Actor: Thank you.

After talking with Mickey Rourke, Zhang Yuan did not leave Hollywood.

After a brief rest, he changed into his most presentable suit and, after contacting Universal Pictures, went to discuss matters related to the follow-up works of "Fast & Furious".

That day, the Hollywood sun shone brightly and warmly, just like always.

Wearing a suit and tie, Zhang Yuan strode briskly across the golden carpet laid out for him by the California sun as he arrived at the Universal Pictures office.

However, we didn't go to the same meeting room as last time; we went to a much larger place.

Because there are more people today.

They specially organized a celebration party for "Fast & Furious 4", which will be followed by the announcement of the "Fast & Furious 5" project.

All the main actors and crew members were present.

His assistant opened the door for him. This was no small meeting, so his assistant and bodyguard followed him inside.

Zhang Yuan intended to put on an act by wearing an overcoat over his suit jacket. After entering the room, he shrugged his shoulders, and his assistant caught him.

Coupled with the same style as the God of Gamblers, the aura will definitely be very strong.

But he finally gave up.

It's not that the assistant couldn't handle it or hadn't practiced properly.

Zhao Dandan has a background in martial arts and reacts very quickly; she can not only catch, but also dive and pounce.

The main problem is that the lowest temperature in Los Angeles right now is almost 20 degrees Celsius, and wearing a coat makes me feel like I'm seriously ill.

And then it'll cause heat rash...

Fine, I'll take the loss. I won't pretend to be cool with you guys for now; I'll save this for later.

After opening the door, Zhang Yuan stepped inside.

The director, producer, lead actors, and leaders from Universal Pictures have all arrived.

Unlike usual, Zhang Yuan arrived half an hour late today.

He is usually very punctual.

"Zhang, why are you so late today?" Producer Neil, who is also the backer of Family Hero, stepped forward to shake hands with him.

"Do I have a habit of arriving early?" Zhang Yuan replied sharply.

With just that one sentence, the previously cheerful atmosphere instantly turned cold.

Mike, the guy in charge of the project at Universal, knew Zhang Yuan would put on airs this time.

But to my surprise, it was placed right as soon as I entered the door, and it was placed very... conspicuously.

"Hahahaha..." After a few seconds of silence, Zhang Yuan suddenly burst into laughter, his exaggerated laughter resembling that of Stephen Chow in a movie.

"Don't be so nervous, everyone. I was just kidding."

"There's a traffic jam, it's all Mazda's fault."

"Besides, I've been quite busy lately, filming with Stallone, Schwarzenegger, and the others," Zhang Yuan said casually.

He then hugged and greeted the producer, and warmly went forward to greet everyone.

They were as amiable as ever, just like when we first met.

But was he really just joking...?

During the greetings, he was quite warm with the lead actors.

He was relatively unfamiliar with Michelle, the actress who played the "eldest sister-in-law," whom he hadn't met before due to scheduling conflicts. They had only met during a promotional tour and were not "classmates."

So when Zhang Yuan "made his move," she quickly looked at the other actors on her left and right.

It was only when everyone was quite surprised by Zhang Yuan's attitude that they realized he wasn't usually like this.

Paul and he had a good relationship; after the hug, he patted him on the shoulder.

"BRO, you're really popular in Asia lately."

“Not recently,” Zhang Yuan replied confidently.

"Hehehehe."

Gadot was right next to him, but Zhang Yuan didn't choose to hug her.

Because she brought her husband this time...

Hello, congratulations on your marriage!

After everyone had finished their greetings, Zhang Yuan stepped forward to Vin Diesel.

The boss is always saved for last.

"Fan, you look very handsome today, but you're not quite suited for the role. A vest would suit you better."

Family Hero's lips twitched.

Is this a sarcastic remark that I'm a country bumpkin and not a successful person?
“You look very handsome too,” the man immediately remarked, adding, “It’s just that this suit doesn’t seem very high-end.”

"Would you like me to introduce you to some Italian tailors?"

I also mocked you for wearing a cheap suit.

But the family chivalrous man did just as Schwarzenegger had thought and advised.

Those who rely on speed shouldn't try to outsmart those who rely on brains.

Zhang Yuan said that on purpose because he knew that, given this person's personality and temperament, he would report anything on the spot, or at least be sarcastic.

That's exactly what I wanted you to say.

"Really?" Zhang Yuan glanced at his suit. "It looks cheap?"

“But when I wore it to meet with the prime minister of the island nation, he said that the clothes suited me very well.”

Vin Diesel: ...

I wore this outfit when I went to see the top Japanese soldier, and I ask you, are you scared yet!
“I think it fits perfectly,” producer Neil stepped in to smooth things over.

“I think so too, since it’s custom-made.” Zhang Yuan glanced at Old Fan again: “Ready-made suits are more likely to not fit properly.”

Vin Diesel's face darkened, because he was wearing haute couture.

After saying those few words, he noticed that several of his fellow actors were secretly laughing.

It felt like I'd become a fool.

Instead of mocking them, they were outmaneuvered.

"Alright, let's celebrate."

"We should have celebrated the film's huge success long ago!" Neil put his arm around Zhang Yuan's shoulder and led him to the table.

Instead of cutting the cake, the foreigners, like many competitions, opted to spray champagne.

bang bang bang...

Each of the lead actors and the director had a bottle.

After a loud bang, the wine splashed everywhere.

I could hear countless standard white cheers and screams all around me.

At this moment, the petty-minded teacher Fan remembered the "suit topic" from earlier.

Then turn the bottle opening around.

They're heading straight for Zhang Yuan!

He even wore a custom-made suit when meeting the prime minister of an island nation.

It must look "pretty" when it's wet!

Many men actually have the same mentality as children.

If they see you wearing new white sneakers, they'll take the opportunity to stomp on them a few times.

If they see you eating snacks, they'll pretend to walk by and spit on you.

If they see that you have good grades, they will throw your homework in the trash can.

It's important to know that China is one of the places in the world where bullying is relatively less prevalent.

Don't be fooled by people constantly talking about how well they read books online.

When you compare yourself to island nations, South Korea, and the US, you'll realize that China is already considered quite good.

Especially compared to Americans!
Because North America has a tradition of fraternities and sorority societies, which, to put it bluntly, are just a bunch of scumbags banding together to do things that are outrageous and reprehensible to everyone.

Furthermore, Americans have a tradition of bullying "nerds," or bookworms.

But writers and scientists, 99% of whom were "bookworms" in their eyes when they were students.

They not only disrespect those who excel in their studies, but also ridicule and bully them. How can they expect to maintain their leading position in cutting-edge projects forever?

This is one of the reasons why they can only rely on "siphoning" talent from around the world.

Vin Diesel is the kind of person who was restless and unruly during his student days.

He didn't even think about the consequences when he did this.

After all, school bullies never think about the consequences when they bully others.

But who is Zhang Yuan?
Be on guard early.

I could tell what he was up to with just a glance.

It's too late, but it's soon!
The instant the other person turned the bottle around, he reached out and grabbed the person closest to her, pulling them in front of him as a shield.

Gal Gadot: ...

After a passionate ejaculation, Giselle was covered in Dominic's murky liquid.

Zhang Yuan peeked out from behind Gadot.

Not a drop got on it, that's great.

UI.

I looked down, and she was the one who got caught, hahaha...

"Excuse me," Zhang Yuan said to Gadot.

"I got it all over you."

"It's okay, you've done this before." Gadot sighed and took a tissue, then expertly wiped the area.

Zhang Yuan: …

Hey, your husband's here, so don't say things like that.

Her husband definitely wouldn't be happy about that.

Zhang Yuan found an excuse and picked up another bottle, handing it to Gadot and her husband.

The meaning is clear: fight back!
Vin Diesel was somewhat disappointed when things didn't go as planned.

When he saw Zhang Yuan handing out drinks to someone again, he wanted to scold him.

Before he could even finish speaking, Zhang Yuan sliced ​​off Xiangbin's neck with a single chop.

Seeing this, Old Fan swallowed his words.

Just a few seconds too late, and it would have been too late.

Gal Gadot and her husband laughed and covered him in their own clothes as well.

Translucent!

I was soaked from head to toe.

It's about joy and celebration.

Whoever loses their temper at this point is a sore loser.

The bald man's eyes were covered in spray.

After wiping it off, I looked at my expensive suit and realized it was completely soaked; it probably didn't even need to be sent to the dry cleaners.

This is the angry outburst in his heart.

"My Armani, my Armani, my Armani..."

Paul Walker was watching closely. He ran away as soon as he saw Vin Diesel about to do something naughty.

It was clear that Zhang Yuan not only dodged the opponent's move, but also retaliated in the same way!

The person standing next to them was laughing so hard they couldn't stop.

His friend reacted too quickly; the bald guy had finally met his match.

He didn't know that Zhang Yuan had played Murong Fu, whose specialty was "using their own methods against them."

After the fun and excitement were over, everyone went to change their clothes.

I also have to attend the press conference for the new "Fast & Furious" movie.

Zhang Yuan also changed his suit, just in case the bald man made another move.

Before the press conference, we still need to finalize Zhang Yuan's contract.

So the main actors changed their clothes and then all sat down.

Global Times originally wanted to speak with him privately, but Zhang Yuan said it would be better to talk about it publicly so that everyone could participate.

He will also participate as a film investor.

Once the word "investor" appeared, the other party had no choice but to agree, even if they disagreed.

Now sit down.

"First, we need to make sure everyone wants to participate in the new project, right, Zhang?"

Neil asked.

“Of course, it’s an honor to be able to participate in this project,” Zhang Yuan said, nodding to the person from Global.

He didn't nod to producer Neil because "I don't need to be responsible to you or deal with you."

In theory, as the investor, I am your client.

Previously, for the resurrection series, I had to act like "I'm here to join this family, not to destroy it."

Things are different now; I have to adopt the attitude of "head of the household."

“But I have a few points to make.” Zhang Yuan raised his hand and gestured to all the actors.

"First, I want to increase the salaries of all actors."

"The previous film was a success, and everyone deserved it."

As soon as he said that, all the actors' eyes lit up.

If you're going to talk about this, we won't be sleepy anymore!

“We’ll consider it,” the Global Times representative replied with a smile.

Actually, the salaries were supposed to be increased anyway, otherwise you wouldn't be able to get the original cast back.

The question is how much it will rise, not whether it will rise at all.

This is also a major drawback of the series.

The audience base will be very good, but the costs will keep increasing.

Since the price was going to rise anyway, Zhang Yuanlai suggested that some credit for the matter should be given to him.

The other actors also speak highly of him.

We need to gain the support of the actors first.

"Secondly, I have requirements regarding the filming conditions."

"First of all, I want to have my own RV for rest on set."

"It cannot be shorter than 10 meters, and it must include a full-size double bed and a shower."

"The hotel room I stay in has to be the presidential suite of a five-star luxury hotel."

"It must include three high-class meals, and the room must also have a luxury bathtub of no less than 10 square meters."

"And the hotel must have a high-end spa and a full-size heated swimming pool."

"And I need to be provided with a team of 10 people, including a massage therapist, a fitness coach, an assistant, and a nutritionist."

"Or I can bring my own, and the production crew will pay for it."

"besides……"

"Stop, stop, stop..." the person from Globo hurriedly shouted to stop.

My goodness!

You got cocky after meeting the top dog of the island nation!

You can offer all of these conditions?
"Zhang, these conditions seem too harsh," Mike said with a somewhat dissatisfied smile.

The other actors also pursed their lips and dared not speak.

Some were envious, after all, they wouldn't dare to set such conditions themselves.

Some people were watching to see what the consequences would be of making such a demand.

If Global Times is willing to agree to everything, then I will also ask for better treatment!
“I don’t think it’s harsh at all. These conditions are all to keep me in top condition,” Zhang Yuan replied nonchalantly.

This sparked a debate.

Neither side would back down, and eventually the person from Global Times got a little angry.

“Zhang, even if you are an investor, you cannot make such an outrageous request.”

"Is this request outrageous?" Zhang Yuan spread his hands.

"If it's outrageous, then why is Fan able to make the same request?"

Vin Diesel: ...

From the moment Zhang Yuan started making his demands, the bald man and the producer sitting next to him remained silent.

Because these conditions sound increasingly familiar.

Fan: You're using all my lines!
That's right!

The conditions Zhang Yuan mentioned were all the contract terms that Family Heroes offered to Universal after seeing the success of the fourth installment!
"This..." The person from Global Times was also stunned, and only now did he realize what was happening.

"Alright, that's Fan's request."

"Housing, RV, team, food and lodging..." Zhang Yuan clenched his fist tightly: "I want it all!"

“But you’re a supporting actor.” The producer finally spoke up when he saw that he had revealed his true intentions.

“But I am an investor,” Zhang Yuan immediately retorted.

"But your role doesn't have many scenes."

"But I am an investor."

"You don't have Fan's status in the film industry."

"But I am an investor."

"Can we please stop talking about investors?" The producer rubbed his temples.

“Alright then.” Zhang Yuan readily agreed, “I have met the Prime Minister of the island nation.”

Vin Diesel: ...

It’s not over, right?
Having met the prime minister of an island nation is quite impressive... It seems like he is.

"Alright, alright." At this moment, director Justin Lin, who had also remained silent, stood up and gestured to the person in charge, acting as a peacemaker.

"Zhang, your demands are indeed a bit too high."

"However, it's understandable that investors want to be on par with the male lead."

"How about this, we each take a step back and neither of us makes such high demands, okay?"

"Okay, I'll think about it." Zhang Yuan relaxed his earlier insistence.

"Hmm?" The Global Times reporter noticed something was wrong.

I said it was no use, and the producer said it was no use.

As soon as Justin Lin mentioned it, he relented.

Is this reasonable?

Those who have reached this position likely still have a very clear mind.

He astutely realized that the situation was favorable!
If both sides compromise, it means Vin Diesel also has to lower his demands.

After thinking for a few seconds, he spoke up in support of Lin Yibin's words.

"I think Lin is right, let's both compromise."

"Neil, Van, what do you guys think?"

At this point, the producer also realized that something was amiss.

"You little brat..." he squinted at Zhang Yuan.

Zhang Yuan didn't even look at the other person, closing his eyes to rest.

It's still the same question.

Politics is about making as many friends as possible and as few enemies as possible.

Workplace politics is still politics.

So how do we put this into practice?

Zhang Yuan, on Universal's side, must capitalize on the "afterglow" of this trip to Japan to change his position in the "Fast & Furious" project.

Therefore, he contacted Lin Yibin in advance to negotiate terms.

Simply put, as before, we will fully support him.

And they promised to continue helping to suppress the bald man.

Justin Lin was already troubled because after the movie became a hit, the bald guy went wild.

They also proposed bringing their own screenwriter to the production team.

Don't think that bringing screenwriters is exclusive to popular Chinese celebrities; Hollywood has been doing this for a long time.

Lin Yibin naturally agreed to Zhang Yuan's "mutual assistance agreement".

So his speaking earlier was pre-arranged.

This is perfect for showing Global Times.

I won't listen to anyone, I won't pay attention to anyone.

I can only hear Justin Lin when he speaks.

Actually, it's about promoting Director Lin; they're mutually bound together.

Zhang Yuan needs directors to be his own people in the long term.

In addition, increasing actors' salaries can get artists to side with you.

Although they don't have that much of a voice, if they really band together and involve the Screen Actors Guild in Hollywood, it could be a real problem for Universal.

In addition, she used the excuse that she and Vin Diesel had to be on equal footing to suppress the unreasonable demands made by this domineering actor.

Therefore, Global Times will definitely stand on his side.

Because Universal isn't stupid; meeting Old Fan's demands would cost money.

It would be beneficial for Global Times to have someone who could check and balance him.

In this way, Universal Pictures, the director, the actors, and he could reach a temporary agreement on matters related to the production team.

Regardless of whether this alliance is loose or not, having it is better than having none.

This also temporarily isolates the producer and the male lead.

If you push them too hard, they'll just stop acting altogether, and that definitely won't work.

However, it can still withstand high intensity and pressure.

With this mutual protection, Zhang Yuan's position within the film crew and at Universal Pictures can be secured and temporarily stabilized... (End of Chapter)