Robert Pattinson: Anatomy of a rebound (and ice cream etiquette)

Monday was the first day of the rest of Robert Pattinson’s life. Or, at least, his promotional duties.

Forced into hiding by girlfriend and “Twilight Saga” costar Kristen Stewart’s well-documented fling with director Rupert Sanders, Pattinson finally put on his big boy pants and hit New York City to hype his new film “Cosmopolis.”

Those big boy pants, part of a powder blue Gucci suit, had Pattinson looking great, beaming for many a photo op on a jam-packed day that saw a giggly catharsis interview with Jon Stewart and a ring of the NYSE bell.

“What have you been up to?” Stewart asked with raised eyebrows on “The Daily Show,” Pattinson’s first sit-down since the late-July scandal erupted (video above).

TIMELINE: Kristen Stewart cheating scandal

Pattinson rambled a bit, saying he’d prepared a few jokes but was distracted by a brilliant prop from Stewart: two pints of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, meant for nursing those Stew-inflicted wounds.

“My biggest problem in my life is that I’m cheap. I didn’t hire a publicist,” Rob said, poking fun at the global attention his personal Hindenburg has received.

Earlier that day, Pattinson and his director David Cronenberg stopped by the New York Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell, a fitting appearance since Rob’s “Cosmopolis” character is a futuristic Wall Street whiz.

After chatting up Stewart, the 26-year-old popped by the Museum of Modern Art to introduce a screening of the Don DeLillo adaptation.

Looking great (we at the Ministry love revenge fashion), heaps of self-deprecation and a nice New York tradition? Sweet comeback. Oh, and Rob, be sure to send Reese Witherspoon a thank-you note.

RELATED:

Kristen Stewart is sorry for ‘indiscretion’ with married director

Robert Pattinson to appear on ‘Good Morning America’ next week

Where in the world is Robert Pattinson? Perhaps not far from home

Follow Matt Donnelly on Twitter and Google+. Follow the Ministry of Gossip on Twitter @LATcelebs.