Chapter 2: A Plan, And Promoting An Idea
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Zhang Haoxuan, male, 32 years old—opposite of his new age—graduated from a film academy, and was a mediocre small-time director on a local platform who was constantly dispirited and lazed around all day. That was his past identity before he time-traveled, which had become unimportant.
‘If it wasn’t because I was crowded out, would I have become a good-for-nothing? I would’ve become a big director who’s powerful enough to pull strings from behind the scenes.’ Zhang Haoxuan cursed to himself. It was undeniable that he took a director course at the film academy with an awful aim in mind, but he was very diligent in his studies. The thing that he was proudest of was that he watched ten movies back-to-back for days!
It was worth noting that he did not just watch the movies for fun because he spent time analyzing the shots and techniques, as well as figuring out the directors’ intentions. Based on his observations, he even listed out the merits and demerits of those movies. In addition, he studied a substantial amount of movie scripts and even found many original scripts of Hollywood blockbusters with help from the Internet. He enjoyed having discussions with his tutors and professors.
Nonetheless, this was also why he was crowded out after he graduated. He was almost jobless, let alone realizing his unpresentable “high aim.” In the end, he became a simple assistant at a local platform. Although he managed to become a director, what could a local platform director do?
Even when he was already so spiritless, his former classmates did not let him go during their film academy gatherings, and always tried to make him drunk by taking turns to have a toast with him.
At last, Zhang Haoxuan died from being too drunk. He vaguely recalled the last thing he heard before he time-traveled to be a panicked person saying, “Sh*t, I think he’s not breathing!”
‘Alright, I’m probably the first person to be born again after dying from being intoxicated.
1
‘Forget it, that’s no longer my concern.’ He waved his hands to get rid of those thoughts. Evidently, an almighty being be it Hong Jun1 or Jehovah2 gave him a second chance in life, thus he was determined to live right.
‘Hollywood!’ Zhang Haoxuan repeated the word in his head. After watching plenty of movies in his previous life, it was natural that he knew what it symbolized. It was the heart of the world’s entertainment industry and was a place where handsome men and beautiful women yearned for.
‘So… Why can’t I plant seeds in Hollywood?!’ Struck with an idea, his breathing suddenly became more rapid. It was clear that Zhang Haoxuan and Adrian were identical in a certain way.
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An exquisite silver-gray Ford sedan stopped by the road. The young man who got off the car inserted a coin into the hour meter, then adjusted his fine handmade suit before walking into a lovely coffee shop.
He quickly found his target through the waiter’s guide, then sat down in front of that person. He spoke in a lazy tone, “Why did you call me, Eddy?”
“It’s very simple, Claw. I want you to rob the Japanese.” Adrian put the newspapers aside, then looked up to smile at him.
“Creative.” The young man could not help but whistle. “Let me know the time and place, the Los Angeles Police Department might award me with a Good Citizenship Medal.”
“The whole of America is robbing the Japanese, I just want my share.” Adrian pushed the newspaper toward Claude calmly to show him the article on Nikkei Stock Index’s analysis in the economy section.
“Since when were you interested in news regarding the economy?” Claude asked as he was slightly surprised.
“I believe that you’ve been doing something similar lately, but Godfather must’ve been holding you back.” Instead of answering his question, Adrian said, “I may not have a lot of funds since I only have around 6 million dollars, but I can put you fully in charge of this. What do you think?”
“What are you talking about, Eddy?” Claude spoke more seriously.
“Do you really want me to repeat it, Claw?” Adrian crossed his leg, then clasped his hands on the table.
Upon seeing the familiar gesture, Claude waved his hand. “Eddy, for a moment I thought another person was sitting in front of me—why are you suddenly talking about this to me?”
“The truth is—” Adrian considered the right words before he said, “I did go through some change because of something.”
He changed his posture, then continued, “Do you remember when I told you a few days ago through the phone that I suffered an electric shock from fixing my bedside lamp?”
“Of course.” Confused, Claude nodded. “Are there residual effects?”
“When I passed out, I had a dream, and I saw a light. It was God’s light. Many things flashed in front of me, but I couldn’t grab them even though I tried. All of a sudden, I realized that I have to do something, so I looked for you after thinking for a few days.” Adrian put on a mysterious look when he finished.
3
“So you came to look for me to manage your investments, and after you earn from them…” Claude responded seriously while doing hand gestures, “You’ll build a few beautiful churches, then donate them to church organizations?”
“If you agree, I’ll notify our lawyer, Wilson right away.” Adrian did not bother about his jokes. “I’ll give you full authority to spend freely, and I only want to see results—the money must be increased by at least five to ten folds!”
“Five to ten folds?” Claude was utterly shocked. “You must know that it’s almost the end…”
“That’s why I came to you.” Adrian cut him off. “Don’t tell me that you’re tamed after being in your dad’s company for two years, Claw.”
“Don’t use that on me, Eddy.” Claude twitched his mouth. “Be honest with me, what exactly do you want?”
“Simple.” Adrian grinned, then replied in a serious tone, “I want to control Hollywood.”
“Control Hollywood?” Claude furrowed his brows, then tapped the table with his fingers before he said, “I would’ve laughed at you if you told me your objective from the beginning, but now…”
He looked at Adrian “sympathetically.””Eddy, I can introduce you to an excellent doctor. He has a high level of knowledge in psychology, perhaps you can talk to him.”
“Enough with your humor, Claw. I’m seriously discussing this with you.” Adrian raised his hand.
“Do you know what you’re talking about?” Claude finally became serious. “Let’s not talk about how absurd your idea is. Even if you really want to work toward that aim, you’ll need a lot of money to start.”
“Am I not asking you to help me make money?”
“Help you make money? Alright, even if I fulfill your request, it’ll only be 60 million dollars. You’ll be left with nothing after establishing a medium-scaled film company, and investing in a few medium-scaled films. If those films aren’t profitable, you’ll even go bankrupt.”
“What if they’re profitable?”
“Then you’ll continue making money until your company’s listed on the market.” Claude straightened his back, then looked Adrian in the eye. “Before your film company’s worth over 20 billion dollars, there’s nothing you can do apart from making money. Other than that…”
“I’ll need a broad network, and fame,” Adrian finished his sentence for him. “Actually, that’s very simple.”
“Simple?” Claude rolled his eyes as he felt helpless.
“First of all, we already have some connections, so we just have to use them well; Secondly, as long as we produce a few films with high box office sales, people will naturally want to invest in us; Lastly, if we can make a few actors famous, for example, if they win the Oscar for best actor or best actress, people will want to collaborate with us,” Adrian explained slowly.
“Indeed so simple.” Claude immediately scoffed. “As long as God blesses us with royal flushes every time, everything’s simple.”
“I’ve been working on a script, Claw.” Adrian smiled mysteriously again.” I dare say that a number of Hollywood film companies will be very interested. Once we gain a firm foothold, I’ll immediately start directing a movie, then expand my influence bit by bit. You just need to guarantee that I have enough funds.”
“Did you say that… You’re writing a script, and that you’ll become a director?!” Claude was clearly bewildered.
“What do you think about giving this a shot? See if I can create a miracle. You just need to pay with a year’s time to increase my 6 million dollars by ten folds, and take it as you’re leaving your parents to toughen yourself. You won’t lose anything.” Adrian squinted his eyes as he grinned.
Claude looked at him for a long time without saying a word, then finally spoke, “I remember you used to say a Chinese word you learned from your grandmother over and over again. It roughly means guiding someone patiently and systematically, so that one will turn one’s mind according to your rhythm. You used to describe picking up ladies like that, but I can’t believe that you’re using it on me now.”
“That’s actually a commendatory term.” Adrian shrugged. “I learned a lot of other words from my Chinese grandmother. If you’d like to learn…”
“Alright, alright. Eddy, let’s stop this topic.” Claude raised his hand up. “I agree.”
“Come on, Chinese is actually very simple… What did you say?”
“I agree. Just like you said, I won’t lose anything anyway. Besides, I really want to see the miracle that my childhood friend’s going to create.” Claude opened his arms.
After Adrian fixed his gaze on him for some time, he finally smiled brightly. “Very well, I’m sure you won’t regret your decision, Claw!”
Although he maintained the demeanor of a person from the upper class, he was secretly relieved because he solved a huge problem. ‘It’s really difficult to convince Claude, looks like my memories, feelings, and the way I conducted myself merged very well. This is something worth celebrating, isn’t it?’
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