Chapter 117

In the 19th century, British author Sax Rohmer created Fu Manchu with the specific motive of smearing the East,

and the result influenced Western perceptions of the East for several generations.

The image of a thin, tall, bald man with narrow eyebrows, long eyes, and a sinister face remained a deeply rooted stereotype well into 2023.

Some luxury brands even occasionally disgust people with "slanted-eye" advertisements, sparking controversy.

Xu Can only hopes that this time he can form a subtle impression to gradually eliminate ordinary people's misunderstandings about the East.

Later, by utilizing different works, he will gradually let more people understand the breadth and depth of Chinese culture,

and restore a true image of China.

Regarding the modifications to the Iron Man trilogy, Xu Can offered Jon Favreau quite a few suggestions,

believing that this fatty can create an even better film.

Afterwards, Xu Can also chatted briefly with a few actors; Robert Downey Jr. kept inviting Xu Can to his home for a barbecue, inviting friends and family for a cookout party.

"Aren't you dating Emma? Call her too, let's invite more people to my place for a barbecue."

"Let's arrange it after we wrap up filming."

For activities like this, Xu Can needs to manage his time well to avoid inviting Stone and then neglecting Swift.

Pepper Potts, Gwyneth, predictably crowded in to join the conversation,

"Xu, there are some lines I'm not quite sure about, can you help me run through them? It's quite quiet over there..."

Gwyneth pointed to her trailer.

Her trailer was parked in a relatively secluded spot outside the set, so it was indeed not easy to be disturbed.

The meaning behind the second half of Pepper Potts' sentence was clearly a sufficient hint for Xu Can.

Xu Can pretended not to understand; if he got entangled now, things would become a complete mess.

Wouldn't Swift and Emma turn the world upside down by then?

"Your scene partner is Robert, just run the lines with him."

Robert Downey Jr. gave a bitter smile and waved his hands repeatedly:

"No need, I feel our chemistry is quite good, the lines definitely won't be a problem."

He knew very well what kind of person Gwyneth was, and with his wife Susan on set, he didn't have the guts to provoke her.

"Sigh, that's true, it's just a supporting role..."

Gwyneth's eyes fluttered, looking pitiful.

If it were an average novice, they would probably have been hooked by her.

Fortunately, Black Widow came over in time to resolve the situation.

"Xu, there's something I want to talk to you about, it's that thing we mentioned last time..."

As she spoke, she grabbed Xu Can's arm and pulled him aside.

"Why don't you just run lines with her? Otherwise, every time she comes to the set, she's pestering you."

Black Widow teased with a smile.

"Don't, if we're talking about running lines, I'd rather do it with you."

Xu Can countered.

"Is that so? That's nice, it's not impossible... but does Emma agree? Or what does Taylor say?"

Black Widow threw the ball back to Xu Can.

"We're just running lines, do we need their approval? Or do you have something else in mind?"

Xu Can looked at Black Widow playfully.

"I..."

Black Widow had failed to gain the upper hand against Xu Can twice before, and instead had been teased by him.

She had been wanting to get back at him, but didn't expect to hit a wall again.

"I'm talking about serious line-running. By the way, besides Marvel hero movies, do you have any other plans? I'd really like to participate."

Black Widow quickly changed the subject, fearing that if they kept talking, she would be taken by Xu Can sooner or later.

If it weren't for Taylor or Emma, she would have actively pursued Xu Can.

Unfortunately, there were two younger, prettier, and more capable rivals,

and Black Widow actually felt a little insecure.

"Indeed, Marvel is just one of my plans; my focus isn't on superhero movies."

Xu Can nodded; he is now trying to hand Marvel over to others and retreat behind the scenes.

He wants to act in or direct other genres more.

Likewise, Black Widow is an excellent actress and deserves some better roles.

Every actress has a dream of winning an Oscar, and it's good that Black Widow dares to actively apply for opportunities with him.

Xu Can actually likes this; she is very real and doesn't appear mercenary.

In the past year, Xu Can had seen many third-tier Hollywood actresses in social settings who were clearly beating around the bush to get an opportunity, yet always put on airs.

In Xu Can's eyes, she is not just Black Widow, but Scarlett Johansson.

Multiple movies flashed through Xu Can's mind: "Her," "Lucy," "Ghost in the Shell," "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," "We Bought a Zoo," "Marriage Story"...

She won Best Actress at the Rome International Film Festival with just her voice, her "Lucy" raked in $460 million at the box office on a $40 million budget, and "Marriage Story" earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress;

these are indeed excellent films worth investing in.

"I do have some script ideas on hand that are quite suitable for you. If there's a filming plan later, no need for auditions, I'll work with you directly."

"That's great, then it's a deal, I'll wait for you."

Scarlett Johansson smiled very sweetly,

"By the way, are you free tonight? To repay you, let me treat you to something delicious."

"I'd love to, but unfortunately I already have plans. We can clear some time next week to go out together."

"Alright. Then I'll go film, see you later."

Black Widow's expression was a bit disappointed, though she had masked it well.

Little did she know that Xu Can's observation skills at this moment, especially regarding women, were already meticulous; no clue could escape him.

The more emotional debts he owed, the more Xu Can wanted to say something, but decided against it.

He prefers the feeling of getting along naturally with Black Widow;

usually, there are things he can't talk to Emma or Swift about, and talking to Black Widow is always the right choice.

She always replies to messages in seconds and uses her high emotional intelligence to provide Xu Can with sufficient emotional value.

This state is great, a bit like a soulmate.

Xu Can worries that once a physical relationship is introduced, will it destroy this state?

"Let nature take its course."

Xu Can and Scarlett exchanged a look from a distance, then turned and left the set.

As "Spider-Man 2" swept the summer box office, "Love & Other Drugs" had finished production.

Urban romance films don't have special effects, so editing doesn't take much effort.

Due to a large number of explicit scenes, the film was rated R, destined to have little success at the box office.

Sony didn't plan on making much at the box office, but this kind of film would be popular in the DVD rental market, providing a steady, long-term income.

The film is expected to be released around Christmas, and Xu Can will be a bit worried by then.

If Swift or Emma wants to see this movie, should Xu Can take them to see it?

"Damn, why didn't I think of this when I accepted the role?"

However, it is precisely because of merging with the male lead's soul that Xu Can can use his silver tongue to settle the emotions of both women in a few words.

And in the film, Xu Can discussed many creative insights regarding the pharmaceutical background with the screenwriter and director.

This gave him more confidence in his creation, enabling him to bring "Dying to Survive" perfectly into this world.

Returning from the Iron Man set, Xu Can began polishing the script for "Dying to Survive,"

living a somewhat reclusive life during this period, occasionally going out to eat with Swift or Emma Stone when tired of writing.

Until Stone received a new film offer, "Easy A."

Emma could have had a good rest after filming "Spider-Man 2" and "The Twilight Saga: New Moon,"

but she couldn't stay idle and eventually accepted the role.

This is a film invested in and produced by Xu Can's Galaxy Pictures, a PG-13 youth campus film aimed at teenagers.

No vulgar scenes, no intimate scenes for the female lead, so Xu Can can rest assured letting her go film.

Maybe she can even bring back a Best Actress award.

A small investment of a few million, just consider it play.

"Baby, don't mess around while I'm away. If the paparazzi catch any rumors of you and Taylor, I'll..."

"You'll what?"

"I won't be able to be coaxed!"

"Pfft."

Xu Can almost laughed out loud; Emma is really cute when she acts like a little woman occasionally.

"Fine, fine, fine, I won't be caught by the paparazzi."

"That's more like it... wait?"

Emma Stone reacted after a while.

Xu Can only promised not to be caught by the paparazzi!

"You really have that thought?"

To keep Xu Can from messing around, Emma Stone really put in the effort before leaving.

So much so that the next day, Xu Can had Vanessa take her to the airport, and he slept until the afternoon before getting up.

"Honey, are we going out to play tonight?"

"I still have to write the script today, let's go play tomorrow."

"Alright, I've finished that song, I wanted to sing it for you, I'll sing it for you tomorrow then."

Swift pouted and hung up the phone.

Her "All Too Well" was released ahead of schedule, intended for her third album; the songs for this album were mostly gathered, and it was almost ready for release.

The company recently signed three young and beautiful female singers; they are all very talented and are preparing to produce their debut albums.

The three were all newcomers personally selected by Xu Can,

and Swift felt a bit of a crisis; she worried that if she went out of style, would Xu Can choose one of them instead?

After Xu Can received Swift's call, he found his body too exhausted and slept quite deeply, missing several calls.

Including one from Christopher Nolan.

"Xu, I have a script I want you to see."