Hong Kong Movies: You Hongxingzi, what the hell is the charity king?

Chapter 916 "28" The election is over, Brother Zu: I've become a senior advisor to the White House?
After Marvel Studios was acquired by Guan Zu, it started to have money.

Thus, the first movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Iron Man, began to be rapidly developed!
In late June,
The casting for the main character, Tony Stark, took 10 days, and finally Robert Downey Jr. was chosen.

Marvel Studios meeting room
Kevin Feige and Stan Lee met with Robert Downey Jr.

"Robert, we are very pleased that you have been chosen as Iron Man, a core character in our Marvel Cinematic Universe project..."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Li and Mr. Fitch..."

Robert Downey Jr. was very excited.

This year, he is 41 years old.
In 1985, when Robert Downey Jr. was 20 years old, he starred in "The Nanny," which was Downey's first film role after stepping out of his father's protection. In 1992, he was nominated for the Best Actor award at the 65th Academy Awards for his performance in the biographical film "Chaplin."

however!
Soon, the proud man became addicted to poison powder and turned into a poisoner.

Then his wife divorced him and ran away with their daughter.

Then he 'turned over a new leaf' and started 'rehabilitation'... well, that's what the outside world says. But Hollywood is a glamorous environment on the outside, but it's rife with drug addicts, so it's hard to say for sure.

He successfully overcame drug addiction in 2002 and began his comeback.

However, his movies and TV series are just so-so.

This time, Robert Downey Jr. seized the opportunity presented by the Marvel Cinematic Universe project to play Iron Man, which is definitely a great chance for him to make a comeback.

Therefore, he cherished this opportunity very much.

"Mr. Li, Mr. Fitch..."

When will I sign my role contract?

Robert Downey Jr. is eager to sign the contract as soon as possible to avoid any potential setbacks.

Stan Lee: "Robert, I understand your expectations, but there's one last thing you need to do before signing the contract."

Robert Downey Jr.: "What is it?"

Stan Lee: "Our Marvel Studios has been acquired by Liberty Media, so if you want to get this key role, you have to get the approval of the chairman of Liberty Media."

Robert Downey Jr.: "Huh?"

Stan Lee was also very satisfied with Robert Downey Jr.'s performance and reminded him, "The boss is Chinese, and if I remember correctly, you're the Squid Man... So, you get what I mean?"

Robert Downey Jr. looked bewildered: "Am I a squid man? No!"

Stan Lee laughed heartily: "Great, I like your kind of talent!"

What squid? I don't know anything about it!
……

……

At noon, Robert Jr. treated Kevin Feige and Stan Lee to lunch.

in the afternoon,

Kevin Feige brought Robert Downey Jr. to Umbrella Corporation to meet Franklin D.

"Mr. Li!"

Robert Downey Jr. showered Franklin with praise, calling him a "protective umbrella property for the people" and a "leader of the Chinese community."

Little Fu didn't know Robert Jr., and was neither interested nor uninterested.

Given his status, Robert was just a nobody on the street.

After looking at Robert Downey Jr.'s information, Xiao Fu immediately frowned:
"Are you a squid man?"

Robert Downey Jr. quickly replied, "Please rest assured, Mr. Li, although I have squid blood, I am not concerned about it. Also, I am a Buddhist."

Xiao Fu: "Huh?"

This is really a bit surprising.

Buddhism?

Forget it, it's not important.

Xiao Fu, on the contrary, values ​​his squid identity, and his favorite thing is to torture squid.

"I can give you this role, but there's one condition that needs to be written into the contract."

"Please say!"

"The conditions are: you must respond positively to Chinese people in public from now on, for example, you must not be rude or make inappropriate discriminatory remarks. In addition, if there is widespread positive public opinion about Chinese people, you need to publicly support it. And if there is widespread negative public opinion about Chinese people, you need to publicly oppose it."

"The initial penalty for breach of contract is $5000 million, and it will continue to rise based on the film's box office performance, with no upper limit. The term is lifetime."

Aren't you a squid man?
I forced you to say that Chinese people are good.

Tauren!
Robert Downey Jr. paused for a moment, then quickly said, "Mr. Li, don't let my appearance fool you; I've always admired Eastern culture, and I've even practiced Chinese Kung Fu..."

To prove he wasn't lying, Robert Downey Jr. even waved his fist.
brush brush...

He threw a few punches, which were methodical, but not many.

Xiao Fu's lips twitched.

Is this some kind of rabid punch?

"Hahaha~~~ You did a great job! It has the charm of Eastern martial arts... Alright, this role is yours!"

At last,
Robert Downey Jr. happily signed the contract:
It's not a contract for a single film, but rather 4+4+5...

A contract for 4 (lead roles) + 4 (Avengers) + 5 (cameo appearances) = 13 movies.

……

With the lead actor's contract signed, the next step is to begin extensive casting.

The key roles were all signed with series contracts, not single-part contracts.

Moreover, key figures also signed positive feedback clauses specifically targeting Chinese people.

……

……

Guan Zu's Hollywood plans naturally extend beyond the Marvel Cinematic Universe project.

Just three days before the election,
Xiao Fu gathered Chinese directors and actors in Hollywood for a dinner at the Beverly Peninsula Hotel.

……

The evenings in Los Angeles in October are cool.

The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills is surrounded by black luxury cars.

Although Los Angeles was mostly burned down, there are still many wealthy people there.

Wen Ziren got out of the car, his heart filled with excitement.

Hey guys!
I've waited 10 years!
I've finally got my chance to turn things around!
I'm not trying to prove how great I am...

"Director Wen!"

"Miss Liu, Mr. Ma~~~"

It turned out that Liu Yuling and Ma Zhi walked over side by side.

Ma Zhi was wearing a simple jacket and holding a cup of coffee he had just bought.

Lucy Liu wore a smart white suit and had exquisite makeup.

Lucy Liu was born in Queens, New York in 1968. At the age of 29, she played the Chinese-American lawyer "Ling Wu" in "Ally McBeal" (1997), and went from being an extra to a regular cast member, earning an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Then in 2000, she played a skilled, intelligent, and courageous kung fu expert in "Charlie's Angels".

Then she played the highly skilled female villain "Oren Ishii" in Kill Bill (2003).

She is considered one of the more well-known Chinese actresses in Hollywood.

quickly,

The three entered the private room and saw Justin Lin, James Wong, and more than 20 other Chinese people, all of whom were Hollywood directors, actors, and staff.

One of the more famous ones is Justin Lin.

He directed "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift," which was a great success, and was appointed as the director of "Fast and Furious 4," officially entering the ranks of well-known directors in Hollywood.

After waiting for another 10 minutes or so, people started arriving one after another.

quickly,

James Wan looked around but didn't see Wu Hanzhang, a representative actor of Chinese descent.

He didn't come?
Wu Hanzhang was born in the United States in 1929, with ancestral roots in Taishan, Guangdong. He lived in Hong Kong until the age of 10. He has appeared in over 700 films and television series, including "Blade Runner," "Chinatown," and "Instant Universe."

However, he is a very funny person.

In past Hollywood movies, his roles were mostly laundry workers, restaurant owners, etc., who were often rescued by white superheroes. He then repeatedly spoke of the hardships faced by Chinese filmmakers in Hollywood, who could only play marginal roles.

Then, in 89, he wrote, directed, and starred in a film called "The Vineyard".

He himself was the protagonist, and then he starred in a Fu Manchu-style film that "caricatured" Chinese people.

In short, a very 'weird' actor.

Then Li Qiao discovered his dark past and kicked him out of the party.

……

"Everyone, it's been a long wait."

A steady voice came from behind.

Wen Ziren, Lin Yibin, and the others turned around and saw Li Fu walking over in a dark suit with a smile on his face, followed by his secretary Li Qiao.

"Mr. Li!"

Good evening, Mr. Li!

All Chinese people greeted him with respect.

They naturally recognized Xiao Fu.

If it weren't for the fact that they were relatively well-off, and if it weren't for the protective umbrella of real estate, the status of Chinese people in California would probably still be at the bottom of society, and they would even face discrimination against Black people.

But now, everything is different.

"Please sit down, everyone."

Li Fu gestured for everyone to take their seats.

"The reason I invited everyone here today is to talk about the status of Chinese people in Hollywood movies."

Everyone sat upright.

My heart is surging with emotion.

An opportunity has arrived for Chinese people!
With the strength of Umbrella Property, it is absolutely possible to push this matter forward.

Xiao Fu's gaze swept over the crowd:

"You've all been in Hollywood for so long, you know what Chinese characters are like, right? I don't need to say more, do I?"

"The scripts the actors received were either for 'kung fu henchmen' or 'insidious villains'."

"Or simply a clown."

"Occasionally there is a positive character, but even with all the scenes combined, there are only a few lines."

He pointed to Lucy Liu beside him: "Miss Liu starred in 'Charlie's Angels,' wasn't she outstanding? But after that, nine out of ten films that came her to ask her to 'fight another scene.'"

"Hollywood movies export globally, exporting their ideology and instilling their ideas in people all over the world."

“When we Chinese frequently appear in front of foreigners as clowns or in negative roles, we Chinese and the Chinese culture behind us will also be discriminated against globally.”

“We Chinese people come from China, have thousands of years of cultural heritage, and have our own cultural confidence…” “Therefore, I absolutely will not allow this kind of thing to continue to happen.”

"I invited everyone here today to tell you all... that the days of 'only being able to play villains and having no say' should come to an end."

"I will establish a 'Hollywood Chinese Film and Television Mutual Aid Association,' and I will allocate $5 million to support the association... to help you invest in movies or gain a voice in the film industry..."

The eyes of everyone in the room lit up immediately!
"For example, I know Lin Yibin..."

Xiao Fu looked at Lin Yibin.

Justin Lin was flattered.

"Justin Lin is currently preparing to direct 'Fast & Furious 4,' and if he lacks investment, we'll provide it..."

"For example, if director James Wan has a project and needs funding, he can contact me."

"And director Huang Yiyu, the Final Destination series is good. If you need investment, you can also contact me."

"And actors, if they lack projects, can also find roles through this association..."

"My request is to increase the number of positive and diverse roles played by Chinese people, showcasing our Chinese culture, wisdom, and family values..."

"My requirement is: front! front! front!"

Inside the private room, everyone listened quietly, their eyes shining.

“I’m in.” James Wan was the first to raise his hand. “I have a lot of projects that no one has dared to invest in, and now I want to bring them out.”

Lucy Liu: "I'll join too."

Justin Lin: "I'm joining too!"

"I join..."

The atmosphere in the private room gradually became lively.

The property management company has an excellent reputation.

Moreover, he is a leader of the Chinese community.

Thick thighs!
Now we want to enter Hollywood and increase the status and voice of Chinese people.

If I don't get on the ship now, I won't have the chance to get on later.

As the atmosphere grew more lively, shouts of "I'm joining!" echoed throughout the venue.
Soon, everyone raised their hands in agreement.

Li Fu smiled, stood up, and raised his glass: "Everyone, welcome to the 'Mutual Aid Society'! To our own story, to the status of Chinese people in Hollywood, cheers!"

"cheers!"

The clinking of glasses echoed in the private room.

Starting today, Chinese people are no longer fighting alone in Hollywood!
……

……

10 month 7 day.

The US midterm elections (senators, representatives, governors) have officially begun!
Polling stations across the United States are open from early morning until late at night.

On the day before yesterday and yesterday, Republican President Bush traveled to various states to campaign, trying to salvage the declining fortunes of his party's senators, representatives, and gubernatorial candidates.

The Democratic Party, meanwhile, is holding intensive campaign rallies in key swing states, turning voters’ dissatisfaction with the Iraq War into a campaign offensive.

What is the current situation of the war in Iraq?

Last month (October), 103 U.S. military personnel died in Iraq, bringing the total number of deaths this year to 2814.

President Bush's approach was to continue sending reinforcements, preparing to mobilize 2 soldiers.

Republicans are touting the economic achievements: an unemployment rate of 4.4%, the lowest in five years, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average hitting a record high.

The Democratic Party strongly criticized the decline in middle-class net income due to war spending and tax policies, and the suffering of 4000 million people who lack health insurance.

In terms of the election, it is clear that the Democratic Party has the advantage.

……

the next day,
Statistics began on November 8th.
The answer was revealed in the morning.

The Democrats won!
House of Representatives: Defeats Republicans with 229 seats to 196 seats, regaining control of the House after a two-year hiatus.

Senate: Gained 51 seats, surpassing the Republicans' 49 seats, and regained control.

As for the governorships: Democrats won the governorships in key states such as Ohio and Massachusetts.

As for President Bush himself, he felt like he was going crazy.

One of his legs was ruined.

Their governance will be subject to constraints from Congress (the Democratic Party).

However, matters such as judicial decisions and treaty ratification are subject to the control of the Senate (Democratic Party).

That's absolutely awful!!
In this heated election, Guan Zu and Li Jie easily won the seats of members of the House of Representatives.

……

……

"Bang!"

White Palace.

Oval office, mahogany desk HP-1...

Cloth 10 hp-1...

Coffee cup-1, broken on the floor.

"The House of Representatives has been lost!"

"The Senate has been lost too!"

Bu Shi's face looked extremely grim.

He already had a premonition of what was to come.

Next, Congress will try to restrict his administration, and the Senate can even block his judicial nominations!
His presidency has become a toothless tiger.

It will be difficult for him to win re-election in the 2008 election.

"Protective Property Management... Happy Property Management..."

Bush probably understands what the reasons are for the defeat in this election.

One of the key points is that the rapid expansion of Umbrella Property and Happiness Property, and their high efficiency in gaining support, played a significant role in this election.

He pressed a button, and his secretary came in.

"Mr. President!"

"Go...send someone to check what areas Umbrella Property and Happiness Property now cover. Also, check what areas our Republican Party's family property covers."

"In addition, check which other property management companies there are and investigate their situations."

I need the most detailed information!

Secretary: "Yes!"

……

A week later,

The secretary handed a set of investigation materials to Bu Shi.

Umbrella Properties has taken over the entire West Coast and seven states in the Midwest.

Happiness Properties, on the other hand, occupies all the states on the East Coast.

As for Family Properties, they aim to occupy all the states on the East Coast, competing fiercely with Happiness Properties. It's a life-or-death struggle, with constant money being poured in, making it unbearable for investors.

Besides these three properties
The squid company has 10 property management companies, 8 Republican companies, 7 Democratic companies, and 3 other capital companies... spreading across the East Coast, West Coast, and Midwest.

then……

They're all suffering losses they can't bear.

Those unruly people who accepted the favor not only took what they wanted but also refused to support it.

They want the money; but they don't want to give the support!

White-eyed wolf!
He vomited blood!!
Of the 28 property management companies in total, 13 went bankrupt, and the remaining 15 are still operating, but their business conditions are very poor.

"What exactly is going on?"

"That's strange?"

Bu Shi was puzzled.

"Do Easterners possess some kind of magical power?"

Finally, he came to a conclusion through statistical data—he had to rely on Kwan Cho (Kwan Man Lung)’s family property!

promoted!

Promote him severely!

Promotion paths include:
I. Within the House of Representatives: Members of ordinary committees → Chairpersons of subcommittees (responsible for a specific area, such as taxes or immigration) → Chairpersons of committees of the whole House.

II. Within the Party: Ordinary caucus members → Caucus whip → House Republican leader → Speaker of the House

III. Presidential Administration:

1. Cabinet positions (such as Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and Secretary of the Treasury) (subject to Senate approval).

2. Sub-governmental positions: such as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA)... (also require presidential nomination + Senate approval)
3. White House Senior Advisor: Appointed directly by the President without Senate approval.

I thought about it all day.
Bu Shi believes that the most suitable position for Guan Zu is Senior Advisor to Bai Meigong.

quickly,

The presidential order has been issued.

……

……

"Congratulations, boss!"

"He became a senior advisor to the White House!"

new York,

Family property office.

Barney Ross, Lee Christmas, Brian, and others congratulated Guan Zu.

Guan Zu rolled his eyes: "Isn't this what I deserve?"

Barney Ross, Lee Christmas, and Brian: "…………"

On the other hand, upon closer reflection, it does seem that the boss does indeed deserve it.

Having worked with the boss for almost a year, my political wisdom has gradually grown, and I've also come to realize the importance of the boss, family, and property to the Republican Party and President Bush.

A mere senior advisor is to be expected.

As for the annual salary?

Not much, $22.

(End of this chapter)