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

"I've become even more beautiful."

In front of the bathroom mirror, Monica stroked her cheek, her eyes glazed over.

The person in the mirror has firm skin with a healthy glow, and the fine lines at the corners of their eyes have almost completely disappeared.

She turned around, looked at Cao Kun leaning against the headboard, and said half-jokingly:

"It seems I've really struck gold."

It not only makes me happy, but it also makes me younger.

Cao, even if you don't give anything in return, I'm willing to continue like this forever.

Cao Kun smiled but didn't reply. He simply reached out and pulled her into his arms.

That being said, he was never in the habit of owing anyone anything.

Especially women's.

After leaving the hotel and returning to the villa, Cao Kun went into the study and sat down in a chair.

"Chris."

The phone screen flashed, pink smoke gathered, and Chris appeared on the desk.

She was still wearing that sexy secretary outfit, holding a virtual document board in her hand.

"Master, you're back."

Cao Kun nodded: "Help me look up a project called 'Being a Mother'."

Chris did not act immediately.

She sat on the edge of the table, her long legs swinging, her tone clearly tinged with sarcasm:

"Master, is that old woman really that good?"

You've been going to the hotel every day these past few days, and haven't even come home.

Am I... inferior to her?

She puffed out her chest, revealing her perfect curves.

As a succubus, her appearance and figure were generated based on the deepest desires of humanity, and theoretically, she was indeed perfect.

Cao Kun looked at her carefully.

"In terms of looks and figure, you are definitely superior."

Cao Kun spoke frankly, "It's very difficult for an ordinary human to grow up to look like you."

Chris's eyes lit up: "Then why... how old is she, with loose skin and wrinkles..."

How dare you call someone old?

Cao Kun looked at her with a half-smile: "How many years have you been alive? Hundreds of years?"

Chris's expression froze, and she immediately fell silent.

Age is a taboo subject for women, and it seems that succubi are no exception.

"Okay," Cao Kun said, "Men... always crave novelty."

Actually, what Cao Kun wanted to say was that Monica is better than you in terms of a sense of realism.

However, there's no need to say that aloud.

Otherwise, Chris will be sad.

"That reason is somewhat plausible."

Chris pouted, unconvinced.

She snorted, turned around and started operating on the virtual screen, no longer dwelling on the topic.

A few minutes later, Chris regained her professional demeanor.

"Found it, Master."

She projected a document into the air.

"Being a Mother" is adapted from the novel of the same name.

The novel was published in 2004, and New Line Cinema acquired the rights shortly after its release.

The project is currently in the pre-production stage, and the director is Todd Field.

The budget is low, only $2600 million.

Cao Kun looked at the information on the screen and tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

He quickly went through the Oscars situation for next year in his mind.

The competition for Best Actress at the 79th Academy Awards was extremely fierce.

Helen Milon's "The Queen" was a natural progression; she played the Queen of Country Y, and with political correctness and acting skills, it was hard to shake the trend.

But Monica is from YDL, so she can't play the Queen of Y Country.

"Notes on a Scandal" featured two veteran actors delivering a powerful performance. Monica was too beautiful for that kind of repressed and twisted role.

"Volver," starring Penelope Cruz, is a Spanish-language film.

In Hollywood, foreign language films are inherently at a disadvantage, and public relations are extremely difficult.

As for "The Devil Wears Prada," Meryl Streep has already secured a nomination, but that's Anne Hathaway's show, and the film has already been made.

After much consideration, only "Being a Mother" is the most suitable.

In the original timeline, Kate Winslet was nominated for her role in this film.

Although she didn't win the award in the end, it was because her public relations efforts were insufficient, and she also encountered the problem of Helen Mirren.

But if Chris were there...

As long as you make the cut, it's really uncertain who will win the trophy.

"This film is a typical award-contending film."

Chris analyzed, "New Line doesn't have high hopes for commercial box office; what they want is the reputation brought by awards and DVD revenue."

Cao Kun nodded: "Make contact with a new line."

"Tell them I'm willing to contribute $2000 million as co-production funding."

Chris wrote in her notebook: "Do we want copyright?"

"No copyright required."

Cao Kun said confidently, "As long as the profits are shared."

I want a share of the box office revenue in North America and worldwide, as well as a share of the online rights, videotape sales, and DVD sales.

The proportion in this segment needs to be discussed at a higher level.

For art films like this, the box office revenue might barely cover the costs.

But once you win an Oscar, even just a nomination, the offline DVD rentals and sales will generate a huge sum of money.

Add in the television broadcasting rights, and it's a win-win situation no matter how you look at it.

Moreover, this money is not only an investment, but also a "remuneration" for Monica.

"Understood."

Chris closed the folder, a red glint flashing in her eyes:

"I'll make sure they can't refuse."

Also...should I start preparing next year's 'jury list' now?

Cao Kun smiled and said, "No need to rush, let's get the role first."

Once you're on the team, the rest will fall into place naturally.

Two days later, Burbank.

The atmosphere in the New Line Cinema meeting room was somewhat subtle.

Cao Kun sat at one end of the long table, opposite New Line Cinema president Toby Emmerich and two producers.

On the table was a newly printed letter of intent for investment.

"Mr. Cao, we are very grateful for your high regard for the project 'Being a Mother' as a successful and well-known producer."

Toby tapped his fingers on the table, looking somewhat troubled: "A $2000 million investment is indeed very tempting; it covers almost half of our production costs."

However, the choice of the female lead...

Director Todd has high hopes for Kate Winslet.

Moreover, Monica Bellucci... her image is too glamorous and has a strong exotic flair.

This is, after all, a story that takes place in the suburbs of Country M.

Cao Kun leaned back in his chair, his expression calm.

"Toby, Kate is really good."

But don't you think that an outsider who is out of place and full of allure can create more tension in this repressive suburban story?

Toby, betting on award-winning films is a losing proposition.

And now, I'm willing to take a risk of $2000 million.

You should know better than I what this means.

Toby's face immediately lit up with a smile: "Yes, it's a brilliant idea, and the leading lady will be Ms. Bellucci."

Cao Kun: "What about Kate's side?"

Toby quickly replied, "Don't worry, we'll handle it."

Watching Cao Kun's departing figure, Toby sighed, "Monica Bellucci is really lucky; she actually managed to hook up with this young Chinese-American producer."

The assistant said, "I've heard that Cao has countless women around him, and they're all very beautiful."

Toby: "When you can casually throw around $2000 million just to give the woman next to you a role, you can too."

The assistant immediately fell silent.

He wouldn't even accept $2000, let alone $2 million.