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

Chapter 556 The newborn calf is not afraid of the tiger
"...I am Chinese, I don't know. Besides, today is Movie Day, and I think movies are not partisan. For me, a good movie is more important than a good president."

After Chen Nuo finished speaking, the NBC reporter holding the microphone in front of him paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Let's talk about the movie. Just the day before yesterday, 'DROP' finally finished its run with $1.32 million in North America and $2.91 million worldwide. This is also the first time in history that an art film starring Chinese actors has achieved such great results. What are your thoughts on this?"

"Box office numbers are certainly important, but what makes me even happier is that so many people are willing to sit down and watch such a slow-paced, not-so-lighthearted art film, and still find resonance in it. I think this shows that the power of film still exists. It can transcend national borders, languages, and even cultural differences, bringing people from different backgrounds together. Of course, I also wish good luck to those who go to the cinema for other reasons."

"Hahahaha." The NBC reporter and reporters from several other television stations nearby all burst into laughter.

Clearly, given that most art-house films only gross around $50 million, the reason why "DROP" was able to gross over $100 million at the North American box office is something that several reporters already knew.

An NBC reporter then asked, "Chen, we all know that the competition for Best Actor at this year's Oscars is extremely fierce. Who do you think is your strongest competitor?"

Chen Nuo said, "I think there are many, such as Bradley Cooper. I saw 'Silver Linings Playbook' at the Shanghai International Film Festival, and his performance in it was very delicate and explosive. Then there are Denzel Washington, Phoenix, Philip, Hugh, Ben, and even Daniel Radcliffe, all of whom have had very good works this year. Of course, there is also the host of this premiere. I think one of the reasons he invited me here might be to make me give up on the Oscars."

“Hahaha,” the NBC reporter laughed. “So, do you want him to mess up, or do you want to see a good movie?”

"Of course, it's the latter. Alright, everyone, I should go in now. Bye-bye."

"Okay, thank you, Chen."

After finishing the interview, Chen Nuo lingered on the red carpet for a while, letting the photographers take pictures from various angles. After estimating the time, he figured it was about time and headed into the Chinese Theatre.

He hadn't walked two steps when he saw a pot-bellied, bald man in his forties standing at the gate, smiling at him.

Chen Nuo ignored it and walked in from the side.

As a result, he walked ahead, and the man followed behind him.

While following along, he kept calling out:
"Chen, Chen, hey, wait for me."

Many people around looked over in surprise, so Chen Nuo had no choice but to stop, turn around, and pretend to be surprised, and said with a smile:
"Oh, Oliver, I'm so sorry I didn't see you."

That man was Oliver Coke, a department manager at the Chinese Theatre. He was the one who arranged for Chen Nuo to have his face imprinted on the cement slab.

He squeezed through the crowd, panting, his large belly protruding, the fat on his face trembling, yet he still wore a smile: "It's okay, maybe I'm just too inconspicuous."

"Hehe." Chen Nuo maintained a polite smile. "Is there something you need?"

Oliver forced a dry laugh and said, "It's about that marking plate..."

Chen Nuo suddenly realized: "You found it?"

No, I meant to say—

"Then let's hurry up and find it. I saw on the news that it seemed to have appeared in Philadelphia, didn't it? Excuse me, the movie is about to start, excuse me."

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Nuo didn't even bother with pleasantries. He glanced at the other person's wry smile and continued walking forward.

As he passed through the lobby, he glanced at the spot where the cement slabs used to be. It was still empty and surrounded by barriers, making it look particularly conspicuous.

—No matter how the Chinese Theatre explains it, he will never come back. The last time he had his face imprinted on it, he almost got cancer from embarrassment just thinking about it. He felt like offering incense to those people who stole it. Asking him to do it again would be worse than killing him.

Although he escaped Oliver's obstruction, this day may have truly been unlucky for him. After Oliver Kirk, he had just stepped into the movie theater when he saw the second person he didn't want to see.

Surprisingly, Harvey Weinstein also came today.

But that makes sense. As a big player during awards season, he'd definitely be there to check out the premieres of such popular movies.

The fat man seemed to have been waiting for him here on purpose. As soon as he entered, he immediately came up to him with a smile on his fat face, "Hello, Chen, it's nice to see you."

Chen Nuo also forced a smile, "Harvey, I'm also very happy to see you, especially to see that you've recovered from the blow in Venice."

Harvey's smile froze for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure and said, "I didn't come here today to argue with you, Chen. I came to congratulate you."

Chen Nuo said, "No need." After saying that, he walked past him.

He didn't want to ask anything about congratulations.

Because he didn't believe that the fat guy would come to congratulate him on anything.

The theater was already quite full, and many eyes were secretly watching them. Harvey wasn't stupid; why would he wait here and offer himself up to be humiliated? He'd been waiting for so long, so it was obvious he was preparing a big move. Only an idiot would stay.

He walked away without looking back; Harvey clearly hadn't expected this reaction.

Chen Nuo vaguely heard him shout something like "Come up and play games," but he couldn't make it out clearly amidst the noise of the movie theater.

However, Harvey's voice was very loud, and many people around heard the noise. They turned their heads, first looking at Harvey, then at him, their eyes filled with curiosity.

Chen Nuo had no choice but to walk along while raising his right index finger to these curious children, circling it twice near his temple, and mouthing: "Crazy."

"Hahahahahaha."

Immediately, a burst of laughter erupted from all around.

……

The Cloud Atlas production team arranged a good spot for him, on the left side of the middle rear, just behind the main creative team.

Sitting to his left was an executive from Warner Bros., the film's production company, but not Michael Slan; it was someone he didn't know. To his right was Steven Spielberg, a close friend of Tom Hanks known throughout Hollywood.

He had met this famous director many times at various award ceremonies and parties, and they were quite familiar with each other.

Spielberg arrived with his wife. After exchanging greetings, the director sat down next to him and said with a smile, "What did you do just now? I heard as soon as I walked in that Harvey almost had a stroke because of you."

Chen Nuo spread his hands innocently and said, "I didn't do anything."

Spielberg shook his head and said, "The worst thing Harvey ever did in his life was probably making an enemy of you."

Chen Nuo said, "I guess it will be in my next life too."

"Hahahaha." Spielberg laughed a few times, then, behind his round glasses, his grey-blue eyes gleamed with amusement as he said, "But at the Oscars table, Harvey Weinstein is universally recognized as a top player, arguably the best. Every actor in Hollywood knows that the best way to win an Oscar is to work with Harvey. As a talented young man with an incredibly bright future, are you sure this is the wise thing to do?"

Chen Nuo then realized that Harvey might have said something behind his back, nothing more than that he was a new player at the Oscars table and that he should be more sensible.

He smiled faintly and said, "Stephen, there is an old Chinese saying that goes, 'A newborn calf is not afraid of a tiger.'"

Spielberg said helplessly, "That's because it's ignorant. The tiger could eat it at any time, but it just doesn't know because it has no experience. In my opinion, this kind of courage is no different from stupidity."

Chen Nuo nodded and said, "Yes, that's what I think too."

"Then why did you do it?"

"Because I'm not a calf, I'm the tiger."

……

……

Chen Nuo wasn't exaggerating.

He genuinely didn't understand why Harvey Weinstein dared to oppose him.

Does he think that just because those two idiot reporters didn't get rid of him a few years ago, all the shit on his ass is clean? Or is this guy so old that he's lost his memory and forgotten the whole world, and maybe he's one of the people who knows all his dirty secrets?
The internet age has begun. How dare someone with a long criminal record for sexual assault in Hollywood offend such a super influencer with millions of followers? Isn't that just youthful arrogance?

After much deliberation, Chen Nuo could only conclude that Harvey Weinstein dared to do this because he underestimated the power of the internet.

What he never expected was that in the coming years, the banner of political correctness would develop to an extreme in the United States and even the entire Western world, to the point that a sexual assault scandal, which he considered insignificant, could be used to destroy him in that wave.

So, he genuinely didn't take the fat guy seriously. Thinking that he'd only be visiting him in jail in a few years, he was actually a little reluctant to leave. Let this little bull be arrogant for a while.

Steven Spielberg clearly took his words as youthful stubbornness, but Chen Nuo didn't want to explain anything.

After a period of silence, the movie began.

The movie "Cloud Atlas"
In his previous life, Chen Nuo watched it in a daze, but in this life, he felt that it couldn't really be called a bad movie.

To put it simply, people say Tiny Times is bad because it really is bad. The story is hollow, the characters are one-dimensional, and it relies on costumes and pretty faces to fill the gaps.

The reason why people say that "Cloud Atlas" is bad is because it is too complicated, with many narrative threads and the interweaving of time and space makes it difficult for ordinary viewers to follow, and even makes them feel that it is obscure and difficult to understand.

In comparison, the former is terrible, while the latter is actually excellent.

Therefore, after the nearly three-hour movie screening, Chen Nuo believed that the applause that rang out in the audience was indeed heartfelt.

After all, none of the guests present today are ordinary people. Many of them are friends and family members of the creative team. After watching such an epic film that consists of six time periods, with more than ten actors playing hundreds of roles, and conveying elements such as reincarnation, love, art, and malice through wonderful cinematic language, full of philosophical thoughts, how can we not applaud?
Even if you don't understand it, you should still applaud.

Not only should we clap, but we should stand up and applaud.

Otherwise, where did all those positive reviews in Time, the Huffington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and The Hollywood Reporter come from after the Toronto International Film Festival premiere?

As a seasoned film critic, how can you say you don't understand it?
Chen Nuo was the same; if he didn't clap at this moment, wouldn't people find out he was asleep?
Therefore, the applause was thunderous and did not subside until the main creators took the stage.

More than a dozen main actors lined up on the stage.

Speaking of which, one of them was an old acquaintance and good friend of Chen Nuo.

When Zhou Xun, dressed in a pink princess dress, walked onto the stage behind Halle Berry and finally stood between the tall Halle Berry and Hugh Grant, Chen Nuo clapped even louder.

However, Young Master Zhou was clearly too nervous, staring in one direction and not noticing his unusual movements.

Next, just like the premiere of "Drop," we moved on to the Q&A session with the guests and the media.

Chen Nuo, who accidentally fell asleep halfway through, naturally couldn't ask any questions, so he started chatting with the famous director next to him again.

"what do you think?"

"That's good. What do you think?"

"That was fantastic. By the way, Director, why did you go to the bathroom so many times?"

"You drank too much water. Why did you fall asleep?"

"Huh? This old guy saw me." Chen Nuo chuckled awkwardly and said, "I didn't sleep well last night."

Director Si sighed and said in a low voice, "I really didn't expect it to be like this."

Chen Nuo pretended to be clueless and said, "What's wrong? I think it's great."

“Is that so?” Director Spielberg stopped joking and looked at the Wachowski siblings on stage, who were speaking eloquently into the microphone. He said with a worried expression, “Why was it cut to 171 minutes? Is this kind of movie really suitable for release in mainstream theaters? And…”

Chen Nuo continued, "And are there really any judges willing to watch it all the way through?"

Director Si glanced at him and said, "That's right."

Chen Nuo smiled.

Director Spielberg sighed softly, "Tom really values ​​this movie, thinking it has a chance to win awards." Chen Nuo comforted him, "When I was in school, I had a similar experience once. I thought I could get over 600 points, but I ended up getting over 300. That's how people are sometimes."

Director Spielberg looked at me with a strange expression. "Did you already know this movie was like this?"

"Haha, how could that be? I swear, this is the first time in my life I've ever seen this movie."

"Is it."

"Yes. Steven, you know the movie I most want to see right now is your 'Lincoln,' right? I heard Daniel's performance in it is enough to shock the world. Is that right?"

"Haha, I think you'll have to see it in the theater yourself. But I want to tell you that Daniel's performance in this movie is probably the best he's ever given."

"I'm really looking forward to it. What's the release date again?"

"number 16."

"OK, I think I can watch it before going back to China."

"You're going back to China? Twilight is coming out in December, aren't you? Aren't you going to participate in the promotion?"

"Of course I want to, but I'd like to go back and stay for a few days. To see my family."

"Oh, I see."

"By the way, I have a personal question for you."

"what?"

"When Daniel was preparing for the Lincoln project, how did he do it? I mean, Lincoln is an ancient figure, right? How did he find the key elements and immerse himself in the role?"

"Haha, you asked this because...?"

"Yes, that's right..."

Just as Chen Nuo was chatting quietly with Spielberg, asking him for some exclusive acting tips from the future three-time Oscar winner, the Q&A session in the theater continued.

The director's questions are over; next up are the actors.

However, due to the large number of people involved in the film's production, it's inevitable that some people will be asked more questions than others, and some actors may not even have the chance to speak in the end.

Zhou Xun stood on the stage, her hands slightly cold.

The air conditioning in the movie theater was too strong, and she, who was already weak and anemic, really couldn't stand it.

"I'd like to ask Halle, Halle, what impressed you the most in such a great movie?" a reporter from Los Angeles asked.

Halle Berry, standing next to her, took the microphone from Tom Hanks and said, "I... that's it. I probably won't act in such a complex and wonderful movie again in my life. I enjoyed it all. Thank you."

Halle Berry's answer is finished.

applause.

Zhou Xun maintained a polite smile.

Ok.

She was asked a lot of questions at the Toronto International Film Festival, so she didn't prepare anything special for Los Angeles, assuming the situation would be similar. Unexpectedly, Americans are quite interesting.

Next up is a big star tonight, George Clooney.

George Clooney picked up the microphone and looked straight at the lead actor, smiling as he said, "Tom, congratulations, you've given a perfect performance in a movie. I can't remember if you played six or seven roles in this film, but I'm curious, which one was your favorite?"

As time ticked by, questions were thrown at her one after another, but she remained completely unresponsive.

Without a doubt, this was the first time she had ever experienced such an awkward silence in her acting career.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her agent standing in the corner of the front row, anxiously looking around as if trying to find an opportunity. But clearly, this old friend who had been with her since she left Huayi Brothers and was the key figure who helped her land the role in "Cloud Atlas" was now helpless.

As scheduled, the Q&A session after the screening was only one hour long, and now only a dozen minutes remained. Zhou Xun knew that if no one asked any questions, she would lose face in tomorrow's media reports.

Although she had never cared much about these things, at this moment, she couldn't help but feel a little regretful.

At this moment, the host suddenly announced in a loud voice: "Next up, director Steven Spielberg."

Amid the uproar, a small old man wearing round-framed glasses slowly stood up on the left side of the audience.

Steven Spielberg took the microphone and spoke.

"I want to ask Zhou, #￥！#！@#%."

Zhou Xun, who was lost in thought, suddenly froze, not even hearing what the other person's question was.

Zhou?

Are you calling me?
But when she looked over, she found that Steven Spielberg seemed to be genuinely smiling as he looked at her.

However, Zhou Xun still couldn't believe it. Her role in the entire film was so small, why would Steven Spielberg bother asking her questions? Why should he?
Just then, Zhou Xun's gaze suddenly shifted and landed on someone next to Steven Spielberg. She paused for a moment, then a complex feeling welled up inside her.

She laughed and asked:

"Excuse me, director, what did you say? I didn't understand. Could you repeat it?"

……

……

How did you figure out I was doomed?

"Of course, it's because of my keen observation skills."

"You're familiar with Steven Spielberg? You think he'll just ask me?"

"Hey, I guess the old man wanted to ask anyway, I just gave him an excuse."

"Haha, I don't believe you. Alright, to repay your kindness, I'll treat you to a late-night snack."

"Thank you very much."

"Let's go, let's go. Where should we eat? You know Hollywood better than I do, you name a place."

"There's a Chinese restaurant over there. I've ordered takeout from them a few times, and the food is pretty good."

"Oh, you're trying to save your sister money like this?"

"hey-hey."

It was past 9 p.m. when the two groups finally arrived at the Chinese restaurant.

A male waiter was writing and calculating at the counter when he saw a group of people come in. He frowned, stood up, and said in English, "Excuse me, everyone, we are now closed."

"Closed for the day?" Zhou Xun turned her head and asked, "What do we do?"

Chen Nuo glanced at his watch. "Wait a minute, it's not ten o'clock yet."

"Ah!" the waiter exclaimed in surprise, "Chen!?"

30 minutes later.

A table full of dishes was served. Zhou Xun and Chen Nuo had been on empty stomachs today to walk the red carpet, and they were both very hungry, so they immediately began to eat heartily.

While eating, Zhou Xun whispered in Chen Nuo's ear.

"It doesn't seem that great."

Chen Nuo replied, "You should be grateful that you can eat this kind of freshly stir-fried braised pork here."

Although they were hungry, Zhou Xun had a small appetite and stopped eating after only a couple of bites. Chen Nuo was on a diet and didn't dare to eat much either.

Unlike Gulnazar, who is young and not afraid of gaining weight, and whose mouth is always covered in oil from eating.

Zhou Xun followed Chen Nuo's gaze and couldn't help but laugh, "This is that... young lady, right?"

Upon hearing this, Gulnazar quickly swallowed the food in her mouth and scratched her head sheepishly.

Chen Nuo laughed and said, "It's her." Then he said to Gulnazar, "Eat your food. Look at you, have you never seen a celebrity before?"

Upon hearing this, everyone at the table, including Zhou Gongzi's agent, assistant, and entourage, burst into laughter.

Zhou Xun said, "You, you're still so talkative. Come on, let me toast you. That little brat I used to have to take care of has finally grown up and can take care of me now. Let's have a toast, brother and sister, with tea instead of wine."

Chen Nuo picked up his teacup, clinked it with hers, and after finishing his drink, he picked up the teapot and refilled both of their cups. He then smiled and said, "I've had this idea for a long time, but I've never had the chance. Today, I see that Sister Xun is giving me this opportunity, so I'll toast you too."

Zhou Xun laughed and said, "You really know how to make girls happy."

"Haha."

"I saw on the news that you broke up, is it true?"

"It's fake."

"Tsk, tsk."

"Sister Xun, what do you mean by clicking your tongue twice?"

"It's nothing, just feeling sorry for people, haha. Hey, after the show, I saw you chatting and laughing with Tom Hanks for a long time. What were you talking about with him?"

Chen Nuo smiled. "It's about winning the award."

"Awards? Oscars?"

"Ah."

Zhou Xun paused for a moment, then laughed and said, "I feel like something's off. By the way, you saw our movie today, what did you think? I heard all those big-name reporters praising it, but something just didn't feel right. Was it really that good? Tell me the truth, what did you think?"

Recalling Tom Hanks's confident demeanor, Chen Nuo looked at Zhou Xun and said, "I feel great, really fantastic. Just like the media said, this is a near-Oscar film."

Ps:

In real history, after Cloud Atlas was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, the audience gave it a ten-minute standing ovation and it was hailed by many media outlets as a "near-Oscar film," which stands in stark contrast to its subsequent failure to win any awards.

(End of this chapter)