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

Chapter 450 What is Genius?

Nia Okoro looked at the lively audience backstage and couldn't help but grin, revealing a set of bright white teeth.

The fact that the film's male lead no longer refused to participate in the promotion is definitely good news for her, the new publicity director of Summit Entertainment.

Before this, many of the problems that had troubled her were no longer problems.

Look at this noisy audience!

Please, by comparison, Kristen Stewart's performance on "The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon" not long ago—though she really doesn't want to use the word, it really was—a disaster.

“That was amazing, absolutely wonderful.” Nia Okoro turned to the red-haired woman standing beside her, as if the little argument had never happened. “I can’t believe there was no rehearsal.”

Allison didn't even flinch, and said calmly, "Didn't you do any research before taking on this job?"

"FUCK YOU," Nia cursed inwardly, but smiled and said, "Of course, of course I do. But what you see on TV and what you experience in person are two different things, right?"

"No, that's one thing. For a professional, the data speaks for itself. Your unwillingness to believe it only shows that your perspective is too narrow and that you cannot understand what genius is."

Nia resisted the urge to roll her eyes, took a deep breath, and said, "Yes, you're right."

Then, we turned our attention back to the on-site monitor.

At the recording site, the audience's reaction was not the same as her mood, nor was she dampened by someone's cold words; instead, they cheered wave after wave.

Jimmy Kimmel let out another goose-like laugh and said, "I don't think Obama will pay us much."

Chen Nuo reacted quickly, immediately saying, "Maybe in other places. But in Hollywood? No, Jimmy, don't try to fool me, you're all in cahoots."

Jimmy Kimmel's audience seats were about 200, all of whom were registered and screened in advance. Chen Nuo looked over and saw that everyone was in high spirits and laughing heartily.

Chen Nuo was quite satisfied.

Indeed, for late-night programs like this, you have to be proactive, a little bit spicy and even a little bit excessive, and it's okay to touch on sensitive topics like politics, race, and nations. On the contrary, if you're reserved, stiff, and lack a sense of humor, answering only one question at a time, that's a big problem.

This was actually his first time appearing on this most popular late-night talk show in North America. During the promotional period for "Inception," everything was arranged, but he chose to go on strike at the last minute and didn't participate.

This time, he wanted to take this opportunity to verify a question that had been on his mind.

So, after his laughter subsided, he said to the audience in a serious tone, "You all seem to really think we'd do that. No, we won't. I was just joking. My turning into a vampire and kidnapping you was all a joke. Really. This last part is not a joke."

"Hahahahaha..." Chen Nuo's tongue-twister-like jokes caused the laughter that had just subsided to rise again and again in the audience.

Jimmy Kimmel smiled.

The voice from the control room came through the headset: "Very good, Jimmy, keep this pace, let him improvise. The ratings are still rising, Americans love him, probably even more than they love you."

Jimmy Kimmel kept smiling.

He is not actually an interview host. His strengths lie in satirical monologues, political commentary, and dry humor, rather than, like Jimmy Fallon, who can connect with any guest and create a relaxed and funny atmosphere through Q&A or quirky jokes.

Therefore, if a guest is not humorous and is serious, the show's ratings will drop significantly for that episode.

On the contrary, he is most at ease in his current state.

Although time was too tight and there was no time for rehearsal, both sides had communicated the framework of the program in advance.

He knew what Chen Nuo was going to do at this moment.

When the other person suggested this idea, he immediately felt it was very similar to the street interviews they had done on their show before. He guessed that their longtime viewers would assume it was a deliberate arrangement by the production team, and would never suspect it was the guest's idea.

However, regardless of the circumstances, the secret to the show's enduring success lies in its humor, scathing commentary, and ability to generate buzz and discussion.

He was pleased with this outcome.

Then, Chen Nuo naturally asked, "Does anyone have travel plans to China? Raise your hand."

Less than 10% of the audience raised their hands.

Chen Nuo shrugged and said, "Okay. All I can say is go out and travel when you have time, guys. The world doesn't just have 51 states, really."

"Hahahaha!" This time, it wasn't just laughter. Amidst Chen Nuo's blatant mockery, there were also screams and applause, further confirming Chen Nuo's judgment: the loyal fans of the late-night show had a great appetite and could handle any kind of joke.

After Jimmy Kimmel finished asking Chen Nuo his questions and waited for the laughter to subside, he pulled out a KT board from under the table. On it was an enlarged print of a photo, none other than a picture of Chen Nuo attending Shu Chang's birthday party with her face covered not long ago.

The camera lens gave the photo a close-up at just the right moment, which made not only those on set, but also many viewers in front of their televisions burst into laughter.

What the hell is this?

At this time, Leonardo DiCaprio hadn't yet gone completely mad. Chen Nuo's attire was also a first for Americans.

"Can you explain what you're doing in China?" Jimmy Kimmel asked with a laugh.

Chen Nuo asked in surprise, "You guys actually went to look at Chinese social media?"

Yes. So could you explain?

"Actually, it's nothing. I just ran into some paparazzi who were snapping photos of me. I happened to be in disguise that night, so I couldn't let them see my face."

"So you mean you have fangs under your clothes?"

"Not only did he get fangs, but he also became a white man."

"Hahahaha, so you're afraid of being found out?"

"Yes, that's right. I'm afraid people will think I'm in debt too."

It was an absolute stand-up comedy level call-back, winning another round of thunderous laughter. This time, it was all thanks to the show's writers' hard work on the script. Chen Nuo, on the other hand, simply delivered his lines with solid acting skills and a smooth delivery.

But the audience doesn't know that.

In Baruchonge, Louisiana, Susan rolled around on the couch laughing—something that would have been absolutely impossible a few months ago. Even though it was the weekend, at this time of day, her mother, Karen Wilson, would definitely have been forcing her to go to bed.

But things were different now. Karen merely glanced at her indifferently and said nothing.

Susan finished laughing, sat up, and said, "Chen is really hilarious. Have you ever met a man more humorous than him? No, right? Mom, how about we go see Twilight 4 together this weekend?"

Karen shook her head and said, "Forget it, you should go with Aurora."

"Please, Mom, why?"

"This kind of movie is only suitable for little girls like you."

"No, this time is different. You really should watch the trailer, Mom. That director is truly exceptional."

"Hehe, I'll talk about it when I have time."

“Okay,” Susan agreed, then her attention was drawn back to the television. After the initial indirect questioning, the topic finally turned to the reasons why many teenage viewers were staying up late tonight, and they began to discuss the movie that would be released in a few days.

On the television screen, Jimmy Kimmel said, "Let's talk about the movie. This was your last time filming Twilight, right? I heard that a lot of people cried when you wrapped up filming. Is that true?"

Chen Nuo nodded: "It's true."

Jimmy Kimmel asked, "Do you think they're reluctant to part with you, or reluctant to part with Twilight?"

Chen Nuo said, "I think they're just reluctant to spend the money."

"Cluck cluck cluck." Jimmy Kimmel made a goose-like sound again. There was no script during the interview; he was genuinely amused.

Chen Nuo added with a smile, "This is the point I particularly want to make today: Twilight made money for everyone involved, not just me. So when it ended, everyone was sad."

At this point, he became a little more serious: "Of course, it's also because we all really enjoyed the process. Bill Condon is a very special director, and it was a very pleasant experience working with him."

Jimmy Kimmel continued, "I heard there's a wedding, a honeymoon, and a lot of scenes that have never been shown before in this movie, is that true?"

"Yes."

"I heard that wedding was beautiful. How was it walking down the aisle in that gown?"

"It's very exciting. It feels like experiencing one of the most important moments of your life in advance."

“I saw an interview with Kristen Stewart where she said that when she walked down the red carpet and saw you standing at the end, she felt like she was dreaming. Do you feel something similar?”

Chen Nuo smiled and said, "Of course."

“I also heard her say that you two had a honeymoon and even made love in a movie.”

"Please, Jimmy, can't you be a little more polite?"

“Uh…” Jimmy looked up and pretended to think for a moment, “Then… shall we say 'sex'? Ahahaha, how about that?”

Chen Nuo smiled shyly and said, "Okay."

"She also said that the scenes between you two were quite explicit. I'm curious, just how explicit were they? To what extent did you film them? Who was the one... pushing things along?"

Chen Nuo smiled and said, "It's definitely not to the extent you imagine."

"Hahahaha!" The whole audience burst into laughter.

After all, dirty jokes are the most popular form of humor, and Chen Nuo is a veteran in this area.

"But it does satisfy some of your curiosity. For example, you can see how Chinese and Western cultures blend together. No one is pushing it; it just happens naturally. It's amazing. Maybe it's because people are actually not that different. Skin color and language cannot be obstacles to mutual integration. I think anyone who opposes this is looking down on me..."

"Hahahahahaha—" Chen Nuo laughed and said, "What are you laughing at? I'm really talking about culture, nothing else. You don't need to worry about feeling awkward watching it with your parents or children. I promise... if you see a sea in the picture, go to the bathroom right away, and everything will be fine."

Jimmy Kimmel chuckled and asked, "Chen, are you sure this time it's a PG-13 rating, and not an R rating?"

"It's definitely PG-13." Chen Nuo suddenly put on a mysterious look, pretending to cover his mouth and whispering, "I'll let you in on a secret, we bribed the rating committee."

"Really? How much did it cost?"

Chen Nuo shrugged innocently: "I don't know. Have you forgotten? I'm Chinese. How could they tell me something like this?"

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha--!"

The entire audience burst into laughter, with applause and laughter rising and falling.

Jimmy Kimmel laughed so hard he almost fell over, especially when the excited voice from the control room came through his earpiece: "The ratings have soared again, it's the second best this year." His smile widened even more.

However, the interview, which lasted for more than nine minutes, was already coming to an end, and it seemed unlikely that they would break this year's record.

"Finally, we'll be showing a short clip from Twilight 4: Breaking Dawn," Jimmy Kimmel said with a laugh. "Chen, do you know which clip we'll be showing?"

"It's definitely not the part you just mentioned. That part would never be given to you for free."

Jimmy Kimmel genuinely felt that interviewing this guest was a delightful and enjoyable experience.

A guest who can catch every joke and even throw in a counter-joke to drive the rhythm is incredibly rare. His performance at last year's Oscars was no accident.

He paid close attention to every expressive face in the audience. As a host who had been presenting the show for nine years, he knew exactly when the audience was laughing out of politeness and when their laughter was genuine.

And now, it's clear that everyone is genuinely drawn to this Chinese man's humor, laughing out loud at his words and reactions, their smiles completely natural and genuine.

“Let’s see if it’s the one you’re talking about. Look—” Jimmy Kimmel smiled and made a guiding gesture.

The lights were dimmed, and the audience held their breath in anticipation.

The television screen in Susan's home then lit up, showing the upcoming clip.

The image showed a strikingly handsome face with golden eyes. He wore a white shirt with the top two buttons undone, revealing his strong collarbone and subtly visible pectoral muscles.

He looked a little tired, but even more sexy.

At that moment, Karen Wilson couldn't help but blink.

He stood in a softly lit wooden bedroom, turning to look at Kristen Stewart as she emerged from the bathroom, a questioning look in his eyes. He smiled and asked, "Can you tell me what happened? I've noticed something's off with you since the wedding. What's wrong?"

Christine walked to the mirror, lifted her shirt, and examined her flat stomach. "I've discovered... I might be pregnant. Do you think that's possible?"

The camera immediately panned to Chen Nuo's face, and his first reaction was as if he had been struck, his smile instantly fading away.

His brows didn't furrow immediately, but twitched hesitantly, as if he only grasped the weight of the other person's words after a brief silence, and the corners of his mouth trembled slightly as well.

Then, he quickly calmed down.

In just two or three seconds, his face underwent a series of changes, from confusion and disbelief to acceptance.

The moment he spoke, the camera instantly switched back to the studio.

Amidst cheers, screams, and applause from the audience, Jimmy Kimmel laughed and said, "Even though it's free, I still think it's great. I have to say, I'm ready to pay to watch the paid parts."

"Hahahahaha."

The audience was laughing, and Chen Nuo was smiling too.

Susan, watching TV, immediately yelled, "FUCK!"

Karen Wilson frowned and said, "Susan!"

"Sorry, Mom, I just wanted to see what happened next..." Susan stammered for a moment, then excitedly said, "Mom, I didn't lie to you, right? Did you see that Chen is different from the others this time?"

“Nothing is different,” Karen Wilson said casually.

"How can it be!"

"Shut up, Susan. Don't make a fuss. Either watch TV or go to sleep."

"……snort."

The program in the studio is officially coming to an end.

Jimmy Kimmel pulled a box from under the table and said with a smile, "Twilight has been making some related souvenirs..." He then turned the box to Chen Nuo, "Chen, have you seen this before?"

Chen Nuo looked at the small plastic toys in the box.

There are T-shirts with the word "Edward" on them, portraits with big pictures of him and Christine on them, diamond rings, vampire teeth, and a red vampire baby in swaddling clothes.

In short, they were all very poorly made junk.

This is Lionsgate chairman Rob Friedman's latest money-making scheme, and it's also the reason why Allison and the black female publicity director argued before the show.

Chen Nuo, of course, sided with Alison and had no intention of promoting or advertising such cheap goods. He smiled and said, "I haven't seen them before. They shouldn't be made in China."

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha--"

Tonight, for what seems like the umpteenth time, the audience erupted in laughter once again.

Jimmy Kimmel chuckled as he said, “Chen, you made a great impression today. I bet even more people want to travel to China now. Guys, raise your hands if you’ve changed your mind.”

This time, almost everyone in the audience raised their hands.

Chen Nuo looked around, then suddenly smiled and said, "Those who raised their hands, remember to post your boarding passes on my Facebook account, and I'll reimburse your round-trip airfare."

"Wow!!"

The audience members who had raised their hands were immediately stunned.

This was definitely not part of the prior communication. Jimmy Kimmel's surprise was no longer an act; his eyes widened slightly, and he asked incredulously, "Chen, are you serious?"

Chen Nuo replied with a smile, "Yes, I mean it. For the 200 audience members here, could your production team please provide a list? If they really do go on a trip to China, I will reimburse all their airfare. Note: economy class."

No one laughed at his last little joke.

Because after he finished speaking the first half, the entire studio erupted in chaos.

Who says Americans don't like to take advantage of small things?
The loudest cheers and applause since the show started brought the atmosphere to a climax.

Not only those at the scene, but also countless viewers in front of their televisions—such as Susan—screamed and jumped up from their sofas.

At the same time, ABC's ratings suddenly soared.

Amidst deafening cheers and whistles, Chen Nuo waved to the audience and said with a smile, "Thank you for your enthusiastic response all night. Consider this a small compensation for putting up with my lame jokes. I hope you have a great time in China."

Jimmy Kimmel then realized what was happening through the shouts coming through his earpiece.

When the director's words and the cheers from the control room reached his ears, he immediately understood that even if Chen promised not to pay later, based on the current ratings, the Jimmy Kimmel Show could afford to pay.

That was absolutely genius-level on-the-spot reaction! This small sum of money, only a few hundred thousand dollars, yielded results far exceeding what a few hundred thousand dollars could measure!
“Thank you, thank you for your generosity.” Jimmy Kimmel stood up and clapped enthusiastically.

Chen Nuo stood up, smiled, and bowed in all directions, silently saying "thank you."

Then, Jimmy Kimmel announced loudly, "In addition to the airfare provided by Chan, there's more good news for our LA audience—tomorrow morning at nine o'clock, I will be hosting the handprint ceremony for 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn' on Hollywood Boulevard. Not only Chan, but also Kristen Stewart and Tyler Lautner will be there! Let's witness this glorious moment together!"

After saying that, he turned to Chen Nuo and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Chen, and congratulations on everything you've accomplished in this film."

Amidst the frenzied screams and applause, he turned back to the camera and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Ladies and gentlemen—Chen Nuo! His film, *The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 4*, will be released in theaters across the United States in five days! Goodbye, see you tomorrow—!!!"

Because the volume at the scene was too loud, he had to shout like that, otherwise the microphone wouldn't pick up the sound clearly.

The camera then pans up to the live band, and the Jimmy Kimmel Live! logo appears on the screen, signaling the start of the late-night commercial break.

Nia Okoro was still somewhat dazed, standing by the monitor backstage.

How is this going?

Chen Nuo's final impromptu speech was not only unscripted, but also completely unexpected. There was no rehearsal, no notification, and no prior discussion; it just popped up out of nowhere, catching her completely off guard.

Round-trip airfare between China and the US for two hundred audience members—that's no small sum. It must be hundreds of thousands of dollars, right? Just casually mentioning it? Is this the style of a so-called Hollywood superstar, America's youngest Chinese-American billionaire?

"See that? Do you understand now? What is Genius? This is it." A cold, unpleasant voice came from inside, bringing Nia back to her senses.

But before she could speak, the voice said in a calm yet arrogant tone, "You will pay for this."

Ps:

It's been a long time since I've been recommended.

I'm asking for some monthly votes to make my ranking on the homepage look better.

Thank you.

Happy Dragon Boat Festival! Have you eaten zongzi yet?

(End of this chapter)