Chapter 326

In the middle of the night, an actress sneaks into his room without even a word.

If it were anyone else, Chen Nuo would definitely think there was a trap.

But since it's Liu Qi Yifei...

He only thinks this woman has gone crazy again.

After all, the two of them are too familiar, so familiar that Chen Nuo sometimes doesn't even see her as a woman.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have slapped her on the butt by the pool back then.

Heaven is his witness, he really didn't think that much.

He just purely felt it looked fleshy, round, and perky, and felt good to the touch, so he couldn't help himself for a moment.

Just like when your buddy suddenly shaves his head, you just curiously want to touch it. No lewd intentions at all.

Chen Nuo had also thought about why his feelings for Liu Qi Yifei were so strange, completely inconsistent with his persona of not being able to control his lower half when seeing a beautiful woman.

The conclusion he reached was that he had known Liu Qi Yifei for too long; at that time, Liu Qi Yifei was just a little girl. For someone with a mental age of around 40 like him, only a pedophilic complex could lead to any ambiguous feelings.

Even though Liu Qi Yifei had changed a lot in these years, and her growth speed had made him look at her with new eyes several times.

But the previous impression remained deep-rooted.

Even when trying his best to get into character and cultivate feelings for the filming of "Under the Hawthorn Tree", the final result was nothing more than a sense of brotherhood.

As for sexual desire, there was none at all.

So, when Liu Qi Yifei slipped into his room and told him to keep it down, he didn't think much of it.

When he sighed, closed the door, and turned around to ask what this good brother was planning at 5:00 AM.

He was suddenly startled.

He saw Liu Qi Yifei standing by the bed, her head slightly lowered, eyes staring straight at the floor, her toes restlessly rubbing the floorboards. Her hands were clenched into fists at her sides, and her chest was heaving, showing she was trying hard to breathe deeply.

Chen Nuo couldn't help but be stunned, because this scene had a strangely familiar feeling.

He asked: "Sister Fei, what are you doing?"

Why call her Sister Fei? Just like everyone calls him Brother Li, it's not an honorific, just pure banter.

It was just because Chen Nuo had completed the major task of singing at the gala, and in a relaxed mood, he was a bit flirtatious.

Liu Qi Yifei acted as if she hadn't heard him.

After a few seconds, she seemed to have made up her mind, suddenly raised her head, cast her gaze straight at him, and took a small step forward.

Chen Nuo subconsciously took a step back.

Liu Qi Yifei pursed her lips tightly, swallowed, and said in a slightly strained voice: "Chen Nuo, ask you a question, do you like me?"

Finally.

Finally asked it.

When Liu Qi Yifei asked this, she felt a sense of relief.

Before asking, she was so nervous she was about to faint.

After asking, she instead felt the thrill of letting go.

She had wanted to ask this question since that morning in Palm Beach.

That day was September 30, 2009, and today is February 14, 2010.

137 days had passed in between.

During this period, she had been sad and disappointed, feeling that the man didn't take her to heart at all.

She had thought about forgetting him, ignoring him, burying this unspoken affection in her heart, and never mentioning it again.

For this, she had struggled, been decadent, and gotten drunk.

Sister Fan Binbing's advice still echoed in her ears. "He is too young, his character is unstable. If you plunge headlong into this relationship, you will definitely be the one hurt in the end. Many heartbeats in the world have no results. Before you are too deep, let go quickly; this is the way to protect yourself. You are young, don't waste your good time on this unknown variable. Look forward, there are plenty of more suitable people waiting for you."

These reasons sounded like they were for her own good.

But every time she wanted to cut ties, her heart felt like it was being torn apart.

Countless late nights, she looked back at the bits and pieces of memories with him, the past sweetness intertwined with the current loneliness, making her toss and turn.

She struggled in her memories time and again, trying to break free from the shackles called "love," but every time she took a step, she was dragged back by the lingering attachment in her heart.

Including this long night today.

After passing New Year's Eve, it was the first day of the New Year, which was also Valentine's Day, a day for countless people to express their feelings.

Yet she was in a Berlin hotel,

In a dark corner, guarding alone, silently piecing together herself, who had become fragmented in memories because of his singing on TV.

Finally, after long reflection, she wiped away her tears, made up her mind, and stood here at this moment, asking this question.

If Chen Nuo hadn't experienced countless such scenes in his previous life, he would never have been able to react in 0.01 seconds to how he should answer in this situation.

Likewise, if he hadn't had countless experiences of acting in front of cameras in this life, he would never have been able to show such a relaxed and surprised expression while being extremely shocked, as if he had heard an ordinary question.

Naturally answering: "Like you, yeah. What's wrong?"

"..."

"Oh, I see, you're not sleeping on Valentine's Day just thinking about this? I was wondering why you were acting weird. Tell me, what do you mean?"

Seeing Chen Nuo's understated, indifferent expression, Liu Qi Yifei didn't know if she was making a mountain out of a molehill, or if the other party didn't know what she was talking about at all.

Shouldn't this be very nervous, shy, and difficult to bring up?

How come in his mouth, it's like chatting about what to eat today.

He clearly answered, but it didn't seem like the answer she wanted to hear at all.

In this atmosphere, Liu Qi Yifei was flustered, and the courage she had finally mustered faded a bit. She hesitated, not knowing if she should continue.

Chen Nuo walked over, sat in a chair, and said nonchalantly: "Alright, if you haven't thought it through, we'll talk later. I actually have something..."

He had nothing.

Everything he was doing now was just to drag this out so he could think about how to handle it.

Fortunately, they were in Berlin for the film festival, and there was too much to talk about.

He hadn't really thought it through at first, but with almost no pause, Chen Nuo remembered what to say, looking a bit worried: "You know? The situation in Berlin is quite unfavorable for us right now."

Liu Qi Yifei was stunned.

She was still thinking about love, but Chen Nuo started talking about interests as soon as he opened his mouth. And coincidentally, this was indeed a problem she was very concerned about now.

"What's wrong?"

"Leonardo DiCaprio called me yesterday about this... Oh right, a side note, he has a film coming to the Berlin Film Festival for a global premiere, and he wants me to show support, and also invited your mom. Remember to tell your mom. The day after tomorrow at 8:00 PM."

Liu Qi Yifei didn't quite react: "My mom?"

Chen Nuo nodded: "Yes. Your mom. Last year at Cannes, your mom and I went to see Leonardo and Martin and talked about this film. So he knew your mom was also in Berlin and asked me to invite her."

"... My mom!?" Liu Qi Yifei widened her eyes, her voice at least three decibels louder.

"Yeah. Why, didn't Auntie Liu tell you later?"

"No." Liu Qi Yifei felt a bit aggrieved; she hadn't even met his friends, but her mom had.

Seeing her finally distracted, Chen Nuo felt a sense of relief.

Even though he was battle-hardened, having someone you treat as a brother covet your body was still quite stressful.

He said: "Anyway, remember to tell your mom. If you're free, go together and walk the red carpet. They will also come to our premiere today, so it's a mutual courtesy..."

"Oh, I see." Liu Qi Yifei pouted, still feeling a bit resentful.

Chen Nuo continued: "Later he chatted with me about this Berlin Film Festival, and he told me that Renée Zellweger is a very serious person. There's almost no possibility of communication. He previously asked Reese Witherspoon to help us probe her, but I guess we shouldn't hold out too much hope."

"Oh."

"And Yu Nan, although we are both alumni of the Beijing Film Academy... but this is her first time serving as a judge for such a major film festival, so she will be very cautious, and we are embarrassed to say anything. So Director Zhang and I think it's best to let nature take its course."

"As for the other judges, Director Zhang said he met the jury president, Werner Herzog, once in Berlin, but it doesn't count as a friendship. As for the other Italian female director, Spanish female producer, German actress, and a Somali novelist, we haven't had any contact with them at all."

"In other words, we probably don't have any advantage with the judges this time. Perhaps, just perhaps, Yu Nan might lean toward us a little bit."

Speaking of this, Chen Nuo also felt a bit of regret.

In Ning Hao's previous life, "No Man's Land" cast Yu Nan as a prostitute. If they had cast Yu Nan for this "No Man's Land," then it would have been a sure thing.

But he only knew Yu Nan played in "No Man's Land," not that she had come to Berlin as a judge in 2010.

And in his impression, after Yu Nan's character in "No Man's Land" was performed, there wasn't much of a response.

In his mind, the reason definitely wasn't that Yu Nan didn't act well, but that the actor and the character didn't quite match.

So, this time when Ning Hao was looking for a female lead, under his suggestion, they handled it internally.

Yes, he let Fan Fan Bingbing replace Yu Nan to play the prostitute who was imprisoned in the no-man's-land and forced into prostitution.

As someone who had seen, touched, and even ridden her early on, Chen Nuo could guarantee that Fan Fan Bingbing's foxy face, paired with her long black-stockinged legs, would be more than a hundred times more interesting for male viewers than Yu Nan.

As long as Ning Hao learned one-tenth of Wong Kar-wai's skill in filming women, the scene in the carriage might become another viral material for short-video platforms in the future.

After nearly a year of preparation, "No Man's Land" was set to start filming in Gansu this March after the New Year.

Except for Fan Fan Bingbing replacing Yu Nan and spending 20 million on Tony Leung to replace Xu Zheng as a Hong Kong lawyer, the other actors like Huang Bo and Duo Bu Dong Jie remained unchanged, basically the original cast.

Ning Hao also agreed with him that after he finished filming "Twilight 3" and returned to China, he would make a cameo as a policeman when he went to visit the set.

Things had reached this point, and there seemed to be no regrets to be had now.

Liu Qi Yifei suddenly said: "Didn't Director Wang Wang Quanan also come to compete this time? He and Yu Nan have been together for a long time, so it's impossible for her to vote for us, right?"

Chen Nuo laughed: "You don't know? Director Zhang said they broke up last year, and there's a piece of gossip..."

Thinking about it, Chen Nuo really wanted to laugh.

He didn't know anything about domestic art-house directors because everything he knew was gossip he saw on Weibo in his previous life or movies he had watched himself; otherwise, he was completely ignorant.

He only heard the name Wang Wang Quanan when he was studying at the Beijing Film Academy in this life.

Thinking of how mysterious Old Old Mouzi was with him before, he felt it was very fun and wanted to share it with his good brother.

Liu Qi Yifei asked curiously: "What gossip?" Chen Nuo lowered his voice: "Wang Wang Quanan is a bit of a pervert."

Liu Qi Yifei opened her mouth wide, "Ah? Really? What's going on?"

"Hehe, let's say first, it's all what Director Zhang said, I don't guarantee it's true."

It can only be said that people, regardless of gender, age, height, or beauty, have the same gossiping heart about such things.

Liu Qi Yifei subconsciously took two more steps toward Chen Nuo, getting quite close.

"It is said that that guy is a..."

Chen Nuo described it vividly for more than a minute. During this time, Liu Qi Yifei's eyes widened, and the expression on her face went from white to red and back to white.

Hearing the end, she was stunned for a long time, and said incredibly: "There is such a person in the world? What was Yu Nan thinking? How did she manage? And she was actually with him for so many years?"

Chen Nuo shrugged: "God knows, maybe this is love."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Chen Nuo regretted it. Sure enough, Liu Qi Yifei's expression was a bit strange again, so he quickly changed the subject.

"So Wang Wang Quanan is fine, he definitely has one less vote naturally. The key is the others."

Liu Qi Yifei wrinkled her nose, "I know who you're talking about. Your old enemy, Luo Man Polanski."

"Yes, he counts as one."

"I hate him, he always gave you trouble before." Liu Qi Yifei said indignantly, "I hope he doesn't get anything this time."

"Hehe, forget it, be more magnanimous. He actually doesn't have much to do with us. That's Director Zhang's opponent. Your opponents now mainly include three people: Juliette Binoche from France, Anjelica Huston from the US like you, and the Japanese..."

"Shinobu Terajima."

"Oh? You know her?"

"No. But I heard Director Ishii mention her; her parents are very famous, and she acts very well. I knew before that her film 'Caterpillar' was also shortlisted for this Berlin."

"Ishii... Oh, the director who filmed 'Hana Yori Dango', right?"

"Yeah." Liu Qi Yifei nodded.

Chen Nuo said: "So it's not optimistic, Xixi."

"I know."

The strategy of Chen Nuo, the scumbag, succeeded.

Liu Qi Yifei's attention shifted mostly to the Berlin Film Festival.

Although she knew the possibility of winning was slim, regardless, when she stepped onto the land of Berlin, she really wanted to get the Silver Bear trophy.

But her opponents were indeed very strong; among the actresses competing with her, she had no advantage in terms of film subject, acting, age, or any other aspect.

Furthermore, she had a disadvantage because of her partner.

Even before the film was shown, just by hanging posters at the Berlinale Palast in Potsdamer Platz, he was already one of the hottest contenders for Best Actor at this Berlin Film Festival.

If he wins, can she still win?

Conversely, if she wins, what should he do if he doesn't get it?

Sigh, Liu Qi Yifei became more distressed the more she thought about it.

She thought this way,

Not only because her purpose in filming this movie was to stand on the podium like Fan Fan Bingbing, proving she wasn't just a vase.

It was also because of the person she could only reach by standing on tiptoe.

She wanted to be a little closer to him.

"You should go back to sleep, I also need to nap for a while. In the morning, I have an interview."

"What interview?"

"Der Spiegel, Director Zhang asked me to build momentum for the film."

"Oh."

Liu Qi Yifei agreed reluctantly.

She didn't want to leave because there were still many things she hadn't said and many questions she hadn't asked clearly.

But she didn't know how to speak up again at this moment.

She felt a bit blocked and turned to return to her room.

Just then, she suddenly realized that he and she were so close.

Tip-toe?

No, just need to bend down.

Anyway, he also said he liked her.

Two seconds later, Liu Qi Yifei rushed out of Chen Nuo's room like a startled deer.

With a "bang," the door was slammed shut.

Chen Nuo sat on the stool, a bit dazed, and wiped his mouth.

Damn.

Xixi has really grown up.

"Welcome to Berlin, Chen."

"Thank you, I'm also very happy to be here."

"Would you mind if I called Berlin the place where your dreams began?"

"No, not at all."

"Is this your first time in Berlin?"

"Yes, my first time."

"Coming here this time, do you have any special feelings?"

"Very intimate, like an old friend I've known for a long time but never met."

"Very happy you feel this way. In fact, we feel the same. For many of our readers, you are like an old friend. Do you remember what you were doing and how you felt when you won the 55th Berlin Silver Bear?"

"Of course. At that time, I was already asleep, and one of my teachers called to tell me the news; I couldn't believe it. For a 19-year-old, this honor is incredible. I want to add my belated thanks here. Thank you to the jury president, the respected Mr. Dieter Kosslick, and also thank you to the jury president at the time, Director Wim Wenders. Thank you for giving me the honor of Best Actor in my absence."

"Actually, I'll tell you a secret: at the time, your Best Actor vote only won by one vote."

"Is that so? Then I'm really lucky."

"I think so too. Then from your words, can I understand that you think Berlin was the first to discover your talent?"

"I think so. If that talent indeed exists."

(Laughter)

(Reporter's Note: Talking to Chen is a very pleasant thing; in fact, such laughter was interspersed throughout many parts of this interview. If you see similar annotations later, please don't be surprised; this seems different from our usual interview style. Because the interviewee this time is inherently a unique person.)

"Good. In this way, I think some long-debated topics can finally come to an end."

"Next, let's talk about the more real you. Chen. I noticed that we have been sitting here talking for a few minutes, and you have always faced me with an open, confident posture. Similarly, the impression you give the outside world has always been like this. What created this personality of yours, which is somewhat different from traditional Eastern actors? Is it because of your successful experience in Hollywood, the many honors you have won, or your handsome young appearance?"

"I think it should be the young and handsome part."

(Laughter.)

"Just kidding. Actually, many reporters have asked me similar questions before, and my answer now is the same. There's really nothing different; I'm just an ordinary Chinese person. If there's any difference, it's that my work forces me to deal with many people. So, I might have become more outgoing because of this."

"So that's it. Then, Chen, what are your hobbies? Are you an interesting person?"

"No, I don't think so. I'm quite boring. I have few hobbies; my favorite is watching movies."

"Can you tell me your favorite movie star?"

"Bruce Lee."

"Director?"

"Luo Man Polanski."

(Laughter.)

"You're joking with me, right?"

"Yes, I'm joking. Is it very obvious?"

(Laughter)

"Yes, very obvious. Since you brought him up yourself, can I ask what's going on between you and him?"

"Actually, I don't know him at all, nor have I seen any of his movies. To this day, I don't know why he became interested in me. Is it because I was barely considered a minor back then? I don't know."

(Laughter)

"So Chen, do you mean that the problem between you is entirely caused by Luo Man Polanski?"

"Yes."

"Then Luo Man Polanski has come to Berlin with his new film 'The Ghost Writer', and he is participating in the main competition section just like you. Will you go see his movie?"

"I will. Speaking of this, I'm actually a bit strange; why can he appear swaggeringly everywhere in Europe? If I remember correctly, he should be on an international wanted list, right? Why don't you arrest him?"

"Well, the reason for this is very complicated. If I were to explain it, it might take a day and a night. But you can understand it as: we don't think he did anything wrong, nor do we think the American trial is correct. So many countries have decided to grant him asylum."

"Alright, I understand."

"Then if you see Luo Man Polanski this time, what will you say to him?"

"I won't say anything to him, I'll only do one thing."

"What thing?"

"Call the police."

(Laughter)

"Chen, you are very humorous. Alright, I think I want to talk more deeply next. I want to talk about your love life."

"I heard your current girlfriend is also the female lead of this film, and you fell in love during filming. Is this true?"

PS:

Can't type anymore, sleepy to death.

Can only cut it off at this awkward place.

Spring Festival is too tiring.

(End of Chapter)