Chapter 21: Chapter 21 Big Apple
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

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(I roughly understood where the problem was, and I believe similar approval situations won’t occur in the future. Hmm, that’s it.)

(Adjusted a bit)

Two weeks passed quickly, and the Venice Film Festival gradually came to a close, but the main event had just begun. The most eye-catching part of any film festival is undoubtedly the award ceremony, especially with many outstanding works participating this year. For example, “Death of Stern” from the United Kingdom, “An Angel at My Table” from New Zealand, “Look Away” from Chile, or “Goodfellas” from the United States, and of course, the astonishing debut film by the American newcomer director Adrian Cowell, a pure English-style black comedy, “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.”

So far, “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” was among the top five in terms of attention at the film festival. However, this attention was 60% due to its chaotic yet orderly filming style and 40% from the director’s nationality and the film’s style. It was well-known that due to a series of reasons–historical and cultural–British people looked down on Americans, but now a debut film by an American newcomer director was an English-style black comedy; it was indeed an interesting phenomenon.

Americans who could make English-style films were not unheard of, but most were quite well-known. Adrian, however, had no previous works–not even short films–essentially making him a completely new director. Moreover, he was a native-born American, but his debut film managed to capture such authentic English style. It was something truly remarkable.

The British media explained that Mr. Adrian’s grandmother was British, and he lived in London when he was a child, so being able to make an English-style film wasn’t surprising, as revealed by Gary Brook of the Tuknan Film Company. Whether people believed it or not was another matter.

Nevertheless, those paying attention to the Venice Film Festival were curious about this film, especially the people of the UK and US, whose curiosity was piqued; it provided a good popularity base for “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.”

In addition to this, at the final award ceremony, Adrian won the Best Debut Film award, which brought even more attention to the film. Honestly, Adrian hadn’t expected to win an award. Although “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” was decent from the story’s perspective, it lacked the “artistic” flavor favored by European critics and directors. So, when the award announcer called his name, he was surprised for a moment and only reacted to go on stage to accept the award after Laverne nudged him.

“Thank you to the judges for awarding me the Best Debut Film. I will tell every story well in my future works.” After a brief speech, Adrian waved the trophy and returned to his seat.

Adrian did hope to win one or even several awards, which would greatly benefit his reputation and the film’s publicity, but once he actually held the award in his hands, he became indifferent.

It would be great if it were the Golden Lion Award; winning the Best Debut Film didn’t seem meaningful. Adrian muttered in his heart. How many famous films in the previous life received this kind of consolation award?

People are like this; they look at what’s on the stove while eating from the bowl. But he soon tossed this thought behind him because, no matter what, this was at least an honor, the first honor he received after his rebirth, and the first step in establishing his reputation, so a celebration party was necessary.

However, because no one expected to win an award, no restaurant or other venue was booked, and everywhere was already celebrating after the award ceremony. They ended up just finding a small bar in the hotel to have a few drinks. Even so, everyone was very happy, including Laverne, who had been busy throughout the film festival. He hadn’t expected Adrian’s words from over two months ago to come true! Although the film company could only earn some distribution fees this time, it was unmistakably a dawn breaking through the darkness. This new boss certainly wouldn’t stop here.

Because there were few people and the scale was small, plus the location was not very suitable, the celebration ended quickly. Adrian escorted his beloved back to the hotel room. Tonight, although Kate was not yet on par with international female celebrities, her delicate features and youthful aura had a unique beauty, especially the charming sparkle in her eyes that was extraordinarily captivating–since their intimate relationship began, they were almost indulging in each other’s company every night. Kate, being new to these experiences, coupled with Adrian’s deliberate teasing, became entirely immersed in it.

Furthermore, Adrian specially chose a cobalt blue one-shoulder evening gown to match her temperament, based on his previous life’s impressions and his current life’s experience. Then, he found a hairstylist and beautician to groom her well, attracting no small amount of attention when walking on the red carpet.

“I should congratulate you, Ed… ah…” As soon as they got back to the room, Kate had barely said a word before Adrian unceremoniously pressed her against the wall, his hands roaming freely. Kate giggled twice and immediately wrapped her legs around Adrian’s waist.

What followed was, naturally, another round of intense passion; however, tonight’s intensity far exceeded before. From the wall to the floor, the bed to the sofa, the bathroom to the window, traces of their love were left everywhere. Various styles were used, and they indulged in each other repeatedly, as if it was never enough.

Both knew they would soon part.

No matter what, Kate had to go back and finish high school, and Adrian, after the film festival, had to return to the United States to continue making his plans a reality. Parting was inevitable, and so was the pre-parting madness, even though they would meet again in at most two months.

After the Venice Film Festival ended, and after handing over the distribution matters of “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” to Laverne, Adrian sent Kate back to London. Then, he reluctantly flew back to the United States. However, he didn’t go back to Los Angeles but to… New York.

The Big Apple, the economic center of the United States, Wall Street, the economic hub of the Big Apple–this place was filled with greed, schemes, traps, cruelty, and betrayal. Despite this, countless people continued pouring in due to the power of capital. However, Adrian came here not for the capital–although, in a certain sense, he was–he came to see a person.

“I’ve told you before, Ed, stop loafing around like a bum. When did you ever listen? Nothing but drinking and fooling around.” The elder put down his knife and fork, took a sip of wine, and slowly wiped his hands while speaking. His forehead was slightly bald, his nose was high and prominent, and his complexion was rosy. His brown hair was neatly combed back, resembling Adrian’s father in some ways but showing little emotion on his face as he looked at Adrian somewhat disdainfully.

“I know, Uncle Anderson, I’m changing myself now.” Although Adrian felt slightly displeased inside, he still replied with a respectful tone.

“Change? By making movies? Becoming a director?” The elder mocked, “You’re still so irresponsible. Or do you think acquiring a film company proves you’ve pulled yourself together? The Cowell family didn’t last this long by relying on petty cleverness. When will you truly mature?”

Adrian felt a surge of anger inside but forced himself to listen patiently. Fortunately, another elder at the long table spoke up: “Alright, Anderson. At least Ed is now trying for himself. Can’t you say something encouraging?”

“Trying? By making movies?” Anderson grunted coldly but said no more, clapped his hands, and stood up to leave the dining room.

The elder sighed, looking at Adrian with apologetic eyes: “I’m sorry, Ed, you know your uncle… he actually loves you.”

“It’s alright, Aunt Martha, I understand.” Adrian wiped his mouth with a napkin, suppressing the displeasure in his heart.

“Let’s have a cup of coffee in the living room, and you can tell me about making movies.” Martha stood up with a smile.

“With pleasure.” Adrian nodded and stood, and the servants immediately stepped forward to clear the table.

Anderson Cowell, Adrian’s father’s brother, a typical WASP, stubborn, conservative, and humorless. Although he had a good business relationship with Adrian’s father, they didn’t get along personally. He constantly talked about family this and that, which both the previous Adrian and the current Adrian disliked.

The Cowell family was indeed somewhat historical. According to records Adrian’s father kept at home, their ancestors could be traced back to the passengers on the Mayflower! Over the centuries, they had their glorious moments; however, with every rise, there was a fall. Now, with branches and leaves spread across the US, family legacy was a distant concept. Anderson’s talk was merely a search for psychological comfort.

Even so, Adrian specifically came to New York to visit this uncle because he had an extensive network on Wall Street. It has been said before that in any place or country, personal relationships are essential. Even in the United States, relationships rarely surpass the rules, but it’s only rare.

Over the past two years, due to the previous Adrian’s indulgent life, the network his father had built almost collapsed. People leaving when the tea is cold happens everywhere. If it weren’t for having a decent godfather and a good friend, he might have been deceived long ago. The US sees no shortage of squandered heirs being conned away.

Now that he had become himself, with his own ambitions, rebuilding those connections was a necessity. Fortunately, only two years were wasted; the tea hadn’t completely cooled, otherwise he wouldn’t have contacted several major film companies so easily. However, expecting to completely make up for these two lost years immediately was impossible.

Adrian understood this, so coming to New York was merely to visit his uncle and aunt, chatting with them without mentioning anything else. These things needed to be approached step by step.

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