Chapter 229: Chen Nuo, I want to act in 'Apple' with you

It wasn't just Liu Xiaoli who found the box office results of 'The Message' incredible.

In fact, the Nakamura family, who had been selling red movies for three generations, hadn't expected that an anti-war movie produced in the mainland could dry the box office to 500 million in Japan in one week, in 39 left-wing cinemas.

This meant that on average, the single-day single-cinema box office exceeded 1.8 million yen. According to the 900-yen movie ticket price of 'The Message', the audience who walked into the cinema to watch 'The Message' every day exceeded 2,000 people.

Independent cinemas like Fukada and Kurokawa were actually some old, broken, and small cinemas operated by families.

The largest Fukada cinema hall only had five screening halls, while most other cinemas only had two or three screening halls.

Fukada Taro and Kurokawa Namazu, who had been showing off in front of Nakamura Shota, had long been stunned by the surging crowd of people their own broken cinemas had never welcomed.

Because their attendance rate for each screening could almost be maintained at over 60%, and there were even one or two full-house grand occasions during prime time!

Fukada Taro hadn't seen this situation since he opened this cinema hall specializing in independent niche movies in the 1980s.

But good times didn't last long,

after the fire of the first day due to the advertisement, the box office of 'The Message' also walked out of a strange curve along with the controversial comments on the internet.

On the second and third days, because many comments insulting the movie appeared on the internet,

the single-day box office of 'The Message' appeared to have a significant decline, with the whole

How could they not curse!?

The advertisements clearly promised a battle of wits to catch a mole, so what was this that you performed?

You actually portrayed the Great Imperial Japanese Army as ghosts!

Never mind the right-wingers who were tricked into the cinema; even most ordinary people who weren't pro-China or anti-Japan couldn't stand it either.

There were even calls online to petition the government to ban *The Message*.

Just when the cinema owners were thinking the grand opening day was merely a flash in the pan,

they didn't expect that starting from the weekend on the fourth day, the box office for *The Message* would begin a counterattack.

The fourth day, Friday, brought in 59 million.

The fifth day, Saturday, 86 million.

The sixth day, Sunday, set the best single-day record since its release, earning 110 million—several million yen higher than the opening day.

The seventh day, Monday, 65 million.

Thus, in seven days across thirty-nine cinemas, the box office surpassed 520 million Dan.

Once again, it left everyone dumbfounded.

According to statistics, the main force contributing to this box office were mostly students on weekend break and a portion of working women who were also off.

The reason was that this demographic had the least amount of nationalistic sentiment.

Consequently, through their word-of-mouth, the well-produced *The Message* was filled with elements that interested them.

First, it was packed with superstars.

Besides the veteran Japanese superstar Takeshi Kitano, who displayed his classic style in *The Message*,

Chen Nuo's appearance in a Japanese military uniform also attracted many of his Japanese female fans.

In the eyes of these Japanese women, Chen Jun looked truly handsome and very approachable in their country's military uniform.

The more fanatical ones took advantage of the weekend to watch it a second or third time. As for the plot being a bit perverted? Wasn't that something everyone was already accustomed to in daily life?

Beyond the star power, there were thrilling scenes, a true story, a stunningly beautiful woman, fierce and ambitious men, as well as a plot full of twists and turns and heart-pounding suspense.

Adding these elements together, even many Japanese people who hated the film had to admit that it was a good movie.

When Chen Nuo came over this time, he learned from the Nakamura father and son that although *The Message* was only released on a small scale, the results were so explosive that more than 20 cinemas that had previously worked with the Nakamura family were now contacting them one after another, wanting to screen it.

Chen Nuo only finalized this matter before meeting with Liu Yifei.

At this moment, hearing Liu Xiaoli express surprise at the box office of *The Message*, he didn't want to say much, only saying indifferently: "It's all about human effort, Liu Ayi. In fact, as long as you work hard, you can create miracles."

It really infuriated Liu Xiaoli.

To her, this sounded like a mockery of her bringing Liu Yifei to Japan in the first place.

But was it because she didn't work hard enough that Xixi's plan to become a triple-threat superstar in film, television, and music went bankrupt?

Although Chen Nuo's status was a bit higher now, for her, the distance actually felt a bit closer.

After all, her Xixi was now almost becoming his echo; every two or three sentences in conversation, it was "Chen Nuo said this, Chen Nuo said that," which made her feel sour and truly uncomfortable during this time.

Therefore, Liu Xiaoli wasn't overly polite, and replied in a lukewarm tone: "However, Xiao Nuo, I haven't seen how hard you've been working."

Chen Nuo chuckled: "Could that be because you didn't look closely, Liu Ayi?"

Liu Xiaoli laughed along, saying quite gently: "How else do you want me to look, Xiao Chen? Do you want me to take a magnifying glass and scan you from head to toe?"

Chen Nuo felt this sounded strange, gave a dry laugh, and turned to Liu Yifei, who had been silent on the side, seemingly lost in thought: "Wait a moment, accompany me to meet a group of guests, and then I have a dinner appointment with that group from TBS tonight. You and Liu Ayi can come with me, and I'll introduce you to them again."

Liu Yifei didn't ask any questions, just nodded: "Oh."

Then, she frankly stated the thought that had been circling in her mind: "Chen Nuo, after filming this, I want to film a movie with you, how about it?"

In that instant, Chen Nuo was truly a bit stunned.

Why was everyone coming to him to book roles now? Counting them up, he already had three films to shoot soon.

It turned out after asking that Liu Yifei wasn't after anything of his, but simply wanted to strive for improvement.

"Last night in Japan, I watched *The Message* again. I think what that person online said was right. Sister Bingbing's performance was indeed much better than mine."

"I just want to find a role like that now, one that allows me to fully immerse myself."

"If it's the kind of vital role mentioned in that review, it would be best if it could make me feel that kind of deep, exuberant vitality, like being on the African savanna, during the performance. I feel that when I acted in *The Return of the Condor Heroes* with you, I had that feeling. So, is it okay?"

Liu Yifei's words were both earnest and emotional, making Chen Nuo turn serious as well, and he locked eyes with her for a moment.

Liu Xiaoli watched from the side with some trepidation.

Liu Yifei had told her about this last night; although she hadn't said anything at the time, she was a thousand times willing in her heart!

Regardless of what Liu Yifei was thinking, those things seemed somewhat ethereal to Liu Xiaoli.

Just in terms of market value, being able to act opposite Chen Nuo was absolutely beneficial and harmless.

However, even though Liu Yifei told her that Chen Nuo would definitely agree, in Liu Xiaoli's view, this really wasn't certain.

Friendship or not, between a man and a woman, where is there any pure friendship?

Like Chen Nuo, having known each other for so long, he had never said anything beyond the boundaries of friendship to Liu Yifei, nor had he done anything beyond those boundaries.

It was simply abnormal!

Moreover, according to her most sensitive metric of status, Liu Yifei already felt a bit mismatched with Chen Nuo...

But she also knew that her precious daughter really valued this matter.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have gone to see the movie specifically after the exhaustion of travel last night. Perhaps she had already decided before going that she would make this request to Chen Nuo today.

Liu Xiaoli stared at Chen Nuo's mouth with some trepidation, fearing he would spit out a "no."

"No..." Chen Nuo said, "... it's not that it's bad, it's just that I estimate I won't have an opening in my schedule until next year."

This long pause made Liu Xiaoli want to slap him.

Liu Yifei immediately smiled, her eyes curved like cherry blossom trees in Ueno being blown by the wind, shaking down a ground full of crimson cherry petals that drifted slowly in the air, making one's gaze linger and forget to leave.

She smiled, revealing her dimples, and said: "Me too. After filming this movie this year and finishing those few commercials the company took for me, I'm planning to go to Africa. I meant next year."

Chen Nuo was speechless for a moment.

Can't you just film a few more movies?

Can't you learn from someone like Fan Fan Binbing?

Africa, Africa, do you really treat Tanzania as your home?

But on second thought, in his past life, she seemed to have always been like this.

Chen Nuo didn't try to persuade her.

Although this "acting school" stuff didn't quite align with his previous career planning for Liu Yifei,

seeing this lazy female artist in his company suddenly asking to improve, Chen Nuo still felt a bit gratified.

His company currently had four female artists in total, two of whom were still in the evaluation stage.

The remaining ones were Liu Yifei and Fan Fan Binbing. Fan Fan Binbing's career footprint across the mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong was progressing much faster than Liu Yifei's in Japan and Korea.

Last year, after filming *The Message*, Fan Fan Binbing listened to his advice and didn't take Li Yu's *Lost in Beijing*, but instead accepted the company's suggestion to take an offer from *Painted Skin* to play the fox spirit.

According to the progress he knew, after Fan Fan Binbing finished promoting *The Message* and returned to the set, *Painted Skin* would wrap up. It should be released within this year.

Afterward, Qi Yuntian helped Fan Fan Binbing take on a Hong Kong Emperor Group commercial blockbuster: *Shinjuku Incident*. She would star as the female lead opposite Jackie Chan.

At the end of this year, there was also the Hong Kong film *Bodyguards and Assassins*, as well as the mainland's *The Founding of a Republic* with Director Han.

Although these were just small appearances, her schedule was already packed full.

In Chen Nuo's view, *Shinjuku Incident* was Yang Shoucheng's way of showing reconciliation after seeing him win an Oscar. He accepted it.

Because Fan Fan Binbing appearing in this blockbuster starring Jackie Chan, filled with superstars, meant she had truly stepped into the Hong Kong film circle, which was a crucial step for her career development.

Fan Fan Binbing's reaction when the company helped her secure this role was:

She flew to Beijing that very night, using the excuse of celebrating Chen Nuo's Golden Globe win, dressed up as a little animal for the night, played with him all night, and took the early morning flight back to Shenyang the next day to attend an event.

Therefore, in Chen Nuo's view, the company had given Fan Fan Binbing enough resources; as for Liu Yifei, naturally, he couldn't favor one over the other.

Since she had requested it, let's give her a chance.

If it still doesn't work out this time, she should obediently follow the company's arrangements in the future and conquer the idol drama market in the three East Asian countries.

Stop thinking about acting skills or whatever.

After thinking it through, Chen Nuo said: "Then I'll ask Manager Qi to select and see if there are any scripts currently in the company suitable for you and me to act in."

"Also, remember, you can go to Africa, but you must apply sunscreen properly; don't come back really looking like an African girl."

"Otherwise, at that time, I can only let you play something like Mulan joining the army in her father's place, and see if you can feel the vitality of being a man."

"Pfft, you're the one who should play Mulan. Where do I look like a man?"

Seeing the matter settled, Liu Yifei felt her whole body relax; in Chen Nuo's eyes, she was just starting to play the "silly, sweet, and innocent" role again.

"Then it's a deal. Chen Nuo, who are you meeting later?"

"Someone from a film company. At that time, um, Liu Ayi, I'll have to trouble you to act as my temporary agent."

Liu Xiaoli asked curiously: "What is it, Xiao Chen, is someone asking you to film a movie again?"

"Yes, at that time, Liu Ayi, just watch my cues and help me bring up the salary; I'll handle the rest myself. By the way, it's an American company, so remember to speak English to them."

Liu Xiaoli's heart was suddenly in turmoil, and she couldn't help but ask again: "Xiao Chen, are you... going to cooperate with Hollywood again?"

"Not Hollywood, just an independent film company."

"Which one?"

"A small company called Summit Entertainment."

Liu Xiaoli was stunned for a moment: "The distributor of *Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels* and *Memento*?"

Chen Nuo was also surprised, looking Liu Xiaoli up and down: "Liu Ayi, you know about this?"

Liu Xiaoli didn't say that after Liu Yifei appeared at the Oscars, she had gone to deeply understand Hollywood.

Although the #MeToo movement there was making a huge stir recently, making her feel that all crows under the sun were black, she had never forgotten the possibility of Liu Yifei becoming famous abroad and returning to the domestic market!

"Yes, I know. Xiao Chen, did they come all the way from the United States to see you?"

"Yes." Chen Nuo saw Liu Xiaoli was about to ask more and interrupted: "Liu Ayi, you only need to help me say one sentence at that time, thank you."

Liu Xiaoli indeed had many more questions she wanted to ask, but being blocked by Chen Nuo, she felt like a cat was scratching her heart; it was unbearably itchy.

Chen Nuo turned to Liu Yifei: "You are just a friend of mine, you don't need to say anything. But the people coming are from your country, so don't be biased toward them."

Liu Yifei smiled slightly, looking calm and composed, but her hand had already twisted onto Chen Nuo's waist, pinching a bit of flesh and turning it clockwise with great force: "Chen Nuo, say that to me again."

"Alright, alright, stop, stop, I won't say it. You are 'in Cao's camp but your heart is in Han,' is that okay?"

Liu Yifei snorted and said: "Don't think that just because Xiao Shan isn't here, no one can handle you. Hey, by the way, you and Xiao Shan hyped up a breakup; *The Message* has been out for two weeks now, and the box office has exceeded 300 million. But how are you two going to end this?"

Chen Nuo sighed and said: "I don't know either, anyway, officially, it's a breakup status."

Liu Yifei smiled and said: "But actually, you haven't broken up, right?"

Chen Nuo glanced at Liu Ayi, who was gossiping on the side, and said indifferently: "Actually, we have broken up."

Liu Xiaoli interjected with a surprised look: "Really?"

If, over these years, having experienced so many things, Chen Nuo's trust in Liu Yifei could be considered 98 points.

Then his trust in her mother was still only 2 points.

Therefore, in front of Liu Xiaoli, he absolutely could not tell the truth. Otherwise, he was truly afraid that the next day's headlines would read: "Insider reveals Chen Nuo personally admits to hyping a breakup with Wen Yongshan."

"Of course it's true, Liu Ayi."

If it weren't for the fact that the Hollywood suckers—oh no, friends—were about to arrive, Chen Nuo really wouldn't know how many more lies he would have to tell to deal with the gossiping Liu Xiaoli.

When meeting Chen Nuo, neither Summit Entertainment's president Luo Bo Friedman, vice president Will Richardson, nor the somewhat conflicted Catherine Hardwicke showed any sign of neglect toward this superstar who was so high-profile that he insisted they fly across who knows how many time zones to meet him on the other side of the world.

Everyone's face was piled with enthusiastic smiles, and they even poured out a heap of flowery compliments for Chen's companion, the beautiful Miss Liu, and her mother, making Liu Xiaoli unable to help but beam with joy, forgetting the gossip from before.

After both sides introduced themselves, Chen Nuo explained that Chris, who had been their contact, had returned to China due to some matters, so he and his agent, Liu Xiaoli, would be negotiating.

Therefore, to save both parties' precious time, he got straight to the point.

"I really like the novel *Twilight*. In fact, when I was filming *The Dark Knight* in the United States, I went to browse a bookstore and bought a few books, and that was one of them. It gave me some inspiration. I don't know if you noticed, but when I played the Joker, I actually incorporated some vampire elements..." Chen Nuo said without blinking.

Joker? Vampire? Luo Bo Friedman couldn't help but lock eyes with Will Richardson upon hearing this, both seeing the surprise in each other's eyes. Regardless of whether it was true or false, this statement Chen Nuo just made would definitely earn them plenty of attention during the film's promotional period.

Chen Nuo continued: "So when Chris told me you were interested in having me play in *Twilight*, I didn't want to refuse. In fact, I like this novel. I like the fairy-tale-like love within it, and I'm also very interested in playing Edward. However, I'm also hesitant; after all, in the book, Edward is undoubtedly a white man. I'm curious, why did you choose me?"

The mystery was solved.

My God, even though Susan had analyzed countless reasons for him why Chen would be interested, neither of them had racked their brains to imagine that the actor who played the evil, insane Joker actually liked reading girl novels like *Twilight*.

Chen was actually a fan of *Twilight*!

Luo Bo Friedman was truly stunned, took a deep breath, and said: "Chen, in fact, you don't need to worry about the skin color issue at all. I don't think there is anyone in American film companies now who would ignore your huge role in the film because of your skin color."

"And Meyer has already decided to change the settings in her novel for you, making the Cullen family more diverse."

Chen Nuo revealed a perfectly shy smile and said: "Hearing you say that, then I have no problem." After finishing, he glanced at Liu Xiaoli calmly.

Liu Xiaoli immediately took over: "Mr. Friedman, I wonder what the salary you are offering us is?"

Luo Bo Friedman looked at Will Richardson again, and seeing him nod slightly, he said directly: "3 million US dollars."

3 million US dollars, in this era, was 25 million RMB.

Although Liu Xiaoli knew that an Oscar winner was extraordinary and had some mental preparation, she couldn't hold it together and took a deep breath.

How old was Chen Nuo? Only one year older than Xixi.

How long had it been since he debuted? Filming a movie, and he could get over 20 million!?

She subconsciously repeated: "3 million US dollars?"

(End of this chapter)