MC Bookstore Chapter 159 1 A Serious Hollywood Chase
Chapter 159 1 A Serious Hollywood Chase
Chapter 159 A Serious Hollywood Chase
The day I took leave felt like time stretched out infinitely, yet it also flew by in the blink of an eye.
Neither of them intended to go out, completely shutting out the noise from the outside world.
In the morning, they nestled in the soft, spacious Chivas Regal first-class sofa in their home theater, where three or four people could lie down, and used a top-of-the-line projector to find two classic old romantic movies.
The process of selecting films was full of fun. Liu Yifei hugged a cushion, stood barefoot on Jiang Yu's lap, and directed him to look through the film list.
"I want something light and romantic, not all crying and wailing!" she demanded.
The final choice was Audrey Hepburn's "Roman Holiday".
On screen, as Princess Anne strolled through the streets of Rome with her short hair and ice cream, Liu Yifei leaned her head on Jiang Yu's shoulder and whispered, "Audrey Hepburn was truly amazing. That noble yet innocent charm was unique. And this reporter is so handsome too—"
The words had barely left her lips when she felt the arm around her waist tighten, and a jealous voice came from above her head: "Hmm? As handsome as me?"
Liu Yifei chuckled, deliberately tilting her head to look at him, and poked his cheek with her finger: "President Jiang, are you lacking confidence in yourself? But then again—"
She drew out her words, and as he slightly narrowed his eyes, she quickly leaned over and kissed his chin. "So far, it seems my boyfriend is still a little bit more handsome."
Jiang Yu hummed in satisfaction, then lowered his head to return her kiss, the romantic scene from the movie becoming the perfect backdrop.
Next year's show is "Promise at Mount Nuo".
When William, the down-on-his-luck bookstore owner played by Hugh Grant, stammered out the famous line to Anna, the international superstar played by Julia Roberts: "I'm just a man who stands in front of a girl and begs her to love me—" Liu Yifei suddenly fell silent, her eyelashes fluttering slightly.
The film's light and shadow flickered on her face.
She suddenly turned around, knelt on the sofa, facing Jiang Yu, cupped his face in her hands, and said with unusual seriousness and brightness: "Jiang Yu."
"Hmm?" Jiang Yu looked at her.
"You never need to ask," she said, her voice soft yet unusually firm, "because the answer has already been written."
Jiang Yu's heart felt as if it had been gently scratched by the softest feather, or as if it had been instantly submerged by a warm tide.
He didn't speak, but looked deeply into her eyes, then reached out and pulled her into his arms, responding to her "confession" that was more moving than any love confession with a kiss more lingering and profound than any scene in a movie.
As for what happened in the second half of the movie, the two of them didn't seem to pay much attention; all that remained was their intertwined breathing and their gradually warming body temperature.
Lunch was ordered as takeout from a French restaurant that requires reservations well in advance. It was delivered in an exquisite lacquered wooden food box.
The two enjoyed their sake slowly, occasionally exchanging opinions on a particular dish or sharing interesting news they had come across on their phones, as if they were spending a long weekend afternoon in bliss.
After a satisfying meal, the afternoon sun was shining brightly.
Too lazy to go upstairs, the two of them lounged by the huge floor-to-ceiling window in the living room, where a thick cashmere carpet was laid out.
Liu Yifei held a laptop and looked through more detailed information about the Venice Film Festival sent by her assistant, including red carpet videos from previous years, jury preferences, and even weather data (in order to prepare a suitable dress).
Jiang Yu used his thin and light laptop to handle some less urgent but necessary emails and reports; mainly concerning the follow-up of the Hynix investment, the progress of the Suzhou wafer fab, and the research and development progress of several new technologies in light and shadow digital.
She would occasionally look up, point at the screen, and ask him, "Jiang Yu, what do you think of this dress? It's a Dior early autumn haute couture gown, but isn't the color too muted? Will it be enough to make a grand entrance on the Venice red carpet?"
Or, "This year's jury president seems to be... I've seen director Li's films, will he not like something like 'Black Swan' with its psychological thriller elements?"
Jiang Yu would then temporarily stop his work, lean over to take a closer look, and offer his opinion: "The colors are good, and the tailoring is very elegant. Venice values artistry more; propriety and elegance are more important than extravagance and eye-catching. As for the jury—Darren's films are never afraid of the jury's unique tastes; what they want is controversy and buzz. Besides, being nominated is a victory in itself."
His analysis was always calm and to the point, instantly putting Liu Yifei at ease.
More often than not, it's the quiet companionship.
Sunlight streamed through the glass, casting warm dappled patterns on the carpet.
She stared intently at the documents, sometimes frowning in thought, sometimes smiling faintly.
His fingers tapped lightly on the keyboard, his expression focused.
They don't disturb each other, yet they can always feel each other's presence; there's an unspoken understanding flowing in the air.
Liu Yifei would occasionally turn her head slightly to look at Jiang Yu's handsome profile outlined by the sunlight and his slightly furrowed brows. Her heart felt warm and cozy, as if it were being soaked in lukewarm water.
This is what she wanted: the most extraordinary happiness in ordinary days.
As evening approached, someone glanced at the magnificent sunset outside the window, then rubbed their slightly hungry stomach and suddenly had a brilliant idea.
"Jiang Yu, how about we cook for ourselves tonight?" Liu Yifei's eyes sparkled with excitement. "We're so tired of takeout and Maria's cooking!"
Jiang Yu looked up from the financial statements, raising an eyebrow at her: "Are you sure? Our cooking skills are—"
"Let's give it a try! Just think of it as fun!" Liu Yifei got up, ran barefoot to the open kitchen, opened the huge double-door refrigerator, and looked around like she was on a treasure hunt.
"Look, Maria has prepared so many ingredients! There's steak! There's shrimp! There are vegetables! Let's—let's pan-fry some steak!"
Stir-fry some vegetables and make a soup! It's very simple!
Seeing her enthusiastic and eager expression, Jiang Yu couldn't bear to dampen her enthusiasm. Besides—he was also genuinely curious about the fun of the two of them creating "disaster" together.
He closed his laptop, stood up, and rolled up his shirt sleeves: "Okay, Chef Liu, I'll be your assistant today. Let's make it clear first, no crying if you mess it up, and no laughing at the other person either."
"Who's crying! Maybe I'm just naturally gifted!" Liu Yifei wrinkled her nose indignantly, already wearing Maria's apron with daisies printed on it, looking like a child who had stolen an adult's clothes, cute and funny.
Thus, a culinary experiment that could be described as a "comedy" yet was full of sweet flavors unfolded in the top-notch kitchen of Beverly Hills.
Jiang Yu believes he has clear logic and strong execution skills.
He found his computer, searched for "how to pan-fry the perfect steak," and then strictly followed the steps: take the steak out of the refrigerator to let it come to room temperature, pat it dry with kitchen paper, sprinkle with sea salt and ground black pepper and massage it in, heat olive oil in a pan —
Everything looked orderly and professional, like a master chef.
However, the problem lies in judging the heat.
In pursuit of the perfect crispy exterior and tender interior, he frequently flipped the first steak after putting it in the pan. However, due to the uneven temperature of the pan, one side was already slightly burnt while the other side was still undercooked, making it difficult to control the doneness of the inside.
The final product had two pieces: one with slightly charred edges and barely cooked to medium-rare in the center; the other was overcooked because it was fried a little longer for fear of it being undercooked.
Liu Yifei was in charge of stir-frying the vegetables, and she chose the simplest-looking broccoli and button mushrooms.
Full of confidence, I heated the pan and poured in the oil, but before the oil was even hot enough, I hurriedly threw in the minced garlic.
With a "sizzle," the minced garlic was instantly coated in oil that wasn't hot enough, slowly turning yellow, and then—while she was frantically preparing the broccoli, it quietly turned into a burnt black.
By the time she realized it, the garlic in the pot already tasted bitter.
She exclaimed "Oh dear!" and hurriedly poured in the chopped broccoli and mushrooms, causing a sizzling sound and filling the air with smoke.
The timing for adding salt was also missed, and what ended up was a "healthy low-fat meal" with an acceptable color but a slightly burnt garlic flavor.
The kitchen was once fraught with danger, but the two enjoyed it immensely.
When Jiang Yu saw Liu Yifei jump away in fright after being splashed with oil, he couldn't help but burst into laughter, which earned him a glare from her, both embarrassed and annoyed.
Liu Yifei pointed at Jiang Yu's half-cooked steak, exaggeratedly clutching her chest: "Mr. Jiang, won't this give you diarrhea? Is your business rival trying to sabotage you with this?"
Jiang Yu retaliated, deliberately dipping his finger in flour and smearing it on the tip of her nose when she wasn't looking: "Chef Liu, your black garlic broccoli looks like a biological weapon."
The two joked with each other, their laughter echoing in the kitchen, making even the deepening night outside the window seem gentle.
Ultimately, after both of their "main courses" failed, the two decided to collaborate on a simple tomato and egg soup to salvage their dignity.
This time, they worked together very well. Liu Yifei was in charge of washing and chopping the tomatoes, while Jiang Yu was in charge of beating the eggs.
When a steaming pot of soup, topped with egg drop soup and tomato oil, was served, the two of them breathed a sigh of relief, looked at each other and smiled, as if they had accomplished a remarkable feat.
Liu Yifei picked up her knife and fork as if she were about to savor some delicacy. She cut off a slightly overcooked steak, put it in her mouth, chewed it carefully for a few moments, and then her eyes curved into beautiful crescent moons as she spoke with utmost sincerity.
"Mmm! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—well, the outside is quite crispy, and the inside is very chewy! The cooking time is very well controlled!"
This is the most unique steak I've ever had!
Jiang Yu couldn't help but chuckle as he watched her struggle to find the right words to praise him.
He picked up a piece of his medium-rare dish, tasted it, and nodded without changing his expression: "The juices are well preserved, and the original flavor is prominent. Chef Liu's vegetables—"
He picked up a piece of broccoli with charred spots with his chopsticks. "Healthy, it retains the original flavor of the ingredients to the greatest extent, and the seasoning is very restrained."
The two of them were seriously praising each other, but in the end they couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Tomato and egg soup became the savior of the whole meal. Although it didn't look very appealing, it was at least just the right amount of salty. The two of them drank it all up, one bowl after the other, and even scraped the bottom of the bowl.
Despite the mediocre taste, and even some disappointment, this homemade dinner brought them more satisfaction and joy than any Michelin three-star meal they had ever had.
It was more than just a meal; it was an awkward yet sincere joint effort, an intimate sharing of embarrassing moments and laughs, and a unique memory that belonged only to the two of them.
At the dining table, their feet gently intertwined under the table, and when their eyes met, their smiles and tenderness were undisguised.
As night deepened, the warm yellow lights in the villa automatically adjusted to the optimal brightness for rest.
Young lovers, having tasted forbidden fruit for the first time and savoring its sweetness, find themselves in a completely private space filled with warm memories, where their mutual attraction is so strong it almost sparks a flame.
As they cleaned up the messy kitchen together, the water was running, and her hand inadvertently brushed against his arm. When he handed her the dishcloth, their fingertips touched, and a silent, sticky attraction filled the air.
The task of washing dishes was destined to remain unfinished.
When Jiang Yu took the plate still covered in foam from her hand, casually placed it aside, and braced his hands on the smooth edge of the marble countertop, trapping her between himself and the countertop, Liu Yifei's heart skipped several beats.
He lowered his head, his wisps of hair falling slightly across his forehead, casting shadows in his deep eyes, where a familiar, unsettling yet expectant flame flickered.
"The dishes aren't finished washing yet," she whispered, her voice lacking confidence, her fingers unconsciously clutching the front of his shirt.
"Let Maria handle it tomorrow." His voice was deep and alluringly magnetic. A kiss landed on her brow, then her eyelids, the tip of her nose, and finally, precisely captured her lips.
The kiss carried the scent of the dinner they had just shared, along with a familiar and comforting taste.
Soon, reason, like those unwashed bubbles, dissipated in the rising desire.
Compared to the awkwardness and nervousness of the first time, this time there were fewer psychological barriers, more tacit understanding from physical memory, and a more honest desire.
His palms caressed the curves of her waist, his fingertips stroking her delicate skin, sending shivers down her spine.
"Go upstairs—" Liu Yifei gasped, turning her face away, her breathing unsteady. She ran her fingers through his thick black hair, feeling the tension in his body.
"No rush—" Jiang Yu's voice was so low and husky that it was unbelievable. His kisses followed the beautiful lines of her neck down, lingering at her collarbone. His other hand had already skillfully unbuttoned the top two buttons of her loungewear.
The soft light from the kitchen ceiling cast long shadows on his back, elongating their intertwined figures on the polished floor.
Ultimately, the battleground shifted from the kitchen, filled with the fresh scent of detergent, to the master bedroom upstairs.
This time, without the catalyst of alcohol, without the trepidation and pain of the first time, there was only a clear and passionate love and desire.
Liu Yifei was much more relaxed than last night. Although she would still close her eyes shyly and blush under his overly intense gaze, she began to try to respond and explore awkwardly.
At times, she mustered her courage and briefly took the initiative with light kisses and gentle caresses.
Her courage and her passion for getting close to him were a stronger catalyst and affirmation for Jiang Yu than any words could express.
Sweat mingled, breaths blended, and the tactile sensations on the skin were amplified to the extreme.
Happiness, like a rising tide, gently yet powerfully propelled the two to the peak of sensory pleasure time and again, before slowly returning them to each other's sweaty embrace in the afterglow.
Exhausted, the two lay embracing on the messy yet warm bed. Liu Yifei's last thought before falling asleep was: So this is how simple the definition of happiness can be.
Being with him, even if you mess up a meal, you can still share a hug that needs no words.
The next day, when Jiang Yu once again appeared in the parking lot of the "Lucy" film set in his understated black Volvo, Liu Yifei tried her best to remain calm and even deliberately put on a "professional actor" expression, but some things could not be hidden.
The delicate, spring-like glow that flowed naturally from the corners of her eyes and brows, thoroughly nourished by love and sweetness; the healthy, rosy radiance of her skin emanating from within; and the unique charm that naturally flowed from her every gesture—a blend of girlish innocence and womanly allure—were like a silent declaration announcing her transformation.
Her personal assistant jogged over, handing her perfectly warm jujube and goji berry tea and a script highlighting today's filming schedule. He habitually looked up at her, ready to report the schedule, but suddenly froze.
The assistant blinked, leaned closer, and carefully examined Liu Yifei's face, unable to help but gasp softly.
"My goodness—Sister Yifei, did you go to a top-notch spa or get some kind of magical treatment last night? Your skin—it's practically glowing! It's so fair and rosy, you can't even see your dark circles! Your complexion is amazing! Quick, tell me your secret! Did Boss Jiang find you some high-tech skincare product that hasn't even hit the market yet?"
Liu Yifei was unscrewing the lid of her thermos when she heard this. Her hand trembled, and the hot water almost splashed out. Two suspicious blushes appeared on her cheeks. Her eyes darted around, and she didn't dare to look at her assistant's probing gaze. She gave a vague answer.
"Huh? No, no—just—like usual, I put on a hydrating face mask—maybe I got a good rest yesterday, didn't overthink things, and slept well—"
Her voice trailed off as she spoke, and she could clearly feel Jiang Yu, who had just parked his car and was walking over from not far behind her, casting a mocking glare at her. The glare burned her ears.
"The effects of resting for just one day are so amazing? It's comparable to cosmetic surgery!"
The assistant, still somewhat skeptical, glanced enviously at her flawless complexion. "Looks like I really need to strongly suggest to your manager that they strictly control your workload and make sure you get enough sleep—that's the best beauty product!"
The assistant secretly decided to record the discovery that "Sister Yifei's appearance improved dramatically after getting enough sleep" in her work notes.
Other familiar staff members on set, from makeup artists and lighting technicians to production assistants, would usually light up when they saw Liu Yifei, greet her with a smile, and then add a comment.
"Liu, you're in amazing form today!"
"You look great! Looks like you've successfully recharged after your day off!"
"Wow, you look radiant! Is something good happening?"
The last sentence was usually accompanied by a friendly, teasing glance that lingered between her and Jiang Yu, who walked up behind her.
Luc Besson was even more direct. He was discussing the shot with the photographer when he looked up and saw the two walking side by side, especially Liu Yifei's radiant appearance. He immediately touched his signature mustache and loudly teased her in his heavily accented French English.
"Wow! Look who's here! Our energetic Lucy and her super-powered battery! A deep rest today looks like it worked wonders! Great! Excellent! Keep this energy up, let's finish the last few scenes and make this movie burst with energy!"
A knowing chuckle and whistling immediately rang out from the surroundings.
Liu Yifei's face turned so red it was almost bleeding. She wished she could disappear into a crack in the ground. She could only pretend to be engrossed in studying the script in her hands, but in her heart she cursed the culprit next to her who was calm and even nodded to the director countless times.
Jiang Yu remained calm and composed, as if he had everything under control.
He first exchanged a few pleasantries with Luc Besson and several producers to learn about the shooting schedule for the last few days and the expected wrap-up time. Then, as usual, he found a corner where he could see the shooting area clearly and opened his laptop to work.
However, his self-illumination would occasionally shift away from the screen, precisely landing on the area focused by the light, on that slender yet powerful figure.
Watching her intently communicate with the director, diligently rehearse her lines, and precisely unleash the emotions of "Lucy" in front of the camera—
In his eyes, besides the tenderness a man has for his beloved, there was also a sense of pride, like "my daughter has come of age."
The final days of filming progressed exceptionally smoothly in this slightly teasing yet remarkably harmonious atmosphere.
Liu Yifei seemed to have completely shed some invisible shackles, and her performance became more relaxed and confident, full of a restrained yet powerful tension, perfectly matching the transformation of the character "Lucy" from an ordinary person to a near-god.
Luc Besson was inspired and even added a few shots on the spot that he called "strokes of genius," all based on Liu Yifei's impromptu yet precise reactions.
The entire crew was immersed in a state of high creative excitement.
Time flew by during the efficient and passionate filming.
In the blink of an eye, the calendar has turned to August 8th, a day that symbolizes good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture.
On this day, one of the largest studios at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles was completely occupied by the crew of "Lucy".
The final scene, filmed with Liu Yifei's "Lucy" looking back at Earth with a look full of compassion and relief before she fully understands the essence of the universe and vanishes into nothingness, was completed.
Luc Besson stared intently at the monitor, holding his breath, until the image froze on a close-up of those eyes that seemed to contain endless stars. Only then did he suddenly jump up from the director's chair and grab the megaphone.
"Cut!!! And—— that" sa wrap for "Lucy"!!!"
"Whoa!!!"
In an instant, the huge studio was transformed into a sea of revelry!
Thunderous applause, deafening cheers, excited whistles, and many people excitedly hugging each other and jumping up to high-five!
Confetti and sequins sprayed down from the ceiling, shimmering and dancing in the lights.
After three and a half months of hard work, spanning three continents, and embodying the hard work of countless people, the film has finally completed all on-site shooting!
Liu Yifei is still standing in the center of the futuristic laboratory set, with special effects wires connecting her to simulated brainwaves, and the detached expression of "Lucy" remains on her face.
As the director shouted and a sudden burst of sound erupted around her, she seemed to snap out of that vast cosmic consciousness. She blinked, and a relieved smile slowly spread across her face, but her eyes instantly welled up with tears.
She was surrounded by a crowd.
Luc Besson was the first to rush over and give her a warm French hug. "Fantastic! Liu! You've created a miracle! You're one of the most soulful actors I've ever worked with!"
Next came veteran actor Tony Leung Ka-fai, who played the villain; a French actor, who played a policeman; a cute child star; every main actor; and every department head.
Hugs, handshakes, and photos.
Flashes of light continued to illuminate this historic moment.
Holding a large bouquet of brightly colored flowers presented by the film crew, her face was filled with excitement, reluctance, and exhaustion, but even more so with a great sense of accomplishment and joy.
Jiang Yu stood on the periphery of the crowd, like a silent guardian and a most faithful recorder.
He held his phone, adjusting the angle to capture every touching moment of hers: laughing and embracing the director, being hugged by a child actor, holding a bouquet of flowers and making a peace sign for the camera, quietly wiping away tears from the corners of her eyes—
The wrap-up of filming signifies the temporary end of a challenging yet romantic adventure, but also the imminent start of a long post-production process, promotional roadshows, and even award competition.
But for tonight, all the sweat, pressure, and reluctance will be transformed into the purest celebration.
The filming wrap party was a grand and high-profile affair, jointly funded by Light Chaser Animation and Fox Pictures, the co-producer responsible for global distribution. The event took place in the ballroom of the Hilton Hotel, a landmark in Beverly Hills.
This far exceeded the scope of a typical film crew dinner; it was a top-tier social event in Hollywood, designed to promote "Lucy" and build bridges for connections among various parties.
The banquet hall was meticulously decorated, with a huge lightbox displaying the official logo of "Lucy" and a giant character poster featuring lead actress Liu Yifei at the entrance, creating a strong sci-fi feel.
The hall is decorated in black, silver and blue as the main colors, with clever lighting design that creates a luxurious yet avant-garde atmosphere.
The long buffet table was filled with a dazzling array of delicacies from all over the world, while waiters served champagne and specialty cocktails among the elegantly dressed diners.
A small jazz band was also playing elegant and soothing music on site.
In addition to the entire creative team and core staff of "Lucy", those who received invitations were mostly top figures in Hollywood: executives and producers of key projects from Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal, Sony Columbia, and Fox.
Top agents from leading agencies such as CAA, WME, and UTA; editors and film critics for authoritative media outlets such as The Hollywood Reporter and Variety.
Of course, there were also many A-list and B-list celebrities who came to show their support or seek opportunities, including Oscar winners and box office stars.
As the film's leading lady and a newcomer to the Venice Film Festival's main competition, Liu Yifei is undoubtedly one of the most dazzling highlights of the night.
When she appeared arm in arm with Jiang Yu, it was as if she had her own spotlight.
Her look tonight was absolutely stunning.
She wore a haute couture gown specially provided for her by a top French brand, which had not yet been publicly unveiled.
The color is an extremely selective one, yet it makes her skin look as white as snow. The fabric has a delicate pearlescent sheen, shimmering with light as she moves.
The dress is a simple halter-neck long dress with a deep V-neck that is just right, revealing a beautiful collarbone and swan neck. The back features a crisscross strap design, making it sexy yet elegant.
The skirt had a flowing fishtail hem, which accentuated her slender waist and tall figure.
Her long hair was carefully styled into a slightly languid bun, with a few slightly curled strands hanging down by her ears. Her makeup was a delicate "no-makeup" nude look, highlighting her clear and bright eyes and naturally rosy lips.
The entire look featured minimal jewelry, consisting of only a pair of small diamond stud earrings and a watch in the same color scheme as the dress. Yet, it perfectly embodied "Lessismore," seamlessly blending her unique Eastern elegance with the aura of a Hollywood superstar.
Their appearance immediately attracted everyone's attention.
The sound of camera shutters suddenly intensified, and the flashes from the reporters' area became a continuous barrage.
Many people's first reaction was amazement, and their second reaction was to whisper among themselves, their eyes darting back and forth between Liu Yifei and Jiang Yu.
"Liu looks absolutely stunning tonight! She'll definitely be a stunner on the Venice red carpet!"
"Is that Jiang Yu next to her? He looks even younger than in the magazine—he has such a strong presence."
"I heard that he played a big part in getting 'Black Swan' selected for Venice."
"Moreover, he was also a major investor in 'Lucy,' and owns a top-tier visual effects company and production company."
"A perfect couple, their momentum is unstoppable!"
"Liu! Congratulations on wrapping up filming! Luc has been raving about your performance in the movie, we can't wait to see the finished product!"
The executive vice president of Universal Pictures responsible for international distribution was the first to come forward, warmly shaking hands with Liu Yifei and nodding to Jiang Yu.
"Darling, you look absolutely stunning! You were born for the red carpet!" A renowned female producer, known for her discerning eye, smiled and gave Liu Yifei a cheek kiss before turning to Jiang Yu. "Jiang, I've heard so much about you. Your team at Light Chaser Animation has been making quite a splash lately."
"Congratulations Ms. Liu on wrapping up filming, and best wishes for 'Black Swan' to achieve great success at Venice!" The head of Fox Searchlight also raised a toast to congratulate her, and whispered a few words to Jiang Yu about the arrangements for the Venice Film Festival.
"Ms. Liu, I am Kevin Howe, a senior partner at CAA. Would you have the pleasure of taking a few minutes of your time later for a brief chat?"
A senior executive from the top brokerage firm CAA promptly handed over his business card, his smile enticing.
Clearly, Liu Yifei's consecutive important roles in commercial blockbusters and award-winning art films, coupled with her positive image and huge potential, have attracted the attention of top talent agencies.
Liu Yifei handled the guests with composure and grace, speaking fluent and natural English, displaying a poised and elegant demeanor, and exuding a sincere and infectious smile.
She is no longer the slightly reserved and uncertain newcomer from the East who first entered Hollywood a few years ago.
The experience of working on big-budget productions, the affirmation of heavyweight directors, the recognition of international film festivals, and the unconditional support of the men around her have all contributed to her current confidence and radiance.
She knows when to listen, when to respond concisely, and when to show her humor, already possessing the beginnings of someone adept at navigating the international stage.
Jiang Yu stood half a step behind her, mostly listening with a smile, only adding a brief comment when necessary, or introducing her to a heavyweight figure she wasn't familiar with, cleverly leaving the conversation and focus to her, his gaze filled with undisguised appreciation, support, and pride.
Jiang Yu himself is also the key target that countless people want to talk to, probe, and even befriend tonight.
He is not only the main investor of "Lucy" and Liu Yifei's boyfriend, but also a rising star in Hollywood's independent production companies. He has gained a great reputation in the financial and entertainment industries and holds two major trump cards, Light Chaser Pictures and Light & Shadow Digital. He is regarded as the most promising and mysterious new generation giant in Hollywood.
"Mr. Jiang, congratulations on the successful completion of filming for 'Lucy'. I am the head of the newly established Senior Content Development Department at Warner Bros. Pictures. We are very interested in the prototypes of several projects you mentioned in private settings that combine high-concept science fiction with Chinese elements. When would be a convenient time for us to meet and discuss them in more detail?" The Warner executive spoke earnestly.
"Jiang, my old friend is the creative director of Disney Animation. After hearing about your new breakthroughs in real-time rendering and virtual production, he was so excited that he couldn't sleep. He kept urging me to make the connection, hoping to have the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from each other, and even explore the possibility of cooperation."
A venture capitalist who had crossed paths with Jiang Yu in Silicon Valley leaned over and whispered.
"Jiang, regarding cooperation and distribution in the Asian market, especially the Chinese market, our Paramount International division has some very forward-looking ideas that may perfectly complement our respective strengths in North America and Asia—" Paramount executives also extended an olive branch.
Various cooperation intentions, some subtle and some explicit, surged toward Jiang Yu like a tide.
Some wanted to invest in his projects, some wanted to be invested in by him, some sought to license or collaborate on cutting-edge technologies, some explored complex global distribution plans, and some even probed whether he was interested in getting involved in the operation of cinema chains or streaming platforms.
With a smile on his face, Jiang Yu moved with ease among these industry giants and elites.
He always speaks calmly and logically, neither overly enthusiastic nor coldly dismissive, maintaining a composed yet enigmatic demeanor.
He listened attentively and responded succinctly. Occasionally, he would throw out one or two pointed questions, which would guide the conversation to a deeper level. This made the other party feel valued, yet also unsure of his true intentions and bottom line, which in turn stimulated their interest and desire to cooperate with him.
He even took the time to quickly and efficiently meet with a radiant Luc Besson and several key executives from Fox in a relatively quiet corner to discuss the approximate timeline for post-production of "Lucy," the deadlines for submitting special effects, and the initial global promotional strategy.
Luc Besson patted his chest, excitedly assuring everyone in a mix of French and English, "Jiang, don't worry! I'll coordinate with Wu on the visual effects, and I'll personally oversee post-production! What we're aiming for isn't to surpass, but to create a visual spectacle of another dimension! To let the audience's brains evolve along with 'Lucy'!"
Fox executives added with a smile that they have reserved an excellent slot for "Lucy" in next summer's movie season and have begun planning a global marketing campaign.
After attending a series of social events, Liu Yifei was finally able to escape and reunite with the main creators and actors of "Lucy" and the behind-the-scenes heroes she had spent more than three months with.
The atmosphere here immediately became relaxed, warm, and genuine.
Raising their champagne glasses, everyone reminisced about the many funny and memorable moments during filming: an actor's hilarious improvisation of lines after forgetting them, a blunder caused by a miscalculation during an explosion scene, Liu Yifei's fall while practicing action scenes, and Luc Besson's "French roar" on set when he was dissatisfied with a shot —
Laughter and cheers filled the air, reflecting the camaraderie forged through shared struggle.
"Thank you! Thank you everyone!" Liu Yifei's eyes welled up with tears of emotion as she clinked glasses with each person and downed her champagne in one gulp.
The cool bubbles and the aroma of the wine gave her fair cheeks a lovely blush, and her eyes became even more moist and bright.
She subconsciously searched for that familiar figure in the bustling crowd and saw him surrounded by several people in suits, seemingly discussing something. His profile looked exceptionally deep and handsome under the bright lights of the banquet hall, and he had a familiar, calm smile on his lips.
As if by telepathy, Jiang Yu also looked up at that moment, and through the crowd, his gaze precisely caught her.
Seeing her slightly flushed cheeks and bright eyes, the corners of his mouth curved into a deeper smile. He raised his glass to her from afar, his gaze gentle and focused.
Their eyes met, and despite the bustling crowd and flickering lights, no words were needed; warmth and understanding flowed quietly between them.
At this moment, her brilliant career achievements, the steadfast companionship of her loved one, and the sincere blessings of her fellow travelers resonated in her heart like the most harmonious melody.
Liu Yifei felt that she was standing at an incredibly beautiful and shining point in her life, and all this starlight was inseparable from the man who was always behind or beside her.
She smiled brightly at him, raised her empty glass, and mouthed silently, "I love you."
The wrap party continued into the night in a warm, joyful, and opportunity-filled atmosphere.
Champagne towers were changed again and again, business cards were exchanged countless times, and the intention to cooperate quietly sprouted amidst laughter and conversation.
As Jiang Yu, with a slightly tipsy Liu Yifei whose eyes and brows were filled with a satisfied smile, put his arm around her and got into the Mercedes waiting at the hotel entrance, the car window slowly rolled up, shutting out the still-brilliant lights of the Hilton Hotel behind them and the faint music that could be heard.
Liu Yifei leaned comfortably against his strong, warm shoulder, watching the tranquil yet luxurious streets of Beverly Hills flash by through the dark car window, murmuring softly with a touch of post-drinking sweetness and heartfelt joy.
"Jiang Yu, today is wonderful—like a dream."
Jiang Yu adjusted his position to make her more comfortable. "Yes, we'll keep having this dream. Every day will be better than today."
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