I am a literary giant in Europe

Chapter 377 First Meeting with Jiang Wen
La Mome restaurant.

Lunch was over, and Nicole Kidman had other activities to attend to, so she said goodbye early.

On the one hand, she does have activities.

On the other hand, she could sense that Liu Jin and Eastwood had something to discuss, so she tactfully took her leave.

People who can make it big in the film and television industry all have 'high emotional intelligence'.

After Nicole left, Eastwood changed the subject and moved on to "Million Dollar Baby".

It's clear he really likes this story.

Moreover, he must have read the novel more than once; Liu Jin couldn't remember many of the plot points, yet he could talk about them fluently.

"Amos, give me this book, and I will create a miracle."

"Personally, I'd also like to give you the adaptation rights to this book, but..."

"But what?"

"I will not shortchange you a single penny of the copyright fee."

Upon hearing this, Eastwood couldn't help but laugh.

"Five million, right?"

"That's right!"

"That's not a problem."

Eastwood's connections in Hollywood are not to be underestimated.

He's the kind of actor who transitioned into directing; he's been in the industry for fifty years, from his first film to now.

I am very clear about Liu Jin's current price.

Especially after he won the Pulitzer Prize, five million was not excessive.

"If I were to invest on my own, it would probably be a bit difficult."

However, Warner Bros., Lakeshore, and Malpaso are all very interested in this project, and I think five million dollars for the adaptation rights shouldn't be a problem. As long as you agree to give me the adaptation rights, everything else is negotiable.

Liu Jin roughly understood Eastwood's thoughts.

The reason he so strongly wanted to take over the adaptation rights was, frankly, because he wanted to have control.

Such a work is not something he can handle alone.

It's not that we don't have money, but it involves many aspects...

Hollywood is a place where you can't go it alone.

Bringing Warner over would make the other two companies easy.

However, Eastwood wanted more autonomy, which is why he was so proactive in trying to seize the adaptation rights first.

Speaking of which, Warner is really rich!
They have now acquired the adaptation rights to three of Liu Jin's works.

If we include "Million Dollar Baby," this would be the fourth installment.

For my next project, I'll need to consider switching film and television companies.

Otherwise, his Warner Bros. brand would be too obvious.

……

After discussing the million-dollar baby, Eastwood relaxed considerably.

Liu Jin then shifted the topic to "The Eye of the Ferocious Beast," subtly inquiring about his views on everyday life.

There's no way to avoid it accidentally.

Eastwood has made films with a very clear bias towards Japan.

Letters from Iwo Jima!
If you were to give the Eye of the Ferocious Beast to Eastwood, and he were to give you a Western narrative perspective, it would be completely incongruous.

Fortunately, Eastwood's words revealed a dislike for a mundane lifestyle.

In his words, he was influenced by "Life Is Beautiful".

He believes that living a simple life is utterly ridiculous.

During his acting career, Eastwood starred in many World War II films.

He deeply resented NC.

Now, Liu Jin, intentionally or unintentionally, has pulled Xiao Rizi (a pseudonym) out of JGism and categorized it into the category of NC fascism, which has also made him feel a little disgusted with Xiao Rizi.

Liu Jin then began to talk about his book.

The two walked along the beach, chatting as they went.

At first, Eastwood wasn't very interested.

But as he listened, he became interested.

"So, is the 'Little Life' movement a nationwide movement supporting NC, or just a movement supported by a minority of JG (pro-Government) elements?"

Liu Jin laughed and said, "Many things can be figured out by checking the information. I didn't make any artistic fiction this time."

Before World War II, a large number of women from rural areas went to Southeast Asia to engage in prostitution.

They donated the money they earned through their bodies to the military; the story of Mikami Yuya, the one about his fiancée's suicide to inspire him to fight, is also based on a real person, as director Eastwood easily found out.

"A very interesting story..."

Eastwood nodded.

After a moment, he said, "This book will be published, won't it?"

"Yes!"

“I’ll keep an eye on it then. I must say, it’s a great story, very compelling. But right now, all my energy is focused on Million Dollar Baby. We’ll talk more about your story after that project is finished.”

how is it? "

"Of course!"

David Lynch's influence in Hollywood is too small.

He's a good collaborator, but not the only one.

Liu Jin even felt that Eastwood was more suitable for the role. Let's wait and see, and discuss other things after he finishes "Million Dollar Baby".

……

After returning to the hotel with Eastwood, the two parted ways.

Liu Jin was also a little tired, so he returned to his guest room and lay down on the bed.

After taking a nap, he took out his easel and continued painting.

Before he knew it, he had already finished drawing a fifteen-chapter comic book and sent the completed artwork to Spiru magazine.

Spiru Magazine has not yet responded.

But I reckon it shouldn't be a big problem.

Liu Jin wanted to take advantage of the free time he wasn't writing books recently to draw more sketches.

After all, the tasks for the second half of the year are quite demanding.

In the evening, Sophie Marceau called him.

"Table22?"

After thinking for a moment, Liu Jin quickly remembered this restaurant.

This is a restaurant located near the Old Port, and the head chef is Neil Martel, a chef who has won a Michelin chef competition.

Now they have a restaurant in the old port called Table22.
The prices are reasonable, with an average cost of 60-80 euros per person, making it a mid-range restaurant.

The dishes vary depending on the season and are different every day.

However, some of the main dishes are quite unique.

Liu Jin visited the place several times last year when he was in Cannes.

Pigeon breast, juicy steak, truffle risotto, and lobster ravioli are the restaurant's signature dishes, and they are indeed delicious.

In addition, Table22's charcoal-grilled beef has a distinctly Texas flavor.

Leonardo DiCaprio said that his family's grilled beef was more delicious than the grilled beef he had in Texas.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Wen also took a liking to this restaurant.

Liu Jin gladly accepted the invitation.

After tidying up the drawings, I went out and downstairs.

I rented a bicycle at the front desk.

Cannes has a very good bike path, and cycling is a sport that the French enjoy very much.

All hotels offer bicycle rental services.

Of course, the bicycles at the Carlton Regent Hotel are of better quality and more expensive.

Liu Jin rode his bicycle, bathed in the glow of the sunset and facing the sea breeze, and soon arrived at the restaurant in Laogang.

"Hey, Amos!"

Liu Jin recognized the food delivery person at the door.

His name is Lyon.

When Liu Jin and Xiao Li came last year, he was the one who served meals here.

"Leon, long time no see, you've gained weight again!"

"Impossible, I just weighed myself last week and I've lost three pounds."

"Haha, three jin is really not much for you."

Lyon is a bit chubby, with a round face and a buzz cut.

Luckily, he wasn't wearing white socks, otherwise Liu Jin wouldn't have wanted to get face-to-face with him.

"I'm looking for Sophie; she should be here by now."

"Yes, she and a Mr. Jiang from China have arrived."

Lyon led Liu Jin into the restaurant and skillfully led him to a quiet table with a great view.

Sophie Marceau had seen him long ago!

She got up early and greeted us with a smile.

"Amos, you're late."

"That's not my fault. I hung up the phone and rode my bike over from the hotel."

"Riding a bike?"

"It's for exercising."

Liu Jin greeted Sophie Marceau with a kiss, then his gaze followed Ji to the man who had already stood up.

That was a very familiar face.

Well, they seem to be quite different from the Zhang Mazi and Mr. Lan that Liu Jin remembered.

After all, Zhang Mazi won't appear until 09.

Jiang Wen at this moment is still just Chen Mingliang, who exudes the fragrance of "Green Tea," or Lieutenant Li, who guards the camels.

He looked slightly dejected, yet he still exuded a powerful aura of hormones.

When Liu Jin's gaze fell on him, he nodded to Liu Jin: "Jiang Wen, you must be Liu Jin. I met your father in 01... I've always wanted to get to know you, and I never thought it would take so long to finally do so. You're awesome."

"How to say?"

"The Pulitzer Prize for Literature—the first Chinese person to win it in 86 years since 1917."

Brother, I was deeply moved when I heard this news on the news. You've made us Chinese people proud!

As he spoke, he gave a thumbs up.

A smile couldn't help but appear on Liu Jin's face.

……

(End of this chapter)