Chapter 231: Hollywood Premiere

Before leaving, Leonardo patted Xiang Fei's shoulder, his eyes gleaming with anticipation: "Aiven, you really have to think it over. If we work together, there will definitely be chemistry."

Xiang Fei smiled and nodded: "I'll give it serious thought. Thank you for your recognition."

After seeing off the Hollywood superstar, Xiang Fei returned to the suite and found Zhou Huimin leaning against the floor-to-ceiling window, holding a glass of red wine in her hand, gazing thoughtfully at the Los Angeles nightscape.

"What are you thinking about?" Xiang Fei walked over and gently wrapped his arm around her waist.

Zhou Huimin turned around and looked up at her husband: "Afei, Hollywood has been inviting you all along. Are you really not planning to try your hand here?"

Xiang Fei was silent for a moment, then nodded: "The time isn't right yet."

A flicker of happiness crossed Zhou Huimin's eyes, but before she could speak, Xiang Fei had already lowered his head and kissed her lips.

That night, the starlight over Los Angeles seemed unusually bright.

Two hours later, Zhou Huimin leaned in Xiang Fei's arms, her cheeks flushed, her breathing gradually steadying. Xiang Fei gently stroked her long hair, stared at the ceiling, and Leonardo's words echoed in his mind.

"Chemistry..." he murmured softly, the corners of his mouth curving up slightly.

"Knock knock knock!"

Urgent knocking shattered the morning quiet.

"Director! The makeup artist is already waiting!" Li Bingbing's voice came from outside the door.

Xiang Fei snapped his eyes open and saw sunlight already streaming through the curtains. He turned to look at Zhou Huimin beside him, who had also just woken up.

The two exchanged a glance, their gazes simultaneously sweeping over the rumpled bedsheets and the clothes scattered across the floor.

Zhou Huimin's face instantly flushed to her ears. She pulled the blanket up to cover half her face: "It's all your fault..."

Xiang Fei awkwardly rubbed his nose: "Um... I'll go open the door."

On the red carpet at Beverly Hills, camera flashes flickered like a torrential downpour.

Xiang Fei wore a well-tailored black suit, while Zhou Huimin beside him wore an elegant white gown. The moment the two appeared, they triggered a frenzy of photography from the media.

"Aiven! Look this way!"

"Vivian! So beautiful!"

Hong Jinbao, Zhou Xingxing, and Li Bingbing followed behind, also startled by the spectacle.

"My goodness, is my boss this famous in Hollywood?" Li Bingbing asked in a low voice.

Hong Jinbao grinned: "What do you think?"

Xiang Fei maintained a proper smile the whole way, occasionally waving to the media. A reporter asked in Chinese: "Director Xiang, are you confident about tonight's awards?"

Xiang Fei answered modestly: "Being nominated is already an immense honor."

At two in the afternoon, the special screening of "Drive My Car" was held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

The theater was packed. Besides the members of the jury, renowned directors such as Spielberg and Nolan, along with many A-list Hollywood actors, all came to watch the film.

After the two-hour screening ended, the entire audience rose to applaud, the ovation lasting a full five minutes.

Spielberg excitedly gripped Xiang Fei's hand: "This is the most moving film I've seen in recent years. Your portrayal of human nature is truly admirable."

Nolan also stepped forward: "The use of long takes is nothing short of perfect. Director Xiang, I hope I get the chance to work with you."

A senior film critic declared on the spot: "Xiang Fei may be one of the greatest directors of this era."

Han Shanping watched the achievements of his friend from a different generation and felt deeply proud, a gratified smile spreading across his face.