Bab 68: Chapter 67
According to Xu Can's plan, filming for two 2008 works, La La Land and Spider-Man 2, has been completed, and post-production is progressing smoothly. Both are expected to release as scheduled.
During this period, Marvel itself will not oversee any directing or acting. The directors will be the Russo brothers, and Kevin Feige will act as producer, ensuring final control to avoid any controversial plots and steering Marvel to its peak.
Marvel is central to Xu Can's strategy—it's his box office powerhouse, his financial anchor. With Marvel's portfolio, tens of billions in box office revenue are anticipated, allowing for consistent cash flow. This success will provide the leverage needed for his greater ambition: to gain influence in Hollywood and promote Chinese culture globally.
While other countries have popularized their culture through games and animation, many traditional Chinese elements have mistakenly been attributed to Japanese or Korean origins. Xu Can wants to correct this and showcase China's 5,000-year history, full of cultural treasures, to a broader audience. However, the current state of domestic entertainment is weak on the global stage, with most projects being confined to local markets.
Hollywood has long been shaped by the likes of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, who have popularized Kung Fu, connecting Chinese identity with martial arts. However, films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or The Farewell have been rare exceptions in attempting to break stereotypes. Xu Can aims to build on the legacy of his predecessors, pushing Chinese culture into the global spotlight once more.
He understands that to shift the narrative, he needs to create something truly groundbreaking, a blockbuster that places him in the ranks of cinematic legends like Coppola, Hitchcock, or at least Spielberg. Xu Can plans to create serious films that will establish his influence and reputation within the industry.
Just as he was contemplating his next project, Sony approached him with an attractive offer: aside from film rights, they promised online distribution as well, bolstering Xu Can's GalaxyTV+ film library. The shooting would only take a few months, and a salary of $25 million was hard to refuse.
"Sure, I don't have anything lined up at the moment. I'll take the role," Xu Can agreed.
After all, earning $25 million in two months wasn't an opportunity to pass up.
The film Love & Other Drugs was a love story centered on a pharmaceutical rep who sells little blue pills. The protagonist, a carefree playboy, falls for a woman with Parkinson's disease. Although the movie briefly touches on the American healthcare system, it focuses primarily on the love story, leading to a mediocre box office reception.
Xu Can thought that the healthcare subplot had potential. By expanding on this theme, he could elevate the movie's rating from a 7.5 to an 8.5. It would be a practice run for him, a stepping stone toward a bigger project.
Suddenly, another film about healthcare and survival came to mind—Dallas Buyers Club. If Xu Can could make a similar film before Dallas Buyers Club hit the screens, it could be revolutionary.
Meanwhile, at his Beverly Hills mansion, Xu Can found himself in the middle of a more personal dilemma. Taylor Swift and Emma Stone sat at his dining table, and the tension between the two was palpable.
Initially, both had competed subtly for his affection, but things had recently escalated. Yesterday, Xu Can spent time with Emma, and today it was Taylor's turn. Taylor had even hired a Michelin-starred chef to prepare a romantic dinner. Just as things were getting cozy, Emma showed up at the door, pie in hand, claiming it was a family recipe.
The argument that followed made Xu Can quickly realize that his fantasy of harmonious relationships was just that—a fantasy. Both women were strong-willed and unwilling to back down.
"I think we all need to calm down," Xu Can said, trying to ease the tension. But before the situation could get worse, he decided to send both women home, telling them, "We've all been too intense lately. Let's take some time to cool off."
As they left, Xu Can breathed a sigh of relief. While they seemed more focused on competing with each other, Xu Can knew this would only get more complicated.
Just as he was settling back in to enjoy his dinner, the doorbell rang again. This time, it was Kristen Stewart.
"Where's Emma? She didn't answer my calls," she demanded, bursting in.
"She went back to her apartment," Xu Can said, wondering what Kristen was doing there.
"She's my best friend. I'm here for her," Kristen responded emotionally, before admitting something Xu Can hadn't anticipated: "I like her. I won't let you break her heart anymore."
Xu Can could hardly believe it—Kristen had feelings for Emma? He found the situation almost amusing.
But things escalated quickly. Kristen grabbed his arm, demanding he come with her to break up with Emma. Before he knew it, the conversation turned into a heated moment that led from the dining table to the sofa, and eventually the master bedroom.
The next morning, Xu Can and Kristen sat silently at breakfast, reflecting on the previous night's events. She finally broke the silence. "I don't know what's going on anymore," she said, "but I like girls. Still, if the man is you... it's not so bad."
Xu Can's life seemed to be back on track—if only a bit more complicated. The filming of Love & Other Drugs was ready to start, and Marvel's production of Iron Man 2 was in full swing. He now had time to focus on his bigger project, I'm Not the God of Medicine. If he could get it out before Dallas Buyers Club, it would definitely create waves.
As for Emma and Taylor, things had cooled down. Emma kept in touch, while Taylor had gone silent, perhaps working through her emotions.
Just as Xu Can was meeting his co-star Anne Hathaway, she suddenly looked at her phone and said, "Xu, Taylor just dropped a new single… it's about you."
Xu Can couldn't help but smile wryly. He never expected to be the subject of a Taylor Swift song.
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