novellhall Chapter 258 The Godfather [5000 words]
Chapter 258 The Godfather [5000 words]
Chapter 257 The Godfather [5000 words]
Chen Xun bent down to inspect the Porsche's tires.
The left rear tire that just slipped has fresh wear marks on its tread and is noticeably hot.
The brake pads also smelled burnt.
"How long has it been since you had this car fully serviced?"
Chen asked Roger.
Roger finally came to his senses, his voice trembling: "I did it just last month."
"The brake pads need to be replaced, and the tires need to be balanced."
Chen Xun straightened up and looked at the empty road: "Moreover, this road is not suitable for driving this kind of car. The road surface is too old and there are many minor problems."
Paul walked over and patted Chen Xun on the shoulder: "Thank you!"
Chen Xun shook his head: "Of course."
Roger got out of the car too, his legs still trembling: "I—I almost got you killed."
"It's alright, as long as everyone is safe."
Paul hugged him.
Only then did the fans dare to get out of their cars and gather around, asking all sorts of questions about what had just happened.
Chen Xun simply explained it as an unexpected situation on the road, without mentioning any vehicle issues.
On the way back, Chen Xun let Paul ride in his car.
The Mercedes-AMG drove smoothly through the night.
Paul sat in the passenger seat in silence for a long time.
They were clearly still in shock.
When the car returned to the charity auto show, the event had already ended, and only a few staff members were cleaning up.
[Successful intervention in the critical incident]
Paul Walker's survival status: Confirmed safe
[Historical trajectory correction accuracy: 100%]
[Special Reward: Fate Intervener Title (Permanently increases danger perception sensitivity by 50% when dealing with critical junctures in life)]
[Trendsetting progress +10% (current total 65%)]
Chen Xun sat in the car, staring at the backs of Paul and Roger's group as they walked into the club building for a full five minutes.
It wasn't until the parking lot attendant knocked on the car window that the man said, "Sir, you can't park here for an extended period of time."
He came to his senses and started the car.
As Chen Xun drove back to the hotel, he felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
I first met Paul two years ago on the set of "Fast & Furious" and learned about the potential tragedy that might befall him. I've been on edge ever since.
Today is finally over!
Having experienced this today, he believes Paul will be extremely careful in the future.
Only those who have truly experienced death know how terrifying it is!
Back in his hotel room, Chen Xun didn't even take a shower before collapsing onto the bed.
During this period, he was under a lot of tension, and when he suddenly relaxed, he completely lost consciousness.
This was the first time he had slept so soundly in a long time.
The next morning at seven o'clock, on the set of "Furious 7".
When Chen Xun arrived on time, he noticed that something was off.
Normally at this time, everyone would be yawning and complaining about getting up early, but today everyone is gathered together, whispering about something.
The chatter stopped when he came in, and everyone turned to look at him.
"List!"
Vin Diesel was the first to walk over.
He patted him hard on the shoulder: "Paul told us everything about last night."
Michelle gave Chen Xun a hug: "My God, you two almost—"
"I'm fine, and Paul is fine too!"
Chen Xun quickly pushed him away; this guy stinks!
"I almost didn't get to see you all again!"
Director Justin Lin stood up from behind the monitor, his expression serious: "Paul called me this morning and recounted the whole incident in detail. He said that if it weren't for you, that Porsche would definitely have crashed into the guardrail. Chen, you saved his life."
A murmur of agreement arose from the surrounding crowd.
Paul walked onto the set at this time, looking much better than the night before, but with some dark circles under his eyes.
It's obvious I didn't sleep well last night.
It seems that what happened yesterday had a more serious impact on him than Chen Xun had imagined.
He walked up to Chen Xun, didn't say anything, and simply extended his hand.
The two shook hands firmly.
Thanks, bro.
""
Paul spoke earnestly.
Everyone could hear the weight in it.
The morning's filming was delayed considerably because of this incident.
During each break, someone would come over and ask about the details.
How do you discover road surface problems?
How do you determine if a vehicle is about to go out of control?
How did you come up with that side-clamping move?
Chen Xun explained again and again until his mouth was dry.
The crew of this film set paid special attention to racing.
At lunchtime, Vin Diesel sat down with his tray.
"Chen, I have an idea."
"Paul's daughter Meadow, she's five years old, right?"
"You saved her father."
Vin Diesel looked at Chen Xun: "In our line of work, there has to be an explanation."
Chen Xun didn't quite understand: "What do you mean?"
"godfather!"
As soon as that word was uttered, the people at the nearby tables fell silent.
In Western culture, the godfather is more than just a title.
In Christian tradition, the godfather is the male guardian of an infant at baptism and is responsible for religious education.
In Sicily, Italy, there's even a saying: "The world is too dangerous; a child must have two fathers."
The Godfather is the chosen, trustworthy extra protector.
"What do you think?"
Vin Diesel looked at Paul.
Paul put down his fork and thought seriously for a few seconds.
Then he smiled and said, "I think it's a good idea, Chen. Are you willing?"
Chen Xun was stunned.
He certainly knew what a godfather meant.
It's more than just a title.
This is a lifelong responsibility.
Parents should care about their children's growth, provide support when parents are unable to attend to them, and even be responsible for their children's religious education in some traditions.
"I----"
He didn't know how to answer for a moment.
"No need to decide immediately."
"When the movie wraps up, if you'd like, we can hold a formal ceremony, have Medo come over, and have the media there too. We need to let everyone know who my daughter's godfather is."
That's a very eloquent way of putting it.
This gave Chen Xun time to consider, while also highlighting the importance of the matter.
This shows that he had given it serious consideration and it wasn't just a spur-of-the-moment decision.
If Chen Xun becomes the godfather of Paul Walker's daughter, it means that his status in Hollywood will be more than just that of a very capable Asian actor.
He will truly integrate into the core family network of this circle.
"I agree!"
Chen Xun didn't think about it for too long.
He adores Paul's daughter and is willing to be a guide as she grows up.
Paul smiled and hugged him tightly: "I'll bring her here on the day filming wraps up; she'll be so happy!"
"During this time at home, she kept thinking about her Uncle Chen."
Three weeks later, filming for "Furious 7" officially wrapped up.
When the last scene was filmed, the set did not erupt in cheers as usual.
Director Justin Lin stood up, paused for a few seconds, and then said, "This film is very special to all of us, especially to Paul."
He looked at Paul: "You're still here, and you can finish it with us. That's the greatest fortune."
The applause lasted for a long time.
The wrap party was held in an open space next to the film set, with a temporary tent set up and a buffet with drinks.
But today's main focus isn't the food, but rather a small ceremony that's about to take place.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, Paul's wife Rebecca arrived with their daughter Meadow.
The little girl wore a white dress today, and her hair was tied into two little braids. She looked especially cute.
She ran into Paul's arms as soon as she arrived, crying, "Daddy!"
"Hey, baby."
Paul picked her up and carried her to the center of the field.
The media were already waiting nearby.
Universal Pictures specially arranged for several mainstream entertainment media outlets to document this moment.
The camera was set up, and the flash started going off.
Paul held Meadow in his arms, facing the crowd.
"Today is the day our movie wraps up filming, but for me, there is something else that is even more important."
"A few weeks ago, I experienced an accident that almost changed everything. It was my friend Chen Xun who, with his calmness and professionalism, prevented a tragedy."
He looked at Chen Xun and beckoned him over.
Chen Xun walked over and stood next to Paul.
"So today, I want to do something formally."
Paul put Meadow down and squatted down beside her: "Meadow, this is Uncle Chen, do you remember him?"
"Remember!"
Meadow nodded: "Uncle Chen will drive us to Disneyland!"
"Now, Dad wants to ask you, would you like Uncle Chen to be your godfather?"
"This means he will love you and protect you like a father, and always be there for you when you need him."
Meiduo blinked her big eyes and looked at Chen Xun: "What's a godfather?"
Chen Xun squatted down and looked her in the eye: "It just means there's one more person who loves you."
The little girl thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "Yes!"
Paul stood up and faced Chen Xun: "Chen, would you be willing to become the godfather of my daughter, Meiduo?"
"We promise to provide care, guidance, and protection as she grows up!"
"I do."
Chen Xun spoke very seriously.
Then came a simple ceremony.
There is no religious baptism.
But Paul, following tradition, had Meadow place her hand in Chen Xun's hand, symbolizing a trust in him.
Chen Xun then gave Mei Duo a small gift.
A small cypress bead bracelet, the same as the one Sanjay gave him, but the size is more suitable for children.
This was blessed by Sangye.
Maintaining a calm and peaceful state of mind can change one's aura.
The media took photos like crazy.
The news appeared on major online media and physical news outlets that evening.
Paul Walker's daughter recognizes Chen Xun as her godfather in gratitude for saving her life.
From Partners to Family: Chen Xun's New Identity in Hollywood
Beyond Race and Culture: The Birth of a Hollywood "Godfather"
Social media is flooded with discussions among netizens: "My God! Chen Xun has become Paul's daughter's godfather? That's an incredible relationship!"
"The Godfather—this is no casual remark. In Western culture, he's no less than a blood brother."
"Chen Xun is truly amazing. First, Guardians of the Galaxy was a huge hit, and now he's saved Paul Walker, directly entering the inner circle."
.
"For a Chinese actor to have achieved this level of success in Hollywood is simply legendary."
On some extremely conservative forums, someone posted: "What's wrong with the world that a white man recognizes an Asian man as his godfather?"
"Has Paul been brainwashed, or does Chen Xun have some kind of background?"
These comments did not last long and were quickly drowned out.
"What century are you living in upstairs? Racial discrimination, my foot!"
"The Godfather values character and ability, what does skin color have to do with it? Chen Xun saved Paul's life, isn't that enough?"
"In Italian tradition, choosing a godfather means choosing the person most capable of protecting the children. Paul's choice of Chen Xun shows that he believed Chen Xun was the one who could protect his daughter, which is the greatest respect."
"Those who are being cynical should first examine whether they themselves are qualified to have their children entrusted to them."
Film media outlets analyzed the significance of this event from an industry perspective.
The Hollywood Reporter published a lengthy article.
The Symbolic Meaning of The Godfather: How Chen Xun Broke the Invisible Ceiling in Hollywood.
"In Hollywood, relationships are often more powerful than contracts."
"The godfather relationship is the most enduring; it signifies complete trust and entrustment."
"Chen Xun becoming the godfather of Paul Walker's daughter is not just a personal decision, but also a signal to the industry that this Chinese actor has gained full acceptance from the innermost circle."
"From now on, no one will dare to question his status based on racial or cultural differences; he's one of us!"
The party lasted until late at night.
Paul held the sleeping Meadow and spoke softly to Rebecca.
Vin Diesel and Michelle are dancing.
Director Justin Lin and producer Neil Hey, discussing post-production plans.
[Major relationship completed: Becoming Meadow Walker's godfather]
[Hollywood Industry Status Rating Update: A+ → S]
[Access to core social circles: Confirmed]
[Gain permanent status: Industry Respect (Initial favorability +30% in all Hollywood projects)]
[Trendsetting progress +7% (current total 72%)]
[28% to the next milestone]
Paul walked over, gently placed the sleeping Meadow on the sofa next to him, and then sat down beside him.
"Tired?"
Paul asked.
"A little!"
"Me too!"
"I was so tired recently, and then there was the car accident. I'm completely exhausted now!"
Paul looked into the distance: "But I feel very at peace now, like I've been reborn!"
"You know, I used to think the world was very random, with good and bad things coming out of nowhere, but after this experience, I think there are some things that can be grasped."
He patted Chen Xun on the shoulder: "You're the kind of person I can hold onto."
1
Chen Xun remained silent.
He simply looked at the sleeping Medo.
The little girl wore the cypress beads he had given her on her wrist.
After resting at home for two days, Chen Xun accepted an invitation to stand in the corridor of the Digital Domain Special Effects Company.
This company has been involved in numerous blockbusters, from Titanic to Transformers.
The corridor walls were covered with movie posters and certificates of honor.
The air was filled with the smell of coffee.
There was also the roaring sound of computer equipment cooling.
That's how people who do special effects are; they're either working overtime or on their way to work overtime.
Chen Xun pushed open the door to Production Room No. 3.
The interior is decorated like a war room.
Eight large screens fill the entire wall.
Each screen displays a different scene from "The Ancient One".
A panoramic view of Kamar-Taj, close-ups of hand gestures, and wireframe previews of the flow of magical energy —
Six or seven special effects artists sat in front of their computers, the sound of their keyboards clicking like raindrops.
"Teacher Chen!"
Project manager David stood up to greet him.
He was a British man in his forties.
Bald, wearing thick glasses, and a crumpled Star Wars T-shirt.
A standard feature in the special effects industry.
Chen Xun felt that the programmer he had met in his previous life also dressed like this.
"You've finally arrived! We were stuck on a few shots."
Chen Xun glanced at the screen: "Which ones?"
"It's mainly a magical effect."
David pulls up a shot:
Ancient One formed a hand seal, and the Vishanti Shield unfolded.
"We made three versions!"
"Version A was the standard golden light shield, version B added some particle effects, and version C tried rune flow, but the director wasn't very satisfied."
Chen Xun pulled up a chair and sat down: "Let me see it."
The three versions were played in sequence.
Version A is a layer of transparent gold shield, like a more advanced force field shield.
Version B has added some floating light spots, which is quite dreamy.
Version C is the most complex.
There were faint Tibetan characters flowing on the shield, but the speed was too fast to make out what they were.
"None of them are correct!"
Chen Xun personally experienced the actual effects in the game, and he also consciously optimized his movements during filming to facilitate the creation of special effects in post-production.
However, the effects produced by the special effects company are currently less than satisfactory.
No wonder the director cast him as the strategist.
David and the other special effects artists looked at each other, somewhat helpless.
They've done special effects for many big productions, but this is the first time they've worked on something this difficult.
"Then—what does Teacher Chen think it should be like?"
Chen Xun closed his eyes.
The memories of the copy surfaced.
The morning Yao successfully cast the Vishanti Shield for the first time.
Sunlight streamed into the prayer hall, and a protective shield unfolded before them.
It's not like a rigid light mask made by a special effects company.
It must be something alive.
It's golden, with a slightly transparent appearance, like amber.
The edges are not smooth; they have fine textures, like the veins of a leaf.
Most importantly, the runes radiate outward from the center, with each rune creating a ripple of light as it appears.
"First of all, the color is wrong!"
Chen Xun opened his eyes and pointed at the screen: "Vishanti magic isn't pure gold; it's gold mixed with a honey color, and it has the texture of morning sunlight filtering through the mist—gentle and not glaring."
The special effects artists quickly took notes.
"Secondly, it's about the texture."
Chen Xun continued to describe his idea: "It's not a piece of plastic, nor is it glass. Imagine it as condensed light or flowing amber. It needs to have thickness and an internal structure, so that when light passes through it, subtle refractions occur."
"Finally, there are the runes."
He brought up version C and paused on one of the frames: "These Tibetan characters are correct, but the way they're presented is wrong. You've made textures, but they look too fake. These characters should grow out of the center of the shield, like plants growing, slowly spreading to the edges, and each rune should appear with a small energy pulse."
David's eyes lit up: "Growth animation! That's a great idea!"
"The key is the rhythm. It can't be a constant speed; you need to have a sense of breathing—fast, slow, and pauses."
"After the rune appears in its entirety, it should remain for a few frames to allow the audience to clearly see its shape before fading out."
He drew a diagram on the paper as he spoke.
The special effects artists gathered around to look.
Chen Xun didn't draw professional storyboards; he simply drew his ideas in a visual way.
Several curves represent the rhythm of energy flow, several circles represent the nodes where runes appear, and the next to them are labeled "fast-slow-stop-fade".
"Understood!"
A young special effects artist exclaimed excitedly, "It's like music, it has a beat!"
"right."
Chen Xun nodded: "Magic is not technology; it has a sense of life, so all special effects must have a sense of breathing."
"Vishanti magic is a steady, deep breath; dark magic is a rapid, labored gasp; and void magic is no breath at all."
David stroked his chin thoughtfully: "The effect of that void magic—"
"distortion!"
Chen Xun pulled up a preview of Karuru's Void Devouring technique: "Right now, the effect is just a cloud of purplish-black smoke, it's too ordinary."
"The void is not smoke, but a wound in space. Imagine you tear a hole in a whole piece of paper; the edges are not smooth, but jagged."
"Moreover, the inside of the opening is not pure black, but a constantly changing chaos, like the iridescence of oil flowing on the surface of water."
He paused for a moment: "The void effect needs to have a sense of being swallowed up, as if part of the space itself has been eaten away, so the surrounding scenery needs to be distorted, like looking at things through hot air."
"Like the reverse of bullet time in The Matrix?"
A special effects artist asked.
"To make it more abstract."
Chen Xun thought for a moment: "Let's actually adjust one!"
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