1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

Chapter 60 Hey, Theron!

To clarify, this isn't meant to be hostile.

To be precise, it was a kind of arrogance and disregard, with a hint of rejection.

Xu Shengjie felt a little uncomfortable, but didn't pay much attention to it.

You can be arrogant, you can ignore, you can even be hostile!

As long as you don't mess with me, I can ignore you, just as you can ignore me.

We're all born as human beings, why would I be afraid of you?

Even if you have MGM behind you!

After all, it's not RMB. Haha, even if it were RMB, not everyone would like it, let alone this is America.

Xu Shengjie didn't bother with pleasantries, took all the scripts back, and put them in his backpack.

"Spike, shall we talk somewhere else?"

"certainly!"

Spike is a friend of Verhoeven and is here because of Verhoeven.

Who do you think you are, Mario?

Moreover, he could tell that there seemed to be a conflict between the cannon and Mario. As an outsider, it was even less appropriate for him to get involved.

"Pao, Jeffrey and I will take our leave now. How about grabbing a drink sometime tonight?"

"Okay, I'll contact you when I'm done here."

Verhoeven, not wanting Spike to get involved, responded with a smile.

"By the way, Jeffrey, my promise still stands. If you ever change your mind, you can contact me."

After saying that, he handed Xu Shengjie a business card.

Xu Shengjie put away the business card, picked up his backpack, and walked out with Spike.

"Hey, Chinaman, what script? If it's a good script, MGM can buy it too."

$10 is an absolute steal for a beginner.

Xu Shengjie glanced at him in surprise, then couldn't help but laugh.

Spike's $55, Verhoeven's $60.

I wasn't even tempted, and you're offering me 10? And you call that a fair price?

Theoretically speaking, 10 is an average price, which is quite reasonable.

It's not that Mario didn't know what he was talking about; it's just that he wasn't involved in the previous conversation, so he didn't know the story.

Of course, even if he heard it, he might not understand it.

Verhoeven and Spike both had a mocking smile on their lips.

The others in the room remained silent, including Elaine, the casting director who also came from MGM with Mario, and she lowered her head.

They had all heard Xu Shengjie and the others discussing this.

An interesting script, very interesting!

While the final box office results are uncertain, they are certain that this is a script that can make money.

Mario, you're so arrogant!

Then he received a middle finger from Xu Shengjie without even turning his head.

"That damn ChinaMan, how could he be so rude to me?"

You shouted "China Man," and they didn't beat you up because they were being kind to MGM!

"Elaine, let's begin."

"We've already wasted too much time; we need to finish the audition as soon as possible."

"Okay, Director Verhoeven."

Although Elaine and Mario both come from MGM, it's clear that Elaine doesn't take Mario seriously.

Mario's backer is production executive Mike Medavoy, but Elaine is no pushover either; her uncle is global distribution president Larry Gleason. Who doesn't have a powerful backer?

Mario was furious at being ignored by everyone.

But what angered him most was Xu Shengjie's middle finger gesture as he left, and the way he mouthed "Fuck you" without making a sound when closing the door. This offended Mario.

"Jeffrey, why bother?"

After leaving the house, Spike couldn't help but say something.

"I don't like that white pig either; he's too arrogant."

But he has MGM behind him, and if things get unpleasant, it's not a good thing for you.

"If you want to make a movie, even if you can find investment, what about distribution? You'll inevitably have to deal with these big companies."

MGM?

Once one of the top seven, it ended up going through several bankruptcies and acquisitions, eventually having to undergo bankruptcy restructuring, but ultimately still being acquired...

They're all parasites; Xu Shengjie never really thought about cooperating with MGM.

He said softly, "He can't control MGM. Why would Crédit Lyonnais and Mancuso's team have the energy to cause me trouble?"

"That's true!"

Spike immediately realized what was happening.

MGM entered a bank trusteeship period starting in 93.

MGM is currently embroiled in fierce internal strife. The team from Crédit Lyonnais and the operations team from Mancuso are locked in a brutal power struggle within the board of directors. Mario is just a minor character; he simply hasn't grasped his place within the production team.

Besides, Hollywood isn't just about MGM.

The two walked toward the elevator while talking.

Just then, the door to the dressing room opened, and a woman stormed out, saying angrily, "What's the difference between this and nudity?"

I'm very sorry, I can't wear this to the audition.

She wasn't paying attention and bumped into Xu Shengjie, then stumbled and almost fell to the ground.

Fortunately, Xu Shengjie reacted quickly and helped her up.

"I'm sorry, it's my fault!"

The woman had long, golden hair that cascaded over her shoulders in waves.

Those green eyes were like a bottomless pool of clear water, and her full red lips, paired with her fair skin, made her look incredibly beautiful.

When Xu Shengjie saw the woman's face clearly, he was stunned for a moment.

At this moment, casting director Elaine ran over and, seeing the situation, quickly stepped forward and said, "Director Lee, Mr. Jeffrey, I'm very sorry, Charlize didn't mean it."

"It's okay, it was my mistake."

Xu Shengjie quickly waved his hand, indicating that everything was alright.

Then, he removed his large hand from the girl's waist.

Her waist was slender, her skin firm and supple, and she exuded a sense of strength.

"Be more careful next time. Even if you're not satisfied, it's best to be more tactful."

After saying that, he and Spike walked toward the elevator.

Charlize Theron? It's Charlize Theron?

I never expected to run into her here. It seems we are destined to meet. I'm signing Crosby!

"Thank you, Elaine."

After regaining his footing, Theron thanked Elaine.

Elaine said softly, "I warned you, Crosby isn't reliable, and your temperament doesn't quite match this role."

"But I haven't received any acting offers for almost a year since I starred in 'Children of the Cornfield' last year."

"You should get a different agent."

Crosby's abilities might get you a few minor roles, but he's far from being a serious contender. JJ Harris, whom I mentioned to your mother before, is actually a good choice. She's more patient and better at planning, unlike John, who seems to be leading you around aimlessly like a headless fly…

It was successful; it was all thanks to him.

Failure means you lack the ability.

Charlize, your mother and I are old friends. I sincerely suggest you change your agent. Even if you don't choose J.J., you could find someone more capable.

"Thank you, Elaine. I will seriously consider this."

By the way, who was that Asian guy just now? He seemed to know Spike Lee quite well?

Elaine laughed upon hearing this and said, "Spike called him a genius... well, I think he probably is."

He seems to be a writer, a songwriter, and also a director.

They were just discussing his story inside. Spike and Pao were both very interested, and I also think the script is good.

Director Pao originally intended to spend $600,000 to buy his script.

He refused.

"You refused?"

"Yeah, they said he and his girlfriend had agreed that she would play the female lead, so he didn't want to sell it... Mario, that idiot, even said he'd buy it out for $10, but he just gave him the middle finger."

"That's really impressive!"

"Charlize, this is New York, there are a lot of impressive people here."

Okay, since you don't want to continue auditioning, go home now. Remember to consider my suggestion; I think J.J. is really good.

"I will!"

Charlize expressed her gratitude.

A sense of envy inexplicably arose in my heart.

Being his girlfriend must be so wonderful, I guess!

……

"Kid, something's off with you."

After leaving the teaching building, the two walked towards the parking lot.

Spike suddenly stopped and said to Xu Shengjie with a smile.

"What's wrong with me?"

"The way you looked at that girl just now..."

"I'm warning you, Jon has a bad temper. If you... hahaha, you'd better come up with a solution, or you'll be in big trouble."

"Spike, what nonsense are you spouting?"

I'm a loyal person, an innocent kid, and I'm only nineteen.

"The way you looked at me just now, you're clearly a seasoned player in the game of love. If I were to believe you're innocent, I'd be a complete idiot."

Xu Shengjie's face showed anger.

How can you say that?

After all, that's Serbian Emperor... You bastard, what do you know!

……