1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

Chapter 136 The News Brought by Roger

Tupac!

Xu Shengjie suddenly realized that today was Thanksgiving.

I've been so busy these past two days, I'm completely exhausted.

He had completely forgotten that Tupac had said he would come and spend Thanksgiving with him.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

"I told you before, I told you about it. I called you a couple of days ago, but I couldn't reach you. Justin said you haven't been home for a long time. He didn't know your girlfriend's address, so he had Roger bring me here."

I'd also like to see what my brother is doing these days.

As he spoke, he turned and waved towards the door of the hall. Several black men walked over, one of whom was carrying a video camera.

"Jeff, is your workplace convenient for filming?"

What are you doing?

Knight said he wanted to produce an album for me, so I thought I'd include you along the way, hehe, I can also benefit from your fame.

You're incredibly popular right now!

I heard that book, *Canal Street*, has been at the top of the bestseller list for four consecutive weeks.

Xu Shengjie smiled.

He understood what Tupac meant; it wasn't so much that he wanted to ride on Tupac's popularity as he wanted to share some of it with him.

Tupac's audience is primarily Black, especially Black people on the streets.

Of course, some white people are also slowly accepting rap.

In terms of popularity, Xu Shengjie's popularity is really not as high as Tupac's.

"There's nothing you can't film, come on."

Xu Shengjie tilted his head, put his arm around Tupac and Roger, and walked towards the editing room.

The cameraman hurriedly picked up his camera and followed.

The other black men, dressed in leather jackets, with dreadlocks or other hairstyles, and wearing large gold chains, did not follow.

It's likely that Tupac had warned them beforehand.

"Who is Knight?"

Xu Shengjie let Toni Ann leave work early.

On the way to the editing room, he asked in a low voice.

"Sugar Knight, the owner of Death Row Records, is a very loyal friend."

"You signed with Death Row Records?"

"Um!"

"Then you and Dr. Reed—"

Xu Shengjie vaguely remembered that Tupac had mentioned before that he was currently signed to Dr. Reid's studio.

How could it be so sudden—

"Reed and Knight teamed up, invested in Death Row Records, and then got me to switch to Death Row Records."

Where's Snoopy?

"No, he stayed at Reed's studio, saying he didn't want to bother. Reed meant for me to go over and take a look first, and if it wasn't suitable, I could go back—and Knight gave me a signing bonus of 1.2 million."

Xu Shengjie was a little confused.

Snoopy Dog, one of the two West Coast rappers discovered by Reed, is slightly less prominent than Tupac.

O

Logically speaking, Red should have stayed at Tupac, so why was he sent to Death Row Records?

"Did you offend Reed?"

"No."

"So you and Reed have a conflict?"

"It's not exactly a contradiction, is it?"

"How so?"

"It's just a difference in philosophy."

By this time, the cameraman had already followed, and Xu Shengjie didn't ask any further questions.

The group entered the editing room, where a strong smell of smoke hit them.

"Jeff, how many cigarettes have you smoked?"

Roger couldn't help but frown as he spoke.

"It wasn't me who smoked it, it was when the editor and I were discussing it earlier — Hey bro, don't close the door, let the smoke dissipate."

Xu Shengjie stopped the cameraman who was about to close the door.

After the group sat down, Roger looked around curiously, while Tupac seemed quite at ease, talking fluently in front of the cameraman's lens, even pulling Xu Shengjie into the frame, and then giving the camera a thumbs up.

"This is my brother, Jeffrey."

The author of "Canal Street Metro Station" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and also a very talented director.

Hey Jeffrey, say hi.

Xu Shengjie didn't say anything, he just smiled and waved at the camera.

Then, after a long, rambling conversation, the cameraman, having gathered enough footage, said goodbye to Tupac.

"I'm not going back to the hotel today, you guys have to find your own fun."

Today is Thanksgiving, and I have to spend time with my brothers. You guys pick me up early tomorrow morning, and then we'll go to Quad.

Recording Studios.

Which recording studio?

Xu Shengjie was taken aback.

What's wrong with QuadRecordingStudios?

"Are you going to Menken's recording studio to record?"

"What Manken? I don't know that. This is a recording studio that Reed helped me contact; he said it's very professional. Do you know this recording studio?"

"The owner of this recording studio is Alan Menken, a top producer at Disney Music."

"The Colors of the Wind that I sold to Vanessa was made there. Do you think I know this place?"

"Haha, I forgot!"

Tupac slapped his forehead and laughed, "If I had known you were familiar with this recording studio, I wouldn't have asked Reed to introduce you—how's Manken's skill level? I mean, I need to sample some melodies and produce some beats there, is that alright?"

"Since Reed introduced this company, there shouldn't be any major problems."

Although Manken isn't in the rap scene, his musical talent—he's a top producer at Disney, what are you worried about?

"That's good!"

By this time, the cameraman had already turned off the camera.

He greeted Tupac and then took his leave.

However, before leaving, he handed Xu Shengjie a business card.

"Director Jeffrey, if you ever make a movie again, please contact me."

I've been in this industry for over a decade, and I've worked on everything from music videos and documentaries to films. I hope you can give me a chance.

Xu Shengjie accepted the business card with a smile.

"You worked on the Black Street film crew? Do you know Oliver?"

"Oliver Wood? Of course I know him."

"That's great! Oliver was the cinematographer for my film. Mario, right? Hopefully, we can work together sometime."

"Thank you, thank you!"

Tupac needs to go to the restroom, and he'll drop Mario off while he's at it.

After he left the editing room, Roger came over and whispered, "I got some news from Big J. Apparently, last month, Puff was humiliated by Amaru at MaMaLion (a bar name) in Los Angeles. He's been saying he'll cause trouble for him ever since he got back."

I guess this is the trouble you're referring to.

"How does he plan to retaliate?"

"That's not so clear. Big J said he can't be too obvious, or he'll be suspected."

But it's estimated that Puff will have BIG challenge Amaru, but as for the specifics—he said—it'll require additional payment.

Wow, he's a lay Buddhist who pays extra.

"How many?"

"two thousand."

Xu Shengjie thought for a moment, then got up and walked to the locker in the editing room. He took out four rolls of fifty-dollar bills and tossed them to Roger.

"Let him find out the details."

"no problem!"

"Hey Jeff, what are you doing?"

Just then, Tupac walked into the room and saw the money in Roger's hand.

"It's a deal, it's on me today, so don't you dare mess around."

"If you come to New York and I make you treat me, wouldn't I lose face?"

"Bullshit, I'm a New Yorker too, you know—by the way, are you done here? I've booked a table at Tan Hua Lou, want to go pick up your girlfriend? Haha, you've got some good luck."

"Thanksgiving, Amaru."

If you hadn't come, I would have gone to her house tonight to keep her and her mother company.

But I'm a loyal friend, so since you're here, I'll stay with you—Roger too, and Tommy and Frank as well; those two definitely won't stay home with their families. Justin is out of the question; he'll definitely be a good boy at home, otherwise Kenny will spank him. That's all for now, I'll make a call and we'll be off.”

"Then we'll wait for you outside!"

Tupac and Roger went out first.

Xu Shengjie tidied himself up, put on his clothes, and left the editing room.

Before leaving, lock the door.

Security at the New York film studio is quite strong, after all, most of New York's independent filmmakers gather there.

It is said that they hired BEAUDIETL & ASSOCIATES, a local New York security company.

This security company was founded in 1985 by Richard, a former renowned detective with the New York Police Department.

DietI. But James said that the security company is backed by the New York Police Department, and 70% of its personnel have close ties to the NYPD.

Therefore, this area is also a key target for the New York Police Department.

Once the alarm sounds, officers will arrive within three minutes.

It's very safe!

Xu Shengjie used a public phone to call Theron and tell her that Tupac was coming over and he couldn't come over for dinner that night.

Theron also expressed his understanding.

He finally breathed a sigh of relief, went to the parking lot, drove up, and met up with Roger and the others.

"Jeff, I'll ride in your car!"

Sitting in Roger's black Ford 150, Tupac saw Xu Shengjie driving the Monarch and immediately shouted loudly. He jumped out of the car as if fleeing a disaster, and rushed to the Monarch in a few steps, pulling open the car door.