Actor: Thank you.

Director Toro looked at the Chinese man sitting opposite him, whose brows sometimes relaxed and sometimes furrowed, as if he was always thinking.

"You Chinese really love your jobs, you can't even enjoy this table full of food properly..." the other person thought to themselves.

Of course, his dissatisfaction also stemmed from the other party's lack of interest in "At the Mountains of Madness" and Cthulhu culture.

I was inclined to say that this Chinese man didn't know what he was talking about, but when I changed the subject and started talking about the movie I didn't film, the situation changed.

The other person spoke fluently and their "synchronization rate" with mine was extremely high.

In fact, Toro himself was very interested in the Pacific Rim project.

I had to reluctantly give it up just for "At the Mountains of Madness".

He prefers Cthulhu to mechs and behemoths.

But if Cthulhu isn't an option, then a mecha behemoth would be his first choice.

Toro was initially somewhat wary of him, since they weren't familiar with each other.

But after a delicious meal was served, they became much closer.

After talking about the mecha behemoths, the other person felt like they had met an old friend in a foreign land.

Mechs have two different origins, one in the East and one in the West.

Both were in the 50s.

Meanwhile, on the island nation, the original mecha anime "Tetsujin 28-go" appeared.

The 70s game "Mazinger Z" established the Japanese mecha operation method, which is that the operator enters the mecha body and operates it synchronously.

Then came the Gundam series, and EVA, which had a strong pseudo-philosophical and pseudo-theological flavor and changed mecha culture.

Meanwhile, in the West, the science fiction novel "Starship Troopers" appeared in the 50s.

That is, the original novel of the later famous film adaptation, Starship Troopers.

The battle between humans and alien insectoids has become a classic on screen.

Although both Japan and the United States have mecha culture, they have fundamental differences.

Simply put, island nation mechs are pure iron blocks, while Western mechs are flesh wrapped in iron.

Whether it's Tetsujin 28, Gundam, or EVA, they are all giant humanoid mecha.

EVA is rather special; it's a giant meat-wrapped iron.

Western mechs, on the other hand, are more like mechanical exoskeletons, including Iron Man's mechs or the various Space Marine armors in Warhammer 40.

Island nations and the West represent two different systems of thinking.

The different reasons stem from the core of different ethnic groups' cultures.

The giant mecha culture of island nations is actually similar to their warship and cannon culture during World War II.

It is a form of worship and fear of enormous creatures.

Huaxia: It is indeed I, a humble person.

The origin of island nation mecha culture is actually the fear and worship of China over thousands of years.

In particular, its own population size and national area are far inferior to that behemoth across the sea.

The island nation's culture of giant beasts, most notably Godzilla, stems from a fear of atomic energy, or nuclear bombs.

Its origin is its second godfather, the United States.

In conclusion, the island nation's mecha and behemoth culture originated from two generations of adoptive fathers.

This is a form of cultural worship imbued with negative emotions and a distorted mindset.

At the same time, the battle between mechs and giant beasts is also the scene they most want to see, because they now genuinely hope that Old Zhong and the Americans can have a fight.

That way he can get out of trouble.

But both Lao Zhong and Lao Mei looked at him with eyes full of concern for the "mentally challenged".

Qiuya is getting married, and you're here singing and dancing...

They're not even chess pieces, at most a chessboard, yet they always fantasize about being masters who manipulate the game from behind the scenes.

Therefore, they often come up with bizarre strategic maneuvers like the "Eagle's Move".

Western mecha culture, unlike that of the Japanese, also stems from worship and fear.

But what they worship and fear is not a powerful nation, but God.

The person who wears the mecha is actually imitating and disguising an angel.

Disguised as angels, slaughtering people of other nations and other races—that is justice, acting on behalf of God.

Furthermore, in Western science fiction and film works, any purely mechanical thing, whether it is a robot or a mecha, as long as it has its own consciousness, is mostly evil and wants to destroy humanity.

This coincides with the religious story of Adam and Eve stealing the fruit of knowledge, where having knowledge is considered original sin.

So, does China have a mecha culture?

It can't be considered as having it, nor can it be considered as not having it.

We are a typical people-oriented company, only having "humanoid Gundams".

Zhao Zilong charged in and out of Changbanpo seven times, fought against hundreds of men single-handedly, and was as capable as Xiang Yu, who could lift a cauldron.

The Qi Family Army, with its nomadic-style clothing and mounted archery, was a force of nature, capable of defeating ten thousand men

The barbarians we drove away all became the Scourge of God in Europe.

Therefore, we don't rely on imagination; we're already strong enough as a whole, so we consider all equipment to be mere tricks and gimmicks.

If we really get into robots, don't be fooled by the fact that for decades Hollywood has always associated robots with the Japanese.

But now the Japanese robot technology is already far behind ours, and by more than one generation.

Zhang Yuan spoke eloquently and convinced Toro.

"Any popular culture is actually an extension of traditional culture."

"We artists are not innovating, but creating by standing on the shoulders of giants."

Clap clap clap clap... Toro clapped his hands repeatedly, shouting "Well said!"

The mechs and giant monsters in Pacific Rim are more in line with Japanese style.

However, the story's background and plot logic are American.

It is a product of the fusion of East and West.

However, North America had by then realized that China was developing rapidly.

In Pacific Rim 1, the most advanced Jaegers were the Crimson Storm from China and the Eureka Raider from Australia, not the Gipsy Danger from North America.

But it's the protagonist's halo, you know.

However, in Zhang Yuan's eyes, the best-designed machine was actually the Russian mech Cherno Alpha, which had a truly authentic feel to it.

He was interested in the film simply because it was extremely profitable in China!

This is something that neither Legendary Pictures nor Toro expected.

They did add a little Chinese content to attract Chinese viewers.

But we never expected that the Chinese market would ultimately contribute nearly one-third of the film's box office!
On the contrary, the performance of North America and island nations, on which high hopes were placed, did not meet expectations.

The battleground in the film is Hong Kong, but it was originally intended to be set in Japan.

However, due to the 3/11 earthquake, the script was changed to avoid further upsetting the Japanese audience.

This show also did a good thing.

Ms. Jia, a well-known "translator" of foreign films, was collectively condemned for her numerous self-proclaimed humorous translations in "Pacific Rim."

Especially translating "elbow rocket" as "Pegasus Meteor Fist"...

This woman has a long history of crimes; she was responsible for films such as Men in Black, Prometheus, and The Hunger Games.

How can someone with such poor skills and no sense of self-awareness be able to translate so many important blockbusters?

Because her father was a well-known writer and the second-in-command of the writers' organization in their hometown province.

There are only three teams translating imported films in China: August First Film Studio, China Film Group, and Shanghai Film Studio. You can't escape these three.

Because of the intense backlash from Pacific Rim viewers, this young lady was "claimed" to have been fired.

Actually, he went to graduate school, but after graduating, he returned to the August First Film Studio to continue working as a translator for large-scale films...

You know, it's infuriating! They're completely unresponsive. No matter how much the audience criticizes them, they just stay silent for a while and then come back with a vengeance.

Zhang Yuan felt a headache just thinking about it.

How can the Chinese film and television industry thrive when surrounded by these scoundrels!

Toro was puzzled when he saw him wearing the mask of pain.

"In short, I'm very interested in this movie about mechs fighting monsters."

"Are you really not going to participate?" Zhang Yuan asked, shaking his head.

"Uh... I don't know," the other party replied ambiguously.

"Well then, I'm very interested in this play and in you personally."

"I own a film and television company in China that integrates distribution and production."

"If you need funding or market support, you can contact me."

"This is my business card."

Zhang Yuan took out his business card, which he used exclusively in North America.

He was fair-skinned and clean-cut, standing by the Jinxigou River, with only his name and a phone number on the wall.

I am who I am, independent of anything external.

The other party accepted it, put it away, and still couldn't understand why he wasn't interested in Cthulhu.

After dawdling for a while and seeing that Zhang Yuan was unmoved, he finally gave up completely.

After the meal, he paid the bill and then drove the famous director back to his residence.

Let him be depressed; he'll figure it out eventually.

If he can't figure it out, Global Capital's approach will help him figure it out.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yuan was thinking about how to handle and prepare for Legendary Pictures' affairs after returning to China.

It's not that simple; first, someone has to act as a go-between.

We're counting on Toro.

You also need to have the capability and a plan.

This kind of transnational collaboration is not something a single film and television company can handle; the foreigners involved also have big ambitions.

But if successful, the benefits will be enormous.

It was especially helpful in fulfilling Zhang Yuanzhi's ambitions.

To gain a foothold in the Chinese entertainment industry, and even to become the biggest, external support is essential.

He was eager to go back so he could make arrangements as soon as possible.

Because he left in such a hurry, running away that very night, he didn't receive any messages from Elizabeth. Meanwhile, in New York, at a family gathering, the witch was somewhat distracted, clutching her phone, biting her nails, waiting anxiously for his reply.

Zhang Yuan had already boarded the plane and was therefore unable to reply.

"What's wrong, Liz?" her father called her by her middle name, which was also her nickname.

"Nothing?" Xiaobai replied.

"You promised to come back for a family dinner, but your heart isn't at home," the second sister said coldly.

"You're thinking about the person who gave us the gift, aren't you?" The older woman gestured to the red tourmaline bracelet on her wrist under the light.

"Although the price isn't too expensive, the taste is quite good."

"Oh, you've got a boyfriend. Let's talk about it." The father was quite interested.

"Uh..." She grinned and shook her head. "There's nothing to say."

The eldest sister winked at her father, indicating that she would ask him later.

After dinner, when they were getting ready to rest, her two older sisters pulled her into a pajama party.

I also kicked the younger brother who wanted to join in out of the room.

"Tell us about that person," the older woman asked directly.

"Humorous, charming, gentle, and intelligent."

"You're praising him so much, you must have slept with him, right?" the second sister said even more bluntly.

"Can't you speak properly?"

"Just tell me whether you slept or not!"

"Asleep..."

The two older sisters exchanged a glance and spoke in unison.

"How are you feeling?" X2.

"It's alright," Elizabeth replied, swaying back and forth as she hugged her chest.

"Is it okay if it's good, or okay if it's bad?" The older woman gestured with her hands.

"Ok."

"How wonderful?"

"Can you please stop asking?" she said, blushing as she laughed.

"That's great!" The second sister adjusted her posture in surprise.

"Then what were you hesitating about while eating just now?"

"Did they ask to see us again?" the older woman asked.

"No, I did suggest bringing him to meet you, but he refused, saying he didn't want anything else to get involved in our relationship."

"Hmm, that's a good answer," the older sister praised.

"Yes, that's good."

"He asked me during the day if I was in Los Angeles because he was there on business."

"So you want to see him, but you're held back because you have to have dinner with us, right?" The older sister didn't even need to ask any further questions; she understood immediately.

"I think you're just itchy for sex," the second sister retorted mercilessly.

"Hey, can't you speak properly!" Xiaobai retorted.

"Remember, family is the most important thing, because we will never betray you."

"However, since you've praised him so much, I think you can bring him to the next family gathering."

“We also want to meet this foreign man who has captivated my sister,” the older sister said gently.

“If you think he’s good, then he must have something special about him. We trust your judgment.” The older sister expressed both her approval and her support for her younger sister.

"And give me a return gift as well." She pointed to her wrist.

“Okay, I’ll invite him.” Elizabeth nodded in agreement.

"But he might not be willing to come, because I rejected his marriage proposal."

"WHAT!" the two older women exclaimed, clutching their heads.

"Since you've already refused, why do you want to see him?"

"I don't know, but there's always a longing in my heart."

Second sister: "I think it's caused by your vaginal itching."

……

On the other side, Zhang Yuan only received the news after getting off the plane.

He gave a brief reply to the invitation to a family dinner.

"Okay, I'll consider it and contact you next time I'm in North America."

After replying, he put his phone away.

It wouldn't be a bad thing to meet those two Hollywood upstarts who started as child stars.

It might be helpful to my career.

He was planning how to deal with it.

How to face Elizabeth, how to face the two older sisters.

These are all problems. Three women make a drama, and if they don't perform well, problems can easily arise.

Before I could figure it out, I received a call from Hong Kong.

Yang Shouchen called him and asked about something.

"I heard that you issued a martial arts assassination order against Yao Cheng."

Zhang Yuan: ...

"A ban! A ban!"

My goodness, it's hard to explain, but it can easily affect one's career.

“She betrayed me during a difficult time for me.”

“He and Huayi teamed up to trick me.”

"I've heard of it," Boss Yang thought with a sneer.

But the sneer wasn't directed at him, but at Yao Cheng.

If you offend him, you've really messed with the King of Hell.

He knew Zhang Yuan's character: persistent and relentless, always seeking revenge.

“I said it, and I said it to her face, I’m going to get her.”

"How did this get to you?"

"Hehehe, this woman has contacted quite a few companies in Hong Kong to discuss agency contracts."

"Many of them are shareholders of our cross-strait film industry."

Zhang Yuan squinted.

interesting.

You're dancing in my minefield!
"I remember now, you asked Jiang Zhiqiang to help you contact paparazzi before, was that to deal with her?"

"Exactly."

"I understand."

Zhang Yuan pondered, "I can't be like the Xiang family back then, making domineering statements that anyone who dares to hire him is my enemy."

Only a scoundrel would do something like that.

But Yao Cheng, that woman, is actually quite shrewd.

Talking to the Hong Kong boss would allow me to infiltrate the "inside" while simultaneously restricting my movements—a clever scheme indeed.

"I'm thinking about something," he said to Boss Yang after pondering for a while.

"How to say?"

"This woman came to Hong Kong to discuss things with her colleagues. Could this whole thing be a scheme by Hua Yi to sow discord?"

Zhang Yuan deduced that it was most likely not, but he said it on purpose.

Because Yao Cheng's ambition is greater than most people imagine.

She won't be confined to one place; her ultimate goal will definitely be to start her own company.

Therefore, she wouldn't offend other companies for the sake of Huayi, her current employer whose contract is about to expire.

But once he said that, those Hong Kong business owners would be hesitant to act rashly and would become suspicious.

Hong Kong business owners are already very "shrewd" and are most afraid of being taken advantage of.

The possibility of being used as a pawn is enough to make them think twice.

Just stall for time, no matter what the other party wants to do, muddy the waters.

If I can't stop you, I'll at least make things difficult for you.

Old Yang hesitated after hearing this.

"I will tell everyone."

"There are indeed risks."

"Yes, I don't want my friends to suffer losses either."

"After all, someone like that has questionable character; who could trust him to work for them?"

"Too."

After finishing his conversation with the other party, he quickly called the Hong Kong paparazzi he had previously contacted to inquire about the progress.

They're already tracking her down; they know exactly where she and her new lover go to hotels and how many hours each time.

"Not enough."

"The digging isn't deep enough."

"We have to dig up their ancestral graves!"

"Find out even her favorite position!"

"She prefers to come from behind," the paparazzi answered honestly.

Zhang Yuan: ...

"Metaphor, do you understand metaphor?"

"We need to find out everything about her past relationships!" (End of Chapter)