1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

Chapter 112 Recognition

Chapter 114 Recognition (2/5)

That's sometimes how things are on a film set.

After being verbally abused by Xu Shengjie, everyone seemed to return to normal.

The filming of the next few scenes went very smoothly.

No one made any more mistakes, and Theron returned to her role as Lola, delivering a flawless performance.

It's often said that many directors, who appear gentle and refined in private, transform into tyrants on set.

Of course, this is also thanks to the fact that Xu Shengjie had completely won over the crew members during the previous filming process.

Otherwise, they'll just start cursing and swearing, and they'll probably get themselves sacked sooner or later.

The casino game ended smoothly in the morning.

We'll move to another location in the afternoon.

Xu Shengjie invited everyone to dinner at MeeSumCafe on Pui Street.

This isn't a coffee shop; it's a family-run Cantonese restaurant founded in 1967.

The restaurant's decor is filled with a nostalgic atmosphere. It specializes in Cantonese home-style dishes and dim sum, with Taishan rice dumplings, salted chicken rice, and various types of rice noodle rolls and congee being the most popular. The dishes are not complicated, but they are delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine.

Xu Shengjie asked the hotel to prepare some Cantonese rice wine, which was also suitable for chatting.

Woody Allen and his group inquired about the plot of "Run Lola Run" and praised Xu Shengjie's script design.

"Jeffrey, when will it be finished?"

"I estimate the finished film will be available in January next year."

"How do you plan to release it?"

Xu Shengjie jokingly pointed to Danny Airo and said, "Danny went to Paris last month to visit Mr. Jacob, preparing to attend the Cannes Film Festival first."

"Jacob, the artistic director of the Cannes Film Festival? Mr. Jacob?"

Dani Airo said, "It's him!"

Actually, I prefer the Berlin Film Festival. Next year's theme is focusing on the underprivileged. The style of *Lola* is more suited to the Berlin Film Festival, but—the application deadline for Berlin is fast approaching, and we won't be able to attend.

Jacob meant that *Lola* was unlikely to win the grand prize, but it could win an attention award.

"What's the use?"

Woody Allen scoffed, "Since it's a film festival, it should focus on films. Cannes has too much political influence; it's not pure enough. We'd be better off voting for Venice; at least Venice doesn't have so many restrictions."

"It's too late!"

Dani Ayrault said with a wry smile, "Venice won't be until the end of August next year."

"What's wrong with being a little late? As long as we can win the award, it's all worth it."

"You can't say that," John Searles said. "If we wait for Venice, then the release of *Lola* will have to be postponed until the end of the year. Who can guarantee what the situation will be like at the end of next year? I think Cannes is fine, at least we can use the Cannes platform to promote it—by the way, who are you planning to get to distribute it?"

Xu Shengjie said, "Director Verhoeven said he would help contact Universal."

"Here's what we'll do: once the finished film is out, I'll contact Warner Bros. for you and see if they're interested."

Competition between the two might be better. Besides, Disney's Buena Vista Pictures has excellent distribution capabilities; you seem to have some dealings with them, right? You could try contacting Buena Vista; that way, you could secure more excellent resources.

Dan Petrie offered his suggestions.

Xu Shengjie glanced at Vanessa; she should know that Xu Shengjie currently has some conflicts with Disney.

I'll ask Aunt Susanna about Boway Pictures later.

Although ABC television network and film distribution are two separate entities, they both belong to the Walt Disney Company and are ultimately connected.

However, we need to find out the specific details before making a decision.

"I heard from Robert that you have two more novels in your possession, to be released early next year?"

"Yes."

"What story is it telling?"

Spike asked curiously.

Before Xu Shengjie could speak, Woody Allen interjected, "Won't we find out when it's published? I hate spoilers."

"Haha, that's true."

However, Robert described your two books in such glowing terms that I was just a little curious.

Spike didn't insist and then changed the subject.

The meal ended very quickly.

The main reason everyone came here was to get to know Xu Shengjie and confirm that "Lola" was indeed written by him.

Therefore, we didn't talk about it in detail.

After lunch, everyone dispersed.

Vanessa left Christina and Britney on set; she had other things to do.

However, before leaving, she handed over the letter of authorization from Manken and Christina's mother to Xu Shengjie.

"Alan originally said he would come in person, but he had something come up last night and went back to Disney early."

He asked me to tell you that you don't need to continue contacting Baker. Mr. Montan already knows about this and will handle it personally.

He went back specifically for this matter.

"So, what exactly happened? Logically speaking, Baker had no reason to do something like this."

Vanessa whispered in Xu Shengjie's ear, "It's Baker's uncle, a minor shareholder in Disney films. He's on good terms with Richard Gere and the others, so he wanted to make things difficult for you this way—but I didn't expect you to dare refuse."

You know, in their eyes, Chinese people are all timid and afraid to resist.

What utter nonsense!

Xu Shengjie felt that he had been a little too lenient before.

"By the way, give me Master Mai's contact information."

Vanessa made the decision after consulting Theron and gaining some understanding of Master McMaster's abilities.

Xu Shengjie certainly hopes that more Chinese elements can enter the entertainment industry, after all, this is also an opportunity for improvement and export.

After Vanessa got into the car, Arnold came over.

"Thank you, Jeffrey!"

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Vanessa was very hesitant before, but I feel she has changed a bit now."

Director Chuck Russell really values ​​this film and couldn't persuade her to participate, so I had to swallow my pride and come over.

"Ha, it has nothing to do with me, it was all her own decision."

"No matter what, I owe you a favor."

After exchanging contact information with Xu Shengjie, Arno also left by car.

"Jeffrey?"

"Um?"

Woody Allen leaned closer. "Do you still own the rights to 'Canal Street Metro Station'?"

"certainly."

Are you planning to film it yourself?

"I have this idea, but I'm not quite sure yet."

Xu Shengjie laughed and said, "After filming 'Lola,' I need to take a break and then summarize my experience."

"Jeffrey, if you don't want to film, you can consider me."

"what?"

"I'm very interested in this story."

You might not know this, but I'm a fan of "The Green Turtle Hero". When Mr. Xing Chu suddenly stopped serializing it, it saddened me for a long time.

By the way, Uncle A-Tu, that is, Mr. Xing Chu, how are you?

Xu Shengjie paused for a moment, then said softly, "He passed away this June."

97

"what!"

Woody Allen immediately looked disappointed.

You could tell that his disappointment came from the bottom of his heart.

Thinking about it, it seems normal. Woody Allen was born in the 1930s, which is exactly the time when Ah Tu Bo was serializing "The Green Turtle".

"I've never paid attention to Chinatown before. I usually come here to eat, and I rarely stop to linger."

"Canal Street" suddenly piqued my interest in this place. You know what? Before this, I always thought Chinatown was all Chinese. This time, I discovered that it's a melting pot of people from all over the world, but it's different from other gathering places—I've been to Black neighborhoods, and they're very xenophobic, always seeming hostile to outsiders.

Chinatown gave me a sense of inclusiveness.

"Woody, you bastard!"

Woody Allen was chatting with Xu Shengjie when Spike suddenly turned back in his car.

"I didn't see your car, so I knew you were trying to be clever."

"Jeffrey, don't listen to his nonsense. If you have any good stories, consider me first; we're partners."

"Shut up!"

Woody Allen retorted, "In your world, there is only your Bro."

Jeffrey's work is very inclusive; he doesn't just see Chinatown, but also other races and other people.

This is also Spike Lee's problem.

His works truly feature only Black people, with Black people at the core.

But there's nothing wrong with that. He used films to reflect the living conditions of Black people, hoping to improve their social status.

It seems that he has changed after 10 years.

But not many!

"You understand?"

Woody Allen laughed and said, "I've read A-Tu's comics."

"You mean Canal Street?"

"Otherwise what?"

"Well, to be honest, I don't think a white person like you can understand Canal Street."

"No, no, no, Nail, that's a matter of your perspective. In your eyes, the Black world is always oppressed and hopeless, but in Canal Street, did you see Joseph's world? In his world, besides caution and hostility, there was hope and dreams—that's the difference between you and Jeffrey, and the difference between you and me."

Spike did not argue further.

His purpose was never Canal Street, but rather Robert and the book he mentioned, "The Telephone Booth."

Woody stopped stabbing Spike and said to Xu Shengjie, "Jeffrey, think about it."

I mean it!

"I will!"

Xu Shengjie neither refused nor agreed.

After seeing everyone off, Xu Shengjie finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Brother-in-law, have you been writing any songs lately?"

"What do you want to do?"

I want to hear you sing.

Christina took his hand and spoke in a pleading tone.

Xu Shengjie ruffled her blonde hair. "Wait until I finish filming the movie—phew, there's still a lot to do today."

"So, where do we go now?"

"Let's go, let's go to the tenement building—"

"Great, I'd love to see how you guys film."

"You've acted before, haven't you?"

"The Mickey Mouse Club is a variety show, but when you got angry this morning, it was really scary."

I saw Sally almost cry —

"This is our job."

"If I act in one of your movies in the future, will you still be that fierce?"

"That's hard to say. If you don't listen, I might get even fiercer!"

"Stupid Jeff!"

"Why are you insulting me?"

"Because you're an idiot!"

Xu Shengjie and Christina walked in front, with Britney behind.

She watched their retreating figures, her large, watery eyes filled with envy!