I am a literary giant in Europe

Chapter 831 A Challenge: Fight in the Arena!

Theron called to ask Liu Jin for help.

But don't get me wrong, she's not asking Liu Jin to help her find resources.

In fact, Charlize Theron has had excellent career prospects since the release of Siamese Hitman in 09.

In 09, Columbia Pictures rebooted *Hancock*, but since Will Smith had been sidelined, finding a suitable replacement took a lot of effort. They eventually landed Idris Elba in the role. Yes, he's also a Black actor; he played the guardian of the Asgardian Rainbow Bridge in *Thor*, and the one who crashed Baymax's ship in *Prometheus*…

It certainly can't compare to Will's appeal.

But Will has already been crippled by Liu Jin, so finding a suitable replacement is indeed not easy.

Denzel Washington?

He disdains acting, and even if he does, he demands a very high price.

So they brought in Elba, but to ensure box office success, they revised the script and strengthened the female lead's storyline.

The female lead ultimately returned to Charlize Theron.

……

After that, Charlize Theron received a constant stream of film offers.

Today, his salary is approaching ten million US dollars.

She sought out Liu Jin because she discovered from the newspaper that he happened to be in New York, so she asked him to accompany her to an orphanage to adopt a four-month-old baby.

I thought there would be a friendly match!
Liu Jin drove to the orphanage.

On the way, he couldn't help but ask curiously, "Charlize, why did you suddenly decide to adopt an orphan? And it's only been four months."

Theron took a pack of women's cigarettes out of her handbag and shook it.

I don't smoke thin cigarettes.

"All right!"

Theron laughed and said, "It's nothing, I just feel a little lonely and want to find something to rely on."

"Hey, don't do anything reckless."

Adopting an orphan is fine, but you need to think carefully about what will happen to your child if you have children in the future.

"I will continue as always."

"It sounds easy, but things might change if you actually have children."

"You seem very experienced?"

"Of course, I'm a father of five."

Theron choked on a puff of smoke and coughed violently.

"You have children? Five?"

"Yes!"

"You and..."

“You know AA, right? She gave birth to my daughter in 05, but unfortunately I didn’t find out about her until 08.”

Two years ago, Eva and Alizee gave birth to two sets of twins for me..."

"They didn't rip you off?"

"We are true love!"

"Bullshit about true love, you've got three women..."

"I may be a bit promiscuous, but I am sincere to every woman I am with."

Theron took a sip of water and remained silent.

After a long pause, she suddenly laughed and scolded, "Amos, you're such a jerk."

"I'll take that as a compliment!"

The truth about the child will come out sooner or later.

The reason it hasn't been exposed yet is because Liu Jin has done a very good job of keeping it secret.

However, during this year's winter break, he took Camille on a trip around Italy, which has already attracted attention and sparked some speculation.

Eva and Alizee's frequent trips to China in the past two years have also sparked much speculation.

According to Nancy, reporters have already traveled to China to look for clues.

But Liu Jin wasn't afraid of this.

Liu Dasheng has now moved into a courtyard in Liuliqiao.

It was assigned by higher authorities. They said his connections had been transferred to the capital, and a house was arranged in the compound according to his rank.

A two-story building with a courtyard, staffed with guards.

The five siblings have now moved out of the villa in Beiluoguxiang and into a large courtyard.

This further ensured their safety.

But these things will be exposed sooner or later... Don't underestimate those reporters; they can come up with all sorts of tricks as long as there's something in it for them.

Rather than be exposed by them, Liu Jin simply decided to expose himself.

Theron laughed and said, "This is big news. Aren't you afraid I'll tell the reporters?"

"So what if you tell me? I don't care about that."

"That's true, you're a French son-in-law!"

At this point, Theron suddenly remembered something and chuckled, "Now, we should add the title of Brazilian son-in-law as well."

"No, it doesn't count."

AA is quite famous, but in Brazil, Lima and Gisele are even more well-known.

Furthermore, AA has already obtained dual citizenship of America and Italy, so she is no longer officially considered a Brazilian.

It seems that Lima also obtained American citizenship.

Gisele, on the other hand, has always maintained dual Brazilian citizenship.

……

The orphanage that Theron chose is quite well-known in New York.

The four-month-old baby she was planning to adopt was a Black man.

Liu Jin couldn't quite understand why she would adopt a black man as her adopted son, even though she was born in South Africa, her father was French and her mother was German.

In the future, she will also adopt a daughter named August, who is also Black.

It's not just Charlize Theron; it seems like many American actresses like to adopt Black people as their children.

"You don't seem to like it?"

Theron whispered in his ear.

Liu Jin slightly pursed his lips, and seeing that no one was paying attention to him, he said in a low voice, "That's not true. I'll say it again: if you have your own children in the future, can you really treat them all the same? If not, you'd better think about it. After all, you're a public figure, and if something goes wrong, it will be magnified without limit."

I just don't like Black people!

Liu Jin muttered to himself.

However, it seems that Theron in the original timeline never had any children of her own.

Theron revealed a thoughtful expression.

Liu Jin turned his head to look at her profile and had to admit that the Empress's looks were truly top-notch!
Even if she plays the villain Cypher in "Vegetarian Chicken" in the future, Liu Jin believes that everything she does is justified.

The inherently evil Treteau family...

"Then, let me think about it some more?"

"Yes, it's better to think it through."

And four months old... Do you know how painful it is to take care of a four-month-old baby?

Theron glanced at Liu Jin, breathed warm air into his ear, and whispered, "How about you let me experience it?"

Ok?
The way Liu Jin looked at her changed a little!

……

Theron ultimately did not confirm whether she would adopt the little black baby.

However, that night at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel apartment, she and Liu Jin had a sudden encounter.

What are your plans for this year?

"I want to take a break this year. I filmed two movies back-to-back last year, which was a bit tiring."

Liu Jin put his arm around Theron, his fingers tracing her smooth back.

In the movie "Snow White and the Huntsman," Charlize Theron played the evil stepmother queen.

The lead actress is Kristen Stewart, who plays Snow White.

However, no matter how high Kristen Stewart is praised in the future, in Liu Jin's opinion, Magic Mirror is a fraud! Clearly, Serena Williams is more beautiful, but they insist that Kristen Stewart is the most beautiful woman in the world... After watching this movie back then, he couldn't agree with it at all.

The other one is Prometheus, which was mentioned earlier.

Neither of the films is easy.

No wonder Theron wanted to rest.

Have you ever seen my gravity?

"Ok?"

"Are you interested?"

Charlize Theron sat up, somewhat excitedly saying, "So you finally remembered to prepare a female-centric drama for me?"

Monica Bellucci rose to become a top Hollywood star with her adaptation of "I Am Legend".

Theron certainly hopes to have such an opportunity...

She had certainly read "Gravity" and was very interested in it.

However, she also knew that once such a project was approved, it would definitely feature top-tier Hollywood stars.

It's not easy to strive for it.

Liu Jin picked up a cigarette case from the bedside table and lit a Marlboro.

“Nancy is in talks with Warner and Universal about this, and may also bring in MGM to jointly develop this project.”

"MGM? It doesn't seem to be doing too well."

"It's alright. They have plenty of funds right now, but it's not very clear to the outside world at the moment."

"What do you mean? I remember that after MGM filed for bankruptcy reorganization in 10, it seems that Spyglass Entertainment took over the management. Although things have improved slightly in the last two years, the outlook is not optimistic."

After she finished speaking, she seemed to realize something, looked at Liu Jin, and opened her mouth wide.

Liu Jin smiled slightly and said softly, "Ten years ago, I acquired MGM's debt and stock through Scatterwave, and at the same time, I acquired 10 percent of Telescope's shares through Manhattan Brothers Entertainment... In May, Manhattan Brothers Entertainment will launch a full takeover bid for Telescope Entertainment... It's highly likely that I will take over MGM."

"Manhattan Brothers? I've never heard of them."

"This is a company founded by Leon, Matt Damon, David Lynch, Spike Lee, and Sofia Coppola."

"you……"

“I own 40 percent of the shares, but it is held on my behalf by Leon.”

"hiss!"

Liu Jin smiled and said, "For the past two years, I've been having Rick Yorn secretly acquire shares in the telescope."

"So, you're going to become a Hollywood mogul?"

"Haha, I'm not interested in tycoons."

I acquired MGM because I didn't want MGM to decline like this.

"You know, I'm a Chinese kid who grew up watching 007..." "I don't believe you!"

Liu Jin chuckled and offered no further explanation.

"I'll study that book carefully. After I finish watching the game in Las Vegas tomorrow, I'll go to Los Angeles to discuss this project."

Don't say I didn't give you a chance then!

Gravity, in its original timeline, stars Sandra Bullock.

However, Liu Jin and she did not know each other.

Even though she and Keanu have a good relationship, he doesn't intend for her to benefit outsiders.

Eva is currently obsessed with directing, and that's not enough to carry the film.

Monica is busy with Southern Italy TV Network, as if all her passion has been exhausted in "I Am Legend".

Sophie Marceau, who is now living a very Zen-like life.

She has been busy with her creative work for the past two years, and is currently writing a book that explores personal emotions and life experiences, continuing her focus on the inner world of women.

Could it be "The Hidden Corner"?

Liu Jin was a little worried.

This is a work by Sophie Marceau from 23 years ago, and it won the Béarn Academy Prize for Literature.

Released ten years ahead of schedule?

Liu Jin read two chapters, and like her 96 work "The Lying Woman," the writing was very delicate.

He almost forgot that Sophie Marceau is a true artsy young woman!
I haven't been in touch with Heidi for a long time, and she's not an actress.

Meanwhile, Black Widow is currently busy filming Avengers...

Naomi Watts has returned to her family and is beginning to transition into producing.

BEA and Liu Jin had differing views on the refugee issue, and although they still kept in touch, they became estranged.

Isabelle Adjani has even faded out of the film industry...

Considering all that, it seems that only Sergio Sergio is a suitable candidate.

Charlize Theron is getting into it too!
……

Ultimately, she decided to abandon her plan to adopt the black baby.

The reason given was that she was about to join a film crew and simply didn't have time to take care of her child.

The orphanage did not blame her; on the contrary, they thought it was a very pragmatic attitude.

"You really don't plan to adopt anymore?"

"I thought about it and I think what you said makes a lot of sense."

If I have children in the future, will I treat them all the same? I'm not sure myself.

In that case, let's find more suitable people to adopt them..."

"That's right, you don't owe them anything."

"And you still say you're not..."

"Shh!"

After a passionate night, Liu Jin set off for Las Vegas early the next morning.

Theron, meanwhile, was fast asleep in bed.

Liu Jin was really exhausted last night.

As a result, I was in a drowsy state throughout the flight.

When I arrived in Las Vegas, I was still experiencing intermittent cramps in my lower back.

Las Vegas airport is small.

There's nothing particularly noteworthy about it.

Liu Jin then went directly to the Caesars Palace Hotel.

While passing the main road next to the Hilton Hotel, we found that the road was blocked.

Upon inquiry, it was learned that a gunfight had occurred here three hours earlier, with a gunman using an M16 to open fire on the street from a second-floor apartment facing the street, resulting in five deaths and three injuries. The gunman was shot dead on the spot.

As expected of the free America, gunfights happen every day.

Liu Jin felt a pang of sympathy, which strengthened his resolve never to settle in America.

That's incredibly dangerous!

The match was held in the evening.

When Liu Jin arrived at Caesar's Palace, it was still afternoon.

Ronda Rossi had booked a room for him in advance; it was a presidential suite.

No sooner had Liu Jin entered the room than the phone rang.

It's J.K. Rowling.

She continued writing even after the Harry Potter series ended.

However, from her conversation with Liu Jin, Liu Jin could sense that she seemed to be seeking a career change.

“Once readers develop a fixed impression of an author, it becomes very difficult to change their mindset.”

She has been filling in the stories of the wizarding world for the past few years, but at the same time, she also hopes to create works of other themes and genres.

Ten years later, she rarely appeared in the public eye.

In her words: writing is a solitary endeavor, sometimes requiring one to distance oneself from external distractions.

Aside from occasional phone conversations with Liu Jin, her contact with the outside world mainly revolves around stories from the wizarding world.

"Amos, I'm going to create a new character."

"what?"

"I want to write a hard-boiled detective novel."

"so?"

I need your support!

How do you plan for me to support you?

Liu Jin was somewhat curious.

His friendship with Rowling wasn't based on money; it was more of a meeting of minds between creators.

Rowling helped him a lot.

I've cheered for him and even debated for him.

Last year, when Liu Jin intended to acquire the World News, he sought help from Rowling to avoid interference from political factors.

The World News' reputation is ruined, but its publication number remains.

However, its boss's boss was an extreme FH (fearless) individual.

Murdoch's News Corporation is full of EY (Eye) about China.

If they knew that the acquirer was Liu Jin, Liu Jin felt that he would most likely be rejected.

Old Mo built his career on public opinion and would never allow a Chinese person to control the mouthpiece; it's also unlikely that the Taiwanese would allow it.

Therefore, Liu Jin needs someone to take the lead.

Rowling is the best choice!

She is very wealthy; through Liu Jin's manipulation in 08, she amassed a fortune of over two billion yuan.

At the same time, she wielded considerable influence in Great Britain...

The sale of the News of the World to Rowling can be described as a smooth process.

After receiving Liu Jin's request for help, Rowling agreed without hesitation and successfully helped Liu Jin secure the World News newspaper.

She is now asking Liu Jin for help, and Liu Jin cannot refuse under any circumstances.

"Let's have another competition."

"Competition for what?"

"Are you also writing a hard-boiled detective novel?"

"I?"

"Do you have guts? I know you Chinese are all tough as nails."

"So you're planning to take on this tough nut?"

"Haha, that's exactly what I think."

Liu Jin held the phone and couldn't help but smile.

J.K. Rowling did indeed write hard-boiled detective novels, but not under the name J.K. Rowling; she used an alias.

She wrote the Cormoran Strike mystery series under the pseudonym "Robert Galbraith".

There are a total of five works.

The cuckoo's call, silkworms, a life of sin, running graves, and deadly white.

Later, someone asked her why she didn't use the name J.K. Rowling.

She replied with a smile: "I'm afraid that when readers read about Cormoran Strike, they'll always expect him to pull out his wand and shout 'Expelliarmus!'"

This series wasn't very appealing at first.

However, after the author's identity was revealed, it became a popular work.

Are you planning to change your pen name?

"I had thought about it before, but if it's a competition with you, I would be at a disadvantage if I used a different pen name."

"so……"

"Yes, I plan to use my current name."

If that's what you're saying, then I'm starting to get interested!
To be honest, Liu Jin wouldn't agree if J.K. Rowling really used an alternate account.

They're not even on the same level in terms of fame, how can they fight in this ring?
It's estimated that before he even gets a chance to exert his full strength, Rowling will be utterly defeated.

"Alright, let's have another match in the ring."

"I can remind you that I already have a very mature story, which will be completed before the end of the year."

Rowling laughed on the phone, "Don't back down at the last minute. What if I finish writing and can't find a worthy opponent?"

"July 31st, right?"

"what?"

"I mean, if you're going to release it, it will be on July 31st of next year, right?"

"Hehe, you've figured out the pattern... July is my lucky month."

"If that's the case, then let's fight!"

"Then it's settled..."

Rowling's voice is full of energy.

Liu Jin was also filled with fighting spirit.

However, after hanging up the phone, he was a little dazed when he came to his senses!
What did I just do?
Why did I agree to fight her?
She's already come up with a story, but can anyone tell me what I should write?

Sitting on the 180-square-meter open-air balcony of the presidential suite, Liu Jin couldn't help but frown and fall into deep thought...

(End of this chapter)