Huayu: I'm reborn, but you still force me to be a scumbag?

Chapter 476 An Everlasting Light

"Hi, Chen, long time no see."

"Hey James, long time no see. How are you?"

The two hugged, and after they separated, James Pritzker smiled and said, "Very good. I exercise every day now, and yesterday I ran a total distance of six kilometers."

"Wow, that's amazing," Chen Nuo exclaimed. "No wonder you've lost so much weight."

James smiled wryly, looked down, and touched his flattened belly. He said, "It's not entirely because of exercise. Actually, if you had so many brothers and sisters who were watching your every penny day and night, I believe you would lose weight too."

Chen Nuo couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Alright, sit down. Tell me about your recent situation and our movie."

On January 27, 2012, it was still at the Beverly Hills mansion.

James Pritzker, who entered the house alone, was the third group of guests Chen Nuo had welcomed this time.

Gulnazar brought over a cup of coffee, and James, clearly impressed by her, took it and said with a smile, "Ms. Gulnazar, it's been a long time. You're even more beautiful than before."

Gulnazar smiled and said, "Thank you, Mr. Pritzker, please enjoy your meal."

Watching the girl's retreating figure, James sighed softly, "What a lovely and beautiful girl, like an angel. I would give half of my inheritance for her loyalty."

"Haha, don't let your assistants hear this," Chen Nuo laughed.

“Them,” James sneered, “are just a bunch of… well, I don’t want to use those harsh words right now. Because what I want to ask you is—”

His voice softened, and his expression became gentle: "How is Nora? How tall has she grown now? It's been over a year since I last saw her... Does she still remember her godfather?"

Chen Nuo had wanted to joke, "When did you become the Godfather?" but seeing James's gaze, he swallowed his words and smiled, "She's grown very tall and can walk now. I have some photos of her from a while ago, would you like to see them?"

James nodded with delight: "Of course, thank you so much."

For the next twenty minutes or so, the two grown men huddled together like ordinary friends, flipping through the photo albums on their phones. The photos were all sent by Fan Bingbing on WeChat, which Chen Nuo had saved, not deleting a single one.

After looking at those twenty or thirty photos, James said emotionally, "After I finish making this movie, I want to go to China to see her. Chen, do you agree?"

Chen Nuo pondered for a moment and said, "I think it's fine. I'll ask her mother for her opinion later."

“Thank you.” James nodded. “Please tell Van that I meant no harm. I just feel that there’s a kind of…mysterious connection between Nora and me. You know, she lived next door to me before she was even born, and she came to my villa the very first day after she was born. When I first met her…I don’t know why, but I felt a really strong connection. Maybe it’s God’s arrangement that I finally have a real, non-blood-related relative.”

Chen Nuo laughed and said, "Isn't it a bit of an exaggeration?"

“No, really,” James said seriously, “I have no family left in this world.”

James then began to recount his recent experiences. In Chen Nuo's view, it was just another American-style family inheritance drama, only this time, it was told by the parties involved themselves, making the firsthand details more raw and direct.

Robert Pritzker, the patriarch of the Pritzker family, co-founder of Hyatt Hotels, and who laid the foundation for the family business with the Chicago real estate tycoon, caused quite a stir in American high society after his death last November.

From the Chicago Sun-Times to The New York Times, almost all mainstream media outlets gave extensive coverage to this wealthy American man's recovery from Parkinson's disease and focused on his multi-billion dollar estate.

Hearing James talk about it now, Chen Nuo realized that some of the rumors were true, some were just media speculation, and some were even more absurd and outrageous than the news reports.

"...That's how it is. I really didn't expect that he would leave 80% of his property to me in his will. I always thought he held a grudge against me. After all, for more than ten years, apart from exchanging greetings every Christmas, we had almost no contact. The last time I saw him was when I went to him to borrow money for the movie 'Dorp'. Do you remember? I told you that he made me sign that agreement before he would give me twenty million dollars."

James shrugged: "But in the end, he increased that twenty million in his will by... many times."

Chen Nuo nodded and said, "That means he still loves you."

Hahaha! Who knows?

James chuckled and continued, “Like I said on the phone, I originally wanted you to see the finished film this time. But the lawyer there told me that it violates the preservation clause in the will. Those old Chicago law firms—and I’m telling you, they’re all old foxes he used to hire—they’ve now locked the whole film in a confidential archive, in a safe. Nobody can touch it, can make a move, or even cut a single scene until the estate is settled.”

He gritted his teeth and cursed, "Damn it, if I'd known it would be like this, I shouldn't have told them the film was finished. They didn't say anything before, but as soon as I signed off, they immediately turned their backs and sealed it up! Damn it!"

Chen Nuo said, "In that case, is there anything I can do to help you now?"

James looked around and said, "You don't have any security cameras here, do you?"

Chen Nuo said, "No. I swear."

“OK, I believe you. Chen, to be frank, you are actually the only person I trust in the world right now. As for the others, I think they would be bought off by my brothers and sisters or my lawyers.”

Chen Nuo glanced through the floor-to-ceiling glass curtain wall at the black Lincoln SUVs outside, and several burly men in black suits and sunglasses, and laughed, "Is this why you not only hired a bunch of hot female assistants to carry your bags, but also brought so many bodyguards?"

"Pretty much," James nodded calmly. "I'm worried they'll hire a hitman or do something else to get rid of me."

Chen Nuo remained silent.

“Never underestimate the allure of money,” James Pritzker said somberly. “This isn’t really a big deal for our family. You know, back in Canada—”

"Stop, stop, stop!" Chen Nuo raised his hand to interrupt. "I don't want to know anything. Just tell me, James, what do you want to ask? Ask and then leave."

"Hahahahaha."

Chen Nuo's slightly rude words made James burst into laughter. "You're really funny, Chen."

He changed his tone and said, "Alright, let's get down to business. Chen, you know, I used to be a nobody, a fringe director, just drifting along in Canada. I actually know absolutely nothing about the European film industry. I want to ask you something..."

Although Chen Nuo had said there were no security cameras in the room, James still lowered his voice and leaned closer to ask, "Which place do you think is easier to get things done with money, Cannes or Venice?"

……

More than half an hour later, James Pritzker left with his entourage.

As he left, his expression held both solemnity and a hint of relief.

Chen Nuo didn't know if his answer would satisfy him, but he had indeed given his own insights. As for whether what he said was correct, he didn't know either.

It's worth noting that when he first started filming the movie, he actually asked Wong Kar-wai a similar question.

Wang Jiawei still remembers his answer back then. He said, "If you could buy it, Cannes would no longer be Cannes."

It felt like something incredibly sacred.

Chen Nuo cursed him inwardly, thinking to himself that all crows are black, and there's Beijing Film Academy in the east and Cannes Film Festival in the west. What's with the pretentious act?

However, after spending more time in the European and American circles and seeing more of the world, Chen Nuo came to his own conclusion.

Wang Jiawei wasn't showing off; he was right.

He just didn't finish his words.

Indeed, winning the main competition awards, such as the Palme d'Or, the Lion, or the Bear, is definitely not something that can be solved by simply spending money.

On the other hand, film festivals are, after all, part of the real world, which means that while the awards themselves cannot be bought, the peripheral resources that can influence the awards can be manipulated with money.

This created a huge gray area.

If you were to ask which of the three major European awards is most likely to "get things done for money," it wouldn't be because it lacks only Venice to collect all three and summon a dragon. The real answer is—

Compared to Cannes, which boasts the most independent and closed jury system among all A-list international film festivals and considers itself the highest temple of cinematic art,

Compared to Berlin, which is most politically charged, talks about left-wing issues and social problems, and is more swayed by public intellectuals than by money,

Because Venice is in Italy, the local cultural atmosphere is less resistant to "manipulation".

However, trying to negotiate a prize with the organizers by offering a suitcase full of money is practically suicide...

In this regard, Chen Nuo and James were in a community of shared interests, so he didn't hold back at all and shared his understanding completely. However, James didn't trust others; otherwise, Chen Nuo felt that if Alison had spoken, she would have explained things more clearly than he had.

When James left, his expression suggested he understood, because he agreed with his suggestion to choose Venice.

But Chen Nuo never knew how much he truly understood.

Just like how he originally had high expectations to see the finished product of "Drop", but in the end, due to a dramatic family inheritance dispute, he still didn't know about it.

This made him want to fast forward a bit when he watched James's convoy leave from under the eaves.

The Venice Film Festival is the final piece of the puzzle for his three major European film awards. Will he be able to complete the puzzle this year? What kind of competitors will Italy bring him in August?

He couldn't wait to reveal the answer to this mystery.

……

...On January 28, 2012, Chen Nuo arrived at her last stop before returning to China—New York, USA.

Flying from Los Angeles, where the average temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius, to New York, where the temperature hovers around zero, felt like a sudden transition from spring to the dead of winter. Especially on this particular day, heavy snow was falling, blanketing the entire city in a thick, silvery veil, transforming it into a fairytale world.

It's been a long time since I've seen Ivanka.

In the wind and snow, she stood beside her father, her golden hair fluttering in the wind, creating a touching scene amidst the snowflakes. She wore a white cashmere coat, her eyes were azure, and her smile was radiant.

Chen Nuo first gave Donald a polite hug, then shook hands with Donald Jr. Finally, in front of the fragrant Ivanka, he naturally extended his hands and gently embraced her, pressing his cheeks together politely but not excessively.

"Hello, how are you?" Chen Nuo asked with a smile.

“I’m fine. I didn’t expect you to actually come,” Ivanka replied with a smile. “I read in the newspaper that you even turned down the Oscar nomination dinner, and I thought you were too busy to get away.”

In situations like this, Chen Nuo never said the wrong thing. He nodded and chuckled softly, "I am indeed very busy. But since Daddy said that, I don't want you to misunderstand and think I don't care about you."

Upon hearing this, Ivanka smiled brightly, her white teeth complementing her snow-white appearance, and her blue eyes sparkling with light.

“Thank you, I’m really happy,” she said earnestly.

“I’m also very happy to see you right away,” Chen Nuo replied gently. “We’ll talk later. I’m going to see a few other friends first.”

After saying that, he walked toward another group of people a few meters away.

Ivanka stood in the snow, her gaze still following the man's retreating figure, her expression thoughtful.

Just then, a deep, hoarse voice rang in her ear: "Those men over there are Harry Winston's men."

She didn't tilt her head, but her lips twitched slightly: "Really?"

“Yes, I recognize the leader. He’s Harry Winston’s Global Vice President, the second most important person after the chairman. If I remember correctly, he’s a jewelry ambassador for this brand. I think that’s the main reason he’s here. Ivanka, I hope you can find a way to persuade him to participate in our show’s recording, not just to come and take a look at us.”

"What do you want me to do?" Ivanka asked casually.

Donald looked at his daughter, his tone unusually gentle: "I've never liked you associating with men of other races, but Ivanka, he's an exception."

Ivanka whispered, "Daddy, do I need to remind you? He has a girlfriend in China."

At this moment, Donald Jr. chimed in, "So what? Ivanka, this isn't like you."

Ivanka frowned, turned her head and said, "Who do you think I am?"

Donald Jr. chuckled and said, "For the sake of the family, I think you should make some sacrifices."

"Oh?" Ivanka raised the corner of her mouth, saying with a hint of sarcasm, "When you men are powerless, you start counting on me?"

A flash of anger crossed Donald Jr.'s eyes as he whispered, "Stop pretending. You've not only met his girlfriend before, you've even met his children, but every time you climbed into his bed, I felt you still didn't hesitate. Need I remind you? Right there at Mar-a-Lago, you slept with him several times..."

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly raised his hand, grabbed Ivanka's slender wrist, and stopped it in mid-air.

That slap should have landed on his face.

Donald Jr. sneered, "What, can't stand it anymore? But compared to what Daddy and I have sacrificed for the family, what is this humiliation? Don't forget, you're also a member of the family, Ivanka. I don't want to hear you speak to Daddy in that tone anymore."

Ivanka withdrew her hand and said coldly, "If you used the same skills you used to deal with your sister on your business rivals, you wouldn't be such a loser now, Donald."

Donald Jr. sneered, "If you weren't so hypocritical, I believe Daddy wouldn't have had to mortgage half of Mar-a-Lago to get that money back."

"Is this your reason for wanting your sister to become a prostitute?"

"Yes, if it could bring in tens of millions of dollars, I would advise you to go. And not just you, if I were a woman, I would obediently spread my legs. In 2011, our program's revenue had already dropped significantly, and if it doesn't improve this year, NBC will pay us even less each year. At that point, you probably won't even be able to afford one piece of jewelry he endorses. I really don't know what you're still holding back for!"

"Perhaps it's because I still have a sense of shame, Donald, unlike you, you..."

“Alright,” Donald interrupted, “it’s time to stop, you two. Neither of you is allowed to say another word. Shut up. We’re family, you know? Do you fucking know what you’re doing? Donald Jr., you’re insulting your sister. Ivanka, you’re embarrassing your brother too. Stop it, kids. Do you understand what I mean?”

Donald Jr. said, "Okay, Dad."

But Ivanka remained silent.

Donald said, "Ivanka, don't take what Donald said to heart. Remember, I will never force you to do anything."

Ivanka took a deep breath and said, "Thank you, Daddy."

"Okay, he's here. Everything should be normal now."

Chen Nuo walked over, not noticing anything amiss with the Donald family, and said with a smile, "Sorry to keep you waiting, Donald. Let's go. Thank you for picking me up."

Donald grinned, his face crinkling with laughter, and said, "We're friends. What do Harry Winston and the others want with you?"

Chen Nuo rubbed his hands together, exhaled a breath of hot air, and said, "Tang, why don't we talk in the car?"

There were no beautiful women accompanying them in the Lincoln this time. The heating was on full blast. Gulnazar and Allison got into another car, while Chen Nuo and Donald's family sat in this car.

"...It's about the endorsement. I'm here to talk to them about it again," Chen Nuo said.

Of the three endorsements that expired this year, this is the first one that is close to being finalized.

Clearly, his image has not deterred the King of Diamonds over the past five years. They still want to sign an eight-year endorsement contract with him, and the contract price is 40 million, which is four times the previous five-year contract of 10 million.

However, Huanxin Company was reluctant to sign such a long-term contract, feeling that eight years was too long, and the negotiations were once deadlocked.

Chen Nuo flew to New York specifically to discuss the possibility of changing the contract term from eight years to five years—even a compromise would be better than an inflexible eight years. After all, he would be over thirty in eight years. Although they had enjoyed working together, the market changes too quickly, and being too rigid might not be a good thing.

"Haha, congratulations, Melaria really likes their jewelry." Donald laughed. "If there's anything I can help you with, Chen, just let me know."

“Thank you, don’t worry, I will. But it seems we don’t need your expertise as a trading expert for the time being,” Chen Nuo said with a smile. “By the way, I’ll say it again, I’m sorry, Donald. My PR consultant said I’m not really suitable to be on your show right now. I hope this won’t affect our friendship.”

“Of course not.” Donald laughed nonchalantly and waved his hand, saying, “You’re overthinking it, my friend.”

……

Chen Nuo stayed in New York for four days.

Negotiations with Harry Winston went smoothly, and the two sides eventually reached an agreement, signing a new six-year, $30 million contract to extend their partnership until 2018.

The day after the negotiations ended, he spent half a day shooting a new set of endorsement photos at Harry Winston Studios on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

A few days later, the brand selected a black-and-white portrait from the set of photos and officially featured it on their website homepage, along with the official advertising tagline:
"The Light That Never Fades."
Faced with the portrait of Chen Nuo, dressed in a dark gray suit, with a calm and resolute expression, and the advertising slogan written in minimalist font on the left, fashion magazine VOGUE offered the following interpretation:
"This time, Harry Winston used this phrase to redefine their partnership with Chen—it's no longer just a simple tie between a brand and a celebrity, but a deep resonance of values."

They shaped Chen Nuo into a tangible representation of the brand's spirit, perfectly aligning his inherent charm, cultural influence, and modern aesthetic that blends East and West with the brand's consistent pursuit of 'timeless classics.'

VOGUE wasn't making things up either.

On the day the poster was released, Harry Winston's official website saw a more than fivefold increase in visits, and its social media followers surged by over 70,000 within 24 hours. The brand's seasonal flagship "Eternal Radiance" limited-edition diamond jewelry collection saw over 2000 pre-orders within three minutes of the advertisement's launch, surprising everyone.

The following day, many industry insiders posted on Twitter that this was Harry Winston's most successful endorsement upgrade in recent years in terms of brand image communication, and Chen Nuo has undoubtedly become the representative figure of this century-old high-end jewelry brand in the new era.

After securing Harry Winston's approval, Chen Nuo still went to the recording site of "The Apprentice" on January 28th, and accompanied by Donald, participated in the recording of the eighth season finale of "The Apprentice".

Previously, Allison felt that getting too close to this New York real estate tycoon for a mere few million dollars wasn't a good thing. After all, this man had openly entered American politics this year. He had published statements publicly supporting Republican President Romney on Twitter, television, and in newspapers, essentially challenging the incumbent president and making numerous defamatory remarks.

Getting too close to this person could potentially impact his Hollywood career.

But Allison eventually changed her mind.

It wasn't because of Chen Nuo's application.

Although Ivanka told him a lot about the power struggles within the Donald family, the inside story of Donald's involvement in politics, and their current financial predicament while in bed, it was only slightly better because of his tens of millions in loans.

The main reason was that, I don't know which of James Pritzker's siblings actually sent a message to him, which even threatened him with the current black president.

After weighing the options, Allison changed her stance.

People who are good are bullied by others, and horses who are good are ridden by others.

His association with Donald Trump, the current top henchman of the Republican Party, is a well-timed counterattack against Pritzker and his supporters in the Democratic camp—don't mess with me, I'm not without options in America.

As a result, Chen Nuo finally arrived in Hong Kong on February 1, 2012, which was the tenth day of the Lunar New Year.

(End of this chapter)