Chapter 155: Wrapped Up for the Meeting

[Chapter 155: Wrapped Up for the Meeting]

At 8 PM, in the Italian-style restaurant of the Mandala Hotel, in a cozy circular booth area, Jackie Chan sat with two brothers, his face dark and impatient as he sipped water, brushing off the messengers who came to check on them.

"Big brother, do you think we've been stood up? That guy tricked us. It's been over an hour now, and he still hasn't shown up!" one brother slammed on the sleek black steel round table.

Jackie put on a dark expression, clearly upset. He thought about many things and took a deep breath, straightened up, ready to say something, when suddenly his eyes lit up. "Look, isn't that him?"

A burly man dressed in a white fall tracksuit, wearing a black flat cap, gold-frame aviator Ray-Ban sunglasses, and a black face mask, walked straight over, guided by a waiter.

This guy was so covered up that even his own mother might not recognize him.

Jackie noticed Maggie Cheung following closely behind Charlie and made a guess.

Over an hour late, and not even a single call.

When Jackie finally saw him, he felt a mix of slight happiness along with a strong sense of disrespect and anger. He no longer held hope that this cooperation would work out.

This Mr. Corleone was too young. Treating business collaborations this way would surely cause him to stumble in the future.

The guy was so proud of his early success, just like Jackie used to be years ago.

Probably this invitation to meet was just for fun.

---

Thinking that way, Jackie still stood to greet him warmly, extending a hand for appearances.

"Hello, Jackie. You know, when I heard Jackie Chan was interested in working with me, I was so excited I wanted to meet you immediately. I'm a fan of yours! But I messed up everything -- some urgent matters came up last minute, and there was something wrong with my health also. I sincerely apologize and hope we won't have any misunderstandings because of it," Charlie said warmly.

Jackie was surprised. Regaining composure, he responded enthusiastically, "Mr. Corleone, you're too kind. Honestly, waiting an hour wasn't pleasant, but I've decided to forgive you."

"Ha! That's great," Charlie laughed, sitting down. He took the menu from the waiter, and quickly ordered over ten dishes off the menu before handing it back; he was really hungry.

"Jackie, let's talk about the project. I'm optimistic about your growth in Hollywood. I love your movies -- especially your work in Drunken Master, Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, Project A, the Police Story series. I've seen them all.

You've pioneered a type of action-drama, combined unique stunt work with martial arts elements. The international market will definitely accept it. Globally, the film genres that break cultural barriers tend to be action or special effects blockbusters. Your martial arts comedies are a form of physical comedy, distinct from masters like Buster Keaton because you package it with characteristic kung fu moves.

You'll be the Asian face most easily accepted worldwide. So I believe you have great untapped potential. The new wave of cinema needs fresh genres, and I think we'll make great partners!"

Jackie hadn't expected Charlie to know so much about him and to praise him so highly.

Even some points he didn't completely agree with, it still felt good.

While feeling pleased, Jackie gained some respect for the young film boss sitting before him.

Talking so smoothly and holding all the cards, that's typical big boss behavior.

No matter how you see it, a film company president barely out of his teens shouldn't be so savvy.

This Charlie Corleone was certainly no pushover.

Jackie concentrated fully, going over the Rush Hour script and the overall project plan in detail.

The script itself was pretty formulaic; Hollywood had plenty of buddy cop action comedies.

Apart from the kung fu packaging, there was nothing particularly selling about the story.

Despite Charlie's compliments, he knew that while the kung fu stunts and shooting techniques added something new to world cinema, Jackie's Asian face limited his ceiling in Hollywood.

In fact, apart from Will Smith and Denzel Washington, the black superstars, all box-office carries in Hollywood were white males.

As a studio head, Charlie had to understand the market reality clearly.

But that didn't mean he wouldn't produce movies starring other types of leads. Even with his second chance at life, he couldn't always make mega-blockbusters.

Compared to relying on superstar actors, Charlie preferred a Marvel-like model -- no more $20 million club stars, but rather relying on IP, effects, and using actors more as tools, placing most profits into the company's pockets.

One by one, dishes were set on the table as they ate and chatted. Charlie removed his mask, revealing scrapes, bite marks, and redness on his cheeks, which made Jackie and his brothers stare dumbfounded and confused.

Seeing Charlie didn't explain, they decided not to ask, wearing odd expressions.

"Thirty million?" Charlie frowned.

"Yes, this project covers not only the script rights but also pre-production planning in Hollywood, team building -- they've consumed a lot of resources. If you take over, you can assign a producer to supervise, make some tweaks, and go directly into filming."

"I have a few concerns."

"Please go ahead!" Jackie knew this was a critical moment and was all ears.

"First, I won't tie up the already-decided director, actors, or crew -- except you!"

Jackie was happy hearing that but hesitated slightly. "Thank you for the trust. Except for screenwriter Ross LaManna and some copyrights-holding producer Arthur Sarkissian, your conditions are acceptable. But I hope that during salary negotiations there won't be big disagreements, and please keep the team, especially director Brett Ratner. The whole team has worked together on and off for over half a year, refining the project. That will help the production go smoothly and quickly."

"Sounds good! Second..." Charlie nodded, "Regarding the script, can the character you play be changed to be an Asian-American cop? That might make it easier for North American audiences to relate."

Jackie's face showed discomfort. He hesitated a while, then shook his head seriously. "Sorry, Mr. Corleone. I understand your suggestion is well meant, but I'm not American! Everyone knows my background and how I became famous.

I'm huge in Asia, and if I abandoned that label, maybe it'd be easier for me in Hollywood. But as my fame grows, I'll quickly lose all opportunities! No one truly respects someone who abandons their homeland. I'm coming to Hollywood to grow, and even Canadians, Brits, or French emphasize their origins. For me, it's even more important!"

*****

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