Global Best Actor: Starting with Picking Up Attributes in America

Chapter 429 I'm here to apologize to you

As we were talking, there was a knock on the office door.

Several students peeked in, their eyes lighting up when they saw Chen Xun. They asked cautiously, "Professor Anderson, could we—could we take a picture with senior Chen Xun?"

"sure."

Professor Anderson nodded with a smile.

Compared to being in a talent agency or on a film set, the atmosphere at school is always very relaxed.

Even when his conversation was interrupted by students, Anderson showed no displeasure; on the contrary, he was quite pleased.

Several students immediately cheered and ran in, surrounding Chen Xun, so nervous they didn't know where to put their hands.

Chen Xun was very easygoing and cooperated with them taking photos. He even took the initiative to ask them what their major was and whether they had any acting experience.

A young girl studying acting blushed and asked, "Senior Chen Xun, I really love your portrayal of the clown. Could you give me your autograph? I want to become an actor like you someday."

"sure!"

Chen Xun took her notebook, signed his name, and smiled encouragingly: "Keep it up, as long as you're willing to work hard, you can definitely do it."

The little girl was so excited she almost cried, clutching the notebook and thanking everyone profusely.

After seeing the students off, Professor Anderson looked at Chen Xun and said, "You are now a role model for the children, and you can come back to share your experience with them. This is the best way to pass on your legacy."

Chen Xun looked out the window and saw young students rehearsing a play on the playground. The sunlight shone on them, making them look energetic.

He recalled that he was the same way back then, dreaming of becoming an actor, rushing between film sets every day, eating the cheapest instant noodles, but feeling that the future was full of hope.

So many years have passed in the blink of an eye. He went from being an extra who couldn't even get a role in an audition to becoming an actor standing at the top of the world film industry, and he also led Chinese films to the world stage.

Standing in this familiar campus, he felt like he was still that poor boy with dreams back then.

"Mark, do you remember him? He's the senior from the directing department who asked you to make a cameo appearance in his graduation project."

Professor Anderson suddenly said, "He's already quite well-known in Hollywood. He just made an independent film that was nominated for the Sundance Film Festival. He came to see me at the school a few days ago and said that if it weren't for your cameo in his film for free back then, he wouldn't be where he is today."

"Of course I remember."

Chen Xun laughed: "Back then, his graduation project only had a budget of a few thousand dollars, and he couldn't even afford actors. I played an Asian informant for him for free and even helped him edit the film for two days. I never expected him to be so amazing now."

Lee So-yeon: "He still often asks me about you, saying he wants to find an opportunity to work with you again."

The group chatted for a while longer, and as evening approached, Chen Xun and Li Suyan got up to say goodbye.

Professor Anderson walked them downstairs, took Chen Xun's hand, and said, "Chen, come back and visit often. The school will always be your home."

"I will, Professor." Chen Xun nodded.

Walking along the campus path, the setting sun cast long shadows of the two of them.

Students were playing guitars by the roadside, their cheerful singing full of youthful energy.

Lee So-yeon kicked at the pebbles on the roadside: "It feels like I've gone back to the days when we were extras. Back then, we'd squat on the Santa Monica film set every day, waiting to be background figures. We were so happy to earn fifty dollars a day."

The forum for outstanding graduates has begun.

A long line formed outside the auditorium of the USC School of Cinematic Arts three hours in advance.

The auditorium, which was originally only able to hold 1,500 people, was crammed with more than 3,000 people.

The corridors, steps, and even both sides of the stage were filled with people.

Besides USC students, there were also many movie fans who flew in specifically from New York, Chicago, and even Canada.

Dozens of Hollywood production company executives, directors, and agents were also there, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their clients.

A banner at the school gate was particularly eye-catching: "Welcome back to school, global box office champion Chen Xun!"

Students held up homemade support signs covered in meme-filled slogans: "USC's most awesome dropout is back to be your mentor!"

"Back then, he skipped school to work as an extra; now, his films have grossed over 20 billion!"

"Is StarSeeking Entertainment hiring? I can serve tea and water, and I can write scripts!"

Li Suyan, dressed in a smart black suit, was coordinating order at the entrance with a walkie-talkie in hand. Fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead as she complained to Chen Xun's car, "Look at your popularity! The school only prepared a thousand tickets, and they were all snapped up in three minutes. Now people are even buying them online at high prices. They're harder to get than concert tickets. Lots of Hollywood producers are pulling strings to contact me, just to get a chance to say a few words to you."

Chen Xun opened the car door, looked at the huge crowd, and couldn't help but laugh: "Is it really that big of a deal? I remember there weren't this many people when I came to the Screen Narrative Forum last time."

"Can it be the same as last time?"

Lee So-yeon rolled her eyes: "Last time you were just an Oscar-nominated actor, now you're a global box office champion and the boss of Seeking Star Entertainment. A lot of people here today aren't here to listen to the forum, they're here to hand over scripts and ask for collaborations!"

As soon as the two reached the entrance of the auditorium, they were surrounded by a group of students.

"Senior Chen Xun! Can I get your autograph?"

"Senior, I'm a sophomore at the drama academy! I especially love your portrayal of Liu Peiqiang!"

"Senior, is StarSeeking Entertainment still hiring interns? I don't want a salary!"

Chen Xun patiently signed autographs and took photos with everyone, while Li Suyan helped maintain order. It was quite a struggle to squeeze to the VIP room door.

Pushing open the door, Chen Xun was stunned by what he saw in the VIP room.

Last time I attended the forum, there were only Professor Anderson and a few school leaders in the VIP room. Spielberg was the big shot who made the final appearance.

Today, the VIP lounge is filled with familiar faces from Hollywood.

The CEO of Warner Bros., the production director of Universal Pictures, the creative director of Paramount, and several well-known directors all stood up and greeted him with smiles.

-

"Chen Xun! Long time no see!"

"Congratulations, Chen Xun! 'The Wandering Earth' is absolutely amazing!"

"I've finally met you in person! I'm a huge fan!"

A group of billionaires surrounded Chen Xun, showering him with attention and practically waving their business cards at him. It wasn't like they were meeting an alumnus; it was like they were meeting a god of wealth.

Li Suyan whispered to Chen Xun, "See? Last time you were chasing after people to hand them your business cards, now they're chasing after you to hand them yours. Things change so much!"

Chen Xun was both amused and exasperated. He accepted the business cards one by one and exchanged pleasantries with everyone.

These people used to never even give him a second glance, let alone a chance to audition.

Now, they're all acting like old friends, constantly talking about "cooperation" and "investment."

Just then, the door to the VIP room was pushed open again, and Steven Spielberg walked in.

The entire room fell silent instantly, and everyone turned to look at the legendary director.

To everyone's surprise, Spielberg ignored everyone else, walked straight up to Chen Xun, extended his hand, and said with sincere apology, "Chen, it's been a long time. I've come here today specifically to apologize to you."