I became a movie star at the age of three; Dilraba and I are childhood sweethearts.

The Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, a place glittering with stars.

This is the hall of fame for filmmakers worldwide, the venue for the Academy Awards ceremony.

Along both sides of the red carpet, flashbulbs were constantly going off, and reporters with their cameras and microphones were already in place, waiting for the arrival of the stars.

The air was thick with a mixture of tension and excitement.

Everyone dressed up for the occasion, trying to leave their mark on this globally watched event.

However, everyone knew the truth.

The most attention-grabbing figure tonight is not the familiar faces of Hollywood, but a young man from the East – Xiao Chen.

He is the first Chinese actor to walk the Oscars red carpet, an honor that alone is enough to generate buzz.

A black limousine slowly came to a stop, the door opened, and Wang Jinhua was the first to step out.

She wore a royal blue dress, looking capable and elegant, and waved to the media with a smile on her face.

Then, the figure that had been followed by countless cameras finally appeared before everyone's eyes.

Xiao Chen.

Just one year later, he had grown even taller.

At eighteen, he was already 1.85 meters tall.

His slender figure was perfectly outlined by the well-tailored black suit.

Straight shoulders, a taut waist, every step exudes an innate composure.

Unlike Western male stars with exaggerated muscle lines, Xiao Chen exudes a restrained Eastern charm.

It resembles a traditional Chinese ink painting, elegant yet profound.

His features have been described by countless media outlets as God's masterpiece.

Under the spotlight, it appears even more three-dimensional and exquisite.

A high, straight nose, thin, sensual lips, and a pair of deep, dark eyes.

His eyes held the weight of years, yet also the clarity of youth.

His slight smile instantly ignited the enthusiasm of all the female reporters present.

"Xiao!"

"Look! It's Xiao Chen!"

Screams erupted everywhere, and he became the brightest star at the scene.

Faced with the swarm of reporters, Xiao Chen simply nodded slightly and responded politely.

He didn't make any unnecessary gestures or try to please the camera; he just walked quietly, yet he was more captivating than anyone else.

In front of the autograph wall, microphones were eagerly handed to him.

A reporter from the Global Times was the first to ask a question, his tone scrutinizing.

"Mr. Xiao, what are your thoughts on tonight's nominations?"

Xiao Chen picked up a marker, his slender fingers landing steadily on the signature wall as he wrote his name.

His Chinese signature is as free and unrestrained as flowing clouds and water.

After finishing writing, he looked up, glanced at the reporter, and answered softly in fluent English.

"I am very honored to be here and to participate in the ceremony with so many outstanding filmmakers."

"The outcome is up to the judges."

His voice has a unique magnetism and is very clear even in noisy environments.

Another reporter seized the opportunity and threw out a more provocative question.

"As the first Chinese male actor to be nominated for an Oscar."

Do you believe that Chinese films have the strength to compete with Hollywood?

This question contains obvious pitfalls.

No matter how Xiao Chen answers, it could be interpreted as arrogance or overestimating his abilities.

Wang Jinhua, standing to the side, narrowed her eyes slightly and was about to speak when Xiao Chen stopped her with a look.

Xiao Chen looked at the reporter, his eyes as clear as a lake.

"Film is a universal language."

He said softly.

"Good stories can always transcend cultures and national borders."

"Chinese films have always had their own unique charm; they just need more opportunities to be seen by the world."

He paused, then turned his gaze to the camera, engaging with a global audience.

"Tonight, I stand here hoping it will be a beginning, not an end."

His answer did not directly address the word "confrontation," but cleverly elevated the overall perspective.

They neither praised themselves nor belittled Chinese films.

His composure and humility commanded the respect of the reporters present.

In the crowd, a veteran film critic couldn't help but whisper his praise.

"Well said!"

After this segment concluded, Xiao Chen slowly entered the Kodak Theater, surrounded by countless flashing lights.

As soon as he entered, he felt an atmosphere completely different from that on the red carpet.

The air here is heavier, but also more intense. (Xu)

Familiar or unfamiliar faces alike immediately cast curious or admiring glances at him.

"Xiao Chen!"

A deep, magnetic voice rang out.

Xiao Chen turned around and saw a tall, handsome male actor walking towards him.

That's James Reno, who was nominated for Best Actor last year for an action movie.

James extended his hand in a friendly manner, with a genuine smile on his face.

"Congratulations, Xiao."

"I saw your performance in Titanic, it was fantastic."

"That kind of heart-wrenching love... left a deep impression on me."

Xiao Chen smiled back, grasped James's hand, and felt the warmth and strength of the other's palm.

"Thank you, James."

"Your 'Fury' is equally amazing and full of power."

A look of surprise flashed in James' eyes; he clearly hadn't expected Xiao Chen to have seen his work.

He withdrew his hand and patted Xiao Chen on the shoulder.

"I hope to see you lift the trophy tonight."

"I would love to work with you if the opportunity arises."

Xiao Chen nodded.

"I'm really looking forward to it too."

Not long after, some well-known directors and actors came over to greet Xiao Chen.

Some expressed their appreciation, while others directly proposed cooperation.

A middle-aged director with a small mustache walked over and asked directly, his face full of curiosity.

"You're that magical boy from the Dragon Kingdom?"

Xiao Chen raised an eyebrow, knowing that the other person was talking about Harry Potter.

His humble response.

"It's an honor to have your attention."

The director laughed and then changed the subject.

"Oh, don't say that, my child is a big fan of yours!"

"I'm currently preparing for a fantasy epic film, and I have a very important character in it."

"After you finish tonight, can we find some time to talk?"

Xiao Chen's heart stirred slightly.

The other party's tone didn't sound like mere politeness; they genuinely intended to cooperate.

He nodded slightly.

"Of course, I'd love to."

He dealt with all of this calmly, but his heart was far from as calm as it appeared.

He could feel that every handshake and every conversation he had was, invisibly, opening one door after another to the world.

All of this was something he never dared to dream of in his previous life.

He sat in the audience, his gaze sweeping over his surroundings.

Tonight, he's not just doing this for himself.

Behind him lies the dream of countless filmmakers in China.

And there were Cheng Long's expectant eyes, and that promise about kung fu movies.