Chapter 82

In 2008, Xu Can didn't exactly rule Hollywood, but as the cover star of Time Magazine, he was undoubtedly the most talked-about figure in the industry.

Starting with La La Land early in the year, followed by the summer release of Spider-Man 2, and ending with the Christmas release of Love and the Elixir, Xu Can's films dominated the box office throughout the entire year.

When you add The Dark Knight Rises, which he wrote and produced, his output in 2008 left his peers in awe.

When the Golden Globe nominations were announced, it felt like Xu Can was competing against himself.

Steven Spielberg, who was nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award, reflected in an interview:

"Is this the first time something like this has happened at the Golden Globes?" Spielberg mused. "I've never seen the same actor's different works nominated simultaneously. Xu Can is truly one of Hollywood's finest actors and directors. I'd love to work with him someday. This year... wow, it's a little wild! Hollywood's about to be taken over by this guy from China—hahaha."

Spielberg's laughter was filled with admiration, but also a hint of resignation, realizing the next generation was rising fast.

North American media, meanwhile, couldn't stop buzzing about the Golden Globe nominations.

The Los Santos Times commented: "This year's Golden Globe competition is fierce—and by that, we mean Xu Can is competing with himself."

They continued: "This year's nominees are practically a 'Battle of the Gods,' raising the stakes and prestige of the awards to new heights."

Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy:Happy-Go-Lucky - Sally HawkinsLove and the Elixir - Anne HathawayMamma Mia! - Meryl StreepVicky Cristina Barcelona - Rebecca HallLa La Land - Emma StoneBest Actress in a Drama:Rachel Getting Married - Anne HathawayChangeling - Angelina JolieDoubt - Meryl StreepRevolutionary Road - Kate WinsletSpider-Man 2 - Emma Stone

The article noted, "The competition for Best Actress in both Comedy and Drama is fascinating! Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, and Emma Stone are facing off in two different categories—it's intense!"

It was no surprise that media outlets were hyping the event. After all, three different actresses had secured double nominations, an unprecedented feat in Golden Globe history. Emma Stone had to face off against titans like Meryl Streep—twice!

During an interview, Meryl Streep chuckled wryly, "In all my years of acting, I've never experienced anything like this. My competitors are incredibly talented, and I can't predict the outcome."

Anne Hathaway, visibly conflicted, admitted: "Honestly, I almost wish I hadn't been nominated this time." Her discomfort stemmed from having to compete against Emma Stone, making things even more complicated.

Sister Shitou, on the other hand, took it in stride. "It doesn't matter to me whether I win or not. I just hope Xu Can wins."

As for Xu Can, he too secured two nominations:

Best Actor in a Musical/Comedy:In Bruges - Colin FarrellLast Chance Harvey - Dustin HoffmanVicky Cristina Barcelona - Javier BardemLa La Land - Xu CanBest Actor in a Drama:The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - Brad PittRevolutionary Road - Leonardo DiCaprioThe Wrestler - Mickey RourkeMilk - Sean PennSpider-Man 2 - Xu Can

The Chicago Times remarked: "This marks the first time in Golden Globe history that a superhero film has earned a nomination for Best Actor. Xu Can finds himself competing against some of Hollywood's biggest stars—including DiCaprio and Brad Pitt."

Meanwhile, Spider-Man 2 received nods for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Effects. Love and the Elixir and The Dark Knight Rises were recognized for Best Screenplay.

La La Land was the crown jewel, snagging nominations for Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Motion Picture (Musical/Comedy). It emerged as the frontrunner for the Golden Globes and even the upcoming Oscars.

However, until the awards were announced, everything remained uncertain.

While the media and fans in North America were abuzz with excitement over the Golden Globes, Xu Can once again found himself juggling time and relationships—a skill that had become more complex than ever.

Kristen Stewart teased, "Xu, how about the three of us spend New Year's Eve playing cards—just you, me, and Emma?"

It seemed she hadn't gotten over their last card game.

Anne Hathaway texted, "I'll be in Los Santos for a few more days. If you're free, could you spend New Year's with me? But, of course, if you're with someone else, just ignore this."

Xu Can stared at the messages, unsure how to respond.

Emma Roberts chimed in, "If you don't have plans with Taylor or Emma, join me in New York's Times Square for New Year's Eve."

Even Ivanka Trump and Scarlett Johansson had their invites ready.

Ivanka: "I'm hosting a small New Year's Eve party at my place—just a few political, business, and Hollywood folks. It could be good for networking. Oh, and if you need a date, I guess I could be convinced to join you."

Xu Can blinked. Their relationship had always been strictly business, ever since she helped finance his acquisition of Marvel. He didn't expect such a forward invite.

Scarlett Johansson was her usual casual self: "Happy New Year in advance (in case I forget to say it later)."

She often texted Xu Can, sharing her day-to-day life or complaining about the industry. She was currently filming He's Just Not That Into You, a star-studded romantic comedy, though her role wasn't large. Still, the heavy workload had her venting to Xu Can often.

Xu Can scrolled through more unread messages:

Song Qian: "When will you be back in China? A new seafood restaurant opened in Songhai—I know how much you love it, waiting for you to come try it."

Sigh… Xu Can thought. Didn't we agree not to complicate things further?

Being too popular with women was becoming a real headache. Who knew it could be such a problem?

As New Year's Eve approached, Xu Can felt overwhelmed by invitations. Even managing his time felt impossible now.

On the phone, Taylor Swift's excitement was palpable: "Honey, how about we go to Vegas for New Year's Eve? There's a fireworks show, and we can relax at the spa afterward."

"Sure," Xu Can replied, trying to keep things calm.

Before he could finish the call, Sister Shitou was already ringing on the other line.

"Baby, want to fly to Hawaii for New Year's Eve? We could spend New Year's on the beach."

This situation felt even more impossible to navigate than Christmas. Xu Can found himself at yet another critical crossroads. An idea flickered in his mind—a fantasy of possessing real superpowers like Doctor Strange or the Flash, somehow allowing him to be in two places at once.

But as of now, Xu Can remained all too human, and managing two calls at once was challenge enough.

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