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

Chapter 483 Qin Shi Huang Wants to Find Immortals

"The Oscar for Best Picture for Inception marks the first time a project with deep Chinese capital involvement has reached the highest podium in the film industry, which is of great significance."

At the 84th Academy Awards, it unexpectedly beat the highly favored *The Artist* to win the "Best Picture" award. This result not only surprised *Inception* fans worldwide, but Lao Hu believes it also has epoch-making significance for the Chinese film industry.
Many people say this is just a victory for Chen Nuo. But Lao Hu believes it shouldn't be viewed so simply.

First of all, this is a major success for Chinese film capital "going global".

In the past, Chinese film companies' participation in Hollywood projects was mostly limited to domestic distribution, buying out overseas rights, or a small number of co-productions, with extremely limited say. This time, however, the production of "Inception" not only involved Chinese capital but also saw Chinese actors taking a dominant position in the creative direction, marking a shift from "peripheral collaboration" to "core participation."

Secondly, this represents a breakthrough in cultural influence.

As an award dominated by the United States, the Oscars have always shown a strong preference for local aesthetics and values. The victory of "Inception" demonstrates that when Chinese power is integrated into the global system in a more mature way, it is entirely possible to win the recognition of mainstream global aesthetics.

Third, this was a comeback within the rules, not a struggle outside the rules.

This aligns with Hu Xijin's consistent emphasis on "integrating into the world, rather than confronting it." For Chinese filmmakers to achieve lasting influence on the world stage, they cannot rely solely on nationalist sentiments or policy protection; instead, they must stand out based on their own strength within the global rules of the game. *Inception* is a prime example of this approach.

Old Hu wants to say that this is just the beginning.

In the future, what we need to do is not only participate in more "Inception" films, but also have the ability to lead a "Chinese story" that truly wins global recognition—that day may not be far away.

Hu believes that Chinese capital and Chinese faces, like those in Huanxin or Hengdian, are increasingly appearing naturally on global screens. This is a form of mutual learning between civilizations and a concrete manifestation of the rise of national soft power.

In a sense, this victory doesn't just belong to *Inception*, nor just to Huanxin, Hengdian, or Chen Nuo personally; it belongs to China.

If this viral article by Hu, the editor-in-chief of the Global Times, which went viral on Weibo, isn't significant enough,

On the same day, the People's Daily officially published a feature article titled "The Chinese Power Behind the Oscar-Winning Picture," which once again specifically praised Hengdian Group.
This was enough to prompt the Xu family, who had always been low-key and reserved, to make an extremely rare decision on February 29, 2012: to organize a grand welcome convoy of more than ten luxury cars, which set off from Dongyang city and drove along the town road to Yiwu Airport to welcome Mr. Xu Yong'an, the group's chairman, back from the United States, where he had brought glory to the country.

What is most touching is that Mr. Xu Wenrong, who has been living a secluded life and no longer concerned with worldly affairs in recent years, has made an unprecedented move by personally stepping out of his home this time.

Surrounded by dozens of Hengdian veterans, corporate executives, media reporters, and local officials, the elderly man stood at the entrance of Hengdian Town, a kind smile on his face, quietly waiting for the convoy to arrive.

As the car door slowly opened, Chairman Xu Yong'an, dressed in a black suit and looking radiant, stepped out of the car with a big smile, carrying the Oscar "little golden man" trophy. He greeted and exchanged pleasantries with several leaders from the Dongyang Municipal Party Committee, the Municipal Government, and Hengdian Town. Finally, under the archway of Qin Palace, the most symbolic landmark in Hengdian, he held the "little golden man" symbolizing the highest honor in world cinema and posed for a group photo with dozens of people present.

This grand welcoming ceremony will surely leave a significant mark on the local history of Hengdian Town, becoming a topic of conversation among the people in the years to come, and etched deep in their memories.

The next morning, when Xu Yong'an woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.

He had just washed up and gone downstairs, intending to have some congee to warm his stomach, when he saw his old man already sitting on a wooden chair on the first floor, looking at the gleaming little golden statue in his hand.

Hearing the noise, Xu Wenrong looked up and asked, "How many of these were issued in total?"

Xu Yong'an replied, "Three seats: one for us, one for Huanxin, and one for Warner, the three production companies."

Grandpa Xu chuckled and said, "These things aren't anything special. They're all made in Yiwu. I heard the factory price is a few hundred yuan each. If you buy in bulk, you can get a 20% discount."

Xu Yong'an nodded.

“But…” Old Master Xu turned the trophy over, revealing the base, and pointed to a line of English text engraved on it, which read: Film Title: Inception. Co-production: Huanxin, Hengdian, Warner Bros. Year of Award: 2012.

"With this, it's a priceless treasure."

Grandpa Xu placed the little golden statue on the coffee table, smiled, and said, "I didn't expect things to turn out this way with your move."

At this moment, the housekeeper brought a bowl of white porridge and a plate of pickled vegetables and placed them on the table, but Xu Yong'an did not touch his chopsticks immediately.

Grandpa Xu looked thoughtfully at the little golden statue on the table and then said, "You stayed two extra days this time, saying you were going to attend his birthday party. What were your thoughts after you went?"

Xu Yong'an said, "Unexpected."

"how to say?"

“We all thought he was just a rootless tree in the United States and would eventually return to China to develop his career. When we valued his company last time, it was based on this judgment. We believed that his potential in the United States was ultimately limited. Just like Jackie Chan and Jet Li, no matter how successful they are at a certain stage, they still have to return to China to realize their potential. After all, we Chinese are always outsiders there.”

Grandpa Xu nodded: "And then?"

“Then…” Xu Yong’an frowned slightly, his tone serious, “That day at his birthday party, a lot of people came. Besides those from Hollywood, there were also many people from the business world. For example, there was a New York real estate tycoon who was quite famous in the United States. He brought his children and relatives with him, and… there was also a Democratic congressman from California.”

"Oh? A congressman?" Old Master Xu sat up straight abruptly, his eyes flickering slightly.

Xu Yong'an nodded: "Yes, I even chatted with that person for a bit. Dad, although the status of a U.S. Representative is not very high in the United States, I think the symbolic significance is still worth paying attention to."

Grandpa Xu nodded slowly: "I understand."

As he spoke, he chuckled and said, "Entertainment industry, business world, politics—it really does seem like he's settling down here. He might actually be an anomaly."

"Yes," Xu Yong'an replied.

"So now, if we were to talk to him about the shares again, what do you think..."

Halfway through his sentence, Old Master Xu shook his head and said, "Forget it. At this critical juncture, there's no need for us to get involved."

Xu Yong'an nodded.

Grandpa Xu glanced at him sideways and snorted, "The lesson I told you back then, you've finally put it to use after all these years. I said back then that you should learn to bet with the winners, but over the years, we've become winners ourselves, and everyone else is betting with us."

"Now that we've finally found someone in this industry who's truly worth betting on, we should hold on tight. Since we can't get company shares for the time being, let's start with the projects."

"You need to instruct the people at the film and television company to contact their teams more often. Whether it's a TV series or a movie, as long as they need funding, there's no upper limit. We'll invest as much as they ask for."

"Didn't CCTV also sign a cooperation framework agreement with them? Let's sign one too. We'll give them some special privileges in exchange for our Hengdian World Studios facilities and some preferential investment conditions."

“Yes, Dad, I understand.” Xu Yong’an nodded solemnly.

After finishing his sentence, Old Master Xu suddenly picked up the Oscar statuette from the table, a smile appearing on his face. He said, "After all this, I can finally relax. This is the pillar of our Xu family. Put it in your chairman's office, and for at least ten years, no one can touch you. Those rumors, hmph, they'll crumble on their own. Haha!"

As Grandpa Xu finished speaking, he finally smiled, and Xu Yong'an laughed along with him. The joyful laughter of the father and son echoed in the spacious living room.

"I'm planning to take it to the provincial capital today to meet some old friends for tea and make them happy. Don't leave this afternoon; I'll give it to you when I get back."

"Okay dad."

After finishing his sentence, Old Master Xu prepared to leave, but just as he was about to go out, he suddenly stopped and turned back, asking, "How much do you know about that TV series he's working on in Hong Kong right now?"

"I don't know much about it. All I know is that the US paid for it and hired him to film it."

How much money did you give him?

"I don't know."

How long will he be filming over there?

"I heard that it will take about three or four months to film, until the Shanghai International Film Festival in June."

Grandpa Xu nodded thoughtfully, then smiled and said, "He is indeed a smart man."

……

……

"Huh? How much?"

"a lot of."

"Holy crap, who are these people?"

“They come from all sorts of backgrounds.”

"So what did you say?"

"They said you're filming in Hong Kong and don't have time right now."

"...Phew, so I guess I was right to be in Hong Kong?" Chen Nuo rubbed his nose, yawned, and said weakly.

"is not that right."

Chen Nuo said, "Okay, that's settled then. I'm still jet-lagged, I'll sleep a little longer."

"Day meeting or a nap?"

"roll!"

After hanging up the phone, Chen Nuo wasn't sleepy for a while. He rested his head on his hand and stared thoughtfully at the ceiling.

As Huanxin Company expanded, he and Qi Yuntian now tried to avoid being together as much as possible. Since he went to Hong Kong, Qi Da returned to the mainland.

There are many jobs available in mainland China, and recruitment is underway after the Lunar New Year. The housing fund program is also officially starting to be disbursed, requiring him, as a shareholder, to personally oversee and manage the finances. Meanwhile, several projects within the company are progressing smoothly, including the external investment in "Wolf Warrior" and internal film and television projects currently being screened. All of these require manpower. Although Li Jing is capable, she doesn't have Qi Da's reputation for decisive action within the company.

That call was from Qi Yuntian.

He hadn't expected that winning an Oscar would attract another wave of suitors. The last wave was also at the Oscars; when he won Best Supporting Actor, some people wanted to collaborate with him, but compared to this time, both the quantity and quality of those suitors were incomparable.

If it weren't for the fact that he could be said to have changed a lot, he really might not have been able to withstand the pressure.

But now, with Qi Yuntian handling things and him lying low in Hong Kong, he should be fine. After all, he now has the double support of the People's Daily news broadcasts and Hu Xijin, the editor-in-chief, cheering him on; there aren't many people he needs to fear anymore.

"What's wrong? Is something the matter?" Wen Yongshan was woken up by his voice, turned her head, and opened her eyes wide. He shook his head and said, "Nothing, you should go back to sleep."

"I'm awake." Wen Yongshan moved closer, blinked, and asked again, "Are you really alright?"

"Really...something's up." A thought flashed through Chen Nuo's mind, and he changed his tone, asking casually, "Have you been in contact with your friends lately?"

Janice Man didn't react for a moment: "Who?"

"Yang Ying".

"Huh??? Baby?"

Upon hearing his words, Wen Yongshan sat up abruptly, the blanket sliding down her upper body. The dim light in the room seemed to coat her smooth skin like oil. She was lighter than Liu Yifei, so her ribs were slightly visible below her chest.

Aside from that, Liu Yifei and Janice Man actually have similar figures. They are above average among women, but they can't compare to exceptionally beautiful women like Gulnazar or Charlize Theron, and strictly speaking, they can't compare to Fan Binbing or Tong Liya either.

However, humans are emotional beings after all, and if you add the emotional aspect, Chen Nuo thinks it's quite beautiful.

"Correct."

"Darling, why are you asking her?" Janice Man hesitated for a moment, then asked in confusion.

Chen Nuo asked casually, "I just remembered. Is she in Hong Kong or Beijing now?"

"exist……"

"Go ahead and say it. I'm really fine," Chen Nuo asked gently.

Janice Man then said in a low voice, "Hong Kong."

"Oh? How did things go with her ex-boyfriend from mainland China? Did they break up?"

"No. She only came back recently because she had some business to attend to."

Chen Nuo frowned when he saw Wen Yongshan's hesitant expression and asked, "What's wrong? What's the matter?"

Janice Man said, "...She came back to investigate the eye patch scandal."

"What door?"

……

haven't seen you for a long time.

Although Yang Ying has lost a lot of weight, her natural features after plastic surgery are truly excellent. She still looks as beautiful and radiant as ever. No wonder Huang Xiaoming was willing to fall head over heels for her in two lifetimes.

The last day before filming "Eagle Catches Chickens" should have been used for reflection, preparation, and calming the mind, but at this moment, Chen Nuo couldn't say whether wasting time on this woman right or wrong.

However, some things, you have to try one last time before you're willing to give up.

He remembered that last time, in his quest for revenge, he had spent over a year arranging surveillance, only to find nothing. In the end, after discussing it with Qi Yuntian, they had no choice but to give up.

Of course, you can also call him a coward for not daring to seek revenge and just let it go.

The problem is—this isn't a martial arts or cultivation world, where would he find all sorts of bizarre methods to investigate an enemy? In real society, in a country governed by the rule of law, all he could do was hire a private investigator, and he even tried various methods to force Yang Ying to cooperate, which already skirted the edge of the law. Going any further? That would only give his opponent a handle against him.

As for reporting it to the police? Forget about whether a case can even be filed. If it gets out by accident, it won't just be a family scandal, it will be a huge scandal, and the whole world's media will have to kowtow to this great philanthropist Chen, thanking him for bringing them food.

So, at that time, there really wasn't a better option than giving up. Anyway, it wouldn't cause him any real harm, and he understood the situation.

But this time it's different.

Chen Nuo was determined to investigate to the end, even if it took thirty to fifty years to find a needle in a haystack.

“…As long as you help me find out,” Chen Nuo said softly, “I can tell you clearly now that I will forgive and forget what happened in the past. Whether you want to continue developing your career in Hong Kong or plan to go to the mainland, I don’t care.”

Yang Ying stared at him blankly, as if she couldn't understand, her eyes glazed over.

Chen Nuo stopped looking at her, and simply lowered his head to take a sip of coffee.

Just then, he heard a soft sob. Looking up, he saw a tear silently slide down Yang Ying's cheek, followed by a second, then a third...

The angel's face was streaked with tears.

The tears streamed uncontrollably down her delicate cheeks, glistening and translucent. She didn't utter a sound, yet her whole body seemed to tremble.

"But, but I really don't know who that person is, you have to believe me. I was wrong, I really know I was wrong, sob, sob sob sob sob." Yang Ying said, her lips trembling and tears streaming down her face.

Are those tears?
In Chen Nuo's view, it was nothing more than cow urine.

He suppressed his impatience, but his tone remained calm: "It's okay if you don't know, we can check little by little. For example, the car, didn't you say you got into his car? What about the license plate number? Do you remember it? Besides, Beijing isn't that big, you can take your time exploring, maybe you'll run into him again someday, right?"

Yang Ying did not respond, she just kept wiping away her tears.

Janice Man frowned and said rudely, "I'm talking to you, didn't you hear me?"

Yang Ying trembled upon hearing this and quickly shook her head: "No, no. I was just... thinking..."

"Don't be so fierce." Chen Nuo smiled and said to Wen Yongshan, "Give her some time to think it over and consider it slowly. There's no rush."

He turned his head and looked at Yang Ying in a gentle tone: "Weren't you investigating the blindfold incident? You were able to find so many details and suspicious points. If you put your heart into it, I believe you can definitely find out the same thing."

That's right.

In fact, when Chen Nuo first asked Wen Yongshan about Yang Ying's recent situation, he didn't have much thought. He just asked casually. But he was surprised to find out that Yang Ying had been secretly investigating the sex scandal!

I have to say, this woman is really something.

She raised several questions with Wen Yongshan, such as: Why would someone proactively copy Mr. Chen's private data when he took his computer for repair in 2006? There wasn't a label with "Mr. Chen" on the computer. Why would the repairman do this? They said it was to prevent data loss, but anyone who has repaired computers knows that no shop owner would do this for free; they would always require customers to copy the data beforehand. Furthermore, if the photos were copied as early as 2006, why did it remain silent for two years until it suddenly surfaced in 2008?

None of these make sense.

For Chen Nuo, these so-called "discoveries" were nothing but daydreams, something she didn't want to hear about. However, for a former model and now a real estate saleswoman, the ability to actively think, reason, and summarize is truly remarkable.

That's why he changed his mind and arranged today's meeting.

The goal is simple: to give her hope and a goal, to get her moving. If she can really take some initiative, letting her out as a free agent might... bring some unexpected surprises.

Compared to resorting to investigating past sex scandals in desperation, hoping to gain some benefit from them, Chen Nuo's choice for Angel Baby is clearly more realistic.

Yang Ying hesitated for a long time before finally nodding in agreement. Although she was still in a daze when she left, Chen Nuo was not worried that she wouldn't put her heart into it.

This woman, everyone knows what she's like, haha. Give her a hole the size of a pinhole, and she might just find a way out.

Watching Angel Baby's graceful figure, Chen Nuo sighed softly. Now he understood what it felt like for Qin Shi Huang to want to find immortals and for Emperor Jiajing to seek elixirs of immortality.

Good heavens, please open your eyes!

That day, under special circumstances, I was defeated in just 5 minutes with Liu Yifei. Yesterday, under normal circumstances, I didn't last more than 20 minutes with Janice Man.

If this continues, what kind of scumbag will we even be?
……

……

March 3, 2012, the eleventh day of the second month of the Ren Chen year in the lunar calendar, a Saturday, is an auspicious day for starting work, praying for blessings, breaking ground, and setting up a bed.

Outside the newly erected soundstage in San Po Kong, Hong Kong, Chen Nuo, Lori Eisner, Johnnie To, Pang Ho-cheung, and many other main actors and crew members gathered early in the morning, dressed in neat attire. They lined up in front of the incense table, devoutly burning incense, paper money, and offering wine to pray to the gods of heaven and earth, the land god, and the god of drama, Marshal Tian Du, for a successful start to filming, smooth production, and freedom from disasters.

The ceremony was presided over by a Taoist priest, a well-known figure in the industry, whom Johnnie To specially invited. He waved a peach wood sword to ward off evil spirits while chanting blessings for peace. He also used a cinnabar brush to draw talismans in front of the incense burner and the camera, signifying "divine intervention upon opening the camera."

After the ceremony, everyone bowed three times while holding incense and candles. The director, lead actors, and producer took turns offering incense, while the cameraman symbolically filmed the first empty shot, signifying a "smooth start to filming."

Actually, the opening ceremony was originally introduced to the mainland from Hong Kong Island, and many of its rules originated from Taoist rituals, emphasizing "good fortune and favorable weather for the start of the project".

Compared to the events Chen Nuo previously participated in in mainland China or South Korea, the Hong Kong version was clearly more ceremonial and had a more complicated process, with particular attention paid to everything from feng shui timing and orientation to the arrangement of offerings.

For publicity purposes, the production team also invited media reporters to the event.

Therefore, just after six o'clock that morning, a large number of reporters had already gathered outside the studio. Reporters from mainland China (CCTV, Xinhua News Agency, Sohu, Sina), Hong Kong (TVB, Oriental Daily, Apple Daily), the US (Variety, The Hollywood Reporter), Japan (NHK, Fuji TV), and South Korea (KBS, SBS)... were all busy with their cameras and microphones.

By 8:45 a.m., when the ceremony officially began, the site was already packed with people, and it was hard to find even a place to stand.

After praying to God, it was time for speeches to boost morale.

As is customary, the first to speak was Rory Eisner, a representative of the show's production company. She delivered her entire speech in English, expressing her confidence in the production team and her anticipation for future collaborations.

The subsequent director was Pang Ho-cheung, and the producer was Johnnie To.

By the time Chen Nuo took the stage, it was almost noon.

He wasn't Hu Xijin, so unless absolutely necessary, he didn't have much to say. He simply picked up the microphone and announced, "I hereby declare that filming for 'Eagle Catches Chickens' has officially begun!"

(End of this chapter)