Huayu: From charlatan to great entertainer

Chapter 323 You are a high-level pervert
"What's wrong? Why did Li An's face turn red and white just now?"

Boss Lu plopped down next to Zhou Xun: "It's okay, I just had a heated discussion."

"Being discussed heatedly by you? This verb is for you." Zhou Xun covered his mouth and chuckled. The Oscar awards ceremony was about to begin.

Later, Ang Lee did invite Liu Yifei to audition, and they met three times. She refused because there were too many nude shots and a body double could not be used.

The 2006 Oscars were relatively mediocre, lacking the suspense and witty remarks inherent in Hollywood, and becoming more and more like a visual McDonald's.

Especially last night when I had dinner with Harvey, we predicted almost 80% of the winners correctly.

The only upset occurred in the Best Picture category, which even caused some guests on the scene to boo!

How could "Crash" snatch the Oscar from "Brokeback Mountain"?

Even though Ang Lee was given a significant Best Director award as consolation.

Seeing "Crash" producer Cassie Schulman go on stage to receive the award, Zhou Xun and Hu Jun in the audience were a little indignant.

"Director Lu, this is too much. It's already gotten to this point, and you're still trying to keep the benefits within your family?"

Boss Lu looked at Hu Jun and shook his head with a wry smile: "It's not just because of this, it's also because of the subject matter of the film."

"Didn't you see the news in Los Angeles today? Over 60,000 people protested against Brokeback Mountain's homosexual themes and its award."

"A considerable portion of Hollywood film funding comes from their neoconservatives, mostly the military-industrial complex, and they are not very interested in such themes."

The representative figure of neoconservatism is President Bush from Texas, who has tried to maintain the traditional moral order of American society on social issues such as opposing same-sex marriage and supporting religious activities in schools.

His home base, Texas, is also a fairly conservative state in the United States, where folk customs emphasize individualism, family values, and loyalty to the country and community.

In 2006, homosexuality was considered a complete heresy in Texas.

The award ceremony ended quickly, and the crew of "Aftershock" won the Best Visual Effects, so it was not a wasted trip.

Lu Kuan led the crew out in an orderly manner, and a blonde beauty presented several invitations.

Hu Jun and Song Jia were curious but too embarrassed to lean over to find out, but Zhou Xun had no scruples at all.

"What do these say?"

Boss Lu flipped through the pictures one by one. "This is an AIDS charity banquet, and there's also a charity dinner for the African Children's Fund organized by black actors."

"This one is anti-war and focuses on homosexuality. There are a lot of them, but you don't have to go."

The young director laughed and said, "They are just some actors and social organizations that are enthusiastic about public welfare. They are not very meaningful. If I have the chance in the future, I will go to this one."

He flashed an invitation with a shiny gold border in his hand.

Song Jia exclaimed in surprise, "I know that! The Oscar night hosted by Vanity Fair, right? I've always heard it's so much fun!"

Lu Kuan smiled and said, it’s fun, but if a young mainland actress like you goes in, you’ll probably be made fun of.

Hollywood's wild nights are usually held in luxurious villas in Beverly Hills, valuable private yachts or on the top floors of high-end hotels in Los Angeles.

The villa has a vast lawn, an outdoor swimming pool and a huge indoor space. Mobile phones must be handed over and no video or photographic equipment is allowed. These glamorous top celebrities can indulge in the party.

This is the biggest social event after Hollywood's award ceremony.

In addition to film and television stars, there are also major film companies, producers, music superstars, and business tycoons gathered for guests to mingle privately.

Generally speaking, collective sexual stimulation and extravagance in the West in the early 21st century still mostly remained in this range, and domestic neo-conservatism prevailed and became the mainstream.

But as the threshold of enjoyment for these top stars, celebrities and wealthy businessmen continues to rise, the disgusting intrigues of the Lolita Island Project, which is generally believed to have started in 2005, and the later P. Diddy, have revealed another level of filth and evil.

Even if a mainland actress like Song Jia, who has just debuted, gets an entry ticket, she will either be ignored in such a world of fame and fortune, or lose herself and be swallowed up without leaving anything behind.

After accepting interviews from several Asian media, the crew of "Tangshan" separated at the entrance of the Kodak Theater.

"Didn't you make an appointment with Liu Yifei to go to Chinatown for hot pot? The driver will take you there."

Zhou Xun was surprised and asked, "You're not going?"

Boss Lu smiled and said, "I have an appointment to discuss something with someone. It's too late and I won't go."

Before he could finish his words, Harvey's Cadillac DTS, the same model as Buffett's, drove up, the window rolled down, and the Jewish white pig waved at him excitedly.

"Road! Get in the car!"

Zhou Xun and the other two watched him drive away in the car. After entering this world's top world of fame and fortune, they all felt quite sad.

Hu Jun stroked his stubble and said, "I've heard Director Lu is very successful abroad. It feels like coming to the Oscars is like going home for him."

"I recognize that man just now. He was the one who returned Chen Kaige's "The Promise"?" Song Jia took a long time to react. Not many people in China knew Harvey at that time.

It was not until the 2010 Shanghai Film Festival's "China Film and Hollywood Cooperation Area" forum that Xiao Gangpao angrily denounced Harvey as a liar and exposed his usual tricks, and only then did domestic movie fans widely know that there was such a person.

Zhou Xun spread her hands. She seriously suspected that Boss Lu had gone to participate in some erotic affair, but she had to try to save face in front of these two people.

"Lao Hu, Song Jia, if you ask Xixi when you see her later..."

"We just said Lu Kuan went to talk about the new movie with Ang Lee."

Hu Jun responded in a naive voice, knowing what was going on.

Song Jia was not stupid either, she covered her mouth and laughed secretly.

Only Zhou Xun looked helpless.

I have given so much to your family, plus one.

The young director, unaware that he had been misunderstood, set out from the Kodak Theater as promised to Harvey, and soon arrived at Disney President Bob Iger's villa in Beverly Hills.

Egg had just left another cocktail party in the villa and was on his way back when the butler of the big house took him and Harvey to visit the mansion.

Boss Lu, who has always been keen on buying properties, became addicted to it and asked Harvey about the price.

"The six-bedroom, eight-bathroom house I bought last year cost about $600 million. It's on the Pacific coast at the foot of Beverly Hills, but it's rented out now. I think you'd prefer a bigger place, right?"

Boss Lu smoked a cigarette and said, "I just saw Fang Long's house. How big is his house?"

Iger's old housekeeper knew all about it: "Jakie Chen's house is the former residence of Marilyn Monroe. It's about 700 square meters and is currently on the market for around $3000 million."

Wow! Lao Long is really rich. He is indeed the first Chinese actor to enter the $2000 million club.

Harvey smiled and said, "I know a wealth manager named Allen Stone who specializes in managing the assets of Hollywood stars. He should have quite a few properties. If you're interested, I'll introduce you to him someday."

"Sure, but I'm going back home in a few days."

"Leave it to me. Just tell me what you need, Lu."

Boss Lu shook his head and smiled, "No, I have very high requirements for my living environment. As for the house..."

"I want to come and see the Feng Shui in person."

The Jewish white pig's eyes widened instantly: "Feng Shui?"

This is the literal translation of Feng Shui in North America, also known as Geomancy.

But for a filmmaker like Harvey who has always been interested in Chinese culture, this word is not unfamiliar, but very mysterious!
He had seen old men with long beards in Chinatown, dressed like in costumes, carrying compasses and selling services everywhere, which seemed quite impressive.

Boss Lu nodded: "Have you forgotten my identity? Feng Shui is a required course in this religion."

"Oh! My friend, how many of your talents are you hiding from me!" Harvey's expression was exaggerated, and the flesh on his face was shaking.

"I'm eager to invite you to my home. Lu, please help me with the feng shui!"

Boss Lu exhaled lightly and said, "Sure, sure."

He is taking advantage of the situation and looking for an opportunity to PUA the Jewish white pigs.

There is no point in talking about emotions with a Jew like this. The most direct way is to bind him with interests and conquer him spiritually. You have to tighten the thick rope that binds him from time to time.

Especially after this swimming pool incident, Hollywood black gloves like Harvey have become increasingly important.

There are many things that are inconvenient for him to do, the inside stories and unspoken rules that he doesn't know, and things that are difficult for him to say with his Chinese face, but Harvey, a Jew who is bound by interests, is happy to do them.

"You two, sorry for the wait!"

Not long after, Iger, who had returned from Oscar night, came into the house and, with a smile, invited the two to chat in the courtyard.

The old butler followed instructions and brought out an exquisite wooden cigar box and three wine glasses from the house, and another waiter began to pour the wine.

"Lu, congratulations on winning the Best Visual Effects award for 'Tangshan'. I can't believe that two Best Visual Effects awards went to Chinese people for the second time in a row."

Boss Lu waved his hand: "It's not worth mentioning, it's just that I dare to spend money."

"Alien Land" and "Tangshan" spent a huge amount of money on special effects.

The first is the need for film production, and the second is the introduction of technical talents and paying tuition fees. These detours must be taken.

Today, Butian Films has become the leader in Asia, and old brands such as Tiangong Yicai, Fatface, and Xiantao Digital can no longer keep up with the former's technological expansion.

The technological monopoly in Asia has brought about a sharp increase in order volume.

For example, the post-production of "Curse of the Golden Flower" was handled by Hong Kong's Xiantao Digital, and this time, Zhang Yimou of course handed it over to Butian Pictures.

The old butler skillfully used a cigar cutter to trim the cigar heads for the guests, and then picked up a lighter to light them one by one.

As the flame flickered, the aroma of cigars spread, and the three of them blew out smoke rings and began to chat.

Lu Kuan said solemnly, "Iger, the details of the merger between North American Q&A and Disney are almost complete. This includes the subsequent addition of Harvey's Miramax. I believe there will be a bright future."

"I agree." Iger clapped his hands. "Compared to Fox, Dune Entertainment, and Paramount's bankrupt Melrose, I'm more confident in our three-party combination."

Wenjie is backed by China, the world's first blue ocean market known as the diamond mine, and has Lu Kuan, the owner of the largest film and entertainment company in the mainland, to control the current situation and policies.

He himself is a top director and has the most intuitive and authoritative understanding of the artistic quality and profit prospects of films.

Needless to say, Walt Disney is one of the old Big Six, and it has unique advantages in negotiating power with theater chains, developing derivative products, and developing IP, which is something that Lionsgate, its past partner, cannot compare to.

As for Harvey's Miramax, his impact is reflected in various trivial details.

Just like Lu Kuan lamented that the mainland has its own way of doing things and social customs, the same is true for Western society, and Harvey is the most suitable agent.

He is the person who is thanked the most by the Oscar winners in Hollywood history, and he plays a huge role in winning the award.

He has an evil face, cruel hands, a black heart and no bottom line.

"Lu, for your first movie, do you have any ideas?"

Boss Lu smiled and said, "Actually, I've had this goal for a long time, but it wasn't until I had a partner like Disney that it became easy to implement."

Harvey and Iger both cast curious glances at him, hearing from this oriental director a long-lost comic character—

"iron Man".

"Marvel?"

"Yes, it's Marvel."

Harvey shook his head. "I've looked into this project, and it doesn't seem to have a very good future. Marvel themselves have to sell everything they have to raise the funds with great difficulty."

Iger agreed: "Marvel's Albert sought help from Disney two years ago. Their capital chain was almost broken, and their superhero IP was almost sold out."

Boss Lu drank a sip of red wine expressionlessly. What he wanted was for Marvel’s capital chain to be broken!

He initiated a strategic deployment in the North American film industry. In terms of film and television distribution channels, he avoided the capital-intensive sunset industry of cinemas and sought breakthroughs in Blockbuster and Netflix.
As for content and IP, Marvel, which is now on the verge of extinction, is obviously the best choice.

Marvel filed for bankruptcy in 1998. In order to save itself, it sold almost all of its most valuable comic character IPs to the six major Hollywood studios for a limited time.

Sony Pictures bought Spider-Man and spin-off characters, Venom, Carnage, the Sinister Six, and Dr. Vivienne;

20th Century Fox bought the most valuable Fantastic Four and X-Men;

Universal bought the Hulk, which was filmed by Ang Lee two years ago and flopped;

In addition to the Big Six, Lionsgate bought Thor, Captain America and Man-Thing.

In 2005, Marvel was close to bankruptcy again. President Albert decided to make a last-ditch effort and signed an eight-year financing agreement with Merrill Lynch for $5.25 million.

As collateral, he packaged all of Marvel's remaining character IPs and gave them to Merrill Lynch, which was a desperate move.

The object of Marvel's desperate bet is "Iron Man", which consumed their entire cash flow of 1.4 million US dollars.

"Iron Man" became a global hit in 2008.

It is for this reason that Disney officially acquired Marvel in 2009 and began to gradually take back the scattered superhero IPs.

But today in 2006, the Big Six Hollywood studios had no knowledge of or interest in this gold mine.

Disney focuses on animated films and theme parks, and just acquired Pixar's equity from Steve Jobs at the beginning of the year;

Warner Bros. has its own DC Comics, including Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash, and has its own layout in the superhero field;

Fox was busy with the platter of Dune;

Paramount went downhill all the way and was almost acquired by Wanda in later years.

As for Universal and Sony Columbia, they have always focused on the types of film and television resources they have and have no cross-border strategies at all.

Coupled with Marvel's various copyrights scattered around and its unstable operations, now is the best time for Boss Lu to take action.

His strategy was simple: to take advantage of the situation and acquire Marvel, and then invest in "Iron Man" through a joint venture with Disney and Miramax, thus promoting himself!

When "Iron Man" became a hit in 2008, other giants coveted this IP treasure trove, but they found that it was already in the hands of a Chinese.

With Marvel's IP, there are so many things that can be done in the hands of film capital and internet capital Wenjie Holdings.

However, at this time, Harvey and Iger were obviously not very enthusiastic about the first product in the platter.

Lu Kuan patiently advised: "Our strategy of combining projects can be more flexible, and we don't have to limit each small project to a fixed investment share."

"For example, for this film, 'Iron Man,' we can draw over 70% of the investment from the world's capital pool. All you two need to do is provide the necessary assistance."

Iger's expression eased a little. He didn't want the first movie they collaborated on to end in unpleasantness. After all, Disney had gained a lot from the News Corporation scandal.

"Lu, you are a very sincere collaborator and gentleman."

Harvey was not optimistic about this project from the bottom of his heart. He was fond of films of the same style as "Cold Mountain" and "Shakespeare in Love".

But due to his superstitious faith in Boss Lu, the Jew pondered for a moment and said, "Miramax should keep its original share, but I need to study this project carefully and take a look at Marvel's script and casting."

"Sure, no problem." Boss Lu said without comment.

If it were any other project, he would have taken it all for himself without hesitation.

At most, they can bring along die-hard fans from mainland China and Hong Kong, such as China Film Group Corporation and Eagle King Film Group, but no one is willing to share the profits.

However, if "Iron Man" wants to achieve the success it will achieve in North America, it would be impossible without the involvement of a large company like Disney. Harvey and Lionsgate alone could not even negotiate for 3000 screens.

After all, Hollywood's perception of superhero movies right now is mainly focused on a few characters such as DC's Superman and Batman, and the film potential of Marvel characters is generally underestimated.

Otherwise, Marvel wouldn't have to sell blood to raise funds.

The moon was at its zenith. It was almost 10 o'clock when we left Beverly Hills.

Harvey was in a good mood and was very satisfied that Miramax could have a place on the platter.

What's more, he is working with Lu Kuan, a director whose works are full of oriental mysticism. At least so far he has not made any big mistakes.

The most recent Fox live broadcast incident seemed dangerous, but didn’t it get through safely?
It even took advantage of the situation to develop allies at the same level as Disney.

Harvey, who had just gotten into the car, was already extremely excited: "I've contacted a few fun parties. Lu, tonight is going to be a sleepless night!"

Boss Lu waved his hand and said, "Forget it. I'm too tired from running publicity these days. I want to rest."

"Oh my god, listen to what you're saying! Is this still you?" Harvey said in disbelief. "My friend, what's wrong with making sounds? Is there any better place to rest than a woman's belly?"

The Jewish white pig suddenly came over and whispered, "Lu, if that's the reason, don't worry, I have medicine."

Hey!
Boss Lu looked constipated, and it was hard to explain to him: "Someone is waiting for me at the hotel. I'm sorry I can't accompany you."

Harvey also looked constipated: "What a shame! Such a shame! Quentin is filming Grindhouse in Austin and flew back specially to see you."

"Don't you want to laugh at the obscene way he licks feet?!"

Jewish white pigs feel like everyone is having a bad day in the university dormitory, and suddenly you see your roommate studying late into the night.

How can you, Lu Kuan, turn over a new leaf? You've betrayed the revolution!

Things are different now. Boss Lu is more cautious now.

Especially after the last conversation with Leader Liu, and with News Corporation, a potential enemy, still eyeing us covetously, I should stop digging a hole for myself.

Seeing that he couldn't persuade him any more, Harvey said, "Okay, I'll take you back first."

"I just called Alan, the real estate agent. If you're free tomorrow, you can come and look at the house in Beverly Hills."

Boss Lu was interested in this: "Okay, see you tomorrow."

Harvey got into another car and told the driver to take him back to the Roosevelt Hotel.
-
While Boss Lu was still working with Iger and Harvey on his plan of building a false front but secretly attacking Chencang, Concubine Liu Yi's hot pot dinner had just ended.

Hu Jun and Song Jia thanked her for the hospitality and said goodbye to her. Xiao Liu took Zhou Xun and did not leave in a hurry. They chatted with the owner of the Little Sheep flagship store in Los Angeles for a while before leaving.

"Xixi, why are you still concerned about the hot pot restaurant's business?"

"I've invested in Haidilao in the country. Have you ever been there?"

Zhou Xun was surprised: "Haidilao? I've heard of it. They have several stores in Peking, right?"

"Well, we have the Beiao and Baizhifang stores now. We're going to open a Jinsong store next month, and we're planning to open our first branch in Shanghai by the end of the year."

Zhou Xun nodded. It was normal for actors to open shops and do business in this era. Naying, Ke Lan and others had opened bars for many years, and she had been to them all.

"Sister Xun, if you're interested, you could consider investing. I think based on what Lu Kuan said, this catering company has some potential."

"He knows too?"

Liu Yifei said calmly, "Yes, Lu Kuan lent me 3000 million yuan, and I invested all of it. I own 35% of the shares."

I bought shares a year ago on a whim, thinking that with the perspective of washing machines, I wouldn't lose money, right?

Over the past year, Haidilao's development has become increasingly rapid, and has attracted widespread attention from peers in the industry.

Later in May 2006, more than 5 people from Yum! Brands' first-half regional managers' conference flocked to Haidilao's Beiao store for a visit and study. This event greatly increased Haidilao's popularity and influence in the catering industry.

The girl is also very carefree. Haidilao has been in a period of expansion in recent years, and the dividends last year were very small.

She just asked Yang Siwei to find a certified public accountant to verify the authenticity of the financial data and stopped caring about it.

Today's trip is also to help them conduct an on-site inspection of Little Sheep in Chinatown, Los Angeles, to see if there is any possibility of it becoming the second Chinese hot pot brand to go overseas.

After all, the cultural industry and the catering industry nowadays all focus on blooming outside the wall and smelling good inside the wall, which can be regarded as a marketing method.

The two women strolled around Chinatown, and Xiao Liu still felt a little regretful: "It's a pity that your performance in "Tangshan" was ruined. The subject matter didn't suit the tastes of those Jewish white men in Hollywood. Otherwise, you would have at least had a chance to be nominated."

Zhou Xun laughed and said, "It's not that easy. Zhang Ziyi's Hollywood film 'Memoirs of a Geisha' didn't even get a nomination."

"Yes, it's really difficult for Chinese actresses in Hollywood." Liu Yifei sighed: "Fortunately, you still have "If Love" this year, so you should have a good chance at the Academy Awards in April."

"I hope so. I have to thank Director Lu this time. I can really learn a lot under his guidance."

If everything goes well, 2006 can almost be called the Year of Zhou Xun in the domestic film industry.

She later won the Best Actress award at the Hong Kong Film Awards in April and the Golden Horse Awards in December for her performance in "If Love".

In this life, it would not be difficult to win the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards and the Asian Film Critics Association awards with the 2006 Lunar New Year box office champion "Tangshan".

The two passed by a Chinese handicraft store. The owner recognized the two mainland actresses and asked for a photo with a smile.

Zhou Xun happily agreed and asked the shop owner to take a photo of him and the girl. "I'll post it on my blog when I get home. I'm usually too lazy to open the shop, but today I met an old friend in a foreign country and wanted to congratulate him."

Concubine Liu Yi smiled, then casually asked, "Did Lu Kuan go to discuss a movie with Ang Lee? How come they've been talking for so long and there's no news at all?"

What kind of acting skills does Zhou Xun have? How could she possibly tell? "Probably? I don't know the details, but anyway, she followed a bunch of directors."

Unfortunately, Concubine Liu Yi can now switch between an innocent little rabbit and a cunning fox at will.

"Lu Kuan's phone is out of battery and I can't get through. I have Li Ang's number, so I'd like to ask him."

Zhou Xun spilled a little of the coffee in his hand, turned around and smiled naturally, "I was busy slurping the latte art foam just now, it burned my mouth."

"Sister Xun, please slow down." The little girl smiled at her coquettishly, dialing the number non-stop, lowering her head and not looking at Zhou Xun's expression.

"Sissi!"

The Best Actress who will be crowned at the Academy Awards in two months seemed to suddenly remember something and looked at Liu Yifei seriously.

"There's something about Fan Bingbing that I find particularly strange."

A good one to surround Wei and rescue Zhao.

Boss Lu had indeed been too self-deprecating in the past, causing his friends to lose much confidence in his integrity.

When Liu Yifei heard this, she raised her eyebrows, typed 1234567 on the phone, closed the screen, and looked at Zhou Xun with interest.

"Sister Xun, go ahead."

Zhou Xun sighed deeply, thinking that he had to tell Lu Kuan the news anyway, and it would be no different if he told Concubine Liu Yi.

Just as they have no confidence in Boss Lu's sexual ethics, these friends are still quite confident in Xiao Liu's loyalty and goodness, especially after this Manhattan incident.

"Huayi allocated 18% of its shares to core artists and directors before the New Year."

"Feng Xiaogang has 5%, Zhang Jizhong has 3%, and among the celebrities, I have the same 3% as Huang Xiaoming."

"Do you know how much Fan Bingbing got? She actually got 5%, just like Feng Xiaogang, and it's said her share wasn't even included in the 18%."

The reason why Zhou Xun knew this "rumor" was because she went to the Wang brothers to ask for more shares according to the established plan, but was rejected.

It was not until Fan Bingbing was mentioned that Wang Xiaolei reluctantly gave this explanation.

According to wartime espionage regulations, she and Bingbing naturally did not know each other.

Who could have guessed that Lu Kuan had arranged for Bingbing to go undercover in 2002? At that time, he and Hua Yi had no conflicts at all.

Xiao Liu asked doubtfully, "Then I have a question. Why did Fan Bingbing get so much equity?"

"She is indeed the company's most profitable artist. The commission from operating various programs was nearly 2000 million last year."

Zhou Xun was a little envious: "The key is that she has a very good relationship with the two editors-in-chief of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, Zhang Yu and Su Mang. She almost monopolizes the fashion resources within Huayi."

"Now, even close friends like Huo Siyan and rising stars like Yang Mi are coaxing her every day, just for that piece of Tang Sanzang meat in the fashion world."

Concubine Liu Yi frowned and pondered, "You mean..."

"Xixi, I'll be frank," Zhou Xun said solemnly, "Fan Bingbing is involved with Director Lu. Everyone knows this. He was indeed a bit of a playboy in the past."

"But Huayi and Wenjie appear to be at peace. Last time, when Wendy Deng targeted you and Director Lu, could it be that they really had nothing to do with it?"

"As far as I know, Wendi Deng's joint venture in mainland China holds at least 7% of Huayi's equity, and there's a possibility of further capital increase. This was announced after our distribution plan was finalized, and all key personnel are aware of it."

Xiao Liu was not sensitive to what she said about the relationship between Boss Lu and Bingbing.

She was the first to know and the one who understood it most deeply.

"You mean to say that Fan Bingbing used the resources from his previous deal with Lu Kuan to strengthen himself, and then turned around and joined forces with Huayi, siding with Huayi and Deng Wendi?"

Zhou Xun nodded: "I'm just guessing."

"In fact, there aren't that many deep hatreds and factions in the entertainment industry, just like me."

"Even though I'm a Huayi artist, I have no reason to be shy about being close to Director Lu. I'm not worried about what the two Wangs think. Who doesn't want to have a few close friends?"

"But Fan Bingbing got more shares than us, and there's also a newcomer named Chen Sicheng who also got shares. This guy..."

Concubine Liu Yi was shocked: "Chen Sicheng? He and Lu Kuan have a conflict. We once caught him trying to molest Tong Liya."

"There's such a thing?" Zhou Xun was confused, and then his brows frowned even deeper: "That's right!"

Xiao Liu looked at Zhou Xun silently for a few seconds, and both of them seemed to have realized something.

The little girl's almond-shaped eyes were terrifyingly cold, and she gritted her teeth, "Could that bastard have left some evidence against Fan Bingbing?"

"So those two from Huayi gave her more shares than your average core staff in exchange for backstabbing Lu Kuan?"

Zhou Xun spread his hands and said, "Anyway, based on the current situation, I'm making such a petty assumption, and it's also because of that swimming pool photo of yours."

Concubine Liu Yi nodded indifferently, but suddenly felt something was wrong!
She remembered what Boss Lu said to her at the birthday party when he turned off the microphone...

Is she still useful to me?

Did Fan Bingbing obtain these shares due to Lu Kuan's manipulation and was carrying out some kind of plan?

Or did she get the shares because she betrayed his manipulation, and may have been instigated by Wendy Deng and the Big and Small Wangs to do something bad to him?
The huge information gap between Concubine Liu Yi and the parties involved made it impossible for her to make a judgment.

Fortunately, Zhou Xun is one of us. If we explain it clearly to the washing machine, he will make his own decision, right?
Her confidence in Lu Kuan prevented her from worrying too much, but the name of this woman, Fan Bingbing, had indeed created a huge rift between them.

To this day, she doesn't even have the time to think about the photo at the birthday party. Who put it there?

If Fan Bingbing has a chance, does that mean Huayi can’t? Do other domestic entertainment companies have no chance?

I am a cash cow with a wide road ahead, and there are too many people who are jealous of me.

"Sissi? What's wrong?"

"It's okay." Xiao Liu's cold demeanor subsided and he returned to his gentle and charming appearance.

"Why should we worry about the width of the road? Just tell him and he'll figure it out himself."

"With his brain, it's good enough that he doesn't scheme against others. If Fan Bingbing isn't possessed by evil spirits, he shouldn't have made such a mistake."

Zhou Xun smiled but said nothing.

Some things are inconvenient to mention, but if Fan Bingbing really stabbed Lu Kuan in the back, wouldn’t the only obstacle between you and him no longer exist?
If it were someone else, he might really hope that Fan Bingbing would do something bad to him.

After strolling around for a while, Zhou Xun and Xiao Liu returned to the Roosevelt Hotel. Mia opened the car door for them and asked, "Is that Mr. Lu over there?"

The two women looked up at the same time and saw Boss Lu in a coat standing under the street light smoking.

"Hey!"

Boss Lu was patted from behind by Xiao Liu. He turned around and said with a smile, "Didn't you pack me some food?"

Zhou Xun laughed and said, "I called you but you didn't answer?"

"A Fei didn't follow me. The spare battery is in his car." Boss Lu spread his hands.

The company has a lot of things to deal with these two days, not only domestically but also in North America.

He pledged shares intensively and coordinated cash flow to prepare for investment in Paulson's COD short-selling fund.

But I only realized how little money I had when I needed it, and now there are still two expenses of unknown amounts waiting to be met.

Netflix/Blockbuster, and Marvel.

The latter is not in a hurry. Before "Iron Man" is launched and filmed, and even before it is released, few people will intercept it.

Otherwise, Marvel would have collapsed when it filed for bankruptcy for the first time in 1998, and it might not have survived until now.

But the battle between Netflix and Blockbuster is in full swing, and he may join the battle at any time. Cash is bullet, which is really important!

Xiao Liu's interest had just been disturbed by Bingbing's matter, and his tone was a little cold: "Why are you frowning? You're all twisted together."

Boss Lu smiled and said, "I'm short of money."

The girl frowned and took out the few dollars left from buying coffee from her pocket: "Take it, you're welcome."

Then she looked at him suspiciously: "Are you asking me to pay you back in disguise?"

Zhou Xun laughed and said, "Probably not. Our combined net worth probably wouldn't even be worth the single digit of his funding shortfall."

"That's right, Xiao Liu is being completely mean-spirited. He's making me sound like a miser."

Boss Lu crushed the cigarette butt with his foot and said, "By the way, you two should accompany me to Beverly Hills tomorrow to look at houses and give me some suggestions."

"Buying a house again? Buying a house when you are short of money?" Xiao Liu glanced at him helplessly.

"Oh! How much does it cost to buy a house?"

"I'm going to come to North America more often in the future. Staying in a hotel is inconvenient and there's no privacy."

"If I wasn't so tight on money right now, I would immediately buy a private jet. It would be much more convenient!"

Boss Lu is no longer a stranger in North America, so we should try our best to avoid the previous candid photography incidents from happening again.

Concubine Liu Yi brushed her long raven hair that had been blown by the wind, and pouted with disdain: "A country rich man, so arrogant!"

"If you scold me, don't sit here when the time comes," Boss Lu said bluntly.

The little girl just thought of Bingbing holding his breath, so she naturally said: "Who wants to sit on your washing machine?"

"Since you're short of money, just go paint. 1500 million per painting, there are plenty of rich ladies flattering you."

Zhou Xun covered her mouth and laughed secretly. She was present at the Harper's Bazaar Charity Night and knew the old joke of 1500 million by heart.

The future movie queen in the VIP viewing seat couldn't wait to take out her mobile phone to record the movie, so that she could lie on her bed and watch the movie at night.

Boss Lu looked at her with a smile: "Okay, aren't you also a rich lady?"

"Where's the picture of a beautiful woman in cheongsam that I drew for you last time? You owe me 4500 million now, pay me back now!"

"Oh!" Zhou Xun teased in a friendly manner, "So Xixi was your model?"

"Can you lend this painting to those of us who can't afford 1500 million yuan so we can admire it?"

Boss Lu continued teasing, "My humble work can't even begin to capture one fraction of Xiao Liu's true charm. Brother Xun, just look at her figure. It's worth at least 15 billion!"

The young director pulled Zhou Xun, and the two perverts, a man and a woman, looked the girl up and down seriously, commenting and joking.

"Xixi's long legs are so enviable, they reach my waist!"

Boss Lu smacked his lips. "Yes, indeed. The calves are slender and straight, the thighs tight and strong. The Book of Songs talks about a tall and graceful lady, dressed in a rich and brocade robe. Is that probably what it means?"

"It reminds me of Nie Xiaoqian in 'Liao Zhai', with her skin reflecting the flowing clouds and her feet standing out like slender bamboo shoots."

Zhou Xun was amazed and gave him a thumbs up: "You are a high-level pervert."

Concubine Liu Yi failed to achieve her goal of being in a relationship and was instead teased. Her pretty face became red when she was looked at by Lu Kuan's gaze which seemed to be real.

The girl couldn't help but pull her coat tighter and stood with her arms crossed. She gave the washing machine a vicious look and then walked towards the hotel with a blushing face: "Sister Xun, I'm going back first."

Zhou Xun looked at her charming face and lips and found her shyness amusing. "Go ahead, let's chat for a while."

Lu Kuan saw Liu Yifei walking away, then he calmly turned to Zhou Xun and asked, "What did you say in the message about Fan Bingbing?"

Zhou Xun smiled and pointed at him with two fingers: "Have a cigarette first."

The boss of Laoyanyoulu smiled, and the two of them started to smoke under the dim street lights.

(End of this chapter)