Facing the sudden onslaught of flashbulbs, Li Kai remained unusually calm, like the eye of a storm.
A reporter loudly pressed, "Mr. Li, how did someone as young as you write such a profound and complex world of gangsters? Is it related to your family background?"
Li Kai did not evade the question. He merely smiled gently and replied, "Imagination is a writer's most valuable tool. I conducted extensive reading and research, attempting to understand the choices and human nature within that specific era and environment. As for my family, it provided me with a different perspective for observing the world, not a direct blueprint."
Li Kai skillfully shifted the question of "family background," which could have led to stereotypes or privacy issues, toward a universal discussion of creative exploration: "research and human nature."
At this point, another reporter asked more sharply, "Rumor has it that several major Hollywood studios have begun fiercely competing for the film adaptation rights to The Godfather. Which studio do you prefer? Will you insist on serving as the screenwriter or even the director yourself?"
Li Kai maintained his polite smile: "Currently, all my energy is focused on the filming of cleopatra and enjoying the joy of the novel's publication. Any discussion about the film's possibilities is premature. I believe that when the story needs to be presented in another form, it will find the most suitable path."
Li Kai neither confirmed nor denied the existence of the bidding war, protecting the confidentiality of the business negotiations. He also completely avoided mentioning his future core demand—personally directing the film—but used the imaginative phrase "the most suitable path" to secure maximum initiative for the future.
In fact, Li Kai had not yet received calls from Hollywood film companies, but he figured it wouldn't be long before these Hollywood production companies flocked to him, actively seeking collaboration.
The influence of the novel The Godfather was simply too immense at the moment; it was absolutely phenomenal.
In his previous life, this book topped The New York Times bestseller list for over sixty consecutive weeks, nearly a year.
Even by the year 2025, few books could rival its sustained popularity.
—
The reporters departed, satisfied with their transcripts and photos, and the clamor at the entrance of Cinecittà Studios gradually subsided. Li Kai stood rooted, taking a deep breath of the slightly cool Italian evening air, trying to suppress the emotions stirred up by the countless flashes and pressing questions. He knew that another 'big show' inside the studio was just beginning.
When he turned and stepped back into the cleopatra filming area, he immediately felt countless gazes focusing on him. These were no longer the curious or disdainful looks from before, but scorching stares mixed with surprise, scrutiny, envy, and even a hint of disbelief. The air seemed to freeze for a moment, and then various voices rushed forward like a thawing tide.
"Li! My God, you're actually a great writer!"
"Li, I just asked a reporter, and he said The Godfather is selling like crazy in America right now!!"
"Hey, Li, can you sign an autograph for me? Just on my clipboard!"
"I never expected that a genius was right here among us!"
"..."
Colleagues, from lighting technicians and script supervisors to makeup assistants, crowded around, expressing congratulations and curiosity all at once. They might not have fully understood the specific content of The Godfather, but the halos of being a number one bestseller on The New York Times list, nationwide buzz, and frantic media coverage were enough to make them realize that this usually quiet young Chinese American man had suddenly become a cultural celebrity.
Director Joseph L. Mankiewicz also walked over, a playful smile on his face, and patted Li Kai's shoulder: "Looks like I found a treasure, didn't I? Rouben Mamoulian certainly left me a decent 'legacy.' Congratulations, kid. It's rare to find someone who can cause a sensation simultaneously in the film set and the literary world." His congratulations carried both sincerity and a touch of Hollywood reality. A valuable creator is always more worthy of respect.
Even Elizabeth Taylor, who was usually haughty, cast a completely different look at him.
She didn't approach immediately, instead observing Li Kai from a distance, her famous violet eyes sparkling with intense interest and appreciation. In her view, talent itself was the most captivating charm. In the past, Li Kai was merely a capable but low-ranking assistant; now, he had become an artist shrouded in the aura of a mysterious genius.
During a break, she proactively walked up to Li Kai, holding a coffee cup, her tone languid yet carrying an unprecedented warmth.
"Li, what is your book The Godfather about? I hear them talking about it like it's a miracle." She tilted her head slightly, smiling charmingly, "It feels strange that someone who can write a story that captivates all of America spends all day recording my schedule on set."
"You flatter me, Miss Taylor." Li Kai maintained a humble smile and briefly explained that the core of the story was about power, family, and betrayal.
Taylor listened raptly, her eyes shining, clearly intrigued. Finally, she lightly tapped the script in Li Kai's hand with her cup, making a crisp sound: "Perhaps next time, you should write a story about a Hollywood actress. It would certainly be more interesting than cleopatra." She cast a meaningful glance and gracefully walked away.
Li Kai nodded slightly, still smiling: "If such an opportunity truly arises, I will consider it."
Although Li Kai actually preferred Chinese girls, he couldn't deny that facing a woman like Elizabeth Taylor, shrouded in starlight and legend, a subtle stirring still arose uncontrollably in his heart. It wasn't mere lust, but rather a challenge rooted in masculine instinct—a desire to touch the forbidden and conquer a legend.
Of course, an attractive, fleeting romance might be fine, but when it came to marriage, he would respectfully decline.
Li Kai had absolutely no interest in having his name appear on Elizabeth Taylor's long and famous list of ex-husbands, becoming yet another numbered "Mr. Taylor" discussed over tea.
For him, it would be unbearable embarrassment... Just now, Elizabeth Taylor proactively walking toward Li Kai, whispering with a smile, and even the final clinking sound of the cup against the script, were all witnessed by Richard Burton from not far away.
The talented yet hot-tempered, alcohol-addicted Welsh actor's expression darkened visibly. Miss Taylor's obvious favor and closeness to Li Kai struck him like a venomous thorn, piercing his intense pride and possessiveness.
Under the fermentation of his ingrained prejudice and current jealousy, Li Kai's success was no longer admirable, but a provocation. How dare a yellow-skinned young punk simultaneously gain fame and the attention of a beauty? The poison of jealousy burned fiercely in his heart.
"Congratulations, Mr. Li Kai, shall we talk?" Just as the atmosphere on set became subtly complex because of Li Kai, Prue Bronson, the representative and producer from 20th Century Fox, visited the set with a clear purpose. His arrival was not to check on the precarious progress of cleopatra, but to head straight for the newly crowned king of bestsellers—Li Kai.
In a temporarily vacated office, a crucial negotiation began.
"Mr. Li Kai, first and foremost, on behalf of Fox, I congratulate you on your tremendous success. The Godfather is an extraordinary work; it has shaken the entire publishing industry." Bronson got straight to the point, his tone warm but with the shrewdness typical of a businessman. "We believe its value extends far beyond the pages. Fox has the best resources and distribution channels, and we hope to acquire the film adaptation rights to turn it into an epic movie worthy of the original novel!"
Li Kai had prepared himself mentally. He replied calmly, "Thank you for your appreciation, Mr. Bronson. I also believe The Godfather deserves to be brought to the screen. However, regarding the adaptation, I have my conditions."
Bronson smiled slightly: "Please state them. We are very sincere."
"Alright, my condition is," he paused here, his gaze firm and unwavering, even though he knew the demand he was about to make was shocking, even arrogant, coming from a twenty-year-old newcomer with no professional track record.
"I must personally serve as the film's director and screenwriter. No one understands the core of this story better than I do," Li Kai stated, every word clear and resounding.
Hollywood operates on a producer-centric system; the director is not the one with the greatest authority, sometimes lacking even final cut privilege. Of course, in the best-case scenario, the director can participate in the editing process and propose their own version, the "Director's Cut."
Li Kai only asking to be the director was already a compromise based on the reality of the industry, but Hollywood still seemed unable to accept a novice director like him.
Prue Bronson's smile instantly froze.
"Mr. Li, we understand your attachment to your work. But directing a film with a multimillion-dollar investment is an extremely complex and arduous task, requiring extensive experience and control over the entire industrial process. You are a genius writer, but directing is a different matter entirely. We can offer you the screenwriter position and invite an experienced master like Mr. Mankiewicz to direct; that would be the perfect combination."
"No," Li Kai shook his head, answering decisively. "If I cannot direct, then the negotiation for the adaptation rights ends here. I would rather it not be filmed temporarily than see it misinterpreted."
Li Kai stood up and said calmly, "Please excuse me, Mr. Bronson. When your company has truly thought it over and is willing to respect my conditions, we can talk again."
With that, he turned and left without hesitation, leaving Bronson sitting alone in the suddenly empty office, watching his departing figure with a complex look beneath his tightly furrowed brow.
The door gently closed.
The negotiation had reached a complete deadlock.
Prue Bronson dared not delay and immediately reported the details of the negotiation to the Company Headquarters far away in America.
The news reached the executive offices of 20th Century Fox, where it was met with bewildered laughter. Several executives exchanged glances, almost thinking they had misheard the report.
"Is he crazy?" A Vice President couldn't help but laugh aloud, shaking his head. "A twenty-year-old kid with zero film credits demanding to direct an A-list production? Does he think making a movie is the same as writing a novel?"
In their view, Li Kai's demand was not just fanciful, but the arrogance typical of a literati lacking respect for the film industry. This was no longer a business negotiation; it was an absurd farce. Handing over a major project involving millions of dollars in investment and affecting the entire production system to such an inexperienced newcomer?
This risk could no longer be called a gamble; it was more like a squandering with no chance of success.
"Bronson, you must persuade that kid to accept our terms! As for him wanting to direct, absolutely impossible!" the Headquarters replied, their tone unequivocal.
"I understand."
Prue Bronson slowly nodded, his tone carrying the knowingness of someone who had seen through the ways of the world. He had navigated this arena of fame and profit for years and had seen too many young people with fire in their eyes.
Assistant cinematographers want to become cinematographers, screenwriters want to become directors, and assistant directors crave the chair that oversees the entire operation.
Dreams are the most abundant currency in Hollywood, and also the most fragile commodity. He clearly knew how fatal the temptation of holding the director's megaphone was to a filmmaker—it was not just power, but the ultimate desire to tell a story and maintain control.