I am a literary giant in Europe

Chapter 547: Reclusive

America's photographers are quite skilled.

As Liu Jin raised his hands, a ray of sunlight descended and shone on him, making him seem to glow.

Stringer threw the newspaper on the table and couldn't help but curse, "That shit Pesce & Love, that guy's a drama queen."

Ganis picked up the newspaper, glanced at the photo, and couldn't help but laugh.

"Howard, anyway, that troublemaker is finally gone!"

"Hmph, but I estimate that his influence will not dissipate within three months."

"why?"

"Harry Potter is coming to the movie!"

Ganis grinned and gave a wry smile.

He certainly understood Howard's meaning; the debate between Liu Jin and J.K. Rowling's works would definitely continue.

With the Axis vs. Alliance matchup in July, the Harry Potter producers should have a much easier time.

Moreover, this time the person in charge isn't Harvey, but a behemoth like Warner Bros., whose hype tactics are bound to be more sophisticated.

"I now really suspect that he fired that shot."

"A self-torture trick?"

"Ok!"

Stringer got up, poured two glasses of wine, and handed one to Ganis.

"I've investigated with Nobuyuki Idei, and so far, no small group has admitted to being involved in this matter."

He sought help from Mr. Morita.

As you know, Sony has a significant influence among the Japanese community.

Even Mr. Morita couldn't find anything, which means this matter is very likely unrelated to people of Japanese descent, leaving only the possibility that Amos orchestrated this whole thing himself.

"But you also said that Amos is a billionaire."

When have you ever seen a billionaire do something like this? It's too dangerous. If the gunman makes even the slightest mistake, he'll be dead. I don't believe a billionaire would entrust his life to someone else for such a small profit.

"If so, then he's a madman."

"So I think we don't need to argue with a madman."

Ganis put down his glass, revealing his true intentions.

What do you think of what he said at the airport?

"What?"

"He wants to write a novel about assassins..."

Stringer frowned and looked at Ganis.

"Sid, you want to cooperate with him?"

“Why not?” Ganis laughed. “This book can’t possibly be about assassins killing the Emperor, can it?”

Amos is a smart man; he knows when to stop. His decision to return to Toulouse so soon after waking up is certainly a statement. If his new work is truly excellent, even if it's only half the quality of *The Hunger Games*, I think it's worth pursuing… Howard, business is business. We're American, not some petty squabbler.”

That's right, Sony has its own financial backing.

But that doesn't mean I, Stringer, will protect your interests in your daily life.

I'm American, and my responsibility is to make money...

What are the benefits of a simple life?

Do you think the Americans would care?
Howard also felt that if the shooting was indeed related to Xiao Ri, then Xiao Ri was being far too arrogant...

The plot of "The Eye of the Ferocious Beast" flashed through his mind again.

"Will Amos agree?"

"Why not!"

Ganis laughed and said, "Columbia Pictures and Emmanuelle Béart have a very close working relationship."

You know, Béa and Amos...

Howard, in my personal opinion, Amos is a great content provider, while we are the best film company.

What does his assassination attempt on the Emperor have to do with us?
Didn't the Emperor lick Arthur's toes back in the day? Our goal is to make money, increase the stock price, and satisfy shareholders.

"You're right, I think I'm getting a bit stuck on this."

Ganis smiled and took a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket.

The gentle seven stars of everyday life.

"Amos has never been a rigid person. He himself said that he likes to eat Japanese food and smoke Xiao Rizi cigarettes."

This shows that he was not a blind anti-Japanese; he only hated those NCs who had invaded China... I also hate NCs; my great-grandfather died in Auschwitz. But that doesn't stop me from having German friends.

"Try it and see what's so special about the 'Little Life' cigarettes that Amos likes?"

Stringer laughed when he heard this.

He took it and lit one.

Ganis continued, "Look at Warner Bros., they quietly collaborated with Amos on many films, and basically none of them lost money. This shows that Amos has a very keen eye for the market and knows exactly what stories people like."

If I were...

If he orchestrated and controlled this shooting, then I must admit, he's a formidable individual.

"Yes!"

Stringer stubbed out his cigarette.

"Life Is Beautiful has already grossed 230 million at the box office, and 350 million is about to be its final goal."

"Let's bet four hundred million."

"Forehead?"

"Don't forget, he and Rowling still have a showdown."

"Given Warner's methods, they'll definitely bundle 'Life Is Beautiful' with 'Harry Potter' and put them together for a head-to-head competition." "Fuck!" Stringer suddenly cursed, "This shitty life of theirs has cost us so much."

Columbia Pictures had considered investing in "Life Is Beautiful," but ultimately gave up due to internal pressures.

This is a film that grossed over 500 million worldwide.

How much investment is needed?
Sixty-five million US dollars, and that includes marketing and promotion expenses.

What was the last art film to achieve such high box office numbers?
Titanic!
Of course, *Life Is Beautiful* won't reach the level of *Titanic*, but if it grosses 500-600 million at the box office, Amy Coppola would be ecstatic if Columbia Pictures invested in it. How much would the stock price rise? How much would the critical acclaim improve? More importantly, *Life Is Beautiful* could establish a cooperative relationship with China's Magic Film Group, which represents a huge market.

"You intend to continue your cooperation with him through Béa?"

“Emmanuel was just a stepping stone, and Eastwood was also a path; we invested in his previous film, ‘Million Dollar Baby.’”

Besides, don't you think Amos has a major weakness?

"What weakness?"

"He likes beautiful women, and he likes Western women... Hollywood has no shortage of pretty girls."

Spend more time with him; you might find common ground.

Personally, I believe that the upcoming collaboration with Amos will be a key focus for Colombia's development.

Stringer nodded repeatedly, then suddenly said, "This guy is really popular with women. What's most remarkable is that he can juggle several relationships and still manage to navigate them freely... Fuck, now that you mention it, I'm starting to envy him!"

……

A manor house in the small town of Gruysand, Toulouse, France.

At this moment, Liu Jin, who was envied by Stringer and his companion, was being scolded by his mother like a grandson, and lay on the bed without saying a word.

That's right, Mom came to Gruysand Estate!
Seeing that America's visa hadn't been approved yet, Jiang Wen and the others returned and told her that Liu Jin had already returned to Gruçon. So, without saying a word, she immediately flew straight to Toulouse.

She has a multiple-entry visa to France and does not need to apply for one.

When they arrived in Gryzan, Liu Jin had not yet returned.

Just when the old lady was about to explode with impatience, he finally returned.

When the old lady saw Liu Jin's weak appearance, she first burst into tears, and then gave Xiao Zi a good scolding.

Finally, the focus shifted to Liu Jin.

"I told you not to be so reckless, I told you not to cause trouble... I'm not saying it's bad for you to play the recording, but how could you be so bold as to play it in that kind of situation? Your dad said you're lucky to be alive! But he's still very satisfied with your behavior."

He's currently in a retirement home, living a very prestigious life...

"No, why am I telling you this! You silly boy, that's America, not our Chinese territory."

Liu Jin lowered his head, not daring to talk back.

Qianqian couldn't help but say, "Grandma, don't talk about Uncle anymore, he definitely knows he was wrong!"

"Does he know he's wrong?"

The old lady took out a newspaper, it was Le Monde.

She pointed to the photo of Liu Jin raising his hand and looking up, saying, "If he knew he was wrong, he wouldn't have said 'Peace & Love'."

Qianqian burst out laughing.

"Uncle, this photo of you is indeed a bit too flamboyant."

"Shut up!"

Liu Jin rolled his eyes and glared at Qianqian.

Meanwhile, Chloe and the others, who were watching the commotion from the sidelines, couldn't help but burst into laughter.

……

Actually, my mother's idea was to have Liu Jin return to China to recuperate.

But Liu Jin refused.

He had spoken with Ren Dong on the phone before. "Life Is Beautiful" had been showing in China for three weeks.
The box office has reached 320 million, breaking the box office record of "Hero" and only 40 million away from "Titanic".

It is highly likely to break the record for the highest-grossing film in China, previously held by "Titanic".

However, piracy is rampant.

However, the broadcasting authorities themselves rejected the request to extend the key.

Mr. Ren cursed on the phone: "It's like Hong Kong dollars. Those old bastards said that 'Life Is Beautiful' is not mainly controlled by China and that foreign capital accounts for the majority, so it is not suitable to postpone it... This is a Chinese story, so what's the difference between Chinese and foreign capital?"
If you ask me, those old fogies just don't want you to break the record!

That's normal!

Liu Jin disagreed.

He had anticipated this outcome.

After all, he doesn't work in China, nor is he in that circle.

As for what kind of people were in that circle... Liu Jin knew perfectly well.

Even the future famous Wolf Warrior, when he was interviewed, didn't he also say with nostalgia, "XXX was my family's house back then, and my ancestor was a martial arts champion"?
Perhaps he is patriotic!
But when he said those words, his expression, his tone...

He, Liu, doesn't like it!
Even superstars with such immense national popularity are like this, so imagine what those old guys are like...

How could they possibly want to see Chinese films surpass their great-uncle America, especially films that smear their little father?
"We could capitalize on sentimentality, patriotism, and the like."

Bringing up the record-breaking thing might just work, right? Old Zhang is going back to pick up Meryl Streep, so I'll have Juliette Binoche go too, to promote it. It's a pity Sofia is busy with her new film, so she probably won't have time… otherwise, I'd have her go too, and say a few words in Chinese, 'I love China…'

Chairman Ren was amused!
"You're really sharp-tongued, but it's a good idea. I'll contact Leslie."

But what about Ms. Binoche…”

"I contacted her, hehe!"

"Then I'll wait for your good news... Actually, if you weren't injured, I would have preferred you to come back."

"Forget it, I've already made enough of a splash."

My dad told me to behave myself for the time being and not cause any more trouble... I'm going to take a break and recuperate.

……

(End of this chapter)