Chapter 189: You Won't Have to Worry for the Rest of Your Life

At the level Chen Nuo is at now, the word "undercover" is no longer enough to sober him up.

He just perked up a little, signaling to Qi Yuntian on the side that he could go talk to this Ms. Zhang to see if there was an opportunity for cooperation.

After all, it's a spy thriller; who in the industry doesn't know now that this young man, Chen Nuo, loves watching spy novels more than anything besides acting?

So, isn't it only natural that he would be interested in a spy thriller?

But this kind of small-investment, small-production TV series can only earn a little pocket money and make a few actors famous. For him, it's hard to get motivated.

Go with the flow; if it can be done, do it; if not, forget it.

What he is considering is the blockbuster plan proposed by Mr. Han.

According to Mr. Han's implication, the blockbuster he speaks of is definitely not a blockbuster like The Founding of a Republic, and it is certainly more than just a blockbuster like Red Cliff.

He must be talking about a blockbuster like The Dark Knight.

The kind of blockbuster with a 180 million USD investment.

It is a market-saving work for the Chinese film market and a super production aimed at the world.

Goodness.

With the current market volume in China, if it can't take the world by storm, then one would truly be dead without even knowing how they died.

So Mr. Han's meaning is that the China Film Warner Hengdian Film and Television Company, a three-way cooperation between China Film, Warner, and Hengdian, will take the lead, and then pull in his small company, with the two working together to do it.

Calling it two companies is actually a four-party cooperation, a Sino-US joint venture.

But as for what to make and how to make it, Chen Nuo has the final say alone.

What great power.

Chen Nuo can only say that Mr. Han really thinks highly of him.

Could it be that that bastard Michael Slane couldn't afford to lose and told them about his insistence on a box office share when negotiating his salary back then?

Otherwise, why would Mr. Han put such a huge plan on his shoulders?

But he is indeed a bit tempted.

On one hand, it is out of consideration for making money.

On the other hand, by the time Avatar is released in 2009, the domestic film market volume will be completely activated.

With the rise of IMAX theaters, the emergence of 3D films, and Warner pursuing international box office abroad, a film with an investment of over 1 billion is not entirely unbearable.

As for what to film?

Chen Nuo has to admit that Mr. Han really has a knack for judging people.

He does have some ideas in his mind.

The next day, Chen Nuo didn't rush back to Hengdian.

Not only his parents, but knowing he had returned to the country, they flew to Jingcheng immediately; it was also because Li Jiaoshou had summoned him to come over for a chat.

As soon as they met, Chen Bi looked him up and down with a strange expression: "You didn't even finish the New Year last year before running off to be a beggar; was it just to film this movie?"

Chen Nuo sneered, "Right, I begged for three months just to film this movie. But remember the contract I showed you last time? It's for this movie."

"Do you know that thanks to your son's hard work, appearing on TV and radio over in the States, how much box office it has sold in its second week of release?"

"170 million in North America, 250 million globally. Do you know the total box office for the two weeks combined? 934 million."

"By the way, not RMB, it's USD!"

Faced with this number, it wasn't just Chen Bi who was left speechless. In fact, it included all the box office prediction experts and film companies around the world two days ago.

Although everyone believed that, given the first-week box office, it was an inevitable trend for The Dark Knight to reach 1 billion USD.

Yet, only two weeks have passed, and now it is just one weekend away from 1 billion USD.

There is no way to verify how much of a role Chen Nuo played in boosting the box office after participating in the promotion, but experts around the world believe there are only two core factors for The Dark Knight's massive success.

First, Nolan; second, the Joker.

To be honest, what kind of trash is Batman? It's called a superhero, but in reality, it doesn't even deserve to tie the shoelaces of Spider-Man when it comes to the number of comic fans.

The first one sold a mediocre 300-something million USD, and then they insisted on filming the second one. At the time, let alone Michael Slane not being optimistic about it,

which film company in the world was optimistic about Warner?

As a result, it made a stunning comeback, and it looks like it's about to emerge to become the second global phenomenal film in history.

It relied on these two people.

Did you really think Mr. Han wanted Chen Nuo to lead his ambitious market-saving plan, with the confidence to persuade both Warner and Hengdian, based on thin air?

Whether it's the 9.6 rating on IMDb that stands firm no matter how the Godfather mafia bombards it, or the 9.7 rating on Douban that looks down on all others no matter how frantic Zhou Dong's fans get,

these are the sources of confidence for Mr. Han and the analysts at China Film.

Those are scores supported by one ordinary audience member after another.

This kind of indestructible word-of-mouth is the most terrifying thing about The Dark Knight.

It is the root of the confidence Chen Nuo gave them.

Chen Nuo continued, pressing his advantage: "Remember the number on the contract I showed you?"

He gestured with his fingers to make a three, waving it in front of his father, "By the time I'm talking to you now, the box office has definitely already topped 1 billion USD. Is it the second or third highest-grossing in history? That's hard to say. But how about it? Heh, is being a beggar still quite profitable?"

"Back then I said I was suited for acting, but you didn't believe me. What do you say now? Do you still have anything to say?"

If not for Pan Pan Chengrong stopping him, Chen Nuo would have been chased and beaten by his father on the streets of Jingcheng. But even then, it probably wouldn't have been a big problem.

Because the Joker was wearing makeup, people aren't necessarily that familiar with what he looks like in person, or able to connect the person to the name.

In other words, although The Dark Knight has raised his popularity a notch since The Return of the Condor Heroes and My Blueberry Nights.

Using Liu Liu Dehua's 100 points as a reference, he is probably at about 40 now, but if people could fully connect his name to his face, that would only be 30 points.

So if he really got beaten, he would deserve it; after all, Old Chen's 60 million helped him out quite a bit.

Thinking of this, Chen Nuo patted his chest and said, "Don't worry about the house. Once the movie I'm filming now is released, I'll scrape the money together. Then I'll go buy it for you."

Chen Nuo saying this is also because he knows Chen Bi is actually having a hard time lately.

The new district in Long'an City is under intense construction, and all the real estate projects have started building. Chen Bi's is naturally no exception.

With 60 million tied up here with Chen Nuo, his capital chain is a bit tight.

Let alone finding more money to buy a house, it would be good enough if he could just keep the project under construction. After all, construction foremen in this era won't provide full advance funding for you.

Moreover, Chen Bi doesn't know, but Chen Nuo knows very well that the 2008 hurdle is right around the corner.

There are many things Chen Nuo cannot say or do; he can only watch his father hit a wall.

Having said that, the biggest change in his previous life happened next year, but today is different. He doesn't need to take risks in the financial market; his already bulging wallet is his greatest confidence.

To this day, with family harmony, Chen Nuo still believes this is the most important meaning since his rebirth. Sentimental as it may be, that is truly what he thinks.

At this moment, hearing Chen Nuo's grand promises, Chen Bi still didn't have a good expression, saying flatly that he understood.

Heh.

Do you really think an acting pro like Brother Nuo can't hear the problem in your lines?

Your mood isn't calm, is it, Old Chen?

During lunch, Pan Pan Chengrong said with some emotion: "Ever since you filmed this movie, I haven't even been able to play mahjong well. Before, when you finished filming that Return of the Condor Heroes, it was fine when I went to Auntie Fu's shop. But now it's different. Every time I go, they all come over to ask me when you're coming back."

Chen Nuo was a bit curious, "Why? Have Auntie Fu and the others even seen The Dark Knight?"

Chen Bi used his chopsticks to dip into some chili sauce from the restaurant, tasted it, immediately spat it out, and then said: "Those old women haven't seen a damn thing. They just watch those news reports about how you're doing this and that abroad. They think you're very successful among foreigners and have a lot of face."

"If you ask me, it's all an exaggeration. Do you have that much face? I heard you went on a radio show and even made a foreign woman cry?"

Chen Nuo really didn't expect that such a small thing would actually be reported by the domestic media.

It was actually when he went to Philadelphia with Nolan and the others to participate in a late-night radio show.

A female listener called in and asked him to say a few words to her in the Joker's voice.

He did as she asked.

He laughed like the Joker twice, then said a few random things, and finally tried to smoothly lead into his line, "Why so serious?"

As it turned out, the person on the other end seemed to be in a university dorm, and several girls were crying and screaming, as if they had heard Martin Luther King come back to life saying "I have a dream"; it was incredibly exaggerated.

This incident didn't even make the newspapers in the US; it just spread on the internet for a while. He didn't expect it to actually reach China.

Chen Nuo explained the matter, and Chen Bi nodded very steadily, saying: "I knew it, those media only know how to talk nonsense."

Pan Pan Chengrong rolled her eyes at him and said: "You knew? You knew, yet you were foolishly happy for a long time back then."

Old Chen's face turned black instantly.

In the afternoon, the family went to Li Jiaoshou place.

During the summer vacation, both university professors were at home, while Qi Yuntian was busy with company matters.

Chen Nuo, this shameless, black-hearted boss, didn't feel the slightest bit embarrassed; he looked after himself and went to the refrigerator to take a bunch of grapes to eat.

The four adults didn't pay him any mind, all chatting with each other.

Chen Nuo watched the TV, where the Hebei channel was rebroadcasting Soldiers Sortie. Speaking of which, he had never met Wang Wang Baoqiang, the gold-medal supporting actor, though he had gotten his comrade-in-arms into his own movie.

Li Er noticed he was watching and interjected: "This TV series is filmed well."

Chen Nuo couldn't help but laugh: "If you call it 'well', then it must be very good."

Li Er rolled her eyes at him and said: "Don't be glib here. Tell me, what's going on with you in Tokyo? How did you end up running off to be a judge at the Tokyo International Film Festival?"

Chen Nuo said aggrievedly: "I didn't want to either, it was that old man Takeshi Kitano..."

"What old man!" Li Jiaoshou criticized, "That is a senior in the Asian film industry; I would have to call him 'Mr.' if I met him. Speak properly!"

"Fine, it's just that Takeshi Kitano said Saburo Oya invited me to be a judge, and I couldn't refuse, so I agreed."

Li Er nodded thoughtfully, "They invited you probably because they value your current fame and want a bit more attention globally. You need to have a sense of proportion."

Chen Nuo said with a smile: "I'm the same way. This time in Tokyo, who knows, maybe next time it'll be Berlin, and the time after that, Cannes. Haha, when will I go to Cannes to be the jury president and sit in Wong Kar-wai's seat?"

Qi Qi Yifei said with a smile: "Not bad, not bad, having plans and goals. I watched the news at the time, and I told your Li Jiaoshou that you have a good head on your shoulders and there's no need to worry. But she was still worried, afraid you'd be used by the Japanese..."

Before she could finish, she was interrupted by Li Er, "Have you said enough? If you've said enough, go to the market and buy a pork knuckle."

Qi Qi Yifei laughed and said, "Chen Nuo, you're in for a treat today; your teacher Li's pot-sticker pork knuckle is truly one of a kind."

Pan Pan Chengrong looked a bit uneasy: "We're really going to make Li Jiaoshou cook? Why don't we go out to eat instead?"

Qi Qi Yifei waved his hand and said, "Little Pan, it's fine. I haven't eaten it in a long time. To eat this dish, you really need the right time, place, and people—all are indispensable. It just goes to show that someone is truly happy in their heart."

Li Er's voice suddenly rose by three octaves: "What are you still blathering about? Why aren't you going yet?"

Qi Qi Yifei left, and Li Er said with a straight face: "Regarding this news of yours, it doesn't mean much to me, but Dean Zhang and the others are very happy. They believe that, barely, you can be considered to have lived up to everyone's expectations of you."

"However, you must not be arrogant. As I said before, being an actor is a lifelong endeavor. Glory is only temporary. Do you understand?"

Chen Bi stood to the side and exclaimed: "Li Jiaoshou words are always such golden gems of wisdom."

Chen Nuo really wanted to remind Chen Bi that 'golden gems of wisdom' is a noun, not an adjective. But under the piercing gaze of Li Jiaoshou Er, he still honestly nodded and said: "Yes, I understand."

Li Er continued: "Chen Nuo, you have walked too smoothly. You don't understand; an actor's life is limited. Many actors never perform a classic role in their entire lives, just silently growing old."

"You are so young, first performing the heart-wrenching Mute, and this time, performing the shocking Joker. To be honest, I feel as if I am in a dream. This requires more than just talent. That is your opportunity! An opportunity that can be met but not sought!"

Chen Nuo was also quite moved for a moment and nodded silently.

Li Er continued: "From now on, with these two roles under your belt, you could say you won't have to worry for the rest of your life. You can rest on your laurels and live off your past achievements. You don't need to ponder your acting skills anymore. Because from now on, the scripts coming your way—even if you work around the clock all year round, you might not be able to finish filming them all."

"Taking advertisements, taking endorsements, starting companies, making investments, becoming a producer—just like what you are doing now. You will do more and more things, and your business will grow larger and larger. In the end, not only can you make a lot of money, but your life choices will suddenly increase significantly. You could even rest for three to five years. Traveling the world and enjoying life would be fine too."

"If, as you said in your interview, you really go and win an Oscar. Even if it's just for Best Supporting Actor. That would be even more incredible, enough for you to enjoy for a lifetime."

"If you are satisfied with this, truly, I would especially understand you. Because if I were in your shoes, I would certainly be satisfied too."

Facing the gaze behind Li Er's gold-rimmed glasses, it would be no exaggeration to say that Chen Nuo was sweating profusely.

For a moment, he couldn't say a single word. Where was the spirit he had at the Tokyo press conference, where he spoke with such passion and eloquence?

Chen Bi looked left and right, coughed lightly, and seemed to want to interject to ease the atmosphere, but was glared at by Pan Pan Chengrong. Old Chen didn't dare to make a sound either.

Chen Nuo was silent for a long while, then said: "Li Jiaoshou, I've thought about it, and it is indeed as you said. I might have some small achievements now, and it seems there would be no problem sitting still and waiting. I was originally thinking exactly that."

"But after hearing your words, I've decided not to wait. I still want to shape more roles and move more audiences. It's a bit embarrassing to say, but I'm truly a bit addicted."

"Money can never be earned in full, but as you said, the time I have to act is indeed limited. I should seize the time. Yes, that's it. Earning money is one aspect, but I still want to pursue something."

Li Er nodded and said nothing.

However, that evening, she busied herself in the kitchen for nearly two hours and made a pot-sticker pork knuckle with an exquisite flavor. Even Qi Qi Yifei said it was the best he had ever eaten.

But

To be honest, Chen Nuo felt it was still a notch inferior to the secret family recipe of Zhao Zhao Liying back in Langfang.

But an actor is an actor; by the time they finished eating, the posture was such that it seemed they were about to lick the plate clean.

So much for a 'reborn person who would rather break than bend'—pfft!

(End of chapter)