Reborn in Hollywood

Li Rui stopped and, with a smile on his face, dealt with each question.

These people were like zombies unleashed, surging in like a tide and receding like a tide.

Each group carried business cards and enthusiasm, each group hoping to get something from him.

The investor's business card, the screenwriter's script outline, the independent producer's intention to collaborate, the pleasantries from Dior executives, the polite exchanges from CK executives—Li Rui hadn't expected that two luxury brands would send representatives to this event.

He suspected that this was probably Philip's doing.

I received a bunch of business cards, nodded a lot, and said "Let's talk again sometime" dozens of times.

Ali had somehow managed to squeeze in next to Li Rui, sweating profusely as he whispered something.

"Rafael, don't trust those independent filmmakers."

Li Rui looked at him.

"What's wrong?"

"They lack resources, money, and manpower; they genuinely want to ride your coattails."

Ali said earnestly, "If you show interest in art films, they will immediately come knocking on your door and use your fame to attract investment."

Li Rui smiled.

"Don't worry, I'm not interested in art films."

"real?"

"real."

Li Rui said seriously, "I would never make an art film just to win an award, you can rest assured about that."

Ali breathed a sigh of relief.

"That's good."

Natalie stood to the side and overheard their entire conversation.

After Ali left, she looked at Li Rui.

Why are you so resistant to art films?

Li Rui raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?"

"Art film".

Natalie said, "With the opportunity to win an Oscar, gain recognition from the Academy, and then give back to the Academy by getting more good resources, why wouldn't you want to make it?"

Li Rui thought about it.

"Because it doesn't make money."

Natalie paused for a moment.

"this one?"

"That's it."

Li Rui looked at her and said, "I make movies to make money; you can't make money in art films."

Natalie felt a bit stuck.

She had something else to say, but she didn't say it.

She kept those words to herself: Only by actively integrating into this circle can she have a smoother career in Hollywood in the future.

This is her ultimate goal for her future partner.

Through his perception of the Force, Li Rui vaguely caught the thoughts she hadn't voiced.

Alarm bells were ringing in his mind.

Squid rings—the power center of Hollywood.

He does have half-blood, but that's his camouflage, not his pledge of allegiance.

To fawn over those people and then collude with them?

Absolutely impossible!

"Let's go, it's time to go in."

The two entered the theater.

The lights dimmed.

George Lucas went on stage and gave a long speech of thanks.

Then the main creators went on stage and introduced themselves one by one.

Finally, the film was shown.

Li Rui did not return to the front row.

He walked to the back row and sat down next to Madeline.

Madeline glanced at him.

"Why didn't you sit in the front?"

Li Rui smiled.

"I'll go with you. Didn't we agree that if you came to my premiere, I would definitely watch it with you?"

Madeline didn't say anything, she just held his hand.

The Lucasfilm logo appears on the screen.

Familiar music began to play.

Two hours later, the film ended.

The lights came on, and thunderous applause erupted.

Madeline turned her head and looked at Li Rui.

"Well done."

Li Rui smiled.

"Thank you, Mom."

Madeline paused.

"But the plot is really melodramatic."

Li Rui: "..."

Madeline continued to complain.

"Jedi warriors cannot love, yet they must; once they love, they dare not acknowledge it; once they acknowledge it, they are consumed by suicidal rage—"

She shook her head. "It's just a space opera, terribly cliché."

Li Rui gave a wry smile.

"you're right."

Madeline looked at him and suddenly smiled.

"But I still love watching clichés."

She patted his hand, "After all, it was my son who acted in it."

Philip came over from the side.

"Mom, please don't discourage him."

Madeline glared at him.

"Am I being sarcastic? I'm just stating the facts!"

Philip surrendered.

"Okay, okay, you're right."

As Li Rui watched the mother and son bickering, the initial amusement gradually turned into warmth.

Madeline looked at the screen again.

"But to be honest, Raphael, you really acted well."

Li Rui was stunned for a moment.

"Really? Are you sure?"

"real."

Madeline nodded. "You portrayed Anakin so well, capturing his struggles, contradictions, and pain. I don't know what a Jedi Knight is like, but your portrayal of that young man was very convincing."

Li Rui felt a surge of pride; this was praise from his own mother!

It provides far greater emotional value than winning an Oscar.

Madeline was still talking.

"...This film is sure to be a success!"

Philip nodded in agreement.

"It will definitely succeed. Star Wars is a symbol of North American popular culture. As long as this series supports him, Raphael will not have to worry about declining popularity for at least the next three years."

Li Rui agrees with this point. Isn't this the reason why he went to great lengths to star in Star Wars?

He leaned back in his chair, watching the credits roll on the screen.

Anakin Skywalker – Raphael Lee.

From today onward, this name will be known all over the world.

-----------------

That evening, Philip took Madeline back to her hotel, while Li Rui and the rest of the crew boarded a chartered plane and headed overseas overnight.

Overseas promotional activities are also in full swing, awaiting the Star Wars creators.

George's plan was: Li Rui and Ivan would go to Europe, while Natalie and Samuel would go to Asia.

Li Rui originally wanted to volunteer to go to Asia—he really wanted to go to the mainland to see what Beijing and Shanghai were like in this era.

But Natalie is also going to Asia.

Team up with her?

Li Rui immediately dismissed the idea.

The plane broke through the clouds and flew towards Europe.

Our first stop is Paris.

Then came Berlin, Rome, Madrid, and finally London.

The first few stops went smoothly.

Li Rui is already very familiar with the process of going through reporter interviews, fan meetings, and TV interviews.

Until London.

Media briefing held at a hotel in London on August 19.

Li Rui and Ivan sat on the stage, with dozens of reporters below, their cameras and microphones pointed at them.

The first few questions were all fairly standard.

What are your impressions of British film fans?

Have you ever been to London?

What do you like about Britain?

Li Rui answered each question with a smile.

Then a reporter stood up.

His name tag read: The Sun.

"Mr. Li, I have a question."

Li Rui nodded.

"Excuse me."

The reporter looked into his eyes.

"As far as I know, you earned over a billion dollars through British betting companies during the World Cup."

The scene fell silent instantly.

All eyes were on Li Rui.

Ivan, standing to the side, was dumbfounded.

One billion!?

Zimbabwean coin?

The reporter continued.

"You've earned so much money, yet you haven't paid a single penny in taxes to Britain. Do you think that's appropriate?"

Ivan's expression changed.

The staff members standing nearby also changed their expressions.

Li Rui still had a smile on his face.

But within him, the Force had already begun to surge.

He stared into the reporter's eyes.

"Sir, what's your name?"

The reporter was taken aback.

"I...I am James Wilson."

Li Rui nodded.

"Mr. Wilson, I also have a few questions for you."

The reporter remained silent.

Li Rui continued speaking.

"First, I bought a sports lottery ticket. In the UK, are lottery winnings taxable?"

The reporter opened his mouth, as if to say "yes".

But he couldn't say it.

An invisible force blocked his throat.

Li Rui continued to ask.

"Secondly, did I purchase the lottery ticket in the UK, or did I purchase it through legal channels overseas?"

The reporter remained speechless.

Li Rui smiled.

"Third, if my actions were illegal in any way, why hasn't the British government prosecuted me?"

The reporter stood there, his face flushed red, but he couldn't utter a single word.

The people at the scene looked at each other in bewilderment, not knowing what had happened.

Li Rui stood up.

"Mr. Wilson, I have answered your question. As for you... you seem to be feeling unwell. I suggest you go to the hospital for a check-up as soon as possible."

He turned to look at the host.

"Can we finish now?"

The host nodded blankly.

"Yes...yes."

Li Rui stepped off the stage and walked towards the door.

Ivan followed behind, looking completely bewildered.

"Rafael, what just happened? Why isn't that reporter saying anything? Is what he said true? You've struck gold..."

Li Rui interrupted Ivan before he could finish speaking.

"Let's go back and rest."

My phone vibrated while I was on the road.

It was a text message from Alibaba: "[Opening weekend box office results: $1.03 million in North America, $0.84 million overseas. Congratulations!]"

Li Rui glanced at it, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

1.87 million worldwide.

He didn't know the original price, but this number definitely exceeded the original!

That evening, news of the incident involving the reporter reached the United States.

George Lucas called Li Rui immediately.

"Rafael, I know about the reporter's situation. Don't worry about it, I'll handle it."

Li Rui leaned back on the sofa in the hotel room.

"George, don't worry about it, it's just a small matter."

"A small matter?"

George's voice rose, "That bastard's deliberately picking a fight, trying to cause trouble!"

Li Rui smiled.

"Then it's up to you. Contact Murdoch directly and ask him if he wants to ruin his own reputation."

George was panting heavily with anger.

"I've already contacted Fox News, and they'll release a statement tomorrow."

After hanging up the phone, Li Rui began to ponder.

That reporter is acting strangely.

Normally, reporters wouldn't ask this kind of question.

Even if you ask, it won't be that specific.

Someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes.

He closed his eyes, activating his Force perception to its fullest extent.

The spiritual imprint left on that journalist remains.

He opened his eyes.

At 2 a.m., Li Rui left the hotel.

Guided by the mental imprint, he found the reporter's residence in an apartment building in the East District.

As the Force surged, the door lock turned gently.

With a soft "click," the door opened.

Li Rui pushed open the door and went in. The reporter named James was lying on the bed, tossing and turning.

Upon seeing Li Rui enter, he sat up abruptly.

"You—how did you get in?!"

Li Rui raised his hand.

James's voice was stuck in his throat, and he was pressed to the bed by an invisible force, unable to move.