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

Chapter 457 A Little Drunken Rambling
Gulnazar's words undoubtedly opened up a new breakthrough for Chen Nuo, whose thinking had reached a stalemate. After a moment of contemplation, Allison also nodded, indicating that this was indeed a direction worth trying.

Prior to this, he himself had overlooked a crucial point—there is a fundamental and paramount difference between him and people like Ricky Gervais and Dave Chappell:
He's good-looking... no, handsome or anything like that is nonsense. The difference is, he's an actor.

When actors perform, dialogue is only one part of the overall performance system, not the whole. Therefore, there is actually a lot of room for maneuver. It's entirely possible to use certain methods to make even dark jokes sound forgivable.

Of course, striking the right balance here is extremely difficult.

Acting too much will appear obsequious and negatively impact the overall effect.

If you underact, it will be too sharp and damage your image.

Therefore, to truly achieve the perfect effect, in addition to carefully preparing a suitable script, the performers on stage must also appear genuine and convincing to the point of being indistinguishable from the real thing in order to achieve the desired effect.

So, someone who has won three or four of the three major European Best Actor awards must have that kind of ability.

After much discussion, Allison's final suggestion was to prepare two scripts.

One set took a more moderate approach, primarily written by a Golden Globe-winning screenwriting team. The other set was kept as a secret weapon, created entirely on his own initiative, and then submitted to the screenwriters for finalization.

When it comes to the stage, he will decide which set to use based on the atmosphere of the moment.

After thinking it over, Chen Nuo had to admit that although this added to the difficulty for him, it might indeed be the best solution.

So the work was arranged in this way.

The writing team and he are working on two parallel storylines.

Fortunately, he used to fly back and forth between China and the United States for years, passing the time with various American TV series, movies, and stand-up comedy downloaded on his iPad. Now, as a plagiarist, he only needs to paraphrase and use it.

So, on the last day before 2012 arrived, he was still able to spare a day to go to the airport to receive Chen Bicheng, Pan Chengrong, and Cui Xueli, a family of three from China.

Around 10 a.m., after arriving at the airport, he didn't get out of the car but instead asked Linghu and Gulnazar to pick up the person.

So as soon as Chen Bicheng got in the car, he started finding fault, saying, "Oh, Mr. Chen, you really are a big star, aren't you? Your whole family came to America to see you, and you sat in the car as steady as a mountain."

Chen Nuo ignored him and said to Pan Chengrong, "Mom, is your back hurting from sitting on the plane for so long? If you had told me you were coming earlier, I would have called a plane to pick you up."

Pan Chengrong glared at him and said, "Just like your father, you make a little money and you think you're all that."

Chen Nuo smiled and said, "Wasn't I worried about you getting tired?"

Pan Chengrong smiled and said, "It's something that can be done with a good night's sleep, what's so tiring about it? Besides, why don't you ask Xue Li?"

Upon hearing Pan Chengrong's words, Cui Xueli spoke first in slightly accented Chinese, "Mom, I'm fine, I'm not tired." Then she glanced at Chen Nuo, bowed her head, and said, "Brother, long time no see, how are you?"

Chen Nuo smiled and said, "I'm fine. How about you?"

Choi Sulli whispered, "I'm fine too. My mother takes good care of me."

Chen Nuo nodded.

Choi Sulli stayed in China for three years and was indeed well taken care of by Pan Chengrong. Under her influence, she is now a completely different person compared to the introverted and fragile girl she was three years ago.

Although she still seemed reserved in his presence, according to Pan Chengrong, after entering the first year of high school at her international school this year, she was appointed class monitor and arts and culture representative by her homeroom teacher. Because she was two or three years older than the others, and aside from not being academically inclined and her grades consistently failing to improve, she was quite a popular figure at school. This time, her family came to the United States to visit relatives and spend the New Year with him, and she had to ask her teachers for leave herself.

Pan Chengrong has left the choice of what to do next year to herself, but she doesn't know what she will choose. He, too, is taking a laissez-faire attitude.

He greeted his mother and Choi Sulli, while Chen Bicheng, who was standing to the side, started making sarcastic remarks again, for reasons unknown.

Just as Linghu finished putting his luggage away and got into the driver's seat, Chen Nuo didn't bother to say anything more. He opened the window on the side of the car and showed his face a little bit. Almost a second later, two or three exclamations came from outside.

"See that?" Chen Nuo said calmly. "Drive."

The car started moving.

They drove all the way to Beverly Hills. Chen Nuo and Pan Chengrong talked the most in the car, while Chen Bicheng seemed to be deep in thought and didn't say a word.

That evening, Chen Nuo personally cooked a feast using ingredients he bought from a nearby Chinese supermarket. Although he hadn't been exposed to cooking fumes in a long time, the food still tasted great, much to Pan Chengrong's surprise.

Chen Nuo immediately started boasting, making no mention of his culinary skills, which he attributed to his single life in his previous life. He claimed that he hadn't actually cooked a single dish during his time in the United States.

In the afternoon, led by him, they toured his large house and swam in the pool. After having dinner around 4 or 5 pm and chatting for a while, Pan Chengrong and Cui Xueli went to sleep. They were staying for seven days and needed to adjust to the time difference.
However, Chen Bicheng did not leave. Instead, he called him to the backyard and chatted with him for a while. Only then did Chen Nuo understand what was wrong with his father.

"That's what Professor Qi told me. As your fame grows, and I also develop my career in China, I might eventually face a choice between the two."

"...Did Qi Yuntian's father say this?"

"Well, he actually mentioned it to me a while ago. After your 'Inception' became a huge hit, I realized he was right. I went and talked to him about it again." Chen Bicheng sighed helplessly and said, "Do you know how well our new development, Yulan Hedi, is selling?"

Chen Nuo frowned. "I don't know."

"We spent two years selling that piece of land for Yulan Zundi, only finishing the purchase at the end of last year. You know how difficult the process was. Although we made a lot of money in the end, let me tell you, every penny I, Chen Bicheng, earned was hard-earned, money earned with a clear conscience, and there's no problem with it. But when Yulan Hedi opens for sale this November..."

Chen Bicheng sighed and shook his head, saying, "People who came to buy houses before were genuinely buying houses. Those with connections would go to great lengths to find me. Those without connections would try to get a discount of even one yuan. But this time, we haven't done much advertising. We're thinking of starting low and gradually increasing the price, selling slowly, and seeing if we can wait for the price to rise further."

"As soon as the sales started, a huge number of people came from who-knows-where. Do you know how long it took to sell all 800+ units in our first phase?"

"In less than half a day, not a single unit was left, even the top floor units were sold out."

“I know that this kind of thing might not be unusual in places like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Chengdu. But in Long’an? I’ve never even heard of it.”

"All I can say is that those people weren't there to buy houses at all. It's impossible for people with Sichuan license plates, driving BMWs and Mercedes, to flock to Long'an to buy houses. And it's even more impossible for people with ID cards from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou to come to Long'an to buy houses. Especially since these people didn't even queue up. On the opening day, they came and didn't ask anything, not even the price, just whether the developer's surname was Chen. If it was, then they would buy. They paid in full, without taking out a loan. Not a single one of them."

Do you know where these people came from?

Chen Nuo shook his head and said, "I don't know."

"I found out later that they were all people from your fan groups, saying they wanted to support your dad's business and give you face," Chen Bicheng said with a wry smile. "I can only say they're crazy."

Chen Nuo let out a long sigh, unsure of what to say.

Li Jing had mentioned to him several times whether the company needed to get involved in managing the glutinous rice, but he had refused each time. So he genuinely knew nothing about these issues.

Chen Bicheng continued, "Besides this, there's also Secretary Zhang, who calls me to the municipal party committee every few days to inquire about my well-being, asking when I'm going back and if I can visit him when I return."

"Now I truly understand what Professor Qi meant when he said, 'A tall tree catches the wind, and the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease.' Unfortunately, I simply cannot refuse such matters. This time, as soon as the news came out that you were hosting the Golden Globe Awards, Secretary Zhang called me over again to ask me about attracting investment. I'm really at my wit's end."

The father and son walked and talked, and before they knew it, Chen Bicheng had finished his long speech and circled the backyard, returning to the poolside. Gulnazar was holding a tray and looking around when she saw them coming, so she immediately brought it over.

"Mr. Chen, boss, have some tea."

Chen Bicheng took it, looked at Gulnazar, and said, "Thank you."

Chen Nuo also took a cup.

Gulnazar smiled politely and said, "You're welcome, Mr. Chen." Then she turned and went inside.

Chen Bicheng watched her retreating figure and asked, "Does Liu Yifei know about these things you've been doing?"

Chen Nuo said speechlessly, "What do you mean, 'know' or 'don't know'? What do I have to do with this?"

Chen Bicheng glanced at him and said, "You're still pretending with me? Who cleaned up your messes back in Long'an No. 1 High School? Still pretending with me? Do you know how I felt back then? Huh? Your female classmates' mothers and fathers were pointing their fingers at me and yelling, and I didn't dare to utter a sound. I've never bowed my head to anyone like that in my entire life. I don't even know how someone as devoted as Chen Bicheng could..."

"Okay, okay, stop." Chen Nuo quickly made a pause gesture. "I don't know."

"Heh." Chen Bicheng sneered, "So what are you planning to do? Keep spending like this? Become a Prebo, huh?"

"No……"

"Of course not. Your mother and I both thought Janice Man was pretty good, but then you... Forget it, I can't be bothered with you anymore. Just make sure you give me a grandchild before you turn 30, and I don't care which woman you have the baby with. Got it?"

"heard it."

Hearing him agree so quickly, Chen Bicheng was surprised and looked at him suspiciously, asking, "So readily?"

Chen Nuo said without changing his expression, "That's what I actually think too."

"Hehe." Chen Bicheng looked him over with some suspicion, but couldn't find any flaws. He took a sip of tea, sat down on a chair by the pool, and said, "I don't plan to do business in China anymore."

Chen Nuo was taken aback and said, "Why..." As soon as he finished speaking, he realized that he had asked a stupid question.

Sure enough, Chen Bicheng said angrily, "Did you even listen to what I just said?"

He sighed and said, "If I continued doing business in China, especially in real estate, things would probably go smoothly. I could probably even meet with officials in CD City because of your connections. But, well, this isn't a good thing. It's not good for you, and it's not good for me either. I'm going to sell all the houses I have on hand and call it quits." Now Chen Nuo understood why Old Chen had been so hostile towards him at the airport.

He was momentarily at a loss for words. Seeing Chen Bicheng's somewhat dejected appearance, he comforted him, "If you don't want to do it, then don't. From now on, you and Mom can enjoy yourselves and go wherever you want. Don't worry about the money. I'll pay for it."

What do you think of Vietnam?

"Vietnam? The environment there isn't very good, is it? My suggestion is that you travel around the beautiful landscapes of your own country first, before worrying about things abroad..."

Chen Bicheng said impatiently, "Who said anything about tourism? I said, how about doing business over there? That place has nothing to do with you, does it?"

Chen Nuo paused for a moment, then said somewhat speechlessly, "You're going to Vietnam to do business?"

“Yeah, I’m not even 50 yet, and you want me to retire? You think I won’t kick you? I was originally planning to come to America, but I just saw at the airport that you seem to have made a name for yourself there, so I thought I’d better not.”

Chen Bicheng patiently explained, “I have a friend who’s developing tourism real estate in Vietnam. He’s planning to build a hotel in Nha Trang and asked me to take a look. What do you think? If it’s okay, I’ll go check it out. I’ve heard that a lot of Chinese people travel there now, so there should still be a good opportunity.”

After listening to Chen Bicheng's words, Chen Nuo also agreed.

Just like in his past life, his role was reversed compared to Chen Bicheng's. Chen Bicheng had said the same thing, telling him to retire in his twenties, eat, drink, and play as he pleased, since he had more money than he could spend in two lifetimes. But what happened? He couldn't stay idle, became a Douyin influencer, and ended up...

Like him, Old Chen isn't the type to stay idle all the time; it's unlikely he'd spend his days eating, drinking, and traveling.

Chen Nuo could only say, "As long as Mom agrees, I have no objection."

Chen Bicheng and his family ended up staying in the United States for five days. However, Chen Nuo couldn't find the time to accompany them sightseeing. On New Year's Day, the family went to Universal Studios for half a day. After that, they could only have dinner and chat together every night.

During this time together, Chen Bicheng and Pan Chengrong realized once again that their only son was no longer the same person he used to be. While his treatment in the US wasn't quite as good as back home, he was now at the point where paparazzi were chasing him and he couldn't easily show his face in public. On the day of his departure, Chen Nuo didn't see him off, and Chen Bicheng didn't say anything more.

After her family left, Chen Nuo became even busier. She was in meetings every day, communicating intensively with the Golden Globe Awards' writing team, and rehearsing. She was working non-stop and barely had time to catch her breath.

After many discussions, the script was finally finalized. Soon, D-DAY arrived.

……

……

2012年1月15日下午3点，第69届金球奖颁奖典礼的红毯仪式，在比弗利希尔顿酒店门前的露天通道准时举行。

Unlike the solemn and orderly red carpet ceremonies of the Oscars or Cannes, the Golden Globe Awards red carpet is more like a public celebrity social party. There are no strict rules about "walking within a certain time," and the atmosphere is much less formal.

Reporters crowded both sides of the aisle, fans shouted the names of their favorite stars, and camera flashes went off constantly, creating a lively scene. Stars, directors, and members of their behind-the-scenes teams greeted each other and chatted casually on the red carpet.

It is precisely because of this relaxed and comfortable atmosphere that the Golden Globe Awards has become one of the most popular award ceremonies for many actors, directors, and even media professionals.

As the host, Chen Nuo wasn't suited to linger on the red carpet for too long. Following the director team's arrangement, he became the first guest to step onto the red carpet, thus enjoying the special privilege of having the red carpet cleared.

Similarly, in order not to obstruct the entry of the celebrities behind him, he consciously quickened his pace.

When he got out of the car, he was wearing a well-tailored black suit with a bright red tie. The strong contrast between black and red made him stand out.

For this Golden Globe Award, Michelle flew back to the United States two days ago to personally do his makeup.

Today, the black makeup artist who has worked with him for many years really showed off her skills, giving Chen Nuo a special look that made him look radiant under the red carpet lights, unlike anything he had ever done before.

As soon as he got out of the car, a huge scream hit him.

He smiled and waved to the crowd of fans outside the venue, which immediately drew even louder screams.

However, he did not stop.

As he walked across the front of the red carpet, where fans were cheering wildly, and reached the NBC Golden Globe Awards broadcast area in the media zone, the female anchor standing there held a microphone to his mouth and said with a smile:

"Wow, Chen, you've really surprised us. You look absolutely amazing! What's going on? Was this specially prepared for the Golden Globe Awards?"

"Yes," Chen Nuo replied with a smile, "This was a special design created by my makeup artist today. What do you think?"

The blonde female reporter in her thirties smiled and said, "All I can say is that I love it. I believe the fans here love it too—look how excited they are right now."

Chen Nuo laughed and said, "Looks like I didn't waste an hour in front of the mirror."

How does it feel to host the Golden Globe Awards for the first time?

"Well, I'm very nervous. I've never been this nervous in my life. I'm very grateful to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for inviting me to host, and I sincerely hope I can do a good job tonight."

"It seems you're all ready for tonight's hosting duties, aren't you?"

Chen Nuo nodded and smiled, "Haha, I think so. I've been preparing with a very professional team for over twenty days, and everyone has worked very hard. Now I just hope I won't be too nervous later."

"About tonight's opening joke—that's what many American viewers and your fans are most curious about right now. Can you give us a little hint? What are you going to say later?"

Chen Nuo laughed and said, "Haha, I can't give away any spoilers. All I can say for now is that we will be welcoming a great many outstanding stars tonight. Each and every one of them is one of the most outstanding television and film professionals in the world this year, and I look forward to enjoying this night with them."

"I think we're all really looking forward to it. One last question—your film 'Inception' is nominated for four awards tonight, is there anything you'd like to say to fans around the world?"

Chen Nuo smiled and said, "I love you all, thank you for your support. I hope we can go to sleep with smiles on our faces in a few hours."

"Haha, I think it will definitely happen. Good luck tonight, Chen."

"Thank you."

Chen Nuo smiled and nodded in greeting. He then lingered briefly on the red carpet, posed for a series of photos with his hands in his pockets in front of the Golden Globe Awards backdrop, and then went backstage.

Time flew by. In the dressing room, Chen Nuo looked at the two joke books from tonight, silently rehearsing the actions and expressions he'd practiced countless times in front of the mirror. Just as he felt he'd finished warming up, the director's voice came through the walkie-talkie:

"Get ready to enter, time is almost up."

He tucked his script into his pocket and took a deep breath. Makeup artist Michelle came over, straightened his tie, gently smoothed his hair, and finally gave him a hug, whispering in Chinese, "Good luck."

Chen Nuo smiled and replied, "Thank you."

Then, led by the on-site director and surrounded by four or five staff members, he walked towards the entrance at the back of the stage.

At exactly 8 p.m., the studio director's voice came through the headset as he counted down: "...19, 18, 17..."

At that moment, a staff member handed him a glass of golden champagne in a stemmed glass. He accepted it.

At the same time, a solemn voice from the sound system at the venue came through:

"Live from the star-studded International Ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel—welcome to the 69th Golden Globe Awards!"

The previously noisy banquet hall gradually quieted down after those words were spoken. The guests who were still standing or walking around returned to their seats.

The voice paused briefly, and after the applause began, continued:
"Ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome our host for tonight—Chen Nuo!"

The applause and cheers instantly reached their peak.

At this moment, Chen Nuo stepped onto the stage without hesitation.

Under the gaze of more than 1900 million viewers on television, and in the presence of hundreds of Hollywood stars, directors, and producers, a man with slicked-back hair and a sharply defined face strode into the center of the stage from the left entrance, holding a wine glass.

Because of his new, more mature hairstyle, his face looked a few years older than before, with more defined features and brighter, deeper eyes. Under the lights and champagne, he had a somewhat sharp and assertive air about him.

He tilted his head back, downed the glass of champagne in one gulp, then casually tossed the empty glass behind him, where it shattered on the ground.

The applause in the entire banquet hall was so loud it almost lifted the ceiling.

He smiled and walked to the center of the stage, waiting for the applause to subside before speaking:
"That was my third drink in the last hour. I'm very close to being a Hollywood star now—probably going to say crazy things and do silly things out of control."

Amid the laughter, Chen Nuo laughed along with them before beginning his serious broadcast.

"Welcome to the Golden Globe Awards ceremony, broadcast live from the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel. All the awards tonight were selected by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association."

"I am your host for tonight, Chen Nuo."

"For those viewers watching on TV or at the venue who don't know me or the Golden Globes, let me be clearer."

He paused with a smile, then continued, "What you are seeing now is the actor who won Best Movie of the Year, hosting the world's second-largest awards ceremony, broadcast live on America's third-largest public television network. Since he wasn't nominated, he's going to throw a little drunken tantrum on stage."

"are you ready?"

(End of this chapter)