American Peanuts

Chapter 233: Fighting fires and extracting residual value

"What?" When she heard the news that "Black Swan" was about to change roles, Natalie's expression suddenly changed.

"Producer Jon is still online. If you want to talk to him..." midway through the assistant's words, Natalie snatched the phone away.

"You regretted it, didn't you? Jon, let me guess, you didn't use my performance opportunity to get investment, and then kicked me out. This is a complete betrayal!" Natalie gritted her teeth, wishing she could just follow it. The phone cord scratched his face.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Natalie, this is my dereliction of duty. I have to sincerely apologize to you. We have another good option. Considering that we are strapped in the budget, we must leave room for potential emergencies. "Jon said very sincerely on the other end of the phone.

Speaking of things, Natalie believed in herself before, but he betrayed her trust.

"Budget? If it doesn't work, I can also give you a part of the budget, within what I can afford." Natalie's tone eased and she proposed another plan.

It's not easy to find a good actress with box office appeal who can bring money to join the team.

"Wait a minute." Jon didn't dare to neglect, as if he was discussing this matter with someone.

"Sorry, Ms. Natalie." Jon apologized again.

"Who are you talking to? Ask him to answer my call." Natalie said anxiously.

"He doesn't want to communicate with you, we need to end this call."

"At least let me know who the other party is." Natalie decided to change her approach.

"He...I can't tell you yet."

"Is it Charlie Rossi?!" Natalie felt it.

Jon hung up the phone.

"F**K!" Natalie looked a little desperate, pacing back and forth for a long time, her footsteps becoming more and more urgent.

"It's over, Benjamin." She told of the injustice she encountered.

Grievance, resentment, anger...all kinds of emotions came out together, and tears rolled in his eyes in an instant.

"Why is this devil clinging to me?! I just want to play this role with all my heart. What did I do wrong?" Natalie became more and more excited as she spoke.

"You didn't do anything wrong." Benjamin shook his head, listening to Natalie's intermittent narration, the image of an unscrupulous Hollywood devil gradually became clear, somewhat pitiful for Natalie's experience, and somewhat driven by the spirit of justice.

He decides to do something.

"I'll call Jon now." Benjamin looked heavy.

Natalie quickly shook her head: "No, that will cause you to lose your job, and he might replace you too."

As he spoke, the cell phone he originally held in his hand suddenly fell to the floor, and Benjamin immediately bent down to pick it up.

"I know you are the creative source of this movie. This is your hard work. You should not be influenced by me." She mentioned again.

Benjamin was immediately aware of it. After Natalie's reminder, he immediately understood his core creative status and immediately started calling Jon.

"Jon Avnet, look what you've done? You sold us all out to a devil! Natalie had to be in this movie, she was the only one, and it was non-negotiable. Oh, yes, of course you are the producer, so what? I am the source of the story idea, don't ask me about the script copyright...Okay, then I'll see you in court!" Benjamin hung up the phone directly.

"You don't want to accept Charlie Rossi's investment even if you destroy it yourself. It takes a lot of courage for you to do so!" Natalie looked timid and pitiful.

"Yes, you are right. Even if you destroy it yourself, you cannot accept it being destroyed by profit-seeking businessmen. This should be a work of art!" After Natalie's "reminder", Benjamin once again strengthened his thoughts.

"You are a great hero, and I am proud of you." Natalie raised her hand and touched Benjamin's cheek.

Benjamin's eyes flickered with confusion for a moment, and then he seemed to have made up his mind, but did not stop Natalie's movements.

·
"These two are staying together. I remembered that they agreed to dance training together. It was Natalie who proposed it. This brat must have been stunned." Jon suddenly realized.

"Is his role critical?" Charlie asked.

"It's okay if it's just a dance consultant, but he's still the source of creativity for the whole story. Although the copyright of the adaptation of the script falls into my hands, if I really have to go to court, the filming may have to be put on hold." Jon explained .

According to the interpretation of relevant American laws, the hiring party automatically enjoys the copyright to the fruits of labor. Jon initially paid out of his own pocket to hire a screenwriter to write the script, but the problem was that Charlie did not have that much time to wait.

As if he was afraid that Charlie would withdraw his capital, Jon quickly assured Charlie that he would handle the matter.

"You can handle Benjamin, but you can't handle Natalie Portman. There is some misunderstanding between me and her." Charlie shook his head.

According to memory, "Black Swan" had not even started filming at this time. He did not expect that the producer would use Natalie's starring conditions to attract investment and found the partner in advance.

To untie the bell, the person who tied the bell must be tied, and Charlie was ready to handle the matter personally.

·
Outside a dance arts center in Los Angeles, Benjamin, who had changed into casual clothes, was about to cross the road to the parking lot across the road, when suddenly the door of a blue Bentley opened on the side of the road.

"Don't you want to talk about the movie?" Charlie looked at him from the back seat of the car.

"I have nothing to talk about with you, don't think you can bribe me." Benjamin comes from a wealthy family. In addition to financial rewards, participating in this film is more about the pursuit of art and fame.

"There is no conflict of interest between us. I know what you want. You can just walk away. The film will be released no matter what. The only difference is whether your name is in the subtitle list."

"Are you threatening me?" Benjamin raised his voice.

Charlie smiled slightly: "Of course not, I just need to give you an explanation, the rest is up to you to choose, it only takes a few minutes, get in the car."

Benjamin looked around and finally got into the Bentley. As soon as he closed the door, Charlie asked the female driver to start the car.

"Where are we going?" Benjamin asked with some vigilance.

"A place to talk."

"How far?"

"Just ahead, have you seen the movie "Thor"?" Charlie asked suddenly.

Benjamin glanced at it for a few times, and then said reluctantly: "I'm not interested in that kind of movie."

"Natalie was originally the director chosen by the producers of "Thor", but she didn't reach an agreement with me, so I replaced her. I don't care what she told you, this is the truth of the matter."

"I have to say, she and I are really enemies of each other. I didn't know Natalie was going to star until I confirmed that I wanted to invest in this movie. But I already have a better choice. I know she promised you before, And I will compensate her appropriately."

Charlie looked at him.

Benjamin said not to be outdone: "You know, I only have one request now, that you leave this crew. Whether it is 20th Century Fox or Disney, no matter how greedy the other party is, it is always better than you."

Benjamin's attitude was extremely firm.

The silly boy was really deceived.

Charlie didn't say much, turned around and looked ahead.

"Okay, you can put me down now, I have to go home." Benjamin was about to ask the driver to pull over.

"Go home, are you sure you're not looking for Natalie? She should tell you that she has work to do tonight? Am I right?" Charlie Rossi said suddenly.

"You..." Benjamin was speechless.

At this time, the vehicle has arrived at its destination, which is a high-end secluded restaurant with sea views.

"Guess who I have an appointment with tonight? You can leave directly, and I will ask the driver to take you back directly, if you don't want to see the true face of a certain actress."

"I... I just stay in the car." Benjamin turned his head away.

Charlie got out of the car and deliberately chose a window seat to ensure that Benjamin, who was sitting in the back of the car, could see everything here.

The wait did not last long. Natalie arrived. Charlie stood up and took the initiative to open the seat for her like a gentleman.

"Are you going to give me an apology?" Facing the "devil" in her mouth, Natalie had a smile on her face, not only did she not show any resentment or panic, but she also felt a little bit of the joy of a winner.

At least starting from Charlie Rossi's attitude on the phone, he chose to reconcile with himself.

Apparently, the idiotic ballerina's threats worked, and this time it hit a sore spot with Charlie Rossi.

"What do you want to eat?" Charlie Rossi called the waiter over.

"I've never been merciful to men who treat guests." Natalie Portman said with a fake smile.

"If it can give you some relief, I can eat here with you until tomorrow morning."

"Save it for you." Natalie flipped through the menu.

"In addition to Marvel, PB Pictures has a series of plans behind it. I think you also know this."

"Don't use this to prevaricate me. I must play the heroine in "Black Swan" and the scenes cannot be deleted." Natalie made a request.

Charlie looked surprised to be exposed: "I already have a suitable candidate, Eva Green, and I am very satisfied with her."

“Satisfied in every way.”

Sure enough, it was she who fell in love with Charlie Rossi, and only then did Natalie understand the cause and effect.

"Then you have to compensate her in other ways. This matter is non-negotiable." She reiterated her thoughts again.

"make a deal."

Seeing such a "docile" Charlie Rossi, Natalie felt a little uncomfortable, and decided to take advantage of the situation to get more benefits: "Don't nod in a hurry, I have other demands, and Jane's role must be returned to me."

"That's totally impossible."

"Then another role, the heroine of Captain America." Natalie said without thinking.

That's her true intention, and Marvel has announced new production plans, including the eventual Avengers.

For stars, pure popcorn movies are a kind of "consumption". If you are not careful, you will get scolded if you accept a big bad movie. But if the commercial movie itself is successful enough, it is a completely different matter. However, it will increase your popularity, such as Megan Fox, who successively filmed the remakes of Transformers and Iron Man.

Even though she is a vase in the film, she only needs to perform a few sexy poses to gain massive popularity.

This is what Natalie values. Considering the success of the Marvel Universe, the competition for related female characters may become increasingly fierce. She decided to take the first step and find herself a high-quality "meal ticket."

"I'm even looking forward to the retro look." Charlie showed his willingness to accept.

"As long as you want, I can add your role in the Avengers, or even shoot a separate superhero movie for you. I think Captain Marvel is quite suitable for you, as long as you are willing." Charlie said, suddenly grabbing Nata Li's hand.

Natalie didn't panic at all, but instead teased: "Are you always so anxious? This is a public place."

Natalie once again felt proud of her beauty, and felt that Charlie Rossi was nothing more than that, no different from that idiot.

Benjamin, who was staying in the car, saw what was happening at the dining table and immediately felt suffocated.

Especially seeing the smile on Natalie's face...she had never smiled like this to herself.

"Has your boss ever treated you like this?" Benjamin asked angrily.

Gale, who was suddenly mentioned about the location of the cab, was stunned for a moment before replying: "No, he has never done this to me, at least not yet."

Having worked with Charlie for such a long time, she can be sure that Charlie has no interest in her. She wonders if this situation will change when the movie she starred in is released. It will not be known until next year.

Then Benjamin saw that the two of them were becoming more and more engaged in their conversation, clinking glasses, laughing, and drinking...

After a quick meal, the two of them stood up. Charlie put his arm around Natalie's waist, but she didn't resist at all, and instead had a smile on her face.

She is really a woman who has one thing in front of her and one behind her back.

The two came to the car together. Just as Natalie was about to open the door, Charlie took the initiative and pressed her against the door.

"Now you have to tell me what measurements you used. I don't want this to happen a second time."

"He's just an idiot. He probably hasn't had much contact with the outside world. He's very simple."

"Don't you have a crush on him?"

"How could it be? He doesn't even deserve to drink bath water."

Benjamin, who was sitting in the car, looked livid.

"Get in the car quickly. It's not safe outside. Who knows if there are reporters or not. I don't want my image in public to be damaged." Natalie put her hands behind her and pulled the door handle.

Then he turned around and saw Benjamin sitting in the back seat of the car. The smile on his face suddenly disappeared.

"Wait, you have to listen to my explanation."

"Go and explain to your mother!" Benjamin came out angrily, bumped the two of them away and left.

Charlie watched Natalie's expression on the sidelines, enough to act out an entire movie.

"It seems that you have lost your biggest basis for blackmailing me, Ms. Natalie."

Natalie raised her hand to hit, but Charlie dodged it.

"You seem to have lost everything now, but my invitation to you is still valid. This will serve as compensation for changing the role midway, but it is not a series of works in the Marvel Universe, but another movie." Charlie continued.

"Black Swan" and "Now You See Me" are in conflict, and Eva Green can only play one, and Natalie can just fill in the vacancy.

Although Charlie doesn't have the slightest fondness for her, she at least still has some popularity and box office appeal, so it's better to drain her of this residual value.

"Although you are not a heroine, and although the salary will be much lower, at least you will not be unemployed in the next few months." He looked at Natalie.

"But I want you to remember that I don't care what your public image is to the outside world, if you dare to change your mind again, you will have to pay the price! Answer me!"

"I see, sir." Natalie's voice trembled.

Even though the vehicle had left for a long time, she was still in a daze, waiting for the waiter to ask her before leaving in a daze.

That night, Benjamin called producer Jon and stated that he would withdraw from the creation of the film and no longer interfere in the filming.

It seemed that he sensed the true side of the so-called star from Natalie, and seemed to feel ashamed to see Charlie again. In short, he was really depressed on the phone.

This was naturally the best thing for Charlie. He gave Jon extra instructions to obtain a formal authorization from him, and the twists and turns experienced by "Black Swan" finally came to an end.

Just when he started to decide to look for another dark horse, he unexpectedly received a call from Liv Tyler.

"Sir, have you forgotten me?"

(End of this chapter)