Hollywood, I became a legend with special effects.

Chapter 181 Golden Globe Award Nomination Celebration Banquet

At 12 p.m. on December 12, Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei's team were making final boarding preparations in the private terminal of Beijing Capital International Airport.

The Gulfstream G550 sat quietly on the tarmac, its silver-white fuselage reflecting the winter sunlight, and the "Chase Light Holdings" logo on the fuselage gleamed in the light.

"Boss, Yifei, all the luggage has been checked through security. You can board now."

Wang Wei jogged over to report, holding a newly printed document in her hand. "This is a detailed schedule sent from Los Angeles. David also said he has arranged a pick-up vehicle, and the Beverly Hills villa has been rearranged according to your requirements."

Liu Yifei stood up from the sofa in the rest area, gently straightened her beige cashmere coat, and her black slim-fit trousers and ankle boots made her legs look long and slender.

She turned to look at Jiang Yu beside her. He was wearing a navy blue custom-made suit today, which was both business-like and casual.

"Is everything complete?" Jiang Yu took the documents and quickly scanned them.

"Everyone's here, a team of ten. All the luggage is on the plane." Wang Wei nodded and added, "The chef has prepared a Chinese light meal and Western desserts as you instructed, and there's also a fresh fruit platter on board. The flight is expected to take 12 hours, landing in Los Angeles at 10:00 AM on the 12th."

The two walked side by side toward the boarding stairs.

The plane taxied and took off on time.

Once the aircraft had stabilized, the flight attendants served welcome drinks: champagne and freshly squeezed orange juice, accompanied by delicate snacks.

"Mr. Jiang, Yifei, this is the detailed flight plan and Los Angeles schedule."

Wang Wei handed over a tablet. "We land in Los Angeles at 10 AM on December 12th, Los Angeles time. We have no plans for the afternoon, so we can rest and adjust to the time difference. Tomorrow morning, the 13th, there's a data presentation for *New Moon*, and in the afternoon, there's a meeting with the *Black Swan* PR team. The 14th is the celebration banquet, and the 15th is the *Avatar* premiere. Also—"

She paused, her expression becoming somewhat subtle: "Domestic media already know we're going to Los Angeles, and the topic is trending a lot on Weibo. Many fans are speculating whether Sister Yifei will participate in any Golden Globe-related activities."

Liu Yifei took the tablet and nodded as she looked at it.

Jiang Yu then asked directly, "When will the Golden Globe nominations be announced?"

"According to past practice, it should be announced this morning Los Angeles time, which is during our flight." Wang Wei glanced at her watch. "It will be announced about two hours before we land."

"Hmm." Jiang Yu said thoughtfully, "Then let's wait for news. If there's really good news, we might not have time to rest after we land."

""

Liu Yifei listened to this series of arrangements and sighed softly, "The schedule is so full, but they are all important things."

"Bear with it." Jiang Yu held her hand, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand. "After the Avatar premiere, let's stay in North America for a few more days, and I'll show you around."

"Really?" Liu Yifei's eyes lit up like little stars. "I also want to go to the Getty Center. I've heard that the architecture and collections there are amazing."

"Go, and keep your word," Jiang Yu promised with a smile, then turned to Wang Wei, "Clear our schedules from the 20th to the 25th, unless it's a particularly important meeting, postpone everything else."

"Okay, boss."

Just then, Wang Wei's satellite phone suddenly rang.

She glanced at the caller ID, her expression instantly turning serious. After answering and exchanging a few brief words, she became excited as she hung up.

"Boss, Yifei—" Wang Wei's voice trembled slightly. She took a deep breath before continuing, "The Golden Globe nominations have just been announced. 'Black Swan'—it has been nominated for three awards."

There was a moment of silence in the cabin, with only the steady hum of the aircraft engines.

Jiang Yu was the first to react: "Which three?"

Wang Wei handed over the satellite phone, which displayed a newly received email: "Best Feature Film, Best Actress in a Feature Film, and Best Screenplay."

Liu Yifei felt her heart skip a beat, and then it started to beat faster.

She took the phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she swiped the screen. When she saw her name truly appear on the list of nominees for "Best Actress in a Drama Series," her breath caught in her throat.

The words were clearly visible:

Best Actress in a Drama Series: Liu Yifei (Black Swan, China)

It's not pinyin, it's not an English name, it's the Chinese name "Liu Yifei," and the nationality listed after it is "China."

.

"This—" Liu Yifei looked up, her eyes already starting to well up with tears, "Is this real?"

"Really." Jiang Yu put his arm around her shoulder, a warm and proud smile on his face. "Congratulations, Qianqian."

She received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress, and as a Chinese actress.

Liu Yifei looked down again and noticed something else: in the nationality section, it said "China".

It is not "the United States".

She turned to look at Jiang Yu, her eyes filled with surprise and inquiry.

"It was all done last month. I wanted to surprise you," Jiang Yu said softly, in a voice only the two of them could hear. "The paperwork went through faster than expected, just in time for the Golden Globe nominations to be announced. From today onwards, you are officially Liu Yifei, a Chinese actress."

Tears finally welled up uncontrollably in Liu Yifei's eyes, and she hurriedly wiped them away with the back of her hand, but the more she wiped, the more tears flowed.

She knew how much effort Jiang Yu and her father had put into changing her nationality back, and she also knew what it meant.

From now on, every honor she receives on the international stage will bear the mark of "China".

"Don't cry, Yifei, this is a joyous occasion!" Wang Wei quickly handed her a tissue, her own eyes also red-rimmed.

Other team members in the cabin also gathered around to offer their congratulations, instantly creating a lively atmosphere.

The flight attendant tactfully brought over champagne. Jiang Yu took the glass, raised it, and said, "Come on, a toast to our big star, to Chinese actress Liu Yifei's first Golden Globe nomination!"

"Cheers!" Everyone responded, and the glasses clinked together with a crisp, pleasant sound.

For the remainder of the flight, Liu Yifei remained in a dazed state of excitement.

She would scroll through media news updates downloaded by her team members, then stare blankly at the clouds outside the window, occasionally pinching her arm to make sure she wasn't dreaming.

Jiang Yu was dealing with work emails, and every now and then he would look up at her with a gentle smile in his eyes.

"You said—" Liu Yifei suddenly turned to him and asked softly, "Do I really deserve this nomination?"

"The nomination committee thinks you deserve it, the audience thinks you deserve it, and I think you deserve it."

Jiang Yu closed his laptop and looked intently into her eyes. "Lin Xin in 'Black Swan,' besides you, I can't think of anyone else who could portray her with such depth. From innocence to madness, from restraint to liberation, every transformation is so real it's heartbreaking."

Liu Yifei's nose tingled again, but this time she held it back.

She held Jiang Yu's hand, their fingers intertwined: "Thank you for believing in me from the very beginning."

"I've always believed in you." Jiang Yu squeezed her hand back, his grip firm.

At 10:12 AM Los Angeles time on December 12, the plane landed smoothly in the private terminal area of ​​Los Angeles International Airport.

After passing through the fast-track immigration lane, the group walked out of the terminal, where they were immediately greeted by the warm California sunshine.

"Boss! Boss lady!" David stood next to a black Lincoln Navigator and waved vigorously, followed by several Mercedes-Benzes.

Today he wore a brightly colored Hawaiian floral shirt with khaki casual pants and brown loafers, a typical California style, a stark contrast to his suits and ties when he was in BJ.

"David, thank you for your hard work." Jiang Yu shook hands with him, his grip firm.

"It's no trouble at all, we've been waiting for you for days!" David smiled broadly, turning around first to open the car door for Liu Yifei. "Boss lady, congratulations! Golden Globe nomination! Our Light Chaser has truly made a name for itself in Hollywood!"

I just received dozens of congratulatory calls in the car, all from friends in the industry!

Liu Yifei smiled and thanked him before getting into the spacious back seat.

Jiang Yu got into the car from the other side, and the convoy slowly drove out of the airport. The convoy consisted of three black SUVs, with security vehicles in front and behind, making a grand entrance but not overly ostentatious.

The car drove onto Highway 405 and headed towards Beverly Hills.

Liu Yifei leaned back in her comfortable chair, looking at the familiar scenery outside the window. She had been to Los Angeles many times, but this time her feelings were completely different.

This was Jiang Yu's fourth visit to the villa in Beverly Hills.

The first time was a year ago, after filming for "Black Swan" wrapped up, when Jiang Yu brought her here to rest for a few days.

She was surprised that Jiang Yu owned property in Hollywood, but Jiang Yu simply said, "It's necessary for work; I always need a place to stay."

The car drove into a quiet block on the north side of the resort and finally stopped in front of an exquisite wrought iron automatic door.

The gate slowly opened, the convoy drove in, passed through the meticulously maintained garden, and stopped in front of the main house.

The villa is in the Mediterranean style, with white exterior walls, red tiled roof, and elegantly inlaid arched doors and windows.

There is a huge fountain pool in front of the entrance, with a marble sculpture of Greek mythology in the center. The water flows gently and reflects dappled sunlight under the California sun.

The garden is filled with native plants, tall palm trees cast dappled shadows, olive leaves rustle in the breeze, and various succulents and flowers thrive in the carefully designed flower beds.

The best part is the villa's location; it's built on a hillside, and the terrace offers panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles.

During the day, you can see the city skyline, and at night it's a dazzling sea of ​​lights.

"This house—every time I come here, it feels like a scene from a movie," Liu Yifei murmured.

"If you like it, stay longer." Jiang Yu naturally put his arm around her shoulder. "Anyway, we'll be coming here frequently in the future, so this will be our home in Los Angeles."

Mary, the housekeeper, was already waiting at the door with the servants.

The British woman, in her fifties and dressed in a well-fitting uniform, smiled warmly: "Mr. Jiang, Ms. Liu, welcome back. The room has been arranged as you requested. Lunch is being prepared; it's a light Chinese meal, as you might not have an appetite after just getting off the plane."

"Thank you, Mary." Liu Yifei remembered the housekeeper's name; Mary had taken excellent care of her when she came six months ago.

"The bedroom is on the second floor, the same room you stayed in last time." Mary led them upstairs. "According to Miss Liu's preferences, we changed the bedding to Egyptian cotton, which is softer. We've prepared your usual skincare brands in the bathroom, and the walk-in closet has some emergency clothing in the size you left behind last time."

Liu Yifei walked onto the terrace and took a deep breath of California air, a mixture of the fresh scent of plants and the smell of sunshine.

She turned to look at Jiang Yu, who had followed her in, her eyes shining: "It's so good that we can stay a few more days this time."

"You can stay as long as you want." Jiang Yu hugged her from behind, gently resting his chin on the top of her head. "Once we're done with this, we can spend Christmas here. Beverly Hills is famous for its Christmas lights; we should check them out."

Because of the time difference, neither of them felt sleepy in the afternoon.

Liu Yifei changed into comfortable loungewear, a light gray silk shirt and matching wide-leg pants, and walked barefoot on the soft carpet, working with Jiang Yu in the living room.

Jiang Yu was in a video conference, while Liu Yifei, holding her laptop, nestled on the sofa, scrolling through domestic and international media reactions to the Golden Globe nominations.

As Wang Wei predicted, public opinion in China has exploded.

Five of the top ten trending topics on Weibo were related to this topic:

1. #Liu Yifei nominated for Golden Globe Award# (Breaking News)

2. #Liu Yifei is a Chinese citizen# (Breaking news)

3. #BlackSwanNominatedForGoldenGlobeAwards# (Trending)

4. #Second Chinese actress nominated for Golden Globe Award for Best Actress# (Hot)

5. #Zhang Ziyi and Liu Yifei# (Trending)

6. #LightChaserStudiosHollywoodRise#

7. #Chinese actors on the international stage#

8. #How beautiful is the Black Swan?#

9. #LiuYifei'sActingSkills#

10. #JiangYuLiuYifeiLosAngeles#

Major media outlets reported on this on their front pages or entertainment sections.

The official Weibo account of the culture section of the XX Daily posted a short commentary: "Chinese actress Liu Yifei gained recognition for her role in the film 'Black Swan'..."

Liu Yifei's outstanding performance earned her a nomination for Best Actress in a Drama at the 67th Golden Globe Awards. She is the second Chinese actress to receive this nomination, following Zhang Ziyi, marking a new breakthrough for Chinese filmmakers on the international stage. Liu Yifei recently changed her nationality back to Chinese, gaining international recognition as a Chinese actress, which is commendable.

The movie channel's Weibo post was even more direct: "Liu Yifei: From 'Fairy Sister' to Golden Globe Nominee, the International Path of a Chinese Actress."

What moved Liu Yifei even more were the comments from netizens; the comment section under the trending Weibo post was filled with congratulations, and the most liked comments were: "Qianqian is amazing! She has brought glory to the country! This is true cultural export!"

"Black Swan is really good, Liu Yifei's acting is amazing, and her nomination is well-deserved! I watched it three times in the cinema!"

""

"Her nationality has been changed back? Great! This was the right choice! From now on, she's Chinese actress Liu Yifei!"

"Who says Chinese actors can't make it in Hollywood? Liu Yifei proves them wrong with her talent!"

"Hoping to win an award! To make history! Go Chinese actors!"

"Mr. Jiang has a sharp eye. He invested in a great project like 'Black Swan' and found the most suitable female lead."

"I'm totally shipping this couple. They've helped each other succeed in their careers, it's just too perfect."

Of course, there were a few dissenting voices who questioned whether she had "gilded her resume," "relyed on connections," or "was lucky," but these were quickly drowned out by the reasoned rebuttals from fans and passersby.

Some netizens posted the awards and global box office data for "Black Swan" at Venice, while others compiled a list of Liu Yifei's works and her acting progress. Still others directly criticized her, saying, "What's with the sour grapes? You try playing Nina! Forget acting, can you even dance ballet?"

Liu Yifei was engrossed in what she was looking at when Jiang Yu finished his meeting, walked over, sat down next to her, and naturally pulled her into his arms: "What are you looking at? You're laughing so happily."

"Let's look at the comments." Liu Yifei turned the computer to him, pointed to a comment and read it aloud, "I'm totally shipping this couple. They support each other professionally, it's so wonderful. The netizens are so talented."

Jiang Yu glanced at the list and nodded: "The public opinion is quite positive, with positive voices dominating. However, you need to be prepared that more media outlets will want to interview you and more events will want to invite you. A Golden Globe nomination is a halo that can open many doors for you, but it's also a pressure. Everything you do from now on will be scrutinized under a magnifying glass."

"I know." Liu Yifei closed her laptop, turned to face him, and said seriously, "I will take it in stride."

The nomination was already a pleasant surprise; I dare not hope for more. Now that I have this opportunity, I will strive to do my best and leave no regrets.

"That's right." Jiang Yu ruffled her hair with satisfaction. "Come on, I'll take you somewhere."

"Where are we going? Are we going to have another meeting?" Liu Yifei pretended to be scared and shrank back.

"You guessed wrong." Jiang Yu laughed and pulled her up. "The kitchen."

Liu Yifei was pulled downstairs by Jiang Yu and returned to that professional-grade kitchen.

The huge central island is so shiny it reflects your image, and it has all kinds of kitchen utensils, from German-made knives to Italian-made coffee machines, making it like a kitchenware exhibition hall.

The chef was preparing dinner when they entered and politely asked, "Sir, Madam, do you need any assistance?"

"It's alright, you guys go ahead with your work." Jiang Yu waved his hand. "We'll just use a corner."

After the chef left to retrieve ingredients from the storage room, Jiang Yu opened the double-door refrigerator, which was filled with various fresh ingredients, neatly categorized.

He took out eggs, flour, milk, sugar, and also found a whisk and four small baking dishes, setting them up on the island counter.

"Is this... making soufflés?" Liu Yifei's eyes widened in surprise. "In a villa in Los Angeles?"

"Okay, I'll keep my promise." Jiang Yu rolled up his sleeves, revealing his smooth forearms. "Didn't I say on the plane that I'd make soufflés with you when we got to Los Angeles? I can't sleep right now because of jet lag, so I'll find something to do to distract myself."

and----"

He turned to look at her, a gentle smile in his eyes: "A year ago, when you first came here, we said we wanted to make desserts in the kitchen, but we never found the right time. Let's make up for it today."

Liu Yifei felt a warmth in her heart.

She had only mentioned it casually, but she didn't expect Jiang Yu to remember it so clearly, even keeping the agreement from a year ago in mind.

"I'll help!" She rolled up her sleeves, eager to try.

The two got busy in the kitchen.

Jiang Yu is responsible for accurately weighing materials. He is very focused when he does these things, just like he is conducting experiments in a laboratory.

Liu Yifei was in charge of beating the egg whites, which is the most crucial and skill-testing step in making soufflé. The egg whites need to be beaten to stiff peaks, so that when you lift the whisk, you can pull out upright small peaks, but you can't overbeat them, otherwise the egg whites will become coarse.

"Relax your wrist, use a gentle touch, not brute force." Jiang Yu stood behind her, guiding her hand to show her how to hold the whisk. "Yes, like this, beat at a steady speed. See, tiny bubbles are starting to appear—now add the first batch of sugar—continue, you can feel the resistance increasing—"

Liu Yifei was focused on beating the egg whites, tiny beads of sweat appearing on the tip of her nose, and a few strands of hair slipping from her hair bun and sticking to her cheeks.

Jiang Yu looked at her serious profile, the light casting small fan-like shadows on her long eyelashes, and couldn't help but lean over and gently kiss her cheek.

"Hey! I'm working hard!" Liu Yifei glared at him reproachfully, but couldn't help but smile.

"You look especially handsome when you're serious." Jiang Yu laughed, not only not to hold back, but even more aggressively wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder, "Keep fighting, I'm watching."

"How can I concentrate if you keep doing this?" Liu Yifei complained, but her hands didn't stop moving.

The egg whites were finally beaten to the ideal consistency: smooth, delicate, and fluffy like clouds.

Next, gently fold the mixture into the egg yolk mixture until well combined, then pour it into a greased baking dish.

Jiang Yu carefully placed the baking dish into the preheated oven and set the timer: "Now all we have to do is wait. The success of the soufflé depends heavily on controlling the oven temperature and time; even thirty seconds more or less won't work."

While waiting, the two sat on high stools next to the island counter, drinking freshly squeezed orange juice from the chef.

"Jiang Yu," Liu Yifei suddenly spoke, her voice very soft.

"Um?"

"Thank you for changing my nationality back." She turned around and looked at him earnestly. "I know it wasn't easy; the procedures were complicated, and there was so much tax to pay. You and Dad must have put in a lot of effort."

Jiang Yu held her hand, his palm warm: "It was your own decision, we're just helping you achieve it. Honestly, I'm so glad you made this decision. It's not that you can't succeed if you don't become a Chinese actor, but—when you stand on the international stage as a Chinese actor, the feeling is different. You'll feel more grounded, more rooted."

Liu Yifei nodded: "I feel the same way. Before, when I held an American passport, I always felt something was off, like I was an outsider. Now it's great, I can proudly say that I am Chinese actress Liu Yifei."

"Then carry that confidence and go win even more honors." Jiang Yu smiled. "The Golden Globe is just the beginning. We still have the Oscars, and many more great works waiting for you to act in. I will always be with you, watching you step by step reach the peak."

Just then, the oven "dinged," signaling that the time was up.

Jiang Yu put on oven mitts and carefully took out the baking dish.

Four golden soufflés rise high in the bowl, their surfaces perfectly caramelized, slightly cracked, and exuding an enticing aroma of eggs and milk.

"We did it!" Liu Yifei cheered, like a child who had just received candy.

The two brought the soufflé to the terrace, accompanied by the chef's vanilla ice cream and fresh berries.

Sitting in a deckchair, watching the Los Angeles sunset slowly sink into the city skyline, and eating a freshly baked, warm, and fluffy dessert, the feeling of happiness at this moment is simply overflowing.

"Delicious." Liu Yifei scooped up a spoonful. The soufflé melted in her mouth, with a rich egg and milk flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. Paired with slightly cool ice cream, the texture was rich and layered. "It's a hundred times better than the ones I make in Beijing."

"That's because of my professional guidance," Jiang Yu said smugly, raising an eyebrow, "and the professional oven at the Beverly Hills villa."

"Yes, yes, Chef Jiang is the best."

Liu Yifei smiled and fed him a spoonful, watching him eat it, her eyes curving into crescents. "But to be honest, making desserts here really feels different. The environment is good, the mood is good, and the food tastes better too."

As the sun completely set, the lights of Los Angeles lit up one by one. Looking down from the terrace, the entire city resembled a starry sky spread out, stretching all the way to the distant coastline.

The two sat quietly, shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, enjoying this rare moment of peace.

Liu Yifei rested her head on Jiang Yu's shoulder and whispered, "Sometimes I feel that we are really lucky."

"Um?"

"To be able to do what I love, to be with the people I love, and to have a home all over the world."

Jiang Yu hugged her tightly and kissed the top of her head: "So we must continue to work hard and turn this luck into luck for more people. Light Chaser Pictures is not just a company, and the films we make are not just commodities. They are our way of expression, our way of influencing the world."

As night deepened, the temperature dropped a bit.

Jiang Yu stood up: "Come inside, don't catch a cold. We have to get up early tomorrow."

Back in the warm, bright interior, Mary had already prepared dinner: congee and side dishes, taking into account that they needed a light diet after getting off the plane.

After dinner, the two went to bed early. Although they hadn't adjusted to the time difference yet, chatting in bed was a rare moment of relaxation.

"I'm meeting with the PR team for 'Black Swan' tomorrow," Liu Yifei whispered in the darkness. "I'm a little nervous."

"Sarah is a very nice person, professional and responsible," Jiang Yu's voice came from the side. "She will teach you how to handle various occasions during awards season. Remember, just be yourself, and don't try to please anyone. In Hollywood, only those with ability have a voice."

"Hmm." Liu Yifei turned over to face him. "By the way, can I sit in on your 'New Moon' data conference tomorrow morning? I'd like to learn about Hollywood's box office revenue sharing system."

"Of course you can. You're the boss's wife, you have the right to know everything that happens in the company." Jiang Yu smiled and pinched her cheek. "Go to sleep, tomorrow will be another busy day."

On the morning of December 14, Liu Yifei woke up ten minutes earlier than her alarm clock.

She gently turned to the side and looked at Jiang Yu, who was still fast asleep beside her.

Liu Yifei stared at him for a few seconds, then couldn't help but reach out and gently trace his brow bone with her fingertips.

The moment the fingers touched his skin, Jiang Yu opened his eyes. There was no drowsiness from just waking up; his eyes were clear as if he had been awake for a long time.

"Pretending to be asleep?" Liu Yifei raised an eyebrow.

"You woke me up by staring at me." Jiang Yu took her mischievous hand, pulled it to his lips and kissed it. "Good morning, Golden Globe nominee."

This address made Liu Yifei's ears burn: "Don't call me that—"

"Why not? It's a fact." Jiang Yu sat up with a smile, the neckline of his silk pajamas open, revealing his well-defined collarbone. "Today is your first time appearing in this important Hollywood event in this capacity, so you need to prepare well."

When the two finished washing up and came downstairs, Mary had already set out breakfast in the dining room.

The long table was set with a fusion of Chinese and Western dishes: soy milk and fried dough sticks, steamed buns, as well as oatmeal yogurt and fried eggs with bacon, taking into full account the tastes of the two people.

"Wang Wei arrived at nine o'clock, and the styling team arrived at ten o'clock," Jiang Yu said while drinking soy milk. "We started doing makeup and hair at three o'clock in the afternoon. The celebration banquet is at the Beverly Hills Hotel, and The Peak has booked the entire banquet hall and garden."

Liu Yifei gently poked at the yogurt in the bowl with a small spoon: "I'm a little nervous. This time—it feels different."

"What's different?"

Liu Yifei confessed, "Now I'm a Golden Globe nominee, and your girlfriend—each role carries expectations and scrutiny. I'm afraid I won't do well."

Jiang Yu put down his cup and looked at her earnestly: "Listen, Yifei. You don't need to pretend to be anyone, just be yourself. You're good enough, you're sincere enough, and that's enough. The shrewd people in Hollywood have seen too many pretentious people, and they'll actually like the real you more."

He paused, then added, "And don't forget, tonight's protagonist isn't just you, it's the entire Light Chaser Pictures. We're here with real strength: the box office numbers of 'Twilight,' the achievements of 'Black Swan,' Light Chaser's technological reserves, and a series of upcoming projects. We have the confidence; we don't need to curry favor with anyone."

These words were like a reassuring pill.

Liu Yifei took a deep breath and nodded: "I understand."

At nine o'clock in the morning, Wang Wei arrived on time, carrying a stack of folders and a tablet computer.

At ten o'clock, the styling team arrived in a grand procession of six people, carrying more than a dozen bags of clothes and a professional makeup case.

The head stylist is a French woman in her forties named Isabella, who has worked in Hollywood for twenty years and has served countless A-list celebrities.

"Ms. Liu, congratulations on your nomination." Isabella said in English with a French accent, while giving Liu Yifei a professional once-over. "You have excellent features; you have a small frame but perfect proportions, and your skin is in superb condition. What style would you like to go for today?"

Liu Yifei looked at Jiang Yu, who thought for a moment and said, "It should be grand, elegant, and have an oriental charm. It can't be too flamboyant and steal the spotlight from the film itself, nor can it be too bland. She's a Golden Globe nominee; it needs to carry the weight of her award."

"Understood." Isabella clapped her hands, and her assistants immediately opened the pockets, revealing more than a dozen dresses hanging inside. "These are Dior, Chanel, Valentino, and Elle Saab's haute couture for this fall/winter season, and there are also two pieces by Chinese designer Guo Pei. Let's try them on first."

For the next three hours, the temporary dressing room on the second floor of the villa was transformed into a fashion show.

Liu Yifei tried on one dress after another. The champagne-colored floor-length gown was too gentle, the black backless dress was too sexy, and the bright red cape was too assertive—none of them quite felt right.

When they tried on the fifth item, a custom-made one by Ellie Sabo appeared, everyone's eyes lit up.

It was a gradient long dress, gradually transitioning from a nude pink on the bodice to a deep gray-blue on the skirt, like the sky at dusk.

The fabric is a light tulle and silk, layered yet not heavy, flowing like water when you walk.

The design is simple, a strapless style, without too much decoration, except for a few small rhinestones at the waist.

"This one is great," Isabella decided. "The color is unique, possessing both Eastern softness and a powerful presence. Pair it with simple jewelry and an updo to highlight your face and overall style."

Jiang Yu nodded: "This one."

After the dress was finalized, the next step was makeup and hair. Isabella personally handled the makeup, using gentle and precise techniques.

"Your features are very delicate, so you don't need much enhancement," she said. "The focus is on the radiance of your skin and your eye makeup. Today, we'll use a natural approach to make you look like you're naturally beautiful, not like you've piled on makeup."

The hairstylist gave Liu Yifei an elegant low bun, with a few wisps of hair deliberately left out to frame her face and add a touch of casualness.

For jewelry, she chose Tiffany diamond stud earrings and a delicate collarbone chain, simple yet exquisite.

It was already 5 p.m. when everything was finished.

Liu Yifei stood in front of the dressing mirror, looking at herself in the mirror, feeling somewhat dazed. The woman in the mirror was elegant and composed.

"Are you ready?" Jiang Yu walked up from behind.

He had already changed into a dark blue Tom Ford custom-made suit, which fit him perfectly, making his broad shoulders and narrow waist appear even more striking.

He walked to her side, and the two stood side by side in the mirror, a perfect couple, their auras complementing each other perfectly.

"Ready?" Liu Yifei grasped his outstretched hand.

By 6 p.m., the area in front of the Beverly Hills Hotel was already ablaze with starlight.

A long red carpet stretched from the hotel entrance all the way to the street, with media and fans crowding both sides.

The flashes of light created a sea of ​​light, and cheers and screams rose and fell.

The wrap party for "Twilight: New Moon" was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events in Hollywood this year.

Not only because the film itself broke box office records, but also because of its investors; Light Chaser Pictures, which is...

It is rising in Hollywood at an astonishing speed.

When Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei's motorcade arrived, the red carpet host's voice noticeably rose eight octaves: "Next to enter are Mr. Jiang Yu, founder and chairman of Light Chaser Pictures, and Ms. Liu Yifei, who has just been nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress!"

The car door opened, and Jiang Yu got out first, then turned around and extended his hand in a gentlemanly manner.

Liu Yifei gracefully stepped out of the car, supported by his hand. When she was fully on the red carpet, the crowd erupted in the loudest cheers of the night.

"Liu! Look here!"

"Mr. Jiang! This way!"

"So beautiful!"

Congratulations on your nomination!

The flashes were going off like crazy, almost blinding people.

Liu Yifei maintained a polite smile, gently holding Jiang Yu's arm with one hand and waving to the media and fans with the other.

She looked fantastic today. Her dress shimmered softly under the lights, her makeup was exquisite but not heavy, and she exuded a confident and composed aura.

The red carpet host, a seasoned entertainment reporter, immediately seized the opportunity to interview her: "Ms. Liu, first of all, congratulations on your Golden Globe nomination! How are you feeling right now?"

"I'm very excited and grateful," Liu Yifei replied in fluent English. "Black Swan is a very important work in my career. To receive such recognition, I want to thank director Darren Aronofsky, the whole team, and of course my family and the audience who support me."

"Mr. Jiang, as a major investor in 'Twilight,' what are your thoughts on the film's tremendous success?"

Facing the camera, Jiang Yu smiled politely: "First of all, congratulations to Summit Entertainment, director Chris Weitz, and all the actors and crew. The success of 'New Moon' proves one thing: a good story coupled with meticulous production can move audiences in any market. Light Chaser Pictures is honored to have participated in this project, and we look forward to more collaborations with Hollywood in the future."

The two continued walking forward, and media outlets kept calling for them to stop and take photos.

As Liu Yifei walked halfway down the red carpet, she suddenly heard someone in the crowd calling her name in Chinese: "Yifei! Go for it! You're a source of pride for Chinese actors!"

She turned her head and saw several young girls with Asian faces, holding up signs in Chinese, their eyes shining with excitement.

Liu Yifei felt a warmth in her heart and went over to them, replying in Chinese, "Thank you! Please be careful!"

The red carpet leads to the entrance to the banquet hall.

Stepping inside, the noise subsides, and a different kind of liveliness greets you.

Under the enormous crystal chandelier, Hollywood celebrities gathered in small groups to chat, the champagne tower gleamed in the light, and a live band played upbeat jazz.

Liu Yifei quickly scanned the room, secretly surprised. She recognized too many faces that she could only see in movies and magazines.

Not only the creative team of "Twilight", but also executives from the six major Hollywood film studios, top producers, popular stars, and even a few Oscar judges were present.

"That's quite a show of force," she whispered to Jiang Yu.

"Peak went all out, and so did we," Jiang Yu chuckled. "Tonight isn't just a celebration banquet, it's also Light Chaser Pictures' grand entrance into Hollywood. Come, let me introduce you to a few people."

This was no longer a "victory celebration" in the usual sense; it was a power summit in Hollywood.

The banquet hall, spanning over a thousand square meters, has been redesigned, featuring a huge circular main table in the center, surrounded by twelve long tables, each occupied by influential figures in Hollywood.

The most striking feature was the seating arrangement at the main table: Jiang Yu was seated in the very center, with Warner CEO Kevin Tsien, Fox CEO Stacy Snyder, and Disney CEO Bob Iger to his left; to his right were Universal...

The CEOs of Paramount and Sony came first, followed by Rob Friedman of Summit Entertainment, with Friedman even ranking after the Big Six.

The message conveyed by this seating arrangement couldn't be clearer: on this occasion tonight, Light Chaser Animation is the absolute center, the six major companies are partners, and Summit Entertainment is the executor.

Liu Yifei's position was directly opposite Jiang Yu; this was not an oversight, but a deliberate design.

As the hostess, she needs to face the entire room and be seen by everyone.

When the two entered, the once noisy banquet hall fell silent for a moment, and then everyone stood up.

The applause started at the main table and quickly spread throughout the hall, lasting for a full minute.

Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei walked to the main table. Jiang Yu naturally pulled out a chair for Liu Yifei first, and only sat down himself after she sat down.

This detail was witnessed by countless people; maintaining gentlemanly conduct even at the pinnacle of power demonstrates a deeper level of self-confidence.

Before the dinner officially began, Jiang Yu raised his glass and gave a brief speech: "Thank you all for coming tonight. This is not a celebration for 'Twilight: New Moon,' but a milestone in Light Chaser Pictures' Hollywood journey. Four years ago, when I came here, many people asked: What are Chinese people doing in Hollywood? Today, I want to answer with facts: We are here to build, to innovate, and to achieve win-win results."

He paused, looked around the room, and everyone whose gaze swept over him felt an invisible pressure.

After he finished speaking, the audience was so quiet you could hear them breathing.

Everyone understood the subtext: Light Chaser Animation wasn't there to take a slice of the pie, but to create a new one.

"So," Jiang Yu raised his glass, "a toast to what we have already achieved, and a toast to the future we are about to create."

"Cheers!" The entire room responded, the sound of glass clinking together crisp and clear.

After the banquet began, Liu Yifei quickly got into the swing of things.

To her left sat Stacy Snyder, CEO of Fox, a sophisticated female executive in her fifties.

"Ms. Liu, first of all, congratulations on the nomination." Stacy raised her glass. "Black Swan was truly stunning. Darren called me and said you are one of the most professional actors he has ever worked with."

"You flatter me. It's the director's excellent guidance," Liu Yifei replied politely, while keenly noting that this meant Fox executives had been paying attention to the film for some time.

"It's not just the acting, but also the depth of your understanding of the character," Stacy said earnestly. "I read your acting notes, and Darren shared some of them; your psychological analysis of Lin Xin is very professional, completely reaching the level of a method actor. That's very rare."

Liu Yifei was slightly surprised, not expecting Darren to share even this.

She remained calm and composed: "Every role deserves in-depth study; that's my job."

"That's professionalism." Stacy nodded, then changed the subject, "We at Fox are developing several projects with Asian backgrounds, and there might be opportunities for collaboration."

"You're welcome anytime," Liu Yifei said with a smile, raising her glass.

On the other side, Jiang Yu was having a low conversation with Disney CEO Bob Iger.

The two were not speaking loudly, but the content of their conversation made the hearts of those who overheard it race.

"We can grant Disney testing access to our virtual production technology next month," Jiang Yu said, cutting his steak with elegant movements. "It saves 30% of time and 20% of costs compared to traditional production processes, and the real-time rendering effect has already reached 85% of the final film."

Bob Iger's eyes lit up: "If this is true, it will change the entire industry's production model. How long will the testing period be?"

"Three months. If Disney is satisfied, we can establish a joint venture to serve Disney's projects." Jiang Yu put down his knife and fork. "The conditions are simple: Light Chaser will hold 51% of the joint venture, and Disney will hold 49%; technology will be shared, and profits will be split."

This is a very bold condition; in Hollywood, it has always been American companies that hold controlling stakes in joint ventures.

Bob hesitated for a few seconds: "I need to see the test data."

"After Christmas, in my office," Jiang Yu raised his glass. "The data will satisfy you."

This is the main theme of tonight's banquet: seemingly relaxed socializing, but in reality, every word is a negotiation worth tens of millions of dollars.

Liu Yifei gradually adapted to this rhythm. She found that these Hollywood bigwigs were actually very direct: if you have strength, they will respect you; if you have value, they will cooperate with you; if you have leverage, they will negotiate.

Halfway through the dinner, the live band began to play.

Traditionally, the first dance should be started by the host.

Jiang Yu stood up, walked to Liu Yifei, bowed slightly, and extended his hand: "May I?"

This move is very classic and is particularly suitable for this occasion.

Liu Yifei placed her hand in his palm, and the two stepped onto the dance floor. The band, in perfect unison, changed to a soothing waltz.

In the center of the dance floor, under the spotlight, the two danced gracefully.

Jiang Yu's dance steps were steady and powerful, while Liu Yifei's follow-up was light and graceful.

The skirt spun and bloomed like a flower, while the flowing silk shimmered like a galaxy under the lights.

Halfway through the dance, Jiang Yu suddenly whispered, "Look at the main table."

Looking at the rotated view, Liu Yifei noticed that the CEOs of the six major companies were all looking at them, with different expressions—some admiring, some deep in thought, and some calculating.

"They really understand now," Jiang Yu whispered in her ear. "Light Chaser Pictures isn't a nouveau riche, it's not a speculator. We have technology, we have capital, and we have—style. That's what they value most."

,"style?"

"Yes. Hollywood looks down on nouveau riche the most." Jiang Yu chuckled. "If you're both rich and classy, ​​they'll treat you like one of their own. After tonight, Light Chaser Pictures will be one of Hollywood's own."

When the song ended, thunderous applause erupted.

As Jiang Yu led Liu Yifei back to the main table, people kept getting up to greet them.

Leonardo DiCaprio approached, holding a wine glass: "Mr. Jiang, Ms. Liu, a perfect performance, and I mean more than just the dance."

"Thank you, Leonardo." Jiang Yu clinked glasses with him. "For next week's technology demonstration, I hope you can bring more experts in the environmental field. What we want to do is not just business cooperation, but industry transformation."

"I've already contacted labs at Stanford and MIT," Leonardo said earnestly. "If your technology can truly reach the standards I just mentioned, it will be a green revolution for the film industry."

As they were chatting, a small commotion suddenly arose from the other side of the banquet hall.

Liu Yifei turned her head and was surprised to find that James Cameron had actually arrived. This director was known for being difficult to invite and rarely participated in social activities.

Cameron walked straight to Jiang Yu, and when the two shook hands, Cameron's first words were: "I need to see the source code for your virtual production technology."

Jiang Yu smiled: "Okay. But I want to see the complete script for Avatar 2."

Cameron stared at him for three seconds, then suddenly burst out laughing: "Deal! After the premiere, in my office, code for script!"

This conversation caused everyone around to gasp. The direct transaction between two top-level controllers was simple, brutal, and full of mutual recognition of their strength.

Cameron then turned to Liu Yifei: "Ms. Liu, congratulations on your nomination. I've seen 'Black Swan,' it's fantastic. I heard you're going to make a sci-fi film next? If needed, my team can provide technical consultation."

"Thank you so much!" Liu Yifei said sincerely.

The dinner, amidst such a high level of socializing and negotiation, continued until 11 p.m.

When Jiang Yu finally raised his glass to express his gratitude, everyone understood one thing: the power structure in Hollywood had changed, and the center of that change was the man standing on the stage at that moment.

It was already 12:30 a.m. when we got back to the Beverly Hills villa.

Liu Yifei took off her high heels, stepped barefoot onto the soft carpet, and let out a long sigh of relief: "Finally over—"

I felt like my smile was about to freeze.

Jiang Yu hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder: "You did a great job. Stacy Snyder told me privately that you are the most composed Asian actress she has ever met, not just a star, but an actress. That word has a special meaning in Hollywood."

"Is there any difference?"

"Celebrities rely on looks and luck, actresses rely on talent and intelligence." Jiang Yu turned her around, looking at her earnestly. "Tonight you proved yourself to be the latter. The way those big shots looked at you wasn't at Jiang Yu's girlfriend," but at Liu Yifei."

These words warmed Liu Yifei's heart: "Really?"

"Really." Jiang Yu led her to the terrace, where Beverly Hills was brightly lit at night. "You know what? Bob Iger asked me if I was interested in having you play a Disney princess. Not an Asian-only version, but a real global princess."

Liu Yifei's eyes widened in surprise: "A Disney princess?"

"So he was talking about a real global version of a princess," adapting an existing IP to create a new one. Jiang Yu's voice was clear in the night wind. "He said that the combination of vulnerability and strength that you showed in 'Black Swan' is exactly the quality that a modern princess needs."

The news was so shocking that Liu Yifei was speechless for a moment.

"I refused," Jiang Yu continued.

"Why?" Liu Yifei blurted out.

"Because you shouldn't play princesses, you should create princesses." Jiang Yu turned to face her, his eyes shining brightly in the night. "We have our own stories to tell, our own universe to build. 'Lucy' is just the beginning; there will be more sci-fi blockbusters to come, and much more."

The ambition implied in those words made Liu Yifei's heart race.

She knew that Jiang Yu wasn't exaggerating; given the current strength of Light Chaser Pictures, it was entirely possible.

"So," Jiang Yu grasped her hand, "the next few years will be very tough. You'll have to film, train, study, and accompany me to all these social occasions. Are you scared?"

Liu Yifei shook her head, her eyes resolute: "I'm not afraid. With you here, and with a goal in mind, I only feel excited."

Jiang Yu smiled, pulled her into his arms, and the two quietly watched the lights in the distance.

"Sometimes I think it all feels like a dream," Liu Yifei said softly. "Three years ago, I was struggling with my career transition, and three years later I'm standing at the center of power in Hollywood. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night, afraid that all of this will suddenly disappear."

"We won't disappear." Jiang Yu's voice was steady. "Because we didn't get to where we are today by luck. We have strategy, execution, a team, and most importantly, we have each other. That's the most solid foundation."

The night breeze carries the fragrance of night-blooming jasmine from the garden.

Liu Yifei leaned against him, feeling his steady heartbeat, and suddenly felt a sense of security she had never felt before.