Leonardo’s voice was laced with arrogance and mockery: “You can watch movies in Abu Dhabi?”

Laughter erupted all around.

Kate Winslet looked over, and Ronan also turned his head in that direction.

A middle-aged man with black-rimmed glasses chimed in, “That place is a cultural desert.”

Samuel Zayed argued back, “The UAE is a free, civilized, and open country, with over a hundred cinemas.”

Leonardo spread his hands and, smiling, asked the people on both sides, “Has anyone here ever heard of a UAE film? Can anyone name a single UAE movie?”

Samuel was about to speak, but Leonardo cut him off: “Name a UAE film for us, enlighten us.”

People on both sides echoed Leonardo’s words.

Ronan shook his head slightly. Leonardo was at the height of his popularity, the darling of the media and producers.

As for the Arab world, not just now, but even ten years from now, in the eyes of most Hollywood professionals, it still wouldn’t be considered part of the civilized world.

Leonardo was truly brash at this stage. Not long ago, he had publicly announced he wouldn’t attend this year’s Oscars, boldly claiming it was to avoid stealing the show.

Ronan remembered reading in some reports from his previous life how James Cameron privately described Leonardo during this period—as an arrogant, spoiled brat.

Judging by the current situation, James Cameron’s words were spot on.

“What a joke.” Someone shook his head and walked away: “Arabs trying to break into Hollywood? Wishful thinking!”

Samuel remained composed and said, “The UAE’s film industry is just getting started…”

“So it’s a cultural desert for movies right now!” Leonardo pressed aggressively.

He was nothing like the affable uncle he would become later, when both he and you had put on weight.

“That’s absolutely wrong!”

Ronan was the first to refute Leonardo, then stepped into the circle and said, “The UAE’s film policy is very open. They’ve always imported Hollywood blockbusters and Bollywood musicals, and their cinemas are almost always packed.”

Leonardo and Samuel immediately looked over at Ronan.

Ronan smiled politely and continued, “It’s tough to get a film industry started. Hollywood also started from nothing, and it took nearly a century to reach where it is today.”

Hearing this rebuttal, Leonardo frowned, clearly displeased.

Samuel nodded to Ronan first, then said, “To promote the development of the film industry, Abu Dhabi is actively pursuing international cooperation and is willing to work with Hollywood.”

“Ha…” Leonardo laughed, no longer bothering with Samuel, and instead said to Ronan, “I just remembered who you are—you’re that prodigal son!”

Kate Winslet tugged at Leonardo, seemingly reminding him not to speak recklessly.

Ronan noticed this. The friendship between these two would last for many years. Even now, he remembered Kate Winslet’s confession to Leonardo: I’m so glad I can stand here and tell you how much I love you. I’ve loved you for 13 years. I love you with all my heart, truly.

It was a declaration of friendship.

Maybe Rose always held Jack in her heart, but Jack clearly wasn’t interested in that way.

Leonardo didn’t care at all. He addressed everyone around: “Everyone, let me introduce you—this is Ronan Anderson. You might have heard of his father, John Anderson.”

“John Anderson from Sahara Entertainment?” someone chimed in.

Leonardo was clearly annoyed by Ronan’s earlier rebuttal and continued, “When I was filming ‘Growing Pains,’ John was the associate producer—very capable. It’s a pity, though. The company John spent ten years building was squandered overnight.”

The middle-aged man with black-rimmed glasses leaned in to whisper to Leonardo, but loud enough for those nearby to hear: “Leo, haven’t you heard? That prodigal son is planning to make a new movie.”

Ronan didn’t argue back. His gaze drifted over to Samuel, and he silently called out in his heart, let the mockery come even harder.

All this ridicule was actually helping him.

Knowing how overbearing Leonardo was at this stage, why would he jump out to argue?

Leonardo’s smile was dazzling, his looks charming, but his words were far from pleasant: “Not everyone has self-awareness.”

Kate Winslet tugged at Leonardo again. Leonardo smiled and left with her, muttering as they walked, “Kate, it was that prodigal son who disrespected me first! People like him, every time I see…”

“Just say a little less,” Kate Winslet cut him off.

The others quickly dispersed as well.

Only Ronan and Samuel were left here.

“Hello.” Samuel took two steps forward and said to Ronan, “Thank you for speaking up for me.”

Ronan waved his hand, “It’s nothing, I was just telling the truth.”

Samuel said earnestly, “They went too far.”

“It’s nothing, I get mocked all the time.” Ronan gave a wry smile. “I’m an oddball in their Hollywood.”

He shook his head. “These people, each one thinks they’re so noble, but they don’t even have the most basic respect.”

“It’s okay.” Samuel echoed Ronan’s words, “I’ve gotten used to it lately too.”