**Chapter 168: Box Office and Future**

*Clap, clap, clap!*

The movie ended, and the theater was filled with enthusiastic applause. Link saw everyone clapping and thought the film's box office performance should be good.

"Link, congratulations! You starred in a fantastic movie."

Actress Lindsay Lohan approached him with a flirtatious gaze to congratulate him.

"Thank you!"

Link smiled.

Lohan was once a top Hollywood star with hits like *Mean Girls* and *Herbie: Fully Loaded*. However, in recent years, her reputation had declined due to issues with alcohol and drugs, and she had won the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress last year for *The Canyons*.

"Hey, Link, let me introduce you."

Paul Walker, with his arm around Link's shoulder, directed him towards a hot, tanned girl. "Jessica Alba, I'm sure you know her."

"Of course. Miss Alba, hello. I'm a fan of yours."

Link shook hands with Jessica Alba. She had been one of Hollywood's top beauties, gaining fame from *Sin City* and *Fantastic Four*. Unfortunately, she had married and had a child early.

"Mr. Beck, congratulations on a great performance. I wish you much success at the box office."

"Thank you!"

After a brief exchange, Jessica Alba left.

Paul Walker, still with his arm around Link's shoulder, watched Jessica's departing figure and said, "What do you think? Isn't she beautiful? I've even done a kissing scene with her. Are you jealous?"

"Why didn't you date her then?" Link asked.

"Are you crazy? I work in this industry. Dating another industry person would just complicate things. Oh, sorry, I forgot about Taylor being in the industry too. But you and she are different. I believe your love will last," Paul Walker quickly added.

Link shook his head, thinking he was better off not explaining further.

"Let's go. I'm buying you a drink!"

---

On the first day of release, *"Deep Blue Chase 2"* earned $8.85 million across 2,605 theaters in North America, slightly below the expected $10 million.

The media reviews for the film were mostly negative, describing it as a rough commercial movie with a flawed script. Critics noted that Link's role seemed excessively prominent, making the plot disjointed compared to the first film. The movie's quality was deemed inferior, and it was not recommended.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie had a 65% fresh rating from 24,127 reviewers, and on IMDb, it scored 6.7.

However, some media outlets described the movie as a satisfactory summer flick with sunny beaches, the ocean, yachts, and bikini-clad beauties. The action scenes and explosions were exciting. Link's involvement, as a world champion boxer and popular singer, was considered a highlight, making the film more worth watching.

The film's distributor released a third promotional clip, showcasing Link and the lead actors in swimsuits on the beach and swimming in the sea. The visuals were appealing.

From the reviews, female audiences rated the movie higher than male audiences.

In the first three days, the film earned $16.72 million in North America, with an estimated total of around $40 million. This was a profit compared to the $12 million production cost and $10 million marketing expenses. Overall, the movie was considered a success.

Nevertheless, the critical reviews remained harsh, particularly towards Link, who was deemed a pretty face rather than a skilled actor. Critics argued that Link relied on his looks and physique rather than acting talent and suggested he focus on boxing and music instead of pursuing acting.

*Hollywood Reporter* commented that while Link had talent in boxing and music, his acting lacked skill, advising him to concentrate on his strengths and avoid trying to excel in every field.

*The New Yorker* magazine suggested that Link should return to school and be cautious about wasting time in the entertainment industry, warning of the risk of failing courses.

"Look at this. I'm a rookie actor, and they expect me to deliver an Oscar-winning performance. Their demands are too high," Link said, putting down the newspaper.

"Link, don't let those reviews get to you. As a celebrity, the media needs to criticize you to create controversy and attract readers. Positive news doesn't sell as well," Director Woody Allen advised.

Link nodded, understanding that media often use the 'praise then criticize' tactic to generate attention.

"Allen, can you give me an objective evaluation of my performance in *Deep Blue Chase 2*?"

"Very good. You might even have a chance at a film award," Woody Allen said, giving a thumbs up.

"Really?"

"Yes. I think you have a chance to be nominated for the 2009 Golden Raspberry Award for Best Actor. Hahaha~"

Woody Allen laughed heartily, his glasses falling off his face. He fumbled to put them back on while continuing to laugh.

Link looked at the seventy-year-old man with a dark face. It seemed like he was just making a joke at his expense, which was quite uncouth.

"Just kidding. But seriously, you do have a good chance of being nominated for the Golden Raspberry this year."

Woody Allen chuckled.

Link shook his head and stirred his coffee with a spoon.

"The Golden Raspberry isn't too bad. If they dare to give it to me, I'll go and accept it."

To win a Golden Raspberry, one needed not only poor acting but also significant fame. Past winners included figures like Reagan, Stallone, Madonna, Tom, Bo Derek, Marlon Brando, Halle Berry, and Sandra Bullock.

"Good mindset. Now let's get to the main topic. Here's my new script. Take a look."

Woody Allen handed over a script.

Link flipped through it and saw the familiar name *Midnight in Paris*, a sister piece to *Midnight in Barcelona*. It tells the story of an American writer who travels to Paris with his fiancée and family and unexpectedly travels back in time to meet famous historical figures, experiencing the romance of historical Paris and finding true love.

The script was relatively short, only about eight thousand words. Link read it in half an hour, as if it were a reading comprehension exercise.

"Allen, why isn't this the story about the boxer you mentioned?"

Allen, smoking a cigarette, waved his hand and said, "That script is still in development. It's about a top boxer who accidentally kills his girlfriend, is sentenced to three years in prison, and after his release, tries to rebuild his life and find love again. Although the script is ready, you're too young and inexperienced to portray it deeply right now. So, I decided to make this film first. We'll wait a few more years for the boxing story."

"That sounds good, but is it suitable for a boxer like me to play a writer?" Link hesitated.

Allen looked at him and smiled, "Why does it have to be a writer playing a writer? A good director constructs the protagonist's identity through the plot, and a good actor immerses themselves in the role through performance. So, a boxer playing a writer isn't a big deal. Besides, you're a creative singer, also a kind of writer."

Link considered this and thought it made sense.

"When will it start filming?"

"Don't rush. Filming a movie isn't simple. It involves finding investors, budgeting, setting up the set, props, casting, and more. Just having a script isn't enough to start shooting."

Allen shook his head. "I just wanted you to see the script and encourage you to read more and immerse yourself in the role."

Link didn't know much about this field and didn't comment further.

He discussed the script with Allen, mentioning that he also had a film company and could provide investment if needed.

"Allen? Didn't expect to run into you here."

During their conversation, a young couple walked over to greet Woody Allen.

Link looked up and recognized them. It was movie stars Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson.

Scarlett, with her ponytail and casual outfit, was carrying shopping bags, probably from a shopping trip. She had worked with Allen in *Match Point*, *Scoop*, and *Midnight in Barcelona*.

Seeing Allen, Scarlett was very warm and smiled widely.

Allen introduced Link to them, and Link also politely shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.

After the couple left, Allen looked at their departing figures with admiration and said, "They are both excellent actors. Link, if you want to win an Oscar, you should learn from them. Start with art films to refine your acting skills, then move on to commercial movies."

Link nodded. Although the couple hadn't won Oscars, their acting skills were indeed impressive.