novellhall Chapter 173 The Story of the American Middle Class [5000 words] Happy New Year, everyone!
Chapter 173 The Story of the American Middle Class [5000 words] Happy New Year, everyone!
Chapter 173 The Story of the American Middle Class [5000 words] Happy New Year, everyone!
As the plane landed on the runway at Los Angeles International Airport, Chen Xun looked out the window at the familiar scenery and let out a long sigh.
Those twelve days in Rio felt like twelve years.
"Welcome home, bro!"
Vin Diesel, sitting next to him, patted him on the shoulder.
The bald boss also breathed a sigh of relief.
In the last few days in Rio, everyone slept with one eye open.
As soon as the hatch opened, the first person Chen Xun saw was Robert.
His agent stood at the exit of the jet bridge, wearing a wrinkled suit with bags under his eyes that almost reached his chin, clearly having flown in overnight and waited at the airport for several hours.
Upon seeing Chen Xun emerge, Robert rushed up and gave him a bear hug, so strong it nearly choked Chen Xun to death.
"God! You're still alive!"
Robert released his grip and looked him up and down: "You're not missing any limbs, are you? Do you have a concussion? Post-traumatic stress disorder?"
I'm telling you, I've contacted the best psychologist on the entire West Coast —
"I'm really fine, just a little tired."
Chen Xun was both amused and exasperated.
"Tired? You almost died in the slums! I nearly had a heart attack when I heard the news!"
Rob's voice trembled: "That damn contract from the company, I have to go back and deal with it myself. If I go to Rio with them—"
He didn't finish his sentence, but Chen Xun understood.
Robert is a very cautious person and pays great attention to detail.
Although Chen Xun always felt that Robert was like a male mother, when it came to being meticulous, he had never seen anyone who could compare to Robert.
If Robert had been there, he might have noticed the security breach much sooner.
Chen Xun patted him on the shoulder: "It's all in the past!"
Rob pulled out his phone and scrolled through a bunch of emails: "So many companies are asking you if you want to take on new projects, and the fees they're offering are all incredibly high."
"People magazine wants to do an exclusive interview with you, and The New York Times wants to write a feature article about you!"
Chen Xun took the phone and glanced at it.
It was filled with emails.
"Take a break, I need to catch my breath." He handed the phone back.
"You should rest first!"
Rob put away his phone: "There's something you need to know. Universal Pictures donated $500,000 to the Rossini community to build schools and a water system!"
Chen Xun raised an eyebrow.
Half a million dollars isn't a lot for a major Hollywood studio, but it's enough to buy a good reputation locally.
Political correctness is the same everywhere.
"Where is director Justin Lin?"
"He's very smart!"
Rob was somewhat impressed: "Director Lin offered to edit some behind-the-scenes footage from the filming into a short film and give it to the Rio Tourism Bureau for free. They were overjoyed; it was more useful than half a million dollars."
The two walked out while talking.
There were already many reporters waiting in the airport hall. As soon as Chen Xun came out, the flashes went off everywhere.
"Mr. Chen! Could you tell me how you felt about being attacked?"
Will you sue the Brazilian government?
"There are rumors that you killed several gunmen in the firefight, is that true?"
The questions were getting more and more pointed.
Robert stepped in front, skillfully deflecting the question: "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Chen needs to rest right now. We will arrange a formal press conference later."
After finally getting into the van, Chen Xun slumped in the back seat and closed his eyes.
Finally home!
For the next week, Chen Xun didn't go anywhere and stayed in his house in Beverly Hills.
Christine stayed with him for three days before he persuaded her to return to the film set.
She's still filming her new movie, so she can't keep putting it off.
-
Dakota called from New York via video call to confirm that he hadn't become mentally ill, and then hung up.
Jennifer also bought a house in Beverly Hills, but she's currently on set, so we'll have to wait until Chen Xun joins the crew before we can find her!
Chen Xun turned on his computer.
My social media accounts have been overwhelmed.
My Weibo followers have increased by two million, and my latest post, "Peace and safety, thank you everyone," has over 800,000 comments.
He scrolled through the messages one by one: "I'm just glad my brother is safe [heart emoji]".
Chinese netizens collectively breathed a sigh of relief.
"I heard the embassy got involved? Our motherland is awesome!"
"Don't take on such dangerous roles next time, we're scared."
Is your rural photography project still ongoing? Looking forward to your updates.
Chen Xun paused for a moment when he saw the last message.
He almost forgot about that.
He opened the project manager's email.
The latest email was sent three days ago.
The process went smoothly, and the volunteers even sent him photos of the movie screening in the village.
There are dozens of them in total.
Looking at the children's excited faces in the photos of watching the movie, Chen Xun felt that his plan had really been the right one!
Movies can broaden their horizons and help them understand the vastness of the outside world.
Perhaps many talented individuals who can be useful to the country can grow from this group of children.
At least they won't end up stuck in a small mountain village, living a mediocre life.
The offspring of cattle and horses should not remain cattle and horses!
Chen Xun looked through the photos one by one, then created a new album on Weibo and uploaded nine of the most touching pictures.
The caption read: "Thank you everyone for your concern. I'm doing well. Thank you also to the volunteers who screened movies in the countryside. You showed me the children's most genuine smiles. The Rural Film Screening Project will continue. When I come back, we'll do more together."
Within ten minutes of being posted, it was forwarded over 10,000 times.
"Tears welling up, Brother Xun still remembers this project."
"The photos have such a wonderful feel to them."
"Chen Xun, you are the most profound actor in the Chinese entertainment industry, without a doubt."
Chen Xun looked at the comments, smiled, and then switched to Twitter.
The top-rated comment was: "So you actually shot and killed a few people?"
Someone replied below: "Upstairs, Chen Xun is an actor, not a killer!"
Someone also posted the widely circulated "Hollywood Danger Factor Ranking".
Chen Xun's name was highlighted in red at the top of the list, with the note: "Filmed on location in the slums, comes with a gunfight DLC."
Chen Xun thought for a moment, then forwarded the post with the caption: "Next time, let's use a green screen. Special effects are cheaper and safer."
Self-deprecation is always the best public relations technique.
While scrolling through his private messages, he saw several that were different.
An account claiming to be a family member of a survivor of the Rio incident posted a long message in Portuguese, which, when machine-translated, roughly translates to: "Thank you for not abandoning the locals that day. My sister is a cleaner on the film set, and she said that when you escaped, you took several terrified staff members with you. God bless you."
Chen Xun doesn't remember bringing any locals with him; it must have been done by other crew members.
Three days later, in the afternoon, Chen Xun asked Robert to arrange a small online press conference.
Rob carefully selected five media outlets: Xinhua News Agency, Associated Press, The Hollywood Reporter, Brazil's Globo, and a Chinese-language self-media focused on the film and television industry.
The press conference began, and the first four questions were as expected:
His injury recovery status, whether he will continue filming the "Fast & Furious" series, his impressions of Brazil, and his future work plans.
Chen Xun's answer was perfectly flawless.
The injuries are minor. I respect the production team's arrangements. Rio is a beautiful city, but it needs more security. I'm currently reviewing a new script, but it will take time.
The last question came from a Xinhua News Agency reporter: "Mr. Chen Xun, we noticed that you specifically thanked netizens in China for their concern on social media. Did any of China's overseas missions provide assistance during this incident? What would you like to say to your motherland?"
In front of the camera, Chen Xun sat up a little straighter.
"Yes!"
He became serious: "After the incident, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Brazil contacted the film crew immediately and provided me with comprehensive consular protection and assistance. They ensured my safety, assisted in handling related matters, and have been in constant communication with me."
He paused for a moment, then continued, "Many people may not know that just recently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' consular app launched an overseas citizen registration function. Some of my Chinese friends in the United States have already registered. Through this, embassies and consulates can provide us with security information and assistance more effectively."
He looked at the camera, as if he could see those figures working hard overseas through the lens: "What I want to say is that no matter where we are in the world, we have a powerful motherland behind us. She may not always be by your side, but when you need her, she will always be your strongest support. This sense of security is priceless."
"So I want to solemnly say thank you to our motherland, and I also ask all our compatriots overseas to remember to protect yourselves and remember that you have a home to rely on."
After the press conference, Robert gave a thumbs up.
Chen Xun remained silent.
He walked to the window and looked at the Los Angeles night view outside.
Among the myriad lights were those of Chinese homes.
He recalled Harper's words on their last night in Rio: "Do you know why those gunmen didn't launch another attack? Besides the pressure from the military, it was also because they received word that the Chinese government had officially intervened. In Brazil, nobody wants to offend both the United States and China at the same time."
The word "motherland" doesn't usually seem so important.
It's not until you're in a foreign land, and a bullet whizzes past your ear, that you understand what those two words mean.
My phone vibrated.
It was a text message from the Consulate General of China in Los Angeles: "Mr. Chen Xun, we have learned that you have returned to the United States safely. Please feel free to contact us if you need anything."
Chen Xun hadn't rested for more than a few days when Robert came to find him.
"The producers of '2 Broke Girls' have sent you an offer for a second season. They hope you can call them back when you have time."
Chen Xun raised an eyebrow and took the phone.
The producer's voice came from the other end: "Chen! My dear Chen! I heard you came back alive from Rio? God bless! So we need to talk about season two."
"You have to come back! Do you know how popular Han is right now? Twitter is full of your memes!"
Chen Xun smiled.
Of course he knew.
Since the first season aired, Han Lee, an Asian restaurant owner who was originally just a background character, has unexpectedly become one of the audience's favorite characters because of his addition of feng shui jokes and coin tricks.
In particular, many interesting scenes from the show have been turned into memes.
Now there are GIFs of him rolling his eyes in the show all over the internet.
"I am honored."
Chen Xun didn't refuse; Han Li was a great role, but he was simply too busy: "My schedule is packed right now. 'Fast & Furious 5' is about to start its global promotional tour, and the reshoots for 'The Hunger Games' are scheduled for next month—"
Michael interrupted him: "Two hundred thousand per episode, Chen. We're willing to accommodate your schedule. You can sign a contract for only a portion of the episodes, and we'll film the episodes where you appear!"
Chen Xun was stunned.
Two hundred thousand per episode!
That's top-tier pay for a sitcom!
Keep in mind that the main cast of "The Big Bang Theory" didn't reach this number until the eighth season.
What's even more outrageous is the extent to which their schedules are coordinated; in Hollywood, only someone of Tom Cruise's caliber receives this level of treatment.
Hearing Chen Xun's silence on the other end of the phone, the producer continued, his tone even carrying a hint of pleading, "Do you know how much the ratings increased in the last three episodes of the first season? 23%! Just because you had a bit more screen time in those episodes, the TV station has already said that without you, the budget for the second season will be cut by a third!"
After hanging up the phone, Rob listened with wide eyes.
"Two hundred thousand per episode!"
Robert muttered to himself.
Chen Xun returned the phone to him and leaned back on the sofa.
Rob excitedly swiped his tablet: "If they're willing to go to this lengths to accommodate my schedule, it means I can take on '2 Broke Girls,' 'Fast Five,' 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' all at the same time, and maybe even squeeze in another new film!"
"God, a year ago you were just an extra who was happy for half a day over a five thousand dollar paycheck, and now—"
He hadn't finished speaking.
Chen Xun understood what Robert meant.
Rob has witnessed his journey from being an extra to where he is now.
"Should I answer it?" Robert asked.
Chen Xun turned around: "I'll accept! But I'll only sign a six-episode contract, with intensive filming, and it'll be done within two weeks."
"And I have one condition!"
Chen Xun continued, "This season we'll add Han Li's storyline, such as why he came to America, and why he's so obsessed with feng shui?"
"The audience likes this character not only because he's funny, but also because he's real. We want to make that realism even more complete."
Rob gave a thumbs up: "Professional, I'll go talk to them right away!"
Chen Xun is now fully entitled to make this request, and the production company and television station will seriously consider his suggestion.
Brooklyn, film studio.
When Chen Xun's car drove into the film set, he almost thought he had gone to the wrong place.
There were at least three hundred people outside the studio, holding signs, posters and cell phones. When they saw him get out of the car, screams erupted instantly.
"CHEN! CHEN! CHEN!"
"Han Leellove you!"
"Could I get your autograph? I'm from New Jersey!"
"Coin trick! Do the coin trick again!"
Security guards joined hands to form a human wall, struggling to maintain order.
Chen Xun signed his name as he moved inside, taking a full fifteen minutes to finally enter the photography studio.
Inside the studio, Kate and Beth were rehearsing their lines when they heard the noise outside and both looked up at the same time.
Wow!
Kate put down her script: "Look who's here!"
Kate knew about Chen Xun's ordeal in Rio, but she only made a phone call and didn't cause any trouble.
That's where this woman's intelligence lies.
Chen Xun walked over and hugged her: "Stop fooling around, why does this place look like a concert today?"
"Because of you!"
Kate rolled her eyes, a smile playing on her lips. She was delighted to see Chen Xun: "Do you know how early those people lined up outside?"
"Five o'clock in the morning!"
"Just to see you!"
"Beth and I came in through the back door and didn't see a single fan. They were all crowding around the front door waiting for you."
Beth interjected, "And I heard that tickets for today's recording are already selling for $500 each on eBay! $500! Just to see you record your sitcom!"
Chen Xun was a little confused.
I never expected the fans to be this crazy!
The producer jogged over and put his arm around his shoulder: "See that? That's your influence!"
"You're now the key to viewership, a guarantee of high ratings!"
Before filming began, the director called Chen Xun aside and briefly explained the scenes for the day.
The script has been revised according to Chen Xun's previous requirements, and the process was very fast.
Filming has officially begun!
When Chen Xun walked into the set in that familiar outfit, the audience erupted in applause and cheers that lasted for a full minute.
He had to stop and bow in all directions.
Kate muttered under her breath, "Dude, are you here to film a comedy or to win an Oscar?"
"I didn't expect that either."
Chen Xun spoke the truth.
The filming went very smoothly.
Chen Xun discovered that although he hadn't played Han for almost a year, the character was like an old piece of clothing he was used to wearing, and he could just get used to it.
Those little tricks naturally disappeared.
He clearly felt that after his acting skills improved, even his comedic performances became more sophisticated.
While rolling his eyes might have been an exaggerated expression before, now he can convey a complex mix of emotions—helplessness, annoyance, and a touch of indulgence—through subtle changes in his gaze.
When filming Han's monologue scene, the entire set fell silent.
This scene depicts Han sitting alone in an empty restaurant after closing time, talking to a coin.
That was left to him by his father, who said it would bring him good luck.
"When I came to the United States, I only brought three things with me."
Chen Xun looked at the coin and said softly, "This shirt, this coin, and a dream. Now the shirt is old, the coin is still there, but the dream has turned to mush, and this restaurant is gone."
"Ling sometimes wonders, if I had stayed in Kao Nei back then, what would I be like now? Maybe I'd own my own shop? Maybe I'd be married?"
"Then I start to wonder, was it a mistake to choose to come here?"
"I swear here, if you fail even once, you're finished. You'll fall straight to the bottom and never have a chance to recover."
He paused, twirling the coin in his hand.
"So this restaurant isn't just a restaurant, it's my life!"
This scene was originally in the script and was added by Chen Xun on the spot.
The director didn't yell "cut".
A few sobs could be heard from the audience.
The stories of the American middle class all happen to everyone, and Ling could be next.
After filming, Kate came over and patted him on the shoulder: "Dude, that was so real, I almost cried."
"Sorry, I stole the show."
Chen Xun was joking.
"Good job! That's called a performance."
Beth opened her mouth.
The day's filming ended early because the results exceeded expectations.
When Chen Xun changed back into his own clothes, Michael came looking for him again.
"Chen, we'd like to formally discuss a long-term collaboration with you."
Xing Zuoren put it bluntly: "We know you're a movie star now, and romantic comedies are too small for you, but we hope you'll stay in '2 Broke Girls' forever."
"Even if you only appear in a few episodes each season, we'll write your character as a restaurant owner who frequently travels for work. You can appear if you want, and if you don't want to appear, we'll say you're going back to handle things."
Chen Xun looked at him: "Why are you picking them like that?"
"Because you're already bound to this character!"
Michael said earnestly, "Now, when audiences mention '2 Broke Girls,' the first thing that comes to mind isn't Max's spiky tongue or Caroline's blonde hair, it's Han's coin toss. You're the soul of this show!"
>