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The two weren't even originally supposed to be together. Both William and Lauren had come to Shanghai Rush auditions with partners who couldn't make it, and so they decided to join up to become one of the more unlikely pairs of the season.
That didn't stop them from making it to the third episode, where they were unfortunately foiled when even William's grasp of Chinese couldn't help them communicate with the locals.
The odd couple of Shanghai Rush answered some of our questions. Unfortunately, there was no insight about the slap heard 'round Shanghai (or at least, the part of Shanghai that twitters the show), but we did learn that William thinks Americans are bossy!
How did you guys decide to join Shanghai Rush?
William: I always want to do things that I never experienced , since I've never been on TV before and never participated activity like this before, so that’s the major reason I joined Shanghai Rush.
Lauren: I decided to join Shanghai Rush as it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I wanted to experience something totally new and different outside of my comfort zone.
So what happened your last challenge that you think made you end up coming in last?
Lauren: In our last episode we were faced with finding a certain underground walkway, and we spent too much time in the wrong place! We were told that we were in the underground walkway, but unfortunately it wasn't the correct one.
William: Communications with local people were no good when we were in underground place, we just were not able to reach the place [we needed to go].
If you could do things differently, what would you do?
William: I would be more strong about my own mind in many cases, sometimes I didn't agree with Lauren, but just due to the culture difference [I didn't do anything.] You know, Chinese culture is always conservative, but Americans cannot stand feeling out of control. I was trying to be polite so I said ok and just did so as she wanted.
Lauren: I think William and I would try to find better ways to communicate with one another. We were getting to know each other's personalities while performing these intense challenges. So it was a lot to take on at one time.
What was the hardest challenge you encountered during the event?
William: Physically, maybe just F1. But I think the hardest stuff, for me, is the communication with locals. I am not familiar with shanghai either. That plus the prompt translation to Lauren.
Lauren: Trying to get direct and logical answers from random people was a tough challenge. I don't think they realized how important their answers or directions were to our survival on the show!
What challenge was your favorite?
Both: Definitely F1!
So what's in the cards for you now that Shanghai Rush is over? What are you up to?
William: Lauren help me out! I don't understand this sentence. ~_~
Lauren: Well, I'm currently spending a lot of time working with my band here in Shanghai, and I'm also preparing to travel to the states to finish recording my album. I'm planning to release it this summer, and I'm so excited!
Any teams you're particularly rooting for?
Lauren: I'm rooting for Nic & Liz. They are the coolest and most hilarious team on the show, and they always seem to remember the most important element about this experience, and that is to have fun!!!
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When and on what station is this aired in China?
Can't find a torrent of it.
Though, I guess it doesn't matter since the first three episodes have been spoiled for me now! ;)
You can watch them on Youku by doing a search of "冲刺！上海"
Otherwise, the show's on Sunday nights starting at 8pm.