Even if she was angry, Oprah could only force a smile and nod, agreeing to Ceylon's arrangement as she was now in Britain, not America.
…
It was her first time in Wales. Ever since the motorcade left London, Oprah had directed the photographers to try to take some photos of the scenery along the way.
Although her "The Oprah Winfrey Show" is an interview program, the original model was to invite guests to the studio and sit down for an interview.
But the person I want to interview today has a special identity. Do I want to invite him over?
Don't even think about it. When she first expressed her desire to be interviewed, people were not even willing to talk to her.
…
After the convoy entered Wales, the scenery along the way felt a little different from that in England.
At least in England, there are a lot of vehicles on the roads, and the various small towns along the way are also very lively.
But Wales is like a paradise.
There were few cars on the road and the road conditions were average.
It feels like going to the countryside.
After a somewhat bumpy ride on the Welsh countryside roads, the convoy finally arrived at its destination - the gate of the Earl's manor - at 1:30 p.m.
…
Oprah, who grew up in the United States, has not seen many ancient manors, but along the way, she has seen dozens of dilapidated manor castles that no one has restored.
This was her first impression of Wales. It was indeed known as the Land of a Thousand Castles, with fortresses everywhere.
But most of these fortresses have been in disrepair for a long time, and there is a huge gap compared to the fortress in front of us that can be lived in normally.
Even from a distance, Oprah truly felt what it felt like to have a sense of history blowing in her face.
The convoy stopped at the gate of the manor. There were a few older security guards, some burly bodyguards, and even a hunting dog like a bomb-sniffing dog, sniffing every car.
All vehicles are subject to careful inspection.
Ceylon got off the car and stood at the gate of the manor, chatting with Oprah, glancing into the manor from time to time.
…
Compared to Oprah, who looked ignorant and like a country bumpkin, although Ceylon had never been to this manor, she had seen many manors, exquisite, gorgeous and beautiful, but this was the first time she had seen a pure and retro manor like the one she saw today.
The gate of the manor does not face the hall of the building inside. Standing at the gate and looking inside, you can only see the general style and layout of the building from a distance, and you can't see anything else.
"Ma'am, you can go in first. Ma'am, please wait a moment. We need to call to verify your ID and this."
The tall and strong bodyguard, holding a bunch of documents and health certificates in his hands, handed her the Ceylon documents and signaled that she could go in first. As for Oprah and other Americans...
Then we have to wait until they finish the call and verify their identities again.
…
"you……"
Oprah was about to raise her right hand with her hands on her waist when the bodyguard opposite her, who had a calm expression just a moment ago, instantly reached for his waist with his left hand and stared at her vigilantly.
"Oprah, Oprah! Don't be impulsive."
Ceylon rarely stood closer to Oprah and gave her some advice.
This group of people have been in the United States for a long time, and their minds seem to be a little uncomfortable. They think that as program hosts, they will be sought after wherever they go, and this is not a chaotic place like America.
Making trouble at the gate of a hereditary earl's estate...
I can only say that people of all colors in the United States seem to be crazy and have no idea of their own limitations.
…
"Watch your words and actions ma'am."
The bodyguard looked at Ceylan's actions, pointed at Oprah, warned her in a stiff tone, and turned around to verify the documents.
…
"Are the people here?"
As Alan walked, he moved his right hand and slightly adjusted the cuff of his shirt.
The old-fashioned traditional white satin shirt is completely different in style from the modern cotton shirt. This kind of close-fitting and extremely soft shirt can better highlight the muscle lines of a man, and Alan has a strong body.
There are two strips of lily lace decorative fabric connected to the collar on both sides of the center line of the shirt on the chest.
A pair of dark trousers, this is what Alan is wearing today.
In theory, it would be perfect if I put a tuxedo cardigan jacket on top, but it's July now and it's too hot to wear this at home!
I just saved the coat and wore only the shirt.
"Master...the person has been taken to reception room number six."
"Number six?"
Alan frowned slightly. He had no impression of this room. He followed the servant down to the first floor and walked to the depths on the right.
…
Inside the entire manor, in addition to the dining room, reception room and conference room on the first floor, many places are office areas. People like Patrice and Siphis have their own small offices.
In addition to these, there are also reception rooms of different sizes and styles suitable for different scenarios.
The area above the second floor is the living area, with servants' rooms. Huth and his family also live on this floor.
The entire manor building has been converted into hundreds of rooms, both large and small.
There were some rooms that Alan might not go to for a year or two, so when he heard the servant mention reception room number six, he had no impression of it at all.
It was not until he walked into the reception room that Alan raised his eyebrows. The layout here was quite forward-looking.
This reception room is probably rarely used and is used for filming. The entire reception room is about 70 to 80 square meters, with a rectangular layout. On one side of the room, there are several sofas, while the other side was originally a very empty place, but at this time, it has been set up with cameras and some other interview equipment.
…
"Your Excellency, it is an honor to meet you. Thank you very much for taking the time to accept my interview. I am Ceylon, the host of the BBC's Distinguished Channel."
The first time Ceylon saw Allen, he didn't even have time to look at him carefully. He immediately stood up from the sofa and bowed respectfully. There were cameras at the scene, and although the footage of their first meeting might not be broadcast, the etiquette had to be in place!
If word gets out that BBC reporters don't even follow proper etiquette, she will suffer a huge loss.
…
It was not until Alan's gentle voice came that Ceylon raised his head and looked at Alan's right hand stretched out in front of him. Ceylon was a little flattered and stretched out both hands and shook them gently, saying: "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."
"You've had a hard time on the road, please sit down."
Alan smiled and nodded to Ceylon, then turned his gaze to the black female reporter who looked like a butcher.
…
"Hello, Mr. Count, I am Oprah."
“…”
Hearing the strange and inappropriate address from this black person who claimed to be Oprah, and looking at her weird manners, Allen felt a little disgusted. She was indeed an uneducated barbarian, and she still wanted to be a reporter?
Ceylon, whose attention had been on Allen since shaking hands with him, saw this extremely handsome gentleman frowning slightly, and even felt a little distressed. He turned his head to look at Oprah, who was extremely rude in both etiquette and words, and Ceylon subconsciously looked at the photographer.
As soon as their eyes met, Ceylon felt relieved. The photographer's firm look told her that this scene had been filmed.
Isn’t this news?
"The extremely arrogant American journalist was extremely disrespectful in front of His Excellency the Earl"
Ceylon moved a step to the side, curled the corners of his mouth slightly, and looked at Oprah with some contempt.
…
"Well, let's get started. Please take a seat."
This time, Alan didn't even have the desire to shake hands. He raised his right hand slightly and then put it back without leaving a trace. He nodded to Ceylon, indicating that they could sit down and start.
…
Alan sat in the middle of the single sofa in the main seat, Ceylon sat on the sofa closest to him on the right, and next to Ceylon sat Oprah with an embarrassed look on her face.
The servant brought a full set of tea service and poured three and a half cups of a very traditional black tea.
He then put lemon slices, ice cubes and other condiments into each cup, stirred them, and finally placed them in front of the three people. He then added tea, bowed slightly to Alan, and slowly backed away with the tray.
The whole set of actions, including serving tea, dividing tea, making tea and serving tea, is smooth and looks very pleasing to the eye.
…
"Mr. Allen...Excuse me, have you ever watched the programs on our distinguished channel?"
When the servant bowed to Allen, Ceylon nodded gently to the servant in a very ladylike manner to express her gratitude, while Oprah next to her just nodded casually.
Ignoring Oprah, Ceylon waited until the servant left and asked a question out of curiosity.
"The distinguished channel..."
Alan recalled briefly and found that the name of this channel was very deceptive. It did not mean that their programs on this channel were very noble, or that it was a TV station specializing in interviewing aristocrats. Their nobility was more addressed to the audience.
This station is one of dozens of radio and television stations of the BBC. It is more entertainment-oriented and features interviews with many celebrities and politicians.
The most important thing is that their station is international and can be watched by all countries in the entire Commonwealth region. It has a huge influence!
That’s why they are called the Noble Channel!
…
"I don't have much time to watch TV. You know, I have a lot of work to do and I'm very busy every day. But I have known about your station before."
"Really?! What an honor." Ceylon couldn't stop smiling.
The implication of His Excellency the Earl's words is that even if he is very busy, he will take time out to watch the premium channel!
There’s another piece of news for tomorrow!
…
I held the armrest of the delicate-looking teacup in front of me, picked it up and took a sip. The sour and sweet lemon black tea didn't taste as good as coffee.
Oprah put down her teacup. After hearing Ceylon's first question, she sat up straight, crossed her legs as usual, and gestured with her right hand. She asked in a relaxed manner, "Some time ago, Ms. Meryl accidentally revealed Mr. Allen's identity during an interview. What do you think about this?"
“…”
Looking at Ceylon's proper sitting posture with his knees together and his hands on his legs, and then looking at Oprah's carefree sitting posture, Allen felt a little disgusted.
It’s not that you can’t cross your legs while chatting, but when the two parties are not close or familiar with each other, crossing your legs while talking to someone is extremely disrespectful!
Even he had his feet flat on the ground and was sitting in a very standard posture, but this guy was actually crossing his legs. What was he thinking?
Didn't you do any homework before coming here?
…
"It's really rude the way you sit. Are all interviews in your country so rude?" Allen said, pointing at Oprah with his right hand, his words full of disgust.
"ah……"
This time it's Oprah's turn to be embarrassed.
Her program itself is in the form of a talk show, and its main features are a relaxed and sharp tone, with free speech. In addition, she has never interviewed a serious aristocrat before.
As for preparing in advance?
She did make some preparations in other aspects, but she really hadn't considered etiquette...
…
"You always ask others to respect you, especially people of your skin color, always complaining about inequality and demanding this and that. But sometimes, you really should think more about yourselves, gain more experience, and learn more about the knowledge, history, and etiquette of different countries. You always act like others owe you something, but you can't learn how to respect others first. It's really..."
Alan shook his head. Although his words were somewhat euphemistic, his intentions were sinister. Ceylon, who was standing next to him, almost couldn't hold back his laughter after hearing what he said.
…
"Sir... uh... it should be due to their living habits and social background. They have never come into contact with people of your class."
Ceylon seemed to be kind enough to speak well of Oprah.
"Haha... I can understand that. America is a place where many ethnic groups gather. It's acceptable to be a little chaotic and ignorant."
The two of them sang the same tune and instantly added a few more labels to Oprah.
When it comes to making fun of Americans, most British people don't need to be taught. Even a look or a word will get everyone working together and making fun of them.
…
Ceylon thought that once today's clips were broadcast, Oprah's embarrassing behavior next to her would further highlight her high professional quality as a BBC reporter.
"Mr. Allen, regarding the movie you released some time ago, it is said that you shot it yourself. You..." Ceylon didn't know how to express it. He made a helpless and apologetic gesture and continued: "How did you come up with the idea of making such a controversial movie?"
…
When Alan heard the question, he quickly went through it in his mind. In this kind of situation, one must learn to brag.
It's not enough to just brag, you also have to learn how to bring in celebrities to tell stories. Regardless of whether they are true or not, try to make them sound vague and grandiose.
He couldn't say that he was short of money and his family couldn't make ends meet, so he shot a large-scale commercial for his duck factory in Gambia, right?
That's so embarrassing!
Be high-end!
…
"Princess Diana, she's my aunt, you know that?"
"Oh? There's such a relationship?"
Ceylon was shocked. They would never dare to secretly check such private information, let alone about members of the royal family, but...
Diana is currently very popular in the UK. She is the most popular member of the royal family so far, except for the Queen!
"Yes... My mother died early, and the princess took good care of me since I was a child. She helped and influenced me a lot, so I also hope to be like her and make some contributions to the empire, society, and the female group."
Never mind that Diana was only a few years older than Alan and how she had managed to take care of him since he was a child, Alan started bragging as soon as he opened his mouth.
The first thing he did was to be inspired by the princess, for the empire, for the society!