novellhall Chapter 177 He's not fighting alone! [5000]
Chapter 177 He's not fighting alone! [5000]
Chapter 177 He's not fighting alone! [5000]
The anonymous account that first broke the news has now deleted its tweets and deleted the account.
But the screenshots had already spread across the entire internet.
The second person to break the news, @毒舌影评, claimed to be the crew's translator, but Chen Xun recalled that the crew's translator was a Brazilian man in his fifties who would not be so fluent in Twitter.
It's obvious that someone deliberately leaked the information, and they had prepared more than one trick up their sleeve.
What is the purpose?
Smear him?
But so far, public opinion has been relatively positive towards him.
Although it's a bit too mythologized.
Was it just to promote the movie?
But Warner and Universal are both rushing to put out the fire, which doesn't seem like what they're doing.
As Chen Xun was thinking, his phone rang.
It was an unfamiliar number.
He hesitated for a moment, then answered the call.
"Mr. Chen?"
"I'm a reporter from The New York Times, and I'd like to conduct an interview with you about the Rio events and your background."
"I'm sorry, I'm not available for an interview right now."
Chen Xun politely declined.
"I understand, but I must tell you that we are already preparing an in-depth report on the security vetting loopholes for foreign actors in Hollywood. Your case will be highlighted."
The reporter's tone was calm, but her words carried a barb: "If you were willing to offer your perspective, the report would be more balanced."
"My lawyer will contact you."
He hung up the phone after he finished speaking.
Damn it!
Cats and dogs are all here!
Rob also ended the call, his expression becoming even more serious.
"Warner Bros. said they investigated and found that the equipment used in the initial photos was not on the crew's registration list. It was probably taken by local temporary workers or bystanders. But the fact that the photos were uploaded to the internet and quickly became a media storm means that someone must have orchestrated it."
"Can it be suppressed?"
"Disaster!"
Rob shook his head: "The hype is too high right now; suppressing it will only make people think you're guilty."
"Warner's PR department suggested that you make a short video statement explaining the situation, but without going into specific details, emphasizing that you were only trying to protect yourself and your colleagues and had no special background."
Chen Xun thought for a moment: "Okay!"
At 9 p.m., Chen Xun recorded a 30-second video using the front-facing camera of his phone in his living room.
He wasn't wearing makeup, just a simple white T-shirt, and the background was a bookshelf.
The scar on his left arm was faintly visible.
"Hello everyone, I'm Chen Xun. I'd like to briefly address the photos and discussions circulating online recently from the filming period in Rio."
He spoke calmly, looking at the camera: "The situation was indeed very dangerous at the time. My colleagues and I were all very scared. I did what anyone would do: protect myself and try my best to protect those around me. I haven't received any special military training. Those so-called tactical maneuvers were things I learned for filming and my instinctive reactions in critical moments."
After a pause, he continued, "I want to thank the Brazilian military for their timely rescue, the American Embassy for their assistance, and especially our country's embassy and consulates in Brazil for the consular protection and help they provided me at the first opportunity. It was because of the support of my motherland that I was able to get through that crisis safely."
Finally, he smiled and said, "Right now, I'm just an actor, preparing for the release of 'Fast & Furious 5.' I hope everyone will focus on the movie itself, rather than those exaggerated rumors. Thank you!"
The video garnered over a million views within ten minutes of being posted.
The comments section began to divide: "See, he himself admitted that he hadn't received any training."
"But can instinctive reactions reach that level of professionalism?"
"Maybe they're just naturally gifted?"
"So, this is the end of it?"
But the doubts have not completely disappeared.
Some even dug up old news about Chen Xun designing action scenes on the set of "Thor": "An actor who can design his own action scenes, are you saying he hasn't received any training?"
Public opinion is like a pot of boiling water; the lid can no longer hold it up.
However, at this time, the production team also began to exert its efforts.
The first one to step forward was Coach Jack.
Before filming began for "Fast & Furious 5", he was a former Navy SEAL who was invited by the production team to train Chen Xun in combat and tactical maneuvers.
Jack posted a video directly on Twitter, the background of which appeared to be a training room converted from his own garage.
"I am Jack Bradley, a former member of the Navy Special Forces, and now a tactical consultant and personal trainer."
He spoke to the camera in a firm tone: "The Fast and Furious 5 crew contacted me and asked me to do physical and basic tactical training for an actor named Chen Xun before he joined the crew. I've been in this business for twenty years and have trained police officers, bodyguards, actors, all kinds of people."
In the video, Jack pulled up some training records.
"This is Chen Xun's condition on the first day."
In the scene, Chen Xun is practicing basic gun-holding postures. His movements are clumsy, and Jack even has to remind him where the safety is: "He doesn't even know how to hold a gun correctly, let alone any tactical maneuvers."
Next is the comparison after training.
At this moment, Chen Xun seemed to have transformed into a professional special forces soldier, displaying great skill in various tactical maneuvers.
Jack returned to the camera: "I have never seen such a talented actor. Chen Xun's learning talent ranks first among all the people I have ever met!"
"I guarantee that Chen Xun was completely unfamiliar with all kinds of tactical maneuvers before receiving my training. He achieved all of this thanks to his terrifying learning ability. With this ability, he would have succeeded even if he didn't become an actor!"
At the end of the video, Jack didn't forget to give himself a slap on the back: "As a special forces member and coach for many years, my professional ability is beyond doubt. Even an excellent actor like Chen Xun needs me as his coach!"
This video went viral instantly.
The main reason is that Jack's identity is very convincing!
Former SEAL team member and professional trainer.
The training comparisons he presented were also very intuitive.
Chen Xun did indeed start learning from scratch.
The comments section started to shift: "If a former SEAL said that, it must be true."
"The movements in those photos are indeed more skillful than in the training videos, but perhaps they really came out in a critical moment?"
"Humans can indeed unleash extraordinary potential in dire situations, and there is scientific evidence to support this."
"So Chen Xun's success is just a combination of talent and luck?"
More and more celebrities are starting to support Chen Xun.
Jackie Chan shared Jack's video and wrote in English: "Chen Xun and I are very good friends. He is a serious and hardworking actor. It's already not easy for Chinese actors in Hollywood, and now they have to be questioned like this?"
"Please be more kind and less speculative. An actor is an actor and shouldn't be labeled with other tags."
The accompanying picture is a photo of him and Chen Xun.
Jackie Chan's prestige in Hollywood needs no further explanation.
His statement prompted many industry peers to follow suit.
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Christine also stood up for her boyfriend.
She has witnessed Chen Xun's journey from when he was an extra to where he is today.
"When I met Chen Xun, he was a newcomer who couldn't even speak fluent English, but his focus and seriousness on acting impressed me. We were a couple, but that didn't affect my opinion of Chen Xun. He is truly a good actor and shouldn't be questioned because of his nationality."
Dakota's tweet was even more direct: "I've worked with Chen Xun and spent time with him privately. He's a sincere person and a professional actor. Those conspiracy theories can stop; they're really boring."
Jennifer didn't tweet directly, but instead said in a phone interview with Variety: "I witnessed Chen Xun's professionalism firsthand on the set of The Hunger Games. As for the Rio incident—if protecting a colleague is considered questionable, then the standards in this industry are too distorted."
The most surprising one was Chris.
Thor posted a selfie video on Instagram, with the background being the set of "Thor: The Dark World".
"Hey, this is Chris, and I want to talk about Chen Xun."
He scratched his head: "When filming 'Thor,' Chen Xun played Fandral. There was an action scene where he designed several moves that even the action director hadn't thought of. The effect was great, and the director thought he was a genius at the time."
"Chen Xun's talent in action is absolutely top-notch!"
Chris flashed his signature smile at the camera: "When I found out about Rio, my first reaction wasn't shock, but rather that Chen Xun should have done it!"
"Chen Xun is a sincere person and a very good friend of mine! I hope everyone can be more kind!"
The wave after wave of support completely silenced the dissenting voices.
Chen Xun sat at home, scrolling through his phone.
It's impossible not to be moved when you see your friends standing up for you one by one.
What kind of environment is the entertainment industry?
Even though Chen Xun was an outsider in his previous life, he was aware of the various ways in which profit was paramount.
Not to mention that he has been in Hollywood, a world where capital reigns supreme, for so long in this life.
So many people are willing to speak up for him even in the midst of controversy, and they are all influential figures in the industry.
This is very rare!
However, he now owes so many favors that he can't even count them on two hands.
Rob was on the phone next to him, one call after another, all confirming whether they had really received authorization to release those training videos, or discussing how to continue their response.
"Jack is fine; the contract does contain a clause allowing the use of training materials for promotional purposes within reasonable limits."
"Jackie Chan's team has also confirmed that they posted it proactively."
Chris's agent said that's just his personality; he says whatever comes to mind.
After hanging up the phone, Rob breathed a sigh of relief: "Now public opinion is starting to turn around."
"But now, the people who support you are also interacting with their respective fan groups, you see."
Robert handed the tablet to Chen Xun.
On Twitter, Chris's fans and Jennifer's fans got into an argument over "who knows Chen Xun better".
Chris Hemsworth's fans said, "Thor collaborated with Chen Xun even earlier, and entrusted him with Thor's hammer. That's a lot of trust!"
Jennifer Lawrence's fans countered: "Jennifer Lawrence and Chen Xun have worked together longer, even filming together in Hawaii, so they're clearly closer!"
Jackie Chan's fans chimed in: "The Jackie Chan Stunt Team says that, based on seniority and experience, Jackie Chan has the most right to speak."
The scene was very chaotic at one time.
Chen Xun was both amused and exasperated.
What is all this about?
Chen Xun discovered that netizens are truly the cutest people in the world!
My phone vibrated; it was a message from director Justin Lin: "See the people who support you? This is the reputation you've built on set. I've added scenes of you and Tang Laoda fighting side-by-side in the sixth script. We're waiting for you to film it."
Next up is Vin Diesel: "Hey bro, need me to post something? I've got it all edited, ready to post anytime."
Chen Xun quickly replied, "No need, you've already helped me a lot. Let's talk about it during the movie promotion."
Fan responded with a fist emoji.
Then it was Gale: "I'm filming in Israel and just saw the news. Should I speak out? It might not make much difference, but I'm willing to."
Chen Xun felt a warmth in his heart: "Thank you, but not for now. Take care of yourself."
Rob came over and handed him a glass of water: "How are you feeling now?"
"It's like riding a roller coaster!"
Chen Xun took the water: "One second I was at the bottom, worried that my career was over, and the next second I was being supported by so many people, and I was afraid that if I fell, I would drag them down with me."
"This is Hollywood!"
Rob patted him on the shoulder: "If you help someone today, they'll help you tomorrow. Of course, you might help someone today and they might stab you in the back tomorrow, but at least this time, you've encountered the former."
Chen Xun laughed: "It sounds like gambling."
"That's exactly right!"
"But you have a good hand in this bet."
The two remained silent.
Rob suddenly spoke up: "Next time something like this happens, can you please ensure your own safety first? You are now worth tens of millions of dollars, and I have to be responsible for your investors."
"Investors?"
"Me!"
Rob retorted confidently, "I've invested my time, energy, and even my hair. Look at my hairline; at least half of it was scared away by you."
Chen Xun laughed loudly.
As I laughed, my eyes started to well up with tears.
He turned around, his back to Robert, and pretended to look at the scenery outside the window.
"Thanks, Bro," he said softly.
"You're welcome."
Rob's voice came from behind: "Remember to give me a bigger share of the profits next time you renew your contract."
That night, Chen Xun couldn't sleep.
He turned on his computer and logged into Weibo.
The trending topic in China has become #HalfofHollywoodSupportsChenXun#.
Clicking on it, the first video is a fan-made edited video:
The clips of Jack, Jackie Chan, Kristen Stewart, Dakota Johnson, Jennifer Lawrence, and Chris Evans supporting him were edited together, accompanied by emotional music and the caption: "He is not fighting alone!"
The comments section was filled with emotion: "Brother Xun is so popular!"
"I cried when I saw Jackie Chan speak out. It's a great example of a senior Chinese mentoring a younger generation."
"Thor still has a sense of loyalty!"
"This shows that Chen Xun truly established himself in Hollywood based on his talent and character."
"The haters can shut up now."
As Chen Xun read these comments, the weight that had been pressing on his heart finally eased a little.
The time quickly came to the global premiere of "Fast & Furious 5".
To pay homage to the film's location and emphasize the authenticity of Rio, the global premiere was held in Rio.
As the plane landed at Rio de Janeiro International Airport, Chen Xun saw five black armored SUVs parked outside the window.
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Along with at least twenty fully armed military and police personnel.
This premiere was clearly on a different scale.
Aside from the attack, everyone was very concerned about security issues last time.
But for the sake of box office revenue, these actors still have to follow the arrangements of the capital and attend the premiere.
"This is quite a spectacle—"
Robert, sitting next to him, swallowed hard. "It's even more extravagant than a presidential visit."
"After all, such a big thing happened last time."
"If there are any more problems this time, Rio's tourism image will be truly ruined."
The hatch opened, and a wave of heat mixed with the smell of the sea rushed in.
As soon as Chen Xun stepped onto the gangway, at least thirty reporters and more than a dozen cameras surged up from below, and security personnel had to form a human wall to barely hold them back.
"Mr. Chen! What are your feelings about returning to Rio?"
Are you worried about another terrorist attack?
"There are reports that police recently conducted a large-scale operation in a northern slum, resulting in over sixty deaths. Do you feel safe here?"
"Is the scar on your arm from last time?"
Problems came at us like bullets.
Chen Xun stopped and took off his sunglasses.
"I'm very happy to be back for the world premiere of this film, which is the culmination of the entire team's hard work."
He paused, then looked at the reporter who had asked about security: "As for security—I believe the Brazilian government and the organizers of this event have made thorough preparations. I saw the military and police officers; they looked very professional."
That was a perfectly watertight statement.
They neither evaded the issue nor avoided it, and instead shifted the blame to the authorities.
The reporters were still making noise, but Chen Xun was already walking towards the convoy under the escort of security personnel.
Vin Diesel and Paul, among others, also struggled to break free from the encirclement of reporters.
As the convoy drove out of the airport, police officers were stationed every hundred meters along the way, and all major intersections were blocked off.
Chen Xun noticed that some shops along the roadside were closed, and there was graffiti on the walls.
Some protest signs with illegible handwriting.
The premiere was held at Copacabana Beach.
The red carpet was laid directly on the beach, with the waves just a hundred meters away.
The backdrop is Rio's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, gleaming golden in the sunset.
This location is absolutely brilliant!
The photos are so good they could make headlines in entertainment news worldwide.
When Chen arrived, the scene was already in chaos.
Ten modified Dodge Chargers lined up on the road beside the beach, engines roaring and exhaust pipes on fire.
Seventy-five bikini-clad dancers swayed to the rhythm of samba, their stunning figures leaving photographers unsure where to point their lenses.
More than 50,000 movie fans were kept outside the police cordon, and shouts of protesters came one after another like waves.
Chen Xun saw people holding signs that read "We love Fast & Furious 5", people cosplaying as him in the movie, and even people holding signs that read "Chen Xun, Rio Hero".
This person is probably someone who read those online revelations.
"Chen! This way!"
Vin Diesel stood at the start of the red carpet, his bald head shining like a light bulb.
He was wearing a tight black T-shirt, his muscles clearly defined, and Paul was standing next to him.
The two men put their arms around each other's shoulders and laughed as if they had just robbed a bank.
Chen Xun walked over and bumped shoulders with the two of them, then hugged them.
This is the crew's unique way of greeting each other, and it has become a tradition since they returned from Rio.
"How does it feel, like being back at the crime scene?"
Paul joked.
"At least this time there was military and police escort."
Chen Xun also smiled.
The red carpet event begins.
In terms of star power, Chen Xun is ranked after Fan and Paul, but before Gal Gadot and other supporting actors.
Walking on the red carpet, the flashes from the cameras were so bright they were blinding.
Chen Xun heard someone in the fan area calling his name in Chinese. He turned around and saw a group of Chinese international students holding up national flags and banners.
He walked over, signed autographs, and took a photo.
A girl wearing glasses was so excited she could barely speak: "Brother Xun—we're studying in Rio, and when we saw you were coming, we came three days in advance to reserve a spot—"
"Italy is safe!"
After signing his name, Chen Xun said seriously, "Go home early tonight, there are too many people here."
"We know! The consulate issued a safety reminder, and we received it all!"
Chen Xun's heart skipped a beat.
This is the sense of presence of one's motherland.
She's far away overseas, but she's there when you need her.