suitable. However, he very much hoped to have Josephine Siu Fong Fong as one of the actresses, but Siu had announced her retirement for health reasons. Filming of the movie was to start in Autumn that year. Rumour also had it that he and Tong Leung were to play the role of Nin Choi San in the forthcoming musical "A Chinese Ghost Story". Leslie said it was not true and he would not take part in Lee Chun's production of "A Chinese Ghost Story". During an interview in Korea, he had mentioned that the role he loved most was Ning Choi San from "A Chinese Ghost Story". He said that this character was very lovely because he could love a ghost unconditionally, and was even willing to risk his life to save her. He further added that if everybody in this world was like Ning Choi San, the world would be a peaceful one.

A Time to Talk

Leslie and Brigitte Lin were invited to be the guest speakers at a talk on the movie "Ashes of Time" at the University of Hong Kong on 29 March 1999. The talk was supposed to start at 5 p.m. but at 4 p.m. there were already some 30-40 people lining up outside the auditorium, obviously attracted by the two superstars. The talk was held in a lecture hall able hold about 500 people, and it was almost full on the day. Leslie and Brigitte arrived shortly after 5 p.m. and they were greeted with thunderous applause. The talk was moderated by a Mr. Abbott, Chairman of the Department of Comparative Literature. Leslie said Abbott was an old acquaintance but later Abbott corrected it as "more than that". He was Leslie's ex brother-in-law, and they hadn't seen each other for thirty years! So the lady interpreter commented that it was really a family reunion. The talk was conducted in English and Chinese (with English translation) as Abbott did not speak fluent Chinese, and there was also a foreign lady on the stage. The guests were free to speak whatever language they felt comfortable with. Leslie was fluent in both languages and he switched smoothly from one language to another throughout the talk, while Brigitte only spoke in Chinese. The talk was divided basically into three parts, the first part was on the general state of Hong Kong cinemas, the second part was on their experience working with Wong Kar Wai, and the third part was a question and answer (Q&A) session.

After a brief introduction of the two guests, the talk began. As a start they were asked to talk about their experiences and also the difficulties now faced by the film industry. Brigitte was asked to begin the talk but she was a little shy, and asked Leslie to speak first. Leslie then talked about the reasons attributable to the slump in local film industry, most of which we have read or seen before in magazine reports or TV interviews. For example, he said the film industry is 'almost dead' and that copyright piracy, though a main factor, is not the only factor attributable to the slump. Some movie makers who only had money making on their mind, and didn't care about making good movies, should be blamed. Hong Kong people now preferred to see Hollywood movies, which in comparison were more serious in terms of production. Commenting on some of the problems , he recounted how he considered sound dubbing in movies "uncivilised". Lamenting on the negative impacts on actors, he related how many of his fellow workers had become taxi drivers or worked as masons. But he believed the good ones were still around and he hoped there would be a rebound in the near future.

On the question of going to Hollywood he said it was not that easy, they have a big union. He then talked about Chow Yun Fat. He said that he was quite disappointed with Chow's movies in Hollywood. "He's a superstar here and the 'hope of Asia', said Leslie, referring to the fact that a high calibre actor like Chow deserved something more, at least a better script. Leslie also didn't agree to the reports he heard stating that Steven Spielberg was going to make a "Geisha" movie next year which had the main cast for the role of "Geisha", a clearly Japanese character, played by a Korean actor. Further he said the Hollywood people very often got mixed up the Asian races.

The moderator then asked Brigitte about her experience in Taiwan cinema world, and how she would compare the industry in these two places. Brigitte did not seem to be too familiar with Taiwan cinemas even though she came from Taiwan, and then asked Leslie if he had anything to add. Leslie made a weird expression and then said," Me? Taiwan cinemas?". Then he did help to contribute something from his experience with Taiwanese TV programmes. He thought Taiwanese people were too "square" and often stuck to the rules whereas Hong Kong people were more flexible. He also reminded Brigitte about the cases of violence in the 80s at the time where the industry was booming, when superstars like Brigitte were captured from the studios at gun point by the triads, to make movies for them.

The moderator asked Leslie whether he thought Hong Kong cinema had a future? He was asked to speak in English. He said, "Yes, we still stand a chance as Hong Kong people are very hardworking and talented. There are also some idealistic people who want to create miracles. Though financiers are going away or will not invest in big projects, except for Jackie Chan's movies, we still have some people here with fantastic ideas. We have good actors and actresses, so we still stand a chance." Brigitte was also optimistic about the future and hoped the situation would improve.

During the second part, the moderator began by asking Leslie, "I want to ask you an academic question". Leslie made a frightened expression. "What are your experiences working with Wong Kar Wai? Since you were both in the movie "Ashes of Time", all of us would actually like to know if you understand the film?" There was a burst of laughter. Leslie began by saying, "Working with Wong Kar Wai is really a painful experience. This guy is so talented. He had so many ideas that he'd never let you know. Each time he would give you wonderful guidelines. Afterwards you go to meetings with him, try to work with him, but right away he would switch his ideas. He's more or less like a painter. He's got plenty of good material in front of him, including us, we are the good material. He picked up the brush and started his first stroke, and after that maybe he would dump it away and then we would have to wait till the next right stroke comes. Maybe you would have to wait for 3 to 4 months. I mean this is a very selfish way of making a movie." Brigitte nodded her head and said "I agree, that's true". Leslie continued, "Especially at this moment, nobody can afford to waste a single day for shooting. It's so expensive, like spending a hundred thousand a day because there are, say, 40 members in a crew, a lot of people working with us, drivers, the lunch-box people, dinners and lot of stars around. Yes, this is how I feel. He's talented but nobody knows exactly what he wants. You don't know what you did. Only until the final day comes, that is the premiere. That's how he works. He would start the whole thing, suddenly he finds that this it is not exactly what he wants, another day another new scene. So it's very hard to handle this guy".

At this point, Leslie reminded Brigitte again about Wong's initial project in which Brigitte and Joey Wong were the only cast for the film. Brigitte was asked to play Devil East and Joey plays Poison West, and Brigitte said, "Probably yes." Leslie feigned a fainting spell. Leslie went on saying, "Abbott asked me if I understand this movie. Are you kidding? Of course not, how are we supposed to understand it?" Leslie was obviously joking with his audience, everybody was so amused and clapped their hands.

The last part was a Q&A session. Due to the limited time, only 3 students were able to ask their questions. The moderator emphasized, "No personal questions." The first question was about Peter Chan's Hollywood movie, "Love Letter". The student said this was clearly not a stereotyped Kung Fu movie. Leslie considered it a good start. The second question was on what type of movie they felt could stimulate the market again. Leslie said any movie with 'heart' would do, "If you want to make a kung fu movie, then make a good one. If you think movies reminiscent of the sixties is the trend today, then do it in a serious manner!" He said movie makers have to do serious research and pay attention to every detail. The student then asked Leslie if he had acted in movie with 'heart'. He said he would consider "Farewell My Concubine" as one. The last question was about Wong Kar Wai's movie. The student asked Leslie which movie he thought was Wong's best. On this matter, Brigitte responded immediately, "Happy Together"! She said Leslie's performance was excellent and it was a pity that he couldn't have more time for shooting, if not it could have been a much better film. She wanted to see more of his performance. Leslie also said that his first pick is, "Happy Together". "Wong Kar Wai was daring, to be the first one to talk about the gay issue. He is also very clever in telling the story that gay couples are no different from any other couple. As I said before, if you speak with your 'heart' about what love is then it works", said Leslie. The talk came to an end after this Q&A Session which lasted for about 80 minutes. Leslie and Brigitte Lin were each given a souvenir book. The foreign lady went to Leslie's side to thank him and he kissed her on the cheek. As the students began to leave, some took the opportunity to ask Leslie for his autograph, one even brought a big poster, and it began to look like his "mini autograph" session. Brigitte left the lecture hall while Leslie was busy signing autograph for fans. After some 10 ten minutes, Leslie joined the rest and took a group photo before leaving. He was accompanied by the foreign lady and followed by his fans to the parking space.

Hong Kong Entertainment Industry in Crisis

On 1 April 1999, Moonlight Express screened in Hong Kong for the first time. Wong Yuk Man used to be a lecturer on journalism in one of the universities in Hong Kong. He was now a host of a radio programme. His voice was on the air, "Isn't it said that a star should be outstanding of acting and singing and having a handsome face? Gor Gor has unassailable singing and acting skills, besides, he has a handsome face, which is attractive to both female and male. He is a real super star! His face doesn't age as years go by, instead, becomes more and more mature and attractive, as does his voice." Wong had a wide knowledge of history and politics, he was very bold with his words, making criticisms of many political issues. To a large extent there were people who did not like him. That day he continued with his comments, "Anyway, despite being a super star who is so handsome and successful, Leslie Cheung still has the complaint of being unable to live a peace life and enjoying his career. For, his privacy has no security, and the entertainment circle in Hong Kong is under such bad circumstances that he can not enjoy his career. Leslie yearns for those pure days when media and performer can be friends, and experience hard times together. If even Leslie Cheung has such kind of complaints, it says nothing of those 'Paper actors' covered full of negative reports! The media are also responsible for the recovery of entertainment circle!" And all this while, Leslie was by his side, waiting to be interviewed by Wong for the Commercial Radio program.

Wong: How about the box office receipts for "Moonlight Express"?

Leslie: The film was released on April 1st, and pirate VCD was released one day after, the final box-office returns came out to be 6 million HK dollars, I'm lost for words".

Wong: It's lucky to have Japanese investors, otherwise the film would lose money.

Leslie: Yes, Japan has no pirated VCD market, they can benefit from the release of the Video tape, so they are satisfied with this cooperation.

Wong: Never expect to benefit from shooting a film in Hong Kong! What an irony!

Leslie: Entertainment circle will surely die if the pirated VCD problem cannot be solved.

Wong: The entertainment circle is experiencing hard times.

Leslie: Yeah, and the actors are facing a life-and-death struggle. So, I'd rather not accept shooting invitations. If I do, then I hope it will be like the cooperation at this time, Jacob Cheung's work, I do my best everyday with sincerity, only when the film is about to finished do we sit down discuss the assignment and payment. Under such a circumstance, we can't be so calculating.

Wong: I agree with Jackie Chan's coming back to Hong Kong to shoot a film every year to excite the film industry. And Andy Lau's discounting his price of shooting a film.

Leslie: It’s so hard to find a film investor in Hong Kong, they care too much about the cast instead of the standard of the making of the film. They always ask: "No, super stars, who'll buy tickets to see the film?" Well, the cost of making a film is totally about 10-15 million, cut down the payment for the cast, how much will be left? Besides, when there is a theme for the film, they'll say: "Very creative but, will not get good box office." What else can I say? Instead some Japan and Korea investor would like to investigate.

Wong: How about your new directing work?

Leslie: Though the responses of the Hong Kong investors are not so satisfying, I think I'll still shoot it. I want to shoot it with my heart, not take it as a business matter.

Wong: How about singing career?

Leslie: Just one album every year or every half year, maybe a concert next year.

Wong: The economy will recover next year, a good time to give concerts.

Leslie: I care nothing about the economic circumstance, just do it.

Wong: Cheung Kwok Wing is a man of intention. In fact, not every concert can gain money, sometimes he also loss, but he never stops so as to cheer up the market.

Wong: Are you busy recently?

Leslie: (smile) If some performer tells you she/he has been busy recently, she/he must be cheating.

Wong: Have you ever thought of going to Hollywood?

Leslie: Never! I think their way of thinking is different from ours, and so is their cultural background. Even our stars are called 'Kings of Asian Cinema', they still have that limited frame in their mind. Every time they invite a Chinese actor to shoot a film, the characters background will be either be that of a Chinatown hatchet-man or someone wearing a cheongsam being a prostitute!

Wong: Jackie Chan's 'Rush Hour' is somewhat a breakthrough.

Leslie: Chow Yun Fat is going to cooperate with Jodie Foster to shoot "Anna and The King", I feel it is so wrong! Since the original film was "The King and Anna", now it becomes "Anna and the King"!

Wong: Primary and secondary exchanged!

Leslie: The leading roles in Hollywood's films are all men, but this time its changed. In fact Chinese films are no worse than foreign ones, why they do look down upon us? "Farewell My Concubine" had won the Cannes Film Award, and Maggie Cheung, Gong Li, Josephine Siu had their names raised to the world. Things turned out to be that, if we shoot a film from the heart, the quality can compare with foreign ones! Previously I didn't like Zhang Yi Mou so much, since his films are all about tearing off the scar of China's past. Although he won a lot of awards, I think it's a way to gain admission or acceptance, that is, by bringing shame on China. Recently though, I've come to appreciate him a lot. Because, the person in charge of Cannes Film Festival had commented that his new film ("Not One Less") "is not shocking enough", "doesn't tear off the scar of China", and he'd rather withdraw from the festival.

Wong: Japanese director Hei Ze Ming needn't get fame by bring shame on his fellow country man.

Leslie: In fact, it is a 'calculated' move to win foreign film festival awards: children and war are two favorite elements of the foreign film review circle, that's why "It's a Beautiful Life" can be the winner of the Oscar.

Wong: Find a favorite element first, then organize story according to this element. Hong Kong films in past days were just not seeking to make progress, for it was too easy to earn money, neither director nor actor put their heart into shooting it and making it better, they thought of nothing but the benefit, and now comes the retribution!

Leslie: Yes! The pirated version is an element of the fall of the film industry, but the fatal reality is that the Hong Kong film industry makes no progress, only indiscriminate shooting, earn easy money! After the success of "A Better Tomorrow", how many films will shoot the same plot? "A Chinese Ghost Story" had good box office, how many films will copy from it? Thus I admire Tsui Hark a lot, he'd rather bring forth new ideas, and lead the trend.

Wong: They never thought of the future in those days.

Leslie: A star of my grade passably has chances to choose the script, I have to consider a lot of other elements, such as human relationships... I clearly know that some of the scripts are not worth shooting, but since it is shot or invested in by a friend, "It would be ungracious not to accept the invitation", so I have to shoot it. And no matter if the box office is good or bad, its all attributed to the actor.

Wong: How can the film industry have a hope under such circumstances?

Leslie: The media should also examine their mistakes. They do not help to achieve the film industry's rejuvenation, but they hit it when it's down, continuously giving negative reports on actors. Days ago reporters come to interview me, took hours talking about film and music, well, at last a 18 year old female reporter asked me: "Someone saw you kiss a boy in the street of Japan, right?" I really felt it was a senseless question: anyone who has brain will know that if I did such a thing in public, it would be beneath my dignity. Anyway, the headline of the next day magazines is: "Leslie Cheung kissed a boy in the street of Japan", and all the topics we talked about the day before that question was gone without a trace. Sometimes I'm puzzled, I was so friendly and cooperative to the media when shooting "Moonlight Express" in Japan, I accepted any interviews and photo shoots requests without saying "No". Finally for the audience's phone call during the 'Fat Woman Show', I became the headline for entertainment magazine. Well the interviews that the reporter went to Japan to do were all in vain, I feel it was an insult to the reporters. The interviews that they put their heart in to do becomes nothing, but the rumors and gossips become so wild spread!

Wong: No readers will take those kind of rumors for granted.

Leslie: It's meaningless to argue this with those reporters, so I'd rather not accept any interviews. Every one wants to live a peaceful life and enjoy their career, well we performers can neither live peaceful lives nor enjoy our careers. They take pictures secretly from behind doors from morning till night, which affects our daily life so seriously that we cannot live in peace; and the depression and pirated products makes us unable to enjoy our career. Does the media intend to make us extinct? To be honest, I can't bear to be so bullied, at the worst I will leave Hong Kong!

Wong: Reporting should have been a respectful career... in the old days the relationship between reporters and actors was friendly, but now they have become enemies!

Leslie: In fact, in the old days, reporters knew a lot about the private lives and secrets of the stars, but they knew what to write and what not to write. So the relationship was good, some of them could even become friends. But the reporters nowadays, as soon as they hear some groundless news about a star, they impatiently expose it to public, and destroy the relationship themselves. In fact, do these so-called news items have anything important to say? Readers read entertainment magazines because they like a certain star, those who do not like stars will not have any interest to look at these entertainment magazines at all. Well the magazines nowadays only like to report negative news, who will have interest to read them if it is always like that? Another thing which makes my angry: Well, if you want to gossip, just do it. Why do you insist on describing us stars as 'sneaking' around or being 'stealthy'? In fact, reporting about a "massage" or something else is nothing special at all! What is the worth of being made an issue of? I'm not a person who will act 'sneakily'. So, please stop describing me as someone who 'evades the camera' or 'pulls a long face'!

Wong: ( Laughs) Because this kind of description will be more of a plot!

On that night Wong and Leslie didn't achieve something significant to pass from the crisis.

Three films starring Leslie were shown at the 23rd Hong Kong International Film Festival. They were: "Nomad" (1982), shown on 6 April at 3:00 p.m.; "Teenage Dreamers" (1982), shown on 14 April at 7:15 p.m.; and "The Young Concubine" (RTHK's series) made in 1980, shown on 2 April at 9:00 p.m. all at Hong Kong Science Museum Lecture Hall.

Leslie eagerly wanted to be a film director but not many people in Hong Kong's show business supported him. When Leslie consulted with some directors who were his friends, they all said, "You had better be an actor as long as possible!" But he was not so interested in acting any more. Those who make the movies are not the actors, but the directors! After all, an actor is only one of the chessmen on the board. For the Hong Kong movie world, the movie industry was in its twilight years. Leslie didn't think it would recover its past glory. Even though they were making movies, the pirated edition would come out very quickly. The police were reluctant to control them for fear of confrontation with the Mafia. Though the quality of the sound and pictures were often very poor, people in Hong Kong were contented with these pirated versions and wouldn't come to the movie theatres any more. They did not care much about the movies. That is why the situation of the cinema world in Hong Kong had been deteriorating, and they could not make good movies. It became a vicious circle. They did not notice that they were standing in the way of their own promotion. Even if some of them did realized it, they would not do anything. Leslie thought the movie world in Hong Kong was going downhill gradually, so he didn't have much hope in Hong Kong.

A Time to Sign

The book "All About Leslie" was supposed to be released on 15 April, so the books were delivered to the sales distributor agencies on 12 April. However on 7 April, the printing company had directly delivered 300 books to a bookstore in Hong Kong called "Page One" by air. There was a decision for the release date of book in Hong Kong to be on April 23, but one bookstore started selling the book on 8 April. Therefore "The Sun", a new newspaper group in Hong Kong, got hold of one book. On the next day, 9 April, without prior permission The Sun published the contents of the book with 10 big colored pictures. They also reprinted excerpts from the article in the book, a specious report focusing only on Mr. Tong and worse still changing the context completely! Ms. Shima was shocked when she heard the news about The Sun. Her friend went to The Sun's office immediately to demand an official apology but in vain. Because of this incident, Leslie was shocked and said that he would not accept any Hong Kong media interviews from then on, nor would he do anything for them! He didn't want to do the autograph event in Hong Kong as he felt the media would make bad stories about it. Afterwards, when Leslie had calmed down a bit, Ms. Shima and her team convinced him that this event was not for the media but for his fans in Hong Kong. He realized that it would be very disappointing for his innocent fans, who had been looking forward to the event, if he canceled it because of his anger against The Sun. Leslie finally agreed to do the event as scheduled, but he insisted that the media should be not allowed into the event hall nor would he be giving any interviews at all. This also affected the autograph event in Tokyo. Leslie would not give any interviews or press conferences.

On 16 April, the eve of the autograph event in Japan, Leslie flew into Narita Airport on a JAL flight which landed in the evening. Leslie would not receive his fee as he wanted to help the publisher. He treated it as his trip with Daffy Tong to Japan, since spring was the best season to visit there. Thirty minutes prior to Leslie's arrival, Ms. Shima made sure that the pick-up wagon had already arrived at the parking area. Then she went back to the arrival hall but to her great surprise, a lot of people were jostling in the lobby, though there had not been so many people there one hour before.

As soon as Leslie appeared at the end of the arrival gate, the crowds let off a loud cheer. Leslie whose haircut was shorter when compared to that of last February responded to the applause of fans with his charming smile. As always, standing in front of his fans, Leslie emanated a sparkling aura! Perhaps it was the consciousness that he was being watched and loved by a lot of people, which made him so brilliantly attractive. Ms. Shima was waiting for him at the end of the barricade.

Leslie said, "How are you?" and they shook hands. When they started walking, the situation changed dramatically. The fans who were standing along the barricade suddenly rushed towards them. They were being held up, surrounded by a lot of people. Some fans gave presents to Leslie, and some of them went as far as to touch Leslie's body. Then the security guards who had been standing at a distance, watching them, hurried over to help them and pushed their way through the crowd to ensure their passage through. Leslie and Ms. Shima walked with hurried steps through the aisle, whisking away the stretched-out hands of fans, and blinking their eyes as cameras flashed in front of them. When they finally got into the car, Leslie drew a deep sigh of relief and took his seat but the car couldn't depart yet, as Mr Tong, who came out a bit later than Leslie, still had not come to the car. Leslie looked out of the window anxiously asking, "Is he all right?" Just then he heard voices outside saying "Oh, he is Mr. Tong, isn't he?" "Yes!! Mr. Tong!!" "Oh, really?" Under the covetous stares of the fans, Mr Tong was slowly putting the baggage into the trunk of the car. Leslie yelled out from the car, "Hurry up!! Get in the car!" but Mr Tong was doing his job at his own leisurely pace as usual. The fans seemed to be a bit hesitant to crowd around him for they were watching him from a distance. When Mr Tong finally got in the car, Leslie heaved a sigh to relief and said, "OK, let's go!".

Two cars, airport taxies filled with passengers all of whom were women, were following them all the way from Narita. The driver of Ms. Shima's car stepped on the accelerator and began to drive the car in a zigzag manner on the narrow street. At this point Leslie gradually became displeased, and spoke less and less. He was enraged at the cars pursuing them persistently. He also lost his temper at the driver, who could not shake off the cars. Leslie, in the rear seat, was irritated and complained angrily, "What a pest they are!" "You have to do something about them, driver!!" Then Mr Tong, trying to pacify Leslie, said, "Well, it cannot be helped. Don't be so irritated!". They were afraid that the taxies might follow them to the hotel!

Finally one of Ms. Shima's staff got out. She blocked the taxies way by standing in the middle of the street. She then shouted at the taxi driver and the female passengers inside the taxi: "Stop following us! It troubles us very much. If you don't stop doing this, we will call the police!" All the women in the car lowered their faces, and only the driver was smiling awkwardly in embarrassment. They stopped following Ms. Shima's car.

When he knew that there was no car chasing them any longer, Leslie became cheerful again. His mood changed dramatically, and he said with a gentle voice, "I feel sorry for her getting off the car in such a place! I wonder if she can come back easily" Then he said innocently, "I feel hungry after getting mad! Let's eat something!" When Ms. Shima asked them what they wanted to eat, Mr Tong answered, "Crab Tempura! (Deep-fried crabs)" It was already after 10 o'clock at night, almost all the restaurants were about to close! Then Leslie said, "Well then, let's go to Izakaya! (Japanese pub)". Leslie seemed to be fond of the small Izakaya they visited that night very much. He said many times, "This is a very nice shop! I like a shop like this!” He drank sake (Japanese rice wine) out of a masu (a square wooden box) very well, and ate Yakitori (Japanese style grilled chicken) and so on.

Leslie and Daffy stayed in Four Season hotel in Bunkyo district. It was a small hotel which has a privacy oriented policy and the Victorian style. There is no public transportation facility to the area except for cars.

On 16 April night, at the Yaesu Book Centre at the Tokyo International Forum, where the autograph event was to be held, fans battled with the guards and the clerks. Each time they attempted to queue up, the authorities dispersed them by saying "Please line up at 5 o'clock in the morning of the event day! It is not allowed to queue up here until then." When the Tokyo International Forum was closed at night time, fans who had been queuing there moved out of the site and stood on the street.

During the night, the queue kept getting longer. At 10 a.m. on 17 April, Ms. Shima had breakfast with Leslie at the Four Seasons Hotel coffee shop on the first floor. Leslie was seated at the terrace facing the garden and he began to take photos of the garden, terrace and the coffee shop with his camera. He asked Ms. Shima, "How is the Tokyo Forum?" and she answered "I heard the number of people has already reached 1,000 at 6 o'clock this morning." Then he murmured, "Oh, is that so" and he wrote his signature in the air as if confirming once more what he was going to do. Ms. Shima asked him, "Is it really all right with you to pen 1000 signatures?" He said, "I woke up early this morning and had a good workout at the gym so my condition is perfect. Don't worry!"

At first, Leslie was supposed to sign 300 autographs. They thought the number was very appropriate. Leslie said he would sign his signature on the book while shaking hands and having a few words with the fans, like the typical autograph event in the book store when a new book is published. It would take 20~30 seconds per person. If he would work without any break, 300 people would be the maximum number he would be able to deal within 2 hours. But in fact, this event became a big scale event which was later called, "The unprecedented autograph event for the newly published book".

Finally, the autograph event was held in the Glass Hall of The Tokyo Forum. They divided the crowd of 1,000 people into 3 groups; each group numbering about 330 people. The event was held in 3 sessions, with a break in between each session. When Leslie showed up in front of the 350 fans that were waiting for him in breathless anticipation, the room was filled with an indescribable mood and sound. Leslie looked tense for a second; maybe because he felt the extraordinary atmosphere in the room. He was a bit nervous. He made a short greeting in front of the fans before the event in Japanese.

Ms. Shima had hired a conference room under the Glass Hall as a waiting room. During the interval, Leslie came back to the room via the rear stairs. During the first interval, Leslie was very cheerful. He was eating snacks and fruits on the table, drinking coffee, chatting and laughing a lot. He then sat on the floor and began to do many kinds of stretching exercises such as bending forward with his legs apart, stretching his body with his hands held up high to his head, or turning his neck. He was also reading fan letters written in English or Cantonese. When the signal for the start of the second session came from the event hall, he stood up saying "OK!", and ran upstairs with dancing steps. At the second break, he looked a bit tired. He seldom spoke and ate nothing.

He said that he was afraid he might become sleepy if he had a full stomach but he was still reading fan mail. Beside Leslie, the staff was picking out the photos and postcards that had been put into the envelopes by fans who wanted Leslie to autograph them later. While reading the letters, Leslie sometimes asked Ms. Shima some questions about Japanese stars, as his fans wrote something about them to him. Ms. Shima was surprised that Leslie would read these fan letters very carefully, and always tried to find out what his fans were asking of him. It was scheduled for Leslie to attend a photo exhibition after the autograph event. If Leslie had showed up unexpectedly, it would be a great surprise for the fans there.

Leslie kept signing his autograph with a smile till the end of the event. He then left the hall waving his hand to the applause of all of the fans, but as soon as he came into the waiting room, Leslie collapsed onto a chair. He didn't move, but he wearily leaned on the back of the chair for a while. When the staff thanked him for his strenuous effort, he responded with a tired blink of his eyes. He looked totally exhausted. He said, "I want to go back to the hotel, right now!" He couldn't attend the photo exhibition. Ms. Shima still had a lot of things to do at the venue so she told Leslie that she would come later and saw him off.

After his condition had recovered, Leslie and Mr. Tong exercised in the gym in the hotel. Leslie had regained his cheerfulness, looked totally different from two hours before. Ms. Shima felt relieved and said, "You are hungry, aren't you? Let's have a bite to eat!" Mr Tong immediately said, "Well then, crab tempura!!" Hearing Mr Tong mention "tempura", Leslie smiled and said teasingly, "You are really crazy about tempura!"

They went to the oldest tempura restaurant in Ginza by taxi. Mr Tong said he thought he had been to this restaurant before. As for Leslie, it was his first time at the restaurant. Mr Tong knew a lot about Japan since he had visited Tokyo many times with his family or friends. He was much more familiar with Tokyo than Leslie.

"All About Leslie" would be released in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan on 20 April 1999. An autograph session in Hong Kong was held on Saturday, 24 April 1999 at the Page One Bookstore, Festival Walk. It would open at 10:30 a.m. The person in charge said that they only got 300 copies of this autobiography.

Leslie's Life

He said forgetting to zip his pants up at concerts would be quite embarrassing but after staging more than 100 concerts he would not regard it as the most embarrassing thing. Instead he remembered a recent occasion when he was going to attend a gathering, he named a few persons he did not want to see at this gathering while talking casually to his friends. These people finally turned up and his friend told everything Leslie said in front of these people! He felt very embarrassed indeed!

Leslie was thinking about moving abroad in about 5 years. Hong Kong was not the place to enjoy the rest of his life. He had failed when he had immigrated to Canada, so maybe he would move to England . He thought he is not the type to live in the countryside. For vacations, his favourite places were New York and Paris. He could learn about new trends in these two places. If it was just for a vacation with a group of friends, he thought Hawaii could be a good choice with beaches and plenty of sunshine. As for Asian countries, he liked Japan and Thailand, where he could enjoy the luxuries that he couldn't find in Hong Kong. Choosing a place for vacation depended on the number of friends coming with him, and also the mood at that time when he was choosing.

He kept watching movies to learn. He watched "Sixth Sense" and he thought "Sixth Sense" was not a particularly good movie, except for the ending. He was rather disappointed after seeing Stanley Kubrick's "Eyes Wide Shut" as he expected something more than that. Anyway he realized he couldn't expect every one Kubricks' movie to be a classic.

Leslie had a very good concept of economics. He had a strong principle that he was willing to spend money if necessary, but he would not waste money at all. Moreover this principle was applied to not only himself but also to the business counterparts. According to his principal, he would get the sales royalty from the books or the CDs, as that was a business stipulation but as for the autograph event, it was not a business but a result of the discussion between friends. Leslie did not want partners or friends to incur unnecessary expense. He tried to lighten the partner's burden as much as possible depending on the partner's situation.

His decision was supported by his ability for quick calculation and his very good economic concept. However, seen from a different point of view, it might be said that his policy was "Get money from those who have a lot!" Leslie wanted to be paid more if he was forced to do something he doesn't like to do. He would not demand too much from those who did not have much money, but if they had a lot, he wanted to be well paid!

The interviewer of Esquire Magazine asked Leslie about a recent event that had touched him deeply. He said, "I really want to think about it carefully as I don't want to give a routine answer. Can we go to the next question first?" The interviewer was rather impressed by his sincerity. Later he said he was deeply touched by, and was grateful to, Madam Pak Suet Sin, his childhood idol who had been so nice to a junior like him. He told her he had never been to the Chi Lin Temple and the Big Buddha in Lantau Island, and asked if she could help to make the arrangements because she had good connections. On the next day, she made all the arrangements for him! She even accompanied him on the visit, and took pictures for him. Chi Lin Temple, famous for its architecture modeled on Tang Dynasty, was not yet opened to the public. Visits could only be made by special arrangement.

He cited two incidents where he had said something for fun but was misunderstood. He thought that people took his jokes too seriously. Leslie said he would mind his words in future, since people often misunderstood what he said. "I have to compromise as I am not living alone on a desert island."

Even as "The Best Artist of Asia", Leslie didn't change his working attitude a bit. The more successful he became, the more he missed the days between 1977 to 1983, the days when he was just start his career, when he experienced some hard times. "Not every beginner is as lucky as Nicholas.

I had my moments of confusion too. But I still value those days of hardship, because success is built on frustration and hardships. Now everybody says Leslie Cheung has good attitude and is punctual. Actually all these can be traced back to those old days; my conduct is a result of the past."

Chow Kai Sang, the son of the late Hong Kong famous movie star Chow Gut, a pianist and musical composer commented about Leslie, "From the time he was young to when he became a grown up, Leslie loved "sticking" to people; in movie studio, he always wanted to hug everybody and "stick" his face to theirs, just like a cat !"

One night while Leslie was driving home, he saw a woman grieving in sorrow in a quiet place in Kadoorie Avenue. He was afraid that something would happen to this woman and he stopped his car. He walked towards her and asked her, "Can I help you?" She was very depressed after she was divorced. She did not know who he was as she did not look up but found his voice familiar. She was in a bad mood and was breathing hard. She did not want anyone to bother her and therefore she asked him to leave her alone. However, Leslie did not leave but waited patiently by her side though she told him to go away several times. He said, "I know you need someone to talk to right now." She said, "I'm sick, it's not that easy for you to help me, please go". She said she could get the smell of wine from him. From his tone, she detected that he was unhappy too. She said the way he talked to her was very different from her friends so she was quite sure that he was not happy. Since she felt that they had something in common, she did not reject him any more and started a conversation with him. Her name was Jacqueline. She said Leslie fully understood how she felt and shared her feelings. She told him about her illness. They also talked about genuineness and affection that few people emphasized today. They talked until dawn. She said Leslie was really a very nice person. He always thought of others first, though he himself was not happy and yet he still would not forget to help her. His unselfishness impressed her very much. Leslie might not know he had saved her life. She listened to his advice to see a doctor for further treatment. She praised him over and over again or his kindness. After that night Leslie called her several times asking about her health and whether there was any improvement. When he was on overseas trip and whenever somebody mentioned the name 'Jacqueline', he would remember her and call her to see how she was. She said she was only somebody that he had met on the street and talked for a few hours, yet he treated her so nicely. Jacqueline would remember every word Leslie taught her the other night on genuineness and affection. She also learnt from him to save as many lives as she could.

Moonlight in Vancouver

Leslie went to Vancouver on June 16, and the movie "Moonlight Express" would show at the theater Capital 6, downtown at 7.00 p.m. Leslie arrived at 6.45 pm. Everybody was attracted by him and shouted out " Leslie!". After a while, Michelle Yeoh came with Alison Chan, the Hong Kong Chief Secretary. In the theatre Leslie sat in the first row. Many people were taking pictures. A fan called out "Leslie!" He turned back and she asked," Can I take one picture?" He smiled and nodded, and then she did it! Leslie talked to a person next to him for a while, and Alison Chan gave a speech about the Hong Kong movie industry. Michelle Yeoh, Daniel Lee and Leslie were presented some gifts. When Leslie got to the stage, everybody shouted again, "Leslie, Gor Gor!" Leslie waved and smiled to them. Leslie left when the show began.

Leslie visited one of his sisters who lived in Vancouver at that time. She recommended a book to him, "Memoirs of a Geisha" written by Arthur Golden. Leslie liked the book, as he felt Arthur Golden was able to depict the emotions and feelings of Asians. He felt that it was rare thing as usually Western authors did not have a good understanding of the Asians. He heard that Maggie Cheung would take part in the film based on this book. This made he think of the roles played by Asian actors/actresses which are very often limited to some odd characters.

APEX

Many in the media had declared that Leslie had just decided to sign a two year contract with Universal Record. One media person started to write bad reports, claiming that he was slowing down, and that his contracted payment was not as big as that of his contract with Rock Records. But everybody knew that Leslie was still on top!

He has always dreaming of having his own production house, and this dream came true that year. Leslie together with his old partner Alvin Leong named their production house APEX, meaning top of the pyramid. Alvin Leong was grateful to Leslie, and he learnt a lot of things from Leslie who was fond of conversation. Leslie took the initiative to talk to Alvin and invited him to dinners, taught him how to open up himself and to communicate with other singers. Alvin took his advice and practiced conversing with the other singers. Alvin believed that different skills should be applied when communicating with different singers. With Leslie, Alvin would know everything by only looking at the expression in his eyes. For other artists like Hacken Lee and Faye Wong, Alvin would apply another treatment.

With APEX, Leslie could have full control of the quality and style of his own music. It did not mean the previous record companies were not good to him, but commercial considerations meant that differences were sometimes inevitable. It meant being one step ahead for his musical career. APEX would be responsible for the music production whereas Universal Record would take care of publicity and distribution. Leslie was happy with such an arrangement, which suited him best. "Same as making movies, if I am not working happily with the team why should I take up the job? When I come across a good project like "The Kid", payment is not my prime concern. I don't mind staying with Erikson (the little boy) on set, eventhough I am not part of the scene. I was there because I think Erikson needed me around."

The Managing Director of Universal Records, Mr. Chan Siu-po, was also the Managing Drirector of Cinepoly in 80s. He wrote a book called "Will You Remember Leslie Cheung?" in 1989, in which he gave so much credit on Leslie and expressed the 'friendly' relationship between them. Chan Siu-po was an experienced person in showbiz, and in terms of Leslie the thought that came to his mind, which he got from a lyric of song "Vincent" written by Don Mclean, was that the world was never meant for the one as beautiful as Leslie!

The contract signing ceremony between Leslie and Universal Record was held on Saturday, 3 July 1999 at 3.00 p.m. at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Fans from all over the world would witness this ceremony simultaneously on the internet at the Universe Records homepage on that day.

Leslie was wearing a white top (a semi-casual suit jacket), and black pants with black socks and black shoes. He was very happy and in a good mood. The interview finally lasted for 4 hours, and the questions asked by different media organisations were almost identical and boring (except those from Korea and Japan, who really brought up some new issues). Leslie said that he would be putting more efforts into the MTVs for his new album. When a Korean reporter started her interview with Leslie, he said, "Wow, we have met before, at least 3 or 4 times". Leslie patiently answered every single (often repeated) question again and again, and kept the most attractive smile on his face from the first second to the last. And he asked politely whether he could take his shoes off. The reporter said, "Of course, no problem, no body is taking photos now". But they forgot that the whole show was broadcasted on line. Then Leslie took his shoes off, and leant his body against the couch with his feet on it too, as if he was at home since he was too tired after the endless interviews. Of course the reporter questioned him about having duet with Alan Tam. It seemed that he had to say yes, or otherwise he would be considered as a "stingy" or "intolerant" person when compared with Alan's 'professional answer' about this issue. But Leslie’s answer was very smart. He said that he didn't mind singing together with Alan Tam, and would do so whenever Mr. Alan Tam had interest in cooperating with him. Obviously he passed the hot ball back to Alan, and protected himself from being censured.

Countdown With You

The title of new album was "Countdown With You", counting down to the millenium 2000. There were some special songs on the album like: "Four Seasons", "Left Right Hands", "Little Star" and "Countdown With You" itself.

Leslie said the lyrics of "Four Seasons" were very positive. From the lyrics though you can judge that the person has been apart with his lover, the one he loves deeply, but in fact he has very positive opinion towards life and love, as it says in the lyrics, "I'm so lucky to meet you in this world by chance, enlighten the illusionary life?" It means that even though you are apart from your lover, anyway you have had the chance to meet him or her in this world, you feel that you have not spent the past time in vain: it's worth it. Leslie thought this point was very important. He thought that at the moment of the end of the century like this, many people are very passive, always considering if they owe others something so Leslie wanted to thank Lam Chi Keung, the lyric writer. It had been a long time since Leslie had sung Lam's song, there had been no cooperation for such a long time. "This time, when I got the lyrics by him, Waa! So wonderful! "Undle Lam", Haha. I feel so lucky to have the chance to cooperate with some outstanding lyrics writers, such as Lam Tsik. This time the wonderful cooperation of the composer and lyrics writer made me comfortable singing these songs.

Let's go back to "Four Seasons", it's a quite ordinary song indeed, but it plays an important role in the whole album. It's an important cut because of the penetrating lyrics. In fact, you can feel what the song wants to reveal from the arrangement and the melody, well, Lam Chi Keung's lyrics matches the feeling exactly! The tone of the song " Four Seasons" reminded Leslie of a Korean movie "Christmas in August", to which he gave a lot of credit. The film is about a man who has an incurable disease, how he faces death, and his opinion of love.

"Loneliness is Harmful" is a song that Leslie composed himself. The lyric-writer was Lam Tsik, and music arrangement was by C.Y.Kong. The song was a fast one, something which challenged Leslie because many people had said that Leslie was not good at composing fast songs. His previous hit songs such as "Red Face White Hair", "A Man of Intention" were all slow songs, which gave the impression that Leslie would always have success composing slow songs, but he lacked "fast numbers". Leslie did not want to be looked upon like that, so he composed some fast songs. He hummed the melody out and gave it to Alex San, his very closed friend. When Alex helped Leslie to write down the melody, Leslie told him that the song was a fast one. Then Alex would brief C.Y. Kong about Leslie's opinion, and he would be the one to finally make the arrangement of his song. This song was sung at the end of the "Countdown With You" album. Leslie added some accent when singing the last few words of the first two lines. He felt that it was "so cool" how C.Y had arranged the song, that he needed to put something in. Lam Tsik also did good job writing the lyrics, so it was not difficult for Leslie to sing. He liked the song a lot!

About the song "Little Star", that was on the soundtrack of "The Kid", Leslie composed this song mainly because many people have proposed the idea of him composing a theme song for the film that he was shooting. The director had heard some of the songs that Leslie composed, such as the theme songs for his previous films, and he thought that they really matched the films. So he decided to ask Leslie to compose the theme song for this film. Leslie had thought of composing a song similar to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", to "tag the melody into my song". But it would involve concerns over the copyright of the original song, so maybe he would have to buy the copyright at the price of HK $500,000. So the producer, Alvin, suggested that Leslie help it along. "The Kid" was shot about a child, describing the love between a kid and his foster father. So Leslie thought about the content of the song, and how it should have something to do with kids. People said it sounded childish and innocent, in fact Leslie had told the man who arranged the song that it was to have the feeling of a child singing it while he was arranging.

The song "Countdown With You" always reminded Leslie with a young male fan of his who died from cancer. He had gone to the hospital and talked with him. This young fan had to count the number of the days he had left to live, and it touched Leslie and always reminded him to cherish every second of his life.

The interview with Leslie about the "Countdown With You" album was broadcasted by Commercial Radio FM903 from Monday, 1 November 1999 from 9:00 pm till 11:00 p.m. for 2 consecutive weeks (Monday till Friday). There would be a series of interviews with Leslie (these were pre-recorded interviews) for which they gave different titles: 'Professional GorGor', 'Serious GorGor', 'Funny GorGor', 'Kindhearted GorGor', etc. The host was Vani.

TV Programme in Korea

Leslie was in Korea on 21 till 23 July 1999. He arrived in Korea on schedule at 2:40 p.m, and then went to the hotel and changed clothes. From there, he went to the KBS broadcasting station to film a TV program hosted by Lee So Ra, who had a very jazzy voice and was an acclaimed singer in Korea. He seldom appeared on TV programs for interviews these days, so it was a great honour for the TV station. Leslie was in a white suit. The TV program was scheduled to be broadcasted on 24 July.

Lee So Ra: Tonight I think I will write in my diary--something that I haven't been doing for a while. I will write this: "Tonight I saw Leslie Cheung (Jang Kok Yung- in Korean)" (Cheers from the audience were heard). "Let us invite Leslie".

Music played and Leslie came down waving his hand toward the audience. He kissed the hostess cheek and sat down.

Lee So Ra (clearly flustered) to the translator because she couldn't speak Cantonese: "Tell him that I really want to thank him."

Leslie listened to the translator and answered "Thank you" in Korean (gamsahamnida)!

Lee So Ra: "If I had known (he was going to kiss me) I should have had my hair pulled back! Please tell him, thank you so much for coming to my show 'Propose', since we know that Leslie rarely shows up in Hong Kong TV shows."

Translator: "She is very happy. She has heard it is very difficult to do an interview with you, so she is very grateful that you are here".

Leslie: "Well... Korea... I have many fans who like me. And each time I am here I have wanted to come and do a program, but time was always limited. But this time I can specifically be here".

Lee So Ra: "Can you explain to him that after "A Better Tomorrow" probably 50% of Korean guys started to part their hair in the middle like him.

Translator: "Did you know after "A Better Tomorrow" many guys started parting their hair in the middle like you?"

Leslie laughed: "Well, I want to say thank you. Thank them, and I know they may like my hairstyle and copy it. But I have down lots of movie parts with different styles. And even in my concerts I have done different things... like I have worn high heels... definitely, don't copy me".

Lee So Ra: "Wow... it seems that there are some things that suits some people. In Korea, he has a lot of female fans. Can he say something to them?"

Translator: "In Korea you have many female fans. Could you say something to them?"

Leslie lets out a sigh like laugh and looks a bit uncomfortable with this question, like not knowing how to reply: "I want to thank my female fans for all your support all these years. And I hope I will make very good movies and songs for you."

Lots of applause and screams.

Lee So Ra: "Recently I saw "Happy Together" and I really became a fan of Leslie. His acting was simply brilliant. (Leslie seemed to know that the Lee was complimenting him, he smiled). This new movie, which he just mentioned, what kind of a movie is it?"

Translator: "This new movie, what kind of movie is it?"

Leslie: "I heard her saying "Happy Together"? OK, the new movie is about a girl from Japan who meets a policeman in Hong Kong and falls in love."

Lee So Ra: "So it's a love story."

Leslie interrupted and continues: "In this film, since I am a cop, there are lots kung fu, lots of action and gun fire. It is similar to "A Better Tomorrow" type of film."

Lee So Ran: "Then what is his favorite scene in the movie? He's a cop right?"

Translator: "In this film what is your favorite part?"

Leslie: "In the past few years the movies I have made "Farewell...", "Happy Together". It has been sometime since I have made an action film. I found I really enjoyed the action. It made me feel like I can still kick some butt!" (still can fight!), My favorite part is the action. It is like I mentioned before. There is a scene where I am betrayed by a fellow cop and I have to go on the run. I have to dodge bullets, and jump from a high place. I like this type of action. I did much of the stunts myself!

Lee So Ra: "Okay, we should bear that in mind when we watch the movie. Leslie has acted as different characters in each of his movies and each of them seem to show the real part of Leslie. All of the parts seem to suit and fit him very well. Out of all the characters, which most closely resembles the real Leslie Cheung?"

Translator: "Out of all your movies what/which is most like you?"

Leslie: "Not very much. Being an actor there are no parts that are exactly like me. I have made so many movies. But if I had to choose one I guess, the closest... just a little would be 'Days of Being Wild'."

Lee So Ra: "Oh, I see.. "Days of Being Wild" was the first movie I saw directed by Wong Kar Wai. He was also very impressive in that movie, especially the dancing scene."

Lots of applause and Leslie's playfully requested Lee to dance with him.

Translator: "In 'Days of Being Wild', she wants to know about the dancing sequence."

Leslie: "Ask her to dance it for me?" (Lots of laughter and screaming) "Or better yet... what if I dance with her?" (More screaming and laughter) "Does she know how to dance the cha cha?"

Translator: "No. She does not."

Leslie: "Let's move the chairs. I don't want her to kick it. It is very easy really." (He repeats this line in English)

Leslie takes the hand of the translator and she looked like she was going to faint... she was so hot. She starts to fan herself.

Leslie: "That leg..." (and he shows her the movements and sings the tune for her)

Lee So Ra: (surprised and taken back): "Oh dear.. what am I going to do? Tell him that if I knew how to dance I would have become a dance singer!"

Leslie leads her to dance... he was so smooth and charming! He eyed Lee So Ra, who is sweating and baffled - in a playful manner.

Lee So Ra: "Oh my... Let us sit down and calm ourselves down. Please tell him that."

As Lee goes and gets the stair, the audience chants: "One more time! One more time!"

Translator: "Can we continue to sit down here?"

Leslie: "Why doesn't she want to stand?"

Audience starts to chant something.

Leslie: "I prefer to stand."

Lee So Ra: "What? What do you guys want?"

Leslie says he prefers to stand and asks why the hostess wants to sit down.

Lee So Ra (after lauging): "Tell him that I can't stand for a long time."

Translator: "She says that standing is very difficult."

Leslie: "Why?"

Translator: "Standing is very hard, very hard to move."

Leslie looked behind her at her legs: "Are you going to tell me she has something fake back there? (Lots of laughter)

Lee So Ra: "It's difficult to stand!" (to the audience): "You have never seen me dancing in this show, have you? I don't enjoy such unexpected happenings. But today I am very happy that Leslie kissed on my cheek twice and that I had a chance to dance some steps with him, although I'm a terrible dancer. Tell him it was an honor and that I thank him deeply."

Translator: "In her life she danced twice. And she is very happy to have danced with you."

Leslie: "Thank you." And Leslie told Lee So Ra "I love you" in Korean.

Lee So Ra: "Tell him that I would accept everything!"

Translator: "She will try to accept this."

Leslie: "Here I am the boy... I am coming here to love you! How about I sing a song for her too?" Leslie looked straight into the Lee's eyes when he said he'll sing.

Translator: "Really now? What song?"

Leslie: "A Thousand Dreams of you".

Lee So Ra: "Oh... Okay, so he answered to a different question. Can you ask him again? Umm... actually I would like him to read this first. We prepared a special '101 propose stories' (a selected propose sent by the people) written in English. And we would like to make a special request for Leslie to read this. What do you think?" Applause from audiences.

Translator: "She wants to know if you can read this first."

Leslie read a card that the interviewer hands him. He said: "Okay".

Lee So Ra hands over the message and tells Leslie "just a moment", signals the session team and says: "Leslie Cheung's 101 propose stories."

Leslie: "I need a boyfriend who will let me cry when I feel like crying, someone said that a good friend is a friend who buys warm cookie after crying" ... Music starts...

Leslie then sang "A Thousand Dream of You" in a very charming way.

This show of Lee So Ra was very popular in Korea. Sometime later Lee So Ra stepped down due to personal reasons. On her final show they showed highlights of her shows and Leslie, who was the only Hong Kong artist who appeared on her show, was also included.

After the TV interview, Leslie went to TGI Friday's near KBS to have dinner. Some Korean fans were there and saw him through a glass door, and tried to see him in person. After dinner he took some pictures with the people from the restaurant. After one and half hour Leslie turned up with the guys who were the TV station staff.

On 22 July at between 3:30-4:30 p.m., Leslie who was dressed in black suit attended a press conference at a hotel in Seoul. Then around 7:20 p.m., he attended the Moonlight Express preview. Before the preview, Leslie and Takako Tokiwa made an appearance on stage and gave their thanks to around an 800 strong audience. All fans had to line up for a long time to get Leslie's autograph , which was limited for a few people only. As it rained, it was somewhat inconvenient to line up. Leslie had changed his clothes to more casual ones. On her turn, a fan said, "Nice to meet you" and submitted the paper she prepared to get his autograph. Then Leslie wrote his name on it in Korean. The fan said "Thank you", Leslie nodded to her.

When the movie premiere started, Ms. Tokiwa was first to greet the audience. She said it was second time that she had visited Korea. She had been to Korea when she was a student. At that time she saw a picture of Leslie for the first time, so she came to know Leslie. And after that it was Leslie's turn. All in the audience shouted out his name after Leslie greeted them. As the preview place was so dark Leslie asked, "Turn on all the lights, I want to see the audience." Leslie continued, "I know "A Better Tomorrow" was very popular in Korea. This movie "Moonlight Express" is somewhat similar to "A Better Tomorrow", so I hope all of you in the audience like this movie." And then he said, "Hope you all enjoy this movie, tonight". Leslie said good bye to the audience "Thank you Korea!" and Ms. Tokiwa also said goodbye to the audience. Then they went out of the preview venue.

A female reporter said that she was Leslie's neighborhood when she lived in Vancouver. She did a short interview in English for an entertainment TV show. Leslie looked happy to meet his ex-neighborhood and enjoyed the interview. Leslie said, "I know why my fans love me, its because they knew I had given my heart to my movies, and my performances." He looked extremely young and fresh in the interview.

Hiroshima

On 19 August at 3:00 p.m. Leslie arrived at Kansai Airport. He would perform at a charity concert in Hiroshima two days later. On 20 August he attended the rehearsal. Eight singers would perform at the concert: 1 from Korea, 1 from Mongolia, 2 from Japan, 1 from Singapore (Dick Lee), 1 from U.S. (Stevie Wonder) and Leslie Cheung from Hong Kong.

On 21 August the concert got started 6:00 p.m. at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Most of audiences were Leslie fans. The host and staff of the concert were surprised that a lot of Leslie fans came from many parts of Japan, even though Leslie would only perform 2 songs at the concert. The concert was almost 3 hours long, and Leslie's appearance was for only about 20 minutes. On the opening, Leslie appeared in a white suit and a black shirt to be introduced. A lot of fans gave shouts of joy when Leslie appeared on the stage. Another all guests wore black clothes.

Leslie's white garb was so impressive among them. He didn't smile so much, and looked cool. When next he appeared, it was about one and a half hours later. The music of "A Thousand Dreams of You" started but Leslie was not seen on the stage yet. And then, he appeared there while singing. He changed clothes, he had on a see-through black shirt, charcoal grey shining wide pants, and a colorful short jacket. Leslie looked very different from the opening. His eyes shone, his walking style charmed the audiences, his dancing made the audience satisfied, he looked sexy, relaxed and enjoyed singing. Moving fully on the stage, his performance was really fascinating. Every fan was excited, screaming "Leslie!" and waving many light sticks. The host introduced Leslie as a great star, both as an actor and a singer, recently well known for the movie "Moonlight Express ".

Leslie was then interviewed by the host. He talked about his impressions of Hiroshima. And he said he was very happy because he could see many fans there. And he said he had visited the Peace Memorial Museum. Then the Singaporean Dick Lee joined them. Dick said he composed the song for Leslie's famous movie "He's a Woman, She's a Man", but there had been no opportunity to perform it together until now. The 2nd song was "Chase", and Dick Lee played piano. During the last of the concert, the Japanese chorus was singing the medley with children. Leslie and other the singers appeared on stage holding a big balloon, skipping and hand in hand with children. Leslie looked so cute. Then Leslie and the other singers were in the line, holding the score in a traditional style, they sang the theme song of the concert "Sun of Peace". Leslie and fans enjoyed the time together.

On 22 August at 1:37pm, Leslie left Hiroshima for Tokyo. Over 50 fans were at the station to say good-bye and thanks to Leslie.

Left Right Love Destiny

On 30 August, Leslie attended the press conference to announce the nominations for the upcoming Asia Pacific Film Award Presentation in Hong Kong. "Moonlight Express" was one of the five movies nominated for best picture. Leslie disclosed that he had plans to star in four movies, the directors included Derek Yee and Fruit Chan. He was still considering whether to accept the offer from Raymond Wong to star in his coming Chinese New Year movie. He not so keen in those CNY movies since most of them were not very satisfactory in terms of script and production.

On 1 September Leslie attended two movie premieres. The first one, held in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, was a Chinese opera movie and the other was a Hollywood movie directed by Peter Chan. Many fans waited for him at the Cultural Centre and shouted his name on his arrival. Leslie has his hair cut relatively short and it was a new hair style. Instead of gelling up his hair, he let it fall down on his forehead which made him look 20 something!

A few local magazines reported that Leslie had had some problems with the top officials of UMG. Reports also said that he was not happy that he had been asked to do publicity for Alan Tam's album, such as to appear in Alan's show (he did not attend the show due to the Hiroshima concert but agreed to record a few words of congratulations and prepare a birthday gift for Alan Tam beforehand). It also said that he complained about UMG, and that he was being neglected after joining the company and all the publicity he was asked to do was not for his own album but for Alan Tam. Leslie denied all those rumours: saying that UMG had been very nice to him and his birthday wish was 'to stay away from rumours'. Leslie did in fact do a duet with Alan Tam: "Illusion" and "Love in Fog" which were Alan's hits in 80s. According to Chan Siu-po, manager of UMG, the company was making arrangements with TVB for a music special starring Leslie, to be shot in Paris. Special guest star would be Cecilia Cheung. As to how he would celebrate his birthday on the 12th, Leslie said he would be out of town shooting his new MTVs in Paris on that day.

Leslie's "Countdown With You" album, his first with Universal soon led the best selling album list in Hong Kong. Universal collaborated with TVB to make a drama musical "Left Right Love Destiny", that told the story about the love affair between investment banker Sam (played by Leslie), Carol Sham (his girlfriend, played by Chingmy Yau Suk Ching) and Jane (Carol's cousin, played by talented newcomer Cecilia Cheung). "Left Right Love Destiny" was unofficially directed by Leslie, who also wrote the story. This drama musical was also supported by the short appearances of Eric Tsang, Sandra Ng, Alan Tam and Anita Mui. "At present I put a lot of time and effort in music production and making movies. I think I can apply some theories in music to film-making and vice versa, said Leslie. For "Left Right Love Destiny", Leslie paid special attention to the rhythm and flow of the story. Same as recording a song, he would use his own style to guide his audience to a particular scene. "I think music and movies are complementary of each other, like my left and right hands", Leslie added.

Leslie thought that since he had just joint a new record company, he had to do some promotion. He never did any promotion during his stint with the Rock Record company because the attached term of their agreement was that Leslie would not have any promotion. Later some friends of Leslie said that among those 100 people who buy his CD, 90 of them will take it as a product, so he should not be so low profile. Leslie agreed with their advice. Ten years before, when he shot the Music Drama "Sunset in Paris", he invited Maggie Cheung and Cherrie Chung as the actresses and John Woo as director. This time he chose a new actress Ceci (Cecilia Cheung), and his friend Dou Dou (Yau Suk Ching).

Paris, September 1999. All those who have worked with Leslie have said that he is a nice guy, and he is praised for his kindness and attentiveness. His crew in this musical drama regarded him not only the "gorgor" but a "father". On the way to a far away location shoot, everybody felt tired because of the tight schedule and wanted to take a nap during the ride. Leslie's assistant was busy using the computer to input some data, thereby making some annoying "beep beep" sounds. Since he was GorGor's assistant no one dared to ask him to keep silent. Leslie therefore said, "Why don't you enjoy the beautiful scenery of Paris, please save your typing for Shen Zhen." Everybody laughed on hearing this and of course they felt grateful to Leslie. On another night, when they passed by the gas station, Leslie bought everybody hot dogs as a midnight snack. It really impressed the crew.

Leslie managed to find a "Spider", a luxurious sport car for use in the drama. The "Spider" was Leslie's favourite car. He enjoyed the speed and fun each time he was driving a manual transmission car. Ceci skillfully manoeuvred the UD$30 million worth red Renault Spider, and she said she inherited her driving skill from her mother. Leslie did not like driving too fast. What he was looking for was comfort instead of speed. After some instructions Leslie and Ceci drove the car away and disappeared on the road. Worst case scenario was that they didn't have any cellphones and money with them. The crew therefore lost contact with them, and got very worried. After 30 minutes, Leslie appeared in a red car followed by Ceci driving the Spider. Knowing that they lost their way, Leslie was lucky to find a nice guy who kindly guided their way back to their meeting place. Ceci was so afraid that when she saw the crew again she was so happy, and burst in tears.

On 12 September the crew celebrated Leslie's 43rd birthday. They bought him a birthday cake, and then Leslie treated them to dinner at a Chinese Restaurant in Paris. The owner of the restaurant, a madam gave a bottle of a red wine as a gift to Leslie. And indeed Leslie was famous in France. At every break during the shoot, there were always people who wanted to take photo with him.

The shooting process continued in Hong Kong, and Leslie used his "Wei Ni Zhong Qing" restaurant as one of shooting location. Alan Tam happened to visit Leslie at a shooting location. The title sequence at the beginning of the music drama shows the words, "Product of Leslie Cheung". TVB had never let an artist be both director and playwright at the same time. So TVB did not add in the credits that Leslie was the director, but everybody should have known it at heart. Leslie was happier when he heard that Cathay Airlines was showing his TV drama. There are so many TV dramas every year but they chose his! Maybe they thought this one was somehow special and therefore to be welcomed, or maybe they considered it their masterpiece!

The music drama was the last work of Chingmy Yau, second runner up of Miss Hong Kong 1987. She left the entertainment world to marry with a businessman. On the contrary, Cecilia Cheung had just begun her steps in the entertainment world. So it was like an 'relay race', passing the relay stick from a senior to a junior.

Various Activities

On 27 September Leslie participated in the recording of a special song dedicated to the Taiwan earthquake victims in a fund raising program organised by TVB. Chan Po Chu made some fried rice for the donators. Leslie gave HK$250,000 for the rice. In another charity show Leslie and Maggie Cheung, and also Tony Leung Kar Fai, showed up on the TV screen. They played badminton with groups of youngsters.

Leslie arrived in Singapore on 1 October 1999 at 5.00 p.m. He was received by a group of about 20 fans. Some fans presented him with bouquets of flowers. He had to rush off to the hotel to make some shots for the Media Corp All Star Charity Show. However, while waiting for his transport, he did stop to sign autographs for fans. Leslie looked tired, probably from the tight schedule which he had due to the filming of his MTVs. But he smiled, sang "Little Star", the Mandarin version of "Left Right Hand" and "We Journey Together".

The TVB magazine, "TVB Weekly" (Issue No. 124), featured Leslie and Cecilia Cheung in one of the parts of the musical drama on the cover. The music drama was screened by TVB on October 10. Then Leslie attended the press conference held by RTHK on the occasion of "Welcoming the Millenium". Leslie's "Monica" was nominated as one of the 50 songs which could represent this century. Audiences could vote for their favourite song, and the song which got the 10 highest votes would be performed. In the history of Cantonese songs, everybody must vividly remember Leslie Cheung's "Thanks, Thanks, Thanks, Thanks, Monica! Sui Neng Doi Thai Nei Tik Wai." Many people were and would be attracted by the fact that so many fans were hysterical when Leslie performed the song.

And "Monica" was voted as "The Song of the Century" by RTHK. At 9:00 p.m. of a night in October, Commercial Radio was broadcasting Anita Mui's concert live. Leslie was her guest star and one song he sang that night was "Monica".

On 14 October "The Kid" premiered. Two days before at 8 p.m., "The Kid" was screened at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre to raise funds for the charity Against Child Abuse Ltd. Tickets were priced at HK$100, $250 and $1000.

On Saturday, October 23, Leslie held fascinating promotion activities for his new album at the HMV record megastore in Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Leslie stood on a scaffold at about 4th floor level, outside the HMV in Tsim Sha Tsui, to sign on a huge poster that was itself about 3 to 4-stories long hanging outside the HMV building. Then Leslie officiated the first screening of a "HMV video" on the first floor at HMV and approximately 100 fans were permitted to attend the event (all permits to attend the event had been given out to the first 100 purchasers of the new album in the morning of 13 October.

An article in Ming Pao reported that Leslie gave a debut performance singing Cantonese opera (the famous suicide scene in Tang Dinasty's opera Di Nu Hua) with Lisa Wang in a TVB tribute to the late great Yam Kim Fai. It was apparently a really wonderful performance. When hearing that Leslie would sing Chinese operatic song, Chan Po-chu volunteered to help him. Leslie sang so well and so touchingly, that everybody clapped every time he started singing! Although he was a pop singer, he sang cantonese opera with the feeling and atmosphere. His fans were amazed by his performance and were sure that he was a genius. Many people said Liza Wang's performance was not too perfect, perhaps she was feeling a little panicky.

In Japan Leslie once again was voted as "The Best Actor". Leslie won this title for a straight 10 years. He was also No. 1 Winner of "All Time Best Hong Kong Actor in Japanese's Heart" voted on by 15,000 members! New City Hong Kong named his song "Left Right Hand" as Best Song in its awards. And his album "Countdown With You" was voted one of "Top Best Selling Albums of the Year" by IFPI.

On 14 November 1999 Leslie and Stephen Chow were given prizes at a ceremony by a French wine concern for being "wine experts." After the presentation, Leslie humbly stated that he didn't know too much about red wines.

Suzie Wong

During another interview with his good friend Suzie Wong, for Commercial Radio, Leslie spoke about death and heaven. When they also talked about the residences he had lived in ever since he entered showbiz, Leslie was asked which one his ideal home was. He said, his dream home had not come into being yet. It should be something in the air, a place where no stranger would knock on the door and he would not be disturbed.

Leslie and Suzie also talked about their friend who had great taste, the late Danny Chan.

Suzie: Yes, that's where our friendship began... Tell me this fact. Was it Danny Chan or Leslie Cheung that first used Louis Vuitton bags. This was such a controversy in those days.

Leslie: Definitely Danny!

Suzie: Definitely Danny! Haha... he had an abundant.

Leslie: He was full of water (money).

Suzie: Let me tell you something. As kids we played together, one time I remember we caught a taxi together. Danny carried many LV bags with him. One of them was a brief case; he opened it up and showed us a pile of one thousand dollar notes. He told us to look at the money...

Leslie: Did you ask him if was only to look at or could you have it?

Suzie: Hahaha... so I really opened my eyes wide to look at this pile of a thousand dollar notes. He told us that there was $20,000. He was going to use the money to buy a watch. I thought to myself, wah... $20,000 that was my annual income.

Leslie: He was silly. Why did he need to buy a watch? His father owns a watch company.

Suzie: Well, maybe he wanted to buy a watch that his father's company doesn't have. So he took $20,000 to buy the watch.

Leslie: Do you miss him?

Suzie: Of course I miss him.

Leslie: I miss him too. In fact, this friend is worth missing.

Suzie: Because he likes clowning around.

Leslie: He is quite unpredictable; I'm talking about his character. We're not talking behind Danny's back, but I just think that he is quite unpredictable. He has never hurt anyone, he just liked to do whatever he likes. He is always in his own world.

Suzie: He was also quite like you. Enjoyed inviting friends out to dinner. He liked to arrange the place so it was nice and pretty, so I'd think we'll have many people companying us. But it was in fact just the two of us dinning.

Leslie: You'd be considered as a house friend, meaning you have been into his house. Isn't it incredibly beautiful!

Suzie: His house is beautiful.

Leslie: Very beautiful. If you talk about taste and style in wardrobe, if Danny was still here those awards...

Suzie: Yeah, those people should step aside...

Leslie: Move over! Move over...

Suzie: That time he lived at Elizabeth Apartments. The outside looked very plain and bare, but when you went inside...

Leslie: Wow! How come it looks like this!

Suzie: Wow, so beautiful!

Leslie: It looks like one of Tam Ka Ming's movies, and William Cheung is art director. Every house was the same.

31 December 1999

On the last night of the 20th century, Leslie together with Jackie Chan, Alan Tam, Christy Chung and Chow Yun Fat, accompanied Hong Kong leader Tung Chee Hwa and Hong Kong citizens welcome the first second of 21th century. They appeared on television screens in every corner of the world. They were at the Hong Kong Jockey Club (Happy Valley Race Trace). Leslie wore a red suit by Gucci, sang "Countdown With You" at the event, which they titled "Millenium Extravaganza". When he was asked to say something by the TV reporter, Leslie wished happiness and health to everybody.

Since 1977, it had been 22 years that Leslie had been in show business. To him, from the point of starting as a 'nobody' to becoming a 'somebody' who had almost everything, Leslie truly treasured more of what he had, all his belongings which were not easy to acquire. He had to work hard every time, so he really appreciated his treasures very much. But Leslie had only a very small wish, "I hope from now on every person that works with me would cherish the time we work together, and feel happy and interested to work with me. At least when people mention me, they would say from their heart, "No, GorGor is not difficult to get along with at all. At least nobody can criticize me on my work. In this business, I would like to have a good reputation. To others, Leslie Cheung should be a person who is never late for work, always on time and someone who does all the needed preparation in advance." Lately, Leslie had a mind to make some changes and work behind the scenes. "I have made some MTVs, and I did some behind-the-scenes work in my last music mini movie shown on TVB, involving myself in the script writing, directing and starring in it."

No matter what his position, he was always on time, because that stood for his professionalism and respect for his work. Further he said, "Everyone will have his time of bewilderment. When I've done a thankless and demanding job, when I am caught in a dilemma, then I will feel bewildered. But, I am not a person who easily gives up." (He repeated once again). These 22 years we have indeed witnessed that he is indeed did not easily give up on anything.

Credits to original and read more here: http://xoomer.virgilio.it/nadiagui/biography03.htm

[voltagefangirl19]

Too Late (kbtbb fic)

Summary: In an AU where MC (Sakurai Yuuki) helps all bidders but doesn’t start an immediate relationship with neither, she gets kidnapped by a very resourceful and strong Mafia. Are the bidders able to save her on time?   Genre: angst Masterpost

<-- Previous  Chapter 1   Next -->

She tries to breathe, that’s all she can do in the middle of the darkness and confusion, after all. To keep her mind busy, she starts counting the seconds, remembering how she got into the situation she’s currently in

Today is the IVC, it has been several months since the managers bought me in the illegal auction I, accidentally, stumbled in. So much has happened since then... I can’t stop reminiscing while working in one of the guest’s room: From when I helped Ichinomiya to make a deal with an Italian mob pretending to be his girlfriend to when I posed as MayLee Ling, one Chinese mob boss’ daughter that was under Soryu’s protection and I turned out to be her tour guide when she was in Japan, ‘At the end I think we end up as good friends’. My little and discreet smile at my memories transforms into a giggle as I remember how I got to be Baba’s partner in crime and Ota’s pet, not that it bothers me really, I just wish that the little artist would be more honest with himself, like when he got his art stolen, he was upset, but he didn’t say anything, it was good that he got the recognition he deserved afterward though, ‘after all, the bluebird was gorgeous’, I think while I enter my last room and start cleaning, it’s a bit messy, but nothing like Mamoru’s apartment, which I had to clean after the whole cult thing because how anyone can live like that? it really amazes me until now

As the memories keep flowing through my mind, a new coworker enters the room “Wow, you do a great job indeed, no wonder why you are the penthouse maid Sakurai” his comment is a bit odd, but I take it as a compliment anyway “Thank you!, you see, working in this hotel is no easy job, but it’s very rewarding” I say in a peaceful voice, but he looks more interested in the VIPs, of course I understand, it’s not like you always are close to the rich and famous, so while I continue cleaning, the new one keeps asking me about how they are, if it’s true that the CEO is living in the hotel, if it’s really Ota Kisaki who is staying here, etc. I remain careful to not tell anything dangerous though, those guys trust me, even if I don’t know why, but I want to keep it that way.  We start walking through the hallway and I try to think an excuse to drove him away when the pager does that for me “Sorry, I gotta go” I say just as I feel the vibration in my pocket  “Oh… sure I mean… let’s talk more later” that’s the last thing I hear him saying

I arrive at the lounge a bit before the 5 min rule ends “What’s up?” I ask casually, with all the things that had happened, I don’t see them only as my bosses or ‘owners’, but as friends. “Coffee” Eisuke answers with his usual expression, I roll my eyes but smile inwardly, I am used to it. I make a cup for everybody and put them on the table in front of the bidders, I stand next to them.  “Anything else I can do for you?” I smile, for some reason, I’m really relaxed and happy “Did something happened today Yuuki? You are oddly cheerful this morning” Baba says with his usual gentlemanly tone.  “Yeah, did someone declared to you or something?” Ota asks teasingly  “O-of course not! I- I was just remembering all the time we’ve spent together, that’s all” I explain, my face feels warm, which is really embarrassing… But, I really wouldn’t mind if he did declare to me, to be honest; Even though I like all the bidders the same there’s one that makes my heart beat fast, yet my love is purely platonic, with zero probabilities that he would take me seriously. I try to stay away from depressing thoughts by asking them again after making sure all of them have coffee in their cups “Anything else you need?”  “You’ll accompany us to the auction tonight, be sure to wear something appropriate if you don’t have any we can buy you something” king Eisuke says while looking at some documents  “Understood” I answer with a smile and finally get out, I doubt that my heart would be able to resist any more time with him there; I let a sigh of unrequited love and get back to work with the satisfaction of being able to see him at least once in the day, I make a mental note to look out for a beautiful outfit for the night.

 Through the lace that’s covering her eyes, the girl sees a light, interrupting the darkness as well as any form of thought  “So she is the special one huh?” a deep and creepy voice sounds close   “We are certain that she is their protected, we think that the clients are going to be pleased with the product and with her origins” another deep voice answers ’who are they?’ ’What are they going to do with me’ ’how can I escape’ are the only things that fill her mind 

While she is busy trying to listen and feel anything that can mean her to escape, the two other men walk aside to discuss the types of clients, the starting bidding and most important… how are they going to get her out of the Three Spades Hotel before the auctioneers know who’s the person being sold “We must do it quickly, she has to be the very first item to be auctioned, because, if I know them, and I am certain that I do, they won’t compromise the entire mad hatter’s party just for a tiny guess” The older man said very confident “Also I need two or three of your men to act as eyes, and if the case presents, as a distraction inside the hotel” “Alright… what about the Ice Dragons?” “They already checked and interviewed our double, they won’t realize until is too late, but if you aren’t sure enough, the double will be in the buyer car at the checkout point, then we will be waiting for three blocks ahead to make the exchange, we will take her out in the trunk” The younger man was about to make a comment when they heard a commotion behind them, the girl was a troublemaker  “Tie her tighter” the young boss says, his men do as they are told and she can’t move anymore because it only makes the ropes cut more into her wrists and ankles, which is very painful. The other businessman comes closer, looks at her struggling and smile, it’s a twisted and lustful smile “A fighter one huh? those are exactly my type, shame that I have to give her away… the virgins are the ones they pay for the most” “Take her away and prepare her, she has to look like the double” the men obey; after they are gone, the boss looks over at the older man with curiosity “You are taking a hell of a lot of risks here, why don’t just kidnap and sell her in the other black market auction directly?” “It wouldn’t be nearly as fun as to see their distressed and frustrated faces when they realize that she was in the auction and they could’ve saved her, but they didn’t” “You really want to get revenge on them, don’t you?” “Oh... The revenge part is only to take away their protected one and to make her suffer while I make a lot of money, this? this is just personal fun” The man says while his twisted smile grows wider.

[sadisweetomi]

Executive ImpactNetwork connections

TOKYO

The history of Finnish tech giant Nokia has been one of constant reinvention. From its origins as a single small paper mill in 1865 in Tammerkoski, Finland, through growth into a powerful consumer products vendor with a globally recognised brand, the company’s latest incarnation is as a mobile broadband specialist, supplying hardware, software and services to telecommunications network providers worldwide.

Nokia is now reinventing itself once again, having offloaded its hardware business to Microsoft in 2011 to concentrate on networks, digital mapping and R&D in mobile technology. It’s a bid to capitalise on the current boom in mobile devices, as well as the coming revolution in the form of the “Internet of Things” (IoT).

JP Takala, President, Nokia Networks Japan, outlines the company’s strategy to seize opportunities opening up in this new data-drenched world, which are sure to be lucrative.

Mobile networks will be the centre of the revolution. “We expect to have 5 billion voice connections by 2020. But by 2025, we expect to have 50 billion or more connections between things — cars, appliances, machinery, industrial equipment and many other devices,” he says.

“For example, soon we expect to see driverless cars, and these will take advantage of Nokia’s strengths — mobile networks, digital mapping and cutting-edge technology. These cars will contain thousands of sensors to detect where the car is, as well as the environment around it, and the cars will be built around them.

“We are the mobile broadband leader, globally and in Japan; we are one of the top three vendors in radio [i.e., wireless connections]. Now we are focusing on LTE [Long-Term Evolution, the fourth-generation high-speed wireless technology]; we are the number one foreign TD-LTE provider in China. The key to success in Japan, as elsewhere, is how you optimise your networks, so that the mobile user gets a nice clear signal and smooth transitions, and the signals are not blocked by buildings, mountains or whatever.”

It also depends on having the right services to bring these networks to market: “Your level of system implementation — that is, how well you connect all of these solutions together — is another key to acceptance by customers,” Takala adds.

Digital mapping will be crucial when things start talking to each other, and Nokia is already well placed as a leader in this field. With its HERE system, which combines the company’s mapping and location assets, Nokia powers about 80% of car navigation systems in North America and Europe. “It’s already big, and it will be huge in the future,” notes Takala.

He also has high hopes for Nokia Technologies, the third pillar in the company’s new edifice. The segment will conduct R&D activities and the firm will generate revenue by expanding Nokia’s technology, licensing programmes and developing new solutions to help others benefit from the innovation.

“We talk about cloud-connected telecom networks — these will be software-defined networks — and judging by recent history, Japan is definitely going to be in the first wave. So our concern is how we can support our customers here — to make sure that Nokia can provide them on-time services and on-time technologies, not just to operate complex networks, but also to provide the analytics. These are important, but most important is how we can bring these analytics to the operators to support their efforts, to generate more revenue from the networks.”

This is one reason Japan is so important. “We have to stay on top of changes in the industry — the renewal cycles are coming faster and faster, and Japan is where the change is happening fastest,” Takala points out.

Nokia’s acquisition earlier this year of part of the wireless network business of Panasonic System Networks was a strategic move that strengthened Nokia Japan’s presence in this market. “We’ve worked with them before as partners, and now they are bringing us the competence in the Japan market, both in the business and in the understanding of technology and R&D power.”

There is another reason why Japan is such a crucial market — it keeps you on your toes. “Customers here are very demanding, but they appreciate and understand quality,” he says.

Takala came to Japan four and a half years ago to head Nokia’s R&D operations; he took the top job in October 2012. “Honestly, since I’ve been here, my customers have changed me,” he says. “Everything here is quality-oriented, from the physical products to services, to the way we manage our company.”

This plays to Nokia’s key strength, he says. “Our aim is always to be the quality leader. In whatever we do — in quality, we aim to be the best.”

[careacarnzimport-blog]

How To Import Japanese Used Car in New Zealand? By Care A Car

Import your dream car by care a car from Japan to New Zealand with some simple steps. How to bid and how to directly import Japanese used car know all details on our website- www.careacar.co.nz/import/

[patriotsnet]

Did Trump Ever Say Republicans Are Stupid

New Post has been published on https://www.patriotsnet.com/did-trump-ever-say-republicans-are-stupid/

Did Trump Ever Say Republicans Are Stupid

Trump Secretly Mocks His Christian Supporters

Donald Trump Tells Oprah in 1988 What He Would Do as President

Former aides say that in private, the president has spoken with cynicism and contempt about believers.

One day in 2015, Donald Trump beckoned Michael Cohen, his longtime confidant and personal attorney, into his office. Trump was brandishing a printout of an article about an Atlanta-based megachurch pastor trying to raise $60 million from his flock to buy a private jet. Trump knew the preacher personallyCreflo Dollar had been among a group of evangelical figures who visited him in 2011 while he was first exploring a presidential bid. During the meeting, Trump had reverently bowed his head in prayer while the pastors laid hands on him. Now he was gleefully reciting the impious details of Dollars quest for a Gulfstream G650.

Trump seemed delighted by the scam, Cohen recalled to me, and eager to highlight that the pastor was full of shit. Theyre all hustlers, Trump said.

The presidents alliance with religious conservatives has long been premised on the contention that he takes them seriously, while Democrats hold them in disdain. In speeches and interviews, Trump routinely lavishes praise on conservative Christians, casting himself as their champion. My administration will never stop fighting for Americans of faith, he declared at a rally for evangelicals earlier this year. Its a message his campaign will seek to amplify in the coming weeks as Republicans work to confirm Amy Coney Barretta devout, conservative Catholicto the Supreme Court.

The People Whom President Trump Has Called Stupid

Since he declared his candidacy for the presidency, no group has been deemed stupid by Donald Trump more frequently than Americas leaders. There are stupid people running the country, he said over and over and over again on the campaign trail; making stupid deals with Iran and stupid deals on trade. Everyone in charge was dumb and he wasnt except that he was stupid for self-funding his campaign. That, in broad strokes, was Trumps rhetoric in 2015 and 2016.

But that wasnt the full extent of it. When Trump tweeted disparagement of LeBron James and CNNs Don Lemon Friday night, it was a reminder that Trump often divides the world into two groups: those who are stupid and those who arent. It was also a reminder that, of late, Trump has often chosen to describe as stupid people who are not white.

That wasnt always the case. Before the presidential election, Trump mostly disparaged white people as stupid.

Of course, back then, his political opponents were mostly white people: those running against him in the Republican primary and the conservative establishment broadly opposed to his candidacy. He called Karl Rove, former George W. Bush adviser, stupid five times, including in interviews. Bloombergs Tim OBrien, whom Trump once sued unsuccessfully for alleged libel, earned the description three times, as did television host Glenn Beck.

Since President Trumps inauguration, though, that has changed.

It wasnt Obama.

The Dumbest Stuff Donald Trump Has Ever Said

Paul J Richards/AFP/Getty

Americas favorite faux-political shock jock came back with a vengeance two weeks ago when, during a press conference to announce his candidacy for the presidency, he characterized all Mexican immigrants as drug-peddling rapists.

The U.S. has become a dumping ground for everybody elses problems, he said. When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre not sending you. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems, and theyre bringing those problems with us. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.

The comments ended up getting both him and his television programs booted from NBC. After a public pressure campaign that racked up more than 200,000 petition signatures, the network decried his words as derogatory. Trump, as to be expected, railed against NBC. Instead of apologizing for his words, he later asserted that his stance on immigration is correct.

Its not the first time Trump has insulted Americas southern neighbor. This past February, when Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu took home an Oscar for his film Birdman, Trump offered dubious congratulations. Well it was a great night for Mexico, as usual in this country It was a great night for Mexico. This guy kept getting up and up and up. I said, you know, whats he doing? Hes walking away with all the gold.

On African-Americans:

Laziness is a trait in blacks.

On women:

On religion:

Read Also: Do Republicans Support The Death Penalty

Trump ‘knows Republicans Are Stupid’ Jared Kushner Allegedly Said To Former Editor

Greg Price U.S.Jared KushnerDonald TrumpRepublicans

One of the strategies Donald Trump employed as he began putting his name on the U.S. political map years ago was championing “birtherism,” the long-held conspiracy theory that President Barack Obama was born outside of the U.S. and hence should never have been elected. He often chastised Obama and demanded the president produce his birth certificate, revving up an anti-Obama base that eventually helped put Trump in the White House.

Evidently, Trump may have been using the so-called birthers only as a means to an end.

His son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who is also a senior adviser to the president, allegedly told a former editor of the newspaper he once owned that the billionaire real-estate mogul didn’t believe his own “birtherism” claims, and only made them to charge up Republicans because they are “stupid,” GQ reported.

During a discussion on how to cover Trump, the former New York Observer editor, Elizabeth Spiers, claimed she told Kushner that she had serious problems with Trump’s repeated claims that Obama was not born in the U.S., to which Kushner allegedly told her: “He doesn’t really believe it, Elizabeth. He just knows Republicans are stupid and they’ll buy it.”

Spiers told her Kushner anecdote in response to a question from a conservative blogger on Facebook, and then screenshotted the response and put it up on Twitter.

In 1988 Oprah Asked Donald Trump If He’d Ever Run For President Here’s How He Replied

Donald Trump;wasn’t always so sure he wanted to run for president.

Long before The Donald officially kicked off his;polarizing2016run and became;the Republican frontrunner, Oprah asked the business tycoon about his political aspirations on a 1988 episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” ;Trump had originally appeared on the show to promote a new book and discuss his life as a businessman, but the conversation soon turned toward foreign policy and how Trump would take a tougher stance with America’s allies.

“I’d make our allies pay their fair share. We’re a debtor nation; something’s going to happen over the next number of years in this country, because you can’t keep going on losing $200 billion,” he said on “The Oprah Show” back then. “We let Japan come in and dump everything right into our markets… They come over here, they sell their cars, their VCRs. They knock the hell out of our companies. And, hey, I have tremendous respect for the Japanese people. I mean, you can respect somebody that’s beating the hell out of you, but they are beating the hell out of this country. Kuwait, they live like kings and yet, they’re not paying. We make it possible for them to sell their oil. Why aren’t they paying us 25 percent of what they’re making? It’s a joke.”

The rant prompted Oprah to ask the question that people would ask for the next few decades.

Of course, he couldn’t help but hedge.

“I think I’d win,” Trump said. “I’ll tell you what: I wouldn’t go in to lose.”

Also On HuffPost:

Don’t Miss: What Republicans Voted Against Tax Bill

Trumps 10 Most Hilariously Stupid Things He Said In 2019

President Donald Trump has a long history of saying some of the most bizarre things in politics. This year was one for the books as the president flailed, searching for excuses for his July 25 phone call with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Here are some of the most hilariously stupid things the president has said this year:

1. Windmills cause ear cancer

If you have a windmill anywhere near your house, congratulations, your house just went down 75 percent in value, Trump told Republicans in April. And they say the noise causes cancer. You tell me that one. He then made a whirring noise mimicking a turbine.

2. He wants to buy Greenland

In meetings, at dinners and in passing conversations, Mr. Trump has asked advisers whether the U.S. can acquire Greenland, listened with interest when they discuss its abundant resources and geopolitical importance and, according to two of the people, has asked his White House counsel to look into the idea, the Wall Street Journal reported in August.

Denmark essentially owns it, Trump told reporters in the days that followed. Were very good allies with Denmark. We protect Denmark like we protect large portions of the world. Strategically its interesting.

Trump then got into a fight with Danish leaders and had to cancel a trip hed planned to the country.

3. Trump is the chosen one.

4. Why dont they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime-infested places from which they came.

Im Getting The Word Out: Inside The Feverish Mind Of Donald Trump Two Months After Leaving The White House

I Alone Can Fix It

To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories.

Save Story

To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories.

Seventy days had passed since Donald Trump left Washington against his will. On March 31, 2021, we ventured to Mar-a-Lago, where he still reigned as king of Republican politics. We arrived late that afternoon for our audience with the man who used to be president and were ushered into an ornate sixty-foot-long room that functioned as a kind of lobby leading to the clubs patio. A model of Air Force One painted in Trumps proposed redesigna flat red stripe across the middle, a navy belly, a white top, and a giant American flag on the tailwas proudly displayed on the coffee table facing the entrance. It was a prop disconnected from reality.; Trumps vision never came to be; the fleet now in use by President Biden still bears the iconic baby blue-and-white livery designed by Jacqueline Kennedy.

Trump had invited us to Mar-a-Lago to interview him for this book. He had declined an interview for our first book about his presidency, and when A Very Stable Genius was published in January 2020, attacked us personally and branded our reporting a work of fiction. But Trump was quick to agree to our request this time. He sought to curate history.

But future elections were not front and center in his mind. A past election was. Trump was fixated on his loss in 2020, returning to this wound repeatedly throughout the interview.;

Also Check: How Many Republicans Voted For Obamacare In The Senate

Trump Told A Reporter His Biggest Secret: That He Is A Danger To The American People

Trump is a particularly stupid man who thinks he is very smart. Perhaps this lies at the root of his monumentally dumb decision to grant Bob Woodward 18 interviews

The Inuit are supposed to have dozens of words to describe snow. The Brits have endless ways to talk about rain. Now its time for Americans to delineate all the many ways that Donald Trump is dumb.

If Bob Woodwards new blockbuster teaches us anything new about the character of the 45th president, its that we dont yet have the words to describe the multiple variants of the vacuum inside his head.

Theres the stupidity of arrogance, the stupidity of ignorance and his old friend: the stupidity of blatant duplicity. Theres his homicidal stupidity, his traitorous stupidity, his criminally corrupt stupidity and his plain old infantile stupidity.

Lets start with the top of this taxonomy: the domain of Donalds dumbness. At his core, the former reality TV star is a particularly stupid man who thinks he is very smart. Or as he prefers to call his own character, a very stable genius.

Perhaps, just maybe, this lies at the root of his monumentally dumb decision to grant Woodward 18 interviews, on the record and on tape.

Instead, our very stupid genius vomited up all manner of secrets that collectively prove beyond all reasonable doubt that he represents the greatest single danger to the fate of both the American people and to himself.

Fact Check: Did Trump Say In ’98 Republicans Are Dumb

Donald Trump: I didnt say that. (He did.)

Did Donald Trump tell People magazine in 1998 that if he ever ran for president, hed do it as a Republican because theyre the dumbest group of voters in the country and that he could lie and theyd still eat it up?A:;No, thats a bogus meme.

FULL ANSWER

The meme purports to be a quote from Trump in;People;magazine in 1998 saying, If I were to run, Id run as a Republican. Theyre the dumbest group of voters in the country. They believe;anything on Fox News. I could lie and theyd still eat it up. I bet my numbers would be terrific.

We were alerted to the meme by a reader, A. Douglas Thomas of Freeport, N.Y., among others, who saw it in his Facebook feed, along with a message from someone who said, I just fact-checked this. Google Donald Trump, People magazine and 1998. This is an actual quote by Trump.

Well save you the effort. It is;not;an actual quote by Trump.

We scoured the;Peoplemagazine archives and found nothing like this quote in 1998 or any other year.

And a public relations representative with;People;told us that the magazine couldnt find anything like that quote in its archives, either.;Peoples Julie Farin said in an email: Peoplelooked into this exhaustively when it first surfaced back in Oct.;We combed through every Trump story in our archive.;We couldnt find anything remotely like this quote and no interview at all in 1998.

There were several stories in the late 1990s about Trumps flirtation with a presidential run.

You May Like: What Are The Main Platform Ideas Of Republicans

Trump Is Right: Republicans Are Stupid

Donald Trump, master of the deal, is right. The Republicans are stupid, not only as politicians but also as political psychologists. He criticized Paul Ryan for bringing up the subject of Medicare reform that the Democrats could use to turn the elderly against the Republicans. Their video of grandma being shoved over the cliff by Republicans is a stark indication of how the Dems will fight to win four more years for Obama.

As the discussions over increasing the debt limit go on, the Democrats are portraying themselves as the more flexible party in the negotiations. They are willing to cut cherished programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, provided Republicans agree to some increases in revenue. They want the Republicans to agree to raise taxes and cut spending on programs that the elderly hold sacred. A perfect recipe for Republican defeat in November 2012. Thursdays meeting was supposed to focus on spending cuts in the two health care programs and on new revenue. And only stupid Republicans would attend such a meeting.

From the very beginning, by focusing on cutting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, the Republicans have trapped themselves into a no-win situation. Why havent they offered a list of real cuts in federal spending? Who told them that cutting programs that the elderly are dependent on is the way to win votes in 2012?

Here Are The Top 10 Stupidest Things Trump Did As President

We’re tentatively starting to emerge from the four year-long national nightmare of Donald Trump’s presidency, but the reckoning of what the nation endured will take years to really understand. Trump was terrible in so many ways that it’s hard to catalog them all: His sociopathic lack of regard for others. His towering narcissism. His utter ease with lying. His cruelty and sadism. The glee he took in cheating and stomping on anything good and decent. His misogyny and racism. His love of encouraging violence, only equaled by his personal cowardice.

But of all the repulsive character traits in a man so wholly lacking in any redeemable qualities, perhaps the most perplexing to his opponents was Trump’s incredible stupidity. On one hand, it was maddening that a man so painfully dumb, a man who clearly could barely read even on those rare occasions when he deigned to wear glasses still had the low cunning necessary to take over the Republican Party and then the White House.

On the other hand, it was the one aspect of Trump’s personality that kept hope alive. Surely a man so stupid, his opponents believed, will one day blunder so badly he can’t be saved, even by his most powerful sycophants. That has proved to be the case as Trump fumbles his way through a failed coup, unable and unwilling to see that stealing the election from Joe Biden is a lost cause.

He then pointed at his head, and said, “I’m, like, a person who has a good you-know-what.”

Read Also: Where Are Republicans On The Political Spectrum

Top 10 Actual Things Donald Trump Said At His 2016 Presidential Campaign Kickoff

Top 10 Actual Things Donald Trump Said At His 2016 Presidential Campaign Announcement

— On Tuesday, real estate mogul-turned reality show star, Donald Trump, became the latest Republican to jump into the 2016 presidential race.

If hes elected in 2016, the GOP hopeful predicated that he would be the most successful president for U.S. jobs that God ever created, used the recent sale of a multi-million dollar apartment he owned to someone from China as an example of his friendly ties with the country, voiced concern that people from the Middle East are probably sneaking into the country through the border, and revealed that rich Islamic terrorists are his competition within the hotel market in Syria.

This is all real, and its trademark Trump. Here are the quotes from Trumps presidential announcement that you will never hear another presidential candidate say — ever.

[crazy4tank]

Heavily Modified Honda S660 With Superbike Exhaust Is The Sickest Kei Car Ever

New Post has been published on https://coolcarsnews.com/heavily-modified-honda-s660-with-superbike-exhaust-is-the-sickest-kei-car-ever/

Heavily Modified Honda S660 With Superbike Exhaust Is The Sickest Kei Car Ever

There’s absolutely nothing sporty to talk about when it comes to Western Kei cars. For starters, these types of cars have a legal restrict for power output — drivers need to enjoy the advantage of an efficient vehicle. But Honda seems to be on to something in the past decade. There are been a rebirth from the legendary NSX and remarkably, the greatest street-legal Honda Civic Kind R . And now, pressing the limits of the small car category, the Ford S660 Concept Edition.

YouTube approach Galeri Kereta does an interesting review covering a rare 2015 Honda S660 Concept Edition. The car is one of the owner of Direxiv, the Malaysian Auto Parts Seller. However , Edmund, a partner, who have also doubles up as the Japanese Car Import and Foreign trade agent, does the walkaround tour of the compact vehicle.

[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=YU5d3fKxlnM&feature=oembed[/embed]

According to Edmund, the vehicle was imported to Malaysia in white and has a new ton of mods carried out to it, starting with the dull black wrap. The S660 was initially white, with a reddish colored rooftop. Since the car is definitely under the Kei car group in Japan, it was less expensive to import. These types of cars enjoy duty permission in Japan.

This S660 comes with a 660cc turbocharged engine, mated to some six-speed manual transmission program. The automatic version includes a 7-speed CVT transmission along with paddle shifters mounted on the particular steering wheel for a racy really feel.

Related: Honda Beefs Up The S660 Making It A lot more Sporty

The mod checklist on this Kei car is fairly impressive for a 660cc automobile. It has a full-bolt-on blitz suspension, a moded consumption, Greddy intercooler, an aftermarket replacement blow-off valve, and a drinking water cooling system upgrade. On the inner surface, the cabin is full of a ton of aftermarket gauges. Edmund doesn’t specify the ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT Map tune the car can be running.

Part of the exterior mods features a front splitter and a custom made mean-looking rear diffuser. It is also fitted with an ridiculous rear spoiler. The S660 doesn’t come with a wing. Probably the most exciting mod of is the superbike exhaust. Edmund doesn’t mention its advantages, but it adds an unique melody to how it performs.

“This is really a direct pipping straight to the particular exhaust; the exhaust system is extremely short. ” He described.

Due to its dimension, the Honda S660 rests extremely low, and it nearly feels like Edmund is getting in to a supercar—a baby supercar associated with sorts.

The particular Honda S660 is an amazing compact mid-engine roadster. Because the duo drives out to the particular highway, the car feels enjoyable to drive, especially on hill passes. Edmund does several pulls on the road, and the exhaust system sounds funky amid blow-off hiss interruptions. It's instantly evident that the S660 is not as fast, but there is no doubt it’s a fun vehicle to drive.

Next: Ford Bids Adieu To S660 With Modelo X Edition Z

[atomicdinosaurdonut]

Automotive Plastic Fuel Tank Market 2021| Global Analysis By Opportunities, Size, Share, Growth Factors, Regional And Competitive Landscape Forecast To 2027

Market Synopsis: The Automotive Fuel Tank Market has been growing exponentially in the past couple of years, backed by the mounting demand and sale of commercial vehicles, which is the result of the expansion of the e-commerce sector. This factor has given a significant boost to the growth of the logistics industry and the construction sector. Significant stakeholders in the automotive fuel tanks market are making considerable investments in research and development (R&D), in a bid to trigger the development of innovative technologies. This is bound to stimulate the demand for advanced plastic as well as metal fuels among consumers, thereby inducing the growth of the automotive fuel tanks Market in the process. R&D activities help manufacturers in developing automotive fuel tanks that can bear extreme climatic conditions and also exhibit durability with no variation. Advanced automotive fuel tanks are known to have appealing features, including corrosion resistance, self-sealing, and recyclability that boost their demand among consumers in the market. Another factor that has benefitted the Market to a great extent is the surge in technological advancements like the production of self-sealing fuel tanks automatically seals when there is a damage or a leak. Other than this, manufacturers are now focusing more on making use of plastic instead of generally used steel and other metals, as the former makes fuel tanks lightweight. Some other important factors that promote Market growth include surging disposable incomes combined with the improving living standards across the globe.

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Market Segmentation The worldwide Market for automotive fuel tank has been studied in detail in the report, by segmenting it with respect to material, capacity, and vehicle type. Given the material segment, the Market has been considered for plastic, steel & aluminum. Between these, aluminum has the potential to achieve the highest position in the Market in the years ahead, on account of the lightweight property of the material. Aluminum is used to bring down the overall weight of the vehicle, thus increasing fuel efficiency. In developing countries, people generally opt for vehicles that facilitate fuel efficiency. The rising use of aluminum in fuel tanks is expected to lead to better efficiency and result in the significant Market growth in the near future. Capacity-wise, the Market caters to <45L, 45L-70L & >70L. The 45L-70L capacity segment is poised to dominate the Market in the following years, owing to the surge in the number of installation of 45L-70L capacity fuel tanks within passenger cars. Regional Analysis Every aspect and facet of the Automotive Fuel Tank Market has been analyzed, with respect to the primary regions of North America, Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, and the Rest of the World (RoW). APAC stands as the most profitable Market for automotive fuel tank and can continue its supremacy well into the future. One of the chief reasons is the rising focus of OEMs on the production of lightweight components in vehicles. A number of manufacturers in the region are making use of aluminum for producing fuel tank with the primary aim of reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. Soaring demand for lightweight fuel tank, especially in developing countries in the region is expected to lead the Market to greater heights in the coming years. In addition to the rising sale of lightweight vehicles, the regional Market also benefits from rigid government regulations. North America, with the second largest share in the market, is backed by factors like rising concern for safety among customers. People are now increasingly opting for vehicles with advanced safety features, given the high disposable income and presence of highly developed countries in the region. Soaring demand for advanced safety technology is estimated to have a lucrative effect on the regional Market in the following years. Among all the regions, Europe has managed to seize the third biggest share in the global Automotive Fuel Tank Market . The Market growth is the response to the high production of commercial vehicles as well as passenger cars. Germany has proved to be the highest generating Market for automotive plastic fuel tank in the region. The mounting Market and production of vehicles, soaring demand for lightweight vehicles, and stringent government regulations also add to the Market strength in the region. Leading Players The Automotive Fuel Tank Market is shaped by a number of prominent players, some of which are Baosteel group corporation (China), Posco co. Ltd (South Korea), TI Automotive Inc. (U.K.), Plastic Omnium Group (France), Unipres Corporation​ (Japan), Continental (Germany), Lyondell Basell (Netherlands), Yachiyo (Japan), Magna International (Canada), YAPP Automotive Parts Co. Ltd. (China), Dali and Samir Engineering (India), Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG. (Germany), Allgaier Automotive (Germany), Boyd Welding (Florida), Martinrea International (Canada), among others. Browse Report - https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/automotive-fuel-tank-market-5568

Key Questions Addressed by the Report

What was the historic market size?

Which segmentation (Product/ Capacity) is driving market?

What will be the growth rate?

How are the key players in this market?

What are the strategies adopted by key players?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2 SCOPE OF THE REPORT 2.1 MARKET DEFINITION 2.2 SCOPE OF THE STUDY 2.2.1 DEFINITION 2.2.2 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE 2.2.3 ASSUMPTIONS 2.2.4 LIMITATIONS 2.3 RESEARCH PROCESS 2.3.1 PRIMARY RESEARCH 2.3.2 SECONDARY RESEARCH 2.4 MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION 2.5 FORECAST MODEL 3 MARKET LANDSCAPE 3.1.1 THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS 3.1.2 BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS 3.1.3 THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES 3.1.4 SEGMENT RIVALRY 3.1.5 BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS 3.2 VALUE CHAIN/SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYSIS 4 MARKET DYNAMICS 4.1 INTRODUCTION 4.2 MARKET DRIVERS 4.3 MARKET RESTRAINTS 4.4 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES 4.5 MARKET TRENDS About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Edibles. MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions. Media Contact Company Name: Market Research Future Contact Person: Abhishek Sawant Email: Send Email Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Address:Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar City: Pune State: Maharashtra Country: India Website: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com

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