Chapter Sixty-Six: First Encounter with Theron

On January 3rd, He Xinghui hosted a party at his home.

Because there weren't enough teammates confirmed to attend, which made it less lively, He Xinghui went ahead and invited a few Hollywood celebrities as well. Among them were Josh Duhamel, Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Connelly, and some lesser-known second- and third-tier actors.

Of course, at that time, Duhamel wasn't particularly famous; he wouldn't become well-known until after starring in Transformers. Ryan Reynolds was much the same, only rising to stardom after his role in Wolverine in 2009. Of all those present, Jennifer Connelly was the most famous. Even so, her recognition was mostly limited to the West; Chinese movie fans were generally unfamiliar with her. Yet, those who loved the film Once Upon a Time in America might recall her. Yes, she was the Deborah who danced naked, her proud little expression capable of stirring any young man's desire to conquer her. In her youth, Connelly was breathtakingly beautiful. Now, in her mid-thirties, she possessed only the mature, intellectual charm of experience. To those with a penchant for older women, she was the pinnacle.

Duhamel was a sports enthusiast, Reynolds a fitness fanatic. Both had attended He Xinghui's games, exchanged words with him, and become friends. They shared common interests, and, on the other hand, they hoped to ride He Xinghui's rising fame. These people were clever; they knew that with He Xinghui's love for the spotlight and penchant for showmanship, a move into the film industry was inevitable. Even if not as a lead, cameos would be certain. Moreover, He Xinghui's Chinese identity made him quite popular in Hollywood. So long as he was willing to make a cameo, nearly every film would offer him a minor role.

There were many other second-tier actors eager to connect with He Xinghui, but he didn't have the time for socializing, so for now, he only interacted with Duhamel and his friends.

"He, Charlize Theron will be coming later—I invited her," Duhamel boasted, recalling that He Xinghui had once mentioned Charlize, thinking he liked her films.

But in truth, He Xinghui was drawn to Charlize as a person.

"Really? How did Charlize agree to come?" He Xinghui was surprised; after all, Theron was at the height of her fame, a top star in Hollywood, with no need to ride anyone's coattails.

"I don't know. I just mentioned it casually, and she actually agreed," Duhamel replied.

"You're a good friend," He Xinghui said, flashing a knowing smile that all men understood.

Soon enough, Charlize Theron arrived.

Her arrival made Kaman, Cassel, and Catino stare wide-eyed, nearly drooling. This South African diamond—who knows how many beasts had fantasized about her.

"Oh, Charlie," He Xinghui spread his arms to embrace Charlize Theron.

Are we really that close? Even if we were, there's no need to hug, she thought, bewildered.

Theron kept her arms at her sides. Anyone else might have died from embarrassment at that moment. But He Xinghui had skin as thick as a wall. "Don't take it the wrong way—this is the Chinese way of showing enthusiasm. When welcoming new friends, we always hug first," he said.

Kaman nearly spat out his drink at that.

"Hehehe, that's unnecessary. I've already felt your warmth," Charlize saw through He Xinghui's little trick and deftly sidestepped it. She wasn't ignorant of China; she knew it was a conservative country where even handshakes between men and women at first meeting were rare, let alone hugs.

"Hahaha..." Duhamel and Reynolds laughed gleefully at the scene.

The party began.

The festivities were simple: a group gathered for drinks, barbecue, and some rare delicacies. The main focus was conversation; everyone mingled, chatting to foster connections. Naturally, some used the occasion to discuss business.

Charlize Theron was one such guest.

"He, would you be interested in a cameo in my new film? It wouldn't take much time—one, maybe two days," Theron said.

She had come with a purpose. Her new film was more art-house, and the producers worried about box office returns, hoping to borrow some of He Xinghui's popularity to draw in basketball fans.

"Is there a kissing scene with you? If so, count me in," He Xinghui replied.

His words sent Duhamel and the others into fits of laughter; he was blunt to the point of hilarity.

Theron had never met someone so straightforward. She knew many men coveted her, but they never said so outright—they'd act dignified to win her favor. Compared to them, He Xinghui was far too direct.

"Aren't Chinese men supposed to be reserved? Maybe everything I've heard was a lie," Theron thought privately.

"I'm sorry, there isn't. It's an anti-war film. You play a soldier suffering from trauma, and you and I exchange a few lines—nothing more," Theron explained.

Battle for Haditha. With her description, He Xinghui instantly knew which film it was.

"That's easy. My character falls in love with you at first sight. Your compassion overflows, and you comfort me—the traumatized soldier—with a kiss. Wouldn't that be a touching story?" Inspiration struck He Xinghui, and he immediately rewrote the plot in his mind. On the surface, his changes almost made sense. But the real point was his fixation on kissing Charlize, which was incredibly comical.

"He, that's not how you win a woman," Duhamel muttered.

Connelly teased, "Charlie, you should agree—this is true love! I've known He longer, and he's never asked for a kissing scene with me. My heart is broken."

"..."

Charlize Theron was at a loss for words. A young, handsome, famous, wealthy man was this obsessed with her—she didn't know whether to laugh or cry. But with her natural queenly aura, she wasn't one to be conquered easily. Many loved her; she didn't need He Xinghui.

"I'm afraid I can't rewrite the script. I doubt the producers would change it, either. Besides, I don't like kissing scenes with just anyone," she said.

She was telling the truth. Though she had acted in films with nudity, compared to other Hollywood actresses, her on-screen kisses were few.

"That's a shame," He Xinghui smiled, finding great pleasure in teasing the South African diamond. As for the cameo—he declined, since there was no advantage to be gained.

The conversation shifted.

But He Xinghui was still plotting in his heart, wondering how he could find a way to kiss Charlize Theron. If nothing ever happened with her, he'd feel a deep regret.