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

"A new company called 'Kunlun Film Industry'." The assistant glanced at the documents. "The boss's name is Cao Kun."

Ami was taken aback: "Cao Kun? That name sounds familiar?"

The assistant pointed out, "It's said that actresses like Anne Hathaway, Amanda, and Scarlett Johansson have had ambiguous relationships with him."

Many female celebrities have publicly stated that he is their boyfriend.

Ami's face contorted with jealousy: "What a beast... what right does he have?"

Assistant: "He's Marvel's second-largest shareholder. He's also a powerful exorcist, the kind who's very famous in the industry."

Ami: "That's it..."

Assistant: "The actresses he dates are all currently in the rising phase of their careers."

Ami: "Is it really that amazing?"

…………

Not just Sony.

Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal—almost all the major Hollywood studios received the news on the same day.

They initially thought it was just a chance to snag a bargain, but they discovered that the person who was looking to snag the bargain had already set up the scheme six months earlier.

Gardner's phone was ringing off the hook, but his response was always the same:

"Go contact Mr. Cao; he is the true protagonist of this story."

When these Hollywood bigwigs looked through Cao Kun's file...

Seeing that he not only holds an award-contending masterpiece like "The Pursuit of Happyness"...

When they still held the copyrights to several core Marvel heroes, everyone was unsettled.

…………

"Master, Sony's ARMY, Warner's vice president, and several independent producers have all sent me meeting invitations."

Inside the villa, Chris held her phone, giggling.

"They all want to buy the rights to Gardner from you."

Sony even hinted that they were willing to offer three million dollars.

Cao Kun was sitting on a recliner in the backyard, basking in the sun, playing with a few Five Emperors coins in his hand.

"Three million?" Cao Kun scoffed. "That's just to send a beggar away."

Tell them that the copyright is not for sale, but I am open to joint development.

I provide the script and copyright, they handle production and distribution, and I take the lion's share of the profits.

Chris nodded and took notes: "And what about the lead actor?"

Sony suggested Will Smith for the role, feeling his image perfectly suited the struggling father.

Cao Kun sneered: "That's impossible. Let's get another Oscar-winning actor. Denzel HSD isn't a better actor than him."

He has more awards than him, which might help him win another Best Actor award.

Chris smiled and said, "That's a good suggestion. Once we've finalized the company for collaboration, I'll give them the candidates."

Just then, my phone vibrated again.

Cao Kun took it and saw that it was Jessica.

"Damn, the voice acting contract for the animated film has been signed."

In Pixar's "Cars," I played Porsche's character named Sally.

How did you know they were looking for someone with that kind of voice?

Jessica's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement, and her allure could be felt even through the radio waves.

Cao Kun laughed and said, "Don't limit yourself to this one, what about the other two?"

Jessica: "We're in talks, and the chances are very good."

Cao Kun: "I'm waiting for your good news."

………………

Beverly Hills, a private business club.

Paramount CEO Brad sat opposite Cao Kun, holding the newly signed contract in his hand.

"Mr. Cao, the $3500 million cash investment has been received."

Brad remarked, "The price is $500 million including the copyright."

You own 80% of the profits from this movie.

Paramount will only be responsible for the remaining $1000 million production shortfall and global distribution.

Cao Kun lit a cigar and exhaled a puff of smoke: "The issuance fee is 20%, which is the highest price I can offer."

Brad smiled and said, "Deal."

Although we share the risks, I have to admit that Paramount is more like working for you.

Cao Kun picked up his coffee cup: "As long as we can make money, it doesn't matter who works for whom."

An agreement has been reached.

The project "The Pursuit of Happyness" has been officially approved.

Instead of using the screenwriter recommended by Paramount, Cao Kun had Chris directly contact Steve Conrad.

"Rewrite it according to the original meaning of the autobiography."

Cao Kun gave Steve instructions over the phone.

"What I want is that suffocating, downtrodden life, not fake warmth."

Even a scene where someone is sleeping in a toilet must be filmed to convey a sense of despair.

Steve was excited on the other end of the phone: "Mr. Cao, you understand this story better than those Hollywood producers."

………………

at the same time.

Inside Will Smith's mansion.

Agent James rushed into the study and threw an internal industry report on the table.

"Will, look at this."

Will Smith glanced at it: "The Pursuit of Happyness? What's that?"

James: "An autobiographical novel by Chris Gardner. He rose from the bottom to become a stockbroker. Now he's the owner of a company."

Will Smith: "It seems interesting, but it's just so-so."

James: "This autobiography has been bought by that Cao Kun."

"Cao Kun, that Chinese exorcist?"

Will laughed: "Haha, he always buys random things."

James's expression turned serious: "You probably won't be laughing now."

This book stayed on the bestseller list for six weeks, demonstrating its incredible popularity.

Paramount has just announced a co-production with Cao Kun Pictures, with a budget of 5000 million.

This is definitely a top contender for next year's jackpot.

Will Smith's smile froze, and his eyes flickered slightly.

Perhaps it was Paramount's involvement that made him reluctantly shed his prejudice against Cao Kun.

After calming down, his keen intuition told him that this role was extremely suitable for him.

"Contact Brad."

Will stood up: "Tell him I'm very interested in this role and am willing to take a pay cut to play it."

An hour later.

Will Smith put down his phone, his face ashen.

"What did Brad say?" James asked hastily.

He said it didn't count for him.

Will's voice was filled with suppressed anger: "He said that Cao Kun had all the power to decide on this project, from casting to the script."

Paramount is just a distribution partner.

"What?"

James was shocked. "Paramount would actually give such a large amount of power to a Chinese-American producer?"

Will Smith took a deep breath: "Find someone to pass a message to Cao Kun."

I told him I was willing to meet with him in person to discuss a cooperation plan.

…………

Evening, at the Wenxin Hall.

Chris appeared, her tone mocking: "Master, the Will-Smiths have sent a message."

He said he hoped to have dinner with you and talk about the character of Gardner.

Cao Kun was wiping the lightning-struck wooden sword in his hand, without even lifting his eyelids.

Tell him I'm busy.

Chris laughed and said, "He got very angry last time when the master didn't compliment him."

I'd really like to see his expression after I reject him outright.