Extracting skills from movies

Chapter 790 A blessing in disguise

Du Sheng and Hades exchanged a glance, their understanding unspoken.

What was this sudden change of events?
It's clearly fate providing a stepping stone; stepping on it will lead you to the top.

"However, every cloud has a silver lining."

Goldes leaned forward, his tone gentle yet tinged with a hint of probing:

"Mr. Du's temperament and international flair are more in line with Hennessy's brand image than Pete's old-fashioned gentlemanly style."

Just standing there, you exude an aristocratic air!

Du Sheng said with a smile:

"It is an honor for me to collaborate with Hennessy."

Watts, sitting next to me, nodded in agreement:
"If there are no objections, we can begin detailed negotiations tomorrow."

Contract terms, image usage, and shooting schedule can all be arranged.

"to make."

Du Sheng nodded and turned to look at Hades:
"You decide these things."

The group stood up, shook hands, and said goodbye. The sunlight was just right, shining on the marble floor in front of the Hilton Hotel.

As soon as I stepped out the door, Ma Yaowei was already waiting by the roadside in his Mercedes-Benz.

Du Sheng climbed into the back seat, looking quite content.
"I just finished playing cards with Charlize and Scarlett last night, and then I snatched Pitt's endorsement deal. This life is too exciting."

Haders fastened his seatbelt and smiled:

"Hennessy is very sincere, and we could officially sign a contract in a week if things go smoothly."

"What about the cost?"

Du Sheng suddenly sat up straight, showing some interest.

Haders was prepared:
"The annual fee for a top-tier liquor endorsement is around six million US dollars, generally fluctuating by no more than 500,000 US dollars."

"Okay, it's up to you."

Du Sheng leaned back contentedly, completely relaxing.

As Ma Yaowei started the car, he glanced at him in the rearview mirror:
"It seems that all of Pitt's endorsements are about to collapse."

"No."

Haders took out his phone and scrolled through his contacts:
Honda Integra and Boucheron have issued termination notices, citing "damage to the artist's image" as the reason.

Gucci perfume is also observing the situation; they probably won't be able to hold out for long.

Gucci?

Du Sheng perked up a bit:
“I’m familiar with this brand; their perfumes have a style that suits me.”

"You want to answer?"

Hades immediately understood that this meant taking advantage of his illness to send him on his way.

"Why not?"

Du Sheng raised an eyebrow and smiled:
“I have an Oscar nomination and my new movie is still showing in theaters, so now is the perfect time to talk about endorsements.”

He wasn't after money; after all, he was already a wealthy man, and money was just a number to him.

But he is quite supportive of the righteous actions Hollywood is currently undertaking.

"I'll make arrangements right away."

Haders' fingers swiped rapidly across the screen:
"If we can secure Gucci, plus Hennessy... the total annual income from all endorsements will be just the beginning, which is $20 million."

Ma Yaowei couldn't help but burst out laughing:

"If Pitt knew that you had taken over all his endorsements, would he be so angry that he would jump out of Beverly Hills?"

Du Sheng stroked his chin, a smile playing on his lips:
"Is he wearing an electronic shackle right now? Can he still jump?"

"One of those secretly targeting us has already fallen. Aren't you happy?"

Ma Yaowei suddenly asked in Chinese.

Du Sheng chuckled and said:
"Although I didn't manage to take down Harvey as well, I have to say it was more enjoyable than drinking ten glasses of Hennessy."

As the car turned onto Sunset Boulevard, the dust kicked up by its rear end was mixed with the sounds of laughter and conversation.

Meanwhile, in Beverly Hills, Brad Pitt sat alone in a dark living room, an ashtray overflowing with cigarette butts, and a tense atmosphere permeated the air.

The television screen emitted a pale blue light, reflecting his tired face.

He knew he was no longer the "perfect male god" in Hollywood.

And now, even the last shred of dignity has been completely torn apart.

.........

Du Sheng and Ma Yaowei left the Sony TV building; their schedules were quite packed.

Today is one of the key events in the pre-release hype for "How to Train Your Dragon," aiming to generate significant buzz before the film's premiere.

Although the film's official release is still a month away, the entire promotional campaign has already been quietly launched.

Huge posters are being printed overnight on every street corner.
The first trailer has also been edited and locked in a safe, waiting for the perfect moment to be released.

However, this time the team learned their lesson and didn't make a big deal out of Du Sheng's scandals like they did before.

After all, he provided the script and voice acting for this animation, so the focus of the promotion should naturally be biased.

In addition, Du Sheng also needs to take into account his English album "Endless Joy".

Since rap star Lil Wayne was sidelined, he has officially received a Grammy nomination and has a very good chance of winning.

Then there's "Taken," which also needs to continue building momentum for awards.

Taken was a critical and commercial success in the Asian market, and also achieved both critical and commercial success in North America.

Many media outlets have even hailed this series as a classic.

After half an hour,

The recording just finished here, and Ma Yaowei was already waiting in the parking lot.

Du Sheng climbed into the back seat of the Mercedes and had just sat down when Zhang Haolong handed her a thermos.

"There's new development on Pitt's side. Now, in addition to nannies, some minor female celebrities have also joined in the condemnation, accusing him of 'coercion'."
In addition, KABC Entertainment hired Angela Václav as a lawyer.

The Los Angeles Police Department has officially opened a case, and the court has accepted it.

Du Sheng took the thermos, blew on it, and took a sip of hot tea.

"Even if they eventually settle out of court, this guy will still be in deep trouble."

Ma Yaowei said with a smile:

"KABC is now completely at odds with Pete, and Angela was introduced to them by them."

This lawsuit will probably take at least six months to resolve, especially if the lawyer deliberately drags it out...

What's the current situation with Pete?

Du Sheng interrupted him and asked.

"He was released on bail, but he's under house arrest in his Beverly Hills villa. He can't even leave the house until this matter is settled."

Du Sheng smiled and said no more.

Sometimes, mental torment is more terrifying and unbearable than physical destruction.

At that moment, the car door was opened with a "click".

Charlize Theron slipped in, and a strong scent of perfume wafted over you.

"What a coincidence, we're going the same way."

She tossed her hair as she fastened her seatbelt:

"Scarlett just messaged me saying that the endorsement shoot is over and I don't need to go back to the hotel tonight."

She suddenly leaned closer to Du Sheng, lowering her voice and speaking with a hint of provocation:
"I'm waiting for you. You'd better teach this vixen a lesson tonight!"

Since teaming up with Scarlett, she has been amazed by the other's stunts.

She was ashamed of herself for being so shameless and open-minded.

Du Sheng chuckled and patted her thigh:
"Taylor is in Los Angeles today too. My old back can't take any more of this."

"We're the ones who can't withstand any more setbacks."

Theron rolled her eyes at him, then suddenly remembered something and smiled:
"No matter how many people work together, I must see someone begging for mercy tonight!"

.........

Meanwhile, at the press conference for "Guerrilla".

A reporter from KABC Entertainment shoved a microphone right in front of Matt Damon:

What do you think about the Brad Pitt thing?

Damon's face darkened, his tone firm:

"I support all anti-coercion actions!"
From this day forward, I'm cutting all ties with Pete!

The audience was ablaze with flashes, while Pete's close friends had long since vanished.

That's how realistic Hollywood is; when someone's down, everyone kicks them while they're down.

The actresses were even more shrewd, using the opportunity of criticizing Pitt to make their "anti-coercion" campaign a huge success.

Even male celebrities who usually act all high and mighty have jumped out to kick someone when they're down.

After all, how many resources could you gain by crushing Pete?

Meanwhile, Du Sheng was at Entertainment Weekly, where she was being interviewed by editor-in-chief Katharine.

"Scarlett, Theron, and Taylor all said that you helped them a lot during the collaboration. Could you elaborate?"

"Katarina asked with a hopeful look on her face."

Du Sheng picked up her coffee and took a sip. Could she talk about all the mess that happened tonight?

He cleared his throat and began to ramble on in a serious tone:
"It mainly involves communication and coordination, such as helping them understand the characters' psychology, adjusting the filming pace, and making some minor adjustments to their singing..."

Kataline nodded repeatedly as she listened:
"It seems you're not only a big star, but also a behind-the-scenes mastermind."

Du Sheng smiled:
"I'm just someone who likes to experiment, and I just happened to come across the right opportunity."

Kataline quickly followed up on the topic by asking:

"Pitt's scandal has caused a huge uproar and has drawn boycotts from people in the industry. What's your take on this?"

"This is outrageous; the entertainment industry should be restored to a clean and healthy state."

Du Sheng spoke casually, but made his stance clear.

You should follow the trend, but there's no need to be the first to rush ahead and be a trailblazer.

These days, choosing sides requires timing, and stepping on others requires tact.

As soon as the interview ended and Du Sheng entered the lounge, Ma Yaowei handed her his phone:

"It was Leonardo DiCaprio who called."

Before Du Sheng could even speak after answering the phone, the other end erupted in chaos:

"You promised me everything, but I didn't keep it all?!"

Du Sheng was taken aback. Lately, he'd been completely entangled with several women, and had no recollection of any promises.
"Isn't it?"

"You've been bewitched by those vixens, haven't you!"

Leonardo's voice changed from anger:

"Have you forgotten the premiere of Body of Lies?"

Du Sheng slapped his forehead, finally remembering:

"Don't worry, I'll definitely be there."

"The invitation will be sent to your company immediately."

Leonardo's tone softened somewhat, but he still added:
"We have to go through the procedures, otherwise what will people in the industry think of me?"

After hanging up the phone and getting into my car, Haders called again:
"Did you receive Leo's invitation?"

"received."

Du Sheng leaned back in the back seat and smiled:

"Did you hear about it too?"

"No."

Haders' tone was helpless:
"Rumors are circulating in the industry that you've been getting too involved with actresses like Scarlett Johansson, Charlize Theron, and Taylor Swift, and it almost caused you to neglect your work."

Du Sheng smiled but remained silent.

Those fox spirits who conspired to do evil still need to be dealt with.

The weekend arrived in the blink of an eye, and Body of Lies held a small premiere in Los Angeles.

As one of Leonardo DiCaprio's few friends, Du Sheng entered the cinema in a very low-key manner.

The audience consisted of industry insiders, film critics, and journalists; the atmosphere was relaxed but carried a touch of "professional" scrutiny.

It was quite lively outside, with a group of people protesting terrorism holding up signs and chanting slogans at the entrance.

It's only been a few years since 9/11, and this film tells a story about terrorist attacks.

But Hollywood is already used to this kind of scene.

As soon as he sat down, Nicholson leaned over and asked with a wink:
"I heard that your movie 'Inception' with Scarlett Johansson was so explicit it could blow the roof off?"

Du Sheng rolled her eyes:
"It's nowhere near as good as when you were young."

Nicholson chuckled, then lowered his voice and asked:
"The newspapers say you also issued a statement condemning Pitt?"

"The trend is general."

Du Sheng shrugged:

"He can't even clean his own mess and still insists on doing it; he deserves it."

"When it comes to playing tricks, he can't beat me, and he can't even beat you and Leo."

Nicholson shook his head smugly.

Du Sheng spoke up to clarify:
"Don't lump me in with you old perverts."

"We believe in mutual consent, and everyone just wants to have fun."

Nicholson whispered:
"Unlike him, his hobbies are really peculiar!"

Du Sheng couldn't help but laugh out loud:

"I never thought you, you old rogue, could still speak like a human being."

Do you think I ever played any tricks like being a 'nanny' when I was younger?

Just as Nicholson was about to show off, a girl suddenly darted out from behind him:

"Jack! I've been looking for you for ages!"

Du Sheng sized up the newcomer.

He looked about sixteen or seventeen years old. His face was familiar, but I couldn't quite place his name.

"This is Du, a fellow traveler I met while filming Infernal Affairs."

Nicholson's introduction:

"This is Jennifer Lawrence, the one who starred in 'Winter's Bone,' I've mentioned her before."

Du Sheng nodded and shook hands with him.

Jennifer smiled and shook hands with him:

"So you're Du Sheng. I've heard Jack mention you before."

"She said she wanted to meet the producer."

Nicholson explained somewhat awkwardly.

"Didn't you say you were bringing me here to introduce myself?"

Jennifer tugged at Nicholson's arm, her tone slightly coquettish.

"I've already arranged the role for you in that drama, what's the rush?"

Nicholson waved his hand:
"Go ahead and browse around, I have important business to attend to."

After Jennifer walked away, Du Sheng joked:
"If you can do something like this, won't you have to go to the police station to bail you out in a couple of days?"

Nicholson rolled his eyes:
"She's not even seventeen yet, I'm not stupid."

At that moment, Leonardo appeared from behind, smiling and interjecting:

"I'm not protecting you this time; I'm cutting all ties with you."

"These are true brothers who have been through thick and thin together. I've learned something new."

Nicholson sighed.

Du Sheng said with a smile:

"If Leo can't be saved, I will."

"Hey bro! What do you see in me?"

That old bastard is quite arrogant.

Du Sheng chuckled:
"For no other reason than I'm afraid that those big-butt black girls, unable to find you, will come and block my door."

Leonardo burst into laughter after hearing this.

Nicholson curled his lip:
"Boring, I'm leaving."