Huayu became famous overnight

Chapter 250 The Feeling of Going Home

"This is Ming Xu from Huaxia, who owns a website with millions of users in China and an entertainment company with a market value of hundreds of millions of US dollars."

Megan introduced Xu Ming to the people around her, "Oh, by the way, he's also a very popular actor in China."

"Last year, the total box office of the films he starred in in China reached about 500 million US dollars, with the highest single film grossing 130 million US dollars."

She revealed all the information she knew about the other party.

This also caused the people around Xu Ming to change their initial scrutinizing gazes to one of welcome.

As the core circle of this banquet, they naturally weren't willing to be accepted by just anyone.

But based on the other party's background that Megan mentioned, they are barely qualified.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all."

Xu Ming politely greeted everyone with one hand placed on his chest, while giving Megan a grateful look.

If he had said those words himself, their credibility would have been greatly reduced.

But it was only when Megan came that the effect became truly remarkable.

It's as if Megan is using her identity to vouch for Xu Ming.

However, judging from the order in which they introduced the products, it's clear that Guangying Ticketing Network is more valuable in their eyes, while Qiming Entertainment, with its higher market value and greater profits, is secondary.

As for being an actor, that's the lowest priority.

Even though he is one of the top actors in China.

Megan felt Xu Ming's gaze and the corners of her mouth turned up.

She was originally reluctant to attend tonight's banquet, but she showed up because of Xu Ming.

By conveying this goodwill, the subsequent negotiations between the two sides will proceed more smoothly.

Although she was optimistic about "The American Hustle", she valued Xu Ming as a person even more.

The background information gathered by the latter shows that he has close ties with a number of Chinese cinema chains, including China Film Group and Wanda Group, especially with that Director Han, who is said to be his uncle.

Given the development of the Chinese film market, no Hollywood company wouldn't be envious of its box office potential.

Building a good relationship with influential filmmakers like Xu Ming in China is of paramount importance.

Besides, all she did was a small, easy thing to do.

Of course, the most crucial point is that Xu Ming is a completely different concept from Zhang Ziyi in her eyes.

The latter was just an actor trying to break into Hollywood, while the former was a successful entrepreneur with a small business behind him, backed by Eastern capital.

I don't know.

Xu Ming sought overseas development because he dared not show his face in China for the time being.

The relationships and networks that the other party imagines cannot be used in the short term; in fact, mentioning their name may even have negative effects.

The so-called "Eastern Capital" is just using the guise of Hollywood film projects to fool domestic nouveau riche, which is why he chose to cast Bale as the male lead.

Domestic nouveau riche bosses don't care about CAA or Megan; they only care about big stars.

To put it bluntly, Meghan was throwing herself at a blind man.

Xu Ming didn't understand why Megan's intentions were so strong; perhaps she was lusting after him?

But he accepted them all with a smile.

"I run a website, and we've just finished our second round of financing. The number of users has just exceeded ten million, which is nothing to brag about."

Yes, there are many users, but not many active users.

"The entertainment company's main business is film and television production, and it is also involved in artist management. Recently, it has been cooperating with China's top entertainment TV station. It has only been three years since it entered the top ten in China, which is not worth mentioning."

Well, Hunan TV is considered the top entertainment channel in the country. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a top-tier entertainment TV station, would it?

“Actor? That’s just one of my many roles. I’ve also worked as a screenwriter, singer, composer, lyricist, and more. People call me ‘Little Da Bing.’ Uh, you don’t know who Da Bing is? That’s okay.”

Following the image the other party had created for him, Xu Ming quickly became friendly and chatted with the people present, blending in with them.

The older generation had long ago taught him that when faced with the sugar-coated bullets of capitalism, one should eat the sugar coating and fight back against the bullets.

He didn't notice that his fellow villager, whom he had just met, was staring in disbelief not far away.

Zhang Ziyi stared wide-eyed as she watched Xu Ming, in the inner circle she had always dreamed of, engaging in lively discussions with a group of bigwigs.

No, didn't you just arrive in New York?

"You know Zhang?"

The white man who beckoned her over asked what was happening.

“We have some acquaintance,” Zhang Ziyi said carefully.

“Wow, that’s perfect, could you take me there and introduce me? He and Megan seem to get along well.”

The white man exclaimed with delight, "Maybe through him, our film project investment can be covered."

Zhang Ziyi, who was originally very enthusiastic about matchmaking, bit her lip and hesitated.

She and Xu Ming had only met once today, and they didn't have any relationship as she claimed.

Moreover, this white man was just an independent filmmaker. She contacted him to see if there were any suitable independent projects, and she wanted to help him attract domestic investment.

But she suddenly worried that if she brought this person along, Xu Ming would categorize her as someone from the same social circle.

Thinking of this, Zhang Ziyi smiled and said, "I'm sorry, he's not used to interacting with unfamiliar people too much in this kind of setting, but I will ask him privately to help introduce your project."

Those who don't know the situation would only assume the two are very close.

The white man nodded understandingly: "Thank you very much."

Then, as he watched Zhang Ziyi walk toward Xu Ming, his gentlemanly smile immediately turned ugly, and he cursed her under his breath as a complete idiot.

They used to keep referring to our movies, but now they've turned them into their own projects.

"I came to New York this time because my domestic business has reached its limit, and I am looking for an external breakthrough. After all, Hollywood has more opportunities in the global market."

"Making money? That's vulgar. I have no interest in money. What I cherish most are the days when I first brought laughter to the audience on stage..."

Xu Ming distributed his business cards and then collected another batch of them.

His confident demeanor and nouveau riche style stunned those around him, making them quite interested in him.

After all, boasting is about having a big-picture view and predicting macro-level things.

In both of these aspects, Xu Ming dares to say he is second to none.

People also regard him as a representative of a portion of Chinese capital.

In Hollywood, there are too many international investors wanting to get into the industry, and there are always new representatives like Xu Ming every year.

They're like chives, you can't cut them all off.

Looking at the confident and carefree Xu Ming, Zhang Ziyi realized that the man who had seemed so dim just moments before was now radiating brilliance.

"Xu..."

Before she could step forward, a foolish girl stood next to Xu Ming.

She knew him: Scarlett Johansson, a Hollywood art-house icon and a rising star in the business world.

"Xu Ming".

Scarlett shouted in a strange accent, then laughed and asked, "Am I pronouncing it correctly?"

"Not bad, at least you know to put Xu Nian first."

Xu Ming shrugged. He noticed Zhang Ziyi out of the corner of his eye, but his attention remained on the woman in front of him.

Come on, you're already abroad, of course you should follow local customs. If you go abroad to eat Chinese food, then you've wasted your trip.

“I’ve seen the roles you’ve played, and they’re completely different from who you are now,” Scarlett said.

Although he knew the other person was trying to get closer, Xu Ming didn't mind and cheerfully replied, "Which movie?"

“The scene in *Let the Bullets Fly* where you cut open your stomach gave me nightmares for days,” Scarlett said. Let the Bullets Fly?

Xu Ming raised an eyebrow. This place wasn't frequented by Chinese people, yet it was difficult to feel its charm.

“It was Quentin’s recommendation. I watch successful movies from other countries in my spare time to find inspiration,” Scarlett explained, noticing Xu Ming’s expression.

Xu Ming suddenly realized that Lao Jiang and Quentin were indeed acquainted.

Having seen a clip of Quentin Tarantino's "Awesome Theory" on a variety show, he even specifically asked Jiang Wen if that person was the other party.

The latter smiled without saying a word, neither admitting nor denying.

In 95, Quentin Tarantino came to Beijing as a representative of the Sundance Film Festival to participate in screenings and exchanges. During his visit, he met Jiang Wen, who was filming "The Emperor's Shadow". It was around that time that he was introduced to the "awesome theory".

“I also really like your ‘Lost in Translation’ and your Black Widow in ‘Iron Man 2’,” Xu Ming replied.

Especially the latter's leather jacket design; it's said that it was only possible to squeeze it in and wear it after applying lubricant, which explains its shapely curves.

She is now an undisputed goddess in the art film world, but she is far from achieving the fame she later gained in the commercial film industry.

Although his roles in "Iron Man 2" and "My Family Bought a Zoo" in the two years before last and last year were successful, he was only a supporting actor in both.

It wasn't until the release of "The Avengers" in May of this year that Black Widow became a global phenomenon, and her commercial value gradually began to materialize.

Of course, Du's comments about bathwater also helped boost his reputation.

So at this moment, Scarlett still maintained a subordinate posture in front of him.

"Then I'm honored."

Scarlett flicked her hair. "You're planning to have a long-term career in Hollywood?"

Tsk, now you're showing your chicken feet.

Xu Ming naturally didn't believe that the other party had taken the initiative to contact him because of his charm, but he didn't deny that that was part of the reason.

But the bigger reason is related to Megan's introduction; in her eyes, he probably had a lot of money ready to invest in Hollywood movies.

"Not necessarily. I'm currently in talks with Megan about a movie project starring Bale. If things go well, I might focus more on that," Xu Ming said casually.

Scarlett's eyes lit up; she had finally managed to get some information out of her.

Given Bale's star power, the investment in the film he stars in will be substantial, and judging from Xu Ming's words, the project is just starting out, and the casting process should not have been finalized yet.

I have a chance.

Seeing the two chatting happily, Zhang Ziyi couldn't help but squeeze in. She only managed to hear the last sentence before her eyes lit up.

She flashed what she considered an elegant smile: "Xu Ming, it's rare to run into one of our own people here, why don't we give him a little tap?"

As he spoke, a glass of red wine was handed over.

"sure."

Xu Ming secretly gave Zhang Ziyi a thumbs up; she arrived just in time.

His conversation with Scarlett ended abruptly at this point during their first meeting, leaving a bit of suspense.

Going any further might damage the mysterious and unfathomable image you project to the other person.

Scarlett knew Zhang Ziyi, of course, and blinked when she heard the two speaking in Chinese.

"Is this your friend?"

"Ah."

Hearing Xu Ming's answer, her smile widened.

We're just friends.

"So, are we friends now?" Scarlett asked Xu Ming.

"What do you think?"

Xu Ming threw the question back at him.

“Friends should at least have each other’s contact information. Would you mind giving me your phone number?” Scarlett said with a smile.

"I have always respected women."

Xu Ming handed his phone to the other party, who then left a string of phone numbers.

Those women don't seem like good people.

Fortunately, he is a virtuous and kind person who believes in not letting down good girls and not wasting bad women.

After watching Scarlett leave, he slowly turned his attention back to Zhang Ziyi.

The latter frowned: "Don't you think it's very ungentlemanly to ignore one girl in front of another?"

Xu Ming was slightly taken aback, and the homesickness he had been harboring for so long instantly melted away.

If it weren't for the foreigners all around him speaking in their own languages, he would have thought he was back in China.

"And then?" Xu Ming asked rhetorically.

Zhang Ziyi was confused. Shouldn't the other party have acted more like a gentleman?

"If this is all you wanted to say to me, I'm sorry, I have to excuse myself." Xu Ming waved his hand and left.

It seems this person still doesn't understand whose status is more prestigious at this banquet.

We treated him like a slut in China, how can we let him get away with it?

Zhang Ziyi's expression changed, and she immediately realized that she had made a mistake in her strategy towards Xu Ming.

As one of the top actresses in China, her ability to make it in the international film scene in her early twenties is certainly not solely due to her acting skills.

Emotional intelligence is also a part of it.

She only tried to test the waters with Xu Ming, a young domestic actor, but unexpectedly, she messed things up right away.

"Xu..."

She was about to call out to Xu Ming when she caught a glimpse of the cold, indifferent gazes of those around her, and immediately withdrew her voice.

She mustn't lose her composure; continuing to pester her would only make her look cheap.

Zhang Ziyi maintained a faint smile, pondering how to use her connections in China to obtain Xu Ming's contact information.

As for the project that the other party mentioned was tailor-made for Bell, she confirmed its authenticity after a little thought.

She had noticed that Bale attended the premiere of "The Taking of Tiger Mountain".

……

The next half month.

Xu Ming spent his days in a life of luxury and extravagance.

He frequented various entertainment galas in New York, and the absence of Megan's introduction this time did not diminish his brilliance.

The news of the arrival of a representative of Chinese capital had already spread among Hollywood filmmakers in New York.

It's not that no one has specifically investigated, but every message that came back was accurate.

He is indeed the founder of a website, runs an entertainment company, and was the most commercially successful male actor in China last year.

After confirming his identity, these people became even more fervent in their admiration for Xu Ming.

As he said before, the US dollars of Chinese people are still US dollars, and for most filmmakers, they are far from needing to consider where the money will come from.

It's already good enough if there's capital willing to invest in their projects.

As for the well-known Hollywood film and television companies, they naturally welcome the entry of foreign capital with open arms.

In their eyes, someone like Xu Ming, who is familiar with the rules, is like a fat sheep.

As time went on, Xu Ming and Megan went through several negotiations and were not far from their respective expectations.

(End of this chapter)