Chapter 134

"Knock, knock, knock!"

"Who is it?"

"Me."

Chen Nuo said irritably: "Can't it wait until tomorrow?"

Hearing Qi Yuntian voice was also helpless: "It really can't."

"Damn it."

Chen Nuo could only lift his face, looking at the delicate neck and perfectly shaped jawline before him; he felt itchy inside and couldn't bear to leave at all.

Wen Yongshan blushed and gave him a light push, pulling the blanket over to cover her bare upper body, and said in a sweet, clinging voice: "Qi-da is looking for you; you should go quickly. Come back later and... I'll wait for you."

Chen Nuo had no choice but to get up, put on his bathrobe, and adjust himself before opening the door to go out: "What's up, brother?"

Qi Yuntian also seemed to have just finished showering, and said helplessly: "I know you're very busy every night. Busy here, busy there, and I don't want to delay your 'precious' time..."

"Alright, alright, stop right there. Just tell me, what's going on?"

"Leo's agent just contacted me. It turns out their premiere for *The 11th Hour* is tomorrow morning. His intention when he asked you to help promote it was actually for you to walk the red carpet and watch the movie."

Chen Nuo was stunned: "Huh?"

Qi Yuntian smiled and said: "I was quite surprised at first too, but then I thought about it, walking the red carpet is indeed promotion, and he wasn't wrong."

Chen Nuo didn't really want to face the baptism of flashbulbs, but since Leo had praised him so much, he felt bad about going back on his word after two hours, so he nodded: "Fine, is that all?"

Qi Yuntian said: "Also, a director from back home contacted me. Their premiere is tomorrow afternoon, and he asked if you have time to go and take a look."

"Who is it?"

"His name is Li Yang."

"Is he the one who filmed *Blind Shaft*?"

"Yes."

As he spoke, Qi Yuntian sighed and said with a touch of pity: "He told me a lot on the phone just now... When he was filming this movie, his investors ran off, and he put in 4 million of his own money to finish it; his entire fortune is in it."

"This time, it didn't make it into the main competition unit, only the 'Un Certain Regard' side unit. Now he's just hoping to win some kind of award to sell the film and recoup a little bit of his investment. I think it's quite pitiful, so I didn't turn him down and came to ask what you think."

Chen Nuo thought for a moment. As a former "coal second generation," he had deep feelings for the movie *Blind Shaft* in his past life, so he nodded immediately: "Then we'll go to Leo's environmental film tomorrow morning and to his side in the afternoon. Walking one red carpet is the same as walking two; if we're tired, we're tired."

Qi Yuntian laughed: "Li Yang and his team don't have a red carpet for you to walk. They have no money and didn't organize anything; they just want you to watch the movie tomorrow and give them a few words of recommendation afterward, which they'll use to attract distributors."

Chen Nuo rubbed his nose, feeling a bit awkward: "That simple? Alright, nothing else?"

"Wait," Qi Yuntian said, "Are you bringing a female companion tomorrow?"

"Bring who?"

Chen Nuo was still in a daze, not reacting for a moment, then realized: "You mean... Fan Fan Binbing?"

Qi Yuntian said: "Yes. Since she's signed with our studio now, it'll be public sooner or later. Why not use tomorrow's opportunity to take her on the red carpet? I'll find a few domestic reporters to do an interview, and you can address this matter then, which will also calm down the rumors between you and her back home. The only problem is, I'm a bit worried about Huayi's reaction."

Chen Nuo smiled and said: "Huayi is fine, no need to worry. I spoke to Wang Zonglei on the phone the other day; he probably already knows it's me. However, regardless of whether he knows or not, you're right—this matter can't be hidden, and there's no need to hide it. If Huayi really wants to go against us, let them bring it on."

He really wasn't worried, because he knew plenty about the dirty laundry of the two brothers, Wang Zongjun and Wang Zonglei, from his past life.

Of course, Chen Nuo wouldn't say any of this.

Qi Yuntian nodded: "In that case, let Fan Fan Binbing accompany you tomorrow."

Chen Nuo thought for a moment and said: "She'll go, but I think she's quite suited for the route of using rumors for hype. The path Huayi originally operated for her was fine, but the previous hype was too low-end. I want her to go a bit more high-end, at least keeping pace with Zhang Ziyi."

Qi Yuntian was stunned: "What do you mean? Don't you want to clarify your relationship with her?"

Chen Nuo said: "Not exactly, it's just that I don't think we need to clarify it specifically; just explain that she has jumped ship to my studio now. As for the truth, there's no need to be particularly clear."

Qi Yuntian looked Chen Nuo up and down and shook his head: "Awesome. When did you learn this trick?"

Chen Nuo laughed: "You figured it out so quickly?"

Qi Yuntian rolled his eyes: "How could I not figure this out? You won't be in the country for more than half a year anyway, so the rumors with her won't affect you at all; in fact, they can maintain your popularity back home. For her, it's even better—letting everyone guess your relationship is beneficial to her fame and topic-worthiness. In short, on the surface, you two are just boss and employee, but whether you are or not, hehe, let them guess."

Chen Nuo couldn't help but look at Qi Yuntian with new eyes.

His former novice agent in the entertainment industry was truly growing fast. With just a little hint, he understood immediately.

It seems signing Fan Fan Binbing was truly a good thing.

If he were the only artist in the studio, having Qi Yuntian revolve around him all day would really be a waste of talent.

Now with Qi Yuntian and Fan Fan Binbing together, these two flamboyant people, there will definitely be plenty of good shows to watch in the domestic entertainment industry while he is in the US filming.

Chen Nuo shook his head: "It's not my popularity, it's hers. Aren't you worried about Huayi? Huayi can't touch me; the only one they can touch is her. As long as she maintains this high-profile state, Huayi won't be able to make a move."

"After I finish filming *Batman 2* and return home, I'll bring Wen Yongshan out to make an appearance, which will naturally suppress the rumors. Then, we'll see how things go and decide whether to continue hyping her next rumor. As for who the target is, I already have a candidate in mind."

Qi Yuntian nodded while listening, then asked curiously: "Who is it?"

Chen Nuo chuckled: "Secret. Alright, go negotiate with Leonardo's agent now. If we're really walking the red carpet tomorrow, we have no preparations at all. I'm easy, but my female companion isn't. Tell them to help out; we want top-tier configuration, we'll cover the costs, whatever it takes. Don't be stingy with money. I understand Fan Fan Binbing; if you give her some grass, she'll definitely run fast in the future."

Qi Yuntian didn't question it at all and agreed readily: "Alright, I'll go contact them now."

Running back and forth between two rooms at night and sleeping very late, Chen Nuo still got up very early the next morning.

After the makeup and styling team sent by Leo finished dressing him, he sat in the stretch Lin Ken sent by *The 11th Hour* crew. Chen Nuo checked the time; it was only 9:30.

Fan Fan Binbing was already waiting on the sofa inside.

She was wearing a sea-blue long dress and looking at a few Polaroid photos in her hand.

As soon as Chen Nuo sat in the car, she handed him the photos. "Do I look good?"

It was her wearing this outfit, taken on the villa balcony. The background was the azure seawater of Cannes, which complemented the dress she was wearing.

Her snow-white shoulders were half-hidden and half-exposed, and her slightly wavy long hair draped over one shoulder. Her V-shaped face, which Yang Mi dreamed of, was fully exposed, as there was really nothing that needed to be hidden; it was basically flawless.

Chen Nuo nodded: "It's alright."

Fan Fan Binbing's body snuggled up to him.

Anyway, there were only the two of them in the large car cabin, and Qi Yuntian was sitting in the front row, with a thick black partition in between.

She asked in a sweet voice: "Do you think I should call you Chen Nuo or Boss in the future?"

From last night until now, Fan Fan Binbing hadn't really slept much.

Because everything happened too suddenly. After falling out with Huayi, she not only lost her makeup and styling team, but even the clothes she had previously ordered were taken away. She thought she had lost her chance to walk the red carpet in Cannes this time.

But she didn't expect that after 11 PM last night, the situation would change drastically.

Suddenly, she was notified by Qi Yuntian that she would be walking the red carpet the next morning.

Tossing and turning in bed until around 5 AM, she was suddenly called up because a top-tier Dior makeup and styling team had moved into the villa. They not only brought 3 finished gowns for her to choose from but were also responsible for her entire look from head to toe.

By 7 AM, her red carpet look was almost finished, and she was wondering what jewelry to wear.

As it turned out, people from Van Cleef & Arpels came, and their designer brought a full box of jewelry, finally picking out a pair of earrings and a bracelet for her based on her outfit and hairstyle.

Finally, the photographer from the Dior team took her to the balcony to take these photos.

Only then did she realize that before walking the red carpet, a truly top-tier styling team would design poses for you in advance to showcase your makeup and outfit in their most beautiful state.

While looking at the photos just now, she was thinking: if she had stayed at Huayi, what level would she have to reach to get this kind of treatment?

She estimated that even if she reached 60 years old, it would be impossible.

Chen Nuo found it a bit funny and deliberately put on a straight face: "What do you want to call me?"

Fan Fan Binbing was really a bit scared of him now. Seeing his face stiffen, she quickly smiled and said: "I think anything is fine. Haven't people called you everything? Oh, don't be so serious... Do you want me to help you relax?"

Chen Nuo laughed, stroking her head, and said lightly: "Fine, anyway, the road is long."

Fan Fan Binbing gave him a charming, sidelong glance.

But she was thinking: what does "the road is long" mean? It doesn't matter if it's not long; you don't need much time anyway.

Just as Chen Nuo was sitting in the stretch Lin Ken heading to the Palais des Festivals, desperately trying to extend the time, reviews about *My Blueberry Nights* were gradually spreading across media outlets worldwide.

*Le Monde* review: "An unparalleled aesthetic game. Wang Jiawei has carried through his own style, turning a terrible script into something beautiful. However, he should be even more grateful to his actors."

"Thanks to Natalie Portman for showing her mature charm, thanks to the sexy Rachel Weisz, and thanks to his green and cute lead actress; these women have joined hands to present us with an aesthetic feast."

"Of course, there's also that Chinese boy, Chen Nuo. If it weren't for his steady performance that exceeded his age, this feast would be nothing more than a castle in the air. His performance became the ballast for this flamboyant drama, giving this unreal story a sense of life."

*Libération*'s review was more long-winded, but it spoke in a different direction: "This film is very shallow, like a person with hair full of pomade; his goal is obvious—he wants to attract people's attention."

"Darius Khondji, as a cinematographer who grew up in France, his exploration of the film's colors has extreme tragic expressive power. Especially the final kissing scene; it is said that they filmed for three days and three nights for this shot."

"But it was really worth it. Everyone who has seen it is amazed, and the philosophical significance contained within is even more worthy of our applause."

"Male and female, two naturally opposing sides, coexist in this frame. Like Michelangelo's world-famous *The Creation of Adam*. Michelangelo cleverly used diagonal composition, placing Adam and God on the diagonals of the frame, creating a sense of movement and tension."

"Darius Khondji used the same method, dividing Chen Nuo and Emma Stone left and right, shaping two poles that are both opposing and harmonious."

"At this point, the love between men and women, just like God breathing life into Adam, has injected a soul into Wang Jiawei's film."

"Darius Khondji can truly sweep all the cinematography awards this year with this shot! He deserves it! And the performances of the male and female leads are also worthy of praise."

*The Hollywood Reporter*: "All applause goes to Emma Stone, to this Arizona-born girl who, with a blank resume, has presented us with an extraordinary performance. Amidst the boiling praise, we must not forget that it was her courage to pursue her dreams at 14 that led her to burst forth with brilliant light today."

"This is a love letter from Hong Kong director Wang Jiawei to Hollywood, and this writer wants to tell Wang Jiawei: we have received it. From now on, the iron gates of La La Land are open to you; you will be the second Chinese director after Ang Lee qualified to step through these iron gates."

"Poetic, soft, filled with nostalgic pale yellow and hazy, blurred lights, these are the background colors of the film. The illusory romance of old Hong Kong finds a foothold in the brightly lit skyscrapers of New York."

"Deliberately slowed-down shots, close-ups full of movement and sexiness—this time, it didn't stop at the legs and skirt hems but shifted to the face."

"Close-ups of the face not only test the director but also test the actors."

"But Emma Stone stood the test; her performance exceeded everyone's imagination! She delivered an Oscar-level genius performance."

This writer was undoubtedly writing in a state of passion, and it's unclear why his editor didn't make any modifications but published it as is.

Perhaps they wanted this article to add some fans for Emma Stone.

*The Hollywood Reporter*'s hype for Emma didn't stop there; in the next paragraph, it revealed its true ambition and intention.

"In this film without a male lead, I don't know if the Cannes jury will still hesitate. But I think only a madman or a fool would ignore the excellence of this young American girl."

"Vote for her!"

"The writer, on the other side of the Atlantic, in the center of the film world, Hollywood, calls out loudly to the Cannes jury: this will be the best time for the Cannes Film Festival to show its authority. Award that damn Best Actress trophy to her, and you will gain the respect and recognition of Hollywood people."

When Rachel Moore saw these reviews, she wasn't surprised at all.

*Le Monde* was relatively fair, while *Libération* was a nest of nationalism.

And *The Hollywood Reporter*...

Hehe, one of the two major entertainment magazines in the US has become a den for white supremacists.

The whole piece was hype for the lead actress, looking like they were determined to make her win the Cannes Best Actress award.

As for the yellow-skinned male protagonist inside?

Everyone seemed to have gone blind, to the point where they couldn't see who was kissing and flirting with Emma Stone at all.

Truly shameless.

However...

Rachel Moore suddenly smiled.

In this way, wouldn't her review be unique?

*Time* magazine special contributor, author Rachel Moore: "Actually, I hate Wang Jiawei. I think *In the Mood for Love* is the most overrated Cannes Best Film, and Tony Leung's Best Actor trophy was undeserved."

"I also don't understand some of the camera work in *My Blueberry Nights*. I don't know why Wang Jiawei had to emphasize the speed of cars or trains on the road, as well as the background lighting. We have seen these things in several of his films many years ago."

"But *My Blueberry Nights* has ultimately become my biggest surprise at this Cannes, and there is only one reason."

"Its male lead."

"Chen Nuo's performance conquered everyone who loves movies. Of course, I'm not saying our lead actress Emma Stone isn't good, but I've thought about it in my head: Emma could be replaced by many excellent actresses, but Chen? I can't think of a single actor who could replace him."

"Especially his eyes; they are simply a lethal weapon that can pierce the heart of anyone who believes in true love. I even believe he could write the most beautiful sonnet with his black eyes."

"When I finished watching this movie and walked out of the theater, the late-night Cannes intoxicated me."

"For professional film lovers—directors, actors, producers, publicists, critics—Cannes is always a tempting treasure trove. Every May, we come to this resort on the Riviera, like a group of pilgrims."

"We might watch forty or fifty films from twenty or thirty countries. Every time a screening starts, we hope to see something that touches our hearts, and when it ends, we often have this expectation—hoping the next film will be even better."

"However, at this moment, I found that *My Blueberry Nights* destroyed this fantasy of mine almost on the very first night."

"I almost don't believe there will be a better film at this Cannes Film Festival, just as before watching the film, I didn't believe I would be moved by it."

"I have to admit, the Chinese fellow countryman brought by Wang saved the rest of the boring and awkward minutes with his limited screen time."

"You brought the right person, Wang Jiawei."

(End of chapter)