novellhall Chapter 231 Fortune Telling [5000 words]
Chapter 231 Fortune Telling [5000 words]
Chapter 231 Fortune Telling [5000 words]
Chen Xun walked up step by step.
Octavia handed him the trophy and hugged him: "You did well, son."
The little golden statuette felt heavy and cool to the touch.
Chen Xun walked to the microphone, looking at the dark mass of people below the stage and the glaring lights.
At that moment, he seemed to see his struggles in Hollywood over the past few years.
He also thought of his past life, when he was a nobody, a beast of burden.
Who would have thought that a cow or a horse would stand on this globally watched podium at this moment?
He took a deep breath.
I felt my body gradually relax.
[Master-level Aura Control Continues to Take Effect: Tension Subsides, Breathing Becomes Steady, Voice Remains Stable]
"Wow!"
Chen Xun's voice trembled slightly: "This thing is heavier than I imagined."
The audience chuckled softly.
"First of all, I would like to thank the college. This recognition means a lot to me."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the audience: "Thank you to the entire Hunger Games team, and thank you Jennifer. You're the best partner I've ever had, even though you just tripped on the steps."
The camera focused on Jennifer, who covered her face and laughed, tears welling up in her eyes again.
"I'm grateful to my agent, Rob, who told me I could do it even when I was still playing corpses, although I thought he might be crazy at the time."
Rob was wiping away tears in the audience.
"Thank you to my fans and friends, it's your support that has brought me to where I am today!"
He switched to Chinese: "Thank you to my motherland and my fans back home. Because of you, I have become stronger!"
Applause and whistles erupted from the audience.
The clear and articulate Mandarin, amplified by the Dolby Theatre's top-of-the-line sound system, sounded exceptionally clear amidst the English-speaking audience.
There was a moment of silence in the audience, followed by applause and friendly whistles.
Many people, though unable to understand the words, could still feel the genuine emotion conveyed.
Jennifer smiled brightly from the audience and clapped enthusiastically.
[Cultural identity significantly enhanced, charisma attribute implicitly increased by +8]
[Trendsetting progress +5%]
Current overall progress: 21%
[Milestone Achieved: First Time Using Chinese to Express Gratitude on the Mainstream Oscar Stage, Setting a Precedent]
domestic.
On Weibo, the hashtag #OscarsLive# has been trending.
Although CCTV and Phoenix TV released edited versions the next day, many young fans couldn't wait and bypassed internet restrictions to access foreign websites, using various methods to send back live footage and text.
A blogger named "Did Brother Xun win an award today?" started spamming the comments section as soon as Chen Xun's nomination clip appeared: "Here it comes! It's time for Best Supporting Actor! [Screenshot]"
"Holy crap, my hands are shaking!"
"The awards have been presented! Octavia has opened the envelope!"
"Chen Xun! Brother Xun! Oscar Best Supporting Actor! [Blurred screenshot][Screaming]"
"It was him, the first Chinese person to win a performance award—historic!"
The text-based live broadcast was almost simultaneous with the on-site coverage.
When Chen Xun stepped onto the stage and began to deliver his acceptance speech in English, the comment section was flooded with "Ahhh" and tearful emojis.
Then he said he switched to Chinese.
Countless people in front of the screen were stunned.
"Thank you to my country and my fans back home. Because of you, I have become stronger!"
The blogger who posted "Did Brother Xun win an award today?" paused for ten seconds in their latest Weibo post before writing: "He spoke Chinese now, thanking his country and us on the Oscar stage. [tears][tears][tears]"
The accompanying image is a blurry screenshot from the live stream, showing Chen Xun holding the trophy, slightly raising his head, and his lips moving.
This Weibo post was instantly forwarded over 10,000 times.
The comments section exploded: "I was watching the live stream in my dorm and just burst into tears. My roommate asked me what was wrong, but I couldn't say a word [tears]"
"I watched it using a VPN, and the moment I heard Chinese, my scalp tingled. Xun Ge is awesome!"
"As a longtime fan who's been following him since he was an extra in Los Angeles, this moment was truly worth it [heart]"
"I cried, I really cried. Who can understand? Someone who's fought their way up in Hollywood, at the peak of their career, thanked us in their native language!"
"This is a two-way street! We support him, and he remembers us!"
"Nationality is never a limitation; where your heart lies is what matters. Chen Xun, you deserve it!"
More than just fans.
Many film and television industry professionals, media people, and even passersby were moved by this scene.
Even the official news Weibo account quickly followed up, posting a breaking news report: "Chinese actor Chen Xun won the 85th Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, becoming the first Chinese actor to receive this honor. In his acceptance speech, he thanked his motherland and fans in Chinese."
The accompanying image is a high-resolution photo of Chen Xun on stage.
The top trending topic: #ChenXunOscarBestSupportingActor#
A second trending topic quickly followed:
#Chen Xun's Chinese Remarks#
The external network at this time.
The live comments on the official Oscars YouTube channel and Twitter account are scrolling by at lightning speed.
Most English reviews were congratulatory: "Well deserved! Peeta's performance was superb!"
"His remarks were sincere and humble; I liked them!"
Congratulations, Chen! A young legend!
Soon, discordant voices began to emerge: "Why speak Chinese on the Oscars stage? This is an American award; can't you show some respect for the occasion?"
"While I congratulate him, it feels like he's deliberately pandering to a certain market."
"To be honest, those few sentences in Chinese took me out of the story a bit, since most viewers can't understand them."
"Isn't this political correctness going too far? Why bring up race and nationality just to win an award?"
These comments were few in number, but they stood out starkly during a moment of heightened emotion.
However, before these voices could gain traction, a counterattack came.
-
First, a group of overseas Chinese and Asian netizens commented: "What's wrong with speaking Chinese? Does the Oscars have a rule that you have to speak English? Last year's Best Director, Ang Lee, also spoke Chinese!"
"This is his mother tongue. He's using his mother tongue to thank his roots. What's wrong with that? Is he heartbroken?"
"Panning to the market? That's hilarious. He's thanking his fans and calling that pandering? Then isn't thanking your family on Thanksgiving pandering to the family market?"
"As an Asian, I was incredibly proud to hear him speak Chinese! Finally, someone is speaking our language loudly on the mainstream stage!"
Following this, many non-Asian passersby also joined the fray: "Let people speak whatever language they want, why should we interfere? Isn't that overstepping our bounds?"
"I think it's really cool. Isn't multiculturalism exactly what the Oscars should be promoting?"
"Have those who complain never left their small town?"
"His performance captivated the judges, his acceptance speech moved me, and as for the words? Who cares?"
Chen Xun's overseas fan group quickly organized and began to strategically flood Twitter with messages.
They didn't post any content about the argument, but instead shared a lot of clips of Chen Xun in "The Hunger Games" and "Fast & Furious 6" trailers, along with the caption: "Acting skills have no borders, and emotion has no language."
Congratulations to our best Peeta!
Meanwhile, a GIF of Chen Xun rushing to help Jennifer Lawrence after she fell has resurfaced, accompanied by the caption: "Gentlemanly conduct needs no translation."
Use positive content to directly counteract the noise.
The effect is remarkable.
Soon, the overall sentiment on Twitter shifted to widespread congratulations to Chen Xun and praise for multiculturalism.
Those few critical comments were suppressed to the point of being invisible, and when they occasionally popped up, they were immediately shut down by passersby with a "Don't spoil the fun" remark.
At the AfterParty, Chen Xun was unaware of the small uproar online.
He was surrounded by a crowd of congratulatory people.
Robert quietly pulled him aside and quickly told him a few words about what was happening online.
"A few people made a fuss about your Chinese speech, but it didn't cause any trouble. Your fans and casual observers kept it under control."
"I'll say it again in the future!"
Chen Xun replied matter-of-factly, "Who I should thank and what language I should use is my freedom. The Oscars didn't write into their rules that speaking Chinese is prohibited, did they?"
Rob looked at him and suddenly laughed: "Anyway, with the trophy in hand, whatever you say is right."
Just then, Chen Xun's phone vibrated.
It was a message from Christine, this time a voice message.
Chen Xun walked to a relatively quiet corner and opened it.
Her voice was tinged with laughter, yet also slightly choked with emotion: "I saw the live stream. You spoke so beautifully in Chinese, I'm so proud of you!"
As Chen Xun listened, the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.
Just as I put my phone away, a somewhat familiar yet unfamiliar female voice sounded behind me: "Chen Xun?"
Chen Xun turned around.
It's Fan Xiaopang.
She had changed out of the extravagant gown she wore on the red carpet and into a relatively simple black dress, but she still looked radiant.
She held a champagne glass in her hand, smiling broadly.
She wasn't nominated for an Oscar this year; she was probably just there to hang out on the red carpet.
Congratulations, congratulations again.
Fan Bingbing walked over and naturally clinked glasses with him: "You're all over the country right now. You're in the top five trending topics, and three of them are on the list."
"Why is there such a commotion?"
Chen Xun took a sip of wine.
"Of course, a historic moment!"
Fan Bingbing looked at him with admiration in her eyes: "Those few words of Chinese you just said resonated with many people, especially those who are out in the world."
Chen Xun smiled and said, "Just what I really think."
"It's precisely because of these heartfelt words that they are so rare."
Fan Bingbing paused, then lowered her voice: "I've been traveling around a lot these past few years, so I know that feeling. Sometimes a simple recognition is more important than anything else, and you gave many people that feeling today."
Even I was somewhat moved.
That's a sincere statement.
Chen Xun nodded: "Thank you."
"You're welcome!"
Fan Bingbing smiled again, regaining her bright and elegant demeanor: "So, you won a big award, what's your next plan?"
"The scenes I'm currently filming aren't finished yet!"
Chen Xun shrugged, indicating that he would continue to suffer on set.
Fan Bingbing covered her mouth and chuckled.
"Let's collaborate in the future!"
Chen Xun clinked glasses with her: "Definitely, the team will be ready to discuss any good projects at any time."
The party lasted until the early hours of the morning.
Chen Xun felt his smile froze, and his hand was getting sore from shaking hands so much.
Although he hadn't been drinking, he still felt dizzy.
It feels like blood rushing to my head!
After finally managing to escape from the crowd, Jennifer caught up with him.
She had also drunk quite a bit, her cheeks were flushed, she was carrying her high heels in her hand, and she was walking barefoot on the thick carpet in the hotel corridor.
"Should we run? I can't take it anymore."
Chen Xun glanced around and nodded: "Let's go."
The two of them quietly slipped out through the side door. A cool night breeze blew by.
Jennifer's limousine was already waiting by the roadside.
She opened the car door and turned to look at Chen Xun: "Where's your car?"
"Let Rob drive it back first."
"Then come up!"
She moved a little further in.
Chen Xun hesitated for a second, but still sat down.
The car was quiet, with only the low rumble of the engine.
The driver wisely raised the partition.
Jennifer rested her head against the car window, watching the Los Angeles nightscape rush by, and suddenly smiled.
"What are you laughing at?"
"A few years ago, I was just a small-time actor struggling in the independent film scene, while you were playing corpses on Warner Bros. sets."
She turned her head.
His eyes sparkled in the dim light: "Now, the two of us are sitting in the car, each holding a little golden statuette. Holy crap, it feels like a dream!"
Chen Xun laughed too: "It really feels like a dream!"
"It's not a dream."
Jennifer reached out and touched his face with her cool fingertips: "You're real, and the trophy is real too."
Her finger lingered on his cheek for two seconds before she withdrew it.
The car fell silent again.
Ten minutes later, the car stopped in front of a modern villa in Beverly Hills.
The iron gate opened automatically, and the driveway was lined with carefully trimmed tropical plants.
"My home!"
Jennifer opened the car door: "You've had this for so long and never come here before, this is a good opportunity to take a look."
Chen Xun wondered if he had brought me here to tour the house.
You don't want to eat me, do you?!
The room was indeed a bit messy.
Just like Jennifer's personality, she's very easygoing.
Scripts were piled on the living room sofa, a half-eaten takeout box was on the coffee table, and several pieces of clothing were thrown on the carpet.
But the space is large, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of the dazzling nightscape of Los Angeles.
"Please sit wherever you like!"
Jennifer casually placed the two little golden statues on the dining table with a "clatter".
Chen Xun stared at the two little golden figures standing together, thinking they looked quite well-matched.
Jennifer took a bottle of water from the refrigerator and tossed it to him.
She opened a bottle of champagne herself.
The two leaned against the kitchen bar counter.
Jennifer took a big gulp of champagne, then exhaled: "I'm an Oscar winner."
"You already were!"
Chen Xun unscrewed the bottle cap.
"no the same!"
She shook her head: "A nomination and winning an award are two different things. A nomination means you have potential; winning an award means you've achieved it!"
"I even tripped and fell during my highlight moment today!"
Jennifer pouted.
It's a bit of a shame.
Chen Xun smiled.
At that moment, Jennifer had no idea how much of an impact her fall would have.
The ten-year contract that Dior followed up with is still nowhere in sight.
Naturally, it was frustrating.
If she knew, I don't know how happy she would be.
Seeing Jennifer's dejected look.
Chen Xun had an idea.
He grabbed Jennifer's hand, staring intently at her: "Didn't you say I've always had some kind of mysterious power? Well then, let me tell your fortune!"
"Fortune telling?"
Jennifer's eyes lit up, and she seemed to sober up a bit.
"Why don't you try and see?"
Chen Xun pulled her hand over and pretended to look at the lines on her palm: "In the East, this is called palm reading, but I have to use something more advanced, combining face reading with palmistry."
He moved closer and, in the dim light of the living room, stared at her face.
Jennifer felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze, but didn't pull her hand away: "What did you see?"
'
Chen Xun said with a serious expression, "That fall you took today wasn't an ordinary fall."
"Of course, my knee still hurts from the fall."
That's not what I meant.
Chen Xun shook his head: "Your fall brought you good fortune. In our Eastern parlance, this is called destruction before construction, or a thunderclap from flat ground."
Jennifer blinked, her eyes a little confused. "Say something I can understand?"
"Your fall today may seem like an embarrassing moment, but it will actually bring you huge fame and benefits."
Chen Xun released her hand and leaned back on the sofa: "For the next week, the world's headlines will be filled with images of you falling, but what everyone will remember is not how ugly your fall was, but your most beautiful self."
Jennifer was skeptical: "Are you sure you're not just trying to fool me?"
Why would I comfort you?
Chen Xun laughed: "Believe it or not, it's up to you, but I can bet you that within three months, a top luxury brand will approach you to sign a long-term contract because of this incident, and the terms will be so good that you won't believe it yourself."
"Dio?"
Jennifer asked instinctively.
She just became a Dior ambassador this year, but the contract is only for one year.
Chen Xun didn't answer directly, but just smiled mysteriously: "Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed."
Jennifer stared at him for a few seconds, then suddenly burst out laughing: "Chen, you know what? Sometimes you really are like a charlatan."
"But you're still willing to listen to me finish."
That's because—
Jennifer lowered her eyes, her fingers unconsciously rubbing her wine glass: "Even if you're just trying to comfort me, I'm still happy."
The living room was quiet for a moment.
The night outside the window grew even darker.
Jennifer looked up, her usual carefree smile returning to her face: "If what you say is true, and I got a better contract because of this fall—"
She paused, then raised her glass: "Then I promise you, I'll always be your good friend."
"I don't need any titles, I don't need to stand by your side for the whole world to see, I'm always here whenever you need me."
These words were spoken softly, but each one seemed to strike the air.
Chen Xun looked at her, and something inside him was gently poked.
He knew what Jennifer meant.
She touched his glass: "Come on, cheers!"
"A toast to our Oscar win, a toast to my fall, and a toast to your prophetic charlatan."
Chen Xun looked at her, but ultimately said nothing.
He put down the water bottle, picked up the cup, and clinked it against hers.
The crisp sound was particularly clear in the quiet living room.
She put down her wine glass, then suddenly reached out and grabbed Chen Xun's tie, pulling him closer.
The distance between the two instantly shortened, and they could smell the alcohol and perfume on each other.
Her eyes were glistening with tears, whether from drunkenness or something else, it was hard to tell.
Chen Xun was silent for a few seconds, then reached out and grasped her wrist.
The tie was loosened.
A hint of disappointment flashed in Jennifer's eyes.
But the next second, Chen Xun leaned down and kissed her.
Jennifer paused for a moment, then responded forcefully.
The two tangled together from the kitchen to the living room, knocking over a floor lamp, but neither of them paid any attention.
Finally, she collapsed onto the sofa, Jennifer's skirt zipper was ripped open, and Chen Xun's suit jacket was thrown on the floor.
That night was crazy.
Afterwards, the two lay side by side, the sheets crumpled into a ball.
Neither of them spoke again.
Moonlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the two Oscar trophies placed side by side on the dining table, making them gleam golden.
The next afternoon.
Chen Xun slipped out of Jennifer's house through the back door.
When he got home, Rob was already waiting for him, holding a stack of documents.
These are some interview invitations.
Chen Xun took the document and glanced at it.
Most of the discussions revolved around their feelings about winning awards, future plans, and their views on Chinese-language films.
"They've started releasing new trailers for 'Fast & Furious 6' again. They're trying to capitalize on your popularity to boost the movie's buzz!"
"Of course!"
Chen Xun thought about the support he received from the "Fast & Furious 6" crew, and he definitely wanted to capitalize on this popularity.