Huayu: I'm reborn, but you still force me to be a scumbag?

Chapter 423 Acting Like a Big Shot

The release of Inception is destined to be a long process.

In Shibuya, Tokyo, moviegoers were still queuing to buy tickets at 2 a.m. Meanwhile, long lines of students still crowded outside IMAX cinemas on Nanjing Road in Shanghai.

On Naver in South Korea, many "analysis experts" are still repeatedly discussing whether the spinning top actually stopped. In Paris, some art-house cinemas finally started showing *Inception* in their IMAX theaters three weeks after its initial release. In Ximending, Taipei, many film fans repeatedly went to the cinema, tirelessly discussing details of the dream sequence.

It is now May 2011, 8.

Inception in its sixth week of release in North America and the UK.

Despite the back-and-forth competition from "Captain America" ​​and "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," its screenings in the two initial markets haven't seen a significant drop this week. Theater managers seem reluctant to replace this blockbuster, which has held the number one spot on IMDb for six weeks.

In Europe, as well as in many countries in Asia, Australia, Central and South America, and Africa, this is the third to fifth week of Inception's release, and its popularity shows no signs of waning.

As Mr. Yamamoto, the manager of the distribution department of Toho International Pictures, said with great enthusiasm during an interview with NHK's late-night news:
“At the global distribution conference in London, Chen Nuosang firmly believed that Inception would sweep the world, especially among young people, and would spark a sustained discussion and viewing frenzy.”

"His confidence inspired us, which led us to decide to go all in on this film during the summer season."

"It has now topped the box office in Japan for four consecutive weeks. Today, its box office has surpassed that of Avatar, setting a new record for the highest-grossing foreign film in its opening month in nearly a decade—which was entirely within our expectations."

"In the coming period, we will do our best to ensure its screenings throughout Japan, and we will continue to expand the scale of the screenings, striving to expand to more than 800 theaters across the country, so that everyone who has not yet had the chance to see the movie, or movie fans who have seen it two or three times and are still not satisfied, can once again step into this lifelike dream on the big screen."

He paused, then added, "We believe that the box office potential of 'Inception' in Japan has not yet been fully realized."

"With the film achieving great box office success, when will Chen Nuosang come to Japan to fulfill his promise to his fans? Mr. Yamamoto, are you aware of this?" a reporter asked off-camera.

Manager Yamamoto did not hesitate and said, "Yes, Chen Nuosang specifically asked me to tell the Japanese fans that he has communicated with TBS about the recording of 'Human Observation'. However, he has some work to take care of in China recently, and he will come to Japan as soon as he finishes his work. He has not forgotten his promise to everyone."

"Regarding Chen Nuosang's income, Manager Yamamoto, are you aware of anything? There have been rumors recently that he will earn over 400 billion yen from 'Inception,' is that true?"

"I'm sorry, I don't know that."

"Okay, thank you, Yamamoto-san."

If Chen Nuo knew that the 2D Leonardo DiCaprio version of "Inception" in his previous life was ultimately released in more than 500 theaters in Japan, but only grossed 31 billion yen, or 4000 million US dollars, he would definitely find Toho's "300-day release plan" unbelievable.

Increase the number of cinemas, appropriately reduce the number of screenings per cinema, and lengthen the screening cycle.

How long should it be stretched?
One month, two months?

No, Toho says it's 300 days.

Just like all blockbusters that have achieved box office success in Japan, Toho, when communicating with the producers of "Inception," said they wanted to use an extended screening period to fully tap into the potential of Japan's second-largest single box office market.

How could Chen Nuo possibly not support this?
"...I don't know how much it will sell for in Japan in the end." Chen Nuo said frankly, "200 billion? 250 billion? 300 billion? I don't know if Spirited Away can reach 316 billion, but it should be able to surpass Titanic."

"How many Titanic units were sold in Japan?" Tong Liya asked curiously.

"More than 260 billion yen. Of course, considering inflation, it's still quite far off, but if we're just comparing box office revenue, it's quite possible."

What about Avatar?

“Avatar…” Chen Nuo laughed, “Avatar isn’t even as good as Harry Potter 1 in Japan. We’ll surpass it next week.”

"That's amazing." Tong Liya looked at Chen Nuo with admiration in her eyes. "Did you foresee this result before filming?"

"Uh, I've got it now," Chen Nuo said truthfully. "Otherwise, how could I dare to gamble so much money? If I lost, I would be bankrupt. Thinking about it now... I'm still a little scared."

Tong Liya asked with great interest, "I saw on Weibo that people said you only stepped in because China Film Group stopped investing, is that right?"

"That's how it is. You have no idea, I was so angry I almost vomited blood..."

What do successful people like to do most?
Of course, it's about reminiscing about the past.

Although there were fewer viewers, Tong Liya was no ordinary audience member.

You could say one person is worth 100.

In the dim light of the hotel room, she blinked her large, honey-brown eyes, her dimples barely visible at the corners of her mouth. Although her skin wasn't exactly fair, her graceful feminine charm was perfectly accentuated by the low-saturation light.

Being stared at by such a beautiful woman would definitely satisfy a man's vanity to the fullest extent.

"...Can it work?" When Tong Liya heard the man say that the next film, Inception, would be aiming to break Titanic's record—not in Japan, but worldwide—with a box office of $21.13 billion, her heart raced.

Hearing the other person talk about such things was like a shepherdess hearing that Moses was going to part the Red Sea and lead his army into the ocean for a TV drama actress who mainly worked in China.

When she hesitated and asked, Chen Nuo smiled and said, "I'll do my best. So, after I finish filming here, before I go to the United States, I'll go to Japan again to do some promotion and see how many more Japanese people I can fool."

Tong Liya laughed and said, "Liar!?"

Chen Nuo said calmly, "Yes, it's a lie."

Tickets for "Inception" in China start at 30 yuan, while in Japan they start at 1800 yen, which is roughly four or five times the price in China. They even encourage Japanese viewers to see it multiple times, and after the theatrical run, they promote Blu-ray and special commemorative DVDs to them.

In Chen Nuo's view, what else could this be but a scam?

Or, to use a different word, "薅" (shǒu)?

"Then thank you for tricking so many people into coming to our XJ." Tong Liya composed herself and smiled.

Chen Nuo said, "Alright, stop talking. You've been thanking me all night. I deeply appreciate your gratitude."

"Hahaha." Under the dim light, Tong Liya laughed, revealing her two canine teeth.

The girl then added, "In recent weeks, the number of tourists visiting our area has increased many times over compared to last year. The hotel you stayed at last time is now fully booked every day, not only in Xibe County, but also in Ili, Kashgar, WLMQ... This year, XJ has seen a lot more tourists, all because..."

Chen Nuo interrupted, "Stop with the empty talk, let's get practical."

Tong Liya smiled, feeling incredibly tender inside.

The longer they spent together, the more she began to understand this man.

He is both mature and naive, calm and flamboyant, often using humor to mask his true feelings and nonchalance to conceal his seriousness. He would never openly accept a "thank you."

Tong Liya couldn't even imagine how exaggeratedly and proudly a man would talk about his success if he achieved such accomplishments and status.

But what about him?
They always say it's because they were "lucky" or "everyone gave them face."

It's hard to believe he's only 25 years old.

She had only ever met one man like that in her entire life.

She will never let go, no matter what.

"So how do you want me to thank you?" she asked with a smile.

"I didn't examine the previous set carefully enough. Why don't you go and get another one to take a look?"

"A? What time is it? You've been out making phone calls for so long, aren't you sleepy?"

"I'm not sleepy."

"By the way, who called you? Why did you hide out? Liu Yifei?"

"What? Other people? I went out because I was worried that too many phone calls would disturb your sleep. I didn't expect that you would wake up on your own when I came back."

"I don't believe it. Why would anyone else contact you so late?"

"Hey, look for yourself, I didn't lie to you. Check the call logs." Chen Nuo was too lazy to explain and simply handed over the phone.

"...Old Ka? Who's that?"

"James Cameron."

Tong Liya's first reaction was that it was a joke, but the next moment she realized whose phone she was holding.

The James Cameron that others are talking about might be a fellow villager named James who drives a truck and is not deaf.

But what about James Cameron, whom he mentioned?

It's highly likely that it really is James Cameron. It's not a homonym, and there's no joke involved. He's the real king of commercial films.

She was at a loss for words, and blurted out a nonsensical sentence: "He, he was looking for you just now?"

"correct."

Hearing the man's casual tone, Tong Liya answered the phone again, "...Then who is this Xiao Li?"

Leonardo DiCaprio.

"DiCaprio?"

"Ah."

This is even less likely to be a pun.

She asked curiously, "Why do you call him Little Li?"

"Because he's small."

Tong Liya didn't understand, but she decided to ask about one last name: "Then... what about this 'Big Sai'?"

"Well, well..." Chen Nuo said with a smile, "Go change your clothes first, and then I'll tell you."

"...Which set?"

"That white one."

"Didn't you tear that set to shreds before?"

"It's only when it's dilapidated that it feels right."

……

Tong Liya arrived in the darkness of night and left before dawn.

When Chen Nuo left, he was still fast asleep. When he woke up, he saw an unread text message on his phone with some words written on it.

He held it in his hand for a while, replied with two words, and then got up to wash up.

Today is his first day on set.

Looking at the time, he realized he was going to be late. As he brushed his teeth, he wondered if he could use the excuse that he hadn't filmed a TV series in a long time and was so excited and nervous that he couldn't sleep to get away with it.

Sigh, it's all because Tong Liya's body is too flexible. She's so versatile; she can try all sorts of strange and unusual moves and poses, making it irresistible.

As the saying goes, "When life is going well, the horse gallops swiftly." If you don't go to sleep until 6 a.m., it's already pretty good if you can wake up after 9 a.m.

It's just strange that no one called him.

……

Although he didn't have any scenes to film today, Lin Gengxin still came to the set.

Of course, he wasn't the only one doing this.

Hu Ge, Tang Yan, Jin Chen, Jiang Jinfu, Ma Tianyu, and others also didn't have any acting roles, but they all came anyway.

Although half an hour had passed since the originally agreed 9 a.m.

Normally, this would have already caused sarcastic comments in the production crew group: "Do some people think they're some kind of big shot?" or "Do we have to wait for VIPs to get up before filming?" These kinds of remarks would spread in no time.

But today, the set was unusually quiet.

Whether it was the directors, actors, staff, or even Ms. Cai Yinong, who had come to the scene today, none of them showed any unusual reaction.

President Cai seemed to have forgotten the time, chatting happily with Hu Ge, while Jin Chen and Tang Yan, standing beside him, also laughed along.

Director Li Guoli was not as serious as usual; he and screenwriter Deng Liqi were talking animatedly about something.

Even the notoriously hot-tempered assistant director, Liang Shengquan, only glanced at his watch before looking down and continuing to talk to the lighting technician, as if his lateness was nothing to worry about.

The reason is quite simple.

Just like that phrase you often see in production crew or crew chat groups.

Normally, once that sentence is uttered, it will leave the latecomers speechless, and they can only sheepishly apologize in the group chat.

But what about today?

If someone were to say in a sarcastic tone, "Does so-and-so think they're Chen Nuo?"

Then they replied, "Yes, that's right." What do you do then?
Will the atmosphere be awkward?

Wouldn't you feel like you've brought shame upon yourself?

So, should we just stop talking about it altogether?

If you want to act like a big shot, then go ahead and act like one.

Being an hour or two late doesn't matter. On the contrary, when I go out and brag about it, saying that I've seen Chen Nuo act like a big shot, no one will have a problem with it. I'll just get to drink a few more bottles of alcohol, that's all.

So... what should we do?
What should I do?
Lin Gengxin was lost in thought, his expression uncertain.

Seeing his expression, Jiang Jinfu asked curiously, "What are you thinking about? It's so early in the morning. Did you get up too early and not wake up yet?"

Lin Gengxin forced a smile and said, "I did get up quite early and went for a run."

Otherwise, I wouldn't have run into that woman.

Although the woman was wearing a mask, his eagle eyes were still sharp enough to recognize her. She was clearly the actress who played Sister Peach in "Let the Bullets Fly," the one who became an overnight sensation.

It is said that when that person was filming "Bullets Fly," he took her in as a disciple and taught her acting. Their relationship was that of master and disciple, but also a purely platonic one.

Now it seems, I knew it, how could such a thing possibly happen?

There was only one celebrity living on the fifth floor. The rest of the staff were his assistants, makeup artists, bodyguards, and so on, and he booked the entire floor.

So it can't be wrong.

Sigh, so what do we do now?
It's better to know nothing at all, otherwise you won't have so many distracting thoughts.

"How long do you think we'll have to wait?" Jiang Jin asked, "We're not going to have to wait all morning, are we? Heh, if that's the case, I really, I'll..."

Upon hearing this, Lin Gengxin was startled and turned his head to look.

"...I need to find a stool to sit on," Jiang Jinfu said calmly.

Lin Gengxin was a little speechless. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Get one for me too."

"Forget it, let's just stand here." Jiang Jinfu maintained his cool demeanor. "So that other people don't see us and say we're acting like divas."

Lin Gengxin blinked, momentarily failing to grasp the meaning of those words.

Then immediately, Jiang Jinfu's entire face lit up, his eyebrows and eyes started dancing, and he began to walk in that direction before finally uttering, "Coming, coming, coming, coming..."

……

The person who made the entire crew of "Xuan-Yuan Sword 3: Scar of the Sky" wait for an hour finally arrived.

Everyone immediately swarmed around it.

Producers, directors, and lead actors are in the inner circle.

The rest of the staff and supporting actors are on the outer circle.

Further out were today's extras, group leaders, and crew laborers. These people knew they weren't qualified, so they were very self-disciplined and didn't dare to move around. They could only stand on tiptoe or find a high place to look this way.

Lin Gengxin, as the third male lead in the series, is in a position that is neither too high nor too low. He stands two steps behind Jiang Jinfu, with Jin Chen on his left and Ma Tianyu on his right.

He heard Ma Tianyu muttering to himself, muttering to himself, but he couldn't understand what he was saying.

Jin Chen didn't speak, but her expression remained unchanged; it was unclear why she kept smiling. Who was she smiling for?

"Wow!"

The door of the Alphard in front of me opened.

The person inside didn't wait for any bodyguards or assistants to open the door for him, making the people outside wait longer. As soon as the car stopped, he opened the door himself from the inside.

Then, a person who was very familiar to Lin Gengxin, dressed in simple jeans and a white T-shirt, got out of the car and appeared in front of him.

In that instant, Lin Gengxin felt as if he were watching a movie.

Yes, he's seen all of his movies.

He had seen this face digging holes in the mountains, laughing wildly in his car, selling pancakes in New York, urinating in Busan, and not long ago, he saw him running wildly through the snow in XJ and chatting and laughing amidst the explosion of a Parisian café.

There was a sentence that Lin Gengxin had forgotten where he had seen it, but it suddenly popped into his mind at this moment.

"Whether you dislike him or hate him in your heart, the fact is that there is no Chinese actor who doesn't want to be him or just get close to him."

At this moment, a certain idea in Lin Gengxin's mind became firm.

However, although.

so what?
Fight!

……

The moment Chen Nuo stepped out of the car, he immediately felt the unique enthusiasm of the Chinese film crew.

It instantly gave him a feeling of coming home.

"Mr. Cai, I'm so sorry, I..."

Well, before he could even use an excuse, Cai Yinong interrupted him with a beaming smile, "President Chen, hello, hello. Welcome to our Xuan-Yuan Sword 3: The Scar of the Sky crew," and then proceeded to introduce everyone one by one.

He had no choice but to go along with the host's arrangements. He had arrived late yesterday, partly because he was tired and partly because of Tong Liya, so this was indeed the first time he had met these people.

They immediately shook hands, exchanged pleasantries, and smiled at each of them.

"Hello, Director Li." "Hello, Director Huang."

"Hello."

"Hello."

"Hello."

"Hello……"

Chen Nuo smiled at the big man in front of him.

Why are you so blank and wooden?

Does he seem like a reckless fool? Could he actually have something wrong with his head and do something stupid?
Upon seeing this, Cai Yinong immediately added, "Geng Xin is a newcomer that Tangren is promoting. He recently filmed 'Scarlet Heart', in which he played the Fourteenth Prince. The response was very good. He is a very, very good actor. In our current drama, he plays Zhang Lie. We hope you will give him more guidance in the future. Geng Xin, what do you want to say?"

Lin Gengxin's hands were a little sweaty, but he forced a smile and said, "It's my first time meeting you. Please give me your guidance."

Chen Nuo nodded.

It seems that no matter what happens in the future, he really is a simpleton for now.

"Then, shall we go do our makeup now?" Cai Yinong said immediately when she saw that it was almost done.

She knew that for a producer and head of a film company, it was a little inappropriate for her to take on the work of a production assistant. However, she didn't mind, nor did she feel ashamed; in fact, she felt it was somewhat natural. She believed that even if Wang Zongjun were here now, he would do the same.

"Okay, I'm really sorry for the delay today. I've kept everyone waiting. I'll treat everyone to dinner tonight."

After Chen Nuo finished speaking, she cupped her hands in greeting to the surroundings and went to put on makeup.

Amidst the deafening cheers from all around, Lin Gengxin was staring blankly at the man's back when suddenly someone bumped his shoulder; it was Jiang Jin who came to help him up.

"Well, Lin Gengxin, you've really been hiding your true abilities!" Jiang Jinfu suddenly wrapped his arms around his neck. "Tell me, what exactly happened?"

Lin Gengxin asked, bewildered, "What? What happened?"

"Why was he smiling at you the only one? Tell me honestly!"

"what?"

"What do you mean, 'huh'? Don't play dumb! It's one thing for Lao Hu to be with me. But he didn't smile at Shishi or Tang Meinu, yet he smiled at you. Lao Lin, Lao Lin, what's going on? Tell me now."

Lin Gengxin looked around blankly, only to see several people staring at him.

Tang Yan asked with a curious look, "Old Lin, have you met before?"

"No, no." Lin Gengxin scratched his head.

"Ok."

Seeing that he didn't say anything, Tang Yan and the others dispersed.

But Jiang Jin, who was on good terms with him, stayed behind and kept pressing him for answers. Lin Gengxin had no choice but to make a hasty escape by urinating.

He had a vague idea of ​​what might have happened. At this point, there was no turning back for him.

All we can do is fight.

Moreover, the best time is now; the longer it is delayed, the more disadvantageous it will be for him!
Afterwards, Lin Gengxin found an opportunity and slipped into the dressing room on set.

The dressing room was empty. Lin Gengxin hesitated for two seconds, then steeled himself and reached out to lift the innermost curtain. Inside was a private dressing area that the production crew had specially prepared for him.
Lin Gengxin didn't know where he got the courage. Although he felt uneasy, he had already stepped inside.

Then he saw that Chen Nuo had already changed into his costume, wearing a suit of armor, sitting on a stool, holding a script in his hand, with his head slightly lowered.

Several stylists were surrounding him, some applying hair extensions, others touching up his makeup. Although he was being manipulated, his expression remained calm and focused, a look Lin Gengxin had never seen on any other actor's face.

Besides him, his incredibly beautiful assistant and bodyguards were standing to the side.

When he came in, they all looked over.

Especially his bodyguard, whose eyes were like knives, made Lin Gengxin's mind go blank, his palms immediately sweating, and he almost instinctively wanted to back away.

But before he could move, the incredibly young general opposite him suddenly raised his head and looked at him.

It was a very natural gaze, neither too high nor too low, neither aggressive nor condescending. She simply glanced at him, and a slight smile played at the corners of her lips.

"What, looking for me?" The voice wasn't loud, and the tone wasn't serious; it sounded like a casual remark, even a bit like a joke.

Lin Gengxin felt his whole body trembling, and he forced a nod, saying, "Um, Brother Nuo... are you free?"

"Have."

Can I talk to you alone?

"Row."

Chen Nuo nodded crisply and gestured with his eyes for Linghu and Gulnazar to go outside for a moment.

The text message Tong Liya sent him that morning was about this very thing.

Even with all his precautions, they were still seen. The woman was worried about the consequences for him, but he didn't think much of it. After all, you can't walk by the river without getting your shoes wet. If you're not prepared to be caught in the act, you'd better not drool over someone else's wife.

Lin Gengxin certainly knew his name and that he would be quite popular for a while, but he didn't know anything about his personality.

So he really couldn't figure out what this person wanted to do.
Threatening and extortion? Seeking fame and fortune? Or what?
He really doesn't know.

Thinking about it carefully, it seems that none of these things are difficult for him right now. However, whether he will, is willing, or even wants to is another matter entirely.

"I saw it this morning..." With only the two of them left in the room, Lin Gengxin steeled himself and said somewhat incoherently, "I know it's the one from 'Let the Bullets Fly'... I know you taught her acting. I'm sure I didn't see wrong, she came down from the fifth floor to find you, right?"

Chen Nuo nodded and said, "Yes, and then?"

Lin Gengxin was taken aback, not expecting the other party to admit it so easily.

However, he immediately realized what was happening, raised his right hand, straightened his middle three fingers, and said, "I will absolutely not say a word about this to anyone. I swear, if I do, may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death."

Chen Nuo smiled and asked curiously, "So, what do you want?"

The crucial moment arrived, and Lin Gengxin's heart pounded. He felt he had never been so nervous in his life.

With a thud, he knelt on the ground.

"Can I also become your disciple?"

Ps:

It seems like the double bet will be gone if we don't bet now.

Here is 7000 words.

(End of this chapter)