Chapter 609

"Truly, it's absurd to the extreme."

In the afternoon, a piece of entertainment gossip spread through Hollywood.

To be precise, it spread among the media circles that had arrived from the country to attend the Oscar awards ceremony and a small number of Chinese filmmakers.

The content of this news left everyone dumbfounded, with a feeling that it was the biggest joke in the world.

Huang Shengyi and the Julu Film team issued a bilingual press release in Chinese and English and accepted an interview with Sina's resident reporter in Hollywood.

They tearfully complained, saying that between one and two o'clock this morning, the villa where their group was staying was burgled.

Among the stolen items, the most valuable was a large suitcase.

Inside were the gowns prepared for Huang Shengyi to wear while attending the Hollywood Independent Film Festival and the Oscar awards ceremony.

These gowns were all high-fashion pieces provided by brand sponsors and were worth a fortune.

"Is this kind of thing meant to fool ghosts? Do they take everyone for fools?!"

The Oscar awards are about to be revealed.

"It will affect the red carpet and the awards ceremony, right? If they send new gowns, I wonder if they'll make it in time? What about President Yang?"

"I just want to ask, with the gowns stolen, how can she go on the red carpet? Naked?"

As for the industry? It's definitely a mixed bag. There are those who hope Lin Nan wins, but even more who hope he comes away with nothing!

"Isn't that so? Recording videos and issuing press releases with a straight face, looking like they're going to fight the 'evil forces' to the end and never admit defeat. It's exactly the same as when they were bullied by Enlighten Media back then."

Lin Nan basked in the mid-afternoon sun, looking at the entertainment gossip, and couldn't help but curse again.

Lin Nan mocked, shaking his head.

"... Thanks to the many friends in the industry, netizens, and fans for their concern. The Huang Shengyi team reported it to the police immediately after the incident, and Julu also contacted the brand sponsors immediately to coordinate new gowns.

"As long as the people are okay..."

"Mm, okay."

Both publicly and privately, the authorities hope that Lin Nan can achieve a breakthrough on the basis of last year's Best Original Screenplay award.

Several sets of new gowns have been chartered and are on their way to Los Angeles... It will not delay Huang Shengyi from attending the Hollywood Independent Film Festival and the Oscar red carpet and awards ceremony held on the 22nd, Los Angeles time..."

Liu Yifei returned the tablet to Lin Nan, picked up her juice again, and said with a suppressed smile: "Julu is actually quite... funny?"

And the entire domestic film industry is also almost all focusing on Lin Nan, even more so than they were on the Berlin International Film Festival a week ago.

"Stop struggling, just accept your fate as an has-been actress. You can't go back to being an A-lister; even the heavens don't agree, because your character doesn't match."

Lin Nan's tone was slightly mocking, and upon hearing this, Liu Yifei began to scroll through the information on Weibo.

Miss Liu pulled her sunglasses up to the bridge of her nose, looking at the great Lin Dao with a very cute expression, her eyes filled with astonishment and disbelief.

Lin Nan took a final look at the refreshing gossip news, then smiled and closed the tablet.

Liu Yifei lay on the beach chair next to Lin Nan, wearing sunglasses, biting a straw, and drinking juice.

"It is a bit... unbelievable, huh."

In terms of influence and popularity, it is not inferior to the three major European film festivals.

"... The security in wealthy areas, high-end residential areas, and top-tier villa areas is indeed very good! There are even police patrols..."

"Mm?"

She was equally confused and very surprised by this.

"I just want to say they deserve to be robbed; they have no works or influence, are they just running over to make a fool of themselves?"

Lin Nan also found it funny; this guy Yang Zai actually responded to the theft of Huang Shengyi's gowns via video:

I reckon the heat of this news will last at least through the entire Spring Festival."

"What about those running dogs who say foreign security is good? Is this what you call good security? Being robbed in the middle of the night!"

"Hang in there, Huang Shengyi!"

"Then how will you handle it next? Shengyi, have you reported it to the police?"

"Lin Nan, what do you mean?"

"It's really not easy for domestic actors to be invited to the Oscar awards ceremony. As an insider, I support Shengyi and Julu, keep it up..."

As she spoke, she had already taken the tablet Lin Nan handed her.

At this moment, it was exactly morning in the country, and the internet was already in an uproar.

"Xixi, let's pack up. Didn't you ask me to accompany you to the fashion show in the evening? We can prepare in advance; the assistant will be here in a while."

Because so far, no mainland film director has won a core Oscar award, namely Best Foreign Language Film, Best Director, or Best Picture.

"Look at the domestic entertainment news right now; it has already dominated the headlines of major portal websites and Weibo hot searches.

"This is Hollywood, and they rented a top-tier villa area! Is the security system just for show? Or were they all drunk and fast asleep?"

"Will the movie channel still be broadcasting live tomorrow morning?"

"Yes, they have already arrived in Hollywood. It's just that I don't know if they will visit Lin Dao's place before the red carpet like they did for the Golden Globes."

The secretary answered La Peikang's question.

During the Spring Festival, China Film Group had almost no employees on long vacations; after all, there were too many things in the film and television industry, and there were still many meetings to attend. Especially the leaders, who were even busier.

La Peikang nodded without saying anything.

An hour ago, after the Film Bureau meeting ended, he was kept behind for a while, all because of Lin Nan's matter.

That group of people in the association couldn't handle it and had somewhat given up.

They threw in the towel before the new year and "complained" to the higher-ups, making it seem as if Lin Nan had bullied them.

So much so that today, at the first big meeting after the new year, Tong Gang kept him behind.

A moment later, La Peikang smiled with disdain.

"Go contact Han Dong and see if he has time to come back to China Film Group in the next two days; I need to talk to him."

"Okay, Chairman La."

La Peikang was also helpless; what was originally just an association task had now become China Film Group's as well.

Just as the secretary was about to leave, he was suddenly called back.

"Forget it. Han Dong has already retired; let him have a good Spring Festival at home. I'll say it to him over the phone; it's the same."

In the large China Film Group chairman's office, only La Peikang remained.

At this moment, Han Sanping was "lecturing" Han Jia. Because the latter was planning to leave on the seventh day of the new year to find some material.

"After the Lantern Festival, I won't stop you."

"I don't want to get more eye-rolls from you at home... Hey, don't get angry; the phone, there's a call."

Han Sanping glanced at the caller ID on his phone, his expression instantly becoming much more serious, and after glaring at his own daughter, he walked into the courtyard.

Ten seconds later, the call was connected.

"Chairman La, don't tell me you're calling to wish me a Happy New Year? Haha..."

"Han Dong, Happy Spring Festival. I have serious business; we had a meeting this morning. Before, we only hoped Lin Nan would attend the Golden Rooster, but today, it has become a task..."

Hearing this, Han Sanping was stunned and instantly understood La Peikang's mood.

"He usually has a good temper and is easy to talk to, but sometimes he is also very tough, just like this issue;

Although my method is a last resort, it is effective. We have a 30% share and can represent the crew to register... In addition, China Film Group has the power to ignore some rules... Once the rice is cooked, I'll go apologize to him afterwards; he should..."

"Han Dong, I don't intend to use your method. You were too tough when you were in charge, so much so that the methods you came up with were all so rigid. If we really did that, I reckon we'd have to say goodbye to Lin Nan in the future. I plan to lay it all out and have a good talk with him once he returns..."

La Peikang interrupted Han Sanping. The biggest difference between him and his old leader was their style of handling things. Han Sanping was vigorous and resolute, doing everything too forcefully and domineeringly, while he was much more introverted, exactly the opposite. He felt that Lin Nan would likely respond to soft tactics, but would never respond to hard ones!

At both ends of the phone, there was an eerie silence for a moment.

Finally, Han Sanping sighed, "Then, let's proceed with your method first. If it still doesn't work..."

A few minutes later, the call ended.

Looking at the phone screen, Han Sanping's expression was somewhat solemn, and the next second he smiled again: "I actually feel a lot more relaxed?"

"Old Han, you're too ruthless, aren't you? You're too much like a big villain... You almost affected my relationship with Senior Brother Lin; I was planning to ask him to film my movie script in the future."

Han Jia, who had been eavesdropping for a long time, complained about her father, not caring at all about Han Sanping's look that suggested he wanted to "clean house."

The night in Hollywood was more brilliant than ever, as if it had already entered the moment of the Oscar awards ceremony.

At the fashion show, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei had no peace. They received goodwill from many people, all actors and stars.

Regardless of whether the two knew the other person, the other person could always recognize them and greet them with an introduction.

"Lin Dao, Yifei, Happy New Year. I didn't expect to meet you tonight."

When Little Zhang Ziyi brought Wang Feng over to greet them, it really surprised Lin Nan and Liu Yifei, who were preparing to leave halfway through.

"Happy New Year. But we are going back, so we won't disturb you from continuing to watch the show."

Lin Nan reacted quickly and said very naturally.

"Also true, Lin Dao and Yifei are important members of tomorrow's red carpet and awards ceremony, so you must rest well."

"Goodbye."

Liu Yifei waved with a smile, and with her fingers interlocked with Lin Nan's, they walked toward the exit.

Watching the two figures walk away, Little Zhang Ziyi said pointedly:

"Lin Dao is the biggest name in the industry; Director Zhang, Director Chen, and the others are not young anymore... In the future, everyone will put a lot of effort into Lin Dao's side."

Little Zhang Ziyi knew very well that the development trend of the domestic film industry now and in the future was already very clear, especially regarding big directors and capital.

And the "everyone" she spoke of referred to these big actresses.

But counting them up, the big actresses who had a good relationship with the Lin Nan Film industry line and had collaborated several times seemed to be only Zhou Xun and Fan Bingbing. Not her!

A night passed, and the time finally arrived at the 22nd.

The entire small town of Hollywood had completely entered a state of boiling excitement and restlessness.

Starting from 6:30 in the morning, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei's phones rang from time to time, all for serious business.

The two of them also got up very early to prepare for today's itinerary.

Tang Mu personally brought people to deliver breakfast at seven o'clock sharp, appearing extremely attentive.

And he even added a meal for himself, eating breakfast with Lin Nan and Liu Yifei.

"I specifically set an alarm to bring you food. Lin, today depends on you; strive to win the Best Director or Best Picture award. That way the company will have more influence and make more money."

Tang Mu couldn't keep his mind off his own interests in three sentences; he was truly a stingy and miserly dead fatty!

"Tang Mu, it's not as easy as you think, and you're even setting goals for Lin Nan!" Liu Yifei took a sip of milk and teased with a smile.

"Crystal, I'm cheering him on. How does that idiom go? Hmm, I remember now; maybe what I said will become a 'self-fulfilling prophecy'?"

"Screw your grandfather! If you don't know how to use idioms, don't use them."

Lin Nan swallowed the bun in his mouth and cursed angrily. Tang Mu, this guy, always picks derogatory terms!

Liu Yifei was choked into coughing, pointing at Tang Mu, "You, are you trying to laugh me to death? Haha..."

Tang Mu looked at Lin Nan and the two of them with a confused face, "Did I say something wrong?"

"Only when a bad thing comes true do you use that term you just said."

Lin Nan glared at Tang Mu but still explained it. This guy was quite eager to learn, but always only learned half-baked things.

"Ah? Then, then just pretend I didn't say anything." Tang Mu gave an awkward smile, brushing it off.

Unlike the last Golden Globes, Liu Yifei only started her makeup and styling in the afternoon, just needing to be done before four o'clock.

Today, she had to start makeup and styling in the morning. Because after she was done, she still had to join the "Interstellar" crew and set off together for the Oscar red carpet.

"What time does the team arrive?"

"Assistants, bodyguards, makeup artists, stylists, and several brand representatives will all be here around 10 o'clock."

Speaking of serious business, Tang Mu became much more serious, looking at Lin Nan and Liu Yifei.

Lin Nan glanced at the watch on his wrist:

"It's already 7:30. Xixi, after breakfast, hurry up and rest for a while; today will be more tiring than the Golden Globes."

"Mm, I'm prepared." Liu Yifei nodded confidently.

The three chewed slowly and finished breakfast quickly, after which Tang Mu left the villa to meet the brand people.

Near nine o'clock, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei, who were sitting on the sofa recharging their energy, were "disturbed" by a sudden phone call.

"Hey, I don't even know what to say? Is this addictive?"

Looking at the caller ID, Lin Nan smiled speechlessly.

"Who is it?"

"Movie Channel."

Hearing this, Miss Liu clearly understood: "Recording behind-the-scenes footage again? But we haven't even started yet."

At this time, Lin Nan had already answered the phone, "Hello?"

"Lin Dao, Happy New Year, bothering you again.

... Can we come over to visit the set this morning? You know, the industry is all watching your Oscars this time..."

Liu Yifei had a playful expression of "staying out of it" and "none of my business," watching Lin Nan with a smile on the side.

The great Lin Dao was speechless and said directly to the other end of the phone:

"Today Yifei and the 'Manchester by the Sea' crew will separate; she will be with the 'Interstellar' crew. After I meet up with Leonardo and the others, I won't stay in the villa for too long, so."

Hearing this answer, the people from the Movie Channel didn't know how to handle it for a moment; they were aiming for the makeup time.

The live broadcast of the last Golden Globes was very good; Liu Yifei was doing her makeup there, and Lin Nan and the others were chatting on the side, and the ratings were particularly high!

"Then can we have an interview with Lin Dao before the red carpet? You know, you are the first director from the mainland to compete for the Oscar awards for two consecutive years."

"Then... then you guys come over at two o'clock in the afternoon; we will probably set off at four o'clock. Leaving you an hour in between should be enough, right?"

"Enough, enough..."

The other end of the phone was clearly a bit excited. Still have to look for our own people!

After hanging up the phone, Lin Nan spread his hands helplessly:

"I actually wanted to refuse; last time it affected your makeup a bit. But they actually changed their tune and wanted an interview! But fortunately, by the time they arrive, you will probably have already joined the 'Interstellar' crew."

"It didn't affect it much; it's just that most of the shots were filming me, hee hee..."

Liu Yifei was very proud, her smile full of confidence.

At ten o'clock, the makeup artists, stylists, and Lin Nan and Liu Yifei's assistants, bodyguards, and others arrived on time.

Tang Mu, bringing people from several brands and several suitcases and safes, also arrived at Beverly Hills.

Liu Yifei's makeup and styling officially began.

In the country, the media's preparation work was done even earlier than the last Golden Globes.

Although it was the middle of the night, the entertainment news on major portal websites and Weibo hot searches had already posted special reports on the Oscar awards.

In addition, there were night-shift media personnel constantly updating and releasing relevant information sent back from Hollywood.

"Less than six hours until the red carpet of the 87th Oscar awards ceremony..."

"Lin Dao Nan, with the film 'Manchester by the Sea', competes for six major Oscar awards; the awards ceremony will officially begin at around 11:00 AM domestic time!"

"For this Oscar awards ceremony, Liu Yifei will walk the red carpet with the 'Interstellar' crew and will not accompany Lin Dao Nan..."

Lin Nan leaned on the sofa, yawning, and from time to time glanced at Liu Yifei, who was surrounded by four makeup artists and stylists in front of the vanity mirror.

The two of them communicated through the vanity mirror like this, which was quite fun.

"Lin, Leon has arrived."

"So early?"

Lin Nan exclaimed. It's only 12 o'clock right now! For the previous Golden Globes and last year's Oscars, Leonardo and the others didn't come until one or two in the afternoon!

In just two minutes, Leonardo, dressed in a suit, with his hair slicked back and looking spirited, walked in with his assistant.

Looking at this, I'm afraid he hasn't slept much since last night because he was so excited, right?

"Leon, sit."

"Lin, is Crystal going to Nolan's side in a while?" Leonardo sat next to Lin Nan and asked.

"Mm, Tang Mu will take people to be by her side."

Just as Lin Nan finished speaking, a text message from the "Interstellar" crew was sent over, asking Liu Yifei to meet up around two o'clock.

"How much longer?"

"Lin Dao, about half an hour to forty minutes. Yifei's hair still needs a bit more; the setting time for the ends can't be less."

"Mm, time is sufficient; we can eat something to pad our stomachs."

As he spoke, Lin Nan picked up the candy on the table and walked over, feeding it to her amidst Liu Yifei's playful, charming eyes. The makeup artists and stylists watched with smiles on the side.

Today is really rare.

Ma Te Damon and Jessica Chastain also ran over in advance, both looking impatient and excited.

But what was surprising was that Jessica wasn't wearing a gown today, but a pink ladies' casual suit. But let's just say, it really was eye-catching.

"OMG! Is Crystal leaving? I just arrived!"

"Mm, Director Nolan's side is urging; I have to leave early. And Hollywood is very congested today."

Liu Yifei lifted her skirt and said with a smile, then looked at Lin Nan.

"Go, I'll see you to the car."

Lin Nan held Liu Yifei's hand, helped her carry her clutch, and walked out of the villa gate surrounded by several assistants and bodyguards.

Tang Mu followed behind; Leonardo and the others also followed out.

"Lin Nan, see you on the red carpet. If I don't see you on the red carpet, then see you tonight."

He originally wanted to kiss her, but remembering the awkwardness at the Berlin Film Festival awards ceremony, Lin Nan held back. His actions made Liu Yifei laugh.

"Alright, see you tonight. See you tonight, Leon, Ma Te, Jessica."

"See you tonight, Crystal."

Three cars drove out of Beverly Hills just like that.

Half an hour after Liu Yifei left, the people from the Movie Channel arrived on time.

Not seeing Miss Liu's figure, the people from the Sixth Princess were a bit disappointed.

However, seeing that the "Manchester by the Sea" crew members were all there, the group instantly became excited again; this was the main goal of the trip.

"Lin Dao, can we start?"

"Yes."

Leonardo, Jessica Chastain, and Ma Te Damon sat on the sofa, watching Lin Nan accept the interview with interest.

"Lin Dao, how much confidence do you have for tonight's awards ceremony?"

"Not much confidence; this is Hollywood, this is the Oscars. Thousands of judges voting, it's very hard to control. Unless it's some special subject matter. For example, that 'what-what' correctness!"

Lin Nan started joking, and the host, lighting, camera, and other staff couldn't help but laugh.

"If I say, I'm saying if."

"Mm, go ahead. I can accept 'if'."

Lin Nan nodded with a smile; he didn't have the big ego of Director Chen, unable to hear any "bad" voices. So much so that Liu Yan still has psychological trauma to this day.

"If you don't win the awards you want this time, or simply come away empty-handed. Will it affect your mindset? Will you come again next time?"

Lin Nan frowned:

"For the previous Golden Globes and Berlin International Film Festival, I have already achieved the best results. Even if I come away empty-handed at the Oscars, I can still accept it. At most, I'll just be in a bad mood for a while, just a bit regretful.

As for what's next? I already had a plan; I won't be chasing awards in the short term. This is much more tiring than filming commercial movies and is very energy-consuming. Mm, I will film a commercial movie in the first half of the year."

Hearing Lin Nan's last sentence, the people from the Movie Channel were suddenly excited. This was first-hand news; there was no wind of it outside at all!

Facing the reporter who was pressing for details about the movie, Lin Nan decisively chose to shake his head, stopping at the right point.

Nearly an hour later, the interview ended smoothly.

Just as the Movie Channel team was packing up their equipment, a call came in, to the team leader.

Lin Nan and the others only saw his expression, from disbelief to suspicion, from astonishment to incredulity, and finally he was somewhat incoherent, his eyes wide open the whole time!

Two minutes later, the Movie Channel team leader hung up the phone. He looked at Lin Nan's curious look and said with a suppressed smile:

"Lin Dao, this is truly a world of wonders; guess what?"

"What happened?"

"Seeing that the red carpet of the Oscar awards ceremony is about to begin, it has spread through our media circle on this trip:

They say Huang Shengyi just fainted in the dressing room, unconscious, and has already been rushed to the hospital.

You tell me, isn't it ridiculous? Even movie scripts wouldn't dare to write it like this!"

Lin Nan was also dumbfounded; this, I'm afraid, is just following the script, right?

Ten minutes later, the people from the Movie Channel left.

Lin Nan then looked at Leonardo and the others, "Leon?"

"What's wrong, Lin?"

"Do you know if Tang Mu Hanks is attending today's Oscar awards ceremony?"

"No!"

Before Leonardo could answer, Ma Te Damon had already spoken first.