1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

Chapter 107 Tomb Raider and Mulan

Chapter 109 Tomb Raider and Mulan (2/5)

The crew finished packing up, and it was already dark.

Brooklyn, the city lights are just coming on.

Charlize got into Xu Shengjie's car, tilted her head, and leaned against the window to doze off.

She was really exhausted!

Fortunately, we hired Master Mai to help look after them; otherwise, it's hard to say what would have happened.

It's worth noting that Potanka, the actress who played Lola in the original timeline, almost suffered a physical breakdown from the exertion—in her own words, she needed more than six months to fully recover after filming wrapped. Potanka seems to have more resilience; Charlize Theron, by comparison, might not be as physically strong. Fortunately, it's almost over, and indoor filming is next.

Xu Shengjie glanced at the sleeping Theron while driving.

Her sharply defined profile, illuminated and dimmed by the flashing neon lights, possessed a mysterious allure.

It's a bit like the feeling of the Cyclone King in Arctic City!

Thinking of this, Xu Shengjie couldn't help but smile.

"What are you laughing at?"

Seron suddenly opened her eyes and looked at Xu Shengjie.

"Nothing, just thought of some interesting things."

"What interesting thing happened? Tell me about it!"

"Uh...it's nothing."

Xu Shengjie did not answer, his gaze immediately fixed on the road ahead.

Unbeknownst to them, Theron's eyebrows curved into a quirky, mischievous smile.

"By the way, what's this? I saw you scribbling around on set."

She changed the subject, pointing to a stack of drawings on the dashboard.

"Uh, a new story."

"Another woman's story?"

"You saw it?"

"Yes, I glanced at it a few times during my break."

I didn't understand it, though; it seemed like an adventure story?

"More or less, the story of a female explorer—"

"What's your name?"

Xu Shengjie turned to look at her, and after a moment said softly, "Tomb Raider—also known as Lara Croft's Adventures."

"Hehehe, that sounds interesting. What's the story? Can you tell me?"

Xu Shengjie laughed and said, "Why not? — But right now, I can only think of the first story:"

Laura Croft, a descendant of British nobility, travels the world as an archaeologist. She accepts a commission from a mysterious employer to find three ancient artifacts—the Span fragments—scattered across the globe. These fragments are said to awaken the slumbering Egyptian god of death, Set. The employer promises a huge reward in exchange, but secretly harbors ambitions to control Set's power.

"Oh ho, that sounds interesting."

Theron suddenly turned around. "Wait, you were just telling the first story?"

"Since you're an explorer, one expedition isn't enough. You need countless thrilling adventures to truly be considered an explorer."

"So, this is a series?"

"Yes, you could think that way."

"Jeffrey~"

"Um?"

"What's going on in your head all day long?!"

Charlize Theron grinned and reached out to pinch Xu Shengjie's cheek.

"Wow, your skin is so nice!" she said, unconsciously touching it with her finger.

Manny is not the Manny played by Edward in the movie, but rather the female apprentice of Master Mac, and Charlize Theron's physical therapist, O.

She's right, why try to control it?

It's a good idea to give it a try. He's so strong, he shouldn't suffer any losses.

"What are you doing? One touch is enough, why are you touching me endlessly?"

"Hehe, I just think it feels really nice. What skincare products do you use?"

T

"I'm naturally beautiful!"

Xu Shengjie dodged Theron's clutches, turned to look at her, and said, "Sally, something's wrong with you!"

"Something's not right."

Theron withdrew his hand, pretending to sit calmly, his heart pounding and his cheeks burning.

It's all that lewd woman Manny's fault! What kind of lewd and indecent things is she saying?!

Fortunately, the car was dimly lit, and Xu Shengjie did not notice anything unusual.

He teased, "You seem to have ulterior motives towards me. Are you interested in me?"

"I didn't, hmph!"

Theron turned her head away, her heart pounding even harder.

Fortunately, we arrived at the hotel.

To facilitate the management of the film crew, Xu Shengjie booked a hotel on Mote Street.

The conditions aren't particularly good, but they're clean and safe.

Mott Street is the territory of the Ghosts, and no one dares to cause trouble for the film crew here, so everyone feels very safe staying here.

Xu Shengjie parked the car and prepared to take Theron back to her room.

But as soon as they entered the lobby, they saw Harris sitting there, waving at them.

"JJ, what brings you here?"

Theron walked over quickly.

"Ugh, Jeffrey really gave you a hard time."

"well enough!"

"How does it feel?"

"Hehe, it's great, just a little tiring. But Manny and Master Mai are very capable, so it's no problem."

"Sally, go back to your room and tidy up. Master Mai will give you acupuncture treatment later."

"what?"

"It's good for your knees."

"Okay, JJ, I'll head back now. Ugh, I haven't washed my hair in five weeks, and my scalp feels like it's going to rot."

Harris couldn't help but laugh.

"Hang in there a little longer. Danny said there are still ten days left?"

"Yes, but it might be ahead of schedule. The current progress is exceeding expectations."

"That's good!"

"I'm going back to my room. JJ, if you're free, come talk to me later."

Harris paused for a moment, then nodded and said, "No problem!"

Charlize could tell that Harris's sudden appearance meant he had something to discuss with Xu Shengjie, so she left very obediently.

"JJ, is something wrong?"

"It's a matter for Disney."

"What does Disney have to do with me?"

"You forgot, 'The Colors of the Wind'—Mr. Menken recommended your song to Disney, and they were very satisfied, so negotiations began at the beginning of the month. They offered Vanessa the top price of two hundred million dollars, but for you—"

I'm not sure if this is Disney's idea or Baker's personal choice.

He was only willing to offer a $10000 licensing fee, and only 5% of the subsequent royalties. The licensing fee was reasonable, as it was on average for a newcomer; however, the royalty split, which is generally 8%-12%, was significantly lower than the standard rate, carrying a very clear discriminatory implication.

Xu Shengjie frowned slightly.

Discriminatory pricing?

This is a very common phenomenon in the United States, especially among Chinese Americans.

It means that even though you have strong abilities, even surpassing other competitors, you are given a very low price.

Unequal pay for equal work?

This is very common among the Chinese community.

Of course, if you have enough power, you can turn the situation around.

But currently—

Xu Shengjie rose to fame and became a well-known figure.

Disney's offer was clearly driven by ulterior motives.

"This is for Baker—"

Baker Worth was one of the producers of Pocahontas and also served as the financial manager for the film, appointed by Disney.

I spoke with him twice, but he was very firm in his stance.

They said this was a price given after careful consideration by the head office, and that it was a very favorable offer for you.

This song was recommended by Manken.

Logically speaking, even out of consideration for Manken, this shouldn't have happened.

Is this a slap in the face to Xu Shengjie?

Is this another slap in the face to Manken?

Xu Shengjie thought for a moment and asked, "Do you know anything about this Baker Worth?"

"Yes, he's a mid-level manager at Disney films, and he has some connections on the board."

According to my investigation, he was probably demoted to Disney Animation Studios, apparently after getting into some trouble and running away to lay low. But he definitely has some influence in Disney films. I had someone assess him; he's quite domineering.

Disney is a diversified media conglomerate.

It owns Disney films, Disney animation, and Disney Nature.

At this time, Disney had not yet acquired 20th Century Studios and Marvel, and its strength was not as formidable as it would be in the future. Moreover, in August of this year, Jeffrey Katzenberg, chairman of Disney Pictures, resigned. The Disney Group did not immediately appoint a successor, but instead Michael Eisner took direct control and began integration.

Xu Shengjie recalls that Disney films were divided into animation and live-action sections.

This integration process lasted until 95.

Who is in charge of licensing and music?

"You're asking about Baker's boss? It's Chris Montan, the group's vice president."

He's been in charge of this since 91—by the way, he was the one who finalized the score and theme song for The Lion King.

"So, this person knows their stuff?"

"Yes!"

"JJ, do you think this has anything to do with him?"

Harris thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Chris is a very knowledgeable person, and also very fair."

As far as I know, he does not discriminate against people of Chinese descent; on the contrary, he loves Chinese culture and is very friendly to them.

He is a senior vice president at Walt Disney and has a good reputation in the industry.

I don't think this has anything to do with him—I think it's more likely that Baker Worth made this decision on his own.

Xu Shengjie asked the hotel receptionist to bring over a pot of tea.

After pouring Harris a glass, he poured himself one and took a big gulp.

"Suspend negotiations with Baker. I will contact Manken to see what's going on."

"I'm a celebrity now, to be attacked like this, I can't stand it—JJ, could you also find out something about Disney's internal situation? Especially Disney Animation Studios, I'd like to know their opinion."