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

Chapter 475 He cares about you, so he'll come.

Leonardo DiCaprio didn't answer, staring blankly at him for several seconds without saying a word.

The excitement brought by the unexpected event was fleeting. Chen Nuo quickly regained his composure, saw Xiao Li's expression, waved his hand in front of his eyes, and said, "Hello?"

Only then did Little Li speak up: "Chen, how old are you this year? 25 or 26?"

Chen Nuo said, "I will turn 26 in March."

“So you’re still 25 years and 10 months old,” Leonardo DiCaprio said with a complicated expression. “Marlon Brando was 27 when he was nominated for Best Actor in 1952 for ‘A Train to Desire.’ I was 29 when I was first nominated for Best Actor for ‘The Aviator.’ You’re only a little older than Ryan Gosling and Heath Ledger when they were first nominated, and you’re sixth or seventh on the list of the youngest nominees in history.”

Leonardo DiCaprio paused for a moment, then added, "Of course, if you win, you'll be the youngest Best Actor Oscar winner in history. You'll be more than three years younger than Adrien Brody in 2003."

After listening, Chen Nuo exclaimed in surprise, "You remember it so clearly."

Leonardo DiCaprio shrugged and said casually, "When I was first nominated in 2005, I did a lot of research because if I won that year, I would set an Oscar record. The media was crazy back then, and so was I. Of course, the final result brought me back to my senses."

Chen Nuo touched his nose, unsure of what to say.

Leonardo DiCaprio didn't seem to want him to respond, and continued, "Seven years have passed, and this is my third nomination. Two million dollars, damn, I know I might be crazy, because Warner is right, being nominated doesn't really mean anything to me. It's not worth it for an opportunity that I can't win. I know."

Chen Nuo knew what to say at this point and comforted her, "You can't say that. You acted very well in 'Hoover'."

Leonardo DiCaprio blinked. "You've seen it."

“Of course, I’ve seen it.” Chen Nuo didn’t even blink as he recalled the film reviews he had read on Douban, saying, “Aside from your old-age costume, I liked your portrayal of Hoover’s feelings in the film. It was very heartwarming and broke down some of the prejudices people have against homosexual politicians.”

Leonardo DiCaprio laughed and said, "No need to comfort me, I know my problem... By the way, do you know when I started wanting to make a movie with you?"

"do not know."

Leonardo DiCaprio smiled and said, "When we first met, in 06, at Cannes, with 'My Blueberry Nights,' I watched it and wondered if I could learn anything from you. I wasn't lying then; I really loved your performance in it. Even now, I still think that film was the pinnacle of your career. What you showed in it is exactly what I lack."

As he spoke, he shrugged and said earnestly, "But back then, I absolutely never imagined that just six years later, you would be nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars. You've made history once again as an Asian actor. Congratulations, Chen."

Chen Nuo also said earnestly, "Thank you, and congratulations to you, Leo."

"Actually, I think you don't have to give up. Unlike me, for a commercial film like Inception, the chance of winning acting awards is 0%. I'm already grateful to God for getting a nomination. You can definitely try harder."

“I am also a member of the academy. If I had the right to vote, I would definitely vote for you this time.”

Leonardo DiCaprio laughed and said, "Really?"

"100%."

Chen Nuo said seriously, "Although you lost to George at the Golden Globe, the Oscar is the Oscar. I think it's too early for you to give up."

“Think about it, George Clooney—though I may be exaggerating a bit—but I think his public relations are 100 times better than his acting. Even if he beat you at the Golden Globes, among the Academy members, this half-Italian doesn’t have the same popularity as the Foreign Press Association.”

"For Gary Oldman, this year is actually just an ordinary year. There is only a very slim chance that he can be crowned with a war movie."

"After thinking it over, I think you only have 'The Artist' as your rival."

"Is 'The Artist' really better than 'Hoover'? Leo, you two are the same subject matter, both are biopics. As for the rest, how much better is the combination of Harvey Weinstein and Jean Dujardin than Leonardo DiCaprio plus Warner Bros.?"

As he spoke, it was clear that Leonardo DiCaprio's expression gradually shifted from indifference to increasing seriousness.

By the end, he had sat up straight.

"If I were you, I would definitely give it a try," Chen Nuo finally said.

After listening, Leonardo DiCaprio remained silent for a long time before suddenly standing up and saying, "It's getting late, I think I should go. Chen, thank you for your advice."

"Okay, I'll think about it carefully, Leo."

"Don't worry, I will."

Leonardo DiCaprio left in a hurry.

At this moment, Allison, who had been watching from the sidelines, walked over, looked at the departing Rolls-Royce, and asked, "Are you serious?"

Chen Nuo thought about it. Actually, he was just making things up at first, but as he talked, he realized it seemed to be true. He didn't know if Leonardo DiCaprio was nominated this time in his previous life, or what the differences were between the two nomination lists in 2012. However, it seemed that for Leonardo DiCaprio, the opportunity was truly right in front of him.

He didn't answer directly, but instead asked, "What do you think? Does he have a chance?"

Allison said, "I don't know. But like you said, Leonardo DiCaprio and Warner Bros., if they get serious, they'll definitely make Harvey Weinstein suffer. As far as I know, he's determined to win this time. Haha, if he finds out we're the ones pulling the strings behind the scenes, Chen, your feud with him will be intensified."

Chen Nuo laughed: "Do you think this is a problem? In my opinion, his debts are already full."

As he spoke, his expression turned serious. "Alright, that's enough. Thank you for your hard work, Allison. Thank you very much. I'll write you the check for your $30 bonus later."

He's not stupid; of course he wouldn't think this nomination fell from the sky.

If Alison Graham hadn't put in so much effort during this period, hadn't supervised Warner Bros.' public relations efforts to the point of making Leonardo DiCaprio jealous of her "favoritism"... then he would have been a villain.

Allison smiled and said, "No need to rush. I don't need money as much as before. To be honest, I really didn't expect it to succeed. I can only say that I'm becoming more and more certain that people who are with you will have better luck, just like Leonardo. Including me."

Chen Nuo laughed, "Alright, whatever happened, the result is absolutely better than we ever imagined. Later, you, me, Nazha, and Linghu, let's find a place to have a big meal tonight to celebrate, it's on me." Allison laughed, "I'll pass, I have a date tonight. I'll come over tomorrow morning and go to the Santa Barbara Film Festival with you. Besides, I think you'll be very busy tonight, so don't go out to eat. Let's celebrate properly, it's what you deserve." After saying that, the woman winked at him ambiguously, smiled, and turned to leave.

Chen Nuo stood there, stunned, not yet reacting, when suddenly a voice came from behind him. "Hey, are you sure you don't want to come and play with us?"

"Huh? Chen, where's Leo? Where is he?"

……

……

Ultimately, no chaotic scene of five people together unfolded that night. After Chen Nuo paid each of the four beauties five thousand US dollars for their company, he politely saw them off to their car and waved goodbye.

However, he did not remain alone in his room.

As night deepened, Charlize Theron called him to ask if he had returned to the United States.

The South African woman's meaningful words at their parting on the day of the Golden Globe Awards were clearly not just empty talk. Furthermore, in the past ten days, she had received two audition offers, both for leading roles.

While it's hard to say how much of the reason was her acting skills, or how much was due to Chen Nuo's words at the Golden Globe Awards, which gave her a huge boost in global recognition, it undoubtedly made the South African diamond, who was at the peak of her beauty and charm, much closer to Chen Nuo.

Now, besides lending money and stocks, they have many more topics to talk about intimately.

That night, she once again offered him a captivating and seductive dance with her supple and sensual body, celebrating his first official nomination for Best Actor at the Oscars.

Besides Theron, he received a constant stream of congratulatory calls that evening.

He received calls from people both in China and abroad—virtually everyone who knew him. It was almost unbelievable to Chen Nuo.

However, from an outsider's perspective, his nomination for Best Actor at the Oscars is indeed noteworthy.

This is the first time in history that an Asian has been formally nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor. This is not only a personal achievement, but also, in the eyes of many international media observers, a "ceiling-level" breakthrough for Asian actors in Hollywood history.

On social media, the Weibo hot search list, which had just calmed down after his off-key singing on the Spring Festival Gala, was once again flooded with his name.

Furthermore, on his way to the Santa Barbara Film Festival, he came across a familiar name on Twitter – Roger Ebert, a well-known American film critic who had been out of the public eye for a long time.

Although his health has declined significantly and he rarely writes film reviews anymore, this time he made an exception and wrote a short piece in his column for the Chicago Sun-Times:
"To be nominated for an Oscar at the age of two months shy of 26 is an achievement that only truly great actors can accomplish."

Although I saw his talent earlier than the other 60 billion people in the world, I never expected his success to come so quickly.

The records set this time are numerous, but its true significance lies in paving the way for possible future developments.

I hope that one day I can witness him standing on that highest podium again.

Without a doubt, these words expressed what everyone felt.
For this reason, in addition to friends, girlfriend, and directors he had worked with, even Dean Zheng of the Beijing Film Academy made a special call early on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year to send his congratulations from overseas, hoping that he would continue to work hard and reach new heights in his future acting career.

So when he received a call from a 200-pound fat guy in New York on his way back from presenting an award at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, he wasn't particularly surprised.

"I'm so sorry, Chen, I've been too busy." It was that familiar hoarse voice on the other end of the phone. "I just got the news, congratulations on your Oscar nomination for Best Actor! A truly remarkable achievement! You know what? I think you deserve this award, you absolutely deserve it! You are China's Marlon Brando, an absolute genius. Those people should give you the award."

Chen Nuo had been busy all day and was already asleep when she answered the phone. Her mind was still foggy, and she said weakly, "Donald, just say what you want to say. Are you going to pay me back?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end, then the tone suddenly became somewhat aggrieved: "Chen, I just called specifically to congratulate you."

"Really?" Chen Nuo yawned widely. "Then thank you, Donald. If there's nothing else, then that's all for now. I'm too tired today, I want to sleep some more."

"Wait!" the voice on the other end of the phone exclaimed immediately. "You know what? I was just calling to congratulate you, but I suddenly have a fantastic idea, a brilliant one! I guarantee you'll love it!"

Chen Nuo said calmly, "Speak."

His indifference did nothing to dampen the other person's enthusiasm; the person on the other end of the phone immediately said excitedly, "Do you know what I've been busy with lately?"

Chen Nuo said, "Politics? I read the New York Times yesterday, and you said in it that Obama is not an American."

The fat man said on the other end of the phone, “I’ve always said that Hawaii birth certificate is fake, 100% problematic! The whole of America should question this—Chen, this is a matter of national security. How can someone who can’t prove where he was born be our president? But that’s not what I’m busy with.”

"what is that?"

The man with the hoarse voice chuckled, "I'm busy filming the eighth season of 'The Apprentice,' you know, this season is the 'celebrity version'—'Celebrity Apprentice.' NBC wants to make it a big deal. Your performance at the Golden Globes really blew them away..."

Chen Nuo kept his eyes closed and didn't speak, while the person on the other end of the phone continued to talk incessantly: "So NBC is now willing to spend a lot of money to invite you to guest star on an episode. Sit with me at the board meeting table as a co-judge, and then we'll decide who gets fired."

"Donald, I'm going back to Hong Kong to film a TV series soon, I don't think I'll have time," Chen Nuo said lazily.

"Just one episode! Just one episode! The recording only takes a few hours." The voice on the other end of the phone said urgently, "Let me tell you, Chen, do you want to hear NBC's offer? $300 million. You just need to sit there, don't even say a word, and $300 million will be in your account in three hours."

Chen Nuo sighed: "Donald, I'm really busy... Didn't you say you just thought of it? How come you already have a quote?"

The voice on the other end of the phone said, "Did I just say that? I forgot. But the offer is real, and not only that, Ivanka misses you a lot. She's been saying to me a lot these past few days, 'Daddy, daddy, I want to see Chen.' I said okay, I'll make the call for you. If he cares about you, I think he'll come."

Ps:

I can't today, I'm too sleepy to write.

(End of this chapter)