novellhall Chapter 378 Rich and owns a house, but no wife
Chapter 378 Rich and owns a house, but no wife
Chapter 377 Rich and owns a house, but no wife
"Cut!"
"My God, it's perfect!"
Todd jumped up from his chair excitedly and shouted into the walkie-talkie.
The entire set erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.
The choreographer stood in front of the monitor, completely dumbfounded.
It took him a while to come to his senses, and he muttered to himself, "Genius—this is absolutely genius-level improvisation! My long-planned scheme is utterly insignificant compared to his impromptu dance!"
Lawrence Sher put down the camera, his face flushed with excitement, and shouted to Todd, "Todd! Every frame could be a movie poster! This is absolutely the best shot I've ever made!"
Chen Xun came down the stairs, took the water offered by a staff member, wiped the sweat from his face, and asked Todd with a smile, "Is this okay?"
"It's more than just usable!"
Todd rushed over, patted him hard on the shoulder, and grinned from ear to ear: "This scene will become a classic in film history. A hundred years from now, when people mention the Joker, the first thing they'll remember is your dance on these stairs!"
He originally allocated three full days for filming this scene, and was even prepared to shoot dozens of takes.
But no one expected that Chen Xun would complete the filming of this key scene in just one take.
The staff at the scene looked at Chen Xun with eyes full of admiration.
Amidst the cheers on set, Chen Xun saw several attribute orbs fall:
[Integration of character's body language and emotional core +40]
[Improvisational performance's connection to the character's soul +35]
[Ability to create iconic scenes in film history +32]
[Non-verbal performance narrative ability +28]
[Character Transformation with Layered and Sensual Effects +25]
"Absorb it all!"
Countless insights into physical performance and nonverbal storytelling were instantly integrated into his performance system.
Immediately afterwards, a line of text appeared before his eyes:
[Project Name: Joker (Filming in Progress)]
[Current project completion rate: 65%]
[Performance Rating: A+]
Director's satisfaction rating: A+
Team Collaboration: A—
[Audience Expectations: A]
Overall Rating: A
[Stage Reward Distribution: [Historical Record] Realm Progress +3%, Current Progress 64%]
Filming for "Joker" was paused after this shoot concluded.
The core individual scenes have been basically filmed; what remains are all large-scale, major scenes that require extensive coordination.
In a Brooklyn studio, the art department is creating a 1:1 replica of the Murray Frank talk show studio from the 70s.
From the stage lighting to the audience seating, even the backdrop of the studio and the entrance passage for guests, everything was built strictly according to the original studio.
We've already confirmed 200 people for the extras alone!
There's also the need to rehearse audience reactions and camera angles for the live stream in advance; the preparation period alone takes at least two weeks.
What's even more troublesome is the large-scale scenes of the Gotham City riots.
The production team has finalized filming permits with the Newark city government.
Three main streets in the city center were blocked off, hundreds of extras were used to play clown supporters, and a professional stunt team was on hand to assist throughout the operation.
The scenes of police cars being overturned and burning in the streets were all achieved using real flames and controlled explosions.
The special effects team needs to conduct explosion tests a week in advance to ensure filming safety while capturing the most realistic chaos.
Todd Phillips and his production team were immersed in the pre-production process.
I hold daily meetings with the art, special effects, and special effects teams to refine the details.
So they gave Chen Xun a week off to get him out of Arthur's mind and wait until the preparations were complete before filming the final, most important scenes in one go.
On the first morning of the holiday, Chen Xun had just finished his run when he received a call from Robert.
The agent on the phone sounded exceptionally excited, with an enthusiasm that left no room for refusal: "Bro, are you free today? Come to my new office, I have something important to discuss with you."
"A new office?"
Chen Xun was somewhat surprised: "When did you move?"
"I just finished it last week. I've been waiting for you to have time so I could surprise you."
Rob chuckled smugly on the other end of the phone: "I've sent the address to your phone. It's in an office building next to Beverly Center, on the top floor. You'll see when you get there. Oh, and dress formally, don't come in sportswear."
After hanging up the phone, Chen Xun looked at the address sent to his phone and couldn't help but smile.
He also remembered that Rob's agency was crammed into a run-down little building next to Hollywood Boulevard.
Now it's possible to rent an entire floor of office space in a top-tier office building next to Beverly Center.
After changing into a well-fitting dark gray suit, Chen Xun drove straight to his destination.
The office building is located in the heart of Los Angeles’ busiest business district. There are luxury flagship stores downstairs. Security is tight, and the receptionist is polite and professional. After Rob gave his company name, someone immediately led him to the top floor.
Chen Xun was stunned for a moment when the elevator doors opened.
Robert rented the entire floor.
The open-plan office area is bright and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Beverly Hills.
The interior design is a minimalist, understated luxury style.
The logo at the front desk reads "StarSeek Entertainment".
C
It's immediately obvious that Chen Xun's name is hidden in the company's name.
The employees in the office area were all busy. When they saw Chen Xun come in, they all stopped what they were doing and greeted him respectfully.
Two blonde, blue-eyed secretaries in business attire quickly approached, smiling as they took his coat, and said respectfully, "Mr. Chen Xun, Mr. Robert is already waiting for you in his office."
Chen Xun smiled and thanked him, then followed the secretary inside, unable to resist muttering a teasing remark under his breath, "Robert's got quite the entourage now?"
The secretary smiled but didn't reply, and pushed open the door to the innermost president's office.
Rob was sitting behind his large desk, typing something on his computer. When he saw Chen Xun enter, he immediately stood up with a smile, quickly walked over, and gave him a big hug: "Bro, you're finally here! My new office is pretty good, isn't it?"
The office was even more extravagant than Chen Xun had imagined.
The entire wall is covered with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the room is fully equipped with a private reception area, bar, and lounge. The walls are covered with posters and photos of Chen Xun.
Including those that were previously exhibited in the old office.
It seems Robert has moved everything over.
The entire wall is almost a microcosm of Chen Xun's acting career over the past few years.
"It's more than just good."
Chen Xun smiled, looked around, sat down on the sofa in the reception area, and turned to look at Robert: "Boss Robert, you've really struck it rich now!"
Rob smiled and had his secretary bring him coffee. He sat down opposite him, his face full of感慨 (a complex emotion encompassing both admiration and awe): "This is nothing!"
"Without you, I would still be a small-time agent who can't even get an audition. I am where I am today entirely because of you."
"Honestly, bro, the best decision I ever made was signing you back then."
That's true.
In recent years, Chen Xun has gone from a newcomer actor to a Golden Globe Award-winning actor.
Every movie he starred in was a box office smash!
Rob's commission alone is enough to make him a fortune.
Not to mention the connections and resources he accumulated with Chen Xun, which propelled him from a lowly Hollywood agent to a prominent figure in the industry.
Looking at his smug expression, Chen Xun smiled and pointed to the secretary passing by the door, teasing him in Chinese, "Not bad, Lao Luo, all your secretaries and assistants are stunning beauties with blonde hair and blue eyes. You're living a very comfortable life. Aren't you afraid your tigress at home will get jealous?"
Rob paused for a moment, then burst into laughter and replied in slightly accented Chinese, "We divorced a long time ago! We went through the formalities last year. I'm in the best state right now, rich, have a house, no wife, living the high life."
He had been following Chen Xun for the past few years, enrolling in Chinese classes and learning from his teacher every day.
Not only in everyday conversation, but even in Chinese idioms like "tiger mom" with a touch of humor, she uses them with masterful skill.
He can even rattle off a few lines about popular internet memes in China.
Chen Xun chuckled and shook his head: "Your Chinese has improved quite quickly. I thought you only knew how to say 'hello' and 'thank you'."
"Absolutely, my boss is Chinese, how could I not speak Chinese?"
Robert raised his chin smugly, then his joking expression vanished. He sat up straight and said seriously, "I'm not kidding anymore. I called you here today because I have two serious matters to discuss with you."
"you say."
Chen Xun picked up his coffee and took a sip.
"The first thing is the ribbon-cutting ceremony for my new company."
Rob smiled and said, "I've been here for almost half a month, and I haven't officially opened for business yet. I've been waiting for you to come."
"I'm having a small ribbon-cutting ceremony next Friday morning, and I've invited many producers and directors from the industry, as well as Warner Bros.,"
Several high-ranking executives from Sony and Marvel, you need to come and support me.
He paused, his tone earnest: "In Hollywood, everyone knows that you are the core of my company. Without you, no one would give me, Rob, any face, and no one would come to this ribbon-cutting ceremony. If you don't come, this ribbon-cutting ceremony will have no meaning."
Without a second thought, Chen Xun nodded and said, "No problem. Next Friday, right? I've got it written down. I'll definitely be there. The filming of 'Joker' is still in preparation, so I'll be free."
Rob instantly breathed a sigh of relief, his smile widening even more: "Great! Chen, thanks!"
"And the second thing?"
Chen Xun put down his coffee cup and looked at him.
When the second matter was mentioned, Rob's expression became more serious: "I want to renegotiate our cooperation model and profit-sharing ratio with you."
Chen Xun raised an eyebrow but didn't speak, signaling him to continue.
"Our previous collaboration was the most common agent-actor model, where I would take 10% of your salary and business deals."
Rob said earnestly, "But things are different now. Your business empire is expanding rapidly, encompassing movies, TV series, production, and..."
Investment is everywhere, and my simple brokerage model can no longer keep up with your pace.
"This company, Seeking Stars Entertainment, is not just my company; it belongs to both of us."
Rob's tone was exceptionally sincere: "All your brokerage commissions from future projects will be converted into company shares. I will personally invest another $1000 million in cash, giving you a 60% controlling stake in the company, while I will hold 40%. You will be the absolute majority shareholder in this company; I have no say, you have the final say."
Chen Xun was stunned for a moment when he heard this.
He originally thought that Rob wanted to use his fame to expand the company, but he did not expect that Rob would directly give him the controlling stake in the company and even inject real money into it.
Seeing his surprised expression, Rob quickly added, "Chen, I know that all six major Hollywood agencies are privately contacting you, offering sky-high signing terms to poach you. Compared to them, I don't have that kind of scale or resources. My only bargaining chip is that I've been with you for so many years, I know you best, and I would never do anything to harm your interests."
There was a hint of barely perceptible unease in his tone.
He knew all too well Chen Xun's current value; he was Hollywood's most sought-after cash cow, with countless talent agencies scrambling to poach him.
Robert was afraid that Chen Xun might be poached one day, and everything he had now would vanish.
Therefore, he wanted to completely bind himself to Chen Xun.
One glory and one glory.
To this end, he spared no expense, emptying all the money he had saved over the years and injecting it all into the company.
"The purpose of establishing this company is not just to secure our partnership."
Rob continued, "With a formal entertainment company, we can do more. Now you're not just an actor, but also a producer. In the future, if you want to invest in projects, sign new talents, or create your own IP, you can do it all under the company's name. It's legitimate, and you have more say."
"Moreover, as you know, Hollywood taxes are handled by corporate entities. We can do the most compliant tax planning, legally avoid taxes, and save a lot of money."
That last sentence hit Chen Xun squarely.
Hollywood's personal income tax is shockingly high!
Nearly half of the top actors' salaries are taxed.
Having your own company, operating projects, accepting film contracts, and engaging in business cooperation under the company's name, can indeed enable compliant tax optimization and legitimate tax avoidance.
This is the most practical benefit.
He really needs a company of his own right now.
He has too many projects in his hands, from domestic investment in "The Wandering Earth" to Hollywood production projects, as well as potential new actors he wants to sign in the future, all of which need a formal company entity to operate.
Rob has been with him for so many years, knows him inside and out, is absolutely loyal to him, and has also developed his abilities over the years. He can completely trust Rob to manage the company.
As for controlling stake, Rob voluntarily gave him the lion's share, and he saw this sincerity.
Chen Xun was silent for a few seconds, then looked up at Robert, smiled and nodded: "Okay, I agree."
Rob was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting him to agree so readily. After a few seconds of stunned silence, he excitedly stood up: "Really? You agreed?"
"certainly!"
Chen Xun smiled and nodded: "The share ratio will be as you said, I'll have 60% and you'll have 40%. You'll still be in charge of the company's daily operations. I'll only be responsible for the general direction of the decision-making. After all, I'm still an actor, and I don't have that much time to deal with the company's miscellaneous affairs."
"Absolutely no problem!"
Rob blushed with excitement and nodded repeatedly: "You don't need to worry about the company's operations at all. Leave it all to me. I guarantee this company will only make money for you and will never cause you any trouble. All projects and decisions will be entirely up to you!"
His heart, which had been hanging in suspense for several months, finally settled down completely.
His biggest fear was that Chen Xun would refuse, or that Chen Xun would be poached by another big company. Now that Chen Xun has agreed to invest and become the controlling shareholder of the company, the two of them are completely tied together, and he no longer has to worry about Chen Xun running away.
"I'll have my lawyer prepare the shareholding agreement and company registration documents today, and I'll send them to you tomorrow."
Rob quickly outlined the plan: "The ribbon-cutting ceremony is next Friday. We'll officially announce it then, and the whole of Hollywood will know that StarSeeker Entertainment is our company."
Chen Xun smiled and agreed.
I also talked with Rob about the company's future plans, such as signing a few promising new actors, expanding production and investment businesses, and even building a bridge for cooperation between China and Hollywood, bringing good domestic projects in and sending domestic actors abroad.
As I left Rob's office building, the Los Angeles sunset had already sunk behind the mountains of Beverly Hills, and the orange-red afterglow spread across the entire Sunset Boulevard.
Chen Xun drove slowly along the coastline towards the apartment.
With the car window half-rolled down, the evening breeze carrying the scent of sea salt rushed in, but it did not dispel the lingering weariness in his heart.
While waiting at a red light, he opened the control panel.
The familiar interface instantly unfolded before my eyes.
His gaze fell on the long-term task list at the bottom:
[Long-term Main Quest: The Road to Stardom for Independent Films]
[Task Requirements: Star in 10 independent films and obtain recognition from major international film festivals/awards]
Current progress: 5/10
[Progress to be completed: (Joker has been confirmed for filming and is awaiting release and awards; it still needs 4 more award-winning independent films in which the lead actor is cast)]
[Mission Reward: Unlock one Hall of Fame Character Card for each award-winning independent film you complete; character type is random.]
Looking at the progress bar on the panel, Chen Xun couldn't help but sigh.
This task has been posted for so long, and he still hasn't completed it!
It wasn't that the task was particularly difficult; it was simply that his schedule had been too packed for the past two years.
We need to finish this as soon as possible!
Although there was no time limit for the mission, Chen Xun still felt uneasy.
The light turned green, and Chen Xun stepped on the gas, having made up his mind.
Instead of dragging it out piecemeal, it would be better to concentrate on filming the remaining four independent films all at once.
Anyway, the only requirements are to star in an independent film and win awards.
There's no requirement that it has to be a major award at a top film festival. As long as the script is solid and has the potential to win awards, even an award from the Independent Spirit Awards or the Sundance Film Festival can accomplish the task.
Back at his apartment, he took a shower and changed his clothes before calling Robert.
The phone was answered after only one ring. Rob's voice still carried the excitement of having just finished negotiating the deal: "Bro, what's up? You missed me already? Or is there something you need to change about the shareholding agreement?"
"The agreement is fine; just have the lawyer do as we say."
Chen Xun leaned back on the sofa and got straight to the point: "I'm here to talk to you about something else. I'd like you to help me pick out a few scripts."
"script?"
Rob paused for a moment, then immediately perked up: "What? Marvel has a new project? Or Warner Bros. has a new film deal? My inbox has been flooded with offers from production companies these past few days, all for you. There are five or six A-list productions, and I was just about to compile them and send them to you."
"It's not a blockbuster, it's an independent film."
Chen Xun corrected: "The more independent film scripts that are low-budget, have solid scripts, provide room for the characters to develop, and have the potential to win awards, the better."
Rob was completely stunned, and it took him a long time to come to his senses: "Independent film?"
"Chen, you're not kidding me, are you?"
"Right now, A-list productions from the Hollywood Big Six are lining up to cast you as the male lead, each offering higher and higher salaries. The photo scandal is all in the past now, so why do you suddenly want to go back to making low-budget independent films?"