Actor: Thank you.

Hahahahaha.

Hoo hoo hoo.

Roar! Roar! Roar! Roar! Roar!

Alas, alas, alas.

Cluck cluck...

The atmosphere inside Universal Pictures' conference room was extremely cheerful.

White people are naturally crazy and love parties.

North Americans, in particular, are the most playful.

This has even led to many bizarre and incomprehensible behaviors.

The first thing that comes to mind is playing with toilet paper.

That's right, it's toilet paper for wiping your butt.

Americans like to waste whole cartons of toilet paper.

They scattered it everywhere, hanging it all over the house and roof.

It's not just for kids; adults play it too.

Overall, they are a rather crazy people.

So, they're laughing hysterically right now.

There are many reasons why humans laugh.

Stephen Chow's nonsensical humor can hit your funny bone, as can physical comedy, and also the kind of humor mainly created by internet celebrities from Northeast China.

But humans also have another kind of laughter.

It is a top-down perspective, looking down from a high place, laughter inspired by pride, one of the seven deadly sins of mankind.

Just like the laughter of those big short sellers during the Wall Street rally, champagne glasses in hand as they watch ordinary people who have been ripped off and left penniless.

It was the expression of a group of self-proclaimed demigods looking down on ants.

This is one of the most wicked smiles one can find in the world.

Twenty years later, the Syrian Civil War begins.

Both Turkey and Russia have intervened in the war.

In an effort to reconcile the two sides, a military summit was held.

At the meeting, the Turkish Defense Minister bluntly stated that he demanded the complete withdrawal of the Russian army, otherwise the Turkish army would annihilate the enemy.

Upon hearing this, the Russian General Staff Officer, Gerasimov, the famous contemporary paperhanger, revealed an irresistible, goofy grin.

A promise is a promise, double happiness!
This smile is so infectious that it has even been turned into an emoji.

Laughter now echoes in the conference room.

It combines the arrogance of Wall Street's "false gods," the sarcasm of Gregg, and the frenzy of North American parties.

This mixed, cocktail-like laughter is like a purebred dog, barking and howling.

They express their emotions without restraint.

Zhang Yuan's assistant and bodyguards felt extremely uncomfortable amidst this maniacal laughter.

Even though neither of them went inside, they just waited outside.

You could tell that the laughter wasn't funny at all.

Zhang Yuan, however, remained quite calm inside the room.

Instead of joining their maniacal laughter, he smiled and swept his gaze across the crowd with the look of pity one might have for someone looking at a fool.

For about ten minutes, several people were laughing so hard they almost choked.

Vin Diesel was so happy he was shaking all over, and then the laughter gradually dissipated like a storm passing by.

You're not so worried that you've developed hysteria... Old Fan thought to himself.

prime minister?

Prime Minister of an island nation?
You could have just called him the "beacon president"!
If you can find a connection with the prime minister of an island nation and build your network to that level, how could you still be banned?
Anyway, this big-headed, thick-necked, muscular guy didn't believe it.

The same applies to the other positions.

They thought Zhang Yuan had gone mad.

It's either wishful thinking or bragging.

If you're going to brag, at least make it believable...

The production manager at Universal Pictures, who was in charge of the "Fast & Furious" series, struggled to speak for a long time and drank a lot of water, finishing the water in his short, stout, crystal-cut glass before he finally managed to suppress his laughter.

Universal Pictures put in a lot of effort to get Fast & Furious 4 released in Japan.

We approached many publishers and partners.

Universal Pictures has a good relationship with the island nation, and in 98, construction officially began on the Universal Studios theme park in Osaka.

It's similar to the one that happened in Beijing later.

However, Universal Studios or Disneyland in China are much more upscale and larger than those in island nations.

The groundbreaking ceremony was presided over by Schwarzenegger, making it a grand affair.

When the park opened in 01, there was a great commotion with gongs, drums, and firecrackers...

The Mario theme park, which attracts many visitors, is part of Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.

Therefore, Global Times has many connections in the island nation and knows many members of parliament.

Despite trying to pull strings, it still didn't work.

Nobody wants to get involved in this.

Because it involves a history they desperately want to avoid, and troublemakers.

Global Times didn't go all out either, spending too many resources on the mess.

After several unsuccessful attempts, the higher-ups changed the plan.

Large companies need to be efficient.

Unless it involves internal strife and the future or face of certain individuals, they will not fight to the death.

At this point, they changed their approach.

Now that the series has been revived, we can make a lot of money from this movie in the future.

However, in the fourth installment, Zhang Yuan, a Chinese man, joined and invested, and even signed a cooperation agreement.

It was made clear that he would participate in the investment of all subsequent works in this series, and a minimum investment share was specified.

We'd be at a huge loss!

We also need to make money for him.

What is robber logic?

This is robber logic.

When there is risk, you want to find someone to take the blame.

Once they can consistently make money, they want to keep it all for themselves.

However, due to the contract, it's not advisable to directly break ties, otherwise it could easily lead to problems.

Especially in the subsequent development of the Chinese market.

The box office success of "Fast & Furious 4" also made them realize the potential of the Chinese film market.

This piece of fatty meat absolutely cannot be left uneaten.

This prediction is quite accurate; in just a few years, China's film box office will explode again!
By the time of "Furious 7", the Chinese market even accounted for nearly a quarter of the film's total box office.

It has almost firmly established itself as the largest single market outside of its home country.

Why do so many major Hollywood studios lower their standards and insist on including popular Chinese celebrities in their productions?

Because between 12 and 18, many Hollywood films were able to recoup their costs solely from the Chinese market.

If you can make money, why bother with shame?

Now Global has also found an opportunity.

Their biggest fear of Zhang Yuan was the contract.

Now that the island nation market is blocked because of him, it will trigger the "significant loss to the film due to personal factors" clause in the contract.

We can make a big deal out of this.

If you try to manipulate things, you can hire a lawyer, go through the legal process, and it can drag on for ten or eight years.

Even if the other side wins, we've already made enough money.

The so-called Western spirit of contractual obligation is only triggered when it is in one's own interest.

They will try to break the contract if it is not in their best interest, or even if it is just not very advantageous to them.

And they will laugh at you for being so foolish as to believe me.

It will also tell you that the weak have no right to demand fairness from the strong.

Zhang Yuan's presence was backed by the state, which made the other party wary of him.

This person from Global Times was thinking about the "breach of contract" discussed during a company meeting.

The reason Zhang Yuan was called here was to use the issue of the island nation to pressure him and then discuss the subsequent contract.

I didn't expect them to boast so much.

This even earned him some admiration from the Global Times.

What a talented person!
He claims to know the prime minister of an island nation without batting an eye.

This ability to spout nonsense has the air of a great general!
North America really does like people who can boast; otherwise, why would Indians so easily become executives in giant corporations?

Chinese people, on the other hand, are mostly in the middle class.

Compared to practical skills and getting things done, people prefer those who can create impressive presentations and write PowerPoint slides.

Americans haven't always been like this.

They used to be efficient, capable, and fond of pragmatists.

But since deindustrialization, pragmatists have become less sought after. Getting things done is now only worth a pittance.

I can make a beautiful PowerPoint presentation and then use it to make a fortune in the financial markets.

Therefore, seeing Zhang Yuan's "arrogant and boastful" manner, she actually felt a sense of goodwill towards him.

Director Justin Lin covered his face.

During the laughter contest just now, he laughed the lightest and most awkwardly.

He didn't actually want to laugh, but he had to go along with the others.

As one of only two Chinese people on set, Zhang Yuan was on his team.

He felt uneasy now that his own faction had "gone mad."

Another one who could help him suppress Vin Diesel is gone.

Old Fan, on the other hand, had a similar idea, and his movements became much more exaggerated. He arrogantly spread his arms and grabbed the backs of the two chairs next to him.

"Zhang, we are friends."

"If you need, I can recommend my doctor to you."

"He is very particular about mental health issues."

The guy also wanted to use this opportunity to make a sarcastic remark.

But Zhang Yuan retorted.

"Why do you want to see a doctor who is very knowledgeable about mental health issues?"

Vin Diesel: ...

good good!
You're arrogant!

Let's see how long you can keep up your arrogance.

Knowing he couldn't win the argument, he shut his mouth.

Although Zhang Yuan noticed that the other person had adopted the same look in his eyes.

It was that same look of concern for a fool I'd just seen.

“Zhang.” The Global Times representative raised his hand, interrupting their exchange.

"Now, on behalf of Universal Pictures, I formally raise this issue with you."

"You need to submit a written explanation for why the film cannot be screened in the island nation."

"Otherwise, we will take legal action to hold those responsible for the losses caused by this incident accountable."

The other party dropped the pretense and revealed their true intentions.

"I am very disappointed by how Universal treats a collaborator."

"I hope that when I come next time, I will see a change in your attitude."

After saying that, he ignored the other person and stood up to straighten his suit.

"Also, as I said, I will handle things on the island nation's side."

"Watch the news."

He left without waiting for the other person's reaction, and pushed the door open to leave.

There's no point in saying more; staying here now is also a matter of concern.

They don't believe you, they only use words to pressure you, trying to find your weaknesses to gain more benefits.

Domestic inter-provincial cooperation is fraught with difficulties, let alone transnational cooperation.

Therefore, he was reluctant to let the old Jewish man profit from both sides, allowing him to make some money.

Because of his presence, if he wants to continue profiting, he has to ensure the cooperation is successful.

This is the role of a third party.

He returned to China immediately after leaving without lingering.

This decisive attitude of leaving without notice left everyone present somewhat bewildered.

Why are you so arrogant after causing trouble and making mistakes?

From this perspective, he certainly has the air of a superstar.

Because many Hollywood stars have this kind of temperament.

True superstar Vin Diesel has this kind of temperament too.

And he was overjoyed to see Zhang Yuan about to lose power.

He was one of the ones laughing the loudest just now.

Now no one on set can stand up to me.

From now on, Fast & Furious will be my territory!
Even if Zhang Yuan hadn't come, someone else would have.

He still doesn't understand that Universal isn't his father and won't spoil him in every way.

A few days later, in a great mood, Vin Diesel consulted with his contract lawyer and came up with a bunch of contract details.

This includes limiting the daily filming time for action scenes to no more than two hours.

Professional massage therapists and physiotherapists are also needed.

The production crew needs to prepare a mobile home for him that is at least 10 meters long, with a shower room, a full-size double bed, and a genuine leather sofa.

The hotel they stay in must be a five-star presidential suite.

The hotel also needs to provide a standard-sized heated swimming pool and sauna, and pay for his daily spa treatments.

So that he could alleviate the physical fatigue and damage caused by filming action scenes.

Meals on set also have to be ordered separately and cost extra.

To get top-tier treatment, you have to stand out from the other actors!

But just as he was happily acting like a big shot, producer Neil, who worked behind the scenes at Universal, hurriedly called him.

"Fan, where are you?"

"I'm resting at home..." the family member said, then added, trying to save face, "I'm reading a script."

Is there a TV nearby?

"some."

"Watch FOX News, now, quick!"

Old Fan didn't understand, but he still listened to the producer.

He then went to the new LCD TV, pressed the remote control, and flopped onto the pure white Italian calfskin sofa.

The movements were relaxed and comfortable.

Then switch channels.

Television is expensive in North America, especially satellite channels.

Vin Diesel can be on every channel, after all, he has money.

They quickly found FOX News.

Upon seeing the program playing on his expensive Samsung TV, he, who had been sitting relaxed and casually, suddenly sat up straight.

He almost stood at attention on the spot.

Because a political news report was being broadcast on the screen.

The red-haired, white women at Fox are reading the content through a teleprompter.

"Today, the Chinese actor Yuan Zhang, who recently played the role of Han in 'Fast & Furious 4'..." The old woman even played with inversion.

"I was received by the island nation's new prime minister and his wife."

"The two sides had a friendly conversation."

"And a gift was given."

"Previously, this Chinese actor had just fallen out with the island nation because of a film depicting war crimes."

Does this meeting signify that Yuan Zhang is about to enter the Japanese film market?

"Reeve, what do you think about this?" the female host asked the male host beside her.

“Jessica, I think this is more than just an entertainment event.”

"This also signifies a change in the relationship between the two Asian countries..."

After both sides went through a lot of rambling and irrelevant analysis, the female host still didn't quite understand.

Because foreign TV stations often view female presenters as decorative figures, primarily responsible for gender diversity and attracting male viewers.

Physical appearance is more important than intelligence.

"Next, let's take a look at the entire meeting."

After a burst of loud music, the screen switched from the studio to a video recording.

In the picture, Zhang Yuan is wearing a suit, with a "formal" hairstyle that exposes his entire forehead, and his posture is upright.

With a warm smile, he shook hands and greeted the middle-aged couple from the island nation beside him with neither arrogance nor servility, accepting the flash of the cameras.

Seeing Zhang Yuan's smile on the screen and the extremely formal environment in the background, Old Fan rubbed his eyes.

I'm not nearsighted, am I?

Watch it again.

Maybe I'm doing it wrong.

He picked up the remote, turned off the TV, and then turned it back on.

Zhang Yuan's smile caught his eye once again.

Vin Diesel stood there, stunned.

My head was buzzing.

Both of his big, thick arms felt numb.

At this moment, I felt a mix of emotions, and all my thoughts could be summed up in one sentence.

Vin Diesel: What the fuck!!! (End of Chapter)