the room door was pushed open, and Zhang Ziyi's eyes widened in surprise as she looked at the young man in front of her, who was even younger than herself.
She seemed to have just heard the number 5 million, and the unit was US dollars.
When Eric Cooper said this number, it sounded as light as air, as if there was no difference from 500 yuan.
In contrast, her own salary for 'crouching tiger, hidden dragon' was 130,000 RMB. After the film became a huge hit and she gained fame, her salary had risen to 1.6 million RMB by the time she filmed 'Hero'.
However, 1.6 million RMB was already the peak she could currently achieve, because 'Hero' was a big commercial film with high investment. A typical domestic film simply couldn't afford that salary.
But looking at the young master of MGM in front of her, he casually mentioned 5 million US dollars, which, converted at the exchange rate, was over 40 million RMB—equivalent to her filming 30 'Hero' movies. Yet, this amount was merely a drop in the ocean to him.
In that instant, the huge sense of disparity that had long disappeared surged into her heart again. The last time she felt this way was when she met Gong Li.
But ever since 'crouching tiger, hidden dragon' gave her a certain international recognition, that sense of disparity had vanished, only to suddenly reappear now.
"Hollywood, only Hollywood can truly allow me to realize my value. This is the best opportunity."
With this thought lingering in her mind, Zhang Ziyi's gaze towards Eric grew even more fervent.
And she wasn't the only one shocked; Han Sanping, Zhou Xiaopeng, and Deputy Director Chen also had wide eyes.
There were some things Eric didn't know, but Zhou Xiaopeng, as an insider, understood how large that number was—so large that it exceeded many countries' aid.
To date, global donations and aid to China amounted to just over 20 million US dollars.
For example, the UK provided 5 million US dollars in aid, Italy 1 million US dollars, Australia provided materials worth 1.7 million Australian dollars through the World Health Organization, Canada provided 3.14 million US dollars in materials and research funds, and South Korea provided 300,000 US dollars in unconditional aid.
While foreign countries provided such aid, domestic enthusiasm was higher, but so far, the largest donor, Huashiyou Group, had only donated 20 million RMB.
This was mainly because the economy hadn't truly taken off in 2003. For a leading metropolis like Yanjing, the average annual salary for employees last year was only around 40,000 yuan.
So, seeing Eric casually offer 5 million US dollars, it would be abnormal if they didn't react.
Zhou Xiaopeng swallowed: "Eric, 5 million US dollars might not be appropriate."
"Why? I think 5 million is already quite a lot."
Eric felt a bit annoyed. If they still thought this was too little, they would be a bit too greedy. He wanted to make a contribution, but he didn't want to be a big fool.
Zhou Xiaopeng quickly waved his hand: "No, no, you misunderstood. It's not too little, but too much."
"What?"
He had seen people complain about too little money, but this was the first time he had seen someone complain about too much.
"Eric, there are some things you don't know, and it's not convenient for me to explain clearly, but I can draw a line for you: 2 million US dollars would be about right."
Being in officialdom, Zhou Xiaopeng considered not only economic issues but also matters of face.
If a foreign enterprise were to donate over 40 million RMB, while the highest domestic donation was only 20 million, whose face would that be slapping? Many people would lose face.
Unaware of Zhou Xiaopeng's inner thoughts, Eric could only smile helplessly: "Alright then, since Director Zhou said so, 2 million US dollars it is."
"Okay, then Old Han and I will do our best to complete the preliminary procedures for you within a week. Before you return to America, we will try to hold a press conference, and then this matter will be settled."
After the serious business was done, the rest was just chatting. Zhou Xiaopeng became the listener, while Han Sanping and Eric began discussing film development. Zhang Ziyi really wanted to interject, but it was clear no one was paying attention to her.
After a few sentences, she felt too awkward to keep interrupting, so she could only chat with Susan to build rapport while secretly observing Eric.
The two clinked glasses, and Han Sanping drained the remaining wine. His cup had now been refilled with baijiu; as he put it, red wine was boring and didn't taste right.
Eric, however, stuck to red wine, not draining it, but only taking a small sip.
The first three toasts were to follow local customs; afterward, they each did as they pleased.
Zhang Ziyi quickly refilled Han Sanping's glass; the latter was clearly getting a bit tipsy.
"Mr. Cooper, if our joint venture company can be established—and forgive my jinxing, but it definitely can be established—"
"Then I have a hope in my heart, which is that MGM can help China cultivate a group of talents, especially technical talents. In this regard, the gap between China and Hollywood is truly too great."
"Don't laugh at me, but honestly, looking at the current special effects level on the mainland, it can't even compare to 'Terminator 2,' which was a 1991 film, 12 years ago!"
"And the future will inevitably be an era of special effects blockbusters. If we cannot break through technical barriers, for Chinese films to go global, I can only say it's too difficult! It might even be impossible."
Eric couldn't help but marvel at Han Sanping's precise vision. From memory, the next decade or so would indeed be dominated by special effects blockbusters. Hollywood would relentlessly bombard markets worldwide, with no country being able to compete.
However, while technology was a factor in why Chinese films couldn't go global, everyone knew the root cause and there was no need to state it.
Also, regarding things like the film classification system, everyone clearly understood why it had been delayed for so long.
Chatting and bragging, just some casual talk was enough. Even in a small circle of a few people, one had to be careful of eavesdroppers; many had stumbled.
"Chairman Han, you make a good point, but in my opinion, story is actually more important than technology, because a good script is the cornerstone of a good film."
"I can help China cultivate technical talents, and I can facilitate connections between China Film and Weta Digital, but I hope China can pay more attention to screenwriting. As far as I know, the status of screenwriters in the Chinese film market is truly hard to describe."
"If you really want your films to go global, focusing on screenwriters is much more important than focusing on special effects. Otherwise, think about it, why were many American TV shows sold worldwide even before special effects became popular?"
After chatting for a while, the initially enthusiastic Han Sanping became increasingly frustrated, finally downing another glass of baijiu with a clatter.
Around ten o'clock at night, when the dinner party dispersed, Deputy Director Chen pulled away Zhou Xiaopeng, who had drunk quite a bit, while Zhang Ziyi drove away Han Sanping, who was almost completely drunk.
The three of them—Eric, Chen Xing, and Susan—stayed at Fengze Garden, which was not only a restaurant but also a hotel with a very pleasant environment.
"Alright, you two should also get some rest. We can talk about anything tomorrow."
After sending Chen Xing and Susan away, Eric took a good shower to wash off the smell of smoke and alcohol.
For a non-smoker, smelling other people's secondhand smoke was torture, but at a dinner party, if you don't smoke, you can't stop others from smoking, right?
"Damn, I left in such a hurry that I forgot to bring clothes. I'll have to ask Chen Xing to buy a few sets tomorrow."
Shaking his head, Eric lay on the bed and turned on the TV. The first channel he saw was CCTV-8, which was broadcasting the preview for the next episode of 'the story of a noble family'.
On the screen, looking at the young Chen Kun, Dong Jie before she got together with Wang Dazhi, and the fresh-faced Crystal Liu, Eric couldn't help but feel both nostalgic and amused.
Recalling the past, he and Chen Kun had even acted together in a drama, 'The Rise of Phoenixes.' At that time, he wasn't even an assistant director, just a Director's Assistant.
It was also the era when capital invaded the entertainment industry most fiercely, and traffic was king. The production crew had actually shifted from a director-centric system to an actor-centric system.
Except for the top-tier directors, everyone was being held hostage by capital, and he naturally played the role of being bossed around.
But now everything was different. If he just crooked his finger, countless film and television company bosses would come running to fawn over him.
As for those actors, they didn't even have the qualifications to fawn.
In this day and age, Hollywood was a place all stars worldwide yearned for, and for China, it was an overwhelming victory.
It was heartbreaking, but it was the truth!
Ring
Just as Eric was about to fall asleep, the phone suddenly rang.
Seeing that it was an unfamiliar number, and a Chinese one at that, Eric hung up directly. A strange number late at night usually meant no good!
As soon as he hung up, the phone rang again, still the same number.
Eric hung up a second time, but the phone rang a third time.
"Hmm? Is there something important?"
Hesitating for a moment, Eric chose to answer. A familiar voice immediately came from the other end of the line.
"Mr. Cooper, this is Zhang Ziyi."
"Oh, is something wrong?"
Hearing it was her, Eric frowned. This woman was not a simple character.
But then again, where were there any simple characters in the entertainment industry? It was inherently a den of vice, and actors and directors were like small animals foraging within it.
And people like himself, of course, played the role of the breeder.
He would sprinkle water and throw rice to the small animals; when the chickens and ducks were fattened, he could eat them himself or sell them for money.
"It's like this, Chairman Han noticed you didn't seem to have brought a change of clothes, so he asked me to bring you a few sets."
"Then leave them at the front desk and have a waiter bring them up."
"Uh, Mr. Cooper, would it be convenient to reveal your room number? I think it would be better if I brought them up myself."
"Why?"
"Besides the clothes, there are actually other things that aren't convenient for others to deliver."
After a moment of hesitation, Eric said, "Then come to 301."
"Okay, please wait a moment."
In the lobby on the first floor, Zhang Ziyi's face lit up with joy. She then didn't go directly to the elevator but went to the restroom.
Taking out her makeup kit from her bag, she meticulously applied makeup in front of the mirror, making herself look even more exquisite.
She then took out an oral spray and spritzed it into her mouth, then breathed into her palm and sniffed; the smell of alcohol had faded considerably, which was good.
After finishing her preparations, the corners of her mouth curved slightly upward.
Late at night, with everyone asleep, alcohol-induced passion, and the allure of food and sex!
When attending events abroad, countless foreigners had looked at her with desire. She believed that with her charm, taking down a young punk like Eric Cooper would be no problem.
Knock knock knock
Hearing the knock, Eric walked to the door and opened it. Seeing the woman in front of him, he was surprised that she had even put on makeup; her intention was obvious.
"Thank you, and sorry to trouble you with a special trip. Get some rest early."
Taking the clothes from Zhang Ziyi, Eric was about to close the door. He had no intention of getting involved with this woman.
Her reputation wasn't good; she was too fond of stirring up trouble.
But while he didn't want to, Zhang Ziyi couldn't. The woman directly squeezed sideways into the room.
"What are you doing? Is there anything else?" Eric's tone was a bit displeased.
Zhang Ziyi ran her fingers through her hair, her eyes beginning to emit deep, passionate sparks. Still playing innocent!
"Eric, there were too many people during dinner. Actually, I've always had some film-related questions I wanted to ask you. Now that no one is disturbing us, can we talk?"
Eric yawned: "It's too late, and I'm tired from the flight. We can talk about film matters tomorrow. Chairman Han can organize a seminar, and we can discuss it thoroughly."
Zhang Ziyi was stunned for a moment, thinking, 'Is he really clueless or just pretending?' An actress showing up late at night to'study film,' was it really for film?
"Am I not being obvious enough? He's still so young, only just took over MGM last year. Maybe he hasn't experienced this kind of thing yet. It must be that."
After some thought, Zhang Ziyi decided to push harder.
She said with feigned embarrassment, "Eric, can I use the restroom? I drank too much, and I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable."
Eric was about to say, 'You can just go to the lobby restroom, and I can close the door.'
But Zhang Ziyi had already rushed into the bathroom with feigned urgency, not giving him a chance to refuse, and then he heard the sound of water running in the bathroom.
"Mr. Cooper, I seem to have run into a bit of trouble, can you help me?" A moment later, Zhang Ziyi's voice came from the restroom.
"What! That's not convenient, is it? What's wrong with you? I'll call room service for you."
"No, they can't see me like this, it's too embarrassing!"
This statement couldn't help but lead to wild speculation. Why would it be embarrassing? Was it because of her posture?
"Then I'll help you call the police. The police will definitely protect your privacy, don't worry, I'll call right away!"
"Ah? Wait, don't call the police. It doesn't seem too difficult. I think I'm fine now."
Saying that, Zhang Ziyi walked out of the restroom, her expression very complex. Looking at Eric's innocent face with a hint of concern, she became even more exasperated.
"Impossible, he can't possibly not understand. Is it that I haven't done enough?"
"Is this guy a true gentleman? No, that's even more impossible!"
Zhang Ziyi's mind raced. In fact, at this point, unless one was truly confused, one should have known when to retreat.
But she was still unwilling to give up. The next time such a good opportunity would come, she didn't know when that would be.
Thinking of this, she decided to go all out, to gamble everything. She refused to believe there was a cat that wouldn't steal fish!
"Mr. Cooper, actually, besides the clothes, Chairman Han said there were other things for you."
"Oh right, you just said that. What exactly is it?"
"Me!"
After saying that, Zhang Ziyi pulled off her top, then unbuckled her belt under Eric's surprised gaze.