Actor: Thank you.

The following evening.

After a brief makeover, Zhang Yuan changed into a light blue suit and took a car to the Diplomat Prime restaurant in the Hollywood area.

This restaurant is a well-known seafood and steak restaurant in the area, located within the most luxurious resort hotel.

Inviting a group of celebrities to dinner naturally requires a high-class experience.

Besides, he had invited several of them from New York. They had come all the way by plane, so of course he had to treat them well.

"Hi, you're here early."

Cage has arrived with his current wife, who is also his third wife.

A Korean-American woman.

She has a distinctly Asian look, somewhat resembling the South Korean idol BoA from the early 2000s.

She just deliberately tanned herself to look like a dark-skinned hot girl; she's not tall, probably less than 160cm.

He sat down and picked up the menu.

Shortly after, Ted, the producer of "Martha Marcy Marcy," arrived at the restaurant with one man and two women.

These three are the film's main actors.

Zhang Yuan's condition for investing $50 was simply to have a meal with these people and get to know them.

This small request can be met.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't realize it was such a formal occasion and I didn't bring any formal attire."

The youngest girl came up, nodded, shook hands, and apologized.

This is one of his main targets today: a novice teacher from North America.

Elizabeth Olsen was only 21 or 22 at the time, very young.

Even his brows still carried a hint of youthful naiveté that hadn't completely faded.

Among Caucasians who are generally "forced to mature," develop early, and age faster, this is a rather rare breed that appears youthful.

Because her father was Norwegian, not a pure Onsa early-maturing breed.

This is also reflected in her appearance; she has high cheekbones, which are considered very "high-class" in the white world.

At this moment, she was wearing a white floral dress and pink sandals, looking like she was on vacation and shopping.

“It’s alright.” Zhang Yuan invited her to sit down. “An elegant lady like you can wear whatever you want.”

"Thank you." After a slight pause, Ms. Bai blinked and replied, "You're so kind."

This Chinese person is quite eloquent, quite different from what I imagined... Teacher Bai thought to himself.

She didn't know that Zhang Yuan was thinking, "You can wear whatever you want, but it would be even better if you changed into a Scarlet Witch low-cut suit."

Not the movie version, but the kind that practically leaps off the page in the comics.

The remaining two lead actors in the film are also heavyweights!
Sarah Paulson and Hugh Dancy play the roles of Martha's sister and brother-in-law in the film.

Sarah Paulson is a well-known veteran actress in the North American film and television industry.

She had been married to a man before, but changed her sexual orientation after the divorce.

She's already quite famous in North America, but to become globally known, especially in China, she'll have to wait a few years for the American TV series "American Horror Story" to air.

She was the female lead in seasons two through five.

Some people may not be familiar with this older sister, but the one playing her brother-in-law is even more remarkable.

Similarly, it's still just average right now.

But he was the male lead in the later TV series version of "Hannibal," who was known for his exceptional interpersonal skills.

It wasn't Mads Mikkelsen, but that profiler with mental issues, the male lead Mads Mikkelsen couldn't bear to kill.

This TV series version of "Hannibal" is so famous, especially in the fan-made content section, that it even has its own version of a song.

This drama also proves one thing: a man's handsomeness isn't just about his face.

Mads Mikkelsen, who plays Mads Mikkelsen, is he handsome in terms of looks alone?
general.

But his temperament, acting skills, especially when he wears a suit.

Elegant, truly elegant.

I feel like it would be worth it to be eaten by him.

Even Hideo Kojima, the famous "genius" in the game industry, was completely captivated, so they insisted on using him as the prototype for the characters in "Death Stranding".

Max's portrayal of Hannibal in the TV series is on par with Anthony Hopkins' performance in the film version.

These are two completely different images of murderers.

Therefore, in many cases, temperament is more important than innate appearance. Especially as we age, our appearance will gradually decline, but our temperament, like inner strength, will only become more profound.

Hugh Jackman, who plays Mads Mikkelsen's best friend, is also short, of average build, and his appearance is only above average among white people.

But he has a good temperament; he comes from Winchester College, a famous British aristocratic boys' school that leads directly to Oxford, and his every move exudes an air of old-money.

Wow, your accent is amazing.

It was this man who exclaimed in admiration after hearing Zhang Yuan chatting and exchanging pleasantries with the others.

He was British and spoke with the most "authentic" British accent, known as the London accent or the Oxford accent.

It was considered an aristocratic accent.

When he listened, he realized that Zhang Yuan's accent was even more expensive than his own.

Cage watched from the side, lost in thought.

You didn't talk to me like this before.

Don't you have a Southern California accent?
Zhang Yuan uses an adaptive system to see who he is talking to.

"Did you study in London, or do you have aristocratic friends?" Hugh asked.

“Ha, you don’t know, Zhang is a descendant of a famous noble family in China. His family has a history of several thousand years.” Cage raised his hand and said.

Zhang Yuan: …

You should watch less news.

"Really?" Teacher Xiaobai looked at him curiously.

Zhang Yuan raised his hand and gestured: "More or less."

They're just fooling foreigners; who told you to believe this?

His aristocratic accent and noble lineage immediately drew even more respect from the white men.

This is common in places that have not experienced a proletarian revolution; people feel inferior as soon as they hear about or see so-called nobles or their descendants.

Just like the Beckham family, why did they go to such lengths, spending over a decade or two, to obtain titles and knighthoods?

Because they all wanted to become "aristocrats".

The same is true in China. A group of entrepreneurs and bosses all want to become "aristocrats" and are putting it into practice, starting by bullying the serfs in their own territories, which means disciplining their grassroots employees.

“I’ve been preparing for a role as a descendant of nobility recently, so I often immerse myself in the character,” Zhang Yuan said, taking the initiative to chat with his family about his work.

By actively showcasing himself, he can better demonstrate his magnanimity as the "master".

The aristocratic descendant he was referring to was Qian Xuesen.

The descendants of Qian Liu, the King of Wuyue, are not the end of the story.

During the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, an official named Qian Yongqin was implicated in a "money and grain case" after being reported.

During the reign of Emperor Hongwu, Zhu Yuanzhang was in power. His only way of dealing with corrupt officials was to tell them, "Your whole family will have to watch out in your next life."

They were all skinned alive and stuffed with straw, then hung from beams as a warning to the public.

But after Qian Yongqin was arrested, he produced a certificate of merit.

Old Zhu thought to himself, "What's the point of this thing? Everything I've ever sent is dead."

Upon closer inspection, however, it turns out that this iron certificate was not a "death warrant" issued by him, but rather one that Emperor Zhaozong of Tang had bestowed upon Prince Qian Liu of Pengcheng more than 500 years ago.

It's Qian Liu, the ancestor of the Qian family.

After much deliberation, Zhu decided to spare the death penalty because his ancestors had rendered meritorious service, even if they were not from this dynasty.

This item, known as the "Qian Liu Iron Certificate," has been treasured in the National Museum, so it is 100% authentic.

Qian Xuesen, Qian Sanqiang, and Qian Weichang are all descendants of Qian Yongqin, who was pardoned.

If Zhu De hadn't recognized this iron certificate hundreds of years ago, the theoretical and practical physics, nuclear physics, and applied mathematics of the new China would be at least 20 or 30 years behind what they are now.

This is what they call divine will.

Old Zhu, who rose from humble beginnings as a peasant, left an important lineage for the new China, which also originated from peasants.

Therefore, the Qian family is one of the few ancient noble bloodlines in China that has survived to this day, with a family tree and written records, and unlike the Kong family, it has not undergone several "blood transfusions".

"However," Zhang Yuan said, looking at the white people present after recounting the Qian family's history, "this Chinese nobleman almost died in the Immigration Bureau prison in the lighthouse on trumped-up charges."

“Even someone like Oppenheimer, who made enormous contributions to North American science, was subject to censorship and slander.”

“Qian is Chinese, while Oppenheimer is Jewish.”

"Injustice will still be encountered."

“This must be the Republicans’ doing!” Cage cursed.

Zhang Yuan pursed his lips; what he said wasn't entirely wrong.

Because McCarthy, the creator of McCarthyism who persecuted Qian Xuesen, was actually a Republican.

Hollywood is a stronghold for the Democratic Party, so criticizing the Republicans is a routine task for them.

"Speaking of my work, I'm currently working on a new project."

Do you know director Zhang Yimou?

Most of the people at the table nodded.

Zhang Yimou is still very famous, even overseas.

Only Cage's Korean wife looked completely bewildered.

Since she was a dancer, we shouldn't expect her to be cultured or knowledgeable.

"He is currently preparing a war movie set in the Chinese capital during World War II."

"It tells the story of a North American who disguises himself as a pastor to save women from being forced into sexual slavery by Japanese invaders." "What are these Japanese invaders?"

What are comfort women?

White people knew almost nothing about what was happening in the East.

Many young people in North America now even think that the Americans bombed Pearl Harbor... They don't even know that Pearl Harbor is their own territory.

It was Hugh, who had studied at Oxford, who was more cultured and explained these things to the others.

"Oh..." Teacher Xiaobai's face was full of discomfort: "Did the Japanese really do that?"

Zhang Yuan stared intently at her and said seriously.

"Actually, the most upscale and expensive restaurant around here is a Japanese restaurant."

“You all deserve to be treated to the best of my ability.”

"But as a Chinese person, I am very averse to island food."

"Because if a person does not even respect the history and culture of his own country, he is not qualified to be called a human being."

“I understand, this is your aristocratic spirit, isn’t it?” Olsen nodded, understanding his words.

I think he is an elegant and responsible foreigner.

“I really like island food,” Cage’s wife said at this moment. “I think food transcends national borders and shouldn’t be bound by these serious topics.”

She started out as a dancer in a Japanese restaurant, so she has a strong affinity for Japanese soldiers.

"Maybe you're right, but I reserve my opinion." Zhang Yuan was too lazy to argue with her.

You Koreans are one of the places that suffered the most from the Japanese, besides China, and you still fawn over Japan? You're complete idiots...

If I were to show you a picture of Qian Ge right now, with his hair freshly permed and still wearing square-framed glasses, you'd be scared out of your wits, you damn Korean.

It was as if I could see the sun.

If it weren't for Cage's sake, he would have kicked them out already.

"Back to the movie."

"This film tells the story of a white pastor disguised as a woman and a group of Chinese women."

"It tells the story of how they protected themselves and how they developed feelings for each other in a chaotic world."

"This fake pastor risked his life to protect these complete strangers."

"You can think of it as a Chinese version of Schindler's List."

"Wow!"

When this play is used as an analogy, these white people all perk up.

You have to say things they can understand.

Especially the kind of things Cage can understand.

"So Director Zhang is making a Chinese version of 'Schindler's List'," Cage confirmed, his eyes wide.

"Yes." Zhang Yuan deliberately steered the conversation in that direction.

"Director Zhang originally wanted me to play one of the soldiers, but I wasn't particularly interested in the role. However, I thought the film was good, so I invested in it."

"The only problem is that the role of the white pastor who will play the male lead is still undecided, so I came to Hollywood this time to see if there are any suitable actors I can talk to."

Nicolas Cage straightened his back.

If you're going to talk about this, I'm not sleepy anymore!

How many awards did Schindler's List win?

I'm currently going through a low period; no famous directors in North America are offering me roles in any major productions.

This isn't a good opportunity that's already here!
Zhang Yuan didn't look at him once while he was saying these things.

Of course it was intentional.

He had planned it all out long ago.

According to industry practice, Hollywood actors are already expensive.

If you go on a "business trip" to another country, the price will double, and you will also make a lot of demands for benefits, further increasing your expenses.

I originally wanted to cut costs, is that possible?
It's like going shopping; you arrive at the store and immediately tell them what you want to buy, in a hurry.

The salesperson will be all smiles when they see you like this.

Don't say you're just browsing, not interested, and leaving, promising to contact them later. Only when they insist on keeping you engaged can you negotiate the price.

Playing hard to get is a standard technique.

He deliberately avoided looking at Cage, pretending he had never considered him.

This is a masterpiece by a renowned director, not just a Chinese director, but also a director who has achieved great success in the three major European awards and whose works have grossed tens or hundreds of millions of dollars at the North American box office.

Every actor would be envious.

Don't say that Cage is not doing well now. Matt Damon was very popular later on and was always a top star, but he still came to film "The Great Wall".

They're here because of Zhang Yimou.

Who knew he'd poop a huge amount? He was laughed at for years afterward.

Not to mention Cage, as soon as the others heard that Zhang Yimou's film was short of actors and that he was helping to find them, they all quickly chimed in.

Hugh recommended himself, while Sarah said she knew many talented artists.

Teacher Xiaobai then asked if the film needed young white women.

He was clearly referring to himself.

Zhang Yuan exclaimed again, "Old Zhang is so useful!"

Only Cage was by his side.

Look at me, look at me, look at me.

She grabbed his arm and began to speak.

If translated into Beijing dialect, this is roughly what he said.

"Hey, we're brothers, aren't we?"

"You have to put me first when there's such a good thing."

"You know how authentic my acting is."

"Moreover, I have long admired director Zhang Yimou. Whenever he asks me for a job, I will never back down or fail to deliver."

Zhang Yuan deliberately feigned reluctance.

"Tsk, Cage, I know you're very capable."

“But your salary is too high. Our budget for this film is limited. We want to put more money into the production rather than into the actors’ salaries.”

“That would be even better!” Cage immediately agreed, “That’s exactly what I need right now.”

"I wasn't expensive, but now I'm cheap."

"As long as the work is good, the salary is negotiable."

He has collaborated with Chinese directors several times, including the veteran director John Woo.

The film that ultimately led to Wu Baige's crushing defeat in Hollywood and the complete loss of her voice, "Windtalkers," also starred Nicolas Cage.

It's also a drama about fighting against the Japanese.

He is not satisfied.

I've always believed that Windtalkers failed because of the impact of 9/11.

This major event occurred just as the film was about to be released, causing a delay and making North American audiences very resistant to war and bloody scenes.

It's like showing "Aftershock" after the Wenchuan earthquake—who could stand that... at least that's what he thinks.

Actually, the problem mainly lies with John Woo; he simply can't keep up with the times.

Cage grabbed his arm and shook it vigorously.

After much back and forth, he finally "reluctantly" agreed to let him take a look at a script.

Seeing Cage suddenly become lame and even lower his status, Zhang Yuan was quite satisfied.

If you have this attitude, our project will be much easier.

His goal was to reduce the other party's salary to below $300 million.

"Zhang, do you really know a great director like Zhang Yimou?" Teacher Xiaobai asked, resting her chin on her hand.

After drinking a few glasses of red wine, he was noticeably more relaxed, with a slight blush on his cheeks.

"We don't know each other." Mr. Zhang flicked his napkin and wiped his mouth.

"To be precise, I am his partner."

"Still an investor."

"At the same time, I am also an entrepreneur, and I own this large film and television company."

"Still the chief creative officer of an internet company."

"And it has also invested in several emerging companies."

Cage's wife, who was quite drunk, asked after hearing the story.

Who are these people?

We can't fit that many people here.

Zhang Yuan: …

"Wow, you're so young, that's amazing," Teacher Xiaobai praised, showing her considerable respect.

"No, I'm far inferior to your two older sisters." He also praised the other person's family.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he said that, a strange look flashed across the other person's lips.

But she quickly put on a smile and expressed her gratitude.

Enjoy your meal.

This allowed Zhang Yuan to achieve half of his goals for the trip. As for the other half... (End of Chapter)