novellhall Chapter 67 was rejected.
Chapter 67 was rejected.
$94 in 60!
If it's 2026, you can multiply this number three to five times.
Xu Shengjie, however, remained unmoved by the $60 offer, casually stating, "I hope to direct it myself."
First of all, he is not a poor guy.
Or perhaps, he has an extraordinary confidence in his work and abilities.
Epstein had seen too many writers who would sign contracts for money at any cost.
Take Danielle Steele, the "American Qiong Yao" who was just starting out in her career and is now a successful writer, for example. When her first book was published, she was so eager that she didn't even want an advance payment; she just wanted it published.
Guys like Xu Shengjie who don't care about $60.
There's only one possibility: he's extremely confident!
Previously, he had offered a 20,000 yuan advance payment for "Buffett," which now seems like a low offer.
"Buffett" + "Canal Street" are worth 100,000 in advance.
Jason was confident that when Xu Shengjie’s first film was released, and “Buffy” and “Canal Street” were published at the same time, the result of 1+1+1 would definitely be greater than 3. It could be four, or five, or even six… No matter how much, and regardless of the box office and word-of-mouth of Xu Shengjie’s debut film, the publishing house would definitely not lose money.
Moreover, ABC is also following up on Buffett's story.
Whether Xu Shengjie earns more or less is irrelevant to him; Random House will definitely not lose money.
In a flash, Jason made a decision: he would find a way to tie Xu Shengjie and Langdon together.
Of course, he wouldn't say it to their faces.
He still needs to confirm the $60 figure.
He wasn't very familiar with Paul Verhoeven, but Spike Lee, also from New York, had deep connections with the cultural and publishing world.
If all else fails, how about we get Woody Allen to step in and find out?
……
After leaving the Random House building, Robert took Xu Shengjie to a historic steakhouse on Broadway.
Keens Steakhouse.
Founded in 1885, it is a century-old establishment.
The decor is retro, and the steak portions are generous; it's a typical American style.
Robert recommended the steakhouse's signature dish, dry-aged ribeye steak, to Xu Shengjie.
"You amazed Jason today."
"What do you mean?"
"That old guy will definitely raise the bar... and next year's publications and resources will be beyond what's expected."
"How much more can it exceed?"
Robert thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "Twice as much as Nathan's, or even more."
"Hoho, how many units can that sell?"
"Kid, you'll become a bestselling author overnight, making at least 100,000 copies."
Upon hearing this, Xu Shengjie smiled.
A minimum of 100,000 is just the beginning; he hopes to gain more.
"What kind of movie are you going to make? 'Telephone Booth'?"
"No, it's a simple story, but it'll be cool and awesome!"
Xu Shengjie cut a piece of steak. The dry-aging process made the steak crispy and juicy, with an excellent taste.
However, it might be even better if some cumin and chili powder were added!
"I should finish the phone booth next week."
I'll be writing a really cool novel later, and I'd appreciate your feedback then.
Robert looked surprised.
You have so much energy, and so many inspirations...
But thinking about it, 19 years old is definitely an age full of energy, with endless inspiration and boundless imagination.
It's impossible for someone to be over fifty years old, whose inspiration has long since dried up, and who can only miserably create entertainment novels.
"Then, I'm really looking forward to it."
The two didn't talk much, and after finishing their meal, they went their separate ways.
"Jeffrey, let's buy a car."
"what?"
"I know you young people like trends and you like cool things."
Motorcycles are indeed cool, but they're incredibly unsafe. I don't want my one and only proxies to one day be involved in a motorcycle accident. Your talent is undeniable, so you need to be even more careful about your safety.
Moreover, cars are more stable.
Also, buy a few good-looking suits. In the future, you'll be standing in the spotlight, and if your image is excellent, well-fitting clothes will only enhance it… Believe me, in this world, appearances matter before character.
"But I don't like the suits available in stores."
"Then let's order one!"
As Robert spoke, he took out a business card and handed it to Xu Shengjie.
"This is a very famous bespoke suit tailor in New York. You can tell them your requirements."
Xu Shengjie accepted the business card and nodded his thanks.
Robert then drove away, while Xu Shengjie got on his motorcycle and went home.
Hmm, buying a car is definitely something we should put on the agenda!
Motorcycles are love, cars are life.
Besides, with his current net worth, he doesn't seem to need a luxury car; something that can get him around is enough...
Back home, Xu Shengjie called his fifth senior brother, Li Lichuan.
"Senior, I'd like to buy a car?"
Fifth Senior Brother owns a car repair shop.
They also run a used car business, located in Brooklyn.
It is said that the fifth brother's business is very good, and he is also very famous in the car modification industry.
Xu Shengjie didn't know much about cars, so he simply asked his senior for help, which was good, cheap, and convenient.
What brand of car do you want?
"I don't care, as long as it can be driven."
However, I can't afford anything too expensive right now; I mainly use it for transportation. As you know, I prefer motorcycles. But for business negotiations or other events, it's a bit too casual.
Safe, stable, high-performing, and somewhat classy...
Li Lichuan couldn't help but laugh and scold, "Does that mean you have to get a discount?"
"yes!"
"You're fucking demanding. What's your budget?"
"Three to five thousand!"
"Go to hell! You want it to be safe, stable, high-performing, and classy all at once..."
Well, a new car is definitely out of the question, but for a used car, I happen to have a Chrysler Regal that was released last year.
The top-of-the-line LX Convertible is a traditional American model with leather seats, a robust wood trim, automatic climate control, and an Infinty sound system. I made some tweaks and modifications for better performance and driving comfort.
Driving this will definitely not make you look bad; in fact, it will attract the attention of many hot girls.
"Um?"
Xu Shengjie immediately became interested.
"How much?"
"Damn it, it's yours!"
"That's great, it can't be...?"
"What nonsense are you thinking? At the end of last year, some Korean idiot left his car with me, and then he died in a car accident in March. The car became ownerless, and I found someone to transfer it back to me. It didn't cost me much..."
I wasn't in New York for your birthday this year, so I didn't send you a gift.
Consider this my belated birthday present to you... If you like it, I'll have someone deliver the car to you.
"If I like it, why wouldn't I? It's a free gift, why not take it?"
"Jeff, your senior brother said you've changed for the better, but I feel like you've become shameless?"
"Okay, I got it. I'll fix it for you a bit more. If you're not in a rush, I'll send it over this weekend. Is that alright?"
"Thank you, Fifth Senior Brother!"
Li Lichuan laughed and cursed a couple of times on the phone before hanging up.
Xu Shengjie, on the other hand, was smug and overjoyed!
He put down the phone and prepared to take a short nap, but before he could fall asleep, the phone rang urgently.
1:30 PM!
Don't Americans take a lunch break?
Well, it seems they don't have the habit of taking a nap.
He yawned, walked over, and picked up the receiver.
"Jeffrey, I'm so sorry."
Susanna's voice came through the phone.
Xu Shengjie was taken aback and asked, "Aunt Susanna, what's wrong? What happened?"
"That bitch disagrees."
"Huh? What bitch? Which bitch?"
"John Crosby, the agent you chose before."
I asked someone to contact him, but that bitch immediately rejected me when she heard I was of Chinese descent.
He said: "There's no room for Chinese people in Hollywood, and I wouldn't want to be an agent for a Chinese person; it would be a huge loss of face."
Xu Shengjie didn't react for a moment.
But after listening to Susanna's explanation, he understood.
Sergio's agent?
"So, is he a racist? Or a perpetrator of racism?"
"I guess you could call it racial discrimination... To be honest, if you hadn't chosen him, I wouldn't have contacted him at all. He's just a piece of trash, and he thinks he's so great. Jeffrey, I've connected you with someone else, J.J. Harris."
A very good planner and a very nice person.
She's in New York. I told her about you, and she seemed to know you too, and was very willing to talk to you.
If you agree, I can help you schedule a time to meet her before making a decision.
……