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

The threshold of Cao Kun's office is almost worn down by footsteps.

The six major film studios, which had previously adopted a wait-and-see attitude towards him, are now like sharks that have smelled blood.

Warner's vice president personally visited, just to seek a cooperation agreement.

Universal Pictures sent a fax expressing their willingness to open their film library to Cao Kun, allowing him to choose IPs for remakes.

Even Disney, which is usually arrogant, sent an invitation to its VIP membership program.

Cao Kun has officially transformed from a "somewhat wealthy exorcist" into a Hollywood-recognized "golden producer".

A master of Midas touch.

……

The media's attack on Will Smith has only just begun.

Los Angeles Entertainment published a lengthy article with an extremely scathing title:

From turning down the role in "Hancock" to its box office failure, where did Will Smith's judgment go?

The article details the opportunities Will missed and his mockery of Cao Kun.

Every word felt like a slap across Will's face.

The entrance to a charity gala.

As soon as Will Smith got out of the car, he was surrounded by reporters.

"Will! 'Hancock' is about to surpass $300 million at the box office. Do you regret your previous comments?"

"I heard you're working on a new script; are you trying to turn things around?"

Will you be following Mr. Cao's new project?

The flashbulbs were flashing wildly, shoving into Will's face, which was as black as the bottom of a pot.

Will kept his mouth shut and didn't say a word.

Escorted by his bodyguards, he forcefully pushed his way through the crowd.

When another reporter shouted, "Cao said he was just lucky, what do you think?"

Will paused, his facial muscles twitching violently.

But he held back in the end, and with a dark face, he squeezed into the venue, his back looking particularly disheveled.

……

Inside the villa.

Cao Kun watched the news on TV and then turned off the remote control.

"Owner."

Chris floated over, holding a new report in her hand.

"From Marvel's perspective, Avi said that a rough cut of Iron Man has been released."

Jon Fry asked when you'd have time to come and visit.

Cao Kun stood up and stretched.

"Tomorrow."

He walked to the window and looked at the Los Angeles night view.

"Yes, Master."

Chris took notes, then her eyes flickered, "So, tonight..."

"Let's go to Rachel's tonight."

Cao Kun walked outside. "Didn't she say she was going to show me her new skills as an Oscar-winning actress?"

The next morning.

Cao Kun drove to Marvel's temporary studio in Burbank.

Before they even entered, Avi and Permat were already waiting at the door.

These two squid merchants, who usually argue fiercely over budgets of a few million, had exceptionally bright smiles on their faces today.

The huge success of "Hancock" was like a shot in the arm for Marvel.

Cao Kun's reputation is too great now.

"The Midas Touch of the East" and "The Terminator of the 20 Million Club".

It seems that any project he sets his sights on will inevitably result in a loss.

"Cao, you've finally arrived."

Avi quickly came to greet him, opened the car door, and was ten times more enthusiastic than when they last met.

Perlmutter also dropped his miserly act and smiled like a kind old neighbor:

"The coffee is ready."

Cao Kun got out of the car and nodded: "Let's go, let's watch the movie."

Upon entering the screening room, Jon Favreau was standing in front of the screen, rubbing his hands together.

The chubby director looked a little nervous at that moment.

Although he has some fame in the industry, in Hollywood, producers have absolute power of life and death.

Especially in the presence of a "golden producer" like Cao Kun, who has consistently created blockbuster hits, the director's status is not much higher than that of the cinematographer.

"Mr. Cao."

Jon Favreau approached, speaking respectfully: "The rough cut is ready, 135 minutes long."

The special effects are only 60% complete, and some parts are still done against a green screen. Please forgive us.

Cao Kun walked to the most comfortable sofa chair in the middle and sat down: "Let's begin."

The lights went out.

The big screen lights up.

AC/DC's heavy metal rock song "Back in Black" suddenly exploded into the air.

In the footage, Tony Stark is seen holding a wine glass, chatting and laughing with soldiers inside a Humvee.

Cao Kun leaned back in his chair and watched quietly.

Robert Downey Jr.'s performance was impeccable.

He portrayed the arrogance of a genius, the despair of being imprisoned, and the madness of creating the first Mark I machine gun with remarkable skill.

Especially that look in his eyes.

That's the kind of maturity that comes from experiencing the highs and lows of life.

The screening room was very quiet.

Although Avi and Permat had seen the clips, they still held their breath and occasionally stole glances at Cao Kun's profile.

He tried to decipher his verdict on the film from his micro-expressions.

More than two hours later.

At the press conference, Tony Stark uttered the classic line, "I am Iron Man."

The screen went dark.

The lights came back on.

Jon Favreau stood up immediately, beads of sweat on his forehead, his eyes filled with apprehension.

"Mr. Cao, what do you think?"

Cao Kun did not answer immediately.

He took the water offered to him, took a sip, and then slowly spoke:

"The overall pace is good."

The three people in the room breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.

"However," Cao Kun changed the subject, "there are still a few problems."

Jon Fat immediately pulled out his notebook: "Go ahead."

"First, the sound effects during the breakout battle of the Mark I in the cave were too faint."

I want that heavy, metallic impact, not the sound of hammering metal.

Cao Kun raised his second finger: "Secondly, the setup for the villain Obadiah is insufficient."

Edit his earlier glances to make them look even more sinister.

The audience needs to sense his threat much earlier.

"Third, in the final climactic fight, extend the scene of Tony being beaten while protecting civilians by three seconds."

A hero is a hero because of his sacrifice.

Jon-Fat Ruffian took notes quickly, nodding frequently.

These opinions are incisive, directly addressing both the thrill and the pain points of commercial films.

"No problem, Mr. Cao."

Jon Fry closed the notebook. "I'll arrange for a re-edit and additional sound effects right away."

Cao Kun stood up: "Don't skimp on special effects. If you don't have enough money, come to me for approval."

I want the kind of visual spectacle that Industrial Light & Magic possesses.

"Understood!" Jon-Fat Ruffian replied loudly.

After leaving the screening room, we went to the rest area.

Avi finally couldn't resist and came closer.

"Cao, from your professional perspective..."

Avi rubbed his hands together, his eyes filled with hope. "Will this movie be a success?"

Permat also perked up his ears.

Although they have faith in Marvel's heroes, the Incredible Hulk of the past two years really made them lose money.

Cao Kun looked at the two of them, a slight smile playing on his lips:

Why do you think I spent so much money to sign Downey?

And why invest this 100 million?

Avi paused for a moment.

Cao Kun patted Avi on the shoulder, his tone resolute:

"Don't worry about it."

This film will not only be a success, it will also usher in a new era.

Get ready to count your money.

Upon hearing the phrase "ushering in a new era," Avi and Permat exchanged a glance.

Their eyes instantly lit up with ecstatic joy.