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

Chapter 551 The world’s three major film festivals dominate

After returning to the hotel, Tom Hanks told his wife about what had happened that night.

His wife, Rita Wilson, couldn't help but laugh and say, "In that case, he is indeed a fine young man."

Tom Hanks said, "At least not like other young people. I didn't expect him to think of his father first. How many American kids would do that these days?"

Rita said, "So, you're really going to call him?"

"why not?"

"...Do you think he'll really come to the premiere of Cloud Atlas, or is he just being polite?"

"I don't know, I'll find out when I send him the specific schedule."

"You exchanged phone numbers with him?"

"Yes."

"That's great. If he can really come, it should be a great help to the promotion of our film. You know, his recent movies and TV series have been very popular, which is enough to prove that he has an extraordinary influence among the younger generation."

Rita paused for a moment, then continued, "Do you know how high Netflix's stock price has risen? $170! And our investment advisors are still telling us to buy. They say that Wall Street generally expects it to rise to over $230, which is a 40% upside from the current price."

Tom raised an eyebrow and asked, "So, did you buy it?"

“Hell no! I don’t believe his nonsense.” Rita scoffed. “But it’s scary to think about. Just one TV series, and it’s caused Netflix’s stock price to rise so much. This shows that being friends with him isn’t a bad thing. Perhaps, our Playtone can collaborate with him on something in the future…”

In fact, Rita Wilson is not only Tom Hanks' wife, but she also frequently advises Hanks' production company, Playtone.

In particular, her personal suggestion to start the project and her role as producer for "My Big Greek Wedding" was initially intended to be a low-budget family comedy, but it eventually became one of the highest-grossing romantic comedies in North American film history, with a global box office of over $3.68 million and a return on investment of up to 60 times.

Because of this success, Rita's position in Playtone became extremely important, and Tom Hanks had to take her advice seriously.

Indeed, we should maintain a good relationship with that young man.

That's what Tom Hanks was thinking.

But in the following week, he found that it wasn't so easy.

Because this young man is just too much... how should I put it?

Too enthusiastic?
He seemed to be someone who was extremely enthusiastic about sharing his life, and he would text Tom almost every day.

It's not really fair to say that such behavior is particularly disruptive.

But Tom Hanks felt that the contact was a bit too frequent.

At least among Americans, such frequent communication between two men always subconsciously leads people to think of something subtle and inappropriate.

Perhaps... this is the Chinese way of interpersonal communication?

Out of respect for Rita's persuasion and the upcoming premiere of "Cloud Atlas," Tom Hanks held back.

And so, through this process of getting to know each other, he gradually discovered that the other person was indeed a very good young man.

He is passionate, kind, has an extraordinary passion for film, and possesses a natural sense of humor.

Most importantly, he possesses something increasingly rare in Hollywood—simplicity.

Whenever Tom Hanks sees Chen Nuo talking about his private screening of "DROP" in text messages, with that naive, confident tone, as if he still believes he'll be nominated for a film, he always wants to reply:
"Don't waste your energy, child."

But in the end, he still didn't say it.

Because Tom knew perfectly well that if someone had said the same thing to him a decade or more ago, he probably wouldn't have listened. So he simply put his phone aside, waited a while, and then replied with a brief, "Keep going, kid."

And so, the day of the premiere of "Cloud Atlas" drew ever closer.

But when the time came to October 27, there was still exactly one week before the premiere of "Cloud Atlas" at the Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on November 3.

Tom Hanks suddenly received a text message that left him completely bewildered...

……

……

"...Yes, I know you specially chose the Chinese Theatre for the premiere just for me. Don't worry, I'll be back on time, Hank."

Chen Nuo finished typing the text message and sent it out.

Then she clicked on another message and replied, "Meryl, I probably won't be able to go to your cooking class this time. I have to go to Tokyo. I'll try to make it to your next class."

Send it out.

Then I put my phone back in my pocket.

Seeing this, Allison said from the side, "Boss, I'm glad I'm your subordinate and you're not my client. Otherwise, I would have gone crazy like Cynthia."

Cynthia Swartz, Hollywood's most famous Oscar PR expert, is the founder and head of Strategy PR, who has managed the Oscar PR campaigns for films such as "Slumdog Millionaire," "The King's Speech," "The Social Network," "12 Years a Slave," and "The Shape of Water." She is known as the "Queen of Awards Season" and is also their partner in this collaboration.

Chen Nuo said, "There's an old Chinese saying that goes, 'Never place your hopes on others.' I remember Lyon invited her last year, and after spending millions of dollars, they still got nothing. Although he was aiming for an award, while we were just hoping for a nomination, the principle is the same."

Allison, unaware that this was her boss's innate paranoia, instead agreed wholeheartedly, saying, "I agree with you. In fact, I think your charm diplomacy is more effective than his 'award season offensive.' Whether it's Tom Hanks or Meryl Streep, who could resist the hottest star right now?"

Chen Nuo laughed and said, "Thank you for the compliment. Okay, you can go back now. I won't be back until November 3rd. Remember to keep a close eye on her this week. My money... no, the director's money can't be wasted."

"Don't worry, I will. But November 3rd? Isn't that a bit too late?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Nuo immediately smiled.

Sure enough, no matter how smart, capable, or experienced you are, there are still blind spots in your knowledge.

This is what pulling and tugging means.

However, he didn't explain further. He turned to Gulnazar, who seemed a little unhappy, and said in Chinese, "You don't need to come with me this time. Stay with Alison and learn more."

"But……"

"Anyway, I was picked up and dropped off this time. I just ate, drank, and chatted along the way. There was no work to do. Since you've decided not to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, you should naturally learn more and become an expert as soon as possible so that you can stand on your own."

"I won't..." Gulnazar muttered.

But Chen Nuo didn't want to say any more.

Because he had advised me, asked me, and confirmed it repeatedly.

Just two days ago, Gulnazar suddenly contacted him, saying that she had made up her mind and didn't want to be a celebrity anymore.

At that time, he was genuinely surprised.

Because it's obvious that Gulnazar really became popular because of "The Eagle Catches the Chicken".

In just over a month since the show's release, not only has the $30 million worth of Netflix stock he bought as a trial at around $70 has grown to over $70 million, but the money he's made is enough for him to buy a ranch of nearly 50,000 acres, or about 190 square kilometers, in Montana.

It includes an entire mountain range, natural rivers, a private hunting area, an airstrip, a helipad, and a top-tier luxury estate overlooking the entire valley.

While it may not compare to the 12-acre Broken O Ranch that Stan Kroenke, owner of the NFL's Los Angeles Rams, just acquired this year for $1.32 million, it is definitely a super luxurious top-tier ranch.

Similarly, for Gulnazar, not only did her Weibo follower count surpass 300 million a few days ago, but at her urging, the account she opened on Instagram, which was recently acquired by Facebook, also attracted nearly one million followers in just a few dozen days, making her one of the biggest internet celebrities in Asia.

In this situation, her starting point is probably 100 stories higher than in her previous life, making it incredibly easy for her to become famous. Or rather, she's already famous; she just needs to take on a few good dramas to maintain that popularity.

This wouldn't be difficult for Huanxin Company. For example, in Fan Binbing's "Wu Zetian", they could easily arrange for her to play the second female lead, replacing Zhang Junning, which wouldn't be out of the question.

But... this person said they didn't want to act anymore?
What were you thinking?
He asked several times, but the person wouldn't tell him.

Since that's the case, he thought he should focus on learning. At his age, he was in his early twenties, and there was plenty of time in the world.

……

The G650 took to the skies, heading towards the other side of the ocean.

As she watched the gradually shrinking silver-white fuselage, Gulnazar felt a sense of inexplicable loss.

Allison put her hands in her trench coat pockets, looked up at the sky, stood beside her for a while, then turned her head and said calmly, "Okay, Nazha, let's go."

"Mmm," Gulnazar responded softly, turning her gaze away.

Shortly after, a Cadillac Escalade SUV slowly drove away from Teterboro Airport and headed towards Manhattan along I-95.

Gulnazar, in the passenger seat, leaned back and didn't say anything.

Allison, who was driving, glanced at her and said directly:

“Alright, Nazha, after we get back, we have a meeting with Strategy PR. Cynthia Swartz wants to talk to us about the next FYC ad.”

"Wasn't everything already decided?"

"Yes, but the variety show slots have already been taken by other movies, so we might have to change the date. Or we could add two more full-page ads in The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline."

“Oh.” “Also, we need to mail Blu-ray DVDs of ‘DROP’ and limited edition booklets to more than 60 key judges. Strategy PR will prepare the list, and you will be responsible for coordinating with their assistants to confirm the delivery and receipt of all packages.”

"OK."

"In addition, social media and IMDb, DROP is currently generating a lot of discussion on Reddit, Twitter and Facebook, but this is a double-edged sword. Monitoring negative news on these platforms also requires you to do it."

"Oh."

Gulnazar agreed, then said hesitantly, "Alison, I think I should go and stay with the boss."

Allison laughed and said, "Don't joke around, Nazha."

"I'm serious, if I booked a plane ticket to Japan right now, do you think my boss would yell at me?"

Allison looked surprised and said, "Nazha, are you crazy? The boss wants you to learn from me. If you go, he will not only scold you, but also blame me. Isn't it better for you to stay in America and work with me? According to the boss's plan, you will have to leave his side sooner or later, right? He values ​​you a lot. You will not just be an assistant in the future. From now on, you should learn to do more. This is for your own good."

But upon hearing this, the hesitation on the face of the 20-year-old XJ girl slowly disappeared, replaced by a resolute expression. She said, "Alison, turn around. I've decided, I'm going to Japan!"

"You can't understand what I'm saying?"

"Turn around now! Allison, I'll count to three, or I'm jumping out of the car."

"Wait, stop, stop! By doing this, you're actually letting the boss down. Do you even realize that?"

“I know! But I don’t want to be on my own at all. I have to go anyway, and I’m booking my ticket right now! You better turn around right now, or I’m really jumping off the train! I’m not kidding, Allison, I mean what I say!”

Fifteen minutes later,
The Cadillac Escalade SUV that had just left Tetepolo Airport drove back again.

This time, it stopped at the departure gate of a regular airport terminal.

As soon as the car came to a stop, the young woman in the passenger seat picked up her LV handbag, opened the car door, and almost ran into the terminal, as if afraid of being stopped.

However, in reality, the red-haired woman in the driver's seat did not move at all from beginning to end.

Allison rested her hands on the steering wheel, watching the girl's figure. A faint smile suddenly appeared on her lips as she muttered, "You can't stop the river from running to the sea."

She then slammed on the gas, and the Escalade SUV drove away from the airport, rejoining the traffic heading to Manhattan.

……

……

Chen Nuo was half asleep on the custom-made king-size bed in the private bedroom at the tail of the Gulfstream G650.

When he woke up, the cabin lights were dim, and the engine was still humming low. He didn't know what time it was. He threw back the covers, got out of bed, pushed open the soundproof door leading to the main cabin, and went outside.

Linghu had placed a laptop on the table in front of him, his back to him, and it was unclear what he was doing.

Upon closer inspection, the image on the computer screen was none other than his own old face, weeping bitterly at a woman lying on the bed.

Linghu was wearing headphones and seemed quite engrossed in watching, so he didn't hear his footsteps.

He didn't say anything, just stood behind and watched quietly.

This is the penultimate episode of "Eagle Catches Chickens," and it's also one of the episodes that has seen a surge in viewership on Netflix recently.

With 3870 million views, it has surpassed the seventh and first episodes, ranking after the second episode "One Two Three, Wooden Man" with over 3900 million views and the last episode with 4800 million views.

However, on IMDb, this episode currently holds the number one spot with a score of 9.6.

He actually remembers this scene very vividly. The original script didn't include this crying scene; it was Wang Jiawei who came and changed the script, adding this scene in. It's a scene where Xie Jiajun returns from the game and sees his mother lying dead in bed, causing him to have an emotional breakdown. It's also the moment when Xie Jiajun's psyche is destroyed and rebuilt, completely shedding the naive and immature boy he once was.

It can be said to be the first key to unlocking the plot of the second season.

At least that's how he understands it.

During filming, seeing Kara Hui lying in bed reminded him of the time when Pan Chengrong was hospitalized in his previous life. He didn't need to put in much effort to portray the feeling that Wang Jiawei wanted in one take.

As a result, more than half of the letters Netflix receives from viewers are discussing this scene. It's probably only slightly less controversial than the third season of Game of Thrones, "The Red Wedding."

Pang Ho-cheung also called, saying that Huanxin Hong Kong Company had received some letters from the United States and Europe, cursing him, the "pang" director and screenwriter, as a son of a bitch.

He had only been standing there for a minute or two, and Linghu hadn't turned around, but somehow he sensed something and suddenly turned around. Only when he saw it was him did he relax.

He took off his headphones and said, "Boss, you're awake."

"Hmm." Chen Nuo sat down opposite him and yawned. "Didn't you get some sleep?"

No, I'm not sleepy.

"How long until it arrives?"

Linghu glanced at his watch and said, "Two hours."

"Oh, perfect timing to finish watching the show."

Linghu smiled and said, "Actually, this is already my third time watching it."

Chen Nuo was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and asked, "Is it pretty?"

"It looks good." Linghu nodded without hesitation.

Chen Nuo smiled.

Actually, there was something on his mind that he had never told anyone.

"The Eagle Catches the Chickens" is probably the first time he has intentionally imitated a work other than "The Dark Knight".

Now, as the only person in the world who has seen both versions, he can confidently say that "The Eagle Catches the Chickens" surpasses "The Squid Game" in every aspect, and he didn't create a low-budget version that would make him a laughing stock.

That's enough to live up to the identity of a reborn person.

His mouth was a little dry, so he called out, "Nazha, pour me a glass of water."

She even sounded a little annoyed after she finished speaking.

In the past, whenever he woke up on a plane, the girl would immediately give him a glass of water. Why this time...?

Just then, the middle-aged woman from the flight crew he had invited walked over with a smile, carrying a glass of orange juice.

He only realized it at once.

……

……

The plane arrived at Tokyo Haneda Airport a little after 6 p.m. The sun was setting, casting a beautiful red glow across the sky.

As soon as we landed, Eri Miyazawa called.

After hanging up the phone, he turned to Linghu with a hint of helplessness and said:

"You might have to work a bit later. Somehow, news of our arrival has leaked out, and there are quite a few media outlets at the airport now. Miyazawa said we'll probably have to hold a short press conference there first. Airport security is in place, but I'm still a little worried."

Upon hearing this, Linghu immediately tensed up and nodded, saying, "I know. The Japanese airport security is weak. I'll be careful."

Chen Nuo nodded, leaned back in his chair, and remained silent for a while, feeling somewhat speechless.

After winning the Venice Film Festival Best Actor award, he was completely ignored when he went to the United States.

Going back to China would be about the same.

When I got to South Korea, it was just so-so.

So this time when they came to Japan, they made such a huge fuss?
What does this have to do with them?

Chen Nuo couldn't help but start to wonder if he had overacted a bit in his daily life, or if Miyazawa's description was a bit exaggerated.

But he soon realized that Miyazawa Eri was not exaggerating at all.

This is his first time in Tokyo since his Gulfstream G650 was delivered, and also his first time visiting the private terminal at Haneda Airport.

Logically speaking, Japanese customs officers are completely different from those in Europe and America. They speak very little and rarely make small talk beyond basic inquiries, let alone perform any unnecessary actions.

But this time, when he walked into GAT, he found two whole rows of customs and border control staff, more than a dozen people, standing in queues on both sides of the entrance.

The moment he stepped through the door,

The first manager, dressed in uniform, stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said in Japanese:
"Mr. Chen, I won the award at the Venice International Film Festival, おめでとうございます!"

The words of congratulations to him for winning the Best Actor award at the Venice International Film Festival had barely left his lips when...
Before Chen Nuo could respond,

The two rows of more than ten staff members, all dressed in identical airport uniforms, immediately bowed deeply in unison and shouted in unison:
"The top three film festivals in the world, おめでとうございます!"

(End of this chapter)