novellhall Chapter 40 Wen Ziren's Favorability: +5
Chapter 40 Wen Ziren's Favorability: +5
"Director, this is incredible! Congratulations!"
Chen Xun said sincerely, his heart belatedly starting to pound violently.
This means that his first film became a box office hit!
"No, Chen, it's congratulations to us!"
James Wan corrected him, his tone becoming extremely serious:
"Listen, Chen, have you seen the media reports?"
"Many comments have mentioned your performance, and the character you played has become the focus of discussion among many viewers!"
"Really? I've been on set lately, so I haven't been paying much attention..."
To be honest, Chen Xun had been picking up attribute balls like crazy these past few days.
"I knew it! You're always so patient!"
James Wan's tone carried an undisguised admiration:
"Chen, the news about you and Christine brought in a lot of traffic, and your performance capitalized on that traffic, turning it into positive reviews and box office success!"
"You made those who went to the theater because of the scandal remember your character! Do you realize how rare that is?"
James Wan's voice was full of certainty: "You didn't win all this by luck, you won it by ability!"
[James Wan's favorability rating: +5, Current favorability rating: 55 (High appreciation and gratitude)]
As Chen Xun listened to the lavish praise on the other end of the phone and watched the favorability rating soar on the virtual panel in front of him, an indescribable sense of accomplishment welled up in his heart.
This feeling of gaining high recognition from top directors in the industry through his professional skills is more satisfying than any other achievement.
"Thank you, James. This means a lot to me."
Chen Xun's tone also carried a hint of excitement.
"You deserve it!"
James Wan stated firmly, "We plan to organize several roadshows in key cities, and we need your attendance. Do you have time?"
"Of course!"
Chen Xun agreed without hesitation.
This is not only for publicity purposes, but also his responsibility and honor as an actor.
"That's great! I'll have my assistant send you the detailed schedule, Chen. Thank you again for everything you've done for our film!"
James Wan said solemnly.
After hanging up the phone, Chen Xun stood there, digesting this unexpected and wonderful news.
Thirty-five million!
It's getting rave reviews!
James Wan's high praise!
Chen Xun's phone rang again.
It's Robert!
Rob sounded unusually excited on the phone:
"Chen! You're in high demand now!"
"The audition offers I'm receiving now are three levels higher than before! There are serious supporting roles, lead roles in independent films! There's even a TV series wanting you for a regular role!"
Chen Xun can be considered an actor he discovered, and Chen Xun's success will also elevate his status in the industry.
Chen Xun listened to Robert's roar.
arrive home.
Chen Xun sensed that Christine's gaze towards him held something different.
[Kristen Stewart's favorability: +7, current favorability: 55]
It was a rare occasion for the two of them to have dinner at home that evening.
Christine suddenly spoke up: "I've watched 'Lurking'!"
Chen Xun looked up at her.
"You acted very well!"
She paused, then added, "It was much better than I expected; the loneliness felt very real."
"Thanks!"
Chen Xun accepted it calmly.
This is what he deserves.
"How does it feel to have your work discussed by so many people?"
"Feels good!"
As Chen Xun cut the steak on his plate, his standard of living had skyrocketed since he started living with Christine. If he hadn't been working out to maintain his physique, he would have gained at least ten pounds!
He stuffed the cut steak into his mouth, looked at Christine, and said with a smile:
"It feels better than making headlines for dating you!"
Upon hearing this, Christine's lips twitched slightly, as if she wanted to laugh but held it back.
"I know!"
She said softly.
Now Christine is also feeling the pressure.
After all, they weren't really a couple.
Now her boyfriend is no longer just an unknown actor who needs her support, but a promising talent with representative works and box office appeal.
The public began to examine the relationship in a new light, and some even commented that "Kristen has good taste."
The more famous Chen Xun becomes, the more attention his breakup will generate!
Originally, she planned that an unknown actress would never appear in her life.
It won't even appear in her encyclopedia entry.
Even now, Chen Xun is forever labeled as her ex-boyfriend, even after the breakup!
Looking at the [55] favorability rating above Christine's head, Chen Xun clearly felt that he had made the right move!
Without the buzz surrounding him and Kristen Stewart, it would have been difficult for him to be remembered for a supporting role in a horror film.
And now he has done it!
This is the beginning for Chen Xun!
The box office performance of "Lurking" has been very strong.
The production company and distribution company were overjoyed and immediately organized a small-scale but high-profile roadshow, visiting key cities to maintain the buzz.
As a supporting actor who left a deep impression on the audience, Chen Xun was naturally on the list of invitees.
To his surprise, Christine also expressed her desire to attend a few roadshows with him as his girlfriend and supporter.
Chen Xun looked at the stable favorability rating of [55] above her head, and he knew exactly what was going on.
This isn't support from a girlfriend at all; it's clearly because she's capitalizing on the positive buzz he's generating from the movie and wants to further solidify her normal heterosexual relationship to continuously counter those persistent rumors about her sexual orientation.
This is a duo performance where each gets what they want.
Chen Xun didn't point it out and readily agreed: "Sure, with a big star like you backing us up, the box office will probably go up even more."
Christine seemed relieved.
The first stop of the roadshow was a large movie theater in Los Angeles.
When Chen Xun and Christine appeared on stage together, the audience erupted in far more enthusiastic screams and applause than when only director James Wan and Chen Xun appeared.
The stage was almost completely flooded with flashes of light.
The process was quite standard: chatting about fun things that happened during filming, sharing understanding of the characters, and interacting with the audience.
Director James Wan was the main force in controlling the stage. Chen Xun answered questions concisely, but he always managed to hit the key to the performance, showing a level of professionalism that was inconsistent with his status as a newcomer, which made the fans in the audience nod frequently.
Q&A session with the media.
The focus was undoubtedly on Chen Xun and Christine.
"Christine, this is the first time you've publicly accompanied Chen Xun to a film event. Is it to show your support for your boyfriend's career?"
A reporter rushed to ask.
Christine picked up the microphone, a perfectly balanced smile on her face—neither overly sweet nor distant.
"Of course! I am very proud of him. 'Lurking' is an excellent film, and his performance is evident to all. I am happy to share in his moment of success."
[Kristen Stewart's favorability: +1, current favorability: 56]
Chen Xun was somewhat bewildered.
What's going on?
Is this woman conquering herself?
He couldn't figure it out!