The Director

Bang Kieu carried his son in his arms as he and Luong Tung Quang entered the grand stadium. It was packed with crew members running around. The stage was huge, bigger than what both guys were used to back home. After dropping off their stuff in a dressing room, they found Marie talking to someone, not just one but two girls. Bang Kieu didn't have to look to tell who they are.

Bang Kieu: Hey Marie...ladies (nodding)

Minh Tuyet: (nodded)

Nhu Loan: (nodded)

Marie: Kieu, we've got a day before the shows starts! How are you guys gonna rehearse?

LTQ: Don't worry, we'll practice more on our own.

Marie: I don't care how you do it, but please be prepared! Now I would like to introduce our new director.

She tapped on someone's shoulder who turned around instantly. The man looked startled to see unfamiliar faces in front of him.

Director: Who are these people?

Marie: They are the four missing singers, they came back-

Director: From a vacation, huh? I knew it!

Marie: No, they just got lost on their way-

The director didn't hear what Marie as said but instead focus his attention the four standing before him. He glared at them all.

Director (at Bang Kieu): YOU ARE FAT!

(at Nhu Loan): You look like a grasshopper

Marie interfered before he can get to Minh Tuyet and LTQ, "Please, Ken. Save it for later. Now they gotta get ready to rehearse. Anyways, here is Minh Tuyet, Bang Kieu, Nhu Loan, Luong Tung Quang. Guys, meet Ken. Our director"

Bang Kieu and Nhu Loan was still too confused and rather shocked to say anything, whereas Minh Tuyet and LTQ managed to softly slip out a "Hi." LTQ went as far as offering his hand but Ken only looked, no, gawked at them sternly and refused to shake hands. LTQ withdrew his hand awkwardly as Marie broke the uneasy silence by telling them to go get ready.
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Bang Kieu: That bastard just called me fat!?!

Nhu Loan: Please, you're a guy, no need to get all offended about it. I'm the one who should be complaining. Who does he think he is?

LTQ: A director.

Nhu Loan made no reply but only started to walk faster after glancing at him annoyingly. She reached the dressing room and slammed the door as she went inside. Minh Tuyet quickly followed her.

Bang Kieu shooked his head, "Women!... why is she acting like this all of a sudden? Surely it's not because of the bathroom incident-"

"She had a fight with someone on the phone. And jugding on the way she talked to the person, I'm guessing it's her ex, wanting to get her back," LTQ replied.

"Why are you so...observant all of a sudden?"

"It's just common sense!"

Bang Kieu wanted to say something back but decided that it was best to keep his mouth shut.
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Ken: FINALLY! (sarcastically) That was VERY fast.

Nhu Loan: But we had to pick out the costumes!

Ken: Excuses. Now, who's up first?

Bang Kieu: We don't even know what we're singing!

Ken face was stoned and his grip on the paper he was holding in his hand tightened. Marie came to the rescue again, "Guys, here is what you're going to sing-"

Ken: Marie, I don't think this is going to work. I want to them out of the show!

Marie: No! Absolutely not! Half of the audience is here for these four. I rather have them messing up onstage rather than not have them there at all.

Ken said nothing, his face still stoned. He turned around and sat down in one of the chairs, facing the stage.

Marie: Minh Tuyet, you're first. You're doing the opening.

Minh Tuyet: WHAT?!?

Ken: LOOK, if you don't want to, get off stage and leave! It's easy as that.

Minh Tuyet: How am I supposed to learn all this dance moves as well as the song in one day?

Ken: You PRACTICE. Do it OVER and OVER again until you get it. Seriously, dear, are you brain dead or what? So for the meantime, go to the choreographer. Who's next?

LTQ: Me.

Ken: You got a ballad.You know what to do. Oh, go to sleep right after the rehearsal. I'm sure make-up won't be able to cover up those dark circles around your eyes. You look like a freaking ghost!

Ken ignored LTQ's complaints and went to the next victim, eh, singer: I see that Grasshopper is next. You will be doing this number with Loan Chau so go look for her and ask for help.

Nhu Loan: But you're the director-

Ken, again, ignored the complaints and went to Bang Kieu: Okay, you got another ballad with no dancers and an interview afterwards. I suppose you know what to do. By the way, go get your eyebrows waxed so that it make your face look a little skinnier and remember to skip all the meals until showtime.

Bang Kieu: Wax my eyebrows and skip meals? What in the world?!?

Ken: Questions and more questions. Singers don't ask questions, they just sing! SO GO DO YOUR JOB while I choke down on another eggroll.

LTQ: Wow, compared to him, Marie is like Mother Theresa.

Minh Tuyet: Oh Shut up Quang!