While in Hollywood, I used Taoist magic to quell American terrorism.

In the practice room, Cao Kun sat cross-legged on the ground, closing his eyes to observe the internal condition of his body.

The phone screen flickered, and Chris's silhouette was projected onto the ground.

She pushed up the gold-rimmed glasses that had appeared on her nose, and her expression became professional.

"Master, there are new developments at 20th Century Fox."

Cao Kun opened his eyes and said calmly, "Speak."

Chris drew several data streams on the screen:

"The Devil Wears Prada has officially passed internal review and been approved as a project."

The current production budget is set at around $3500 million.

Cao Kun shifted into a more comfortable position against the wall: "Is Fox planning to become a sole proprietorship?"

"No," Chris shook her head, "according to Hollywood rules..."

This type of workplace-themed story, which is neither a series nor a major IP, is classified as "medium-high" in risk assessment.

Fox's finance department suggested seeking external funding to share production costs and marketing burdens.

Cao Kun sneered: "These old foxes, they shut themselves in when they're making big money."

When faced with a project they're unsure about, they start talking about "win-win cooperation."

Chris echoed, "Yes."

After all, no one can guarantee that a movie about fashion and office politics will be as profitable as a superhero movie.

Most companies are cautious when faced with scripts that haven't been market-tested.

Cao Kun stood up, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and looked at the shimmering swimming pool outside.

He was well aware that the film had grossed over $3.2 million worldwide.

An investment of 3500 million yielded a return of nearly ten times.

This is no longer about sharing risk; it's Fox handing over a piece of lucrative meat to the table.

"Contact them; my film company is very interested in this project."

Cao Kun said without turning his head, "We want to participate in the investment, the more shares the better."

Chris's fingers flew across the screen: "Master, in what name?"

Although we currently own shares in Marvel, we don't yet have a notable track record in the traditional film production industry.

"Just use the word 'cash'."

Cao Kun turned around and said, "Tell Fox's negotiation team that we don't need any production control."

All they need is a share of the profits and the right to make casting recommendations.

Moreover, our funds can be credited to your account immediately.

Chris stopped what she was doing, looked up, and asked, "The right to make suggestions? You mean you want to stuff Miss Anne in there?"

Cao Kun sat back down in his chair, tapping the table lightly with his finger: "This role suits her, both in terms of her temperament and her subsequent career transition."

"Understood. I'll email the vice president at Fox right away."

Chris's figure flickered and disappeared from the screen.

……

That afternoon.

A private club in Beverly Hills.

Cao Kun met with the Fox executive in charge of the project, a bald man named Kevin.

Kevin sized up the young Cao Kun, his eyes holding a hint of a businessman's scrutiny.

"Mr. Cao, I am very surprised."

I heard you've recently invested a lot of money in Marvel, and now you're venturing into the fashion industry?

Cao Kun took a sip of black tea: "Marvel is the future, while 'The Queen' is the business of today."

I'm optimistic about this notebook; it has the potential to capture the wallets of professional women worldwide.

Kevin smiled and put down his cigar: "Since you don't want control but are willing to pay cash, Fox has no reason to refuse."

After all, sharing the risk was our original intention.

Cao Kun: "I want a 40% investment share."

Kevin's smile froze for a moment: "That's too much. We only plan to release 15% to 20% at the moment."

Cao Kun put down his teacup, leaned forward, and said in an unquestionable tone: "30%."

In exchange, I hope the director will consider Anne Hathaway when casting the female lead.

Kevin stroked his chin: "Ms. Anne Hathaway? 'Hitch' made her very famous."

The director originally considered Claire Denise or Natalie Portman.

But Anne's commercial popularity is indeed higher right now.

Cao Kun didn't speak, he just looked at him quietly.

Kevin was silent for half a minute, then held out his hand: "Deal."

I will communicate with the director.

"As long as Anne's audition isn't disastrous, the role is hers."

……

Back at the villa.

The succubus Chris emerged from the shadows of the wall, holding a cell phone in her hand.

"Master, it's all settled. Fox has already sent Molly an audition invitation."

Cao Kun sat on the sofa, closing his eyes to rest: "Does Annie know yet?"

"I just received a message; I heard they were planning to call you."

As soon as he finished speaking, Cao Kun's phone vibrated violently.

Cao Kun picked up the phone and answered. Anne Hathaway's sharp, ecstatic voice almost pierced through the speaker.

"Damn! Molly told me you arranged a project for me, one where I'd be working with Meryl Streep?"

Cao Kun said calmly, "Listen, Annie. I want you to get this role."

You don't need to take off your clothes, nor do you need to make yourself look ugly.

All you need to do is be yourself, and witness the transformation from a country bumpkin to a queen.

Anne Hathaway paused slightly, then asked, "What do you mean by 'playing yourself'?"

Cao Kun laughed and said, "Haha, a slip of the tongue."

Anne snorted, "Tonight, I'm going to come over and settle the score with you."

Cao Kun: "Whatever you say."

The afternoon sunlight shone through the floor-to-ceiling windows of "Wenxin Hall," casting bright spots on the floor tiles.

Cao Kun sat behind the rosewood tea tray, leisurely washing the teaware.

Fleischer sat in the corner, engrossed in studying a performance textbook.

Her role in "Hancock" was small, and filming has already wrapped.

Then, he immediately returned to check on the shop.

At that moment, a car stopped at the entrance.

A middle-aged man in a dark gray suit got out of the car and walked straight into the store.

His hair was slightly disheveled, and his eyes were sunken.

The pupils were filled with bloodshot veins caused by prolonged lack of sleep.

He exuded a sense of anxiety, as if he were being pushed to his limit by some kind of immense pressure.

Cao Kun glanced up and around, even without using his Qi-observation technique...

You can also feel the intense, almost solidified, chilling aura emanating from the other person.

He sized up Cao Kun, his tone tentative yet filled with a last glimmer of hope: "Excuse me, are you Master Cao?"

"That's me." Cao Kun didn't get up, but casually pointed to the chair opposite him: "Sit down."

The middle-aged man gave a polite bow and sat down, his hand nervously gripping the hem of his suit jacket.

Cao Kun poured a small cup of tea and pushed it towards him, asking, "What's your name?"

The middle-aged man took a deep breath, seemingly suppressing his inner fear.

"My name is Christopher Nolan, and I am a director."

Cao Kun remained calm.

In fact, Nolan recognized the other person's identity as soon as he entered.

After all, he was a renowned director in later generations.

Last month, the first installment of his Batman trilogy, Batman Begins, was released.

It's still showing in theaters.

However, at this time, he was just a director who had just begun to make a name for himself.

It was far from reaching the heights of later generations.

After all, The Mystery of Beginning only grossed $3.52 million worldwide.

It's only just over 3 million now.

Compared to the cost, it wasn't a huge success.

The second installment, "The Dark Knight," grossed over $10 billion.

It wasn't until then that Nolan was fully accepted by the mainstream.