Chapter 280: A World as Bright Red as Fire

Dakota Fanning felt that the time filming in Montepulciano ran faster than the quarter horse she had ridden.

She didn't have many scenes, distributed within ten days or so, and there was even less she could do every day.

However, no matter if there was a play to film every day, she would come to the set most of the time, looking here and looking there.

Is it here or there?

That depends on where the male lead is.

This day, she came again.

But whether it was the makeup room or the scene, or any other place, she couldn't see the figure of that black-haired man.

No way, she had to ask one of the few acquaintances she had in the crew.

"Chen? He finished filming yesterday. Dear, you don't know?" Ashley Greene said in surprise.

Dakota Fanning gave an "ah," opened her eyes wide, and couldn't believe it: "Finished filming? Yesterday? I, I just didn't come yesterday... he finished filming?"

Ashley Greene nodded and said: "Originally it should be today, but yesterday it was filmed very quickly, and the director filmed today's scenes together."

She looked at Dakota Fanning's lost soul, feeling the same.

During this period, the whole crew could see that this number one child star in Hollywood had gone from disdain to becoming Chen's follower.

She, actually, was about the same.

The rejection by the pool last year didn't extinguish her feelings.

After entering the crew this year, she also kept restraining her feelings.

However, she ushered in a new competitor.

Ashley Greene didn't know what reaction Robert Pattinson would have if he saw his girlfriend now looking at other men with eyebrows and eyes every day.

But every time she saw it, she couldn't help but curse a few bitches in her heart.

Especially when that woman chatted with her occasionally, she actually had the face to say how much she loved her boyfriend.

Ashley Greene almost said several times, you can save it.

Every time you film a scene with Chen, the whole crew can see the way you are acting like a bitch?

Don't you know that many people in the crew have started to open a market to bet, betting on which night you will go to knock on the door? 【280-24

However, she endured it every time.

Back to the present, Ashley Greene looked at Dakota Fanning's sad expression, couldn't help but reach out to touch her little face, and comforted her: "It's okay, he's still in Europe. If your mother agrees, you can have her take you there to play. The places he goes are actually quite nice, even if it's just for a vacation."

Fanning looked up and asked in surprise: "He didn't return to China? Then where did he go?"

"Cannes."

"...... Cannes?"

"Yes, Cannes."

Cannes, Cannes!

For filmmakers all over the world,

this small seaside town located in the French resort of the Riviera is like a woman of exceptional grace and charm.

Every May, she throws open her doors and invites guests from far and wide. As long as you have the ability, anyone can spend a night of passion with her.

On May 18, 2009, Chen Nuo arrived in Cannes.

This was his another attempt after a three-year interval.

Last time, he was a little-known minor actor, carrying the title of a Berlin Film Festival Best Actor. He was just one step away from the lady's curtain.

So what about this time?

In three years, time is neither long nor short; many things have happened, and many things have changed.

For him, besides having an extra title on his head, the biggest change was his mindset.

Last time Chen Nuo followed Wang Jiawei to Cannes, he didn't have many expectations in his heart.

Although it was still a bit painful not to win an award, he thought about it carefully later and realized it wasn't actually Wang Jiawei's fault, nor was it Zhang Ziyi's.

Because winning Berlin first and then Cannes is indeed not an easy thing to happen.

The other judges at Cannes were not blind or deaf; the fact that the Berlin Film Festival had produced the youngest Best Actor in history the previous year would not have escaped their ears.

And then, this wet-behind-the-ears kid shot another movie, sent it to Cannes for exhibition, and let him win Best Actor here again?

Who could pull off such a thing?

This wasn't sour grapes; it simply didn't make sense.

It's just like how films from the same country, even if both are equally excellent, will never win the Palme d'Or at Cannes consecutively.

In a sense, this isn't called an unspoken rule; it is the rule itself.

But this time it was different.

Although Chen Nuo was abroad and didn't see the Chinese edition of *Look at Movies*, nor did he know that the magazine's contributor had evaluated his trip to Cannes this time as "a sure win."

But he really was a sure win.

After studying the script of *Inception* and learning the superficial logic of the Nolan brothers, Chen Nuo had made a shallow calculation of his trip to Cannes this time.

Guiguzi Chen believed that for this Cannes, he occupied at least 2.5 out of the three factors of favorable timing, geographical advantage, and human harmony.

The so-called favorable timing.

It was when he was preparing to leave for Cannes that he suddenly received a call from Ivanka from the United States.

On the phone, the billionaire's daughter told him that the "Green Hat Guy" had finally agreed to the bet.

He wanted to make a very masculine, all-or-nothing gamble: take a luxury villa in Palm Beach and bet 5 million US dollars against him.

After hearing this, Chen Nuo hesitated for an hour and a half.

Then, he asked Ivanka to send over photos of the Green Hat Guy's villa to take a look.

After seeing the photos and asking about other details of the house, Chen Nuo felt he could only agree.

The temptation was simply too great.

He was someone who had already tasted the fruit, and he truly felt that going to Palm Beach for a vacation was extremely comfortable.

But Palm Beach is a place with limited territory. After decades of development, every prime location is occupied. Even with the current economic crisis, although some wealthy people are moving, none of it has flowed into the public market; it's all internal trading.

Plus, Ivanka, a woman who had been helping her father sell houses since she was a child, told him very professionally that

the Green Hat Guy's house was definitely worth more than 5 million; 5 million was the current economic crisis price with a 10% discount.

If it were 2007, this villa covering more than 9,000 square feet would be worth at least 15 million US dollars.

You have to know, it is located on the same beach, backing the lake and facing the sea, as their family's Mar-a-Lago estate, and the distance between them is only about ten minutes by car.

It can be said to be an absolute golden spot in Palm Beach. Houses in such locations have basically had very few transaction records in the last ten years. The last transaction dates back to 1999, when terrorist activities were rampant and many wealthy people were fleeing the United States.

Therefore, if he didn't take it this time, it would truly be a case of missing out once and regretting it for a lifetime. Basically, villas of this grade are absolutely impossible to see on the market in the next ten years.

It can be said that buying it—no, winning it—is making a profit.

Ivanka also said that at the time, her conscience actually pricked her, and she tried to persuade the ex-boyfriend. After all, this villa was a gift from his father, and it had extraordinary significance.

As a result, this person was determined, believing that Brother Nuo would inevitably return empty-handed from Cannes this time, so he wanted to take advantage of his investment in Warner and his lack of funds to make him go completely bankrupt.

If he wanted him not to bet with Boss Nuo, it was also very simple: Chen Nuo just needed to post a status on FB saying "I am a coward" and swear never to see Ivanka again.

Hearing this, Chen Nuo immediately knew that the Green Hat Guy must have been guided by Harvey.

Because only Harvey could calculate these things.

How could someone not in the circle know his current financial situation and so much inside information?

He was indeed almost penniless.

If it weren't for the 40 million US dollars in his stock account—oh no, currently it was 52.3121 million US dollars—he would be penniless.

The extra 12.3121 million US dollars was because since March, the US stock market had rebounded significantly under Obama's economic stimulus policy, rising by 20% so far. His Apple stock and the Berkshire Hathaway stock he bought after entering the US were, of course, the main forces of the Nasdaq rebound, having risen by over 30% so far.

So, if he had lost the password to his US stock account and had also lost his memory.

And at the same time, the Chinese government had cooperated with Harvey and the Green Hat Guy to seal off his company, which didn't evade taxes and paid tens of millions in income tax every year.

And if they had also somehow confiscated all two plots of land and the five or six high-rise buildings that had already topped out belonging to Chen Bi's real estate company.

Then he might really have gone bankrupt.

Then... now Chen Nuo just wants to say one thing.

How the hell does the Green Hat Guy count as a Harvard graduate?

Chen Nuo felt he had come into contact with quite a few graduates from prestigious schools. Peking University is hard to say, but Tokyo University is just so-so.

But by comparison, this Harvard one is definitely the stupidest. Fortunately, when he went to study at the Film Academy, he didn't think about going to this school.

Otherwise, to be reduced to the same level as this person would really be embarrassing.

In the end, the penniless Chen Nuo risked bankruptcy and let Ivanka agree to it.

He even had Ivanka sign legally binding documents on his behalf via fax.

Don't doubt it; this can indeed be done in the United States.

If he wins, he is only a yacht away from a life of villas, yachts, and beauties.

If he loses, his US stock account will lose one-seventh of its stocks.

The risk is not small.

This is favorable timing.

Now for geographical advantage.

Geographical advantage is that when Chen Nuo landed at the Riviera airport this time, unlike last time, there were already reporters from three media outlets squatting at the exit to wait for him.

At that time, he was with Michelle and Linghu, meeting up with the local guide Qi Yuntian. The group was chatting and laughing, walking out together with the staff sent by Cannes to pick them up.

Suddenly, several reporters popped out, and there were two photographers snapping photos of them.

Before this, Qi Yuntian had already given a heads-up, saying this was an arrangement by the Cannes Organizing Committee. Even though they had pushed back most of them, these three media outlets could not be turned away no matter what.

Among them were two major French national comprehensive newspapers, *Libération* and *Le Figaro*, and another was the Cannes market publication *Screen*. They were all considered official mouthpieces of the Cannes Film Festival.

The reporters from the three official media outlets knew the rules well; the photographers took two shots and didn't keep flashing their lights in his eyes.

The text reporters didn't have any intention of rushing in front of Chen Nuo and shoving a recorder into his mouth.

It's just that these reporters all seemed very anxious, walking on the periphery with the Cannes staff while asking questions in English, but their voices were mixed together, making it impossible to hear clearly.

Chen Nuo helplessly said in English: "Could you ask one by one, please? I can't hear clearly when you do it like this."

As soon as he spoke, the reporters stopped fighting and scrambling. One young reporter asked excitedly: "Chen, hello, I am *Screen* reporter Lumeier. Welcome to France. This is the second time I've seen you. Do you remember me? We met three years ago."

Chen Nuo recalled for a moment, but really couldn't remember who this chubby guy was, so he had to nod and say: "Of course I remember, Lumeier. Hello, it's a pleasure to see you again."

Lumeier smiled very happily: "Hello Chen, I'm also very happy to see you again. A few days ago, director Quentin Tarantino arrived in Cannes and, in an interview, considered you the biggest favorite for Best Actor at this Cannes Film Festival. What do you think about this?"

Chen Nuo said: "Before I came, I saw relevant news in the newspapers. I want to say thank you. I also really like director Quentin's work. There are many films shortlisted for this film festival, and they are all great. I am honored that he said so."

The reporter continued: "Chen, how was your performance in *Mother*? Can you evaluate yourself? The premiere is tomorrow. Can you give the expectant audience some hints about the movie in advance?"

Chen Nuo smiled: "I am satisfied with my performance in *Mother*. The director of this film, Bong Joon-ho, is a very excellent film director, and the lead actress Kim Hye-ja is also a very excellent actor. They gave me a lot of inspiration, and I also really like working with them."

"Director Bong Joon-ho let me play to my heart's content, and I think I didn't let him down."

"Although I haven't seen the final cut yet, I think the judges and the audience can look forward to it. Director Bong Joon-ho's touch for film art is truly wonderful, and I think he will definitely do a great job in this film. I also hope to see the film as soon as possible."

Lumeier followed up: "Then do you think you have a hope of winning the Palme d'Or this time?"

Chen Nuo smiled: "If I said no, wouldn't that be too hypocritical? Yes, I think there is hope."

"If that's the case, do you think Korean fans should thank you? For bringing them the first Cannes Palme d'Or in history."

Chen Nuo shook his head: "I think that is the credit of the entire *Mother* team. In fact, I have a promise with them. I hope to have the opportunity to realize it. Alright, I've answered enough of your questions. Lumeier, it's your colleague's turn."

As his voice fell, another reporter immediately took over: "Chen, hello, I am *Libération* reporter Gino. Many Chinese faces have appeared at this Cannes Film Festival, and a total of four Chinese-language films have been shortlisted. But you are representing a Korean film. What are your feelings about this?"

Chen Nuo said: "China has many excellent films and filmmakers, and they are all gradually stepping onto various international stages. I am one of them. I think film has no borders, and I cannot represent any country; I can only represent myself, a Chinese actor."

"We all know that among the two Korean films shortlisted for the main competition unit this time, Song and you are both strong candidates for Best Actor. And last time at Cannes, you both competed for Best Actor together, but neither won the final big prize. Do you think you will win over him this time?"

"Song Kang-ho is a senior I respect very much. I am honored to compete with him again."

Chen Nuo had already walked to the airport entrance by this time, and the Renault minivan sent by the organizing committee was parked there.

"You can ask one last question." Qi Yuntian said to the female reporter from *Libération*.

The middle-aged female reporter with black hair said: "OK, Chen. You were born in China, and at only 23 years old, you are already an excellent actor and a successful entrepreneur. You also invested in a film with Warner not long ago. How do you evaluate the achievements you have already made? I believe this is not common in China."

Chen Nuo glanced at her and said lightly: "Actually, it's quite normal. I know many people who are like this. We grew up in a very good social environment, entered very good schools, met very good teachers, and met very good friends and partners, all on the road to pursuing our dreams. It's so normal that I'm embarrassed to say what achievements I've made."

Qi Yuntian said: "Alright, last one, it's your turn."

"Hello Chen, I am *Le Figaro* reporter Emil. A few days ago, director Roman Polanski said in an interview with our newspaper that he believes your nomination this time is actually compensation from the Cannes jury for your failure to win Best Actor three years ago. What do you think about this?"

Chen Nuo thought for a moment and said: "Director Polanski, this is not the first time he has included me in his topics. Let me think, the last time I heard his name was two years ago in Tokyo."

"Forget it, I won't respond this time. Lest he develop some bad habits in the future."

"Although he is over 70 years old and doesn't have much time to develop bad habits. But what if, right?"

Several reporters laughed. The last reporter said: "Chen, could you just give a simple response? I'm only asking this one question. Do you have anything to say about director Polanski's statement?"

Chen Nuo said: "Then I'll say one sentence, and you can put it in the newspaper and pass it on to him for me."

The reporter nodded like a chicken pecking at rice: "Okay, okay, I definitely will. What do you want to say, Chen."

"I want to say, whether it's at the Oscars or at Cannes, you cannot stop me. Polanski."

After geographical advantage, there is still human harmony.

Sitting in the car sent by the Cannes Organizing Committee to pick him up, Chen Nuo could finally talk about company matters.

He had been abroad filming for over a month again.

Not to mention anything else, before he left, had the promised company vice president been hired yet?

Because the General Manager Qi couldn't get away from company affairs and wasn't by his side, he really wasn't used to it.

Like a few days ago when someone came to knock on his door in the middle of the night—although he had no interest in the woman outside the door, if the General Manager were there, he would definitely feel more at ease, open the door, and chat openly.

Unlike now, where he was afraid of handling it improperly and causing some trouble, he didn't even dare to open the door.

Qi Yuntian rubbed his nose and said: "I interviewed a few, and my dad also recommended a few, but I didn't think any of them were very good. Then I thought, why don't we stop looking for people outside? First, it's not reassuring, and second, we still need to build rapport, right? Let's just promote someone from within."

Chen Nuo thought for a moment, nodded, and said: "Makes sense. Then who do you think we should choose? Do you have a candidate?"

Qi Yuntian said: "What do you think of Li Jing?"

Chen Nuo was surprised: "The one who is currently Liu Yifei's agent?"

Qi Yuntian nodded: "Yes, that's her. She's a veteran employee, very familiar with the company from top to bottom, has her own experience in managing artists, graduated from a prestigious school, and is fluent in three languages."

"She has managed Liu Yifei very well these past two years, even following her to Africa several times. Including Liu Yifei's mother, there haven't been any problems these past two years. I think this alone shows her ability, right?"

Chen Nuo also laughed along: "Makes sense."

Qi Yuntian smiled: "So, I think just being an agent is a bit of a waste of her talent, and also a bit of a waste of the annual salary I gave her at the beginning. Hmm. If you think it's okay, why don't you chat with her in the next few days?"

"Sure. Are the people from the company who came this time all settled in? Are they satisfied?"

Qi Yuntian laughed out loud: "Settled in, they are all quite satisfied. Ten days of paid vacation—let alone those employees, even those shareholders are very satisfied."

Taking advantage of the Cannes Film Festival this time, Chen Nuo had originally planned to call everyone over to have fun, including several excellent employees from the company, to come and enjoy the sun and sand of Cannes together.

But those who should have come didn't, and those who shouldn't have came agreed quite readily.

Why is human harmony only 0.5? This is the reason.

Xia Yehe and Wen Yingshan didn't come.

Wen Yingshan had to stay in Hong Kong to take care of her father, who was still undergoing physical therapy, and her younger sister, who was still in school. She couldn't make the trip.

Xia Yehe missed her little friends, didn't get along with Fan Fan Binbing, had never even met the other female artist, and because the studio's location had already been decided and was currently being renovated, she also said she couldn't come.

Among the rest, Fan Fan Binbing came as a matter of course.

And it wasn't because of his invitation, but because the Cannes Organizing Committee sent a letter asking this woman to be a judge for the Un Certain Regard unit.

Although she wasn't a judge for the main competition unit and wasn't invited to be an award presenter, at least at this Cannes Film Festival, she stood on the same level as short film judge Zhang Ziyi and Ms. Shu Qi, who served as a judge for the main competition unit.

When this woman got the accurate news, she was so happy that she gave out 100,000 in red envelopes at the company.

In this era, there were no WeChat red envelopes, so she had her two assistants pack 100 red envelopes with 1,000 each and went on a spending spree at the company, making everyone say that Sister Bingbing is truly beautiful and kind-hearted.

If it were in ancient times, this would basically be considered buying people's hearts with ulterior motives and should be beheaded!

But now, Chen Nuo prepared to express his gratitude to Sister Bingbing with actions when he met her.

Besides those who should have come, Liu Yifei, who shouldn't have, also came.

To him, this woman sandwiched between him and Ms. Fan Fan Binbing was a huge lightbulb. The invitation was just a courtesy; he didn't expect this lazy woman to actually agree.

When he heard that the shareholders like Qi Yun were satisfied, Chen Nuo asked with some annoyance: "Liu Yifei is also satisfied? Didn't you say she came with her mother? They had a fight before getting on the plane, and now it's all good?"

"Hmm, it's good. That's why I said Li Jing is amazing. The mother and daughter were bickering, and in a turn, she coaxed both sides. These past two days, they've been shopping and sunbathing together, and they are extremely happy. I think, as long as you don't let Liu Yifei work, she's quite satisfied wherever she is. Also, not to mention, her mother is almost 50, right? Yesterday on the street, a foreign hunk came over to hit on her. Tsk tsk, it's truly ghostly."

(End of chapter)