Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 655 Julie Joins
In the Los Angeles afternoon, sunlight streamed through the blinds, casting dappled shadows on the wooden tabletops of the café.

Zhang Chen, wearing a black baseball cap and sunglasses, and dressed in casual attire, sat in a corner, his eyes occasionally sweeping across the street outside the window, cautiously observing his surroundings.

Today he was going to meet an important person, a private investigator he had secretly hired for two years—Miller.

The Americano on the table had gone mostly cold, but Zhang Chen had no appetite for it. His fingers tapped lightly on the table as he kept replaying the grudges between himself and Harvey Weinstein in his mind.

The feud between the two dates back to the movie "The Banquet".

Harvey Weinstein tried to acquire "The Banquet" at a ridiculously low price, but Zhang Chen snatched it away, and the two became enemies from then on.

Later, when Zhang Chen was filming "Pacific Rim 1", Harvey repeatedly criticized the film in public, saying that it had a "hollow plot" and "excessive special effects" and that it would definitely be a box office flop, trying to influence the audience's opinion of the film.

Now that Harvey has publicly mocked the Oscar nominations for "Pacific Rim 2" and even said some insulting things, Zhang Chen knows that he can no longer let Harvey continue to be so arrogant.

Even a clay figure has a bit of fire in it, let alone 'Fighting Chen'~
A soft footstep sound came from behind him. Zhang Chen looked up and saw a tall, bald, middle-aged man wearing glasses walk in.

The man's name is Miroku, and he is a private investigator. He looks harmless, but he used to be a well-known FBI agent before resigning to become a private investigator.

When Zhang Chen wanted to hire a private investigator, Diane recommended Mile, frankly stating that Mile's defining characteristic was his "high ability," but his drawback was that he was "expensive."

Miller, dressed in a dark trench coat and carrying a black briefcase, walked straight to the seat opposite Zhang Chen and sat down. Without any pleasantries, he said directly, "Director Zhang Chen, we meet again. I've been following Harvey for the past two years and have collected some information about him. I brought it here specifically to show you today."

As he spoke, Miller opened his black briefcase, took out a document, a stack of photos, and a voice recorder, and pushed them in front of Zhang Chen.

Zhang Chen picked up the documents and photos and carefully looked through them.

Most of the scenes in the photos are taken outside a luxury apartment building in Beverly Hills, and all at night.

Several photos clearly show Harvey personally escorting different young actresses to his apartment. The actresses looked reserved or even uneasy, while Harvey looked smug and his actions were clearly flirtatious.

There are also photos of Harvey meeting with different women in hotels and restaurants, and the atmosphere doesn't seem like normal work interactions.

“These photos were taken over the past two years,” Miller explained. “Harvey is very careful. He would deliberately take a detour when taking actresses to his apartment and would also have bodyguards patrolling the area, so it was not easy to get clear photos.”

Zhang Chen put down the photo, picked up the voice recorder, and pressed the play button.

The recording pen produced muffled sounds, including faint noises of women crying and arguing, as well as Harvey's impatient shouts.

“I obtained these two recordings by installing miniature recording devices outside Harvey’s apartment and in his car,” Miller said. “Because of the distance and the fact that Harvey sometimes spoke in a low voice, the recording quality is not very good, and you can only hear some fragments.”

Zhang Chen listened to the entire recording with a frown. Although the content was blurry, it wasn't hard to imagine what had happened.

He took a deep breath and asked in a heavy tone, "Can this evidence deal a substantial blow to Harvey?"

Miller shook his head, a helpless expression on his face: "Director Zhang Chen, to be honest, these 'fringe pieces of evidence' are utterly insignificant in the face of Harvey's PR empire."

“Over the past two decades, Harvey has built a tough defense system of ‘hush money + media relations + legal team’. Whenever there are rumors that are not good for him, he will first send people to give the relevant people a large amount of hush money to shut them up.”

If someone refuses to accept hush money, he will use his media connections to suppress the spread of negative news, and even smear the whistleblower.

Finally, his legal team will sue the whistleblowers under various pretexts, using legal means to threaten them and deter them from pursuing the matter further.

Miller paused for a moment, then continued, "According to the information I've gathered, Harvey has suppressed at least seventeen similar rumors over the past twenty years, and each time he has escaped unscathed without suffering any real impact."

Zhang Chen frowned even more deeply; he hadn't expected Harvey's power to be so great.

"So all the information you found out is completely useless?" Zhang Chen asked unwillingly.

“It’s not entirely useless,” Miller said, taking another stack of documents from his briefcase and handing them to Zhang Chen. “These documents detail Harvey’s various misdeeds, including how he harassed actresses, how he suppressed dissidents, and how he used improper means to gain benefits. Based on these documents, Harvey is a complete scumbag.”

"However, Harvey's legal team is very strong. They are top lawyers in Hollywood, familiar with all kinds of legal provisions, and can always find loopholes to defend Harvey."

Moreover, Harvey has extensive connections in Hollywood. Many film companies, directors, and actors have received favors from him or have business dealings with him and are unwilling to offend him, which is why he has been able to remain at large...

Zhang Chen flipped through the documents Miller handed him, and their contents only fueled his anger.

He looked up at Miller and said, “Miller, we can’t just give up like this. Since Harvey has been doing these dirty things for so many years, there must be many people who have been harmed by him. We need to find these victims and get them to come forward and testify against Harvey.”

Miller nodded: "Director Zhang Chen, I'm already working on it. I found out that in 2003, a reporter wanted to expose Harvey's misdeeds. He collected some evidence and was preparing to publish an article in the media."

"However, Harvey received advance notice. He first sent someone to threaten the reporter, demanding that he abandon the exposure plan. When the reporter refused to compromise, Harvey used his connections to have the reporter's media outlet fire him. He also spread rumors within the industry, saying that the reporter fabricated fake news and damaged the industry's reputation, making it impossible for the reporter to stay in the media industry and forcing him to switch to other jobs."

Hearing this, Zhang Chen was filled with anger: "Where is this reporter now? Can we contact him?"

“I’ve found him,” Miller said. “He’s working as a clerk at a small company now, living a very ordinary life. I’ve met with him a few times, and at first he was reluctant to talk about what happened back then, afraid of being retaliated against by Harvey again.”

"Later, I explained our purpose to him, telling him that many people were paying attention to Harvey's case and that we had enough determination and ability to fight Harvey. Only then did he agree to hand over the information he had collected back then."

Miller took a thick folder out of his briefcase and handed it to Zhang Chen: "This contains the information that the reporter collected back then. It's more detailed than what I investigated before. It also contains some communication records between Harvey and other people, financial transaction vouchers, and so on."

Zhang Chen took the folder, opened it, and flipped through a few pages. A glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes: "Great! With this information, we're much more confident in finding the victim. Have you contacted the victim yet?"

Miller's face showed a hint of regret: "I have contacted some of the potential victims, but most of them are unwilling to come forward and testify against Harvey."

"Some victims are worried about Harvey's retaliation and are afraid that their careers will be affected. After all, Harvey has too much power in Hollywood. Once you offend him, you may be blacklisted by the industry and never have any more job opportunities."

Some victims, out of shame, do not want others to know that they have suffered such harm and want to bury it completely in their hearts.

Other victims, while willing to come forward, lack Hollywood fame and influence, making it difficult for their testimonies to garner sufficient attention and thus having a relatively minor impact on Harvey.

Zhang Chen fell silent; he knew Miller was telling the truth.

Getting victims to come forward and testify against Harvey is indeed not an easy task.

"We need someone with influence."

Zhang Chen had already figured out the crux of the problem: "A person with enough fame and influence in Hollywood, as long as she is willing to stand up and testify against Harvey, can motivate other victims, attract widespread public and media attention, and thus deal a real blow to Harvey."

Maitreya nodded, agreeing with Zhang Chen's point of view.

But who will be the one with the real influence?

Zhang Chen quickly searched his mind for influential Hollywood actresses, names flashing through his mind, only to be eliminated one by one.

These actresses either had worked with Harvey before and didn't want to offend him, or they were people he didn't know at all and wouldn't help him.

Just when Zhang Chen was at his wit's end, a name suddenly appeared in his mind—Angelina Jolie.

Zhang Chen suddenly looked up and said to Miller, "Miller, I've thought of someone, Angelina Jolie!"

A flicker of surprise crossed Miller's eyes: "Angelina Jolie? She's definitely a top-tier Hollywood actress, with immense fame and influence. If she were willing to step forward, the effect would be fantastic. But would she be willing?" "Why wouldn't she? Harvey harassed her during 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith'!"

“What I mean is, she’s living with Pitt now, and the news of Harvey’s harassment could very well affect her relationship with Pitt…”

No wonder many people are reluctant to speak out against Harvey. It's a form of secondary trauma, not only bringing back that unpleasant experience but also potentially causing significant impact on their current lives. Anyone would have to think twice before doing so.
"Okay, I'll handle this. I'll call her myself."

Zhang Chen clearly remembered that after Harvey's affair was exposed in later years, Angelina Jolie was one of the first female celebrities to jump out and testify against him.

Zhang Chen even read a gossip story that said one of the reasons Jolie and Brad Pitt later divorced was because Pitt had business dealings with Harvey, and Jolie didn't want Pitt to work with Harvey anymore, which caused conflict between the two and ultimately led to their divorce.

Therefore, Zhang Chen felt that he was very confident he could persuade Julie.

"I'll contact her today and try to meet her as soon as possible."

That evening, Zhang Chen contacted Angelina Jolie and expressed his desire to meet with her.

Julie exclaimed in surprise, "I thought you had already gone back to your country!"

"He went back to China a long time ago, but he's back now, isn't he?"

"To see me?"

Even though they weren't that close, Julie just wanted to make this kind of joke, because she kept thinking about that audition in China.

"I have something important to talk to you about~" Zhang Chen pursed his lips, feeling that there was something frivolous about the other person's tone.

"Alright, let's meet at my private villa."

Zhang Chen was speechless. Meeting at a private villa—was this some kind of attempt to make something happen?

They're not afraid of being caught red-handed by Pitt.

The following afternoon, Zhang Chen arrived at Julie's private villa in the suburbs of Los Angeles at the agreed time.

The villa is surrounded by a quiet environment with lush greenery and very tight security measures.

Led by the staff, Zhang Chen entered the villa's reception room.

Angelina Jolie, dressed in a simple white dress, sat on the sofa with light makeup, exuding an elegant and capable aura.

Seeing Zhang Chen enter, Julie stood up, extended her hand, and said with a smile, "Director Zhang Chen, I'm curious, what is it that requires us to discuss this face-to-face?"

Zhang Chen and Julie sat down on the sofa opposite her and got straight to the point: "Ms. Julie, I've come to see you today to talk about Harvey Weinstein."

Upon hearing the name "Harvey Weinstein," Julie's smile vanished instantly, and a complex emotion flashed in her eyes—anger, disgust, and a barely perceptible fear.

She paused for a moment before slowly speaking, "Director Zhang Chen, I know Harvey has a bad reputation in Hollywood, and I know he's done many bad things. But what do these things have to do with me? Why did you specifically come to talk to me about him?"

Zhang Chen looked into Julie's eyes and said sincerely, "Ms. Julie, I know that you were harassed by Harvey during the filming of 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith,' and you also publicly stated that you would no longer have any business dealings with Miramax..."

Julie froze; she hadn't expected Zhang Chen to know so much.

She raised her head, looked directly into Zhang Chen's eyes, and asked, "Director Zhang Chen, what do you want to do?"

"I hope you will stand up and testify against Harvey's misconduct."

Julie's eyes were filled with hesitation. She remained silent for a long time before finally asking, "Director Zhang Chen, I want to know, what will I get if I stand up and testify against Harvey?"

Instead of directly refusing, she started negotiating terms. This woman must have some skills to stand out among so many actresses in Hollywood.

Zhang Chen didn't follow her line of dialogue. Instead, he asked, "What do you want me to give you? A leading role in a movie? Or something else? I don't think any of that matters. The biggest benefit you can get by standing up and telling your story is fairness."

You're already a top Hollywood actress, with no shortage of work, fame, or wealth, but even so, you still have to suffer harassment from Harvey, and have your family and life affected because of him.

What about those who are not as good as you? What can actresses who are just starting out in Hollywood, actresses without background or resources, do when they encounter someone like Harvey?
They could only endure it silently, and some were even blacklisted by the industry and lost their beloved careers because they refused to compromise.

Zhang Chen paused, then said with even greater conviction, “Ms. Julie, don’t you promote women’s rights every day? Don’t you keep calling for the protection of women’s rights and for women to be treated fairly in the industry?”
But if we choose silence and compromise when faced with someone like Harvey, then what is feminism? Is it just an empty slogan?
We cannot allow scum like Harvey to continue to run rampant in Hollywood and harm more women.

Julie lowered her head and remained silent, Zhang Chen's words making her fall into deep thought.

After a long while, she finally raised her head, her eyes filled with worry, and said, "Director Zhang Chen, it's not that I don't want to stand up, but I'm worried that Harvey's influence is too great."

He has extensive connections in Hollywood, with many film companies supporting him, as well as numerous media outlets and lawyers serving him.

I'm afraid that if I speak out, not only will I fail to bring Harvey to justice, but I'll also face his retaliation, my career will be affected, and even my family will be threatened. Can you guarantee you have the ability to deal with Harvey?

Zhang Chen looked at Julie with a confident smile: "Ms. Julie, don't worry. Although I don't have Harvey's extensive network of connections, Harvey has far more enemies than you can imagine."

"You should know that Harvey A.R. beat Saving Private Ryan with Shakespeare in Love and made Shakespeare in Love the Oscar for Best Picture."

This matter remains controversial to this day, with many believing that "Shakespeare in Love" did not deserve to win Best Picture and "Saving Private Ryan" was not selected, which is called "the biggest injustice in Oscar history".

Saving Private Ryan is a movie produced by DreamWorks. Do you think DreamWorks didn't have its own ideas?
Although they didn't say anything on the surface, they were definitely full of resentment towards Harvey, but they just hadn't found an opportunity to get revenge on him.

Moreover, Harvey also offended Disney.

Harvey's Miramax Films once collaborated with Disney, but during the collaboration, Harvey repeatedly violated the agreement, producing films that did not align with Disney's values ​​and publicly criticizing Disney's business strategies, leading to the breakdown of the partnership. Disney had long harbored resentment towards Harvey.

Zhang Chen continued, "Besides DreamWorks and Disney, there are many directors, actors, and producers who have been suppressed by Harvey, and they are all waiting for an opportunity to make Harvey pay the price."

"As long as you're willing to stand up, I believe these people will support us. If we join forces, we can definitely defeat Harvey and make him pay the price for his actions."

Looking into Zhang Chen's determined eyes and listening to his clear and logical analysis, Julie's worries gradually dissipated, replaced by a strong sense of resolve.

She took a deep breath and said to Zhang Chen with a firm look in her eyes, "Director Zhang Chen, you're right, we can't stay silent any longer."

I am willing to stand up and expose Harvey's misconduct, to seek justice for the women who have been harmed, and to make Hollywood a fairer and cleaner place.

Hearing Julie's words, Zhang Chen smiled with relief: "Ms. Julie, thank you for your courage. With your support, we will definitely succeed. Next, we need to develop a detailed plan..."

Julie nodded: "Okay, I will fully cooperate with you. In addition, I can contact some actresses I know who may have also been hurt by Harvey and persuade them to stand up and fight against Harvey with us."

"Great~"

Zhang Chen said excitedly, "With your help, our chances of winning have increased a lot. Ms. Julie, I believe that with our joint efforts, it won't be long before Harvey pays the price for what he did, and Hollywood will become fairer and better because of our actions."

(End of this chapter)