Huayu, can you be called the best actor if you don’t indulge yourself?

Chapter 675 Prudent Investment
Amid a series of thanks.

Li Luo first smiled and nodded repeatedly to the crew members, indicating that they were welcome. Then, he walked steadily to the buffet-style table and looked intently at the chef wearing an apron:
"Have you paid yet?"

"Yes!"

The chef gave an affirmative answer and enthusiastically repeated what he had said countless times: "This lunch is provided by Li's friend. Please enjoy all the delicious food."

What would you like to order?

You can't help but be enthusiastic.

These Hollywood stars are extremely generous; a single day's work here is equivalent to several days' work for them. They have to serve these "gods" well.

"Oh."

Li Luo breathed a sigh of relief, then pointed to himself: "I am Li. Who is the friend you mentioned?"

"Hey."

The chef's smile widened, and he extended his hand in thanks: "It's a pleasure to meet Mr. Li, but aren't you the one who knows the answer to this question best?"

The person who placed the order only said they were Li's friend.

Seeing Li Luo's puzzled expression, he quickly explained, "All I received was the dining requirements, the address here, and the corresponding budget for ordering food."

"Thank you."

After thanking the other person, Li Luo casually grabbed the plate next to him and said, "Give me a piece of beef rib."

I'm too lazy to find out who it is.

Anyway, it's fine as long as I don't have to pay out of my own pocket.

Americans don't like to hide things. They spent at least ten thousand dollars on this meal, and I bet it won't be long before they come out and brag about it.

Facing big customers.

Then look at this big guy.

The chef deftly cut a steaming hot piece of smoked beef rib and placed it on his plate. The trembling piece of beef in the middle must have weighed at least three pounds.

I just put it down.

The juice overflowed from the cut surface.

The pinkish hue around the outside of the beef has a specific name: smoke ring.

This is the hallmark of Dezhou smoked beef ribs, which must be produced through long-term, low-temperature, slow smoking, resulting in a dark, charred exterior that contributes to the unique charm of Dezhou smoked barbecue.

Smoked sausages, beef brisket, and pork ribs.

Mashed potatoes.

There was also a stewed bean dish.

Of course, you'll also need side dishes like bread, pickles, pickled chili rings, onions, and barbecue sauce.

This pile of meat is on a tray.

An ordinary person could probably build it in two days without any problem.

Seeing the chef eagerly preparing to add a few more slices of roasted turkey breast, Li Luo was so startled that he quickly picked up his plate, indicating that it was enough and that he didn't like that stuff at all.

Amidst the extremely warm greetings from the crew members.

Li Luo sat down inside the tent.

Please have something to eat.

It's not just the domestic entertainment industry.

This is also a very common phenomenon in Hollywood.

Since joining the crew over a month ago, I, Kristen, Pattinson, and I have treated the crew to big meals or parties on more than one occasion.

They earn daily or weekly wages.

Most people earn only two or three hundred dollars a day, or even less, and only thirty to fifty thousand dollars after completing a project.

Main supporting role.

Most of them also receive hundreds of thousands in pay.

All three lead actors received salaries and bonuses exceeding ten million US dollars.

The income gap among people.

More than ten times.

Therefore, none of the three lead actors could afford to be stingy, and they were also too embarrassed to be stingy. Spending tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy a reputation for generosity was a very good choice.

"friend?"

Christine sat down opposite her.

Her fingers inadvertently got some barbecue sauce on them, and the Hollywood girl casually licked it off. Only when she saw the gleam in Li Luo's eyes did she chuckle to herself and grab the beef brisket.

"I don't know who it is."

Li Luo casually replied and put his hands into his coat pockets.

Fingers move slightly.

A bottle of Very Cola appeared out of nowhere.

He happily unscrewed the bottle cap, tilted his head back, and gulped down the brown beverage in one go.

During filming just now, Christine secretly trembled under the covers with her nimble fingers in front of the entire crew, making him shiver and unexpectedly earning him a bottle of Coke as a reward.

I wonder what kind of good luck it will bring me.

The words of thanks continued.

Pattinson, Ashley, Lutz, and others took their seats. They were already used to the enormous portions on Li Luo's plates; in fact, the group also had a considerable amount of grilled meat.

Everyone sat around the table, chatting and laughing, and ate heartily, their appetites truly enlivening.

Just at this time.

A black minivan drove up from a distance.

Then come to a steady stop.

"Hey."

The car door slammed shut, and the hook-nosed man rubbed his hands together excitedly: "Looks like we're in luck today, a barbecue feast right after we arrived."

Li Luo smiled and raised his hand in greeting, while simultaneously refraining from asking any questions.

It is clear.

The so-called friend is not the other person.

With Emmanuel joining them, lunch today was even more lively.

Besides their top agent, another man with a hooked nose appeared. After exchanging greetings, the two joined in the feast without any hesitation.

Until the table was a complete mess.

Christine and the others tactfully moved aside.

"good news."

While leisurely chewing his bread, Emmanuel said cheerfully, "We're currently in talks about a business collaboration. Dior values ​​your influence and wants to invite you to be the spokesperson for their men's fragrance."

"Two years."

"Six million five hundred thousand US dollars."

"It is a one-time payment clause, and there is no profit sharing from sales revenue."

"However, Dior's brand awareness and influence are very good. I suggest you accept this contract, as it will help enhance your overall commercial value."

"Please rest assured."

"I won't just casually arrange commercial endorsements for you; you have to meet the standards of a future action superstar."

"How about it?"

Emmanuel flashed his white teeth.

Since Twilight became a hit, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson have both gained favor with major high-end luxury brands. Although Li Luo is quite popular, his screen time is honestly too limited.

His commercial value.

Internationally renowned brands are taking a cautious approach.

With the new moon becoming a global phenomenon, Li Luo's popularity has been thoroughly validated.

And now.

Then comes the harvest time.

In fact, overseas, various luxury brands generally prefer to use models to showcase their products. This is to better highlight the brand and also to reach as many audiences as possible.

Of course, they won't miss the opportunity to leverage the influence of celebrities if they encounter a suitable one.

Inside.

Endorsements are generally divided into two types.

Li Luo is the kind of person who just makes money by shooting commercials.

Another type is directly linked to the sales performance of the product. The endorsement fee may be low, but when sales bonuses are included, it can be very considerable, and it brings a continuous stream of income.

This drives celebrities to go to great lengths to showcase products and make better use of their influence.

in turn.

Hollywood stars are also cautious about endorsements.

Firstly, their salaries are enough to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Secondly, in Hollywood values, mystery and credibility are very valuable intangible assets for actors.

If a character appears frequently in various commercials, it will inevitably affect the audience's ability to immerse themselves in the story.

Therefore, they will keep the number of endorsements to a very low level.

To ensure that the public focus remains on their work and the characters they portray, maintaining a certain distance and a sense of sophistication is crucial for enhancing the actors' long-term value.

Of course, there are these considerations.

This does not include cultural icons such as television actors and pop singers.

This also excludes overseas markets. Big-name actors often maintain a certain level of prestige in the domestic market, and if they have opportunities to make money abroad, they can receive compensation commensurate with their status.

They won't miss it either.

Christine and Pattinson are the most typical examples.

After their sudden rise to fame, they received numerous offers from commercial brands, but the two rejected almost all endorsement deals for mass-market products, opting instead to collaborate with select high-end brands to maintain their personal value.

$6.5 million over two years.

Global ambassador for Dior men's fragrances.

Hearing this, Li Luo smiled broadly and casually put a piece of grilled sausage into his mouth: "Sounds like a very good collaboration. Dior men's fragrance is the best fragrance in the world, isn't it?"

"this sentence"

Emmanuel's eye twitched, and he swallowed his bread forcefully: "I suggest you say it in front of the Dior manager."

Damn bastard.

I must have always done the same thing to myself before.

"Hahaha."

Amidst cheerful laughter, Li Luo looked at another man with a hooked nose who also grinned, revealing his white teeth.

David Cohen.

In his early forties.

The other person was dressed in a suit and tie just like Emmanuel, with his hair meticulously styled, exuding an indescribable air of a financial elite, the kind of person whose energy was always at its peak.

A typical Ivy League business school elite.

This is mine.
Ok.

Financial advisor.

It may sound like a strange job, but David Cohen is just as important as an agent who can find jobs for celebrities, and sometimes even more so.

The other party's business management company.

He is responsible for the comprehensive financial management of many Hollywood stars.

We offer services such as receiving payment for filming, paying bills, tax planning, personal budgeting, and financial decision-making advice.

If personal wealth has not reached a certain level.

No one could become their customer.

the most important.

Nothing beats tax planning.

There's a well-known saying in America.

In this world, only death and taxes are certain.

In this magical country, you can do anything, but never forget to pay your taxes on time, or you'll definitely face a heavy blow from the IRS, which even has its own armed forces.

And this aspect.

It is extremely tedious and troublesome.

Most ordinary people don't understand how much tax they need to pay most of the time, which has led to the creation of a huge number of professional tax lawyers.

High-income groups, in particular, need the assistance of a professional team.

A significant part of David Cohen's job is handling complex tax returns for Hollywood stars and using all legal means to help his clients optimize their taxes.

To put it bluntly, it's tax avoidance.

Although financial advisors charge a hefty fee, it's a bargain compared to the tax savings.

For example, Li Luo's current income.

This includes federal income tax, state income tax, and so on.

The taxes levied.

It can even exceed 50 percent of income.

However, by using tax avoidance methods such as setting up a company to receive film remuneration, charitable donations, and changing residence, this percentage can be reduced to 20% or even lower, and the IRS will not be able to find anything wrong with it.

"plum."

Cohen's smile faded, and he put down his knife and fork: "Thank you for the delicious lunch."

"You're welcome."

Li Luo took a sip of his drink.

"The reason I came here with Ali today is..."

Cohen organized his thoughts slightly and said slowly, "I'm just letting you know that the tax season has started this year, and the company has already done the necessary tax filing for you."

"Proper arrangements have also been made in terms of tax optimization."

"Thank you."

Li Luo nodded in satisfaction.

"in addition."

Cohen sat up straighter and said to him earnestly, "Actually, regarding tax optimization, I suggest you make some appropriate investments or purchases, which can actually help preserve your assets."

Speaking of it.

Cohen's expression turned somewhat strange.

His clientele consists mainly of Hollywood celebrities, including Emanuel, who sits next to him and also has business dealings with him. Emanuel is even a major shareholder in his company.

As a result, Li Luo became an important client of Cohen Business Management Firm.

No matter how many celebrities you can contact.

Like Li.

To be honest, this was the first time he had ever encountered this.

Other Hollywood stars spend money like water, buying luxury cars worth two or three hundred thousand dollars without hesitation, and mansions worth hundreds of millions of dollars without a second thought, throwing parties and burning through money like crazy.

If outsiders saw those bills, they would definitely shout "Damn it!"

But Li Luo's bill.

But he was so impressed that he exclaimed "Damn it!"

The house is rented, the car was a gift, and if it weren't for filming, the other party would rarely even throw a party, which is a favorite of Hollywood stars. The most recent large expense was 3,845 yuan.

Used to purchase four firearms.

And bullets.

This guy had nearly ten million dollars sitting in his account.

As filming for the lunar eclipse nears its end, the remaining fixed payment for the filming will soon arrive, and with the addition of Dior's commercial endorsement contract, several million dollars more will flow into the account.

Predictably so.

It will lie there quietly then.

If it were any other Hollywood client, David Cohen would have to repeatedly remind them to be careful with their money and not to get their finances into too much trouble.

But here with Li Luo.

Ugh.
Sometimes, being too carefree can be a problem.

"Thank you."

Li Luo chuckled and thanked the other party again: "Thank you for your advice, but my investment philosophy is rather conservative."

Ok.

You need to save money yourself.

Filming "John Wick" will be a considerable expense.

It'll probably cost around twenty million US dollars. I'll need to save some money in my pocket first.

He has always believed that having enough to eat at home means peace of mind, and he would rather save money in the bank than be so extravagant as to throw large sums of money around. He will only act decisively when he sees a very good investment opportunity.

"Makes sense."

A casual remark left Cohen somewhat speechless, and he could only respond instinctively.

偏.
This is clearly extreme conservatism.

Emmanuel almost lost his composure at Li Luo's bizarre expression. He himself was often speechless at Li Luo's antics, and now finally someone had a chance to experience this awkward feeling.

"actually."

The top financial advisor composed himself and quickly organized his thoughts: "Actually, you still didn't quite understand what I meant. This is to help optimize your taxes."

"For example."

"You can invest in a stock."

"Here, you can definitely choose stable stocks with little market volatility."

"First of all, it can preserve value."

"Secondly, you can borrow money to live on if necessary."

"what?"

Li Luo said he really didn't understand what it meant.

"Is such that."

Cohen's smile was wide as he lowered his voice slightly: "Once you buy stocks, they become an asset, right? Assets can be used as collateral for loans, as I'm sure you know."

"The interest rate for this type of loan is extremely low."

"The most interesting thing is that the loan is not considered income, so it does not trigger any tax provisions and therefore this money will not generate any taxes."

"All you need to pay is 1-2 percent interest on the loan."

"It can be used to maintain a living or even for asset investment, using low-cost leverage to obtain liquidity."

"Perfectly avoids income tax."

"You can even make a profit if the stock appreciates."

"Moreover, as long as the stock is not sold, the increased value is just paper wealth and is not subject to income tax. You can then use this to borrow more funds for working capital."

"Oh?"

Li Luo blinked rapidly.

"Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffett."

Emmanuel tore off a small piece of bread and popped it into his mouth, saying slowly, "You should be familiar with these two names. This is how they optimize taxes, including me."

Li Luo chuckled to himself.

The owner of Amazon and a legendary investor.

How could he not know those two people's names? He just never imagined they could be played like this.
They spend money to buy stocks, and then mortgage those stocks to get money for consumption.

sound.

Some people take their pants off and fart for no reason.

However, for founders of companies with a large number of shares, it is indeed a pretty good tax avoidance method. In addition, for Emmanuel and others, it is also a way to optimize asset structure.

Instead of simply leaving money in the bank.

It's important to understand that the Federal Reserve is currently implementing an ultra-low interest rate policy. If people deposit large sums of money in banks, they won't earn any interest; the money will only continue to shrink and depreciate due to inflation.

Just don't play with levers.

We don't do any random, messy stuff.

Using some of your money to buy stocks is indeed a good way to preserve the value of your assets.

"Snapped."

Just as Li Luo was pondering, something in a plastic bag suddenly fell out of the pocket of a passerby and rolled to his feet.

"Feel sorry."

The staff member hurriedly bent down.

But Li Luo, relying on conditioned reflexes, picked it up first.

Hey!

"Tarzan x shame of jane".

The movie title and the beautiful actress on the cover made him chuckle. This "Tarzan" is a classic old film, and he was amazed when he saw it for the first time.

But the next moment

His gaze, however, was fixed on the name on the plastic bag.

Netflix.

stock.

Netflix.

Damn it.

How could I forget this?

"plum?"

The staff member blushed with embarrassment.

"Good taste."

Li Luo snapped out of her daze and handed the bag to the staff member with a smile.

Emmanuel and Cohen also noticed the film box in a clear plastic bag and couldn't help but chuckle knowingly.

"of course."

After the staff member quickly left, Cohen smiled and looked away: "I was just making a suggestion. I came here today mainly to confirm the tax return with you. What's wrong?"

Li Luo's eyes.

It made him feel a little uneasy.

"fine."

Li Luo clenched his fist and asked with great curiosity, "Your suggestion is indeed good, I think it makes a lot of sense. Also, do you know what Netflix's stock price is right now?"

"what?"

Cohen was immediately bewildered.

Solving customer needs is his instinct, and he immediately made a phone call.

After a few words.

Li Luo then got the answer.

Seven dollars!
Hearing the numbers spoken by the other party, Li Luo inexplicably felt a sweet sensation in his mouth, and the bottle of Very Cola he had drunk not long ago burst forth with an extremely wonderful taste in his mouth.

If my memory serves me right, Netflix's stock price will soon approach $1,000.

This increase
"Ah."

Li Luo clenched his fists, his voice a little dry: "I also feel that I need to optimize my asset structure. When you get back, please help me buy some Netflix shares. The goal is to hold them long-term."

"I prefer conservative investments."

"With Netflix's current market share, there shouldn't be any major changes."

"OK."

Cohen said no problem.

He simply provides relevant asset management advice. Netflix is ​​indeed a relatively stable investment option, and they are only responsible for assisting clients if their investments are not too outrageous.

Financial advisors typically do not intervene.

Even if it's outrageous.

As long as the customer persists.

He had no choice but to obediently do as he was told.

"in addition."

Looking at his young and handsome client, Cohen began to inquire about the scope of his authority: "Regarding the business decision to invest in Netflix, Mr. Li Luo, what is the specific amount you have authorized?"

"Ah."

After thinking for a moment, Li Luo slowly nodded and said, "I prefer to be a bit more cautious. Let's start with three million US dollars. You can draft the licensing agreement now."

"puff!!!"

Emmanuel blushed and spat out his drink.

The water vapor drifted with the cold winds of Vancouver.

Various things flew around in a mess.

Say goodbye to dull-looking brokers and financial advisors.

Li Luo continued filming.

Several hours passed in the blink of an eye, and it was almost time for the crew's dinner. Just as the production manager was yawning and about to call to ask when the meals would be delivered to the crew,

The engine roared.

Cars roared toward the photography studio.

The tent was quickly set up, along with chairs, tables, and a stove for heating food.
Wait a moment.

The stagehand rubbed his eyes vigorously.

This scene seems so familiar.

Shop sign.

It was then hung up on the tent.

[French Food Day]

[Please enjoy this, all staff. From Li's friend.]

Baked snails, foie gras, bouillabaisse, beef stew in red wine, oyster cups, sirloin steak—the sheer variety of ingredients left the crew members wide-eyed and drooling.

the next day.

noon.

The engine roared.

The convoy was neatly lined up outside the photography studio.

Italian Food Day

[Please enjoy this, all staff. From Li's friend.]

The ingredients, such as tomato beef noodles, raw marinated meat platter, slow-cooked veal shank, and Margherita pizza, left the staff member with a blank expression, rubbing his already indigestion-prone stomach with some hesitation.

evening.

Apart from staff members who have filming assignments.

Almost everyone in the crew stood in the studio, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the convoy. When they saw the convoy arrive again, a small number of people cheered, while most complained and pulled out their money to make compensation.

correct.

These bastards have already started a betting operation.

[Chinese Food Day]

[Please enjoy this, all staff. From Li's friend.]

Seeing that the sign still read "Friends from Li," the rumor that our Lord Jacob was being targeted by a rich woman instantly spread like wildfire throughout the entire crew.

Day three.

noon.

A very small number of staff members, who were not convinced of the odds, reluctantly pulled out their cash, while the vast majority laughed heartily as they collected their bets and cheered as they welcomed their Mexican feast for the day.

The series of special catering services that followed completely confused Li Luo.

These five meals were served.

It would cost at least seventy or eighty thousand US dollars.

Who the hell has so much money they're burning it out here?

He was initially thinking that it would be a fool not to take advantage of a good deal, and he was thoroughly enjoying himself with the food and drinks. However, after three consecutive days of such deliveries, he was completely put on edge.

the most critical.

No one contacted me at all.

And judging from the current situation, they might have to keep sending them.

Li Luo took a bite of a Mexican tortilla and, utterly bewildered, sent out several text messages.

"My God!"

"If I keep eating like this, I'm going to get fat!"

Christine complained.

But I still couldn't resist taking another bite of the delicious food.

"Hey."

"Who do you think has taken a liking to Li?"

"Is it possible that when he was doing promotional work before, he caught the attention of that lonely billionaire woman, the kind who owns a manor and keeps more than a dozen thoroughbred horses?"

Ashley gossiped with great interest.

"cough"

"Why not a man who is lonely and can't stand it?"

Nikki kept up with the pace.

"Hahaha!"

The people sitting at the table burst into laughter, scattering tortilla crumbs everywhere.

"Click it."

Li Luo pressed his knuckles expressionlessly.

This movement.

This startled everyone, causing them to burst into even louder laughter.

Li Luo's phone also rang, and Wahlberg, Connor, Irving, and Jessica all replied with a big question mark, indicating that they had no idea what he was talking about.

"Ok."

Pattinson burped, staring blankly as he put down the food: "No matter who brought the food, I can't eat anymore. Why does it feel like some kind of revenge?"

"It seems like I missed dinner."

"Now they're trying to overwhelm us with countless delicious foods."

Laughter erupted from the crowd once again.

Li Luo took a bite of a Mexican tortilla and glanced wistfully at the phone lying beside him.

Florida.

Tampa.

Outside the scenic harbor city stadium, a large number of excited fans gathered, their colorful support signs adding to the beauty of this seaside town.

Cheers and shouts carried on the sea breeze into the stadium.

Above the stage.

The blonde girl, surrounded by the crowd, was focused on rehearsing her dance moves, completely oblivious to the fact that her pretty face was covered in glistening sweat and her T-shirt was soaked through.

All this is so that I can give my fans an even more perfect performance at the concert a few days later.

"OK!"

"Everyone did a very good job."

"Ten-minute break."

With the dance teacher waving, everyone was finally able to rest for a moment.

I took the towel.

He wiped the sweat off hastily.

The blonde girl gestured to her assistant to hand her her personal cell phone, which showed a normal number of missed calls and unread text messages.

This is a common social dilemma faced by celebrities.

Tap the Messages icon.

Slide down gently.

The blonde girl's expression was somewhat nonchalant, but there was a hint of anticipation in her icy blue eyes.

"Damn it, are you trying to stuff the entire crew to death?"

A text message that appeared quietly.

The blonde girl's fingers suddenly froze.

"Hahahahaha."

The dancers around her all looked at the guy in the middle of the stage, who was laughing triumphantly, in bewilderment. At this moment, the country music pop star no longer showed any signs of fatigue from hours of rehearsal.

She became completely vibrant, as if a spring breeze had swept over her.

(End of this chapter)