章 96: Chapter 96: The Master of Cinema**
**
Entering the Metropolitan Theater, Selena was eager to take the stage, give a speech, and perform to promote the film. Link found a corner and took a seat, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He leaned back on the sofa and soon fell asleep.
How long he slept, he wasn’t sure, but he was awakened when someone tapped his arm.
“Hey, buddy, wake up!â€
Link opened his eyes to see an elderly man sitting beside him. The man was in his sixties or seventies, dressed in a casual suit with metal-framed glasses, looking refined and academic, like a university professor.
“Sorry, did I snore?â€
Link wiped his mouth and sat up.
“No, but sleeping is contagious. You sleeping next to me might make me doze off as well,†the old man said with a serious expression.
Link apologized again, trying to focus on the front where the movie was now playing.
The film, *Cinderella: The Magical Dance*, was a modern retelling of the Cinderella story. Selena played the lead role of an orphan who was taken in by a washed-up female singer. At home, she was often bullied by the singer and her two daughters, treated like a maid.
At a school masquerade ball, the protagonist met the male lead, a popular singer. They danced perfectly together, but without revealing their identities. When midnight struck, the protagonist had to leave in a hurry, leaving behind a portable cassette player.
Aside from Selena’s dance scenes, which were quite dazzling, the rest of the film seemed dull to Link.
“Why would you watch a movie like this?â€
The elderly man next to him yawned and asked.
“The female lead is my sister. What about you, sir?â€
“I came into the wrong theater. I meant to watch *The Mortician* in Theater 3, but somehow ended up here.â€
The old man shrugged helplessly.
Link chuckled. “Well, that’s a good thing. *The Mortician* sounds like it deals with death, which is a rather heavy topic. On the other hand, *The Magical Dance* might have a simple and clichéd plot, but at least it’s cheerful. Happiness contributes to a long and healthy life. I think it’s more suitable for you.â€
The old man pondered for a moment and nodded slightly. “That makes some sense. I’m Woody Allen, a director.â€
“Woody Allen?â€
Link looked at him in surprise. Woody Allen was a renowned Hollywood director, known for classic romantic films such as *New York Stories*, *Annie Hall*, *The Purple Rose of Cairo*, *Midnight in Paris*, and *Match Point* starring Scarlett Johansson.
Not only was he a great director, but also a prolific screenwriter with 14 Oscar nominations for Best Screenplay, 6 nominations for Best Director, and one for Best Actor. He was often referred to by the French as “the only intellectual in American cinema.â€
Of course, the most famous news about him was his marriage to his adopted daughter.
“Hello, Director Woody Allen. I’m Link Beck, a boxer.†Link shook hands with him.
“Link Beck? You’re the one who won his matches in just a few seconds?â€
Woody Allen recognized him and examined him curiously.
“That’s me. It’s not really about winning in seconds; my punches are just quite heavy. I’m good at using my power to knock out my opponents.â€
Link modestly replied.
Woody Allen nodded. “I used to be a boxing fan, especially enjoying Tyson’s matches. After Tyson retired, I stopped following boxing as much. You’re quite impressive. I hope you’ll become a world champion like Tyson someday.â€
“I will.â€
Link nodded and smiled.
Woody Allen scrutinized him from various angles. “You have very distinctive and refined facial features. Such looks are perfect for art films. Have you ever considered becoming an actor?â€
Link raised an eyebrow. He did feel that he had become more handsome, looking much more refined than his previous self.
“Of course, I’ve thought about it. But you know, I’m a boxer and haven’t learned acting.â€
“Haha, let me tell you something. For a great director, the best actors aren’t seasoned veterans but novices with no acting skills. They’re like a sculptor’s block of marble; directors can shape them as they wish.â€
Woody Allen spoke with enthusiasm.
Link thought there was some truth in what he said and smiled. “So, I’m just one excellent director away from becoming an Oscar-winning actor?â€
“An Oscar winner? Hahaha~â€
Woody Allen quickly covered his mouth, laughing lightly. “Kid, you’re a boxer and you want to become an Oscar-winning actor? Don’t you think that’s a bit ambitious?â€
“Why not?â€
Link didn’t mind the playful mockery. He said seriously, “If you’ve read my reports, you’d know my approach to things. When I set my mind on something, I set a high goal from the start and work tirelessly to achieve it.
A little over three months ago, I was just an amateur boxer entering the ring. I set a goal for myself to reach the finals of the Golden Gloves Championship with a record of all knockouts. I succeeded with 17 wins out of 17 fights, all by knockout, and became the champion.
Then I set a new goal to become a world champion. From the Americas to the Hangzhou Olympics, I’ve faced stronger opponents multiple times. I was afraid, but I never backed down. Victory belongs to the brave, and I succeeded in the end.
Now, in my professional boxing career, my goal is to become a world champion in all five weight classes. Currently, I have three wins in three fights, all by knockout. Although I don’t know how long I’ll keep winning, I’ll never give up before I fail.â€
Link looked at the somewhat surprised Woody Allen. “Director Allen, you think I’d be good in movies. If I listen to your advice and become an actor, my goal will be to become an Oscar-winning actor, and I’ll put in all my effort. This isn’t a joke.â€
Woody Allen’s laughter faded as he examined Link more closely. “Why don’t you give it a try? I suddenly feel you might really become an Oscar winner someday. If you do, wow, that would be so interesting. You should definitely give it a shot.â€
Link shrugged. “I’ll consider it if the opportunity arises.â€
“Link, give me your phone number. Perhaps I could be the director who helps you become an Oscar winner.â€
Woody Allen joked.
Link smiled and exchanged phone numbers with him.
He noticed there were two messages from Selena on his phone. Selena mentioned that there was an empty seat next to her and asked him to come forward. Link replied that it wasn’t necessary.
Selena, upon receiving the message, glanced back with big eyes and pointed to the seat beside her.
“She’s your sister? She’s such a lovely girl. You should go up front. I’m about to leave.â€
“You’re going to watch *The Mortician*?â€
“No, I’m going back to write a script. After talking to you, I suddenly have an idea. I need to write it down. Wish me luck. It might turn into another great film.â€
Woody Allen chuckled, shook hands with Link, and left the theater, covering his face with his hat and bowing his head as he walked down the aisle.
Link watched his departing figure and smiled. Woody Allen was a master of art films. If reporters caught him watching a youthful musical film, it might become a quirky news story.
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(End of Chapter)
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