America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 96. It's just me taking my clothes off!

In an apartment in a wealthy neighborhood in Yanjing.

Liu Yifei, who will turn 16 in two months, nestled on the sofa, holding a large cup filled with a pyramid salad made of bananas, apples, papayas, and other fruits.

The television screen was showing her first work, "The Story of a Noble Family," or more accurately, her first film and television production.

After all, she had filmed GG before, which was for her godfather Chen Jinfei's Jinfei Apartment, as a spokesperson.

Looking at Bai Xiuzhu in the picture, Liu Yifei couldn't help but smile, as if she was thinking about the filming period. However, she suddenly became expressionless after a while, just like Bai Xiuzhu in the picture.

"Mom, come here for a second."

Hearing her daughter's voice, Liu Xiaoli came out of the kitchen: "What's wrong?"

"Mom, you were an actress, and I want to ask you, is acting skill really that important for an actor?"

Liu Xiaoli froze on the spot: "Huh? Why are you asking this?"

"I really want to know, you see Bai Xiuzhu, many people online say she is very beautiful, but many others say she doesn't move, has no expression, and has no acting skills at all."

"When we were filming Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, Director Zhang first told me to learn from the Hong Kong actress Carman Lee, but later when filming started, he told me not to make any expressions. Did he mean that my acting skills were too bad?"

Liu Xiaoli didn't know how to answer her daughter's question.

Seeing that her mother didn't speak, Liu Yifei, being intelligent, naturally understood what she meant.

She said with some distress, "Mom, do you think I should study at the Beijing Film Academy for two years to improve my acting skills?"

"You and Godfather always told me not to have too much contact with my classmates. Now I don't have many friends at school. After class, everyone else gathers in groups to discuss and exchange ideas, while I can only go back to my dorm or go home."

"I feel I should integrate into this big group. I don't want to be an outsider. It feels similar to going to school in the United States, where the white and black kids don't like to play with me."

Liu Xiaoli looked at her daughter strangely: "Feifei, what's wrong with you today? Why are you acting so strangely? Don't think about these things. You already have a certain level of fame. You'll definitely become a big star when Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils is released."

"You're different from your classmates in school now. Who are they? They've only acted in a few movies, and even if they have, have any of them become famous?"

"Once this special period is over, I'll have your godfather find some high-quality resources, film one or two TV series, and then we'll move into the big screen."

"And in the music industry, your godfather can contact Sony in Japan, and Sony will release records for you. Then we can go to Hollywood to develop our careers. Columbia Pictures is controlled by Sony."

"Feifei, you will become a Hollywood superstar and a world-renowned celebrity in the future. Your classmates are only good at hanging out in the Chinese entertainment circle. What's the point of communicating with them? Just listen to me and don't worry about them. Just follow my arrangements."

Liu Yifei said "Oh," and when Hollywood was mentioned, she thought of the foreigner she met at the Forbidden City that day. He was very handsome, but what he said was awful.

"Alright, alright, stop watching 'The Story of a Noble Family,' it'll only make you think nonsense. Mom will change the channel for you."

As Liu Xiaoli spoke, she pressed a button on the remote control, and the TV screen switched to Beijing TV. It was noon, and the midday news was playing.

This station reports: "At 9:00 AM, MGM Studios officially settled in Yanjing and will jointly establish Oriental MGM with China Film Group, embarking on a cultural journey."

"MGM Studios, as a long-established American film production company, has produced classic films such as 'Gone with the Wind,' 'Tom and Jerry,' 'The Silence of the Lambs,' and '007,' and is a very powerful film company in Hollywood."

"The project is 51% owned by the Chinese side and 49% owned by the American side. The first round of investment will reach US$5000 million, and the cooperation areas include film technology research and development, film and television production, copyright distribution, and derivative products."

"MGM Studios will also build a brand factory in Yanjing. The first phase of the factory will involve an investment of US$4000 million and is expected to create 2000 jobs."

"At the same time, MGM will also donate $200 million to China's fight against SARS, an act that demonstrates the social responsibility of a large corporation."

"Li XX from Yanjing SJ, Qin XX from Yanjing SZ, Eric Cooper, Vice President of MGM Studios, and Susan Levin, Head of MGM China, jointly pressed the project launch button!"

In the past, Liu Xiaoli would not have cared about this kind of news; she didn't even read the news at all, as it was too far removed from her life.

But things are different now. Hearing the name MGM, the mother and daughter, who had lived in America for nearly ten years, knew that it represented one of the Big Seven Hollywood studios, so they both stared at the television screen.

Then the screen switched to Eric's interview, and Liu Yifei immediately pointed at the TV and shouted, "Mom, Mom, look, it's that person! It's the person we met at the Forbidden City!"

Liu Xiaoli also stared intently, and the mother and daughter had almost pressed themselves against the TV before they realized they weren't seeing things.

"How could this be? This despicable guy is actually the vice president of MGM! What a coincidence!"

After the initial surprise, Liu Yifei suddenly covered her mouth and widened her eyes: "Wait, Mom, do you remember what happened that day? Eric Cooper said I couldn't go to Hollywood, was he telling the truth?"

Liu Xiaoli also looked embarrassed. After Eric left that day, she had said countless nasty things behind his back, but she never expected to be proven wrong.

"Don't worry about that. Maybe he was just saying it casually. You know, some Americans have a sense of superiority, as if they are better than others. Chinese, blacks, Native Americans, and Mexicans are all second-class citizens in their eyes."

Liu Yifei gave a forced expression: "Really? But he helped us take pictures that day, and he seemed quite friendly. He also suggested that if you want to go to Hollywood, you need to practice kung fu and acting skills. Maybe what he said makes sense."

At this moment, Liu Xiaoli was no longer listening to what her daughter was saying. Her gaze was fixed on the television, and looking at Eric's young and handsome face, some thoughts involuntarily surfaced in her mind.

Picking up her phone, Liu Xiaoli dialed a number. Over the past two years, she had attended many dinners and parties with Chen Jinfei, and naturally, she had accumulated some personal connections through these experiences.

At the same time, the past two years have also made Liu Xiaoli realize one thing: the entertainment industry and ZT are the places where you can't be shameless.

Why is it that some people can get things done even though they've only had one meal with those in positions of power, and they might not even be the main person at the meal, and the leader might not even remember their name?

The reason is that people dare to approach others. Even if they have only met once, these people dare to visit like old friends, and then throw out a lot of money, and the matter is often settled.

The key lies in whether you dare to take that first step and whether you're willing to go all out.

Clearly, Liu Xiaoli is a woman who is willing to go all out, and she is also a beautiful woman.

(PS: The author has indeed encountered such people in their own life.)

Fengzeyuan, second-floor private room.

Han Sanping and Zhou Xiaopeng smoked with satisfied expressions. Both of them had drunk more than 1.5 jin (750ml) of liquor, and the smell of alcohol had turned their ears red.

With the project launch ceremony held this morning and MGM's initial funding secured, the situation is set and the future looks promising. This adds another significant achievement to the company's record.

Eric had already had a farewell lunch with Lee SJ and the others at noon, and was preparing to fly back to America in the afternoon.

However, Han Sanping and Zhou Xiaopeng insisted that he stay longer, saying they wanted to add another show that night. Eric couldn't refuse their hospitality, so he decided to stay an extra day.

The result is what we see now. Even though it wasn't baijiu (Chinese liquor), Eric is already feeling tipsy and a bit dizzy, let alone the two of them.

Especially Lao Han, whose personality is naturally generous and forthright, I'm afraid he won't be able to stop after drinking two jin (1 kg), just look at the empty bottles next to him.

Now, both of them are trembling and can't speak fluently, with their hometown dialect constantly escaping their lips.

Eric stood up and looked at the two people accompanying him: "Alright, that's enough for today. I'll leave Chairman Han and Director Zhou to you. I've had quite a bit to drink, so I should get some rest."

After saying that, he ignored Han Sanping's attempt to reach out and pull him back, walked out of the private room, and took the elevator back to his own room.

After taking a hot shower, I lay in bed. I received daily updates from the US about my rumored relationship with Nicole Kidman, which was now rarely followed by the media.

After all, Nicole Kidman stayed home and didn't go out, while I went even further and simply ran away abroad. Now, new gossip has taken over the spotlight.

For example, Halle Berry publicly admitted to the media that her husband was cheating on her and that the two were about to divorce. This gossip is now on the front page of the entertainment section, pushing Eric and Nicole out of the spotlight.

As the alcohol took effect, Eric drifted off to sleep without realizing it.

In a hazy state, I seemed to hear a knock on the door.

Eric opened his eyes and realized he wasn't dreaming; someone was actually knocking on the door.

I checked the time; it was past midnight, almost 1 a.m.

"What's going on? Who's knocking on the door in the middle of the night? Has that bitch Zhang Ziyi still not given up?"

I put on my slippers and walked to the door. Looking through the peephole, I saw a woman who was wrapped up tightly standing at the door, but I could tell from her figure that it was not Zhang Ziyi.

"Madam, you've knocked on the wrong door. This isn't your room."

"No, I didn't mistype. You are Eric Cooper, the vice president of MGM. You're the one I'm looking for."

The woman at the door took off her mask and glasses, revealing a familiar face that was undoubtedly Liu Xiaoli.

Eric was puzzled as to how this woman knew he lived here and why she had come to his door.

"Oh, it's you. Ma'am, all I did was say that your daughter isn't suited for Hollywood. You don't need to come after me in the middle of the night for revenge."

"What do you want? To curse at me? Or to beat me up? I'm warning you, this is a high-end place, there are security cameras."

Outside the door, Liu Xiaoli was speechless for a moment, thinking to herself, "What are you talking about? How could a weak woman like me beat you? Or would I come here alone in the middle of the night to take revenge on a strong man like you?"

"Mr. Cooper, how could I possibly want revenge against you? I only recognized you after seeing your news on TV today."

"Thinking back to what you said that day, I specifically inquired about your hotel so I could ask you some questions."

"I think you can give perfect answers to some questions about Hollywood."

Eric then realized it was because of the news. But after only meeting her once, this woman dared to show up alone in the middle of the night. She was ruthless and willing to risk everything. This kind of person was born for the entertainment industry.

He knew exactly what the other party's purpose was: what kind of nonsense was this "asking for advice"? They were just trying to fool a child.

"Madam, you've come at a rather inopportune time. Please leave, or it might cause misunderstandings if someone sees you."

"Besides, I have to catch a flight tomorrow morning and I need to rest now. If you don't leave, I'll have to call the front desk."

"Wait, I have a business deal I'd like to discuss with you, a big one," Liu Xiaoli said hurriedly from outside the door.

Hearing about a big deal, Eric perked up and asked, "What kind of deal? How much is it worth?"

"Sir, shouldn't you let me in first? Who discusses business through a door?"

Click.

Eric unlocked the door and let Liu Xiaoli in.

The other person also took off their coat and hat, revealing that what they were wearing that night was similar to what Zhang Ziyi had worn: a tight-fitting sweater that accentuated their figure.

After tossing her hair, Liu Xiaoli said, "First, let me introduce myself. My name is Liu Xiaoli, and the young woman is my daughter, Liu Yifei. Her English name is Crystal Liu."

"I want to thank you for what happened at the Forbidden City that day. You took photos for my daughter and me, and I haven't even had a chance to say thank you yet."

"You're welcome, it's nothing. I love helping people, especially beautiful women."

Liu Xiaoli immediately covered her mouth and laughed: "Are all American men this witty and humorous? It seems like everyone says these things to make women happy."

Looking at her, a woman past her prime but with a radiant smile, she was completely different from the person she was in at the Forbidden City that day.

"Ms. Liu, please speak quickly, it's getting late. What projects do you have?"

Seeing that Eric was about to kick her out again after only a few words, Liu Xiaoli cursed inwardly, "Damn it, why did this have to happen? Of all days, I'm going back to America!"

Her only purpose in coming here tonight was to seduce Eric and make him lust after her.

Nighttime is when people's desires are strongest. Years of dance experience and her beautiful face made her very confident in her charm.

However, it's only to seduce her; there's no way she'd let her eat.

Once you've hooked the other person and held on for a while, the man, eager and impatient, will naturally offer you benefits.

This method has always worked on men; she's very experienced. As for business, what business could she possibly have? Chen Jinfei's business isn't Liu Xiaoli's.

But once Eric leaves tomorrow, there's no point in trying anymore, especially across the Pacific. Today might be the last chance; by tomorrow morning, it'll be too late.

Gritting her teeth, Liu Xiaoli said, "Mr. Cooper, if Feifei wants to develop her career in Hollywood, could you help her?"

"I told you, if she improves her kung fu and acting skills, she can go," Eric said calmly.

"No, I mean, could we give her some special treatment?"

"What do you mean? You don't mean you want her to be the lead actress right away, do you? Or to create a film specifically for her?"

"Is that okay?" Liu Xiaoli's eyes lit up.

"Of course not! Hollywood isn't a charity. Based on her performance in 'The Story of a Noble Family,' her acting skills are worse than many extras. She doesn't deserve it!"

"You!" Liu Xiaoli exclaimed angrily.

"Ms. Liu, don't you think it's a bit abrupt to ask this kind of question on our second meeting? And let me tell you, American men aren't funny at all; they're even more pragmatic than Chinese men!"

"Alternatively, if you don't want your daughter to be an action star, there's another way she can get accepted by Hollywood: a porn star. Would you be willing to let her take her clothes off?"

In an instant, Liu Xiaoli felt as if she had been struck by lightning.

"Don't look at me like that, Ms. Liu. That's just how realistic this place is. If this is the business you want to talk about, then I don't see any benefit in it. I really need to rest now."

Eric asked her to leave, but Liu Xiaoli didn't seem to want to go.

She stared intently at Eric, then suddenly said, "Taking it off is fine too."

"What!" This time it was Eric's turn to be surprised.

"It's just that I took my clothes off!"

It's been reviewed again.

(End of this chapter)