Entertainment: Since 1990

Chapter 188 There's a sucker out of nowhere
Cao Jian had previously sung three somewhat well-known English songs, one of which was the English version of "Goodbye Kiss," which was an attempt to let Europeans and Americans know that there was a Chinese person who could sing English songs quite well.

The second song is "Lemon Tree," which has performed quite well in the European and American markets and is very popular among students.

Of course, his most popular song is still "My Love," which made him a household name in Europe and America.

Therefore, even Hollywood director James Cameron had heard of Cao Jian.

"Let him in."

Although he didn't know why this young man, known as a genius in the Asian entertainment industry, wanted to see him, James decided to meet him out of curiosity.

Outside the film crew's door.

"Honey, do you think he'll see us?"

Chen Hong, who had been waiting for quite a while, was still a little worried.

"I don't know, but I guess so."

Cao Jian's plan was to proceed step by step, and singing English songs was also a way to gain more recognition.

If James has heard of me, it would be best to meet him today.

If not, then go directly to 20th Century Fox.

Anyway, I brought money with me.

As the two were talking, a staff member came out and said, "Director James asked me to take you in."

"I actually got to meet an internationally renowned director?"

When Chen Hong heard that the other party agreed to meet, her anxiety did not subside; instead, she became even more eager to meet.

"Let's go, don't be nervous."

Cao Jian stretched out his arm for Chen Hong to put on, and followed the staff inside.

"Hello, Mr. Cao."

"Hello, Director James."

When Cao Jian first met this highest-grossing director in Hollywood, he calmly shook hands and introduced her, saying, "This is my girlfriend."

"Hello."

Although James only nodded to Chen Hong, he still thought that this Chinese woman was really beautiful.

There are rumors that Westerners have a different aesthetic view of Chinese people, preferring those with squinty eyes.

Actually, this is a deliberate attempt by some people to vilify Chinese people.

Human aesthetics are generally similar.

After exchanging greetings, James asked, "Mr. Cao, I don't have much time. If you have something to say, please speak directly."

"Well, Mr. James, I heard from a friend in Hollywood that you're going to make a love story about Titanic. I've always loved your movies, so I did a lot of research and wrote a song that I'd like to use as the theme song for this film."

"hehe."

James almost burst out laughing.

You've written some good songs, but I have high standards for movie theme songs. Can your songs meet my requirements?

I thought you wanted to get a role so you could get into Hollywood and increase your fame.

I never expected them to be here to recommend songs.

What kind of songs can a Chinese person like you write?

"Director James, this song took me a month to write, it's the longest song I've ever written."

Cao Jian could see the disdain in the other person's eyes, so he immediately stood up and said, "If you think Chinese people are not up to par, then I'll take my leave."

James was taken aback; he hadn't expected this Chinese man to have such a strong personality.

I just smiled, and he got angry and wanted to leave?
A person with a strong personality might actually be talented.

This is somewhat similar to my personality.

He quickly said, "I'm sorry, I'm just being meticulous about the film. In that case, let me take a look at the song you wrote. If it doesn't meet my requirements, I definitely won't use it."

"hehe."

This time, Cao Jian smiled faintly, took out the piece of music, and placed it on the table.

At this moment, Chen Hong, who was standing to the side, was genuinely nervous.

She knew Cao Jian wrote good songs and sang well, but her boyfriend was facing an internationally renowned director.

Faced with Cao Jian's confident demeanor, James was skeptical and picked up the song on the table.

"The song title is quite nice."

James has been in the film industry for many years and has made several blockbuster films, so he certainly knows a thing or two about soundtracks and songs.

But when he saw the part about the song, his eyes began to look incredulous.

This piece, composed by a Chinese person, is surprisingly melodious, poignant, and moving.

The entire song, from its initial gentleness to its rousing climax, and finally to its poignant tragic ending, is very lyrical. The short song seems to encapsulate the entire movie "Titanic" within it.

"Mr. Cao, did you really write this song?" James really couldn't believe that a Chinese person could write such a piece.

"James, you're holding a piece of music in your hand. If it wasn't written by me, then who else could it be?"

Cao Jian's voice was soft, but his confidence made James nod in approval.

This young man's ability to write such a song suggests that the rumors of his genius are not unfounded.

“Mr. Cao, I was presumptuous before. This song is just too perfect for the plot of my movie. No wonder you said you did a lot of research.”

James looked at the piece of music in his hand, then at Cao Jian, and had no choice but to believe it.

He continued, "If possible, please grant me the rights to this song. I will find the best singer to perform it, and as for the song's revenue, I will help you secure it."

When Chen Hong heard that this Hollywood director actually approved of her boyfriend's song and wanted to include it in the movie, she finally felt relieved.

She looked at her man with utter adoration, proudly raising her head as if to tell everyone, "This is my man!"
Releasing the song was only Cao Jian's first step.

He laughed and said, "I can license this song to you, but..."

"but?"

Foreigners are also afraid of the word "BUT".

Upon hearing Cao Jian utter this word, James assumed the young man was about to make an exorbitant demand.

Unexpectedly, Cao Jian said, "I've always liked your movies. I also heard that you built a life-size cruise ship for the movie 'Titanic' and were meticulous about every prop. I wonder if the budget was enough?"

"???"

James was completely confused and had no idea what the young man was trying to say.

Chen Hong, however, realized that her husband was planning to give money away.

She couldn't help but tug at Cao Jian's sleeve, wanting her boyfriend to reconsider, after all, it was tens of millions of US dollars.

Cao Jian completely ignored Chen Hong and said to James, "What I mean is, if it's not enough, my American film company can add some more investment."

"You want to invest?"

James finally understood what Cao Jian meant when he said that.

So, they wanted to give me money.

This movie has a budget of 150 million US dollars, and more than half of it has already been spent before filming even started, especially the cruise ship, which cost nearly 50 million US dollars.

This doesn't even include the costs of special effects and production in the later stages.

As a result, the original budget became somewhat stretched thin.

But how come you, an artist, have so much money to invest?
Cao Jian laughed and said, "What? You can't?"

"It's not that it's impossible, it's just that I can't make the decision about investing."

James frankly stated that he was just a director. Although 20th Century Fox gave him a great deal of autonomy, he had no right to agree to things like additional investment from others.

“I understand. Please give Fox a call. I want results today.”

With this song, Cao Jian had James firmly in his grasp. It was better to let him handle the matter than to approach the production company directly himself.

"Okay, I'll call now."

James certainly wanted more funding for the film, but 20th Century Fox had previously stated that it did not want to invest any more money.

Even in Hollywood, 150 million is a huge sum.

Investing such a large sum of money for five years, with box office results still unknown, means that film companies naturally have to consider the risks.

James immediately took out his phone and called the owner of the production company, 21st Century Fox.

You said a Chinese businessman wants to invest?

When Alan Ryder, the owner of 21st Century Fox, heard that someone wanted to invest, he thought to himself, "Where did this sucker come from?"

The investors had long been dissatisfied with the pace of James' filming.

Although you've made several blockbuster movies before, this one, which you planned to make in three years, is now two and a half years in the making, and you're still preparing.

Money was spent like water flowing away.

"Yes, he plans to invest 60 million US dollars."

James was somewhat grateful for Cao Jian's timely help.

"Since there's someone willing to take the fall, let's agree to it."

Alan Ryder agreed without hesitation. With this Chinese sucker's investment, James wouldn't have to come over asking for money all the time.

"it is good."

Upon hearing the words "sucker," James couldn't help but glance at Cao Jian.

He didn't think that this Chinese man was being taken advantage of.

Perhaps this person, who can write a song like "My Heart Will Go On," must have high hopes for this film.

I absolutely cannot let Cao Jian, this genius, suffer a loss.

(End of this chapter)