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

Chapter 561 No Chennuo, No Oscar
Quentin slapped him hard on the back and said, "Yes, now let's start kicking Murdoch's fat ass."

"Hahaha." Chen Nuo laughed. Regardless of what the others were thinking, they all laughed along.

Afterwards, the group took their seats.

However, they didn't get straight to business. Michael Linton chuckled and said, "Chen, when I saw the Twilight FYC ad yesterday, I thought it was just publicity, but twenty minutes ago, we saw Kristen Stewart on TV advocating for you..."

Chen Nuo calmly smiled and said, "You guys were watching TV too?"

“Yes, I must say, tonight was a real show. You’re a great storyteller. NBC executives will probably be cheering for their ratings again tomorrow,” Linton laughed. “But are you planning to have two shows competing for awards this year? Especially considering you also have a TV series. Wow, if possible, you could even break Leo’s record of being nominated for Best Actor in a Drama at the Golden Globes in 07 for both Blood Diamond and The Departed. Three nominations, haha, that would be absolutely insane.”

Little Li smiled at Chen Nuo and said, "If you're really going to do this, let me give you a piece of advice: it won't be easy."

Chen Nuo chuckled and said, "I don't usually do easy things."

"Hahaha."

Everyone laughed.

After the joke was over, Quentin Tarantino cleared his throat and said, "Alright, enough chit-chat. Now that everyone's here, let's talk about our movie."

……

Sony Pictures' involvement meant that pre-production work on the film "Chinese Laborers" officially began on the evening of November 23, 2012.

Why choose to partner with Sony?

Warner Bros. has a limited budget for the coming year, Disney is noncommittal, Universal is skeptical, and as for Fox—Quentin would rather burn the script than approach Fox.

In this situation, only Sony Columbia was willing to put up a $2 million production budget and agree to discuss box office revenue sharing with the key creative team. Therefore, it was only natural that the project went to Sony.

To be honest, when Chen Nuo first heard Quentin mention Sony on the phone, he couldn't help but find it a bit absurd. The Japanese were going to invest in a movie about the history of Chinese laborers in North America? MTF, are you kidding me?

Even though Quentin lived in China for a year, he is not Chinese after all. As a non-Chinese person, it is difficult for him to understand the absurdity and humor in the narrative.

.........

Chen Nuo turned over and adjusted his sleeping position. Even now, thinking about it, he still finds it somewhat ironic and funny.

It was probably nine or ten in the morning outside the bedroom, and a sliver of light peeked through the gaps in the thick velvet curtains.

Last night, he talked with Quentin Tarantino, Leonardo DiCaprio, and several Sony executives until 3 a.m., finalizing their cooperation agreement.

As for the more detailed contract terms, we'll leave that to the agent and legal team to work out gradually.

But they are all respectable people, and once a verbal agreement is reached, the final cooperation will not be a problem.

Thinking of this, he reached for his phone on the bedside table, opened Twitter, and prepared to see if anyone had photographed him entering the hotel last night.

"FUCK!"

But before he even saw the news, the tags on the latest TMZ post he saw already gave him a bad feeling.

What the hell is this "No Chennuo, No Oscar" nonsense?
Wait, didn't we already use this joke at the Golden Globes? Why are we doing it again?
Moreover, the last time the joke was "No Chen Nuo, no Golden Globe" was something the Golden Globe organizers themselves made up. This time, it's a completely different story.

After a quick glance, Chen Nuo was instantly wide awake. He noticed that this hashtag was not only number one on Twitter's trending list in the US, but its discussion volume far surpassed that of the second-place hashtag, boasting a whopping 31.5 posts, making it a clear leader.

He picked up the phone and dialed immediately—

"Alison, where are you? What's going on?"

"Chen, you're awake? Okay, wait for me at home, I'll come over right away to talk to you in person. If you're in a hurry, Nazha can explain things to you on my behalf..."

The 3.6 discussions sparked by the Twilight FYC ad just a day ago pale in comparison to the storm caused by the Twilight actress's personal statement on The Tonight Show in support of the male lead.

In fact, even before Chen Nuo woke up, there were already more than 20 posts discussing this matter.

When Chen Nuo opened his phone, there were already more than 30 posts.

If you don't understand what this means, then everyone should know how crazy it is that #BlackFriday2012 only had 19.7 posts on Black Friday.

"Edward deserves an Oscar! Anyone who disagrees doesn't deserve to be a Twilight star. If Chen isn't at this year's Oscars, I absolutely won't watch ABC! #NoChennuoNoOscar"

“Listen up, Oscar voters! If Edward isn’t nominated, I’ll have everyone around me boycott the Oscars. #NoChennuoNoOscar”

"Wake up, Twilight fans! Twilight is just a teen movie; it belongs to the People's Choice Awards, the Teen Choice Awards, not the Oscars. Do you even understand? #NoChennuoNoOscar"

"From high school to college, Twilight has been my companion at the end of every year. I hope it can finally walk the Oscars red carpet. Without Edward, I would be very disappointed with this year's Oscars. #NoChennuoNoOscar"

"Don't forget, Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow got an Oscar! Why not Edward? Is it because he's Asian? #NoChennuoNoOscar"

"SHXT, Top Entertainment is laughing their heads off right now. Look at this buzz, they've saved themselves tens of millions in advertising fees. Wake up, idiots, nobody else is taking this seriously except you. It's hilarious. #NoChennuoNoOscar"

"Seriously, can you brain-dead fans use your brains even a little bit? Breaking Dawn 2 hasn't even been released yet, and you're already threatening the Oscar judges? You're driving me crazy! #NoChennuoNoOscar"

In the comment sections of these tweets, there were hundreds to thousands of replies, with retweets and likes several times that number. Their immense popularity led to even more posts over the weekend, further fueling the discussion.

It's not just Twitter; teenage fans online are actually more willing to express their opinions on their respective Facebook Moments.

Susan Wilson from Indiana wrote: "Laura is 100% right. If it weren't for Chan, I wouldn't have sat in front of the TV watching the Oscars for the past few years. The Oscars' high ratings every year for the past two years are all because of Chan's presence. Chan has done so much for the Oscars. If the Oscars are ungrateful this year and refuse to nominate Edward for Best Actor, I will never turn on the TV in February to watch that boring and idiotic show. I swear to God!"

Susan Wilson's friends also left comments below.

"Susan, I completely agree with you. Could you please invite me to the next sorority gathering?"

"Sister Susan, you're absolutely right, Chen is the best."

"You think exactly the same thing as me, Susan. Sending you a heart."

"Is it because you took money from him before that you're saying this? Haha."

"Vanessa, you're disgusting."

"Vanessa, you better disappear. You're just jealous of Susan's popularity at school."

“I suggested we leave a message on Chen’s Facebook account. Although he hasn’t updated it in a long time, I want him to know that we support him.”

“Fei’er is right, I’ve already gone.”

Chen Nuo found his way into this small circle of friends by following the comments left on his Facebook account by a girl named Mia White.

This is a small, ordinary person's account, and this post was published around 11 p.m. last night.

This college socialite named Susan has a little over a thousand followers on Facebook, which just surpassed 10 billion registered users. In just twelve hours, this post accumulated more than two hundred likes, more than fifty comments, and more than ten shares.

He looked up at Gulnazar again and asked, "What are you trying to say by showing me this?"

Gulnazar said seriously, "Boss, this is just one example. There aren't just a few dozen or a few hundred accounts like this on Facebook, there are many, many more."

"Since Christine has already said it on a national live broadcast, it won't help if we issue a clarification. It will only give people a sneaky feeling... So, let's take advantage of this wave of popularity to promote our movie."

"These past two days have been Black Friday, and everyone's been on social media. This huge controversy is equivalent to us running dozens of FYC ads simultaneously in The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and even The New York Times. What a great opportunity! It would be such a waste to squander it. So, last night we decided not to clarify anything and just let the public opinion fester."

Chen Nuo thought for a moment and nodded silently.

Perhaps this is indeed the most realistic choice, but it will have endless consequences.

Gulnazar glanced at him at this moment and said, "

"On the one hand, this will definitely help our box office. On the other hand, I think it will also benefit your Oscar bid, boss."

"benefit?"

“Yes. Didn’t Tom Hanks say that the water droplet theme is sensitive and difficult to convince people? Well then, let’s give them another option, Twilight.” See, that’s what you call daring and daring. Chen Nuo chuckled, “Is this your idea, or did Allison say it?”

"Um, that's my idea. Boss, don't you think it's okay?"

Chen Nuo said, "Do you know why Allison didn't say anything? Because it's impossible. This is a fantasy teen idol film, and this genre is completely unacceptable to the Oscars?"

Gulnazar retorted with a defiant look, "So what? If Twilight is an insulator, that's fine too, then let Drop be nominated."

"To give you an example, it's like I have two guys pursuing me right now. One is a playboy, and the other is only 1.4 meters tall. Even though neither of them is anything special, I'm almost at the end of my life, so I have to reluctantly choose one. Boss, don't you think?"

The first half of the sentence was fine, but Chen Nuo was suddenly stunned when Gulnazar finished speaking the second half.

……

……

2012 11 Month 27 Day.

Chen Nuo saw the old Jewish man again after a long time. Looking at the man's bald head, in this special atmosphere, he couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth.

And Rob Friedman, that cunning old Jewish man, seemed to have the same impression.

During their meeting before the premiere, after embracing, Rob said with a sigh, "Chen, I think this should be the last time we meet."

Chen Nuo laughed too: "Haha, Robert, are you really that unwilling to see me?"

"To be honest, that's how it was supposed to be, but now that the day has actually come, I find myself a little reluctant to part with you."

"Robert, don't speak so soon. I have a feeling that we will meet again someday."

"Haha, I think it was probably at Harry Winston's new product launch event, where I went with my wife."

"Haha, why couldn't it be because of another Summit movie? Does Summit only plan to do Twilight? Don't worry, I can give old friends a 10% discount on my salary."

Rob Friedman chuckled, “Chen, you’re still as funny as ever, but not for that. It’s because… I’m about to retire.”

Looking at the young man in front of him, a deep sense of jealousy suddenly welled up in his heart.

Five years ago, when he visited him in Japan, he looked exactly the same as he does now, except that he has become a bit thinner due to preparing for his new film, and his features have gained the aura of a big star. Otherwise, time seems to have stood still for him.

not like him.

Sometimes, he even began to hate the old man's smell about him.

Perhaps it's time to let go of everything and live the life that an elderly person should live.

Chen Nuo asked in surprise, "Retire? Robert, are you serious?"

"Yes, I have some top-secret information for you. Lionsgate is actually preparing to acquire Summit Entertainment. The board of directors has basically agreed. In fact, if it weren't for the fact that you directed that TV series 'Eagle Catches Chickens' for Netflix recently, which made them think that Breaking Dawn 2 might have better-than-expected box office results, the agreement would probably have been reached in the first half of this year. Now, all that's left is for the final suspense to be revealed and a price to be negotiated. Those real estate developers are ready to get rid of Summit Entertainment like it's trash."

Chen Nuo suddenly realized that something similar had happened in his previous life. He looked at Robert and said, "It seems you are not willing."

Rob Friedman sighed, "This is the company I've fought my whole life for. I didn't start it to throw it away like trash one day."

“Robert, don’t think like that. Lionsgate will manage your company well. You’re not young anymore, and retiring might not be a bad thing. Otherwise, I’m worried that other problems might arise because you and your wife are often separated.”

"You!" Rob Friedman was so angry he almost cursed, but he quickly regained his composure and said, "Chen, you're right."

Chen Nuo laughed and said, "That's the right way to think. Just like that old man from Texas, after you got rid of him, he's still doing just fine, isn't he? By the way, where is he now?"

Robert said calmly, "He had a stroke last year and is now in a nursing home. He can't even spell his own name anymore."

Chen Nuo paused for a moment, then immediately laughed again, "You're definitely not like that, Robert. I can tell from your expression that you don't need to worry about this until you're at least 70."

65-year-old Rob Friedman decided to stop talking; it was almost his turn to go on stage at the premiere anyway. He was afraid that if he kept going, he'd have a stroke and end up keeping Will company.

He stood up to leave, but Chen Nuo immediately grabbed him again. "Wait a minute, Robert, there's something else. About the Golden Globes. I mean, how about we turn this on and make it real? Why don't you just submit 'Twilight' for the awards? Anyway, the deadline for Golden Globes submissions is December 10th, so there's still time."

Rob Friedman's eyes widened. "Chen," he said, "have you forgotten? This is just a publicity stunt, meant to fool your ignorant fans. What good would it do to actually be nominated for the Globe? Do you think we'd even get a nomination?"

Chen Nuo scoffed, "Robert, I'm not trying to be mean, but you just lack imagination. When you first met me, did you ever imagine Twilight City would be where it is today? No, right? So why can't it be now? Like that FYC ad you guys made, it was so well-said, wasn't it? 'The legend has ended, only...' Sorry, I forgot. But it was really well said. You could spend a little more money on PR and make that a reality, what's the harm in that..."

Rob Friedman really wants to leave.

However, the old man was old and weak, and Chen Nuo grabbed his arm, but he couldn't break free no matter how hard he tried.

Looking around, he saw that several of his assistants and bodyguards, who had been secretly watching him, immediately turned their heads away as if they hadn't seen him.

Rob Friedman had no choice but to sit back down and said, "Chen, what exactly are you planning? Can you tell me the truth?"

Chen Nuo said sincerely, "I really didn't mean anything by it. I just thought that since you're going to sell the company anyway, why not take a gamble? Think about it, if you really make it to the finals, you can go to Lionsgate and sell the company for a few million more, right?"

Robert chuckled and said, "Chen, do you think that's possible? Let me put it this way, the current advertising is working very well, the current advertising strategy is successful, I'm very satisfied with Nia's work, it has saved us a lot of money, and it seems to have achieved a very good publicity effect. I don't think I need to do anything extra."

Chen Nuo's smile vanished, and he said calmly, "Robert, I didn't want to say this, but don't force me. You asked Christine to do it, right? Do you know that what he said might ruin 'DROP' and cause my Oscar bid to fail? She offended the Academy members, and who will pay the price in the end? Isn't it me?"

"What?" Rob was stunned and exclaimed, "Chen, I absolutely didn't! Christine said all of this herself, it has nothing to do with me."

"Does it matter? The fact is, I sacrificed myself for the sake of publicity. Today's premiere was the same. I've already said I don't want to see Kristen anymore, but I still came for the movie and for our team. But now, you're not willing to do anything for me? In that case, I'll make it clear to the reporters on the red carpet later that this is not true at all. We won't even submit for the Golden Globes, let alone the Oscars."

"Chen! Your money is in there too!"

"I know, but I don't want to be played!"

"Can you be reasonable?"

"I'm trying to reason with you right now, otherwise why would I have come here today?" Chen Nuo said calmly.

He was telling the truth.

While it's true that the better Twilight sells, the more money he gets, he's actually losing out now. The promotion of Twilight is essentially built on him offending the Oscar judges.

Even using Gulnazar's "one woman and two men" strategy, they only managed a draw.

Indeed, the reason Chen Nuo was arguing with Robert at this moment was because of the inspiration he received from Gulnazar and Linton.

On its own, Gulnazar's words sounded naive, but considering Linton's earlier remarks, they gave him an idea: what if both of their films were nominated for Golden Globe Awards this time?
Perhaps for the members of the academy, if two men are pursuing a 40-year-old woman, even if one is attractive and the other is unattractive, the woman has no choice but to hold her nose and choose one.

Just like Leonardo DiCaprio back then. When someone has two films nominated for the Golden Globe, even if the Oscar voters don't like him, they have no choice but to nominate one of them.

So, since Summit Entertainment has made so much money, what's wrong with spending some US dollars on public relations for the Golden Globe Awards? What if it works out?

The two stared at each other for about a minute.

Finally, Rob Friedman asked helplessly, "What exactly do you want?"

Chen Nuo shrugged and said sincerely, "I just think this movie has a chance, so I want to give it a try. But it's only right and proper that you pay for it, that's all."

“I…” Rob took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, shaking his head and saying, “Chen, sometimes I really can’t understand you. Fine, you win, I can agree… but I have one condition.”

"what?"

Rob said, "At the very least, it needs a decent reputation. Within a week of its premiere, Breaking Dawn 2's Rotten Tomatoes score has to stay above 60%, and its IMDb audience score has to be above 6.5. Otherwise, before the company is even sold, the board will think I'm crazy and oust me. I think that makes perfect sense, right?"

Chen Nuo was stunned for a moment. Seeing that the old man had his weakness in mind, he recalled the scene when he was filming this Twilight movie. Although he couldn't remember most of it, the last scene was still vivid in his mind.

Putting everything else aside, that one scene alone is worthy of being remembered in his career.

6.5 points? Chen Nuo couldn't help but laugh and said, "Robert, I think you really should retire. Deal."

(End of this chapter)