Hollywood, I became a legend with special effects.

Chapter 101 Fixed Angle, Goodnight, Girlfriend

On January 14, the morning in Los Angeles was still damp from the light rain of the previous night.

Jiang Yu stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in the master bedroom, his bare feet resting on the warm teak floor.

He glanced at his watch: 8:07, almost an hour earlier than usual.

I have insomnia.

It wasn't because I was nervous about today's meeting, but because after hanging up on Liu Yifei last night, her expectant yet uneasy eyes kept replaying in my mind.

She said, "I believe in you," three simple words that made the responsibility on his shoulders seem heavier.

He turned and went into the bathroom, turning on the cold water tap.

The cold water stimulated my skin, instantly dispelling the last trace of sleepiness.

The person in the mirror had sharp eyes and a taut jawline. This was his "battle mode."

In the world of Hollywood, where fame and fortune reign supreme, sometimes strategy and courage are needed more in the meeting room than on the battlefield.

At 8:30, the doorbell rang on time.

David stood at the door carrying two paper bags, dressed in a dark blue custom-made suit, his hair neatly combed; he only dressed this formally on important occasions.

"Boss, your breakfast." David handed over a paper bag. "Black coffee, whole wheat sandwich. And this—"

He then handed over another paper bag, saying, "Miss Liu asked me to bring this to you. She said it's a specialty of Wuhan, bean curd sheets."

Jiang Yu took the paper bag; it was still warm.

Upon opening it, I found small pieces of bean curd skin, golden and crispy, with a wonderful aroma.

"When did she give it to you?" Jiang Yu asked, a smile unconsciously creeping onto his lips.

"Her assistant delivered it to the company at 7:30 this morning," David said with a smile. "Ms. Liu is very thoughtful. But boss, are you sure you can remain objective today? After all—"

"Public matters are public matters, and private matters are private matters." Jiang Yu took a bite of bean curd skin, the familiar taste of his hometown melting in his mouth. "Liu Neng got this role because she was suitable, not because of me."

Even so, a corner of his heart softened a little.

The meeting room on the third floor of Light Chaser Pictures, at 9:00 AM.

The long walnut conference table was polished so clean it reflected a face, and in front of each chair were bottled water, a notebook, and the latest version of the "Lucy" project proposal.

The air was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and a subtle sense of tension.

When Jiang Yu pushed the door open, the room was already full of people.

His gaze swept across the room in an instant: on his left was Luc Besson and his French team; the director was wearing a black turtleneck sweater with a distressed leather jacket over it.

On the right is the Fox delegation, six people, led by Blakein, a bald man who is flipping through documents irritably, and his face is indeed not good.

"Mr. Jiang, you are three minutes late." Blakelin raised his wrist to check his watch, his tone unfriendly.

Jiang Yu calmly sat down in the main seat, unbuttoned his suit jacket, and said with ease, "I apologize, I encountered a protest and road closures on the way. But I think three minutes is enough for Mr. Blakelin to have another cup of coffee and sober up a bit from last night's drinking."

There was a moment of silence in the conference room.

Berlinken's expression darkened further. How did Jiang Yu know he had been drinking last night?

David handed over a document at the opportune moment: "This is the latest Asian market analysis report. You can take a look at page 17, where there is an update on the data for the China box office forecast."

The meeting officially began.

The first forty minutes were a routine project presentation, with the producer, financial director, and visual effects supervisor taking turns to speak.

Jiang Yu spoke very little throughout, only occasionally taking notes in his notebook.

Everyone could sense that he was observing, calculating, and waiting.

Finally, Blakein couldn't hold back any longer.

"Alright, we can discuss those details later." He interrupted the producer who was speaking, turning to Jiang Yu. "Jiang, let's get straight to the most crucial issue: the female lead. I've read your report and understand your ambition to expand into the Asian market, but..."

He paused, then emphasized, "This is a film with a budget of forty-two million US dollars! It's not an experimental work! The female lead must be able to carry the global box office! Liu Yifei, whom you recommended, may be well-known in China, but what about in all of Asia? In Europe and America? Who would buy a ticket for a Chinese actress?"

The temperature in the conference room plummeted.

The members of the Fox team all lowered their heads, not daring to look at Jiang Yu's expression.

On the French team's side, Luc Besson frowned, about to speak, but Jiang Yu raised his hand to stop him.

"Mr. Berlinken has a good question." Jiang Yu's voice was unusually calm. "Then I would also like to ask a few questions."

""

He stood up, walked to the projection screen, and didn't use the remote control.

"First," a chart appeared on the screen, "Fox's box office share in Asia has declined year by year over the past three years, reaching only 12% last year. Meanwhile, Universal and Warner's share rose to 19% during the same period. Why?"

Berlinken opened his mouth to answer, but Jiang Yu didn't give him the chance.

"Second," the screen switched, "The first Twilight movie had a budget of $37 million and a global box office of $390 million. What was Kristen Stewart's level of fame at the time? Before this movie, her most famous role was a supporting character in Into the Wild. Why did Summit Entertainment and I dare to cast her?"

That's different—

'

"Third," Jiang Yu continued, his voice still calm, each word like a nail, "last year's biggest loss for Fox, *Eragon*, cost $120 million to produce and only grossed $210 million worldwide. The female lead was Oscar-winning actress Naomi Watts, and the male lead was the rising star Jeremy Irons. Why couldn't these big-name stars save the box office?"

The three questions were like a heavy punch, hitting the nail on the head: Blakein's face went from ugly to ashen.

Jiang Yu walked back to his seat but did not sit down.

He placed his hands on the table, leaned forward, and fixed his gaze on Blakein like a laser beam: "Because the audience isn't stupid. They don't care about the actress's nationality, they don't care how famous she was before, they care about whether the movie is good, whether the story is engaging, and whether the actors' performances are realistic."

He paused, letting his words settle.

"Liu Yifei's fame in China is the foundation. Her performance in 'Black Swan' is proof of that. Luc Besson's choice of her was a professional judgment. And my confidence..."

Jiang Yu looked directly into Blakelink's eyes and said, "I know this movie will be a success, not because of who she is, but because she can bring the character to life; just like last year's 'The Witch,' a purely Chinese-language film that I collaborated on with Lionsgate, which made a lot of money."

The meeting room was completely silent; even David held his breath. He had been working with Jiang Yu for so many years, and he had rarely seen his boss confront his partner so forcefully.

Blaken's chest heaved, clearly suppressing his anger.

His assistant quickly handed him a glass of water, but he pushed it away.

"Jiang, you make it all sound very convincing," Blinken finally spoke, his voice hoarse. "But if the box office fails, who will take responsibility? You? Can you afford to damage Fox's reputation in the market?"

This is the trump card.

All eyes in the conference room were on Jiang Yu.

Jiang Yu smiled. Not a polite smile, but a sharp, knowing smile that said, "Finally, you've asked this question."

He took a brown paper folder out of his briefcase and pushed it in front of Blakelin.

"Turn to the third page."

Berlinken hesitated for a moment, then opened the folder. His eyes suddenly widened.

"This is----"

"A draft supplementary agreement between Light Chaser Animation and Fox." Jiang Yu sat down again, relaxed. "If 'Lucy' grosses less than $2 million worldwide, Light Chaser will return its entire investment and pay an additional 20% penalty. Furthermore, Fox will have priority distribution rights for all films produced by Light Chaser over the next three years, with a 2% reduction in revenue sharing."

A collective gasp filled the conference room.

Even Luc Besson sat up straight; this condition was too harsh, practically gambling with the future of Light Chaser Animation.

Blaken's hands were trembling.

He turned to the last page and saw Jiang Yu's signature, dated today.

"You—you were prepared all along?"

"I never fight a battle unprepared." Jiang Yu leaned back in his chair. "Now, Mr. Blakelin, are you still worried about the risks?"

The silence lasted for a full minute.

Berlinken stared at the agreement, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table.

Everyone knew he was calculating: if he accepted, Fox would make a profit; if he refused, word would get out...

It became "Fox dared not accept the bet against Chasing Light".

At this moment, Luc Besson spoke up.

His English had a heavy French accent and a firm tone.

"Mr. Blakelin, I've been making films for twenty years, and while I haven't won many awards, I've never lost money. Why is that?"

Because I know how to cast actors.

He took off his glasses and slowly wiped them. "I watched Crystal's audition video seventeen times. Every time, I saw something new. Her eyes could speak, her vulnerability was real, and her explosive power was like a volcano buried underground."

He put his glasses back on: "If you want a Hollywood-produced star, then I'm not making this. Find someone else to direct."

This sentence was like the last straw.

Berlinken abruptly raised his head: "Luc, you—"

"I'm serious," Besson shrugged. "Without Crystal, there would be no me. You can find someone else."

.

Double kill.

Jiang Yu's financial bet, combined with Besson's persistence, formed a perfect pincer movement.

Cold sweat beaded on Berlinken's forehead; he knew he had lost.

"—Alright," he finally said, his voice weary. "The female lead will be up to you. As for the other roles, Fox needs to have a say."

"Of course," Jiang Yu replied immediately, as if the tense standoff had never happened. "For a villainous scientist, I recommend Morgan Freeman. His voice and demeanor can convey the dignity of a scientist."

Blakein paused for a moment, then nodded; he couldn't refute the suggestion.

Morgan Freeman was indeed the perfect choice.

"The role of the French policeman," Luc Besson said, "I wanted Gaspard Ulliel. He has a decadent elegance that suits him perfectly."

"Agreed," Jiang Yu and Blakelin said almost simultaneously.

"We'll create an influential figure in Asia, a behind-the-scenes Asian boss," Jiang Yu said, looking at Blakelin.

This time, Blakein didn't object; he simply waved his hand wearily and said, "You make the arrangements."

The subsequent meetings went exceptionally smoothly.

Budget confirmation, filming location arrangement, publicity plan — each item was approved quickly.

At 11:45, all documents were signed.

"It's a pleasure to work with you." Jiang Yu stood up and shook hands with Blakelin.

Blaken's palms were sweaty. He smiled wryly and said, "Jiang, you're the toughest negotiating opponent I've ever met. But I have to admit, you might be right."

"We will prove you right," Jiang Yu said.

After the Fox team left, only Jiang Yu, David, and Luc Besson remained in the conference room.

The French director walked over and patted Jiang Yu on the shoulder: "That was great today. But next time, tell me in advance if you're going to go this far, my heart isn't so strong."

"I'm sorry, Luke," Jiang Yu said sincerely, "Sometimes, you have to address all the questions at once."

“I understand,” Besson smiled. “But that girl deserves it. There’s an improvisational scene in Black Swan that wasn’t in the script; she added it herself. Darren cried after the performance. He really cried.”

Jiang Yu's heart skipped a beat: "What did she add?"

"A single line in Chinese," Besson recalled. "She said something in Chinese—I forget what it meant, but it was a mix of fear and excitement—it was amazing."

David asked curiously, "Boss, what's that Chinese phrase?"

Jiang Yu shook his head: "I don't know either."

The waiter brought over coffee, and the French director added two sugar cubes to his cup and stirred it slowly.

"That was a brilliant move," Besson said. "Belllink couldn't refuse the offer of Asian distribution rights and a bet in exchange for the right to decide on the female lead, because Fox really needs the Asian market."

"It's just a win-win situation." Jiang Yu picked up his black coffee, without sugar. "Fox got the insurance, and I got the actors I wanted."

Besson glanced at him, his gaze deep: "Just because of the actors you want, or because of the people you want?"

This question is very straightforward.

Jiang Yu paused for a few seconds before choosing to be honest: "Both. But I can assure you, my professional judgment is accurate. She is indeed the most suitable."

"I believe that," Besson smiled. "This girl has a special quality, a blend of innocence and danger, vulnerability and resilience. This contradiction is exactly what 'Lucy' needs."

He took a sip of coffee and continued, "But Jiang, as a friend, I have to remind you. If you two really do get together, you need to handle your relationship well during filming. Filming a movie is very stressful, and relationship issues will amplify all your emotions. I've been there; I made this mistake when I was younger."

"I understand." Jiang Yu nodded. "We'll be careful. She's a professional actress, and I'm a professional producer."

"That's good." Besson paused. "However, sometimes love can inspire the best performances. When I work with my wife, she always brings out things I never thought of."

Jiang Yu laughed: "Director, are you encouraging me or warning me?"

"None of that," Besson laughed. "I'm just stating a fact. Film is art, and art needs emotion. Emotion needs to be controlled; it can't get out of control. You have to find that balance yourself."

The two chatted for a while longer about the film's details. Besson glanced at his watch and said, "I have to go. I need to meet with your special effects team this afternoon. Oh, and tell Liu that training starts in March and it will be very intense. Tell her to prepare."

"I will."

After seeing Besson off, Jiang Yu returned to his office.

David was already waiting for him, a mischievous smile on his face.

"Boss, all done?"

"Um."

"Is Miss Liu aware of this?"

"Not yet." Jiang Yu glanced at his watch. "We'll talk about it at dinner tonight."

David leaned closer and lowered his voice: "Seriously, boss, you've been planning this project since last year, haven't you? Sending her to film 'Black Swan,' boosting her fame in Hollywood—every step was part of the plan."

We're just waiting for the "Lucy" project to mature so we can promote her.

Jiang Yu raised an eyebrow, but did not deny it.

"I knew it!" David slapped his thigh. "Last year you asked me to check on Luc Besson's whereabouts, and I was wondering why you were so interested in a French director. Turns out, this was what you were waiting for!"

"A plan is a plan; execution depends on her." Jiang Yu turned on his computer and started processing emails. "If she doesn't live up to expectations, no amount of pushing will help."

"That's what they say—" David pulled up a chair and sat down. "Boss, you're too cunning. You've even kept it from me."

"It's not that I'm hiding it from you," Jiang Yu said without looking up. "It's just that there's no need to say it. It only has meaning if it succeeds; otherwise, it's just empty talk."

David looked at him and suddenly sighed, "If Miss Liu knew that you were paving the way for her like this, she would probably be moved to tears."

"

Jiang Yu paused in his actions: "Don't tell her. She needs to believe that she earned this through her own abilities, not through me."

"Understood." David nodded. "Then tonight's celebratory dinner—"

"You arrange it. We need a quiet place, somewhere where we can't be photographed by reporters."

"Don't worry, I've got it covered."

At 1 p.m., Jiang Yu returned to his villa in Beverly Hills.

He didn't call Liu Yifei immediately, but went to the gym first.

Forty minutes of high-intensity training left my sweatshirt soaked through.

He ran wildly on the treadmill and lifted weights repeatedly in the strength zone, using physical exhaustion to release the mental pressure brought on by the negotiations.

Exhausted, he collapsed onto the yoga mat, staring at the ceiling and gasping for breath.

My phone vibrated next to me.

It was a text message from David: "Boss, Miss Liu just asked me how the meeting went, but I didn't tell her. I told her to wait for your call."

Jiang Yu replied "I know," and then took a cold shower.

At 2:10, he sat on the living room sofa in his bathrobe and dialed the number.

The phone was answered after only one ring.

"Feed?" Liu Yifei's voice was tense, and you could tell she was trying hard to stay calm.

"At home?" Jiang Yu asked.

"Yeah, I'm packing." She paused. "How was the meeting—?"

Jiang Yu could picture her sitting next to her suitcase, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, her eyes glued to her phone screen, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it was going to jump out of her chest.

"Come to my house," he said. "I'll tell you in person."

There was a three-second silence on the other end of the phone, then: "Okay. I'll be there in twenty minutes."

Jiang Yu changed into a comfortable gray cashmere sweater and casual pants, placed the "Minions" cookies baked by Liu Yifei on the coffee table, and brewed a pot of her favorite jasmine tea.

The sunlight streamed in through the window, casting warm dappled patterns on the solid wood floor.

Twenty minutes later, the doorbell rang precisely on time.

Liu Yifei stood at the door, wearing a simple V-neck sweater and jeans, without makeup, her hair loosely tied up.

"Sit down." Jiang Yu led her to the living room and handed her a teacup. "Have some tea first, don't be nervous."

"How could I not be nervous—" Liu Yifei held the teacup, her fingers trembling slightly. "This could be an opportunity to change my career—or it could be—"

She didn't finish speaking, but Jiang Yu understood.

It could also be a huge disappointment, the sound of dreams shattering.

He took her hand in his; it was cold and trembling slightly.

"The meeting went very smoothly." Jiang Yu looked into her eyes and said, word by word, "The three parties reached an agreement. You are Lucy, the female lead in 'Lucy'."

Time seemed to stand still.

Liu Yifei's eyes slowly widened, her lips slightly parted, as if she hadn't heard clearly, or couldn't believe what she had heard.

"Wh-what?" Her voice was as soft as a whisper.

"You're the female lead." Jiang Yu repeated, this time more clearly, "Luc Besson personally selected you, and Fox agreed as well. The official announcement will be made on March 1st. There will be two months of intensive training before filming begins, and the filming period will last four months."

Liu Yifei stared at him blankly, like an exquisite sculpture.

Then, without warning, tears welled up in her eyes.

"Really? Really?" Her voice was hoarse and uncertain.

"Really." Jiang Yu gently touched her face. "This is a good thing."

Liu Yifei gradually calmed down. She lifted her head from Jiang Yu's arms, her eyes and nose red.

"It feels like a dream—" Liu Yifei exhaled with a smile, then suddenly laughed, tears streaming down her face. "Jiang Yu, thank you. I know your perseverance played a part in this—"

"It's mainly about your own abilities," Jiang Yu said earnestly. "Luc Besson said he watched your audition video seven times."

"But—" Liu Yifei bit her lip, "our affairs will affect—"

"No." Jiang Yu knew what she was worried about. "The entire meeting was about professional matters. Luc Besson knows our relationship, and he said it's fine as long as it doesn't affect our work."

At 7 p.m., the most private room at the "LeJardin" restaurant on Sunset Boulevard.

David and Liu Yifei's assistant, Xiao Yang, have arrived.

The restaurant is in a French country style, with vintage oil paintings on the walls and fresh white roses on the tables.

The candlelight flickered, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

When Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei walked in hand in hand, David immediately whistled.

"Boss! Boss lady! Congratulations!" He bowed exaggeratedly. "A new generation of Hollywood action star is about to be born! And, finally someone's keeping an eye on the boss, so maybe I can work less overtime?"

Liu Yifei blushed at his words: "Don't call me that—"

"It was bound to happen sooner or later." David grinned and pulled out a chair. "Sit down, sit down, we have to celebrate properly today."

I ordered the most expensive set meal at the restaurant, and the owner is treating, no objections, right?

"Please." Jiang Yu smiled and sat down.

The head chef personally came out to introduce the menu.

The appetizer was foie gras with figs, the main course was pan-fried cod and Wellington steak, and the dessert was molten chocolate cake, Liu Yifei's favorite.

After ordering, David opened a bottle of Dom Pérignon champagne.

The golden liquid was poured into a crystal glass, and delicate bubbles rose up.

"Come on, first toast," David raised his glass, "Congratulations Ms. Liu on winning 'Lucy'! You deserve it!"

The four people clinked glasses.

Liu Yifei took a small sip, and her face immediately turned red. She has a high alcohol tolerance but blushes easily.

"Second glass," David poured another drink, "Congratulations, boss, on a resounding victory in the negotiations! I heard you left Blakelin speechless today, even bringing up the betting agreement? That's ruthless!"

Xiao Yang asked curiously, "What kind of performance-based agreement?"

David recounted the meeting in vivid detail, especially the part where Jiang Yu produced the agreement, describing it like an action movie.

"So, President Jiang really risked the company?" Xiao Yang was dumbfounded.

"I took the gamble, and I won," Jiang Yu said calmly. "But this wasn't gambling; it was calculation. I knew Yi Fei could do it, I knew the movie would be a success, that's why I dared to take the gamble."

Liu Yifei secretly took Jiang Yu's hand under the table, her fingers gripping it slightly.

Jiang Yu grasped her hand in return, gently rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb.

David noticed this subtle movement and grinned mischievously, "Ahem, you two, mind your manners, there are other people here."

Liu Yifei quickly tried to pull her hand away, but Jiang Yu gripped it tighter and calmly said, "Eat your food."

When the appetizers were served, the conversation turned to plans to return to China.

"My flight is the day after tomorrow afternoon, I'm flying to Beijing first," Jiang Yu said. "I have a few projects to discuss with the company."

Then I returned to Wuhan, around the 25th of the twelfth lunar month.

"My flight is the day after tomorrow, also to Beijing," Liu Yifei said. "I have a few interviews to do, and then I'll go back to Wuhan on the 26th of the twelfth lunar month."

"Then we'll meet in Wuhan." Jiang Yu looked at her. "I'll come see you—and Aunt Liu."

"Okay." Liu Yifei nodded, her eyes smiling.

David interjected, "Aunt Liu? Boss, the one who watched the Olympics with Liu last time?"

"Mm." Jiang Yu smiled.

"Oh, I get it!" David said, his expression clearly seeing right through Jiang Yu.

Everyone laughed.

When the main course was served, Liu Yifei asked about the training.

Jiang Yu explained the plan in detail: the first month would focus on scientific knowledge and physical combat.

"It will be tough," Jiang Yu said. "Six hours of training every day, and maybe extra training on weekends. I've found you the best team: professors from Peking University, the motion coaching team is from Ba Ye's team, and the scientific advisor is a neurology expert from the Chinese Academy of Sciences."

"I'm not afraid of hardship," Liu Yifei said firmly, then suddenly thought of something, "But—where is the training?"

"The United States or China?"

"In Beijing, the Light Chaser Animation Studio has a training center. You have to come to Los Angeles in the second month to work with the director and other actors." Jiang Yu looked at her. "So after you go back to China, you only have three months of relatively free time."

Liu Yifei nodded: "I understand. I will arrange my work in China."

Dinner continued in a relaxed atmosphere.

David told many interesting stories about Hollywood, and Xiao Yang exclaimed in amazement from time to time.

Liu Yifei and Jiang Yu occasionally exchanged glances, their eyes filled with smiles that only they understood.

When the molten chocolate cake was served at dessert time, Liu Yifei's eyes lit up.

"I love this the most!" She carefully cut it open with a spoon, watching the hot chocolate sauce flow out. "One of the biggest gains during my time in America was discovering this."

"Isn't the biggest beneficiary me?" Jiang Yu asked deliberately.

Liu Yifei blushed, scooped a spoonful of cake, and held it to his lips: "Try a bite."

The gesture was natural, yet intimate.

Jiang Yu ate from her hand and nodded, "Not bad. But not as good as yours."

"It's so salty!"

"I like."

In the candlelight, their eyes met.

David coughed beside him: "Um—should we move out of here?"

Liu Yifei quickly withdrew her hand, lowered her head to eat the cake, and her ear tips turned red.

After dinner, David took Xiao Yang back to her hotel, and Jiang Yu took Liu Yifei back.

On the bus, Liu Yifei leaned back in her seat, looking at the night view outside the window.

The lights of Los Angeles shone like stars, but she knew that she would soon have to leave the city and return to her hometown.

"Are you nervous?" Jiang Yu asked.

"A little," she said honestly. "After we go back home, we'll have to face reality. Media, work, family—and training, so many things."

"Take it one step at a time." Jiang Yu held her hand. "I'll be with you."

"Mmm." Liu Yifei leaned on his shoulder. "Jiang Yu, I'm so happy today, and it feels so unreal. It's like I'm walking on clouds, and I'm afraid I'll fall."

"You won't fall," Jiang Yu said. "I'll catch you."

The car arrived at the hotel.

Before Liu Yifei got out of the car, Jiang Yu called out to her, "See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow." Liu Yifei looked at him, then suddenly leaned in and gently kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you for everything you've done for me."

"Of course," Jiang Yu smiled. "Goodnight, girlfriend."

Goodnight, boyfriend.

She got out of the car, walked into the hotel lobby, and waved back at the elevator.

Jiang Yu watched her disappear into the elevator before starting the car.

My phone vibrated; it was a text message from Liu Yifei: "Let me know when you get home. Also, don't eat the cookies if they're too salty; I'll improve next time."

Jiang Yu smiled and replied, "The cookies were delicious, I ate them all. You should go to sleep early."