Cover Story -- 9/21/03

[Jackie]

For Chinese Version:

sunshineruby.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=6

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Transcribed in Chinese by: Shan Liang Ren [善良人]
English translation by: Jackie; Comments in brackets [Exclamation] are mine.

R= Ruby Lin
Z= Zhang Qingfang

Cover Story 9/21/03: Part I

Z: Today we welcome this swordswoman, she recently just returned to Taiwan. When last saw her she was always rushing about/going from place to place, then seeing her again at this moment.....this young lady is still rushing about/going from place to place, but each time seeing her she's always very happy. Obviously her work is really happy.

R: Hello, [sister] Fang! (Z to R: Hello!)

Z: Lately, [you've] been in Taiwan more frequently?

R: This year basically all have been in Taiwan.

Z: How do you feel? Frankly speaking, do you think that coming back here to film is more.....

R: [I'm] Very happy! It's that kind of feeling of returning home, you can sleep in your own bed. Or perhaps you have friends to go out & chat w/ or what have you. It's not like in China, have to hang around the hotel room, can only go on the internet.

Z: That kind of feeling is quite different. No matter if you're tired or pull more all-nighters, drink four to five cups of coffee today.....it doesn't matter.....I can shoot all night today.....(R: Right) but this kind of feeling that your friends are are next to you, can call them on the phone anytime, or maybe occasionally one or two of them can pay a visit on the set or something {Ruby nods her head in agreement) this maks you feel that your life is pretty good/pleasurable.

R: Right, it also has a great feeling of belonging. Because shooting at home, I go home & get to see [my] mother, father, then [they] will make you some soup or something for you to drink, I think that's quite wonderful.

Z: It's the feeling of coming home.

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Cover Story: Part II

Z: I also remembered in that one year, after the 921 earthquake, we had a lot of Taiwanese singers going over to Hong Kong. Hong Kong's entertainment circle also had relief efforts. At that time I saw Lin Hsinju again. That time was the time just when.....HZGG was just.....(R: Right, just being shown in Hong Kong) therefore you were extremely well received/popular. I remembered at that time Jackie Chan said: "This young lady is very hot right now. This is Lin Hsinju." Then had a moment of thought, that you are.....how do you say it.....before always thought of you as a little girl next door, but then felt that you are already different now. On a performance level, you've already found your own position/niche. It was really this TV particular series.....

R: Right, moreover.....it's probably self-confidence? I think. Maybe b/c the characters that I've played previously weren't that important. Then people will notice that perhaps she's very adorable. She's the little sister next to the female lead. Now that I've become the main actress/lead, then receive applauses & acceptances[from people], this actually gives a great boost to my self-confidence.

Narration from a footage:
Because of HZGG, Lin Hsinju turned from a young actor w/ a lack of self-confidence to a Princess Ziwei, famous on both shores(HK/TW/CN). But what people didn't expect was, this character that made her famous, had previously been criticized to be not attractive/pretty enough, & almost got dumped.) (words from Shan Liang Ren : The part about being dumped is almost like the last "Cover Story", lazy so skip this part)

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Cover Story: Part III

Z: After you've found out about this matter, you knew.....for instance let's say we're always think this way: this program/show blacklisted me, you didn't let me to become famous, now that I've become famous I won't participate.....in any of your activities, etc. Did you ever allow yourself to say: "Fine/OK, it was like that, therefore later on I ....." It could have been b/c of this, afterwards when you're performing you were able to quickly be in character or something, did it act as a helping hand?

R: I will, that is.....if people look down on you, you cannot let them see you get defeated/lose. You have to make yourself work even harder/more diligently, don't let them make a mockery of you. And then don't let those who have worked so hard on your behalf to lose face. I always thought that, I must do very well, no matter if it's in my work or public behavior, b/c I don't want to let my fans, those who like me.....some say "Who is your idol?" "Lin Hsinju", "Uh? Puh-leaze!" I feel that they will lose face/feel ashamed.

Z: Just that "puh-leaze" is already.....(R: It's quite hurtful to people)

R: Right, therefore I must do my best.

Z: People are commending/praising you, it's that you are performing very well.....it's your crying scenes.

R: Mmm.....yes, now they do. When I first started HZGG, spent the whold day & I couldn't make myself cry, then the director got mad & called it a day.

Z: Wow, then the pressure was certainly huge.....

R: Because the more you want to cry the harder it is for you cry. I believe that most newcomers are like that, it's that feeling of nervousness & then you can't cry, & then fear that the director will get made/angry, because everyone's waiting for you.

Z: I heard that in Auntie Qiong Yao's dramas, it's stipulated/written in the script when & where you are allow to cry.

R: Right, in that time you must shed tears.

Z: Although the entire scene is a tragedy or an emotional mood, but only in that line/dialogue can your tears.....

R: Right, she will.....let's say you reach the line w/ the parentheses from the third line "I love you very much" & then in parentheses (cry) & then "I love you very much", something similar to that.

Z: You definitely have to cry in that time?

R: Mmm, it's best if it was like that.

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Cover Story: Part IV

VCR footage:
Sun Hsing: Her emotional scenes really let people to have a different look at her. Hers come very quickly, right, comes very quickly. Her tears also are frightening/astonishing. Of course I always thought, her teeth back then are sexier than now. Right. Why must you go to Japan, right. But she's more more beautiful right now, really.

Zhang Chihlin(Chilam Cheung): Although heard that this is the first time she's in a series w/ so many fight scenes. But b/c our martial arts director/coordinator Mr. Cheng Xiaodong looks after her, therefore she should not have too many problems.

Z: You just said that scene was.....

R: The flying [part] just now was our.....(Z: The 1st scene).....opening & ending. It was the duel scene b/w me & Zhang Chihlin, it's a very important scene.

Z: A bit like Zhang Ziyi in "Crouching Tiger". That type of feeling comes from hanging from a steel wire, & then looking like a swordswoman. (R: Swordswoman, right.) But you didn't get to sleep the day before?

R: Did not sleep. Because I was shooting another series the day before, the shoot had just wrapped up. And then also was drenched in rain that whole night. The next morning, b/c we were in Suzhou, therefore I took a train from Shanghai early in morning to Suzhou, then started to film this series.

Z: How do you take/handle it? I was thinking how can this body take it? Is it willpower or your body was in an excellent shape since childhood?

R: Physically not bad. But I feel that one must still have willpower. Therefore, I'm always working very hard/tediously during a shoot, but once I have a vacation I get sick very easily. (Z: At the time in which you can relax, instead...) Once I relax, I fall ill very easily.

Z: Mmm. But just now that Zhang Chihlin.....when you see Sun Hsing talking about you.....in the series Sun Hsing plays your.....

R: He plays my father. It starts off w/ him playing my husband. And then I die, he becomes.....I play two characters. (Z: Play the role of mother & daughter.) Right. (Z: Then he plays your.....) Father & husband.

Z: You see him talking like that.....one minute he's like a father, next minute "her teeth..."

R: He is quite annoying/bothersome. (Z: Is he annoying/bothersome?) He is very annoying/bothersome. He likes to tell unfunny/bad jokes, but they liven up the atmosphere. But I had to do a scene looking at him affectionately. The minute I look at him, I'd think of the joke he had just told.....(Z: Ha ha ha ha..) Very tiring/tedious. It was always him who was always serious, & me becoming the one laughing. And then the director thought I was the one being funny.

[Jackie]

Cover Story: Part V

Narration from onscreen footage:
Always mischievous and playing around w/ other actors on the set. Lin Hsinju, developing her career most of the year in China, majority of the time was spent hiding alone in the hotel room crying. Thinking back to that time spent in that lonely, unfamiliar foreign land, Lin Hsinju surprisingly was once unfairly given a haunted room which noboby wanted. Even suffered sexual harassment from a staff member but did not dare to disclose it. These kinds of can't eat-can't sleep days, just how much must she have to endure for her to finally become a leading lady.

VCR footage:
Chen Hsiaohsuan (Vicky Chen): I have known Hsinju for about seven years now. At that time, seven years ago she was just starting, the very first time she went to China to film.....& then we were in China filming a tango TV series, & then it was very tiring/laborious. Each day besides learning French, also had to learn how to Tango, waltz or what have you. And of course during the shooting of the dance sequences, is was difficult to escape from being touched here & there. That.....Mmm.....Right, but b/c those movements.....b/c they were coordinated w/ the movements, therefore they can turn out to be quite fair. Because I finished shooting before her, before I left, both of us were.....b/c our rooms were next door to each other, & then before I left, I pushed my luggage towards her room, & then knocked on her door & said to her: "Hsinju, I have to go now." And then she hugged me & cried profusely.

Ah-Pang (Ruby's friend): She's a girl, let me first declare. Actually a girl like her, & then working in China, let's say for instance just starting out as a nobody/unknown/inexperienced. And then the hotel room was spooked, nobody sleeps in that room, etc., told her to sleep there. Yes/right. She at that time.....(Am I) right?.....just arrived in China, & nobody went w/ her, & she couldn't say anything. The room that nobody wanted they gave it to her.

Z: Seeing the actor you've worked w/ during that time (R: Right).....

R: Have very deep feelings. That was the first time I went to China to film. (Z: Even earlier than HZGG?) Earlier. And then met Hsiaohsuan in the.....we were the only ones in the series who were from Taiwan.....the only Taiwanese actors. Hsiaohsuan was next door. She looked after me very much, b/c she was more experienced than I was. She looked after me very much, also frequently cooked stuff or what have you. And then were were able to talk b/c she was next door. And when she had to leave, b/c there were many things I didn't understand or knew about, I would ask her. She helped me a lot. When she left I felt like my older sister had gone away, then I didn't know how long I had to stay & battle it out, b/c that series felt like it would go on forever, shooting on & on. Yeah, it's..., she's gone, I felt very sad & kept crying.

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Cover Story: Part VI

Z: Also when you see that, she can now speak of it calmly/as if the storm had settled. But I was thinking during those days, it's just really.....and you knew in those early days shooting is a very tedious/tiring work. And then I say to you, you arrived in an unfamiliar place, & then in China.....of course they have a lot of professional actors, a lot of professional staff members. Here are two girls, looked pretty enough, can you really act, can you really speak French.....That was a French language series.....

R: Right, must speak French. And then must learn how to tango. (Z: That series was called Tango) Right, Shanghai Tango [English title is "The Last Tango in Shanghai"].

Z: And then [the question of] are there any talents?

R: I-had-nightmares-every-single-day! At night, it was like you're sleeping &.....b/c that hotel was very frightening/terrifying, dark & eerie, only had a 25W lightbulb. And then it was very damp. Its bathroom was the scariest bathroom I've ever seen in my whole life. It was fine that it didn't even have a bathtub, the ceramic tiles felt like they had moss. It was a very queer/strange one.....one of those w/ plastic shower curtains. And then there was this showerhead. Its toilet paper was pink. It was like paper, the kind you could use it to write w/. It was just very frightening in any case. Oh, very scary.

Z: This kind of terror, it wasn't as freightening as hearing about the sexual harassment from the staff or while dancing they would touch here & there.

R: Actually is wasn't the work itself. Because when we were doing tango we had to get really close. Yeah, & then would.....,mmm.....& very uncomfortable.....b/c he has his hand on your back, also had to be like this "grrr" sliding down your back [w/ a hand running down your back demonstration from Ruby]. And then I could only do this [Ruby was wiggling her back as if she's ticklish], & was kind of embarrassed/shy to say "Hey, don't you do that....." Now I would definitely say it. But at that time I was really afraid to. Yes, I only told it to Hsiaohsuan. (Z: Did you really bump into ghosts?) No, I didn't. It was also during the filming of "The Last Tango in Shanghai". In Shanghai, & then in a hotel in Songjiang. At that time when I got there they said: "Hey, there's a suite for you to stay in." Was it a mistake? They're giving me a suite?! The leading actress was suppose to get the suite. That suite was [room] 414, the kind of room facing a busy corridor/traffic. All of them were in a row, & then yours is over here. I thought that was very weird, the leading lady stayed in a standard room. I thought there definitely was a problem. I was very scared. At that time I disagreeistant had not arrived yet. There was a living room & one bedroom, kind of dark & damp. I took out all my Buddhist prayer beads, four of them I guess, & wore them. Also placed a statue of Buddha next to my bed & held myself tightly & went to sleep. Fortunately, nothing happened. (Z: How long did you stay in there?) For about a week. Every day was a trepidation. Always slept w/ the TV & lights on. (Z: Was it convenient to go to the bathroom? I think that this sort of feeling.....I think for a girl.....) But there was nothing one can do, b/c at that time no one pays any attention to you [or give a d**n about you], conscientiously speaking.

Z: After going through such lonely conditions, the only sister you could depend on was gone, from that environment you.....thinking back to that situation right now, each situation was helpful to you am I right?

[Jackie]

Cover Story: Part VII

R: Right, I feel that after I finish w/ each movie/series, I mature another level. Because sometimes you're at that kind of.....I feel that making movies has many of life's experiences. Like when I was all the way in Shangrila recently, on those very high mountains. There were no restrooms, have to "do your business" outside. Then you see some of the people there, then I'd think to myself.....actually I'm a very fortunate person. Although filming movies is a very hard/tiring job & cannot sleep, food wasn't that good & can't get any good nights sleep. But compared to them, I feel that I'm very fortunate, will not be hard for me to treasure it at all. Previously, I actually did not long for home/feel homesick. But after spending all that time away from home shooting, I long for home more & more. I began to miss my father & mother more & more. Yes, before that perhaps I'd emphasize more on my friends. But I feel that when I have nothing, my parents are actually the only ones supporting me.

Z: And also she recently said she went all the way to Shangrila a moment ago, in that uncivilized/not modern place, not an advanced place, you went there to be a.....you leave this place.....hypothetically speaking, that you can escape from this environment, you are a well-known actor known by all Chinese people. But when you were there, you also lived like them. (R: Right, the same daily life.) When there's no restroom there's no restroom. (R: Have to use the restroom on the roadside.) Right, nobody will build a restroom especially for you. It was b/c of this you realized, that each person, (R: Everyone is all the same) one comes into this world w/ nothing & leaves this world w/ nothing [Ruby nodding her head in agreement].

R: Right. You Lin Hsinju don't have anything special. You're only a person that everyone knows of, something like that. When you're there you're the same as everyone else. Really had to go in that field to use the bathroom.

Z: It's like a lot of people, would perhaps spend a lot of time on self-cultivation/self-improvement. The thing you've just mentioned is a bit of that [Ruby nods].....you must lay down a lot of things. So what about salary, what's in the Taiwan newspapers, what's in Hong Kong newspapers, I'm over there so I will.....

R: That's right. When you're in that kind of place, you don't have anything you must insist on meaninglessly. Like when I'm filming, sometimes also will.....in any case if you have to sit on roadside then sit. It's no big deal. The only thing I still have trouble accepting is having to eat on the roadside, I don't like that kind of feeling.[Ruby smiling]

Z: This personality of yours no wonder so many guys like you. For example Ah-Pang, when he was talking about you, I feel that he treats you like one of the guys/his buddies.

R: We're very good friends. (Z: How did you two meet?) He is my classmate's high school classmate. So I knew him before he enter this business. Our birthdays are only 2 days apart. We spent a majority of our birthdays together. Right/yes, he treats me like one of the boys, he's always escorting me home or what have you.

Z: That's why you can see that he understood a lot.....saying things like "they went through a lot of hardships..., gave her the room that no one dare to stay in..., even gave her a haunted room to live in..."

R: Yes. Sometimes he also would say.....b/c he also just join the business not too long, he would talk about the things that went on on their shoots. I would say, Please! I only made $8,000 [TW$?] per episode back then, had to deduct 30%, deduct for taxes, then also had to buy my own clothes. Then on my birthday I got lectured on & on by the assistant director to the point of crying. But I did not dare to cry, could only hide in the restroom & cried like crazy.....what can you do? You just go through things like that. I told him he must do that for others to see.

[Jackie]

Cover Story: Part VIII

Narration from onscreen footage:
With a basic attitude of not admitting defeat, Lin Hsinju really has made something of herself. It's just that Lin Hsinju treats guys like buddies. The very first time filming a movie, rumors of a relationship w/ lead actor Lin Chihyin(Jimmy Lin) started. Cooperated w/ her on several occasions, Su Youpeng(Alec Su) several times expressed he admires her. Also, there were pictures of the media catching Lin Hsinju and director Stanley Tong together the other day. Princess Lin Hsinju appearing so tender/gentle as water on the screen, in real life if not careful rumors will start to spread.

Z: I'm starting to realize that you work more w/ foreign actors--China's actors, Hong Kong's actors. You do the comparisons, what do you think of the actors' qualities?

R: There aren't too many differences. Because working w/ Taiwan's actors was very early[in my career].....the earliest time was w/ Lin Juiyang, & then there's Youpeng(Alec).....

Z: Speaking of Lin Juiyang, compare what it's like to act w/ him now & what it was like before, is there any difference b/w the actors now & him?

R: The characters that I used to play were the little girl kinds. (Z: He had trouble doing scenes w/ you?) Did not have any sentimental/emotional scenes. (Z: He didn't kiss you, right?) No. (Z: Did he hug you?) No. Did not have those kinds of scenes. He at that time was an onscreen pair w/ Xiao Ch'iang, I played Xiao Ch'iang's store employee. The kind [of character] that only gets to look at other people. (Z: And w/ Alec Su you guys cooperated in...?) Three serials. (Z: HZGG...) It's HZGG I, HZGG II, & then QSSYMM, also one movie.

Z: So, of all the actors to do scenes w/, is it true the ones closer to your age are...really are...

R: A bit better. (Z: Easier to be in character, right?) Right right right. But also it's very easy to goof off/play. When we were doing QSSYMM, before the 5-4-3-2-1 we were always playing & laughing. And then when it was time to start filming for real we couldn't hold back & started laughing again. We tried to avoid looking at each other's eyes, b/c we were just thinking about that joke.

Z: About making movies, a girl who lacks a certain capacity, or reputation/popularity, no one there to look after her, she doesn't know anyone, & certainly when someone's there to look after her, it might become someone else's whispers. (R: Mmm...right) This is unavoidable, right? (Ruby nods) Especially when the bathroom is not even good, & when your spirits reach the level of collapsing, it's very easy for you to project that emotion onto a certain someone who cares about you.....

R: Onto someone who cares about. It's actually a confused way of thinking/losing focus. An errored way of losing focus. It was only some emotions displayed at that particular moment in time. It feels like you have found a person in which you can depend on, treats you well. Perhaps you might focus more attention on that person. But..., (Z: Especially a newcomer, right?) Right, but it's only temporary. You will wake up real fast, after the shoot is finished, (Z: On the day the shoot wraps up...) when the movie wraps up/finishes, people disperse.

Z: I know there's definitely a way.....definitely a way to describe this kind of.....b/c in that certain condition you remain very clear. For example, let's say that you now already have that experience, you see in the movie in which a newcomer or something, you can feel certain visible clues/results.

R: Right! Actually, I feel that the movie set is a very nosy place/rumor mill. All you have to do is observe carefully, you can see all sorts of things. The two of them w/ just a small hint of flirting w/ their eyes, it's very easy to notice it. Also, I had a lot.....a lot of free time on my hands (both of them were laughing really hard).

Z: Also those big eyes of yours. Moreover, you have experienced.....b/c you have experienced certain situations, you know, when a person is helpless & lonely, your observation level is especially.....(R: Mmm! Well, after you're done memorizing the script, might as well see what other people are doing.) Is this right? Everyone says that you are more suitable for a mature man. (R: Perhaps he can tolerate me more.) The younger guys will think that how come you are not feminine.

R: No one has ever said that I'm feminine, never. They all say that I'm actually a guy, on the inside I'm like a guy. Don't even act/look like a girl, also I talk in a loud/soft voice.

[Jackie]

Cover Story: Part IX

VCR footage:
Sun Hsing: She's a girl? Ai-yooo, I didn't know that! When I'm playing w/ her, she's really...she really is...she is a bit like who [ha-ha, the man is thinking really hard]...like Yuan Yongyi's [Chilam Cheung's gf] personality. If you really let this young lady Lin play around, I can only say that the scene will be hard to control. She's always making a racket. When she comes out...."Come-on! Come-on!"

A-Pang: Once when I saw her playing the finger-guessing game , I suspected her sexual orientation/preference, I thought that she was a T [lesbian]. She.....I tell you when she's had a little to drink, & then playing the finger-guessing game w/ her, it's like "come..., ten...hurry-up/quick". Like the big brother kind. It's quite the opposite of her appearance.

Z: Drinking is pretty heavy in parties, this I like [both were laughing]. The more you think that I'm delicate, the more I want to show you.....that I.....I can take them on.

R: Right, I feel that as long as it's all in fun, you want be happy, then everyone's happy. After finish drinking then sleep it off. It's not a big deal.

Z: This type of girl is actually very frank when it comes to relationships. For example, you once acknowledged that you went out w/ Jimmy Lin [R: Ha-ha..]. But at that time he was in denial [refused to face the truth or evaded/abdicated from the truth], he did not acknowledge it. At that time I thought that this type of a guy.....(R: Everyone has his/her own pressures, I'm also not acknowledging it at the moment, ha-ha.) Everyone's got pressures. This relationship thing is really, especially at a time when one is young, your kind was making a film together, working together, certainly will have some revolutionary emotions. (R: Will! ) You just spoke of this kind of relationship under those conditions...(R: Right.) What was it? (R: It's When the movie wraps up/finishes, people disperse.) It's difficult to avoid.....still will have contacts or whatever. Moreover you know & care about each other. In addition sometimes its [the serial/movie] rebroadcasted, [Ruby: Ha-ha-ha] unavoidably will see it.

R: When you see it you'll think of the time.....(Z: Will flicker for a moment, right?) Yes.....correct.

Z: This Alec Su, Alec Su previously.....didn't he mentioned that he has a favorable impression of/interest in you (R: Did not[Nah],... he's always saying it although I never felt it that way.) I can't believe this girl. He said he's interested, you just accept it. Why did you say "did not" or deny it?

R: But,...that feeling, he still thinks of me as a guy. I also treat him like a buddy.

Z: So, will you think that he's a shield. He intentionally use you as a shield, right? He actually..... (R: [Haha, Ruby looked so sly here & blinked her left eye a little] Ennn...he actually doesn't like me, Hahaha) He actually likes another person. But he also can't deny the fact he has.....he feels that you're a type of girl who's very easy to get along with.

R: Right, when you get along w/ him it's a very simple thing. We don't have any pressures when we're together. We do facials, talk about stuff, cosmetology.....(Z: Wait a minute! Facials?) Right. (Z: You two do facials in the same room?) He introduced it to me, he said he got it from.....b/c at that time when I was shooting QSSYMM, I had a lot of pimples. He said when he was in Hong Kong he bought some facial cream or whatever & said it was very good. He came to my room to chat, then I said OK, so we had facials, talking & applying the cream at the same time. (Z: If you can have facials w/ a guy, then that means you really don't have any interest in him. Because facials, when a girl applies cream on her face, she looks really ugly.) Right, looking all white. And then your face can't move.....no matter how ugly I look he has.....already seen it.

Z: Do you think that w/ that type of personality, naturally the advantage is you have a lot of buddies. But the disadvantage is besides being used as a shield, also think how come no one really likes me/is interested in me.

R: Perhaps, the friends you're really close to can see through you....you definitely are not my type.[Ruby smiling]

[Jackie]

Cover Story: Part X

Z: Like the time you & director Stanley Tong got photographed by Next Magazine having dinner together. Your sixth sense.....do you feel like.....I feel that you really wanted to punch someone.

R: But I think it's very annoying. It was so obvious that there were others next to me, then he would.....(Z: Removes it.) Right. And then, it was obvious that I had left from the underground parking lot, he wrote that I had vanished from thin air. How can anyone just vanish from thin air? Right.

Z: Actually I think really, if you want to create a story from the pictures, you must say it reasonably. (R: Right!) Don't treat us like a martial arts movie. (R: Right!) How can you just.....(R: How can a person just...) I do martial arts films but I'm not an ancient person. (R: I don't do magic, I don't have Doraemon's Dokodemo-doa [or Everywhere Door]. If there's an Everywhere Door, you guys won't even be able to take pictures.) It's just that they think that there's a possibility b/w you & him, therefore when he gets an opportunity to catch you both together in a situation, he will make sure he put you two together.

R: That's right! I always felt that we lived in other people's stories. Then would write things like when you're not together, they say you're together; & when you're not together they say you broke up. It's quite annoying. Therefore, I will not publicize anything. Only if I decided that I wanted to get marry or something. But if I'm no longer in this business at that time, I feel that I don't have anything to.....(Z: But did it affect your friendship w/ director Tong?) Not really. Because friendship.....actually we all know about the media or whatever, already.....(Z: Does he have a girlfriend?) Now? No. (Z: Then that's fine.) Right, it's not like he has a wife. (Z: Right right right, the emphasis/main point is this. He doesn't have a wife, doesn't have a girlfriend. It seemed like that you got b/w...) Right right right. (Z: Then as to how will you...you will settle it first.) Because there are a lot of.....you have a man who's not married, a woman who's not married, there's nothing to feel tabooed about/or hide?

Z: You are very clear as to what you want & what you don't want, what you care about & what you don't care about. (R: Mmm..hmm, yes! Right now it's clearer & clearer. Before that I was unsure.) What led you to become this clear, b/c compared to other girls your age or in the video..., at least you must be clearer than Chen Hsiaohsuan, as to what you want.

R: [laughing & talking at same time] I'm sure she's pretty clear on what she wants. (Z: How is she now?) Not bad, but she has loss a lot of weight. (Z: Due to that relationship matter that other time?) Right, also heard she came back from China w/ diarrhea, loss weight like crazy. I think that's pretty good. I don't even know of any ways to.....I have always wanted to go all out to lose weight, & then.....(Z: You're already fine right now, why do you...?) But my face still looks kind of fat on screen. I don't know, my face is the face w/ fortune. [that means it's chubby face.]

Z: Did you know what guys really like? If you don't believe it go ask Stanley tong, especially older men, he likes not skinny women, but women w/ a little meat.

R: But why must I become someone that they like? Why can't I be what I want to be? (Z: You like...you must like...you like to be skinny?) I really like to be thin, look better in clothes. (Z: Don't lift your foot again.)[both laughing] Oh, b/c there's something,..., hahaha.

Z: This girl is so, [Z shaking index finger at Ruby. Haha] look at her.....she can argue..."why must I become someone that they like?!"

R: Right, I feel that I'm rather like that. (Z: You don't mind rather the guy likes you? You don't mind rather the guy you like likes you?) I feel that if he likes me, he should like what I look like right now, & not having to become what he likes.

Z: But what if you know what he likes, you still won't purposely go.....let's say he likes girls who are whiter/not tanned, will you purposely...

R: Will not, will not. Appearance-wise I don't think I would. Personality-wise, I might. If I really like him, I will change when the situation calls for it b/c I feel that people should be mutual on both sides.

[Jackie]

Cover Story: Part XI

Z: Personality-wise you would.....if he doesn't like you & Ah-pang & a bunch of other people go out to eat. (R: That would be very hard. I will not change b/c of this. Because I feel that friends are an important part of me.) OK, then what will you change? You said personality, what will you change then? (R: Perhaps [he] doesn't like me talking too loud or...) He doesn't like.....Okay, he doesn't like you to drink. (R [Ruby let out a BIG sigh, said tsk & droop her head] looking all sad) Ha ha ha, I can't believe she did that. (R: [Ruby laughing really hard--Hahaha] Because I feel that...) You just sounded so good when you said, "I will change my personality for him, appearance-wise I will not.....you can't touch my appearance, my inner-self.....but on the topic of drinking her expression looked so awful.

R: Hahaha! But sometimes when you're really happy, if you don't drink others would feel very disappointed. It's only occasional, b/c I don't drink excessively. I also don't like to drink that much, really. When we go out.....(Z: This sounded like something that I had said once, hahaha! In other words you can drink just a little, but if he is present, you drink little. When he is not there, will you only drink a little?) Drink a lot, haha! Drink like crazy.

Z: This is very.....if you like me, you must like who I am. (R: Right right.) This is very important. Moreover, you will think more and more that your life in this world, [you] don't have to make things too insufferable for yourself.

R: Right. You must be yourself. Your own happiness is the most important thing. But you don't want your unhappiness to affect others. (Z: So, Alec Su, don't say that you like me anymore, if you want to, then come on & pursue me.) [Ruby smiling] Aayyy...(Z: Don't just sit over there, using me as a smoke screen or something.) The last time I saw something like.....a nurse? (Z: Did you call him up & scold at him?) I did not scold at him, I don't even know if it was real or not, he didn't even mention it, the fact is I didn't ask him. (Z: But this kind of getting-along of yours, is really like good buddies.) Mmm, if he doesn't like it then I don't ask too much.

Narration from onscreen footage:
Relationship-wise will insist on her own ideas. However the rumors that appeared in the newspapers unavoidably have people worry about Lin Hsinju. Back then, b/c she played hooky from school to shoot an advertisement, her mom once smacked her for it. Now shooting tiredlessly on both shores, this made her parents more worried about her moods and health. (Played the footage from the last Cover Story. You all know about the part about skipping school to shoot an advertisement, lazy so skip.)

Z: This type of work to you, actually from beginning to end about how many years has it been? (R: I entered the business.....officially in this business seven years now. I'm 27 now, I signed the contract myself when I was 20. That was the first time.....that I could sign my own contract. Officially signed a management/agent contract.) Then your mom & dad knew about it? (R: Yeah, they know, they know.) It was w/ their permission, you signed the contract. (R: Right! They said...b/c before that I was doing advertisements. A lot of companies were solicitating me. They felt that I was still young. And then later on my current management came to me, then my mom & dad said: OK then, since you're an adult now...it just happened that I signed the contract on my birthday.) Oh, you remembered it so clearly. (R: I also took pictures of it, Ha ha -- kind of stupid/dumb.) They say that you have a very good relationship w/ your mom. And your dad also takes you to your dinner meetings. I ask the audience in front of the TV, how many of your friends or classmates when they go out will bring their mom & dad along. Doesn't that scare people to death? [Ruby laughing]

R: No, my dad.....he knows that I.....he sees that since today is Friday, I will probably go out. Then I would drive, might drink a little or be out quite late. If he knows that there's someone to take me home, then he won't let me drive. He is afraid that if I drink or something, it's not good to drive. (Z: He would take you there.) He would take me there. Otherwise, I would drive the car in the morning, then he would take the car back home for me. After that, perhaps a friend can take me home or something. Or, sometimes I'm too lazy to drive, if I wanted to go somewhere, then my dad would take me there, & come back to pick me up.

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Cover Story: Part XII

Z: This is like being the only child. The time when you're filming, I didn't feel that your family is worry about you. But now he would worry. Your parents have a good relationship? (R: Right now. It's better right now. Before when they were young of course they quarrel more, those were.....) Heard that you got them back together.
They were once...(R: Ah, it was when I was in the 1st grade, they got divorced. I didn't even know why. In any case, all I know was my mom said they got divorced, then took me...to live w/ my maternal grandmother. Then up to the time I graduated from high school, I think it was before I entered the entertainment circle, I was filming, suddenly they got back together.)

Z: Wait a minute. You young lady you, you don't have any recollection of that period of time, do you? You didn't have any special feelings, how did they suddenly get back together.

R: In any case, they were often in contact w/ each other. Because my mom is one those who doesn't like to admit to anything. "Your dad said he wants to have dinner w/ me, what do you think?" I said, "Up to you/do you whatever you like, go ahead!" Then there's "Your dad said he wants to rent our house, what do you think?" I said, "Up to you/do you whatever you like, it's your house." And then, "Your dad said living by himself is quite boring, do you want to go & stay w/ him?" I said, "Okay! Even better!" Because my mom likes to control/keep track of me, when I first started living w/ my dad, he was a bit embarrass to control me, also he didn't know how to control me. I would go out to play & return home early the next morning. He wouldn't even complain to my mother. Then after all that playing, he doesn't yell/scold at you, you would feel guilty, then would settle down a bit.

Z: Therefore it's like that type of feeling, you intentionally want to act bad, "see whether or not you will scold/yell at me", correct?

R: Not to that point yet.....during that time I was like a little bird just release from the cage. Right. Just starting filming, sometimes they would think that I shooting an all-nighter or something, will go out to play right after filming is finished. Play until daybreak, then continue to shoot. Right, at 20 yrs. old I have that ability, but now I really don't have it anymore. Ha ha ~ I don't have that strength anymore.

Z: Now coming back to have a meal already feel...wow...(R: Right!) Eating w/ friends or something. But, that sort of relationsip, did it affect your.....your parents' relationship, did this affect your views on your own relationships?

R: I feel that.....I don't need to get marry. (Z: You just said you feel that you don't need to get marry?) Right! I feel that if you like each other.....two people being w/ each other is enough. Don't need that piece of paper. Also can still get a divorce. Also will leave a mark. (Z: What about the children?) I don't have plans to have children. I don't really like little kids. (Z: Huh?!) If other people's children are cute, I love to play w/ them. (Z: [shaking index finger at Ruby] You definitely are.....I feel.....you don't have any patience.) None! I get bored easily w/ things [short-lived enthusiasms/short attention span]. Right, I'm a typical person w/ a short-lived enthusiasm. (Z: I see the way you talk, & also that expression...ha ha! I heard you are very mean/omnimous to your younger brother?) The younger kid brother. The younger one is very naughty, he doesn't like studying. Then my mom couldn't persuade him. I would always from abroad.....back then.....from abroad call home to scold at him. Right! But now that he's in the military he's fine now.

Z: [Tsk, aiya] Look it here, when you see us talking about this part, can you imagine Lin Hsinju to be like this? Ha ha ha. (R: I'm a very strict big sister!) You see her when she's acting, a few minutes later tears would flow, then those big, watery eyes looked so delicate. Also got hit, I remember that QSS, the last one.....(R: HZGG?) No, not HZGG. The one you & Alec Su.....(R: QSS?) In QSS he...you got hit by.....(R: Got whipped by the father.) I saw it. I was wondering what type of personality does this girl have. Is it like in the series.....(R: No.) It's often is.....the more delicate the more "don't you bully me, the tougher I get."

R: Righ right right. I feel that what I look like on the outside is quite different from who I am on the inside. (Z: Thank-you! Thank-you Hsinju!) Thank-you [sister] Qingfang, thank-you! (Z: Still have to go shoot afterwards, right?) Right right right. (Z: Quite busy, recently.) Today is quite busy. (Z: After you are done, do you drink a little? At home do you drink a little?) No, I don't. But w/ my father, occasionally, when my dad has a drink I would drink along w/ him.

(End)