novellhall Chapter 111 Capitalists' Friendships Are Worthless! [4000]
Chapter 111 Capitalists' Friendships Are Worthless! [4000]
Chapter 112 Capitalists' Friendships Are Worthless! [4000]
Chen Xun opened the car door, and a cool night breeze rushed in, dispersing some of the thick, pungent smell.
He got out of the car and glanced back at Kate.
She sat in the dimly lit car, her clothes disheveled, her golden hair rumpled, like a girl who had just experienced a grand adventure.
"Be careful on the road!" Chen Xun said.
"You too~" Kate said in a low voice.
The car door closed, and the black SUV sat quietly in place.
Chen Xun walked to his car, opened the door and got in, but did not start the engine immediately.
He leaned back in his chair, feeling the lingering excitement and fatigue in his body, but his mind was unusually calm.
[Rhythm] The halo seems to have been validated in some peculiar way in this actual battle.
It turns out that mastering the rhythm can not only make performances more moving and negotiations more efficient, but also make learning more enjoyable.
He smiled, started the car, and drove away from the parking lot.
In the rearview mirror, Kate's headlights also lit up, and she slowly drove in the opposite direction.
Chen Xun got home at exactly midnight.
The seven-day "Halo Experience Card" also expired at this moment.
As Chen Xun lay in bed, he clearly felt his keen perception of the rhythms of all things recede like the tide.
Like a saint after a good time, one loses interest in everything.
The world returned to its original state.
Without the halo of fame, he felt as if he had suddenly fallen from the high-definition Dolby Vision world back to the standard-definition channel.
Although it's not bad, the sense of disparity is real when compared to other products.
"It's hard to go from extravagance to frugality!"
Chen Xun sighed.
He tried his best to adjust his state and return to normal.
But the urge to upgrade attributes as soon as possible and unlock more permanent abilities or even new features reached its peak at this moment.
It's better to have your own food than to rely on the weather!
If all my attributes are upgraded to the maximum level, will I become like a superhuman?
Chen Xun was full of anticipation.
The opportunity will come soon!
The main characters for "Green Lantern" have been largely finalized, and pre-production is in its final stages.
As is customary in Hollywood, a grand opening ceremony and press conference are indispensable.
This is not only announcing the project's launch to the media and the public, but also an important occasion for the main cast and crew to make their first official collective appearance and establish a team atmosphere.
As the protagonist, Chen Xun naturally received a formal invitation and schedule from Warner Bros. early on.
The location was chosen to be a huge, well-prepared soundstage at Burbank Studios, which was temporarily transformed into a stage that combined a sense of technology with Eastern elements.
The background is a huge concept poster featuring the movie logo and the main cast.
Rob was even more nervous than Chen Xun!
He dragged Chen Xun to try on the clothes that were specially made for this day a day in advance!
A well-tailored dark gray suit with subtle dark green stripes.
It is both dignified and distinctive, echoing the Green Lantern theme.
"Bro, today is your first time facing the global media as a DC superhero protagonist, so you need to project confidence!"
Robert's maternal instincts resurfaced as he repeatedly examined Chen Xun's tie and cuffs.
"knew!"
Chen Xun looked at himself in the mirror.
There's no aura, but the basic attributes of level 3 are still there!
In addition, there's the optimized appearance of the [Male God Enhancer] and the composure he's developed over this period.
The person in the mirror has clear eyes, an upright posture, and an innate, polished confidence.
On the day of the opening ceremony, the media gathered at the scene, with cameras and flashes going off everywhere.
Warner executives, producers, and director Martin Campbell took turns speaking on stage, introducing the project's vision.
When it was time to introduce the lead actors, the atmosphere reached its first climax.
"Next, let's welcome our fearless Green Lantern, Chen Xun!"
The host's voice carried throughout the venue through the speakers.
Chen Xun walked steadily out from backstage and stepped onto the press conference stage.
moment!
All the cameras were pointed at him!
The sound of camera shutters clicking incessantly!
Standing under the spotlight, facing the sea of media and the constantly flashing lights, Chen Xun felt surprisingly calm.
He nodded slightly, gave a perfectly timed smile, and waved.
The movements were fluid and natural, showcasing the protagonist's demeanor without any stage fright or excessive flamboyance.
Chen Xun heard faint murmurs and exclamations from the audience.
In the media area, many reporters were snapping photos and whispering among themselves, "He looks really good!"
"This presence doesn't seem like it's his first time handling such a large-scale production!"
"Even more handsome than in the photos!"
[Aura Experience +3]
A blue attribute ball fell from his body.
Chen Xun absorbed the information without making a sound.
He felt much more confident!
Next, the other main actors were introduced.
First to appear is Gina Carano, who plays the supporting actress Sierra Jordan.
The former MMA champion strode onto the stage in a sleek black pantsuit and high heels.
-
She was tall and fit, with short, dashing hair, and exuded a powerful aura that made her seem unapproachable.
Standing next to Chen Xun, she was almost as tall as him, and the combination of her tough military bearing and the actor's own aura was very striking.
"I'm thrilled to join this imaginative project!"
Gina's voice was deep and powerful: "Sera is a tough but dutiful warrior, and I look forward to presenting the training and combat experience of Planet 0A to everyone together with Chen Xun."
As she spoke, she turned to Chen Xun and extended her hand.
Chen Xun shook hands with her and could feel the strength of her palm and the rough calluses.
"I look forward to your guidance, instructor!" Chen Xun said with a smile.
The moment they shook hands, a purple attribute orb popped out from Gina's body:
[Strong Willpower and Physical Fitness +9]
Chen Xun was secretly delighted and immediately absorbed it!
A powerful, warm current surged into my body, not only enhancing my experience with the [limbs] attribute, but also seemingly solidifying my spirit.
This attribute ball is of very high quality!
No wonder he's a real-world expert!
Gina seemed to sense Chen Xun's powerful physique as well. When she shook hands with him, she glanced at him again, a hint of surprise and approval flashing in her eyes.
Her favorability rating jumped from 40 to 50.
Next up is the highly anticipated highlight!
Keira Knightley plays the lead role of Lindsay Shaw.
When Keira Knightley walked onto the stage in a simple yet perfectly tailored ivory white dress, the audience erupted in even more enthusiastic camera shutters and murmurs of amazement.
She was thinner than she appeared on screen, but her bone structure was exquisite, and her long golden hair was styled into an elegant updo, revealing her slender neck.
Her beauty carries a classic and aloof British feel, but her eyes are bright and her smile is appropriate, possessing a contradictory charm that is both distant and approachable.
"Hi everyone, I'm Keira Knightley."
Her voice was clear and crisp, with a distinctive British accent: "Lindsay Shaw is a journalist full of curiosity, courage and a sense of justice, and I am excited to explore this character and work with Chen Xun and all the wonderful team members."
Her gaze fell on Chen Xun, and she smiled and nodded politely and professionally.
Chen Xun returned the smile.
The moment their eyes met, Chen Xun could sense the curiosity in Keira Knightley's eyes.
She doesn't have Gina's outward strength, but her core is just as stable, and perhaps even more unpredictable.
Just then, an attribute orb shimmering with golden light emerged from Keira Knightley and gently floated towards Chen Xun:
[Classic elegance and expressiveness on camera +12]
Good guy!
They came up with a huge one right away!
And the quality is so high!
Chen Xun absorbed it immediately!
A completely different feeling washed over me.
It is the subtle perception of posture, angle, and light and shadow, and an increased instinctive understanding of how to naturally exude attractiveness in front of the camera.
The value of this attribute ball may be more precious to the actor than a simple physical enhancement!
And the value is as high as 12 points!
The moment of absorption.
Chen Xun felt that his posture was more upright and relaxed, and he was more composed when facing the camera and Keira's gaze. Keira Knightley seemed to have vaguely noticed the changes in Chen Xun, and her curiosity intensified!
Her favorability rating quietly rose from an initial 45 to 55.
During the subsequent group interview with the media, questions came one after another, with the focus naturally on Chen Xun and the two actresses.
"Was there any pressure working with an actress of Keira Knightley's caliber for the first time?"
Chen Xun replied, "Pressure is motivation. Kayla is a respectable and outstanding actress. I believe our collaboration will spark interesting moments and bring a real and moving power to the relationship between Lindsay and Chen Xun."
A proper response demonstrates both respect and confidence.
When asked about Gina Carano, Chen Xun adopted a different tone: "Acting opposite Gina, I have to be mentally prepared to take a beating. But Instructor Sera's strictness is key to the character's growth, and I'm really looking forward to it!"
The humorous response drew laughter and cleverly defused the sensitive issue of gender conflict.
Gina, who was standing nearby, laughed when she heard Chen Xun's straightforward answer and made a gesture that said, "I will train you well."
The entire launch ceremony concluded in a warm and orderly atmosphere.
At the subsequent reception, the main creators and actors had a more relaxed opportunity to communicate.
Chen Xun weaved through the crowd, talking with director Martin, producers, Warner executives, and other important actors and crew members.
Attribute orbs are falling one by one:
[Lens Composition Sensitivity +5]
[Imagination and visualization skills +6]
[Crisis Communication Skills +4]
Different people drop different attribute orbs!
Although the individual values are not high, there are many different types, and they add up to a lot!
Chen Xun gained a more nuanced understanding of all aspects of film production, and his overall experience steadily increased.
The next morning, before Chen Xun had even woken up, Robert called!
"Bro! Did you secretly bribe the media yesterday?"
Chen Xun was stumped by Robert's abrupt question!
What money?
Where would I get money?
-
Before Chen Xun could answer, Robert continued, his voice filled with excitement: "No way! You can't buy this effect with money! It's explosive! Absolutely explosive!"
"What exploded?"
Chen Xun's head was still spinning.
Could it be that Motherland's Dongfeng Express has arrived in America?
Then my trip to America was for nothing.
"Popularity! Discussion volume! All data related to you is exploding!"
Chen Xun breathed a sigh of relief.
He thought Motherland had arrived!
Rob spoke rapidly: "Warner's PR department just gave me the data; the online discussion surrounding yesterday's launch ceremony was forty percent higher than their initial peak estimate!"
Three of the top five trending topics on Twitter were occupied by them:
#GreenLanternRise#
#Chen Xun#
#Keira Knightley Green Lantern#
"The video of you walking out on Instagram has been edited countless times, and the total number of views is almost 100 million!"
Chen Xun then realized what was happening!
It seems that Robert was referring to the opening ceremony.
He hadn't expected the effect to be so exaggerated.
"It can't be that serious, it's just turning on the computer."
"What do you mean, 'just the beginning'!"
Rob, exasperated, exclaimed, "This is a crucial step in the DC reboot! It's your first time appearing in the absolute center position, Chen Xun!"
Rob, your summary is so spot on! You should definitely take the civil service exam!
"You've been in the spotlight lately with your appearance on 'The Ellen Show' and the controversy surrounding your academic credentials!"
"With Keira Knightley joining the ranks of superhero films for the first time, coupled with Gina Carano's tough-guy image, this lineup alone is enough to generate buzz!"
Before Chen Xun could react, Rob continued with the good news: "The people in Warner's marketing department are grinning from ear to ear, saying they saved at least several million in advertising costs!"
"Greg Silverman just emailed me, and he couldn't hide his satisfaction. Your performance exceeded everyone's expectations!"
That's good news!
In Hollywood, especially in big-budget productions like this, the public image and appeal of the lead actors are a real bargaining chip.
A high initial buzz means that audience expectations have been raised, and it also means that he will be more important to the producers!
really!
In the afternoon, Chen Xun received an email from director Matt Campbell.
I invited him to Warner Bros.' post-production center tomorrow to look at the initial concept designs and storyboard previews, and to discuss the protagonist's state adjustments in several key scenes.
Typically, lead actors don't necessarily participate so deeply in these core creative meetings, especially experienced directors like Martin.
This undoubtedly demonstrates Martin's high regard for Chen Xun and his recognition that he is not only an actor, but also one of the co-creators of the Green Lantern concept.
The next day, Chen Xun arrived at Warner's post-production center on time.
This was the first core creative meeting after the opening ceremony.
Director Martin Campbell was clearly in a good mood.
He pointed to the initial concept designer's sketches of the battle suit, which were adjusted based on Chen Xun's image.
The classic green light element has been incorporated with a cut that better suits the body shape of people from East Asia and some streamlined patterns.
"Chen, your image and temperament have brought a lot of new inspiration to the design team. Keep it up; we need you to bring the designs on paper to life!"
Chen Xun nodded in agreement.
He could feel the admiration in Martin Scorsese's eyes as he looked at him.
Martin's favorability rating slowly rose from 75 to 77.
"Chen, the media feedback and initial buzz on the day filming started gave us a lot of confidence, proving that we were right to go against the prevailing opinion!"
Warner Vice President Greg Silverman walked into the conference room.
He expressed his appreciation for Chen Xun as soon as he sat down.
He said this to Chen Xun, but also to the other producers at the table.
"It was Mr. Greg and Director Martin who were willing to take the risk and gave me this opportunity; the buzz was created by everyone!"
Greg smiled and said nothing more, but the satisfaction in his eyes was unmistakable.
[Greg Silver's favorability +2, current favorability: 82]
For a businessman like him, public favorability is more closely tied to the probability of a project's success.
Chen Xun's current performance is undoubtedly increasing that probability.
The most noticeable change was in Chief Operating Officer Richard Smith, who had previously been the strongest opponent.
This executive, known for his conservatism and focus on data, relaxed considerably after seeing the much higher-than-expected popularity data and the proportion of positive public opinion during the internal briefing.
When he bumped into Chen Xun in the corridor, he even stopped and nodded, saying, "Chen, good start. Keep up the good work and turn that attention into box office success!"
The tone was still not particularly friendly, but at least it lacked the scrutiny and coldness of before.
His favorability rating rose from 60 to 65.
For someone like Richard, this is already a significant change in attitude!
Chen Xun did not become complacent because of the change in the attitude of the others.
Hollywood is very realistic!
Today's popularity can elevate you to the heavens, but tomorrow's box office failure could shatter you into pieces.
The friendship of capitalists is worthless!
The current positive impression is based on the value and expectations he brings. To maintain or even enhance it, we must rely on his subsequent performance and the final box office results!