America's Top Player

Chapter 157: Harlem White Godfather
"Sit down quickly." Leon pulled Davis' arm hard.

"Damn."

Li Ang could already imagine the expressions of those Hollywood reporters when they saw two drunken Nicolas appear on the red carpet.

The two leading actors lost consciousness before the premiere even started.

This kind of thing probably doesn't happen very often.

"Hold these two bastards and keep them awake," Li Ang instructed the security guards. "Pinch their butts hard if necessary!"

click-

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As soon as Li Ang appeared, the reporters who were waiting at the scene immediately became alert.

The huge number of cameras made it difficult for the onlookers on the street to tell that this was a low-budget hip-hop movie.

Many people stopped to watch and guessed which big-budget superhero movie it was.

"Mr. Leon, why did you think of investing in a black film?"

"Tell me about your predictions for the box office?"

"I heard there's a reference to Diddy in the movie?"

Li Ang waved to the reporters and avoided answering all serious questions.

When it comes to provocative topics, he talks endlessly.

This is also a publicity technique.

"Hi, Leon~" James Wan shouted at Leon.

"It looks like the premiere was a success. Look how many media outlets are here," said Li Ang.

"At least half of them are coming for you." James Wan spread his hands. "WTF? What happened to Kendrick and Davis?"

"Don't worry about those two idiots, let's talk about the movie. What are your expectations for the box office performance?" Leon asked.

"Of course I'm very confident in my work." James Wan puffed out his chest, "But the data from the evaluation agencies changes so quickly. No one can be sure!"

In the digital age, it is easy for rating agencies to estimate the box office before a movie is released.

This data may not be accurate. Only God can fully assess whether a movie will be a hit or a flop.

But it still has certain reference value.

By comprehensively evaluating various aspects such as the cast, film theme, director, IP value, investment budget, market trends, etc., a number is finally obtained.

A month ago, according to IMDB (Internet Movie Database), the film's final North American box office could be between US$3000 million and US$5000 million.

Now, the estimated box office has been raised to $8000 million.

This is mainly due to the frequent hot topics created by Li Ang recently.

The grievances in the black rap circle once became the focus of public discussion.

At this time, Robinson also joined the chat.

The street tycoon, who has always been low-key, also didn't want to miss the glorious moment of the movie premiere.

He never had high expectations about how much money the movie would make.

Making money is the best, but losing money is also acceptable.

He just gritted his teeth and reminded: "Send that Davis kid back to New York immediately tomorrow."

Not far behind him, the flash of light made Davis less drunk.

He regained some of his sanity.

There was a black girl next to him, who looked to be around thirty years old.

The racial advantages of black people are brought to the extreme, and their figures are frighteningly plump.

This plump black girl is Robinson's cousin.

Davis was not afraid of the camera. He touched the girl all over and twisted his hips to make obscene movements from time to time.

The reporters raised their cameras with a curious mindset and pressed the shutter button at the unknown person in front of them.

Leon shook his head helplessly. He could fully understand Robinson's mood these days.

The main creative staff of the crew left their names on the signature board in the lobby of ACE Theater and then entered the theater to watch the movie.

James Wan deliberately arranged the seats for Leon and Robbie together.

Li Ang didn't say anything about it and acted openly.

However, Robbie was not in the right state throughout the movie.

No one knows the content of the film better than Li Ang, and the film's editing was done under his direction.

He kept looking around, observing the critics' reactions.

Everyone's eyes were focused on the big screen, and Li Ang's lips curled up in a relieved smile.

The inspired original film was a complete wash for Dre and Ice Cube.

Big E is portrayed as a wimpy, brainless idiot and a pathetic loser.

Because of his attachment to NWA's past glory, he ended up losing everything.

In James Wan's version, the content of the movie is completely consistent with what happened in reality.

I will not whitewash anyone, nor will I deliberately discredit anyone.

Except P. Diddy, of course.

After the screening, the guests dispersed.

Netflix film and television executive Scooper arrived as scheduled and spoke highly of the quality of the film.

Once again expressed a strong willingness to cooperate with Li Ang.

Critics lavished praise on the crew.

"During these 140 minutes, not a single minute was boring for me!"

"Amazing! James, you've proven to everyone that you can do more than just horror movies."

The director was surrounded by praise from the critics, and the situation on Li Ang's side was even more enthusiastic.

Fortunately, these film critics have a certain level of professional ethics. Unlike those entertainment reporters who only focus on the lower body of celebrities, their questions are very professional.

"Mr. Li Ang, I heard that you wrote this script."

"Yes."

"What was your original intention in investing in this film? I mean, your skin color."

"I understand what you mean." Li Ang interrupted him midway through the question: "What you want to ask is why a white person like me would invest in a black film, right?"

The film critic who asked the question nodded vigorously, and the others' attention also focused on him.

Amidst the expectant gazes of the crowd, Li Ang took a deep breath and spoke with utmost emotion, "I love black culture. They are honest, hardworking, and friendly. They are important builders of this country."

"Just look at the skin colour of my friends and I'm a leader in Drill music, no one can deny that."

"But now, look at the violent crime rate in black neighborhoods, the median household income."

"Fuck, they've been forgotten by this country!"

"It is not they themselves who are responsible for their current plight, but this unfair society!"

The film critic was immediately brainwashed by these heartfelt remarks and nodded continuously.

Muttering "yes, yes".

This profession itself is associated with white leftists, and most of the majors I studied in college were liberal arts.

Just look at the Oscar selection criteria and you will know that the more politically correct a movie is, the more likely it is to be favored.

"So, you invested in making a movie like this to draw the public's attention to the lives of underprivileged black people?"

Snapped--

Li Ang snapped his fingers. "Smart! Which media outlet do you work for? I like smart guys!"

"In addition to awakening the public to the lives of underprivileged black people, I hope this film can give hope to those black men who are struggling."

“This positive energy can brighten their lives again!”

clap clap-

The speech, filled with grand narratives, completely impressed everyone.

"Do you have any expectations for the film's box office?" the film critic continued, "This subject may not be very popular in the market."

"Money?" Li Ang sneered, "Fuck you, don't mention money to me. I don't make movies for money!"

"To have fewer gunshots and more reading in the streets of black communities is more important to me than any amount of money."

The film critic who asked the question hung his head in shame.

I feel ashamed of my low level of thinking.

"He pioneered Drill Music, saved Vibe Magazine, and made a movie about NWA."

“Even though you’re white, I think you deserve the title of Godfather of Harlem!”

The premiere ended successfully amid cheers and applause.

Li Ang waved to everyone, but was stopped after taking a few steps.

"Where are you going, guys? We have a big party later!" said James Wan.

"Party?" Leon glanced at Davis, who was tangling with Robinson's cousin on the sofa in the lobby. It looked like a fight was about to break out.

"Do you think that bastard can still drink?"

"Just have someone take him back to the hotel." James Wan spread his hands. "Don't spoil the fun, buddy. In Hollywood, grand parties after premieres are standard. You have to get used to it!"

Li Ang nodded, and said that he was half a Hollywood person.

He also wanted to use this opportunity to further his relationship with James Wan.

Through this cooperation, he gained a further understanding of the other party's capabilities.

In the past, his understanding of the other party was limited to the gorgeous box office figures of movies such as "Saw" and "Insidious".

Now he is completely convinced that James Wan is a commercial film director born to make money.

The party was held at a newly opened fine-dining restaurant less than 200 meters from the ACE Theatre.

It mainly serves Japanese food, but the owner is a Tokyo University student.

In America, 99% of Japanese restaurants are actually run by people from Tokyo University.

This is mainly because there is no threshold for this cooking method. As long as the ingredients are fresh and high-quality enough, it will taste good no matter how you cook it.

Tonight, James Wan showed off his amazing drinking capacity, knocking down several crew members one after another.

A black actor who kept a low profile throughout the performance caught Li Ang's attention.

He drinks very seriously and always drinks it all in one gulp no matter who he clinks glasses with.

Even so, there was no sign of drunkenness on his face, and he never spoke out of control.

It's so rare to find a guy who doesn't brag when he's drunk. It's rarer than getting into MIT.

Chadwick Boseman plays Dre in the film.

Li Ang was deeply impressed by him because he took away $100 million in salary.

"Mr. Leon, thank you very much for giving me this role." Boseman raised his glass. This was his fourth toast.

"I'm very optimistic about you. You're truly unique." Li Ang said with a smile, "Maybe you'll be able to play the leading role in a superhero movie someday."

Everyone burst into laughter, and Boseman scratched his head embarrassedly.

There seems to be no superhero movie on the market with a black protagonist, a truly orthodox superhero movie.

While everyone was chatting, Leon turned his gaze to Robbie.

From the beginning to the end, the other party was deliberately keeping a distance from him, but he did not lose his "little drunkard" nature.

Robbie's face was flushed, and he was toasting with the people around him, with a smile on his face all the time.

Li Ang decided to take the initiative and sat down next to the other person with a glass of wine in his hand.

"Maybe we should have a drink."

"Why not?" Robbie's smile was still enthusiastic, without showing any abnormality.

This made Li Ang feel relieved. It seemed that the other party had no intention of keeping him away.

"It looks like you've had a lot to drink today," Li Ang said.

"What do you care about me?" Robbie rolled his eyes.

Li Ang curled his lips and didn't refute. He changed the subject and asked, "How did that bastard Sam treat you on the set?"

"Director Sam is a good man and didn't make things difficult for me because of what happened."

"That's good," Leon said. "If you get into any trouble, remember to tell me. I mean any trouble."

Robbie was suddenly stunned, his eyes dazed.

But it soon returned to normal.

Li Ang seized the opportunity and said, "You haven't been to the company for a long time."

"You know, my schedule is very busy," Robbie said. "In addition to the crew work, I also have to tour all over the world."

"That's great." Li Ang took a sip of his wine. "Maybe you should take some time to finish recording that song 'We don't talk anymore'."

Hearing this, Robbie's eyes lit up.

She thought that after their relationship broke down, Li Ang might give the work to someone else.

There are countless female singers who want to work with Li Ang.

Even within Apocalypse Music, Ariana's singing skills are much better than hers.

"Are you sure you want to leave that song for me?"

"Of course, this is yours."

In just a few words, Robbie felt a huge sense of conflict.

I feel some anticipation for what might happen next.

But everything that was imagined did not happen.

After receiving a positive response about the recording, Li Ang said a few words casually and was about to get up and leave.

Suddenly, Robbie covered his mouth with his hands, his expression ferocious and painful.

His eyes were filled with tears.

"Fxxk!"

This situation was beyond Li Ang's expectations.

We were chatting just now, why are you crying?
It would be inappropriate to pretend that you saw nothing and just turn around and leave.

"I don't know what to say to you."

"In Hollywood, you're going to have a lot of complications later on."

“In this circle, if you always look at the world with tears in your eyes, you will feel like the whole world is crying.”

Thirty seconds later, under Leon's PUA bombardment, Robbie's expression gradually relaxed.

She wiped the corners of her eyes with a tissue and said, "I didn't cry. I choked on the mustard."

Li Ang was stunned and completely petrified.

The funny expression made Robbie burst into laughter.

She raised her glass, held her chin in her hand, and looked at Li Ang with a hazy look in her eyes. "Thank you very much for leaving that piece of work to me. I will always remember what you taught me."

Li Ang was silent, with a relieved smile on his face.

"Cheers~"

The two men drank the remaining wine in their glasses.

Just like the first time we met, get drunk.

It also announced the complete death of this relationship.

"Can we do it again?" Robbie blushed.

Under the table, she took off her high heels and used her white feet to tease Li Ang's lower body.

"Breakup sex?" Li Ang immediately understood.

In the entertainment industry, having sex doesn’t actually require a high-sounding excuse like “being in love.”

He took the opportunity to find an excuse to run away with Robbie.

As soon as they opened the door of the hotel room, the two of them got entangled with each other and the situation became stalemate.

Coincidentally, this room seemed to be the one where the two confirmed their relationship that night.

Robbie transformed into a female teacher and was taught a lesson by Leon

That night, the firm bed at the Four Seasons Hotel showed signs of loosening.

Both of them treated this as Game 7 of the NBA Finals and gave it their all.

Three days later, reviews for Straight Outta Compton were rave reviews.

Film review websites such as IMDB have given it high scores, calling it the greatest and most authentic hip-hop movie in history.

Good word of mouth fueled the box office.

The average attendance rate of 1600 cinemas exceeded percent.

The film was also praised on social media.

Many black mothers even took the initiative to take their children to the cinema to watch this R-rated film.

Ask them to block violent and pornographic content.

Take good care to absorb the positive energy that the movie wants to convey.

Similarly, discussions about producer Li Ang in the film community remain high.

In the past, Street Coconut Crisps was only known among young people, but now this name has attracted the attention of many middle-aged and lower-class black people.

His deeds such as saving "Vibe" and leading Drill music are widely known.

"Look at what the media is calling you." Phil threw a copy of The Hollywood Reporter on the desk. "The Godfather of Harlem, the Friend of Black People. You may be the most popular white singer in history."

Leon was lying on the swivel chair. His current reputation in the black community is comparable to that of football superstar Tom Brady.

But he didn't care about it, his mind was full of fantasies about the box office opening on the first weekend.

(End of this chapter)