Chapter 382 - 351: Discussing Cooperation with Dwayne Johnson

Then there was American Ninja Warrior. Compared to that, similar shows back in Huaxia seemed to be on a kindergarten level of difficulty.

’I remember how shocked I was the first time I saw a show like that,’ Wu Yun thought. ’When I compared it to the prevailing trend of cutesy, effeminate men in Huaxia’s media—the kind of trend that was just asking to be canceled—I felt so frustrated, like a parent disappointed in a child who wouldn’t live up to their potential.’

While male celebrities in Huaxia were putting on heavy makeup, Wu Yun preferred watching shows with visceral, fist-to-flesh action or those that showcased masculine strength.

This just went to prove the theory that getting overly buff only attracts other men.

Even before he was reincarnated, Wu Yun had stopped watching Huaxia dramas for a long time. He wasn’t sure when it started, but they seemed to increasingly cater to a female audience.

That’s why Wu Yun had this sudden idea even before coming to the United States. His life was short on entertainment, after all, and something that was both mentally and physically stimulating sounded great.

As for whether he should create this Titan Game ahead of schedule and ask Dwayne Johnson to endorse it or partner with him, Wu Yun already had two potential plans in mind.

The prize money could be set even higher. Then, the competition wouldn’t be limited to the United States; Wu Yun wanted to bring in all the strongest contenders from around the world to determine the ultimate champion.

Wu Yun couldn’t help but get excited at the thought. ’This is a great idea! I could even create crossovers between my companies, just like how *Contra* based its characters on Stallone and Schwarzenegger back in the day.’

A new hero template could even be made for *Honor of Kings*.

Wu Yun felt this project had massive potential. With a large enough prize, the bravest competitors would surely emerge. Not only could this inject a breath of fresh air into Huaxia’s cultural aesthetic, but it could also expand the influence of his companies.

’As for promotions, endorsements, and naming rights... wouldn’t that just be moving money from my left pocket to my right?’

"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the 87th Academy Awards! I’m your old friend, Harris!"

Wu Yun’s train of thought was interrupted by the voice booming from the speakers. He turned his gaze to the center of the stage, where Harris stood in a black suit.

Harris was a famous host in the United States, known not only for his humorous style but also for his private life.

Wu Yun only knew about him because, in his previous life, he had been shocked to learn that a certain host on Huaxia’s Mango TV was also gay. The revelation had completely shattered his worldview at the time, prompting him to learn more about that community, which is how he’d come across Harris.

In the United States, attitudes on the matter were certainly more liberal than in Huaxia; same-sex marriage wasn’t uncommon in some states.

’Although I don’t discriminate, I really can’t accept relationships between two men,’ Wu Yun thought. ’The thought of two bearded guys hugging, puckering up and kissing... it just disgusts me.’

Lesbians, on the other hand, were much more acceptable in his view. Qi Fei’s classmate, Zeng Shengnan, was a prime example from his own experience—though he only found that out long after he and Qi Fei got together.

The rest of the evening unfolded much as Wu Yun had seen on television, only tonight he was there in person, watching it live. And he was seeing many things he hadn’t seen before.

For instance, he saw the faces of nominated actresses who didn’t win. The initial excitement would give way to a complex mix of emotions when someone else’s name was called.

Some wept, some smiled, and some shot looks of pure envy at the peer on stage holding the little golden statuette.

These were the moments rarely, if ever, captured by the television cameras.

In that moment, Wu Yun felt that these celebrities were just like ordinary people—or perhaps even less composed.

Perhaps it was their usual glamorous appearance, their outstanding acting skills, and the distance they kept from the public that made them seem so unattainable to ordinary people.

’Little do they know, in the eyes of the truly wealthy, they’re just performers with a bit more fame, nothing more.’

Wu Yun scanned the crowd and found Emma and Scarlett. While Emma was dressed down in a black suit, Scarlett’s long green gown made her stand out instantly.

Because of the recent tabloid headlines, several people sitting near Emma kept glancing in Wu Yun’s direction.

The rest of the time became rather dull for Wu Yun. Once he stepped into the theater, the mysterious veil of the Oscars had been lifted. What remained felt like just another ordinary awards ceremony.

Of course, it was all interspersed with commercials and a few performances.

The entire ceremony lasted over three hours. Having had a lot to drink, Wu Yun even made a trip to the restroom halfway through.

As the crowd began to disperse, Wu Yun didn’t go looking for Emma. Instead, he sought out Dwayne Johnson, who was chatting with a few other Hollywood action stars.

His initial thought was to have Wang Hao fetch Dwayne Johnson, but he quickly decided against it. That would be impolite. If he wanted to collaborate, he needed to show sincerity. It wasn’t as if Dwayne Johnson was his only option, of course.

"Excuse me, sorry to interrupt, Mr. Johnson!" Wu Yun said with a smile as he approached.

Dwayne Johnson’s eyes went to the two bodyguards behind Wu Yun—one of whom was nearly as powerfully built as himself. Then he recognized Wu Yun’s face and recalled the Asian man who had greeted him from a private box earlier.

’This man’s background must be something special,’ Johnson thought.

So, Dwayne Johnson smiled, said his goodbyes to his old costars, and then asked, "Sir, may I ask who you are?"

Wu Yun smiled, took a business card from Wang Hao, and handed it to Dwayne Johnson. "I’m Wu Yun, from Huaxia."

A knowing, teasing look immediately appeared on Dwayne Johnson’s face. "Ah, so you’re Emma’s new boyfriend?"

Wu Yun shook his head. "We’re just friends. Actually, Mr. Dwayne Johnson, it’s you I’m quite interested in."

Wu Yun’s words made everyone nearby clench up, and the color drained from Dwayne Johnson’s face.

Seeing his expression, Wu Yun knew Johnson had gotten the wrong idea. "What I mean is, I’m a fan. I wanted to meet you today, and I also have a potential collaboration I’d like to discuss."

Dwayne Johnson’s expression finally relaxed, and he let out a sigh of relief. "Mr. Wu, please finish your sentences next time! That was terrifying!"

Looking at Johnson’s reaction, Wu Yun mused, ’I wonder if another man has confessed his love to him before for him to react like that.’

But the little incident had served to break the ice, and the initial distance between Wu Yun and Dwayne Johnson vanished.

Wu Yun glanced around. "This isn’t the best place to talk."

The group then found a more secluded corner. Knowing now that he was speaking with a wealthy man from Huaxia, Dwayne Johnson eagerly asked, "So, Mr. Wu, what kind of collaboration did you have in mind? Are you asking me to be in a Huaxia film?"

Johnson couldn’t think of any other capacity in which they could collaborate. After all, besides movies and endorsements, he was already retired from performing in the WWE.

"I have a concept, still in its early stages. I want to produce a competition show, something like your *American Ninja Warrior*."

Wu Yun’s words piqued Johnson’s interest. He had been a guest on *Ninja Warrior* and knew just how difficult it was.

Johnson knew full well that even with his regular training, he probably couldn’t pass the first few stages. It was simple: he was too heavy. His agility and endurance couldn’t compare to people who did things like rock climbing.

"But it would be different from *Ninja Warrior*. This would be a head-to-head duel. We’d set up various obstacles testing strength, agility, and skill, and two competitors would race at the same time. The first one to the finish line wins."

Wu Yun then described the obstacle course design from the future *Titan Game* to Dwayne Johnson. When he mentioned that the final world champion would win a prize of five million USD, even Johnson was visibly impressed.

"So, Mr. Wu, you mean you want to hold qualifying rounds all over the world, select the best of the best to compete, and turn it into a reality show?" Johnson was quick on the uptake, but still a little confused. "Are you asking me to be a guest judge?"

If Wu Yun were asking him to compete, Johnson would have to refuse. He couldn’t afford to lose.

Wu Yun nodded with a smile. "Mr. Johnson, I have two proposals. The first is that I hire you as the show’s host and technical consultant. I’ll pay you the highest appearance fee in television, and we can coordinate the filming schedule around your availability."

Dwayne Johnson couldn’t help but nod. Those were very generous terms. But he was still curious about the second proposal.

"The second proposal is a partnership. I put up the money, you put in the work and serve as the face of the show."

Dwayne Johnson was silent for a moment before replying, "Mr. Wu, I’d like to take some time to think about this. Why don’t you have your people draw up a detailed proposal, and we can schedule another meeting to discuss it further? After all, without a concrete plan in front of us, we won’t get very far."

Wu Yun nodded in understanding. "I was thinking the same thing. My main goal today was to meet you, Mr. Johnson. It’s the first step toward a good partnership."

The two exchanged a few more pleasantries, swapped contact information, and then went their separate ways.