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墨書 Inktalez
After the release of the international blockbuster "Eastern Enchantment," fans around the world went wild.
On the night of the premiere, I stood on the red carpet at the TCL Chinese Theatre with my fellow cast members, the flashing lights nearly blinding me.
"Lin Xiaonuan, over here!" The reporters called out my name in unison, and in that moment, I was transported back to my days as an extra in small productions.
In the first week of its release, the film grossed over three hundred million dollars worldwide, and major media outlets rushed to report on this groundbreaking Eastern-themed film. I, a Chinese actress, became the focal point of global discussions.
The New York Times described my performance as that of a "performing genius with an aura of Eastern mystique," while Hollywood Reporter dedicated an entire page analyzing my superb acting in the film.
"She perfectly embodies the resilience and tenderness of Eastern women, leaving a lasting impression." Such praise filled me with both joy and anxiety.
As the film continued to soar in popularity, offers came pouring in.
On a sunny afternoon, my agent Lily burst into my dressing room, waving a golden invitation.
"Xiaonuan, you've been invited to the Cannes Film Festival! And as a judge!" Her voice was so excited it almost cracked.
I took the invitation; the gold embossing shimmered in the sunlight, making it feel like a dream.
Under the blue sky and white clouds of Cannes, I walked the red carpet in a custom qipao designed by a Chinese designer.
In front of the cameras, I smiled confidently, though my heart raced uncontrollably.
"This is a proud moment for Eastern filmmakers," I said during an interview with French Television Station. "I hope to showcase more diverse representations of Eastern women through my performances."
At that film festival, I met many internationally renowned directors and actors who praised my performance and expressed their desire for collaboration.
Not long after returning home, I received notification of my nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars.
When the news broke, domestic media erupted in excitement.
"A Chinese actress receives an Oscar nomination after twenty years!"
"Lin Xiaonuan: A stunning transformation from extra to international superstar!"
Various headlines dominated the entertainment section.
That night at the awards ceremony, I wore a gown that blended Eastern and Western elements, sitting among Hollywood stars with my heart pounding like a drum.
When the host announced my name, I could hardly believe my ears.
Standing on the Oscar stage, holding the heavy little golden statue, tears blurred my vision.
"Thank you to the committee for this honor," I said in English, my voice trembling slightly with excitement. "I want to thank my country and my people; it is your stories that have given me inspiration and strength."
Then, I added in Chinese, "Thank you for letting the world see the strength of Chinese actors."
In that moment, I knew I had truly stepped onto the international stage.
After gaining fame, interviews came pouring in.
CNN, BBC, Time Magazine… major media outlets around the world rushed to report on this rising Eastern star.
"What do you think has helped you establish yourself in Hollywood?" an American journalist asked me.
I thought for a moment and replied, "Perhaps sincerity and perseverance. Acting knows no borders; what touches people's hearts is always genuine emotion."
As my recognition grew, international brands began to extend their olive branches to me.
Chanel, Dior, Cartier… a string of luxury brands approached me, inviting me to be their global ambassador.
My commercial value skyrocketed, multiplying many times over.
But I knew that all of this was hard-earned and required careful handling.
"Lily, help me filter through these endorsements; I want brands that align with my personal values," I told my agent. "Additionally, I want to set aside time each year to work on a project with social significance, regardless of the pay."
Lily nodded; she was already accustomed to my "stubbornness."
While enjoying fame and fortune, I have not forgotten to give back to society.
I established the Xiao Nuan Foundation, dedicated to funding arts education in impoverished areas.
"Every child should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams," I said at the foundation's inauguration ceremony, "just like I did back then."
I also actively participate in activities with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, advocating for children in war-torn regions.
Once, I visited a refugee camp in Syria. The children there, despite their harsh living conditions, remained innocent and cheerful.
A little girl took my hand and said in broken English, "Sister, I want to be an actress when I grow up, just like you."
In that moment, tears streamed down my face as I realized that fame brings not only glory but also responsibility.
At the peak of my career, my relationship with Shen Yichen was also steadily developing.
Although we often found ourselves separated by work, our understanding and support for each other never wavered.
"You know? My favorite thing is watching you receive awards abroad," he said during a video call. "That confidence and composure is what I love most about you, my little Nuan."
I smiled and replied, "That's all because I know you are supporting me from behind."
Every time I returned home, he would cancel all his work commitments to spend our brief time together.
Once, we escaped the media and secretly went to Qinghai Lake.
On the grasslands by the lake, we held hands and ran like two carefree children.
"If one day we get tired of life under the spotlight, let's move here," he said half-jokingly. "We can live an ordinary life."
I leaned on his shoulder and softly replied, "Sure, we can raise a few sheep, grow some vegetables, and watch the sunrise and sunset every day."
Such simple wishes felt especially precious amidst our busy lives.
Sometimes, in the solitude of the late night, I find myself reminiscing about the early days of my journey through this world.
From having nothing to standing on the global stage, I have stumbled along this path, yet it has been incredibly fulfilling.
I once thought success was a matter of chance; now I understand that every step was inevitable.
It was the persistence during times of doubt, the attempts after being rejected, and countless nights spent practicing that have shaped who I am today.
"Success is not the destination, but a journey," I said during a graduation speech. "True success lies in the process of pursuing your dreams, continually discovering and achieving a better version of yourself."
Standing at this new height in life, I am filled with anticipation for the future.
I know that the road in the performing arts is long and fraught with challenges, but I am ready to embrace every possibility.
Perhaps it will be directing my own film, experimenting with new styles of performance, or pioneering a new path for Eastern actors.
No matter what the future holds, I will carry my original intentions and continue to move forward.
Because I firmly believe that the greatest adventure in life is becoming the person you aspire to be.
And I, Lin Xiaonuan, am on that journey.
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