Reborn Action Star: Starting in Hollywood

Chapter 556 The Elephants Arrive
After a while, Gary, who had finished communicating with the villagers of Xala, came to Lin Yuan with Buta.

"What is the result of the discussion?" asked the old director.

“Show movies in the village for seven consecutive days, and then come here to show movies at least once a week,” said Gary.

"Then what benefits can we get?" the old director asked.

"On this basis, the villagers of Xiala are willing to accept our employment and help us build infrastructure in the mining area and its surrounding areas," said Gary.

Lin Yuan was quite surprised to hear this answer.

Since coming to Xiala Village, Lin Yuan has deeply experienced how lazy the villagers are.

In order to get these Xala villagers to move, he first used instant noodles as bait.

But soon, as the villagers' instant noodles reserves increased and the novelty wore off, they returned to lying down.

Immediately afterwards, Lin Yuan took out some medicine to stimulate the villagers to actively help build camps and pools for a period of time.

But medicines are reserve supplies after all. There is no need to hold too much when you are not sick, so the villagers lay down again.

It was really a headache for Lin Yuan to get these guys to stand up and work for a long time.

It doesn't mean that we have to use this group of guys. We can't recruit workers from outside.

However, as locals, the Xiala villagers are much more familiar with the local natural conditions than migrant workers.

Whether it is the ability to avoid housing and living costs or the ability to resist diseases, it has irreplaceable cost-effectiveness.

What's more, as Xiala Village is a pilot area for cooperation between Linyuan and Kano, it is impossible to develop it without the cooperation of the villagers. The only permanent solution is to completely involve this group of people in the construction and development process.

It seems like this problem is solved now?
Lin Yuan asked uncertainly, "As long as we show movies to the villagers of Xiala regularly, will they be willing to accept our long-term employment?"

Buta nodded: "Of course! Lin Yuan, you didn't attend the screening tonight, you don't know how enthusiastic these people are!

I have been showing films in the poor communities of Kisangani quite a bit these days, but the enthusiasm of the villagers in Xala is not even on the same level.

You could say that even if you asked them to go without food for three days...er...two days, as long as you let them watch a movie, they would be willing to do it."

Gary continued, "The old chief of Xiala Village told me privately that movies like tonight have redefined the meaning of life for them."

"Is it so exaggerated? It has actually risen to the level of the meaning of life?" the old director asked in disbelief.

He knew that the wonderful scenes in "The King of Spy Wars" were a visual feast even for the well-informed European and American audiences, not to mention the villagers of Xiala who had not seen much of the world. It would definitely be a dimensionality reduction attack.

But can the attraction reach this level?
Gary nodded confidently, "That's not an exaggeration at all. The villagers of Xiala don't really care about the lack of material conditions. As long as they don't starve to death, it doesn't matter if the food is better or worse.

However, the lack of spiritual and cultural life makes them feel like they are just beasts waiting to eat and die, with an extremely empty soul.

Gary's words immediately made the old director understand.

The old director recalled that when he and Lin Yuan first arrived in Xiala Village, he heard that the villagers did not have to work, and all they did every day was sleep and eat, and the rest of the time they had free time to play.

At that time, he was very envious of the villagers' lives, thinking that this was the dream life of the urban middle class in Europe and the United States.

But Lin Yuan immediately raised a question: What is the price?

If this kind of life is really like heaven, why don’t the lower-class citizens of Kisangani come and live this kind of life together?
At first, the old director thought that it was just the lower-class citizens who could not adapt to the lack of clean water, the difficult living conditions, and the lack of modern medical facilities.

But now it seems that the lack of spiritual and cultural life is the most important reason.

Once humans have seen the light, they can no longer tolerate darkness.

The arrival of the film projection team today allowed the villagers of Xiala Village to feel for the first time how wonderful the world can be!

This completely destroyed their long-held understanding of the world and even the phenomenon of life.

So what the old director said just now, that many people cried while watching the movie, is true.

After the movie was played for the first time, the villagers blocked the way and played it for the second time. It was natural for the whole village to stay up late to watch the movie.

This all makes sense.

Many Xiala villagers began to seriously reflect on whether they were really happy living like animals playing day after day.

Lin Yuan also found it difficult to give an answer to this question.

Because when the villagers of Xiala really want to change all this, they will find that although the outside world is wonderful, it is also extremely cruel.

When they want to integrate into the outside world, they will inevitably suffer new pain.

Lin Yuan knew that the decision on this choice could only be left to the Xiala villagers themselves.

If they are willing to step out of tradition and embrace modern life under the inspiration of his films, Lin Yuan would be happy to see this.

But if they hit a wall and feel that their previous simple life is more suitable for them, Lin Yuan will also wish them well.

No matter what path you choose, you will never regret it.

"I discussed with the old village chief and agreed to accept the employment for three months. After the employment period ends, we will see the villagers' wishes and decide whether to continue," said Gary.

"Hahaha, once they're hooked, how can they possibly escape? Three months, that's 12 extra movies outside of this week. Even in that short time, they haven't gotten tired of Lin Yuan's movies yet!
"But I won't show them Lin Yuan's movies all the time. I'll intersperse them with other Hollywood blockbusters to make the show last as long as possible," Buta said with a smile.

Lin Yuan did not interfere with Buta's plan. He just nodded and said, "Then let's do it for three months first. The salary and benefits will be based on the current standards."

According to current standards, wages range from US$300 to US$600 per month, depending on the level of effort and technical requirements.

This is an absolutely high salary in Congo, and many people cannot get such a job.

Before this, the villagers of Xiala Village had never had money and had never experienced the satisfaction of having money to buy things, so tempting them with money was not very effective.

Now, through the lure of movies, wages are paid into their hands. Once the villagers receive their wages, they will inevitably have the need to shop.

Once they go shopping with their high salaries, the satisfaction from the large amount of material goods they obtain will completely defeat their laziness. At that time, it will not be Lin Yuan trying to find ways to employ them, but they will beg not to be unemployed.

The material temptation represented by salary and the spiritual temptation represented by movies work together.

Lin Yuan believed that the villagers of Xiala Village would be completely tied to the chariot by him.

At that time, no matter who wants to challenge his local interests, the villagers of Xila will definitely be the first to stand up and fight for him.

Tonight's movie screening achieved an effect that Lin Yuan had not expected, allowing his plan to conquer the hearts of the Xila villagers to be realized several steps ahead of schedule.

This also made him full of confidence in conquering the entire Kisangani area.

After all, he will no longer encounter any obstacles from the top to the bottom.

One day, he will be the most influential man in Congo.

But you have to eat one bite at a time and walk one step at a time.

After confirming some details with Gary and Buta, Lin Yuan handed the plan over to them to execute.

As Buta and Gary walked away, the old director smiled and said, "Congratulations, you are the future uncrowned king of Africa."

"Don't say this casually, otherwise I will become the target of public criticism." Lin Yuan shook his head.

The African continent has become an economic colony for European and American countries to grab land.

Although Lin Yuan's entry into Africa represents some interests from European and American financial groups, it will inevitably harm the vested interests that originally enjoyed this piece of cake.

Therefore, such things can only be done secretly.

However, Lin Yuan also knew that this matter could not be concealed for long. Those big conglomerates were not stupid either. As Lin Yuan grew stronger, they would soon react.

But if we can still expose it one day later, then let it be one day later.

In this process, it is also necessary to bind more people with interests.

Lin Yuan then turned to Betty and asked, "I wonder if the Boston, DuPont, and Mellon consortiums are interested in expanding their business in Africa?"

Betty smiled and said, "Before I came to Congo, Ron DuPont contacted me and asked if I could bring the DuPont Group along with me when expanding our business in Congo."

Ron DuPont had previously attended the premiere of "The Song of Tang Dynasty" in Chang'an on behalf of the DuPont Consortium.

Both the DuPont Consortium and the Boston Consortium started investing in Lin Yuan very early on. Ever since "The King of Spy" became a box office hit and Lin Yuan took action to get rid of the former president of MGM, they have been decisively betting on Lin Yuan.

In addition to these two consortiums, there is also a Mellon consortium, which is also Lin Yuan’s behind-the-scenes supporter (Chapter 386).

Without the support of these consortiums and the Morgan Consortium represented by Betty, Lin Yuan, which was hostile to the Rockefeller Consortium and the Citigroup Consortium, would have been wiped out long ago and would never have been able to develop to the level it is today.

Now that there are good expansion opportunities, Lin Yuan naturally wants to give back to these supporters.

"Should we bring them in now? Or should we wait until the Xiala Village project is successful and then recommend the follow-up plan to them as a benchmark?" Lin Yuan asked.

"I think we can do it now. Letting partners share risks together is also a sign of sincerity. You don't need to wait until everything is ready and then invite partners to join in with the attitude of sharing profits. This will lack the friendship of facing difficulties together." Betty said.

After hearing Betty's words, Lin Yuan immediately understood.

He was the kind of person who understood things quickly and quickly grasped the mystery.

Many people, when expressing goodwill, like to remove all the thorns and eliminate all dangers, and then present the fruits of success to their partners, thinking that this seems to bring them closer together.

But the fact is that doing so makes the relationship between the two parties become too utilitarian.

A relationship that only pursues wealth and glory without overcoming difficulties together will not last long.

The entry of these four major financial groups allowed Lin Yuan to, to some extent, mobilize the full power of the now-dominant American empire in Africa. This made the established British and French financial groups dare not resort to any dirty tricks in private, forcing them to accept open competition.

Once you lose the competition and the cake in your hand, you can only accept defeat.

As long as he can compete fairly, Lin Yuan's approach of taking the royal road is an overt strategy and he is not afraid of those old European companies that have ugly behaviors.

So Lin Yuan nodded: "This part of the communication and coordination work will be handed over to you again."

Betty smiled and said, "Don't worry, I promise to make it beautiful for you."

Watching Lin Yuan and Betty decide the economic development of a country for decades to come while chatting and laughing, the old director couldn't help but sigh, "I never thought that a small director like me could listen in on such a high-level conversation?"

"Director, why do you say that? Where does the difference between high and low levels come from?" Lin Yuan was both angry and amused.

"Lin Yuan, I'm not joking, nor am I being sarcastic," the old director said. "I've lived to be over 70, and my whole life has been spent circling around in the small pond of the entertainment industry."

"I used to be intoxicated by the praise from others, such as being called a gold medal producer or a Hollywood evergreen. These titles made me feel very proud and I thought I was quite remarkable," the old director said seriously.

"But what? The entertainment industry is just a small pond after all. The entertainment industry is too small, and entertainment industry capital is at the bottom of the contempt chain in the entire capital circle.

We just receive a lot of attention and seem to have a stronger presence. The real social energy still lies in the manufacturing, high-tech and financial industries.

As an old man of my age, I was really just a frog in a well looking at the world."

"Director, you don't need to belittle yourself. I also started out as a small actor in the entertainment industry."

Lin Yuan was a little confused. Would he destroy the old director's spirit?
Between him and Betty, they talked and laughed about investment projects worth tens of billions of dollars, which even determined the economic destiny of a country. Did this stimulate the old director's self-recognition of his life?
The old director smiled and said, "No, Lin Yuan, you don't have to worry about me. Although you are an actor, but now that you have come this far, who would dare to regard you as just an actor?

You have already jumped off the chess table and transformed from a chess piece into a chess player.

Do you know? In fact, everyone in the entire Hollywood film and television industry privately regards you as an idol. "

"Idol? Hahaha, I'm already very grateful that you all don't mind me stealing your jobs." Lin Yuan replied.

"No, it's true. You've shown everyone through your achievements that an exceptional actor and filmmaker can reach heights that are difficult for others to aspire to. You're the pride of all of Hollywood." The old director said with emotion, "I wanted to tell you this later, but I'm telling you now."

"What's the matter?" Lin Yuan guessed that it seemed to be a good thing.

"It's already the end of the year, and the Oscars will be held early next year," the veteran director said. "You will receive honors far beyond your imagination at this Oscars ceremony."

Oscars?
Lin Yuan suddenly realized that it seemed to be almost time.

This time attending the Oscars ceremony should be his third Oscars ceremony.

The first time he participated, he attended with the crew of "Hero". He walked the red carpet with Gao Yuanyuan and performed a flying knife show.

The second time he participated, he brought the box office miracle of "The King of Spy", Betty accompanied him on the red carpet, and he performed a sword technique of cutting through plate armor.

At that Oscars ceremony, he won two major awards, Best Picture and Best Actor.

Next year should be Lin Yuan’s third Oscar journey, and his entry should be "The Legend of Tang Dynasty".

The veteran director said he could receive honors far beyond his imagination. Could it get any crazier than the second time?

You should know that "The Legend of Tang Dynasty" is a Chinese-language film. At the Oscars, it was classified as a foreign language film, which puts it at a natural disadvantage when it comes to winning awards.

It is almost impossible to win the "Best Picture" award. It was not until 2020 that South Korean director Bong Joon-ho won the Oscar for Best Picture for the first time with the foreign language film "Parasite".

Next year is only 2005, and the American film industry is still quite conservative.

Is the old director hinting to himself that "The Legend of Tang Dynasty" can far surpass "The King of Spy" in awards?
"The King of Spy Wars" is almost sweeping all the major awards, how can it be surpassed?

The old director guessed Lin Yuan's thoughts and said with a smile, "I am indeed leaking the secret under orders. Many old friends have asked me to share this information with you."

"Is it possible? Is this considered an internally determined award?" Lin Yuan asked.

"It's a leak, but it's not a secret decision. You also know that the major Oscar awards are voted by the judges. This year, the vast majority of the judges are on your side. For this reason, there is a high probability that you will receive honors far beyond your imagination." said the old director.

"So I say, you're already the pride of all of Hollywood. You're the one that everyone wants and the one everyone looks up to. As for how many awards you'll win, just wait and see." The old director continued:
"Lin Yuan, you're not even 23 years old yet, but you've already surpassed my 74 years of life achievements. I'm looking forward to seeing how high you'll reach in the future. I'm lucky to be able to walk this last few years of my life with you."

"Director, you are so polite. Let's move forward together. I am still a newcomer in the film and television industry. If there are any pitfalls that I have not anticipated, I really need your guidance." Lin Yuan said sincerely.

"I will try my best to stay by your side and do everything I can." The old director said seriously.

Betty watched their conversation with a smile.

In her opinion, Lin Yuan's influence has long gone beyond the film and television industry, and it doesn't matter whether he has been recognized by an Oscar or not.

But Betty feels very proud that Lin Yuan is loved and admired by so many people in the film and television industry, and even a living fossil of Hollywood like director Eastwood is devoted to him.

Betty understood and empathized with why Director Eastwood said this tonight.

Lin Yuan is a walking legend. As long as you stay by his side, your life will become more exciting. You will regret not meeting Lin Yuan earlier and how much wonderful things you have missed!
For Betty, there has always been a regret in her heart:
That is, she participated too little in Lin Yuan's rise to where he is today.

When she met Lin Yuan, "The King of Spy Wars" had already been released and dominated the film industry with its extraordinary box office.

Betty always regretted that she did not participate in so many key and wonderful moments in Lin Yuan's life.

Fortunately, the road ahead is still long, and Betty believes that she can accompany Lin Yuan and challenge higher peaks together.

Lin Yuan looked at his watch and said, "It's already 2 a.m., Director, you should go back and rest."

The old director shook his head and said, "You and Miss Adams should take a rest first. I still need to go find Meng Tao."

"Looking for Meng Tao? Do you have anything to do so late?" Lin Yuan asked.

"The African elephants will arrive tomorrow. We need to discuss how to accommodate them. We also need to discuss the filming plan in detail based on the elephants' situation." The old director said, "This matter cannot be delayed, otherwise we will be in a mess tomorrow."

"Let me go with you. The director is still working hard, so I'll go to sleep alone." Lin Yuan said.

"No need, Meng Tao and I can handle it. You can accompany Miss Adams." The director refused.

"Let's go together. I'm also curious about your work conditions." Betty spoke first.

"I'm the executive producer and the cost budget has to go through me, so I have to go too," GAKKI also said.

Seeing that everyone wanted to work with him, the old director had no choice but to agree.

So, at 2 o'clock in the morning, Lin Yuan brought Betty and GAKKI, and followed the old director to Meng Tao's thatched house. Saragama squatted at the door.

"So many people are here? I don't have enough chairs here. Let's sit on the floor together." Meng Tao took out several cushions and spread them on the floor.

"Well, it's already late, so let's hurry up and deal with things. Do you want to introduce them? Or will the director introduce them?" Lin Yuan pulled the two women to sit down.

"Let me do it. After all, I was in charge of this matter before." Meng Tao raised his hand and said.

"Okay, then go ahead." Lin Yuan replied.

"The elephant herd arriving tomorrow will have a total of 13 elephants. Among them, there are 11 adult elephants, 10 females and 1 male, and two 5-year-old baby elephants," Meng Tao introduced.

Hearing this answer, Lin Yuan nodded.

Betty was puzzled, so Meng Tao further explained: "The number of elephants in a herd is usually between 6 and 20, and under normal circumstances, the older female elephants lead the herd."

"Where is the bull elephant?" Betty asked curiously.

In her impression, when watching animal programs on TV, her attention was always attracted by the majestic male elephants in the herd.

"Male elephants tend to leave the herd when they reach adulthood and grow up on their own, or form violent gangs with several male elephants," Meng Tao explained. "Elephants generally reach maturity between 10 and 15 years old. To make the herd appear more organized, we specially prepared two five-year-old calves."

"The elephant enclosure where the elephants live has been renovated. I just went to check it out. It's not far from Raja's cage." The old director continued.

"Hahaha, did you do it on purpose? Did you deliberately scare Raja?" Betty asked with a smile.

"No, Raja and I are good friends now! We had no choice but to do this. Raja's cage had to be placed on the edge so as not to scare people, and the elephant pen had to be placed far away. The only suitable place was due south of the village, so we had to put them together." said the old director.

"Why is the elephant enclosure so far away?" Betty asked, puzzled. "The elephants aren't in any danger, are they?"

"Because I don't want you to be suffocated to death." Lin Yuan replied.

"Smothered to death?" Betty asked.

"Well, an adult elephant eats 300 kilograms of feed and poops 200 kilograms of feces every day..." Lin Yuan could already imagine the horrible smell. "Can you imagine if 13 elephants worked together, what a huge mountain of shit that would be?"

After hearing this, Betty finally understood why the old director had to find Meng Tao tonight to finalize all the details.

When the elephants arrive tomorrow, we'll have to check on the construction of the enclosure, the 4000-plus kilograms of feed we'll need to supply every day, and the 2500-plus kilograms of feces we'll need to clean up...

All these tasks must be arranged properly, otherwise the camp will immediately become a mess.

"Don't worry, I have already coordinated all these tasks. I have opened up a vegetable garden on the edge of the woods in the south, and elephant dung can be used as fertilizer," said the old director.

"That's good. How is the tree planting going?" Meng Tao asked.

"The progress is not very smooth. We were too short on manpower before. We just finished it today. I hope it won't affect the subsequent filming." The old director replied.

Hearing this, Betty was confused again. She asked, "Why plant trees? Aren't there trees everywhere here?"

"The trees used to pull up the elephants during filming," said Meng Tao.

“Why would an elephant pull up a tree?”

(End of this chapter)