Chapter 497: North American Tour: Is Someone Eavesdropping?

The commotion stirred up by this year's Golden Horse Awards was even greater than Wei Jin had imagined.

Perhaps it was because the local Taiwan film scene was in such a miserable state that some Taiwanese filmmakers publicly questioned the organizers in front of the media:

"With Heavenly King Liu as the jury president, the bias toward Mainland and Hong Kong films is too strong. Local films have become the sacrificial lambs he uses to curry favor with the Mainland and stabilize relations with Hong Kong!"

When interviewed, Heavenly King Liu stated: "Our judging process is clear at every stage, and it was a unanimous decision by all the jurors. It is fair, just, and there is nothing untoward."

"Of course, there are excellent local films as well. I quite like *Touch of the Light*, and I hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with Director Zhang Rongji, Huang Yuxiang, and Zhang Rongrong."

Heavenly King Liu conducted himself with great dignity; these words were undoubtedly intended to help the locals save face, but unfortunately, few accepted them.

Many local filmmakers even clamored that outsiders should never be allowed to serve as jury president again.

Regardless of the protests, however, this year's Golden Horse Awards had finally settled.

It was just that by taking home three trophies this time, Wei Jin ultimately owed a favor. He considered that for next year's Golden Horse, he might really have to come in person to present an award. After resting for a day in the country and seeing off Jing Tian as she headed to her film set, Wei Jin took Zeng Li and Cheng Long and began the global promotional tour for *Gravity*.

"Director Wei, your plane is much bigger than mine."

At ten thousand meters in the air, after touring the interior of the cabin, Cheng Long sighed with emotion.

"Hehe, it's not that much different." Wei Jin gave a humble smile.

When it came to the ability to rake in money, Cheng Long was definitely among the best in the country.

At the beginning of the year, Cheng Long was invited to become a brand ambassador for Embraer and took the opportunity to spend 200 million to purchase a Legacy 650 private jet.

This model was indeed smaller than Wei Jin's Gulfstream G550, with an approved passenger capacity of only 13 people.

However, according to photos exposed by the media, the interior decor of Cheng Long's plane was quite luxurious.

The reason he had to catch a commercial flight to Venice last time was because he was summoned back domestically at the last minute, and there wasn't enough time to change the flight path.

After chatting for a while about their "big toys," Cheng Long asked about the itinerary, and Wei Jin explained it one by one.

Domestically, Han Sanping was very proactive and had already set the date for the *Gravity* premiere: the 5th, at the Great Hall.

The invitations had already been distributed throughout the industry by China Film Group. Just like before, actors below the second tier and film companies that had not yet ventured into the film sector were not eligible to attend.

Therefore, they only had 10 days for their overseas promotion, 6 of which would be in North America, the world's largest box office market, and the remaining four days would be spent in Europe.

Considering the overseas box office market, Wei Jin had entrusted the global distribution of *Gravity* to Summit Entertainment and Warner Bros., which had already been agreed upon during the time of *Edge of Tomorrow*.

So, although the schedule seemed a bit tight, thanks to the concerted efforts of the two major companies, the promotional work had actually been arranged in advance, so it wasn't all that busy; most of the time would be spent traveling.

In fact, this was a microcosm of overseas promotion for most films.

"Fine, anyway, I'll leave my hundred-plus pounds in Director Wei's hands, hahaha." Cheng Long's signature laughter echoed in the cabin.

"Don't worry, Brother Cheng, this time I'm confident we'll take back the top spot at the box office!"

"That would be great. I'll just wait for takeoff, haha."

Cheng Long did not doubt Wei Jin's confidence and turned the conversation to another matter.

"By the way, Director Wei, the premiere for *Chinese Zodiac* is set for the 15th. I hope you can attend."

"No problem, Brother Cheng." Wei Jin agreed immediately.

Although his relationship with Huayi Brothers wasn't great, Cheng Long had converted his acting and directing fees into an investment for this film, making him the second-largest producer, so he still had to give him some face.

More than ten hours later, the plane landed, and Hunter was already waiting at the airport.

"Oh my god, Madam, long time no see. You are still as beautiful as ever."

Hunter lived up to his reputation as a sycophant, greeting Zeng Li first.

His words weren't entirely flattery; it had been over two years since they last met, and the Oriental young woman before him hadn't left a single trace of time, which was truly astonishing.

"Hunter, long time no see. But you look even 'stronger' now, hehe."

"Li Jie, you don't need to spare his feelings. It's just bloated fat. I bet even the Hollywood starlets wouldn't want to have dinner with him now."

Wei Jin looked at Hunter's increasingly bloated figure with some disdain and teased him.

"Why?"

"Hmph, they're afraid of being crushed to death by him at night."

Hunter looked wounded: "Boss, you're too hurtful. I gained this weight for the sake of the company."

As he spoke, he wanted to come up for a comforting hug, but unfortunately, he was ruthlessly rejected by Wei Jin.

"Alright, stop the nonsense. We have a guest here. Jackie Chan, I don't think I need to introduce him, right? Brother Cheng, this is the CEO of Summit Entertainment, Hunter."

At this moment, Cheng Long was still shocked by that "Boss," but he didn't dwell on it and quickly started chatting with Hunter.

After some pleasantries, the group got into the car and left.

Considering the long flight, not many activities were arranged for the day, just a small press conference in the afternoon, followed by a cocktail party.

However, even so, by the time the day's schedule ended, it was already past 9 PM.

"Ah, this day is finally over."

Although he had rested reasonably well on the plane, Cheng Long was, after all, 60 years old, and after the continuous socializing, he felt a bit exhausted.

"Brother Cheng, you've worked hard. Get some good rest tonight and adjust to the jet lag. We can start a bit later tomorrow."

Wei Jin also felt a bit apologetic. Given Cheng Long's womanizing nature, the fact that he had turned down many invitations from young women tonight showed he was truly tired. "Yes, I really need to get some good rest. I can't compare to you young people anymore, haha."

As they spoke, the group returned to Beverly Hills. Cheng Long had a house here, so there was no need to arrange a hotel.

According to Cheng Long, he bought this house when he was filming *Rush Hour*. It cost 3 million USD at the time, and its value had increased nearly tenfold.

Declining Cheng Long's invitation to tour the house, Wei Jin took Zeng Li back to his own villa.

Just as they arrived, Lao Zhu came up to greet them. After handing over their luggage, Wei Jin took Zeng Li's hand and walked toward the house.

Entering the living room, they saw Gao Yuanyuan, whose belly was already showing, as well as the long-unseen "ageless beauty" Yu Feihong and the young assistant Huang Mengying.

The three of them were sitting on the sofa watching TV.

"Oh, Xiao Jin, Li Jie, you're back!"

Gao Yuanyuan couldn't hide the joy on her face and wanted to stand up to greet them.

But she was 5 months pregnant, her body was getting heavier, and she had some difficulty moving. Before the two people beside her could help her up, Wei Jin walked over quickly.

"Yuan Yuanjie, don't move around, be careful not to hurt yourself."

Holding Gao Yuanyuan's hand, Wei Jin didn't forget the guest.

"Yu Shijie, long time no see. Thank you for coming to keep Yuan Yuanjie company."

"What are you saying, Shidi? Yuanyuan and I have been good sisters for many years. Besides, the scenery here is quite nice, and I'm taking a vacation too, hehe."

Perhaps because she had slowed down in North America, Yu Feihong looked much more spirited than in the photos Wei Jin had seen before.

Especially her naturally upturned corners of her mouth, which always gave people a warm and sunny feeling, making one feel very comfortable.

"As long as Shijie likes it."

After a few pleasantries, Wei Jin introduced Zeng Li to Yu Feihong. Both were great beauties and had gentle temperaments, so they soon started chatting.

Topics between women couldn't stray far from men, children, and skincare.

Since it was Yu Feihong's first time meeting Zeng Li, talking about men and children felt a bit too intimate too soon, so they started talking about skincare secrets.

Zeng Li was only 5 years younger than Yu Feihong, but after years of Wei Jin's "nourishment," even though she had given birth, she still looked like a blooming young woman in her late twenties.

Even though Yu Feihong was naturally beautiful, she was indeed at a slight disadvantage in this regard, so her words carried a bit more sincerity.

But Zeng Li didn't know anything about skincare; even her skincare products were almost all brought back from abroad by Wei Jin. In their conversation, she attributed her secret to staying young more to a peaceful state of mind.

This made Yu Feihong hold her in even higher regard; no wonder she could keep Wei Jin firmly in her grasp.

On the other side, Wei Jin was hugging Gao Yuanyuan, whispering sweet nothings.

Of course, during this process, Wei Jin didn't forget his assistant Huang Mengying and gave the young girl a few words of encouragement.

Around ten o'clock, Yu Feihong took the initiative to speak.

"Shidi, you and Li Zi have had a hard day, I won't disturb you anymore, I'm going to rest."

Yu Feihong was very perceptive; she knew Wei Jin could only stay here for one night, so she naturally wouldn't delay the couple's time together.

"Hmm, alright, Shijie, go get some rest, we'll be heading up soon too."

After Yu Feihong went upstairs, Wei Jin looked at Zeng Li, who immediately understood and shook her head.

"Xiao Jin, you should keep Yuanyuan company tonight, I'm going to wash up and rest too."

Unfortunately, Gao Yuanyuan had been lonely for too long; after just over ten minutes, she could no longer bear the onslaught.

"Xiao Jin, you're leaving tomorrow, go check on Mengying."

Looking at Gao Yuanyuan's flushed, pretty face, Wei Jin shook his head: "Yuan Yuanjie, I'll stay with you first, I'll go over later."

"Hmm."

Gao Yuanyuan didn't force it; lingering in her man's arms after the climax was just too comfortable.

Perhaps because they hadn't been intimate for a long time, Gao Yuanyuan soon fell asleep. Wei Jin tiptoed out of the room, went straight to the second floor, and knocked on Huang Mengying's door.

He didn't notice, however, that there was a pair of eyes at the corner, wide open. Perhaps because it was her first time under the same roof as Wei Jin, Yu Feihong had insomnia.

Her mind kept replaying the boudoir secrets Gao Yuanyuan had told her, as well as Zeng Li's youthful, blooming face.

"Sigh, having a man's nourishment is really good."

After a sigh, Yu Feihong got up, intending to find Huang Mengying to chat.

During her time in North America, Yu Feihong and Huang Mengying had become very close, sometimes even sleeping together. She knew the young girl was a night owl, so she wasn't afraid of disturbing her.

But Yu Feihong didn't expect to happen upon the scene of Wei Jin knocking on the door. It was self-evident what he was there for.

Reason told Yu Feihong she should go back to her room, but curiosity drove her to keep leaning toward the door.

After a battle between heaven and man, Yu Feihong finally arrived at Huang Mengying's door and pressed her ear against it.

But she didn't expect that the first sentence she heard would make her legs tighten.

"Boss~~ so deep~~ it's reached my heart~~~ ah~~~"

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 498 =====