Chapter 374 - 346: The Reason, Emma Watson Strikes Up a Conversation

Seeing Wu Yun’s look of realization, George Lucas chuckled. "That’s right. I specifically looked up who the shareholders of that small company, Phoenix Entertainment, were! I learned a bit about you in the process, which is why I gave up on the idea of acquiring the rights."

"Unexpectedly, not two days later, Industrial Magic Light received a request for a tour and collaboration from Phoenix Entertainment. You see, all matters concerning Huaxia, big or small, are reported to us. That’s what made me want to meet you!"

Wu Yun smiled and asked, "Don’t tell me, Mr. Lucas, you still want to acquire the rights?"

George Lucas nodded, then shook his head. "If you’re willing to sell, I’m willing to buy. But if you’re not, that’s fine too. I just have one small request!"

George Lucas’s answer was a bit unexpected. But seeing the expression on his face, Wu Yun knew he wanted something from him. "Go on!"

"Mr. Wu, you should know that I’m a sci-fi fanatic! And also a director and screenwriter! If at all possible, could you let me be involved in the filming of *The Three-Body Problem*? Even if I can’t be the main director, I’d be happy to help direct in some capacity!"

’What an unexpected surprise,’ Wu Yun thought. Sci-fi films were a barren wasteland in Huaxia right now; no director dared to tackle the filming of such a sci-fi epic. Even with all his money, Wu Yun didn’t want to waste it on a pointless production.

Wu Yun looked at George Lucas’s eager, expectant expression. After a moment of contemplation, he shared his thoughts.

"Mr. Lucas, when it comes to experience in shooting sci-fi films, I believe very few people in the world can compare to you. So if we were to film it, I would absolutely agree to you directing!"

"But!"

When they heard Wu Yun say the word "but," the others exchanged looks that said, ’There it is.’

"But, I don’t intend to film it right now. The hype for *The Three-Body Problem* hasn’t peaked yet. I’ll only consider it in at least two years, once the special effects technology has matured even further!"

George Lucas sighed in relief. "No problem! I can wait that long!"

After that, George Lucas chatted with them for a few more minutes before leaving to greet other guests.

After George Lucas left, the remaining three started chatting about movies again. When Wu Yun asked about the Oscar awards, Robert Iger smiled. "Wu! The awards are just a show to fool the general public and these minor celebrities! Since you’re not from the United States, you don’t understand how things really work here!"

"The winners are decided by a group of people at the very top, the result of their games and compromises! The Oscars today aren’t purely about art like they used to be. Other things have been mixed in!"

"Right! I’ve heard that too..."

...

While Wu Yun and the others were chatting, the people in the grand hall had split into many small groups of twos and threes.

A few familiar faces from the silver screen were gathered together, occasionally glancing over at Wu Yun’s group.

"Scarlett! Are you saying you’ve seen that Asian guy before?" Robert Downey Jr.’s eyes widened as he looked at Scarlett in disbelief.

When Scarlett saw that familiar Asian face walk in, and then saw Mr. Lucas himself greet him and lead him over to the circle of tycoons, she had been stunned!

For the past three mornings, she had run into Wu Yun at the gym doing high-intensity training and sparring with several large partners. She actually thought he was a professional fighter in the United States for a competition. After all, the skills he displayed were easily on par with the athletes you see in professional matches.

"Yes!" Scarlett’s eyes were fixed on Wu Yun as he laughed and chatted with the business magnates. "He’s also staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel. I’ve run into him every morning for the past few days while I was working out! I thought he was an athlete! I never expected there was more to him!"

Chris, the actor who plays Captain America, looked Wu Yun up and down and said with a laugh, "He’s definitely in great shape! You can tell he works out regularly!"

Elizabeth, the actress for Scarlet Witch, dressed in a rather sexy outfit, licked her lips and said, "I do like a man with a good body!"

Chris, the Captain America actor, turned to look at Elizabeth and was about to speak when Chris, the Thor actor, boomed in his gruff voice, "Wanda, doesn’t that mean you should be into my type?"

As he spoke, Chris, the Thor actor, even patted his pecs and gave them a couple of flexes, which were clearly visible under his shirt!

Elizabeth covered her face. "Shit, don’t let your brother hear you say that! Or he might just shove the Soul Gem up your ass!"

Lately, Elizabeth and Tom, the actor who plays Loki, had been getting hot and heavy. It was the kind of news most people wouldn’t believe—the Scarlet Witch was actually going to start dating Loki!

Robert Downey Jr. interrupted their banter. "This young man is really something else! I recognize that woman with him. She’s Jobs’s widow. Forbes estimated her net worth at 14 billion US dollars this year!"

’Circles are important, but it also depends on the person. If you force your way into a circle, you’ll most likely be rejected. You need an introduction, but why would anyone introduce you?’

Even someone like him, Robert Downey Jr., one of the highest-paid male actors in the world, was only on nodding terms with the tycoons of the film industry.

"And the other one, Mr. Iger, the chairman of Disney... I assume you all recognize him!"

The group nodded. ’If you didn’t know him, how could you even survive in this business!’

"I’m guessing he’s Japanese or South Korean! Their people are all super rich. Someone that young has to be the heir to some conglomerate!" Elizabeth speculated.

Just as they were about to say more, George Lucas’s voice came over the sound system from a small, raised platform.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to my party tonight! The goal is just to bring everyone together to catch up and connect... Please make your way to the garden, where dinner is being served. And finally, I hope you all have a very pleasant and wonderful evening!"

Once the host had finished speaking, some of the people from the fringes of the room began grabbing plates and choosing food from the buffet area. Wang Hao joined them.

This was Wu Yun’s first real taste of Western party culture.

In any case, James and the other two he was chatting with merely picked at some cold dishes before setting their silverware aside. They had a waiter clear the plates and immediately went back to chatting.

Only Wu Yun had heaped a large plate with food, eating while he listened to them talk.

Wu Yun was a bit puzzled. "Aren’t you guys hungry? You’re eating so little."

James and the others exchanged a look and all started to laugh.

James explained, "In Western countries—no, at least in the United States—when you attend a buffet-style party like this, everyone is here with the goal of making friends or networking. So we usually eat something beforehand, or grab a late meal after it’s over."

"You actually eat less at the party itself, because everyone’s busy talking and mingling!"

After saying this, James glanced around before adding, "Fuck, my stepmother loves throwing these kinds of parties. Every time I go home, I see her hosting one in my father’s name!"

Wu Yun had looked up the general etiquette for parties like this before he came, but the internet hadn’t mentioned these kinds of subtle details.

Having several people just watch him eat made Wu Yun feel a little awkward.

Seeing Wu Yun’s discomfort, the three of them, all perceptive people, smiled and said a few words about connecting later before getting up and moving on to other circles.

James, walking last, smiled at Wu Yun and made a "call me" gesture.

"Excuse me, sorry to bother you! May I sit here?" Wu Yun looked up and saw a familiar face holding a plate, standing opposite him.

Wu Yun glanced around again; the arranged tables and chairs were basically all occupied.

He smiled. "Emma, please, sit down!"

This blonde, dark-eyed young woman was none other than Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in *Harry Potter*.

Emma Watson wasn’t surprised that Wu Yun recognized her.

"Thank you!" Emma placed her plate of food on the table, then gracefully smoothed the back of her dress with both hands and sat elegantly on the front half of the chair.

"Sorry! I must look ridiculous, eating so much at a party like this!" Emma said to Wu Yun with a wide smile.

Wu Yun casually popped a piece of steak into his mouth, paying no mind to the stares from those around him. After swallowing, he said, "It’s fine! I’m eating even more than you are!"

As he spoke, Wu Yun pointed to the fried eggs on another plate on the table.