LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 33: Join Swift on Saturday Night Live.
Compared to participating in SNL with Taylor Swift, also known as Saturday Night Live, Xu Can was more concerned about Warner's invitation.
When he heard the news, he thought he had heard it wrong. There is a certain degree of competition between DC and Marvel, as well as between Warner and Sony. Warner actually asked him, an actor with the Marvel label, to play a DC character.
'I don't know what they're thinking.'
Xu Can estimated that Warner executives must be envious of the performance of Spider-Man. This year's Superman Returns had flopped miserably. It wasn't even worthy of carrying Spider-Man's shoes, and the media barely reported on it.
Warner probably wanted to restore the value of DC and pinned their hopes on Batman. It just so happened that Nolan, a new-generation director who had gained fame with his success in The Prestige, was their chosen candidate.
Warner's decision to hire him was undoubtedly strategic. With Xu Can's live-action comic book movie success, it was evident they wanted to capitalize on his popularity.
But competition was competition. If Hollywood companies were at war, what did that have to do with him as an actor? Money on the table is money to be made.
"Okay, but before we start shooting, I need to talk to Brother Nolan," Xu Can said.
"No problem, I'll pass it on to Warner," Happy replied.
"By the way, what role did they ask me to play?"
"Probably Batman, Bruce Wayne."
"Emmm... I don't want to act in this. Forget it. I'll talk to Nolan first, then."
"Well, remember to attend SNL tomorrow. Go to NBC headquarters in the afternoon, and I'll let Vanessa take you there."
As Xu Can's agent, general manager of Galaxy Pictures, and one of the producers of John Wick, Happy was swamped with work and quickly hung up the phone.
The company had recently hired a white intern, Vanessa Perry, a girl in her early 20s, the same age as Xu Can. She was responsible for taking care of his daily needs and assisting with chores.
The next afternoon, Vanessa drove a car provided by Sony and arrived at the set to pick him up.
The young woman had long, straight black hair and bore a resemblance to Anne Hathaway.
"Mr. Xu, it's almost time. Let's go to NBC," Vanessa said.
She wore black-rimmed glasses and spoke slowly, like a bookish, diligent student.
"Did you buy the coffee I asked for? I feel sleepy after filming too much," Xu Can asked.
"I've bought it. It's in the car—American style, with thick ice, no sugar, and no milk," Vanessa replied.
"Okay, let's go."
Xu Can drank his coffee in the car while replying to emails on his phone. After navigating through New York's infamous traffic, they finally arrived at the Rockefeller Center building in Manhattan, where NBC is headquartered.
As an evergreen variety show in North America, Saturday Night Live attracted viewers across the United States every Saturday and consistently ranked among the top-rated programs year-round. Known for its humorous skits and satire, the show often criticized current affairs and the entertainment industry.
This week's guests included Xu Can, Taylor Swift, Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin, and others.
Initially, the program team had wanted to invite Emma Stone. As Spider-Man and Gwen's on-screen couple, she and Xu Can would undoubtedly boost ratings. However, Emma was busy filming Twilight and couldn't attend.
Instead, they turned to the rising country-folk singer, 17-year-old Taylor Swift. Although not yet on the level of Beyoncé, Avril Lavigne, or Mariah Carey, Swift had gained a substantial following among young audiences.
The staff guided Xu Can inside the building to meet the show's creators for a brief introduction before heading to the dressing room. Time was tight, so after getting ready, he would head straight to rehearsals and recording.
Not long after sitting down for makeup, someone entered the dressing room.
"Xu, you're really here~"
He didn't need to turn around to recognize the voice—it was Swift.
Wearing high heels, she ran over affectionately for a hug but stopped short, as the makeup artist was busy working.
"I heard the show invited you. Do you know how happy I am?" Swift exclaimed.
Taylor Swift has undeniably model-like in appearance, but once you get to know her, she is a cheerful, straightforward, and occasionally goofy person. She was different from the girls around Xu Can, like Emma Stone and Emma Roberts.
Emma Stone initially came off as a great friend—generous and approachable—but privately, she was more emotional and slightly willful. Emma Roberts, on the other hand, was lively yet soft-spoken, more like a delicate princess.
Taylor, however, was always full of energy, regardless of whom she was with. Her excitement and boldness were infectious.
As they got their makeup done, Taylor kept chatting about her daily life, from minor songwriting inspirations to funny events at work. She talked non-stop while Xu Can listened with a smile.
After the makeup was done, there was still some time before they needed to go on stage. The makeup artist left, giving the room to just the two of them.
Swift suddenly sighed softly.
"What's wrong?" Xu Can asked.
"After I talked to you last time, I had a fight with Scott," Swift admitted.
Scott Borchetta, the boss of Big Machine Records, controlled the rights to Swift's albums.
"I finally saw him clearly. He claims to respect my creativity, but he's just using me as a cash cow."
"And what do you think?" Xu Can probed.
"I don't know. I can't just leave right now. The bigger companies have even more restrictions."
Swift looked disappointed. She had hoped to create music freely, but the reality of the industry was stifling.
"If it doesn't work, I could ask Dad to invest so I'd have some say in decisions," Swift added.
"Don't," Xu Can said quickly. He recalled the copyright disputes Swift faced in her previous life.
"Now that you see his true colors, you can't expect him to change. He'll only cause you more trouble in the future. No matter how nice he sounds, don't trust him."
"Then what should I do? I need to release a new album soon, or my popularity will fade," Swift said, visibly frustrated.
"I have an idea. Why don't you sign with my company? I'll run it for you," Xu Can suggested.
"Really? Is that possible?" Swift's eyes lit up in surprise.
"I can set up an exclusive studio for you and collaborate with Sony Records," Xu Can explained.
Swift's excitement grew. "You'd really do that for me?"
"Of course," Xu Can replied earnestly. "Because I like you."
"Wait… wait… wait!" Swift stammered, completely caught off guard.
Xu Can's straightforward confession made her heart race, and despite her shock, a small smile crept onto her face.
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