I am a literary giant in Europe

Chapter 395 Surprise!

Liu Jin left the Shadow Demon and went straight home.

His home in Shanghai is a small villa on Hunan Road.

The plane trees along Hunan Road are lush and verdant.

The small villa has a courtyard of about 100 square meters, inside which is a two-story building and a one-story house.

Facing the street is a garage.

This small villa was bought by Liu Jin's father in Shanghai in 01 after Liu Jin visited his relatives.

The asking price was 3.8 million at the time.

If you look back ten years, you'll realize that 3.8 million was absolutely worth it.

Liu Jin also liked this house very much.

After arriving in Shanghai, he bought a Paladin.

It's understated, but very comfortable to drive.

He was happy to live here. Every night, he would sit in the courtyard in front of the door, listening to the cicadas chirping and sipping a cup of tea, which was a unique experience.

This is China.

Even living alone, I feel exceptionally at ease.

However, the place became very lively that night.

Leslie Cheung came to visit, bringing some local specialties from Shanghai, as well as a jar of Shaoxing rice wine from Kuaiji Mountain.

"This is homemade wine. When I moved to Shanghai last year, Anita Mui asked a friend to get me some good wine. I've been waiting for you to come and taste it."

"How is Anita Mui?"

"Did you hear that too?"

"What did you hear?"

She's in the hospital!

As Leslie Cheung spoke, a look of sorrow appeared on his face.

"Actually, at the beginning of the year, I advised her to go to France for treatment."

Maggie even found her the best doctor, but she just wouldn't leave Hong Kong Island.

Her heart was dead… You know, she longed for love and family more than anything in her life, but ultimately she received neither.

"Then you should leave even more."

"Perhaps, there is still a sliver of hope."

Liu Jin took out an exquisite glass wine jug from the ice curling stone.

The wine pot contained chilled yellow wine that had been chilled for a long time, with glistening water droplets rolling around its surface.

He poured a glass for Leslie Cheung, then poured one for himself, clinked glasses, and drank it all in one gulp.

Plums were soaked in the rice wine.

The aroma of wine mingled with the fragrance of plums, creating a unique flavor.

"If she doesn't want to, then force her to leave, make her leave... This is a matter of life and death, why bother with anything else?"

"Yeah, I think so too."

Leslie Cheung suddenly asked, "How is Toulouse?"

"That's great!"

I mean the level of medical care.

"If you're talking about medical standards, Paris is definitely better."

I can help you contact the sanatorium at the Sorbonne University; they have some of the best doctors in France, no less than America's. Toulouse is also an option; if you're willing to spend the money, there are plenty of doctors to choose from. The hospitals under the Toulouse Three Group are among the best in Europe. If Mei Gu is willing, I can help her find a doctor.”

"Then let's go with Toulouse."

"why?"

"Paris, it's so cold! You know, all big cities are like that."

Anita Mui would probably feel more at ease in a city where she knows people. Leaving her alone in Paris, she probably wouldn't be happy either.

Liu Jin was very clear about Mei Gu's family background.

After Anita Mui passed away in her previous life, her eccentric mother caused quite a few laughs.

It was around that time that Liu Jin learned more about this woman known as the "Queen of a Hundred Changes".

"That's fine too. I'll stay in Toulouse for the next five years."

By the way, I bought another house in Toulouse, in the Saint-Étienne neighborhood. It's a nice place, backing onto the Saint-Étienne Cathedral.

"Where is the original house?"

"It's empty. I originally planned to have it for the family of my bodyguard. But Gifford took a fancy to an apartment behind our school and bought it. Her son is about to start college, and ESC Toulouse is a good option."

I helped her contact the principal of our school, and he was willing to take her in.

Leslie Cheung couldn't help but laugh and said, "Amos, I think Toulouse is becoming your backyard."

"In a few more years, in a few more years!"

Liu Jin smiled and poured himself another glass of wine.

“Then I’ll go back to Hong Kong Island in September, and I’ll tie Anita Mui up with me then.”

"Actually, Shanghai isn't bad either!"

"The medical conditions in France are probably better."

Liu Jin didn't say anything more.

During this period, most people believed that things abroad were better.

Even Leslie Cheung was not immune to this trend. Perhaps for people in Hong Kong, the mainland is still no match for overseas.

"I'll probably be there too, just contact me in advance."

"That `s a deal!"

……

On April 1, 2003, the older brother did not jump.

This made Liu Jin very happy.

Anita Mui's situation is also better than in the original timeline.

In the original timeline, she was in utter despair.

There is no love, no family, and even my best friend is gone.

He eventually passed away at the end of the year.

I hope Anita Mui is doing better in this timeline.

He wouldn't call himself a fan of Anita Mui; the only song he could sing along to was "Woman Flower."

But this did not diminish his affection for Anita Mui.

In the following days, Liu Jin either visited the film set or went to see Leslie Cheung's performance.

Occasionally, I would go to Tianzifang with Leslie Cheung and watch him talk to the elderly in fluent Shanghai dialect.

Deep down, there's always a hint of pride and arrogance.

Meanwhile, a heated debate is unfolding within the Shadow Group.

Shadow definitely wants to join the "Life Is Beautiful" project.

but……

It is impossible to dominate.

People are investing real money, what right do you have to take charge?

Even without marketing or promotion, 20% of $40 million is still $8 million, which translates to 64 million RMB...

Shadow is now heavily in debt.

The bank is already urging them to repay the 500 million RMB loan.

Where would we get so much money to invest?

Furthermore, the fact that Liu Jin is a Chinese citizen has led many to believe that, if all else fails, administrative pressure could be applied.

To put it bluntly, it's a case of getting something for nothing.

I won't contribute any money, but I want to maintain control of the project and secure a 20% share.

Ren Zhonglun started swearing at the meeting.

"Are you out of your mind? What makes you think people will accept your administrative methods?"

Have you looked into Mr. Liu Jin's background? He keeps talking about administrative means; do you believe he can actually use those means to deal with you?

"What era are we living in? They're still so high and mighty."

"Liu Jin is indeed Chinese, but he doesn't rely on China for a living."

Have you seen the latest Forbes rich list? That person made a fortune overseas through writing. Last year alone, they earned over $100 million in royalties. Do you know what $100 million means? Their annual income could support the entire Shadow Studios! And you call it administrative measures? Seriously, what were you thinking? Did you even do your homework?

In most people's eyes, Ren Zhonglun is a refined and scholarly person.

This is the first time I've ever seen someone so rude and abusive in a meeting...

"If you try to use administrative means, they can just turn around and go to China Film Group."

At worst, they can choose not to film in mainland China, but in Hong Kong or elsewhere... Do you understand? This is a story telling our local tale, a pure Shanghai story told in the Shanghai dialect. What would happen if it were to slip away? Do you know how many descendants of refugees from back then have come to invest since Life Is Beautiful was published?
How many development opportunities will Shanghai lose with just one administrative measure?

"Chairman Ren, calm down, calm down... Old Chen was just thinking about the company."

"He's never even considering it!"

Ren Zhonglun had already calmed down, but those words reignited his anger.

"It's like taking away the original author's work with just one sentence, and you even want to sideline them. Are you really thinking about the Shadow of Demons?"

Go and find out how much influence the name 'Amos' carries in Hollywood.

They brought in Spielberg and Brian Glazer as producers. Behind the scenes, the Coppola family also provided strong support. The male lead is Leslie Cheung, and the female lead is Juliette Binoche. Go check them out.

At this point, Ren Zhonglun slammed his hand on the table.

"Shadow Demon must join this project."

Xiao Liu has a good sense of strategy; he gave us 20% of the market share directly, without even discussing a premium. If we don't do a good job, we might as well line up and jump into the Huangpu River one by one. They're practically feeding us, yet we're still being picky.

I will report this project to my superiors, and I believe they will provide us with sufficient support.

The meeting ended unhappily.

But the general direction has been set: we must win the "Life Is Beautiful" project.

That evening, Ren Zhonglun called his former leader to report the matter.

The leaders are well aware of the influence of "Life Is Beautiful" overseas.

Liu Jin, a Pulitzer Prize winner, is no less significant.

Spielberg's involvement also made the leadership realize how much importance Hollywood would place on this project.

The former leader told Ren Zhonglun directly over the phone.

"Regardless of what others say, Shadow must be involved in the story of this magical city."

Don't worry about the money; I'll go to any lengths to get it for you. What you need to do now is stick to this project and make sure this Shanghai story doesn't slip away from Shanghai..."

"Old boss, I will keep up."

Ren Zhonglun repeatedly assured him over the phone.

With the support of his former leader, Ren Zhonglun immediately took action.

The next morning, he inquired about Liu Jin's schedule.

Upon learning that Liu Jin and Zhang Guorong were visiting the Chedun Film and Television Base today, he immediately took his secretary and rushed to the Chedun Film and Television Base without saying a word.

After "bumping into" Liu Jin at the film and television base, Ren Zhonglun reiterated his determination to have Moying join the project.

The Shadow Society handled all the domestic procedures.

When the film crew arrives, all you need to do is focus on filming; you don't need to worry about anything else.

It's important to know that this is the first film in China to be invested in by Hollywood and filmed entirely in China, making it exceptionally significant.

There have been previous Sino-US co-production projects.

But to be honest, most of them focus on America's storyline rather than the storyline of China.

This will be an excellent opportunity to showcase Chinese culture and the face of China to the world, and we must not take it lightly.

Liu Jin agreed.

Whether it's Ren Zhonglun or Master Han, it's all the same.

You can say they have all sorts of flaws, but their original intention is still for Chinese films.

However, Ren sometimes blindly follows Hollywood.

But most people of his generation were like that, so we can't be too harsh on them.

Ultimately, it's because Chinese films are so disappointing.
……

Although the script hasn't been released yet.

But the existence of the original work is enough for Ren Zhonglun to know what kind of story it is.

After several rounds of consultations, Liu Jin and Ren Zhonglun reached a consensus.

"I will have my lawyer draft the contract after I return to France."

Our overall direction will remain unchanged; let's discuss the specific terms. After all, DreamWorks is involved.

"no problem!"

Ren Zhonglun breathed a sigh of relief.

After the deal was settled, Liu Jin drove to his hometown.

His parents have been urging him to come back home several times already. If he doesn't go soon, they'll probably have to come to Shanghai.

We arrived in Pinghu in mid-August.

It's been two years since I last visited my hometown...

The uncle was naturally delighted by his nephew's arrival.

The old nephew is getting more and more capable, and the old uncle is so happy that he drinks a couple more glasses of wine.

The first day went well.

But starting the next day, Liu Jin sensed that something was wrong.

My uncle asked when we were getting married, saying the wedding gift money was already prepared.

My uncle then asked: Do you have a girlfriend? Why don't you find someone Chinese?

Then, a whole bunch of his cousins started asking Liu Jin about his scandals, which made him feel a little embarrassed.

On the fourth day, people from the Jiaxing Writers Association contacted Liu Jin to ask if he would like to join the association.

Upon learning that Liu Jin had joined the Zhongzhou Writers Association, the chairman of the Jiaxing Writers Association expressed his disappointment, saying, "You are also half a Jiaxing native, why don't you join the Jiaxing Writers Association?"
The problem is, why didn't you say so earlier...?

Later, Liu Jin received another call from the Guangdong Provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security.

He was invited to visit Yuezhou.

Shortly after, the Shanghai Writers Association somehow got wind of this and contacted Liu Jin by phone, inviting him to join the association.

Just kidding, this is a Pulitzer Prize winner!

Joining any writers' association would be a major political achievement...

Liu Jin could only use his membership in the Zhongzhou Writers Association as an excuse to feign compliance.

"I want to go back to France!"

"What's wrong?"

"It's so annoying... I've been back for over a month and haven't written a single word."

Yes, I don't have time to write, I'm always busy with social engagements.

My parents are also a bit annoyed. They feel that Liu Jin's phone keeps ringing all day long, which is too noisy.

“It’s good to go back. Qianqian is due to report to Mays soon. You should go back early and keep an eye on things. It would be best if you could personally take her there.”

"I see!"

But when it came time to leave, Liu Jin felt a little reluctant.

My mother is doing well; she can visit me in Toulouse anytime.

But Dad...

"Don't worry about me, I'm fine."

When you go back to France, I'll take your mother to Xichuan to visit your uncle. It's been twenty years since I last saw him…

I'll also visit a few old comrades while I'm at it.

Do you still have comrades-in-arms in Xichuan?

"Yes, I have!"

Liu Jin's eyes darted around as he silently began to plan.

My parents are so proud of themselves now...

Without the worry of money, you can live a carefree life wherever you go.