Reborn in Hollywood

A week later, the two trust funds were officially established.

One for Martina Fuentes Lee, beneficiary: Monica Fuentes (mother).

One for the unborn daughter, temporarily registered as "Lee Neves' daughter", beneficiary: Elena Neves (mother).

Each fund has an initial capital of ten million US dollars, is managed by a Swiss bank, and the annual returns are used for education, medical care, and living expenses.

The principal can be accessed when the child turns 21.

Monica was at home breastfeeding her child when she found out about it.

"Ten million?" She was taken aback.

"Um."

"Give her ten million too?"

"Um."

Monica was silent for a few seconds, then sighed.

"You're really generous."

Li Rui sat down next to her.

"They are all my children, the same to me."

Monica looked at Martina in her arms, then at Li Rui.

"Okay, it's time to breastfeed our daughter. Could you please get me a glass of water?"

Li Rui stood up and went to pour water.

That night, Li Rui lay on the sofa—Monica hadn't allowed him to go back to the bedroom yet—with his eyes closed, thinking about what had happened in the past few months.

It's been almost a year since he last stayed in the dream world, and he doesn't know how much longer he'll stay.

Li Rui fell into a deep sleep.

In his dream, he heard a baby crying, heard Monica calling him a "bastard," and heard Elena whispering, "What I want."

Then, all the sounds suddenly disappeared.

Blank.

Li Rui suddenly opened his eyes.

Sunlight streamed in through the gaps in the curtains and fell onto the bed.

He lay on a familiar bed.

A photo of him and Jessica Alba is displayed on the bedside table.

Li Rui stared blankly at the ceiling for a long time.

I heard soft breathing nearby.

He turned his head.

Jessica was lying on her side, fast asleep, her hair spread out on the pillow.

Her lips were slightly upturned; she was probably having a sweet dream.

Li Rui stared at her face, his mind blank.

"What's wrong?"

Jessica woke up and looked at him groggily.

"...It's nothing."

Jessica rubbed her eyes and sat up.

"Did you have a nightmare?"

"It wasn't a nightmare, it was a very long dream."

Jessica leaned closer and rested her head on his shoulder.

"What did you dream about?"

Li Rui paused for a moment, then said directly, "I dreamt that I had two daughters."

Jessica paused for a moment, then laughed.

"That was a wonderful dream."

Li Rui didn't say anything.

Overthinking is pointless.

Anyway, there will definitely be another chance to enter the dream world in the future. As for those worries and longings... let's leave them for another time!

-----------------

half a month later.

In the early morning in Malibu, sunlight streams into the bedroom through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Li Rui leaned against the headboard, flipping through a magazine. Jessica was still asleep, breathing evenly, her long hair scattered on the pillow.

My phone suddenly vibrated.

Li Rui glanced at the caller ID—Ali.

"Rafi, something big has happened."

Ali's voice was low, but it couldn't hide his excitement.

"What is it?"

"Universal has seen the rough cut of 'Step Up'."

Ali paused for a moment, then said, "They want to buy."

Li Rui raised an eyebrow.

"How much are you asking?"

"Eighteen million."

Ali said urgently, "The condition is—you must sign a contract for 'Fast & Furious 2' as soon as possible."

Li Rui didn't say anything.

Eighteen million.

The total cost was ten million, and Universal wanted to take it away by adding eight million to the price?

They're quite shrewd with their calculations.

"Anything else?"

"Universal was very generous with the pay this time."

Ali's tone carried a hint of smugness, "Twelve million! Raphael, that's absolutely top-tier for a male actor under twenty."

When are we going to meet?

"The sooner the better! Ron Meyer himself is involved; he's the vice president of NBC and the head of Universal—he's a big shot."

Lang-Meyer?

Then let's go and meet him.

Two days later, at Universal Studios headquarters, Universal City.

When Li Rui and Ali entered the conference room, there were already seven or eight people sitting inside.

Right in the center is a middle-aged man with gray hair and a powerful aura—Lon Myer, Vice President of NBCUniversal, one of the most powerful people in Hollywood.

Sitting next to him were several executives in suits, as well as Neal Moritz, the producer of "Fast & Furious".

"Raphael Lee".

Lang Mayer stood up, extended his hand, and smiled perfectly, "I've heard so much about you."

Li Rui shook his hand.

"Mr. Mel"

"Please sit down."

The two were seated. After a few pleasantries, Lang Meier got straight to the point.

"Let me be blunt. I've seen the rough cut of 'Step Up.'" He paused, his gaze lingering on Li Rui's face for a second. "It's very good."

Li Rui remained silent, waiting for what would follow.

We want to buy this film.

Ron Meyer continued, "Eighteen million. At the same time, we hope you can sign Fast & Furious 2 as soon as possible—twelve million, that's our sincerity."

He pushed the two contracts in front of Li Rui.

The meeting room was silent for a few seconds.

Li Rui glanced down at the contract, then looked up to meet Lang Meier's gaze.

"Mr. Mel, eighteen million to buy out 'Step Up'—isn't that price too low?"

Lang Mayer's smile faltered slightly.

One of his executives immediately spoke up: "Li, 18 million is already a very high price. The total cost of this film is 10 million, so you'll make a net profit of 8 million, which is quite considerable."

"I know the cost."

Li Rui interrupted him, "But I also know that the box office revenue of this film after its release will definitely be more than this number."

The executives frowned.

Lang Mayer raised his hand, signaling him to be quiet.

"How much do you want?"

Li Rui did not answer directly.

He leaned back in his chair, the Force slowly surging within him.

An invisible tentacles reached out to Lang Meyer, not to control him, but to gently pluck at his heartstrings—making him more willing to listen and more willing to accept.

"I don't want much. Universal will handle the distribution, you'll cover the distribution costs, and once the box office exceeds 100 million, I'll buy out all derivative rights for 50 million—sequels, DVDs, television, and the internet, all included."

The conference room was deathly silent.

The executive's face turned red.

"That's impossible! Fifty million? You're insane—"

"I didn't ask you."

Li Rui looked at Lang Meier calmly, "I'm asking about Mr. Meier."

Lang Mayer stared at him, his gaze complex.

As a seasoned veteran who has spent decades in Hollywood, he has seen countless young actors—arrogant, humble, shrewd, and foolish.

But this twenty-year-old in front of him gave him a strange feeling.

Every word he said made people inexplicably want to nod in agreement.

"reason."

Lang Mayer said, "Give me a reason."

Li Rui smiled.

"Because this film is mine. From the concept to the script, from casting to filming, I oversaw every step."

His tone was full of confidence: "I'm confident that it will gross at least 130 million worldwide. At that time, Universal's profits will be far more than 50 million."

With the popularity of Li Rui and Jessica, the global box office of "Step Up" will definitely far exceed that of the original.

Li Rui was confident in this.

Lang Meier was silent for a few seconds.

The executives around him exchanged glances; some wanted to speak up in rebuttal, but Lang Meier raised his hand to stop them.

"Go on."

"in addition--"

Li Rui then changed the subject, saying, "Regarding 'Fast & Furious 2,' I can sign a contract, but I want to sign two films."

Ron Mel raised an eyebrow.

"Two?"

"That's right, 2 and 3."

Li Rui said, "By shooting back-to-back films, we can connect the plot and make the second and third films a complete story. This will not only save costs but also make the series more sustainable."

Neal Moritz's eyes lit up.

He had considered this idea before, but the senior management at Universal had been hesitant.

Now that Li Rui has brought it up himself, it carries a different weight.

"What about the pay?" Ron Mel asked.

"Twelve million per film," Li Rui said. "Two films, twenty-four million. But I'd like to try a different approach—"

He paused.

"I can invest my salary into the film's production costs and receive a share of the profits."

This time, even Neal Moritz shook his head.

"Raphael, this won't do."

He said, "Production companies would never accept this model; the risks are too high and the accounting is too complicated."

Lang Mayer also shook his head.

"It's good that young actors have ideas, but rules are rules, and pay is pay. You can't invest in a company—at least you're not qualified yet."

Observing their reactions, Li Rui could "hear" their resistance through his Force perception—it was a set of industry rules established over decades, not something that could be shaken by a few words.

He nodded.

"Then we won't invest. Not a penny less in our fees."

Ron Meyer was silent for a few seconds, then laughed.

"You little rascal, you really dare to ask for a price."

Li Rui didn't speak, he just looked at him.

The Force was still flowing slowly, making Lang Mayer feel that what this young man was saying seemed to make a lot of sense.

"Two films shot back-to-back, total salary of thirty million," Ron Meyer said. "That's the final offer."

Li Rui looked at Alibaba.

Ali nodded slightly.

"Deal." Li Rui held out his hand.

Lang Meier grasped his hand.

"It's a pleasure working with you."

One week later, at Universal Studios, at the press conference.

Dozens of media outlets crowded the hall, with flashes of light going off one after another.

The huge backdrop read: "The Fast and the Furious 2 & 3 project is officially launched, starring Raphael Lee."

Li Rui stood on the stage, surrounded by Ron Mel, Neal Moritz, and several newly signed actors.

He was dressed casually, with a polite smile, as he answered the reporter's questions.

"Mr. Li, how does it feel to sign contracts for two major films at the same time?"

"It feels great."

Li Rui said, "Global Times has placed a lot of trust in me, and I will repay them with my best performance."

"The distribution rights for 'Step Up' have also been signed with Universal. Can you reveal some details?"

Li Rui looked at Lang Meier.

Lang Meier took the microphone.

"I can't reveal the details, but I can tell you that we have a lot of confidence in this film and look forward to its performance next September."

Another reporter raised their hand.

"Mr. Mel, could you reveal the specific filming schedule for 'Fast & Furious 2 & 3'?"

Ron Mel glanced at Li Rui, then looked at Neal Moritz.

Neil took the microphone.

"The filming date has been set."

He said, "Filming will begin in mid-February next year and wrap up in early July. The two films will be shot back-to-back without stopping in between. Miami and Los Angeles will be the main filming locations, and the third film may have some location shooting in Mexico."

The reporters quickly jotted down notes in their notebooks.

"Shooting two movies in four and a half months? That's a rare sight in Hollywood."

Neil smiled.

"So we found the best team! We have absolutely no concerns about Raphael's condition."

Li Rui smiled to himself but didn't say anything.

"Rafael, are you confident about the intensity of this filming?"

Li Rui took the microphone.

"Of course! The role of Brian O'Connor was made for me. I'd be willing to do it for a year, let alone four and a half months."

The flashbulbs went off again.