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

Chapter 520 A Global Hurricane Unseen in Twenty Years
"Director Pritzker, how did you convince Chen to star in this film?"

"Director Pritzker, what was the biggest challenge you encountered during filming?"

"Director Pritzker, how would you rate Chen's performance in the film? Did it exceed your expectations?"

"Director Pritzker, what do you think is the theme of the film 'DROP'?"

"Director Pritzker, do you already have plans for your next film? Will you invite Chen Zuo to be your male lead again?"

Besides the applause, another of Chen Nuo's predictions also came true.

Following Chen Nuo's first answer, countless questions flooded towards James Pritzker, making the fat man—no, now the thin man—so excited he was almost incoherent.

However, as a second-generation rich kid from a prominent American old-money family, a descendant of a Democratic Party moneybags, and also a graduate of dark comedy films, he handled these answers with ease after the initial excitement, and even had a touch of dark humor, making the whole atmosphere quite lively.

“I didn’t really convince him, because it was all God’s arrangement. My original script wasn’t like this. It was because of Chen that I had the inspiration for this movie. In the process of writing the script, his help to me was second only to God. We just hit it off immediately.”

"The biggest challenge is that many times I feel like it wouldn't matter if I wasn't there, because Chen always manages to do things to an unimaginable degree. Sometimes in a play, all you need to do is call 'start' and 'end,' and the rest of the time you just sit there watching the monitor, feeling like a useless piece of trash..."

“It wasn’t just me; I think his performance even exceeded God’s expectations. When I was doing post-production, I wanted to include all of his scenes. You can’t imagine how painful it was for me. I didn’t want to cut even a single second of those scenes. The current version is 119 minutes long, which is already a very difficult result. I swear to God, cutting his scenes was more difficult than losing weight.”

"Everyone should have their own interpretation of the film's theme, and I hope everyone can understand it from their own perspective. I will not comment on it."

"I don't have any plans for a next film right now; I'm focused on this one. But if I were to, I can't find anyone else I'd like to work with besides this man beside me..."

While James was answering questions, Chen Nuo and Theron were whispering to each other.

What did you mean by "toilet" just now?

"What toilet? Did I say that?"

"Yes, you said it. Don't play dumb, Chen."

"Haha, I'm not pretending to be stupid. What, are you interested?"

"Let me tell you a secret, I'm extremely wet right now."

"what?"

Chen Nuo was startled and turned to look.

Charlize Theron remained expressionless, her lips barely moving, "Seeing you on screen, I started..."

Chen Nuo has done many crazy things when he was in a good mood, both in his past and present lives, but he has never talked about these things with a woman on a stage with thousands of people.

It was really exciting, but it was also a bit too much for me.

Fortunately, James finished answering another question at this moment, and then a reporter stood up and asked him a question, which saved this cowardly coward from an awkward situation.

"Chen, hello, I'm a reporter from the BBC. We just saw in the film that the character you portrayed this time is very different from your previous screen images. I would like to ask, how did you balance Cassian's ambition and vulnerability in the film, making him both real and dramatic? In this process, did your experience living in China help you better understand this character?"

Chen Nuo didn't immediately realize what the problem was, but fortunately, his keen observation saved him.

He was about to speak when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Allison, who was standing in the first row below the stage, winking at him.

He pondered the question for a moment, then realized what it meant. His expression changed instantly, and he asked expressionlessly, "What's your name?"

The light blond-haired male reporter hesitated for a moment before saying, "My name is Alan Johnstone."

“OK, Alan, I don’t know what you’re talking about or what you’re implying, but I can tell you clearly that I am proud to be Chinese. The people there are kind and warm-hearted, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the fake news you’re trying to fabricate.”

He paused for a moment, then said, "I don't understand why the BBC would send you to ask this kind of question. Is this your personal decision, or the BBC's position? I expect you to give me an explanation later. Okay, that's my answer. Now I'm telling you, your presence here makes me very uncomfortable..."

Before he could finish speaking, James Pritzker interjected, "Is there anyone who can kick this motherfucker out of here!"

Blade also said, "Security, please escort him out. Ask him to rest in the lounge. Alan, please leave for a moment; we'll talk to you privately later."

Immediately, two groups of people appeared. One group consisted of two men in black suits, and the other group consisted of two Italians in security uniforms. The four of them walked over together, snatched the microphone from Sam White's hand, who was still rambling on, and pushed him out.

Shi Ningwei watched from the side, and for some reason, his emotions suddenly became somewhat turbulent. Especially when he thought about where he was, he felt a lump in his throat, and unconsciously he straightened his chest a little higher.

The translator Sina Entertainment had hired for him, an Italian-Chinese student, was incredibly excited, chattering incessantly: "Brother Norman is so handsome! Wow, this is the BBC! I'm going to post this on my WeChat Moments later, it's so awesome! Those people at the BBC, all they do is criticize us, they deserve it!"

After this little incident,

The next question, seemingly fearing some unexpected trouble, was met with a sudden choice after glancing around: Shi Ningwei... and so on.

Shi Ningwei turned his head with some disappointment and saw a reporter three rows away with the same black hair and yellow skin as him. Coincidentally, he had chatted with this person before entering the venue.

"Kou Ni Ji Wa..."

After greeting him in Japanese, the male reporter, in his thirties, spoke somewhat nervously in English with a heavy Japanese accent:
"I am Sasaki, a reporter from TBS Television. It is a great honor to meet you in Venice. First of all, please allow me, on behalf of all your Japanese fans, to congratulate you on bringing us another wonderful work."

Chen Nuo smiled slightly and took the microphone: "Thank you, Sasaki, it's nice to meet you."

He didn't say much, but he remembered that TBS and Hwanshin had collaborated on "Legal High 1," which had a very good effect when it aired in the first half of the year. Although it didn't make much money, it completely cultivated Hwanshin's production team in the Japanese market and also established an effective cooperation model. Currently, they are continuing to cooperate with TBS to prepare for the second season, so his attitude was quite good.

Moreover, he was quite far from the Japanese reporter, and he could barely make out what the person looked like. Sasaki, perhaps sensing his pleasant tone, who had initially been somewhat cautious, suddenly became excited and said, "Mr. Chen, you have so many fans in Japan who support you. Everyone is really looking forward to you winning the Best Actor award at Venice. Is there anything you'd like to say to your Japanese audience who have always supported you? Also... are you confident about winning? If you really do win the Venice Best Actor award as everyone wishes, completing a grand slam of the three major European film festivals, what would be the first thing you want to do then?"

……

……

"...From Chen Nuosang's answer, I could see his deep affection for us Japanese movie fans. When he said 'he misses his friends in Japan,' I saw his eyes fill with tears."

"Tears in your eyes? Is it real, Sasaki-kun?"

"Hey, I saw it clearly, Ichinose-kun, Chen-kun was not far from me at the time."

"I see. Everyone in Japan who likes Mr. Chen must be very touched now. Although Mr. Chen hasn't been to Japan for a long time, he hasn't forgotten everyone. So, Mr. Sasaki, how did Mr. Chen answer your next question?"

"Chen Jun said that he thinks he can win the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival this time."

"Wow!"

On the television, TBS entertainment news anchor Rei Ichinose smiled broadly and exclaimed in admiration, "As expected of the Chen we know, he is just as bold as ever on the land of Venice."

On the other end of the video call, a slightly balding middle-aged man, Sasaki, nodded and said, "Yes."

Yui Aragaki was so engrossed in watching the TV in the waiting room that she forgot to drink her coffee.

"So, what's the final thing? If Chen Jun really wins the trophy, what's the first thing he'll do?"

"It's a break. He said he's going to give himself a long vacation."

"As for what happened, it should be like this: starting with 'Inception' last year, Chen Nuojun has been active in our field of vision, from hosting to promotion, to acting, to film festival jury, from Asia to America to Europe. It's really too tiring."

“In fact, Mr. Chen also mentioned Japan on this point,” Sasaki said. “He said he might come to Japan.”

Ichinose Ryou exclaimed with delight, "Really? You're not kidding, Sasaki?"

"No, that's what Mr. Chen said himself."

"Wow!!! Everyone, did you hear that? In the near future, we may very well be able to see Chen Nuo-sama again on Japanese soil. Let's all pray for him, hoping that he can win the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival in Italy and once again let the light of Asia shine on the world stage."

"Finally, let's return to the film. Sasaki-kun, tell us about your experience watching the movie this time. What was your impression of Chen Jun's new film?"

"he…………"

The man on TV had barely uttered a single word when Yui Aragaki heard someone call out, "Gakki! It's getting late, come over and get your makeup done!"

This is in the large dressing room of an advertising company. Ever since Li Gou Hai became popular, she has received a constant stream of endorsement offers, and this cosmetics endorsement was carefully selected by her agency.

She had originally come out to have a coffee before putting on makeup, but she never expected to end up standing outside for so long.

"Hi, I'm here." Yui Aragaki replied and walked over there.

But after taking a few steps, she looked back and heard Sasaki saying, "...This movie is like a feast for the soul, and Chen Nuojun's performance is like a gentle yet sharp knife that cuts directly into the audience's heart. It's really, really wonderful."

Hearing Sasaki's analogy, Yui Aragaki was a little stunned.

"Gakki!"

Another shout woke her up.

They hurriedly headed back that way.

Come to think of it, have I already been cut by that gentle yet sharp knife?

She had planned perfectly that after that short period of time, she should forget him. But why couldn't she forget him?

Yui Aragaki's feelings at this moment were complex and hard to describe.

"Ah, Gakki, why are you crying? What happened?"

"...It's coffee. The coffee is too bitter."

"Oh, is that so? Then wipe away your tears and start putting on makeup."

"Okay, I'm sorry, please take care of me."

But I will still pray for you.

Keep it up, Chen Nuojun!
……

……

"Halo".

"Harvey? Harvey, are you there?"

“What do you mean? Of course I am, I’m on the phone with you, Sam. Fuck, Sam—Sam White—the way you’re talking reminds me of Motherfucker! You’re making me feel very bad, very, very bad.”

"Uh... sorry Harvey, shall we talk later?"

"Of course not! Go ahead and tell me your thoughts. What did you see? Is he better or worse than Philip or Joaquin? Just tell me that."

“Okay…there are many standards, Harvey. In Cannes, in Berlin, at the Oscars, at the Golden Globes—every place has a different standard for ‘good’—”

"Don't beat around the bush, Sam! Just say it! You know what I mean. Motherfucker! Do you think I'm a child? Huh? Don't give me that pitying look! Let me tell you, I've been to more film festivals and seen more movies than you've ever eaten a meal! I just want the truth! I've given you so much money, and you're still playing these games with me? Who do you think you're talking to? I am—Harvey Weinstein!"

"Harvey, calm down—"

"Calm down? How can I calm down?! Fuck! Fuck you! You crow, you bastard, you asshole! What are you trying to say with that stammering? The way you're acting makes me want to shove my big cock into your gaping mouth! You—"

"Beep-beep-beep-"

……

……

"Drop is the kind of work that leaves you feeling warm in your heart and your hands trembling slightly after watching it."

The moment the lights came on, I was almost afraid to stand up immediately, because the emotions surged like waves from the depths of the screen, pushing into my chest.

And at the very center of this undercurrent is Chen Nuoxi.

In this film, he achieved another breakthrough in his acting career after The Dark Knight.

Together with Charlize Theron, he wove a psychological game interwoven with desire, temptation, danger, and betrayal.

The first time I saw his passionate scenes on the big screen, he was completely unreserved and unashamed—his masculine hormones seemed to penetrate the light and shadow, directly seeping into the audience's skin and breath.

It wasn't just simple sexiness, but a provocative danger that you'd never seen in Chen Nuoxi before.

The male lead he plays, Cassian, is a complex character that is almost impossible to define as "good" or "bad".

Director James Pritzker portrays him as a giant black hole, while Chen Nuo uses a series of progressively deepening performances to drag the audience into the abyss time and time again in the film.

As the title suggests—Fall.

In the past, apart from his complete madness in Joker, Chen Nuoxi has maintained a certain underlying quality in every work he has done in the years since, a quality that allows the audience to rely on him.

This time, however, he completely abandoned that sense of security, dominating the entire screen with a more dangerous, uncertain, and aggressive presence. From this perspective, his ambition in acting is enough to inspire awe in any actor.

I'm not the only one who has experienced this.
When the film ended, the applause was long and enthusiastic, lasting a full 12 minutes, a length that had never been seen in Venice before. And for the first time, it was for an Asian. How could this not make my blood boil?
At the press conference following the film screening, although I regretfully didn't have the opportunity to ask questions, watching him on stage, answering one question after another from reporters from all over the world, a genuine sense of anticipation suddenly welled up within me—

Let the applause of the world surge like the waters of the Han River, carrying Chen Nuoxi from the red carpet in Venice all the way to the throne of Best Actor.

"Have you finished reading?"

"...I've finished reading it."

"Now do you understand why I wanted you to stay in contact with him?"

"But...I'm already married."

"So what if we get married? I know Jun-hyuk very well. He's an honest man and won't suspect you. Even if he finds out, I'll protect you. Ji-hyun, I won't hurt you."

"President Li, I... I really don't want this to happen."

"Alright, it's decided then. If he really wins the award in Venice this time, I will invite him to Korea. At that time, I will help you find an excuse with Junhyuk."

Jun Ji-hyun's expression was sorrowful; she looked extremely pitiful.

However, some people have hearts made of iron and stone.

Even though she was right there, with everything clearly visible, Li Meijing remained completely unmoved, simply saying:

"Ji-hyun, didn't you two get along quite well last time? You should understand me. Right now, the two most important things for the company are director Bong Joon-ho's 'Snowpiercer' and our BTS. They're both preparing to enter the world and American markets. But to open up the American market, his connections there are very important to us. The company can't just pin its hopes on director Bong and his personal relationship. This time... well, I can't say I'm wronging you. Ji-hyun, we're both women, you should enjoy it too. After all, he likes you, I can tell. He should be very gentle with you."

"..."

"Go back and wait for my call."

When Jun Ji-hyun walked out of the towering CJ building, her heart felt as if it had fallen into a cold abyss.

The moment she saw the film review in CINE21 magazine, she already knew that Lee Mi-kyung would never let her go.

Now, perhaps there is only one way to save her.

Thinking of this, Jun Ji-hyun couldn't help but look up at the sky.

Although he felt a little guilty, after all, it wasn't his fault; it was all Li Meijing's arrangement.

but……

She whispered to herself, "I'm sorry, Chen Nuoxi."

Then, she began to pray wholeheartedly to God—

Whatever you do, don't let him get it!

Che Bai!

……

……

If it were a real hurricane, there would be fierce winds and torrential rain on the outer perimeter, while the center would experience a brief and eerie calm.

But now, in this global storm that hasn't hit Venice in twenty years, even in the heart of the water city, the collision of the two air currents is just as intense, and it hasn't been able to bring a moment of peace here.

Late at night on Lido Island, a small bar is brightly lit.

At a table near the bar, two men were drinking and chatting while holding a freshly printed ICS program.

"DROP 4.1, Masters 3.9. See? I told you long ago—Chen's performance this time is absolutely the best of his career." The man on the left waved the magazine in his hand.

The ICS program is an important source of ratings for the Venice Film Festival. Professional media journalists who watch the films firsthand compile their reviews and scores on it. Before the final awards are announced at the Venice Film Festival, this program's rankings serve as an important reference for measuring the quality of the films.

"Come on, it's only 0.2 points off. Have you seen Rotten Tomatoes? 'The Master' still has 100% positive reviews, while 'Drop'... I'm not the only one who thinks it's a bit of a cheap trick." The man on the right said with a hint of disdain, "It's like a very flirtatious woman. She knows what you want to see and hear, so she shows you and lets you hear it, making you dazzled. However, its core is nothing. What is it trying to express? The decadence of America's lower class? The hardships of illegal immigrants? Or love and betrayal? No, no, no, these are all old clichés. Who in the world doesn't know that illegal immigrants and the poor in America live like they're in hell? Admit it. It's just a tool for winning awards. That's all."

"Hahaha, a tool movie." The man holding the magazine flipped to the first page and read aloud under the light: "CINE21, South Korea, four stars. Chen Nuoxi's breakthrough performance is full of danger and charm, making it impossible to look away. Corriere della Sera, Italy, four stars. James Pritzker's directing style is cold and precise. The fall of the male protagonist played by Chen seems to be heard throughout Venice."

"Variety, USA, 4 stars. A work full of physicality and psychological oppression. Chen's performance burns on the screen; even a blind person can feel his heat. French Cinema, France, 4 stars. Male hormones and emotional collapse erupt simultaneously on the screen. DROP tells not only the story of human fall, but also the depravity of the soul."

"International Screen," UK, four stars: the most dangerous performance at this year's Venice Film Festival. Chen Nuo abandons all sense of security and delivers his ultimate self. "The Hollywood Reporter," USA, three stars: an ambitious performance; the film has flaws, but the male lead's brilliance overshadows everything.

"Kinema Junpo Japan: Four stars. Chen's portrayal of Cassian's vulnerability and cruelty makes him the most unforgettable screen man of the year... Murphy, do I need to read this to you again? There are more than ten other media outlets. Only a few gave it three stars, the rest are all four! If this is a tool film, then it seems all the media people are carpenters?"

Murphy listened silently, then said with a cold laugh, "Francis, no matter what you say, and no matter how much these media people boast, on the Film New Europe website, the Master has a score of 4.8, which is one of the highest scores in twenty years, while the Waterdrop only has a score of 4.5."

Francis laughed. "Hahaha, those film critics on the New Europe Film website? The whole world knows what kind of people they are. Ever since Chen starred in 'Twilight' and kicked their asses hard with its high box office, every film critic wants to send Chen back to China. But they can't, because in America and Europe, there are probably a hundred million more people who like him than they like them. So they can only vent their anger in places like this. If you ask me, they're all a bunch of pathetic bastards."

Francis's voice was a bit loud, immediately attracting the attention of those around him. At this moment, someone at the next table interjected, "Excuse me, sir, I am the poor wretch you mentioned, but I am not saying that 'The Master' is better than 'The Drop' out of revenge. In fact, 'The Master' is a well-crafted masterpiece, while 'The Drop' has a loose structure and inconsistencies. I'm sorry, but I think it's just a practice piece by James Pritzker, an amateur director."

Before Francis could reply, someone at a table by the door burst into laughter, saying in a gruff voice, "Hey bro, you're making it sound so real, but if I remember correctly, yesterday, there was twelve minutes of applause in the movie theater. I bet if you were there, you would have been one of those clapping people."

The person in front of him was momentarily speechless upon hearing this.

However, someone else immediately filled in his gaps: "Applause doesn't mean anything. It is indeed a masterpiece, I admit. But, like that gentleman, it is rougher than the master's refinement. If it were just showing in theaters, I would definitely watch both films. But unfortunately, it isn't. If I were a judge, I would cast my vote for 'The Master'."

"Voting for 'The Master' is one thing, voting for Joaquin and Philippe is another. 'The Master' might win Best Director or the Golden Lion, but if you say their acting is better than Chan's? Hahahaha, that's the funniest joke I've heard all year," someone said.

"I knew Chen had a lot of fans, but I didn't expect to see so many just from having a drink. OMG, stop praising him. If you ask me, he's good for nothing except his face. I saw Waterdrop, and apart from Theron's nipples, I didn't remember anything else." Someone chimed in, drunk.

"That's utter bullshit."

"That's utter nonsense."

"Drunkard, if you're drunk, go back to sleep."

Although the drunkard seemed to have provoked the crowd's anger, he was so drunk that he didn't care at all. Instead, he laughed even more smugly, "What's wrong? You hypocrites, who among you dares to swear to God that when you were watching Chen and that South African bastard being so passionate, you didn't think of replacing him? FUCK, Charlize Theron is a real stunner, look at those legs..."

At a table in the innermost corner of the bar, two men wearing baseball caps were chatting and drinking with their heads down. Upon hearing this, the blond man sitting inside chuckled softly, causing the black-haired man opposite him to frown.

"Oh, right, there's one more thing I'm curious about: Charlize, how are things going with her?"

"How did it feel? Come on, are you that bored? That was just filming. Leo, haven't you ever filmed a sex scene?"

"No, I'm not talking about the movies, I mean...the real world."

"What reality?" Chen Nuo feigned ignorance. "What are you talking about? I don't understand."

Leonardo DiCaprio laughed and said, "After the screening yesterday, I was going to look for you, but I saw you and your assistant go into the men's room together. To be honest, I was quite startled. But thankfully, she came out after a while, but you were still inside. So I waited outside, and then—guess who I saw? That's right, it was Charlize. She went into the men's room."

"And then?" Chen Nuo's expression remained unchanged.

"Then, about twenty minutes later, you came out. But strangely, where did Charlize go? I've been thinking about that all day. Can you tell me?"

Chen Nuo raised his glass, took a sip of wine, and mumbled, "I don't know what you're talking about..."

Leonardo DiCaprio said, "You should know better than God."

The two stared at each other for a while, neither willing to give in, when Chen Nuo suddenly said, "Leon, if I hear any rumors about this later, I swear I'll kill you right now."

Little Li burst out laughing: "Hahahaha, unless you recommend a stock to me, then I won't tell you."

"Damn, Netflix, you should buy it."

"SHIT, it's already gone up almost 20% in the last two weeks because of your show, and you still want me to buy it?"

"Anyway, this is my suggestion. Buy it or don't, it's up to you."

"...Let me think about it."

"Whatever you want. I won't take responsibility if you lose money, and I won't ask you for a share if you make money."

"I'm leaving tomorrow, and this is your attitude?"

"Sorry, Leo, even though you're just going on vacation somewhere else and enjoying your sweet life with your 23-year-old new girlfriend, I should still treat you better. How about this attitude?"

Chen Nuo clenched his fist and slowly raised one middle finger.

Leonardo DiCaprio shook his head, took a sip of his drink, and said, "I now suspect that your performance in 'Drop' was just you being yourself."

"Bingo!"

It was getting late, and the two chatted about women and movies for a while longer. Chen Nuo gave a wink to the side, and Linghu, who was sitting with Little Li's bodyguard, understood and stood up to pay the bill.

"Let's go."

"OK."

The two people stood up.

The people in the bar were still enthusiastically discussing who would win the awards in a few days. The drunkard from before was already slumped on the table, fast asleep, while the loudest voice was that of the one who had spoken first—Francis, holding a magazine.

He sat on a bar stool near the door, slammed his hand on the table, and shouted:

"...If the judges weren't bribed by Harvey Weinstein, then Chen will definitely be the Best Actor this year! If I'm wrong, when you all come back to this bar, I'll buy everyone a drink!"

He was speaking animatedly when suddenly two tall men, both wearing baseball caps with the brims pulled low, passed by him.

As soon as he finished speaking, the person in front pushed open the door and walked out, while the person behind stopped in front of him.

Then Francis heard a voice say, "Send me the bill later."

After saying that, the man walked out of the bar.

Francis's gaze followed the man, and he froze when he saw the bridge of the nose and the jawline peeking out from under the brim of the hat.

"Haha, then I must say thank you!"

"Count me in."

"I've changed my stance; now I hope 'The Master' wins."

"Haha, brother, I'll definitely be there!"

The atmosphere in the bar instantly became even more lively. It didn't matter who you supported before; everyone just joined in the commotion.

But Francis remained frozen in place, not uttering another word.

"Francis, are you alright?" His companion sitting next to him gave him a strange nudge.

He then came to his senses, put the magazine he was holding on the bar, and suddenly stood up and rushed towards the door.

However, when he rushed into the street, he only saw the red taillights of two black cars gradually disappearing into the distance and turning into the street corner in the darkness.

"What's wrong?" His companion followed him out, panting. "Francis, what happened?"

Francis blinked, watched the headlights disappear, and then suddenly laughed.

"It's okay. Let's go back and continue drinking."

"WTF, you scared me."

"Haha, sorry. By the way, Murphy—"

"what?"

"...It's nothing. I've just decided that if Chen doesn't win Best Actor this time, I'll treat everyone here tonight...not just one drink, but the whole night!"

"...Francis, are you insane!?"

"Ha ha ha ha--"

The bar door closed amidst laughter, keeping the wind out.

(End of this chapter)