1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

Chapter 144 Harvey Arrives

Chapter 146 Harvey Arrives (4/5)

Harvey wants to talk to you.

"Who?"

Harvey Weinstein, the owner of Miramax.

Damn it, have you forgotten? You told me to contact Harvey!

MeToo!

Xu Shengjie realized what was happening.

"Sorry, sorry, I was just spacing out."

What did he say?

"He said he wanted to talk to you first, as he is very interested in 'Lola'."

"How should we talk?"

"He's coming to New York tomorrow, and we'll talk in person then."

"Tomorrow—"

Xu Shengjie had already turned on speakerphone, and Theron seemed to understand his meaning, immediately saying, "Honey, aren't you going to NYFA tomorrow? Mr. Spielberg said he wants to help you organize a preview screening, you need to go and talk to him."

"Who's going to organize a preview screening for you?"

"Steven, Steven Spielberg."

He also invited Lucas, Coppola, and Kubrick to direct them—you know, the director of *Phone Booth*.

"It's about to be published, and Langdon is currently busy with promotions. Director Spielberg and his team are very interested in the book and want to hold a preview screening next month, inviting some directors along. I need to start preparing in advance."

As Xu Shengjie spoke, Chong Sailong gave him a thumbs up.

Well done, little girl!

Theron smiled and winked, then slapped him on the butt before dashing into the bedroom.

"Jeffrey, you're not kidding?"

"Of course not!"

"Damn it, let Harvey die, you go about your business."

He'll have to wait in line if he wants to talk to you.

I'll give him a hint: if this guy can't come up with a good profit-sharing ratio, he can forget about ever seeing you again.

Danny sounded extremely excited on the phone.

He yelled and hung up the phone without even confirming the truth with Xu Shengjie again.

In 1994, the mainstream distribution agency fee for films was 25%-35%. Within the industry—specifically Hollywood—it was commonly around 30% to 32%. However, for independent films or projects with special agreements, the fee fluctuated between 20% and 40%. This fluctuation range was quite large and depended on the specific circumstances.

Steven's willingness to organize a preview screening represents a form of approval.

For example, if Harvey had previously set the distribution fee at 40%, this preview screening could very well have led him to lower it to 30%, or even 25%.

The 20% issuance fee is an exception, and only a very small number of projects can receive it.

If it can be reduced to 25%, that means the production company, namely Xu Shengjie and his group, can get an extra 10% to 15% profit margin.

Danny Airo is also an investor, how could he not be dedicated?

Xu Shengjie chuckled and hung up the phone.

He jogged towards the bedroom, arms outstretched as he went, "My beauty, my beauty—oh, are you going out?"

In the bedroom, Theron was already dressed.

Seeing Xu Shengjie's stunned expression, she covered her mouth and laughed, "There's nothing in the refrigerator, I'll go buy some ingredients."

"You'll cook for me tonight."

"Let's go together then."

Xu Shengjie scratched his head and slunk into the restroom.

Outside the door, Theron's laughter was utterly ironic.

Over the next two days, Xu Shengjie once again began writing and illustrating.

During his time in Theron, he drove to Tribeca to check on the progress of the renovation work.

There wasn't much to see, really; the construction team had just entered the apartment building, and construction had only just begun. Fortunately, it was a bare shell, so there was no need for dismantling or reassembly, saving a lot of trouble. When Theron returned, she told Xu Shengjie that the workers were very dedicated and responsible.

"They will have two days off on the 24th and 25th, then one day off on the 1st, and will continue construction at other times."

I estimate that all the renovations will be completed by the end of April, and then we can move in.

"That's great. We're going to Cannes in May, and we can move in by summer."

Why move in during the summer?

"After the renovation is finished, we need to air it out."

Although she didn't quite understand the reasoning, Theron did not object.

"How's the writing going?"

"It will be finished in two more days."

"That's good, finally I can rest and have a vacation!"

Theron sat down on Xu Shengjie's lap and put her arms around his neck.

Just as I was about to get intimate, that damned phone rang again.

Xu Shengjie felt helpless and got up to pick up the phone.

"Jeffrey, it's me."

"Aunt Susan?"

Are you free lately?

"When?"

"Next Friday, the 23rd."

"Then it should be nothing serious. What's wrong?"

"WABC would like to invite you to do an interview, mainly with prominent figures in New York's cultural scene."

WABC, short for ABC New York, is a channel owned by the BBC, primarily serving viewers in the New York area.

This is a pay-TV station.

Yes, in New York, the ratings are pretty good, and it's quite influential.

"Inviting me?"

"Yes, you're a celebrity now."

"Buffy" has sold over 350,000 copies and remains in the top five; "Canal Street" has sold over 200,000 copies and has been at number one for six weeks. And since your work is primarily set in New York, they are very interested.

By the way, your new book is about to be released.

This time, it's said that Langdon highly recommended this person to them; I think you should attend.

"What kind of people are they?"

People from the arts, literature, and sports worlds.

By the way, Spike and John will both be attending. We originally wanted to invite Woody, but he's currently in seclusion creating and we can't get in touch with him right now.

"Okay, then count me in."

Xu Shengjie thought about it and decided it didn't matter.

It's been more than half a year since he traveled through time, and he still hasn't really participated in any American variety shows.

"George Pennacchio is the host, but don't worry, he's a friend of mine and we get along well. He'll help you out and avoid any trouble, but you'd better prepare in advance."

You know the character of those people in New York's cultural circles—"

The New York cultural scene has both good and bad people.

There are pro-China and pro-Hong Kong independence factions, but the majority are centrists.

Generally, there is preparation before the show is recorded, but in these talk shows, it's inevitable that someone will suddenly cause trouble and deviate from the script. Moreover, American talk shows have a wide range of topics, and if an accident really happens, the TV station will probably not only not stop it, but will also fan the flames to increase ratings—their professional ethics are ratings.

"I will."

After Xu Shengjie finished speaking, he hung up the phone.

"Are you in trouble?"

"Theron asked."

Xu Shengjie smiled and shook his head, replying, "It's nothing, just some minor issues."

I'll consult Robert later.

"That's good!"

No one knows the composition of New York's cultural scene better than Robert.

Today is Sunday the 18th, and there are still five days left, enough time for Xu Shengjie to gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of New York's cultural scene.

He immediately put the matter out of his mind and reached out to wrap his arms around Theron's slender waist.

"Now that no one is bothering us, we can—"

He chuckled.

But before he could finish speaking, the phone rang again.

"Damn it, when will this ever end!"

The emotions that had just begun to build were instantly shattered.

Theron shoved Xu Shengjie aside and ran to the side laughing.

Enraged, Xu Shengjie grabbed the phone.

"Jeffrey!"

"Louis, how old are you!"

"Oh, I'm 61, didn't you know that? Why do you ask?"

"Ugh, Chinglish—never mind, what's up?"

"Ha, I hope I'm not interrupting your good time with Sally—Jeffrey, I know you're young, but don't go around messing around day and night. Look, I called you twice during the day, and you were doing it both times—"

"It's my fault, it's my fault, hurry up and tell me."

I'm really angry right now!

Theron sat on the sofa, flashing him a seductive smile, then her long, shapely legs peeked out from under her bathrobe—

Xu Shengjie couldn't help but swallow.

Twenty years later, he hadn't tasted meat for six years.

How could anyone resist such temptation!

"Harvey has arrived in New York and would like to invite you to dinner tonight."

"Harvey?" Xu Shengjie was taken aback, and asked in surprise, "He got here so quickly?"

"He's very well-informed. He's already checked about what you mentioned, and it's true. He called me last night and flew from Los Angeles to New York this morning. He seems very eager, so I think we should meet."

"When?"

"7:30 p.m., GramercyTavern."

"Jeffrey, dress nicely. We're going to give that fat bastard a good thrashing tonight; he's unusually generous."