Actor: Thank you.

Leaving the pristine African continent, we flew all the way to modern Hollywood.

Ironically, these two places are almost the least developed and most developed regions in the world.

But in essence, they were all once colonies.

However, Africa outwardly drove out the colonizers, while North America became a colony.

Many public intellectuals in China have used this as an example.

The backwardness of the colonizers who were driven out.

Regions colonized by developed countries, including various parts of Southeast Asia, have developed very well.

Zhang Yuan had only one comment on this.

Haha!

Those who believe them are truly stupid, and these people are truly wicked.

The truth is, every individual and nation must take their destiny into their own hands, and into the hands of civilization.

After landing, we checked into a hotel first.

We chose a relatively remote area, not in the city center.

Unlike Africa, Hollywood has an overdeveloped media landscape where one must be mindful of appearances.

They even booked separate rooms for each of them.

As for where we'll stay, we'll talk about that later.

Taking advantage of his time alone, Zhang Yuan first made a phone call back home.

"Mr. Cai, are you busy?"

He contacted Cai Yinong in a gentle tone.

"It's a bit busy at the end of the year."

"We have an annual party, would you be free to come?"

"I'm sorry, I'm really busy. I have a lot of events to attend at the end of the year," he said sincerely.

Mr. Cai said amicably that it was no problem.

At the same time, I think that's one of Zhang Yuan's good points.

Over the years, times have changed, but regardless of his status, he still treats himself very well.

"You're popular now because you're busy."

"looking for me?"

"It's related to my junior sister."

“We’ve been using ‘Little Liu Qianqian’ to hype things up for almost a year now, and I think that’s enough.”

"There are also some viewers on the internet who are disgusted by this."

"After all, everyone is a unique individual, not an appendage of anyone else."

"Let's change our advertising strategy."

“This…” Mr. Cai hesitated after hearing what he said.

After all, thanks to this promotion, Sugar Man has made a lot of money this year.

Liu Shishi has become the most commercially valuable female star ever signed by Sugarman Entertainment.

Sun Li, the former top star, retired early, and her commercial performance wasn't great to begin with.

Sake makes people's faces red, and wealth and silk touch people's hearts.

Zhang Yuan's "suggestion" will undoubtedly impact the financial prospects of sugar merchants.

So it's normal for her to hesitate.

Zhang Yuan sensed the other party's hesitation, so he immediately added, without changing his tone.

"What's particularly bad is that there's a lot of negative information about Liu Qianqian online now."

"Both of us have worked with her. Those of us who know her well should be perfectly clear about who is right and who is wrong, who is telling the truth and who is lying."

"But what the audience doesn't know is that everyone is just watching for the excitement and will take it seriously."

"But Shishi used the other party to create hype, which outsiders would mistakenly think that she and Tangren had spread the bad news."

Zhang Yuan practically pointed his finger at Boss Cai and said, "I know you did it."

But they still saved her face.

There's no point in tearing each other apart.

That's all he said.

We also talked about building sets in Hengdian later.

He told the other party that he was currently working on a major production with an investment of nearly 100 million yuan.

Boss Cai also asked if there was a chance to get a few actors who made sugar figurines into the production team.

Zhang Yuan did not directly reject the idea, but said that the casting for the film would be entirely decided by Zheng Xiaolong.

That's tantamount to a rejection.

Ultimately, although she also acts in period dramas, the ones she acts in are idol dramas, not serious dramas.

There is a gap in the actors' skill level.

The same applies to Yu Zheng's side; the people he uses and the quality of their work are still inferior to Zheng Xiaolong's.

This is the difference between someone with a proper academic background and someone who practices unorthodox methods.

But "Wild Fox Zen" is better at appealing to young audiences.

After we finished talking, I put my phone down.

They brought in Brother Long.

"Have the arrangements been made?"

"Everything's arranged, and someone's keeping an eye on things," Brother Long replied crisply.

Fan Xiaopang could only provide a general idea of ​​Xiao Wang's whereabouts and the approximate date.

Los Angeles is so big, I can't exactly post missing person notices.

So he had Brother Long contact a group of his men to come here and wait at the airport, using a clumsy method to keep watch.

And it's quite troublesome, because Hollywood is in Los Angeles, and Los Angeles has five airports of varying sizes!
We have to stake out the place; otherwise, we might miss it.

But their main focus is on Los Angeles International Airport and Orange County Airport.

Los Angeles International Airport is the largest and has the most international flights.

Orange County Airport is very close to Disneyland, less than a half-hour drive away.

Xiao Wang's daughter is only 10 years old, so she might head straight to Disneyland.

Zhang Yuan knew many people in Hollywood, but he concealed his travel plans and did not meet with friends or business partners.

Especially Harvey.

Because the two Wang brothers had also had some contact with these people.

He had to create the impression that he had come secretly and avoid any accidents.

"Meat is still the best."

The following evening, Zhang Yuan led everyone to a famous American steakhouse.

Sisi ordered a medium-rare sirloin, ate it while gently shaking her head, and gave him a satisfied smile.

They need to eat meat, otherwise how can they film the action scenes?

Later generations of female stars weighed less than 80 pounds, yet they still danced with swords?

It's so naturally light and airy it's almost unbelievable.

"Boss." Brother Long put down his knife and fork, glanced at his phone, and called out softly.

"I've got the idea."

“Head and wrapping, little bell, what kind of thing.”

"I didn't bring any martial arts skills."

"What are you two talking about?" Sisi asked, perking up her ears to listen when she saw them whispering.

"It's nothing, just jargon."

Traditional bodyguards also use江湖春典 (jianghu chundian, a term referring to the martial arts world), and Brother Long has learned some of it.

The gist of it is that the people arrived: the boss, his wife, a young girl, and a young boy—four people in total, without any bodyguards.

Sure enough, we went straight to Disneyland.

This is probably the thing that middle-class Chinese families love to do most when they come to Hollywood these days.

"Keep staring."

"understood."

If you keep such a close watch, aren't you afraid of being targeted by the police?

After all, a large number of people suddenly arrived in the country.

Of course, various excuses were used, such as traveling and studying.

If all else fails, something will go wrong.

Hollywood is in Los Angeles, and Los Angeles is in California.

And I am familiar with the governor of California.

We've only met recently.

In the following days, he let the other person play as he pleased, while simultaneously monitoring their movements.

After visiting Disneyland, Xiao Wang contacted a local Chinese real estate agency.

It seems they've already cashed out a significant amount of money and are planning to buy a house in Hollywood.

This is considered a tradition in the Chinese entertainment industry, especially in the imperial court.

Zheng Xiaolong also owns a house in this area.

The other party signed the contract quickly, indicating that they had reserved the house long ago and couldn't wait.

After completing the important task of buying a house, it's only natural to have a celebratory meal.

Xiao Wang chose a Michelin-starred restaurant and even opened a bottle of fine wine.

The two children, one 10 years old and the other 4 years old, obviously couldn't understand French cuisine.

But what I want is high-end.

The children thought these things didn't taste good, but the two adults enjoyed them immensely.

However, Xiao Wang wasn't as generous as Zhang Yuan; the nanny who came with him wasn't allowed to eat with them.

Unlike him, who goes everywhere with his assistant unless it's for official business.

"Wow, what a coincidence!"

Just as the adults were laughing and the children were making a fuss, Wang Zhonglei suddenly heard a familiar male voice.

I looked up.

"what?"

Who else could it be but Zhang Yuan?

This wasn't just any Zhang Yuan; he was a "well-dressed" Zhang Yuan, always "wearing a suit and tie."

He was wearing a custom-made high-end suit and Italian calfskin shoes.

He combed his hair like an adult and even wore a pair of non-prescription glasses to look refined.

Before leaving the house, after he finished dressing, he asked his assistant.

"Like a refined scoundrel?"

The assistant hesitated because of the meager remaining year-end bonus.

In the end, he stuck to his principles and nodded.

“Very good!” Zhang Yuan snapped his fingers in response.

"It's a coincidence, it's a coincidence." Xiao Wang was in a good mood and got up to shake hands with him.

At the same time, it was inevitable to discover that there were other people with him.

Liu Qianqian also appeared in a pure white silk dress.

She was still wearing the pearl necklace she had bought in Qatar.

She said she bought it for her mother, but the mother and daughter already shared it, so it didn't matter who used it.

She was radiant under the lights, not only beautiful but also exuding an air of nobility.

"Hello, Mr. Wang."

"Hello, Mrs. Wang."

"Hello, two children."

Sisi greeted the four with a smile, without showing her teeth. Showing her teeth wasn't attractive to her; it was a rare flaw.

But when she's truly happy, she never cares about these things.

But now his smile looks somewhat awkward.

Mr. and Mrs. Wang were also a little embarrassed.

After all, it was like "enemies meeting".

Both sides were expressing their true feelings.

Especially for Sisi, Zhang Yuan told her to just be herself.

So her expression is a bit unnatural now, and she's not very enthusiastic.

The atmosphere was quite subtle.

Zhang Yuan broke the deadlock as always.

"It's better to meet by chance than to meet by appointment."

“Waiter!” Zhang Yuan called to the waiter in English with a London accent.

"We know each other, could you help us share a table?"

Before Xiao Wang could even agree, he called for people to sit down.

Wang Zhonglei was a little confused. "Are you this enthusiastic when you're abroad?"
The atmosphere at the table remained awkward.

Sisi wore a slightly fake smile.

Xiao Wang's wife also smiled insincerely, while glancing at the pearl necklace around Xixi's neck.

It's obvious at a glance that this is no ordinary product.

She stretched her neck, revealing her ruby ​​necklace.

Mine is better!

Xiao Wang also noticed the wristwatch Zhang Yuan was wearing.

He made a point of bringing his most expensive Vacheron Constantin with him when he went out.

Upon seeing this, Wang Zhonglei deliberately stretched out his arm, revealing his newly purchased Patek Philippe.

Mine is more expensive!

Adults are constantly comparing themselves to others.

Children are more innocent.

After seeing her, Xiao Wang's daughter completely changed her mind about French food, especially the baked snails.

"Hey!"

She reached out and grabbed his watch, trying to pull it down.

As always, Zhang Yuan flicked his wrist and loosened the watch strap to help her.

A child intervened to ease the tension, and the atmosphere relaxed a bit.

"Congratulations, Mr. Wang."

"Now Huayi has become number one in the country."

"You have also become the most well-known film and television person in the country."

"Under the spotlight, daring to be a pioneer, truly admirable!"

Zhang Yuan held it up with all his might.

That's a bit too much.

His facial expressions were affected and somewhat exaggerated.

But Xiao Wang still enjoyed it and toasted with him.

"Mr. Wang, we are so destined to meet."

"You should drink a few more glasses."

"The wines here in California are quite good; let's drink until we're completely drunk."

We ordered a bottle of red wine from the Magic Proof Estate and a bottle of white wine from the Howling Eagle Estate.

These two names sound a bit childish, but it's definitely not a translation issue.

The original English name is even more cringeworthy; that's how Americans are—uncultured and unsophisticated.

Neither the name nor the quality of the wines can compare to the top estates of the Plain White Banner of Old France.

It's the kind of difference that you can notice when comparing different people on the same stage.

However, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Whether at home or abroad, people always pair local wines with local ingredients, which can be considered a kind of "original soup to cook the original food".

Zhang Yuan kept praising them at the dinner table, and the group drank several bottles in a row.

Sisi took a small bite.

Although she could hold her liquor well, she wasn't in a good mood when she saw these people, so she naturally didn't have much of an appetite.

They were also worried that Zhang Yuan might be drunk.

After all, he had only recently recovered from altitude sickness, and there was a risk of lingering effects, so he needed to be taken care of.

The meal lasted until the restaurant was almost closing time.

Zhang Yuan, drunk and supported by Qianqian, hugged Xiao Wang warmly before leaving.

"This kid can really drink!" Mrs. Wang said, looking at the table full of empty bottles.

“That’s an advantage,” Xiao Wang replied.

Hua Yi loves celebrities who can drink the most!

"I can drink yours, that's for sure."

"And they all ordered high-end wines."

Call the waiter to pay the bill.

"Hello, sir, the gentleman just paid the bill."

"Huh?" The Wang couple were completely taken aback.

"So perceptive?" Mrs. Wang was a little embarrassed.

I was just complaining, but then they paid the bill.

Back at the hotel, we had the nanny help the child wash up.

The couple went back to their room and smoked.

Did you see that just now?

"The pearls on that girl's neck were so big!" Mrs. Wang still couldn't forget.

Xiao Wang's lips curled into a smile; he knew his wife was implying that he was going to have to spend money again.

"I never thought I'd still be able to afford such expensive jewelry even after losing my job."

The competition among women is even more intense.

"Not all women's jewelry is bought by men," Xiao Wang replied coldly.

He also complained about his wife.

"Oh...you mean Zhang Yuan bought it for him."

"They look quite well-matched."

The man is handsome and the woman is beautiful.

Especially when wearing formal attire, it enhances one's overall elegance.

This is rare.

Some people look good in casual clothes, and they also look great in makeup on screen.

But once they appear in formal settings, without cameras or makeup, their short legs, dark circles, yellow teeth, and dark skin all become apparent.

Some people, with their sleazy figures and demeanor, revealed it even more clearly.

They, however, can pull off formal attire.

"Yes, they are quite a perfect couple."

"It would be even better if it were from our company," Xiao Wang said, exhaling a smoke ring.

The couple then gave a cold laugh.

Both of these men are disobedient!
They've come together.

"It's such a coincidence that we can run into each other even when we're abroad."

"Are you sure it's a coincidence?" Xiao Wang stubbed out his cigarette.

"I don't think there are that many coincidences in the world!"

"You mean, on purpose?"

"Didn't you notice that these two are much darker than when I saw them back in China?" Wang Zhonglei analyzed calmly.

“Xiao Gang mentioned to me before that he wanted to travel to Africa.”

"It must be from sun exposure."

"They obviously knew I was in Hollywood and came all the way here!"

"Ah!" Mrs. Wang exclaimed in surprise after hearing this.

"Yes, yes, it can't be that coincidental... But why would he deliberately come to ambush you?"

"They were very nice just now, spoke very kindly, and even paid the bill."

"They didn't say what it was about."

"Don't listen to what he says, listen to what he does!" Xiao Wang pointed at the coffee table with his finger.

"Who did he come with?"

"Liu..." Mrs. Wang was also a career woman, and she was intelligent, so she quickly realized what was going on.

"He wants to!"

"Correct!"

Xiao Wang lit another cigarette, squinting as he pondered, "He brought Liu Qianqian with him."

"What else could it be?"

"He must be trying to plead for the other party."

"Now, all we need to do is wait for him to speak!"

……

Meanwhile, back at the hotel.

Zhang Yuan helped Qianqian unfasten the clasp of her pearl necklace, and then kissed her on the neck.

"Does it still hurt recently?"

“I’ve been wearing the scarf you gave me, and it’s making me feel much better.” She turned back and returned the kiss.

"Let me massage it for you again."

"it is good."

Once in bed, Zhang Yuan massaged her neck to relax her muscles.

"We just had a meal, and you didn't even mention anything important," she said sullenly, her face down.

"No rush. Great things are never accomplished in one go."

"We only made an appearance today."

"I reckon Xiao Wang has figured everything out by now and is just waiting for me to speak," Zhang Yuan replied calmly.

"Give them some time, be patient."

Sisi was silent for a while, then turned around.

"I still don't want you to beg them."

"Personality and dignity are sometimes more important than career and wealth."

“You can only talk like that because you come from such a good family.” Zhang Yuan stroked her long hair.

"Most poor people have no right to talk about personality and dignity."

"A hungry person doesn't have time to think about these things."

"And don't worry, who said I would lose my personality and dignity?" Zhang Yuan patted her on the back to reassure her.

"Hmm?" Where's your watch?

Little Dragon Girl noticed that his wrist was empty.

That watch was bought by her mother, which is why she remembers it so vividly.

"I was 'stolen' by a petty thief." He revealed a sly smile.

"That way, I can go find his father..." (End of Chapter)