boxer to hollywood

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"Is that guy Link? What's he doing here?"

Irish actor Colin Farrell saw Link walk away and asked Ryan Reynolds next to him.

"He starred in 'The Fighter' with Christian Bale. Haven't you seen that movie?"

"Isn't he a singer? Why is he acting in movies now? More and more singers are crossing over to movies these days."

"He's not just a singer; he's also a world boxing champion. He earned over $60 million in one match last year, and it only took him five minutes. It's incredible."

Zac Efron, who rose to fame with 'High School Musical' and '17 Again,' marveled.

"Fortune magazine said he made over $100 million from boxing last year and another $100 million from music, making $200 million in a year. He's only 21. Damn, if I were a billionaire at 21, I'd do nothing but party at nightclubs every day."

Ryan Reynolds said enviously.

"But Link doesn't just release albums and box; he also takes on acting roles like crazy. The Hollywood Reporter calls him the hardest-working person in the entertainment industry. Compared to him, I feel a bit lazy."

Zac Efron shrugged.

Besides the three of them, many other actors were discussing Link, this 'intruder' in the film industry. Some were envious, some jealous, and others disliked him.

Especially seeing him surrounded by a group of actresses, all fawning over him like he was a heartthrob, many felt a strong dislike, wishing they could trade places with him.

"Link, you're nominated for Best Original Song, right? I'll be presenting this award with Amanda. If you win, should I give you a hint?"

Miley Cyrus winked and gave a cute smile.

"No chance. The Oscars organizers invited me to be a presenter, which means I probably won't win. No need to overthink it."

"Is that so?"

Miley looked at her friend Amanda Seyfried.

Amanda, an actress known for 'Mean Girls' and 'Mamma Mia!', had more insight into these things.

She looked at Link with her characteristic blue-grey eyes and smiled flirtatiously, "Maybe. It's my first time being a presenter too, and I've never been nominated for an Oscar. Link, you're amazing, getting an Oscar nomination at 21."

"Yes, Link, you're incredible. I'm a big fan now."

Miley Cyrus smiled.

Link smiled lightly, indicating mutual admiration. In reality, he hadn't achieved as much as Miley in the entertainment industry yet.

Miley, only eighteen this year, had released three albums, all of which had topped the charts in their first week and sold millions in the U.S. Her TV show 'Hannah Montana' was a ratings champion, and the movie version also topped the box office. Her North American tour and concert DVD grossed over $100 million.

"Hi, Link. Great to see you here. I'm a fan of your music."

Spanish actress Penélope Cruz approached, saying she loved the Spanish song 'Despacito'. Last year, she starred in Woody Allen's 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' and won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. She was also presenting the Best Supporting Actor award this year.

Link chatted with her for a bit, talking about her new movie and mentioning he would have a concert in Barcelona in August or September. Penélope said she would definitely attend.

After Penélope left, Link chatted with Cameron Diaz and Rachel McAdams, who also came to greet him.

At 6 PM, the Oscars ceremony began, and the presenters started preparing. Those presenting earlier would go to the staff to get the envelopes with the winners' names or rehearse their lines in the lounge.

Link glanced at Kristen Stewart, still sitting on the couch with a blank expression. She wore a black dress, her blonde hair draped over her shoulders, and her pale complexion made her seem untouchable. No man dared to approach her.

"Hey, superstar, do you still remember me?"

Link smiled as he approached her with his hands in his pockets.

Since the release of 'Twilight 2' last year, her fame had been growing, and she had been quite busy. Link, busy with concerts and album promotions, had only met her twice.

Kristen brushed off her skirt, swinging her legs, and said expressionlessly, "Superstar, how does it feel to be surrounded by women who want to sleep with you?"

"They're just friends. It's not as exaggerated as you say."

Link gave her a look and sat beside her.

"I saw you were very excited earlier, constantly smiling, your face flushed, and your voice loud. That's the difference between men and women. If I were surrounded by men who wanted to sleep with me, I'd be terrified. Why do men and women react so differently?"

Kristen said seriously.

"We haven't talked in a while. Are you sure you want to discuss such a boring topic?"

Link said helplessly.

"We're talking about the differences in male and female body structures, which leads to inherent gender inequality. It's a serious topic, how can it be boring?"

Kristen said, puzzled.

Link smiled lightly and said softly, "Your premise is flawed. Who told you that a man surrounded by women who want to sleep with him would be excited, and a woman surrounded by men would be scared?"

"Isn't it true?"

"Of course not. If you were surrounded by a group of super handsome guys, would you be scared or excited?"

Link stared at her face.

"A group of guys like you?"

"Sure!"

Kristen tilted her head, thought for a moment, and said, "A little nervous, but also a bit excited."

Link didn't know what nonsense she was thinking and said, "Exactly. If I were surrounded by a group of 400-500 pound, muscular middle-aged women, I'd be nervous too. So whether one is nervous or excited when surrounded by the opposite sex depends on attractiveness, not gender."

"Okay, you have a point."

Kristen fished around behind her and pulled out two lollipops, handing one to him.

Link looked at her in surprise. She was wearing a black lace dress that exposed her shoulders and collarbone. The lace clung tightly to her body from her chest to her knees, revealing her skin through the gaps. There were clearly no pockets.

Link sniffed the lollipop, catching a whiff of Dior perfume, the same scent as Kristen's.

"What are you smelling? I just tucked them into my bra to bring them in, not my butt."

Kristen said with a cold expression, sucking on her lollipop.

"I know, I was just wondering if I should eat it now, since I'll be on stage soon."

"When's your turn?"

"Sixth."

"I'm third, and I'm not worried. Why are you?"

Kristen said nonchalantly.

"Kristen, it's our turn."

Her co-star Taylor Lautner, who played the werewolf in 'Twilight,' came to call her.

"Now?"

"Yes, we go on in a minute."

"Alright."

Kristen took the lollipop out of her mouth and handed it to Link, asking him to hold it for her until she got back and warning him not to eat it.

In the backstage area of the Oscars, Link sat on a couch in the busy hall, holding a lollipop in each hand. Director Quentin Tarantino walked by, glanced at him, and asked what he was doing, saying his pose was quite unique. 

(End of Chapter)