Chapter 230: To You After the Year 2000

Shit!

Luo Bo Friedman certainly knew that this valuation was on the low side for the recently red-hot Asian sweetheart; in fact, their internal bottom line was 4 million USD.

Generally speaking, after winning an Academy Award, the salary for a winner's next project would increase by 20% to 50%.

However, that is the general situation. Starring as the world-famous Joker is definitely not a general situation, and an actor whose video on YouTube has tens of millions of views is also not a general situation.

With both combined, Luo Bo Friedman could only be glad that Joker was not Chen Nuo's true-to-life performance.

Hearing the opposing agent's skepticism, Luo Bo Friedman glanced at Will.

Will immediately explained: "Yes, I know, this price is a bit on the low side. But please, you must also understand. We are, after all, just an independent film company."

"Every one of our films is produced with the smallest budget and the most efficient operational methods."

"In order to invite Chen to star in our film, we didn't hesitate to fly to Japan, which fully demonstrates our sincerity. Right?"

"Moreover, our estimated shooting time this time is only about 40 days. It won't take up much of your schedule."

Liu Xiaoli had already become somewhat numb to the listening, but when she heard the final mention of "40-something days," her mood became unsettled once again.

Forty days to shoot a film, and he could get over 20 million!?

She almost wanted to ask: What kind of novel is *Twilight*? What kind of movie is yours, and do you lack a female lead?

But while Liu Xiaoli was still in a daze, Luo Bo Friedman saw that both she and Chen Nuo remained silent.

Actually, he hadn't wanted to propose a price increase so early, because the margin they could increase was very limited.

But in this awkward atmosphere, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and say: "3.5 million USD, how about it?"

Well, after just two seconds of silence, that was another 4 million RMB.

Liu Xiaoli was completely at a loss for words.

Anyway, the task Chen Nuo had given her was already complete. She didn't want to speak anymore.

Liu Xiaoli stopped talking, but Catherine Hardwick could no longer hold back at this moment.

She looked at Liu Xiaoli and said: "This 'insatiable' lady, 3.5 million is already enough. Do you know how much our original male lead was getting? Only 500,000 USD. Lady, the salary you are demanding is already seven times his, and all of this ultimately requires our entire crew to bear the cost—"

"Insatiable lady"? Hearing this new nickname for herself, Liu Xiaoli was furious.

What did I do?

I didn't say a single word; you were the ones willing to give this guy surnamed Chen so much money, what does it have to do with me?

She was extremely angry and just about to retort when Chen Nuo suddenly spoke: "Ms. Hardwick, I don't understand, what do you mean by the crew bearing the cost?"

Catherine Hardwick glanced at Luo Bo and Will beside her, sighed, and said: "Because the budget is only so much, Chen. Every extra cent of your salary will be deducted from the shooting budget, and it will also lower the quality of the film by a cent."

Chen Nuo nodded and said: "So that's how it is."

He then said to Luo Bo Friedman with a hint of reproach: "Luo Bo, why didn't you tell me? This is not how friends treat each other."

Luo Bo Friedman was stunned for a moment, thinking to himself: What kind of friends are we? We only met for the first time today; I swear you had absolutely never heard my name before this.

But he immediately put on a regretful expression and said: "I'm sorry, Chen. I just didn't want to use such things to gain your sympathy. After all, business is business, isn't it?"

Chen Nuo looked moved and said: "You really are a decent businessman, Luo Bo. I really didn't expect..."

After finishing, he tapped his index finger on the tabletop, looking thoughtful, as if he were considering some major issue.

Everyone at the table was watching him.

An incredible thought flashed through Luo Bo Friedman's mind.

Likewise, Catherine Hardwick was also looking at him full of anticipation.

Obviously, whatever could make him suddenly put on this expression must be related to the salary.

Is he preparing to make a concession on the money?

If that were really the case, Catherine Hardwick swore to God that she would definitely go back and tell everyone she knew how kind and simple the Chinese people were.

After a minute, under the gazes of several foreigners, Chen Nuo suddenly turned his head and said something in Chinese to the female agent beside him.

That female agent, who looked quite difficult to deal with, was stunned for a moment, then shook her head.

Then Chen sighed slightly.

The hearts of Luo Bo, Catherine, and the others sank immediately.

But unexpectedly, after Chen remained silent for a while, he said something else, and then that woman frowned, looking a bit angry, and continued to shake her head.

Chen also showed an annoyed expression at this time, said a long string of words loudly, then turned his head back and said in English: "Luo Bo, I've decided. In order for the novel I like to be filmed smoothly, and for us to make an even better movie, I've decided to take zero salary and have it all changed to a phased box office commission."

"If this movie can only sell 50 million, I'll take 1%. But if it can sell over 100 million, I'll take 5%. If... it can sell 200 million, I'll take 10%. If it doesn't even sell 50 million... Luo Bo, I don't want anything. You just need to buy me an economy class ticket back to China."

In that instant, in the eyes of the foreigners, this impossibly handsome Chinese boy was, without a doubt, an angel sent to the human world by God.

Otherwise, how could he be so benevolent?

Below 50 million, which is when the film company is losing money, he was actually willing to take nothing?

And if it could sell 50 million, Summit Entertainment would basically recoup their costs; at this point, 1% is just a few hundred thousand USD, which is reasonable and justified.

If it could sell 100 million, they would have already made a big profit; at this point, giving away another 5 million or so, what does that count for?

Finally, if it could sell 200 million—of course, in the expectations of anyone at Summit Entertainment, this is a probability that does not exist.

But if that day really came, Luo Bo Friedman felt that even if he had to write a check for over 20 million, it would be the happiest moment of his life.

Luo Bo Friedman actually quite hoped Chen Nuo would continue, but he shut his mouth after saying 200 million, which made him feel slightly disappointed.

After all, bragging doesn't get taxed.

Luo Bo Friedman took a deep breath and said: "Chen, from today on, you are my most sincere friend and Summit Entertainment's top partner. No matter how the box office turns out, I guarantee you will receive a check for 2 million USD."

Chen Nuo was moved; otherwise, why would his eyes seem to be brimming with tears? "Luo Bo, no need. If it doesn't even sell 50 million, I have no face to take a single cent from you."

At this moment, Luo Bo Friedman deeply felt that his wife was right.

The King of Diamonds, Harry Winston, should indeed, 100%, invite this Chinese boy to be their global spokesperson—the lifetime kind.

Because without a doubt, this youngest and most handsome man he had ever met in his life possessed a diamond-like soul.

Luo Bo Friedman had done business for so many years and had long been accustomed to the treacherous business world.

Facing the other party's frank and sincere gaze, he almost couldn't help but let the other party take back what he had said.

But in the end, his status as CEO of Summit Entertainment forced Luo Bo Friedman to say something that made him swear he would go to church every week to repent upon returning.

"Chen, if it sells over 300 million, I will definitely give you a 20% commission."

After saying this, Luo Bo Friedman saw the other party's stunned expression, and his sense of guilt grew even heavier.

This silly child, would he even take such a big pie seriously?

Of course, having this thought was also because Luo Bo Friedman and the others at Summit Entertainment could not understand Chinese.

They didn't know that the first sentence Chen Nuo said to Liu Xiaoli was: "Liu Ayi, shake your head now."

The second sentence was: "Continue shaking your head now, just like I'm asking you to marry Xixi to me, use a bit more force."

The third sentence was said very angrily: "Liu Ayi, thank you so much. You really helped me a lot! Later I'll send you a set of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, wishing you to live younger and younger."

They couldn't understand, but Liu Xiaoli and Liu Yifei could.

They could understand both Chinese and English.

However, do they really have no idea what Chen Nuo is up to?

What exactly was that novel about?

An American version of *The Return of the Condor Heroes*?

Why did Chen Nuo go to such great lengths just to get the box office commission?

Was he so certain that this movie would definitely make money?

Liu Xiaoli had ten thousand questions swirling in her mind. At this moment, Chen Nuo said earnestly: "Luo Bo, thank you for your kindness, but I really can't. If it's 20%, your film company might not make as much as I do. Let's make it 15%, how about that?"

After finishing, he turned his head to Liu Xiaoli and said in Chinese: "Liu Ayi, roar at me in Chinese very angrily." Even if he didn't say it, Liu Xiaoli couldn't help it: "Chen Nuo, what on earth are you doing?"

But Chen Nuo ignored her. Instead, he turned his head and looked at Luo Bo Friedman with a sincere and fervent gaze, making even this cunning businessman feel ashamed and turn his head to avoid his gaze.

Chen Nuo said: "My agent still doesn't agree, but never mind her. How about it, Luo Bo?"

Luo Bo Friedman said in an incomparably sincere voice: "Okay, Chen, 15%. I swear, if that day really comes, I will definitely deliver the check into your hands myself."

Chen Nuo was very clear that this was because Luo Bo Friedman didn't think that day would ever come, which was why he appeared sincere.

However, he truly felt that perhaps that day might come.

Therefore, he didn't need sincerity; the only thing he needed was a signed contract in black and white.

Fortunately, everyone who comes out to discuss cooperation is a professional.

Luo Bo Friedman and his team had also come prepared to cut the Gordian knot.

A drafted letter of intent was signed quickly in less than an hour.

Once they each signed their names, it was already a legally binding document.

Luo Bo Friedman finally shook his head and sighed while shaking hands with Chen Nuo.

Coincidentally, Chen Nuo had the same expression.

Before leaving, every foreigner hugged the great philanthropist Chen with great emotion and invited him to go to the United States as soon as possible to sign the formal contract.

There were some things Luo Bo Friedman couldn't say, but Will was clearly hinting that when the time came, their Summit Entertainment would definitely try their best to arrange a grand and wonderful party for him.

Likewise, the Americans also politely shook hands and said goodbye to their compatriot Liu Xiaoli.

Catherine Hardwick, this straightforward American Catholic, seemed to have endured for a long time, but in the end, she couldn't hold back. When shaking hands before leaving, she said to Liu Xiaoli: "Insatiable lady, may you possess a kind and contented heart like your employer in the future, instead of only staring at money. God bless you."

The Americans left, feeling satisfied.

With the matter settled, Luo Bo and his team wouldn't stay in Japan; they booked a flight for the evening to go back and start preparing for the April 10th start of filming.

At the same time, Catherine Hardwick still had to go back and be responsible for notifying that poor former male lead, Cedric Diggory from *Harry Potter*. Clearly, this time, in another dimension, he had once again become a sacrifice.

Liu Xiaoli looked at the back of the American female director, her chest heaving, her face flushed red; she was clearly quite angered by that parting remark.

Chen Nuo hurriedly comforted her: "Liu Ayi, it doesn't matter. These Americans don't understand anything, don't lower yourself to their level. Oh, no, no, it's that these people don't understand anything. Hehe. Slip of the tongue, slip of the tongue."

Liu Xiaoli felt that if she were 10-something years younger, she definitely wouldn't have been able to resist taking a swing at him.

This little brat, his words are really hateful. No wonder such a gentle girl as Xixi couldn't help but take action.

But she was still a bit curious, swallowed her anger, and asked: "Xiao Nuo, are you very optimistic about this movie?"

Chen Nuo laughed: "Not really, it's mainly because I find them a bit pitiful. Hehe. We're all film people, taking a little less money from them is just doing charity."

"Is that so?" Liu Xiaoli also laughed along with him.

But in her heart, she only said two words: "Bullshit."

Liu Xiaoli felt she understood Chen Nuo a little bit.

Obedient on the outside, usually quite reticent, but in reality, full of tricks.

Not to mention anything else, the scene he just asked her to cooperate in acting out definitely couldn't be what he said it was.

Doing charity and you still have to sing a duet. You really took me for a fool.

She continued: "Xiao Chen, if there's really any opportunity, don't forget our Xixi."

"Rest assured, I've been friends with Xixi for so many years, I definitely won't forget."

I'd be a fool to believe you. Liu Xiaoli didn't know if it was psychological, but now, listening left and right, she felt this boy's words had hidden meanings.

Liu Yifei was bored listening on the side and yawned: "Chen Nuo, what time did you arrange with TBS? I'm sleepy, I want to go back to the hotel to sleep for a while."

Chen Nuo looked at his watch: "Seven o'clock. You go back and sleep. I've really troubled you all this time. Especially Liu Ayi. As it happens, I'll go buy that SK-II now?"

I really do need to apply some Facial Treatment Essence; fighting wits with this little fox every day, I'm afraid I'll age quickly! Liu Xiaoli chuckled: "Xiao Chen, stop joking with Auntie. What's the big deal about such a small matter. In the future, as the boss, you should take good care of our Xixi."

"Rest assured, Liu Ayi, I will."

Liu Xiaoli hadn't been very reassured, but that evening, she followed Liu Yifei and Chen Nuo to host a banquet for the various executives of TBS.

Chen Nuo wasn't stingy with the location of the banquet; it was set in that geisha house where he had a high-level VIP card.

Under Chen Nuo's hospitality, after the meal, from Yutai Doi and Sanzo Yoneda to Ken Sato, they were all patting their chests and guaranteeing that the artist under Chen Jun's banner, Yifei-chan, would definitely be treated as a VIP in the crew from now on.

Kissing scenes or whatever, arranging a body double to do them was no problem at all. If she ever suffered any grievances, they would not hesitate to commit seppuku to apologize.

Of course, the last sentence was drunken talk after Sanzo Yoneda had had fun playing games with the geishas.

But Chen Nuo smiled and said: "Then it's a deal, Department Head Yoneda."

In an instant, it sobered up the few TBS executives who had been having fun.

Liu Xiaoli watched coldly from the side, and only then did she feel she might have been wrong all along.

What kind of relationship to build with TBS people?

This 22-year-old boss of Xixi is the one who truly hides his light.

That night, Chen Nuo naturally slept in the geisha house.

To be honest, unless Tokyo was truly nuked one day, otherwise, when Chen Mouren came over, he definitely wouldn't change to sleep anywhere else.

The taste of Ayaka and Ayaka was simply too wonderful.

Especially since they hadn't seen each other for a long time, that boundless tenderness and the feeling of being able to take whatever he wanted was another kind of gentleness like water compared to the other pair of fake twins.

Having not had intimate contact for several months, even Ayaka, who had been a bit displeased with him before, cooperated obediently this time.

Afterwards, upon learning that he was estimated to stay in Tokyo for ten-something days this time, they were even more overjoyed and invited Ayaka to join in, playing a three-way kiss that they didn't know where they had learned...

What the feeling of a three-way kiss is like, I believe everyone knows, so I won't go into detail.

What needs to be emphasized is that in the following process, Chen Nuo discovered that his ability in that regard had actually improved significantly.

Actually, when he was in Korea before, Wen Yongshan had mentioned this matter, and he hadn't taken it to heart at the time.

But this time, when Ayaka and Ayaka were both limp on the ground, he suddenly felt, damn it, it seems to be true!?

In the morning, according to his habit, he did radio calisthenics among the rockery and gravel in the house, while thinking about why?

He felt that he could now seem to compete with experts like Jeon Do-yeon, Fan Fan Binbing, and Gao Yuanyuan.

Especially Fan Fan Binbing, who every time intentionally or unintentionally laughed at his duration problem.

I've really endured it for a long time!

This time Chen Nuo didn't believe she would still be able to laugh.

Thinking back and forth, could it be related to the medicine Yang Ying gave him?

Could it be that that thing wasn't some aphrodisiac, but some holy medicine for nourishing yin and tonifying yang?

The person who asked Yang Ying to drug him actually didn't want to harm him at all, but purely saw that since his rebirth, he had too many women, his romantic luck was too good, and he was always attracting some 30-year-old wolves.

Seeing that he was about to be unable to hold on, unable to feed everyone, and had the worry of being cuckolded, they couldn't bear to watch, and specially presented him with the divine medicine—a living god and great philanthropist?

Just as he was letting his imagination run wild, the phone in his pocket suddenly rang.

He took out his high-end iPhone and looked, and Chen Nuo was immediately startled.

It was only 7:30. Since when did this woman wake up at 7:30?

Chen Nuo hurriedly picked it up and asked: "What's wrong? What happened?"

On the other end, Liu Yifei said in an excited tone: "Chen Nuo, what do you think if we go act in *Lost in Beijing* together?"

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 231 =====