Chapter 87

In the media Q&A session, Xu Can, as the film's director, was asked the most questions.

"Director Xu Can, will the Avengers appear in the future, given the mention of S.H.I.E.L.D. in the film?"

"Yes, the Avengers are in our plans. Our superhero movie project has already begun to unfold; everyone can keep an eye on Galaxy Entertainment and Marvel's upcoming live-action films."

"Director Xu Can, is the Iron armor live-action? Even the lightest props would be hard to make as agile as they are in the movie."

"It was created using motion capture technology combined with digital effects. To ensure the effects were realistic, I specifically assembled a new team, and I hope to bring more surprises to the world in the future."

Xu Can’s answer received another round of applause.

Many people came to the cinema just to seek thrills.

The aerial flight scenes, aerial combat scenes, and the final boss battle in *Iron Man* were all very realistic and exciting—completely worth the price of admission!

Naturally, everyone was looking forward to even more novel film effects.

And with technological upgrades, themes that couldn't be filmed before were gradually making their way to the big screen.

For movie fans, life would only get better from here on out.

"Director Xu Can, will *Spider-Man 2* enter the Marvel Universe? Will Marvel reclaim the Spider-Man copyright? When will the sequel be released?"

The media reporter’s questions were tricky, hitting Marvel’s most awkward point immediately.

Beside him, Kevin Feige’s expression was slightly unnatural.

Fortunately, Xu Can remained calm and composed.

"You want to see my Spider-Man that much?"

"Yes!"

"Especially!"

"Spider-Man! Spider-Man! Spider-Man!"

There was no helping it; Spider-Man was already one of the most popular characters in Marvel, and Xu Can’s first live-action adaptation had brought *Spider-Man* to a new peak.

In the hearts of fans, he was Spidey himself—he was Peter Parker.

With the sequel delayed, both fans and the media were waiting anxiously.

In his past life, Sony gradually returned the TV and merchandise rights for Spider-Man to Marvel, but they always held onto the film rights, only collaborating with Marvel on development.

Due to changes in this parallel world, Sony initially couldn't make money relying on the Spider-Man IP, so they planned to sell the character back to Marvel.

According to the 2004 contract, the Spider-Man agreement extended until 2009, after which Marvel could reclaim it for free.

Therefore, Sony tried multiple times to start filming even when the project was repeatedly shelved.

Finally released at the end of 2006, it soared to success.

Sony already regretted it; by early 2007, they were already haggling with Marvel executive Perlmutter, wanting to continue purchasing the Spider-Man copyright.

Perlmutter was almost bought off by money, but he didn't expect Xu Can to suddenly hook up with a wealthy woman and acquire Marvel.

The negotiations had been canceled, and according to the contract, Spider-Man would officially return to Marvel after December 31, 2009.

Sony’s executives were also anxious, wanting to make a killing before the deadline.

Recently, they had been begging everyone, hoping Xu Can would hurry back to film the sequel.

Director Marc Webb was already preparing the crew and getting ready to start filming.

Xu Can finally agreed to them: once *La La Land* was finished, he would return to the *Spider-Man* crew and start filming the sequel!

"Thank you all for your support. I have two announcements here. First, Spider-Man will indeed be a member of the Avengers in the future..."

"Yeah!!"

"That's awesome!!"

Hearing this, the audience couldn't help but cheer until Xu Can pressed his hand down, and the venue quieted down.

"Second, the *Spider-Man* sequel will start filming in the first quarter of this year, and we expect to meet everyone by the summer season at the earliest!"

"Ohhhhhhh—"

The entire Galaxy Theater was plunged into a carnival.

"Xu Can personally confirms that *Spider-Man* filming will begin in the first quarter of this year..."

"Renowned young Chinese actor/director Xu Can announced at the *Iron Man* premiere that he will launch a new film project, a musical..."

"*Spider-Man* sequel is coming! Scheduled for summer! Whether it can be released on time remains in doubt, but the fans' enthusiasm has been completely ignited!"

"We see that after the premiere ended, the fans still haven't dispersed; they are still cheering and shouting on the streets outside the theater. Los Santos' night has been turned into a carnival by Xu Can..."

"A musical? Oh ho ho ho, this Chinese guy is getting a bit ahead of himself. He’s fine filming superheroes in spandex, but musicals are the hallmark of Hollywood’s Golden Age. He’s really daring..."

Xu Can himself couldn't have imagined that 80% of the entertainment news the next day would be about him.

He was once again at the center of the Hollywood storm!

"So, you're going to film the *Spider-Man* sequel after you finish the musical with her?"

"That's how it is."

"Emmm..."

"What's wrong?"

"It just feels uncomfortable. Come to think of it, what is our relationship now? And what are you and her?"

Under the candlelight, Taylor Swift’s eyes shimmered, her red lips exceptionally vivid.

The violin band in the luxury restaurant was playing hard; at this moment, only the melodious tune of "Por una Cabeza" could be heard.

It was the classic violin piece "A Step Away" from *Scent of a Woman*.

The air became dry, and Xu Can seemed to be standing at a critical node in a galgame.

Actually, if one were determined, focusing on pushing one route wouldn't be difficult.

The key was that Xu Can himself didn't know the answer, or perhaps this answer was rather greedy.

Currently, Taylor’s feeling toward him was like a free trial card expiring, about to enter the VIP paid stage.

Taylor’s gaze changed from initial anticipation to gradual anxiety...

Fortunately, Xu Can responded to her quickly.

"How about I show you a magic trick?"

"Okay."

Under Taylor’s puzzled gaze, Xu Can held his left hand in a hollow grip, stuffed a napkin from the table into it with his right hand, and pinched it into a long strip sticking out.

Then, amidst Taylor’s panic, he took out a lighter and lit the napkin!

The napkin quickly turned into flames, and then, amidst the shaking of his hand, a rose appeared.

Not far away, the violin melody had changed from "A Step Away" to Taylor’s new song, "Love Story."

Xu Can smiled at the 18-year-old blonde girl with red lips, the owner of this song, Taylor Swift.

"What is our relationship now? What do you think?"

"Ah ah ah ah..."

Although Xu Can didn't answer the question directly, Taylor was already covering her mouth, excitedly throwing herself onto his lap and wrapping her arms around Xu Can’s neck.

"Are we in a serious relationship? Are we officially a couple?"

Taylor looked at the Chinese man within arm's reach, her eyes full of anticipation.

"Of course..."

Xu Can quoted her own lyrics.

"You'll be the princess, and I'll be your prince."

Taylor Swift took the rose, her heart pounding like a deer, and took the initiative to kiss him.

Xu Can had finally officially confirmed their romantic relationship, which meant they were officially dating.

Her uneasy heart gradually settled; although there were still many external threats, Xu Can’s attitude was enough.

Looking at the beaming Taylor, Xu Can breathed a sigh of relief.

Just a moment ago, his brain had been racing, secretly picking a rose from the nearby flower bed and using the techniques he had learned to pull off the magic trick—a flashy, successful bluff.

Xu Can knew that if his attitude had remained ambiguous, given Taylor’s bold and decisive personality, she would have left on the spot.

At that point, trying to win her back would have been as hard as ascending to heaven.

Maybe next month he would have heard a song she wrote about him.

Taylor was temporarily handled; he might as well give Stone a status too, otherwise she was quite pitiful.

"No choice, I have to keep the bowl of water level; I really am a good man."