"Charles, shouldn't we get more famous actors?" Han Sanpin asked Charles Capet, noticing that Charles had chosen Chen Kun and Zhou Xun before supporting Silver Capital. As for adding Gao Yuanyuan, it wasn't an issue at all.
"No need, it's fine. The era of a single actor carrying a movie is long over," Charles said with a smile.
Han Sanpin nodded, "Any thoughts on other actors for Painted Skin?"
"Other actors?" Charles thought for a moment, "There's someone named Fu Dalong. His acting is quite good; he could play a role and is worth nurturing! Let the director choose the other actors. This movie mainly focuses on its theme and special effects, so finding suitable actors should suffice."
"Alright, the director is revising the script. We plan to start shooting in October and release it around next year's National Day!" Since Capet Pictures had no objections, China Film wouldn't have any issues either.
Painted Skin was led by Capet Pictures, with China Film, Silver Capital from Hong Kong, and Enlight Media all collaborating on the project.
After Capet Pictures entrusted the production to China Film, Charles no longer worried about it. The collaboration was directly managed by Capet International Pictures' personnel in China.
...
"So this is a siheyuan?" Charles brought Gao Yuanyuan to a traditional-style modern siheyuan villa in the Shunyi District of Beijing.
"Yes, they are all newly built. Many people like this style. The interior is very modern and suitable for living," Gao Yuanyuan said with a face of admiration. This was a newly purchased, 2-acre, 900-square-meter modern siheyuan villa by Charles.
Charles planned to renovate it further, and the total expense would definitely exceed 30 million yuan, around 3.5 million dollars.
"Don't you like it?" Gao Yuanyuan asked, hugging Charles in the living room.
"Hmm, I like it, I like it. This style is quite nice," Charles said.
The two sat on the sofa, and Gao Yuanyuan asked Charles, "Are you leaving soon?"
Charles nodded and, kissing her cheek, smiled, "Got things to do; already missing me?"
"Don't worry, I'll come to see you. And that Painted Skin announcement is coming soon. You're one of the leading actresses alongside Zhou Xun. Do your best; it'll benefit you!"
Then Charles whispered seductively in her ear, "By then, you could even start your own studio, become the boss, invest in TV shows and movies, and manage signed artists!"
"Me, a personal studio?" No wonder Gao Yuanyuan was surprised, as not many mainland Chinese stars had their own studios back then.
At that time, Chinese film companies had artist management modules integrated with film production, distribution, theater chains, and artist management.
Charles nodded, "You can also study business management when you have time. I'll guide you behind the scenes!"
Gao Yuanyuan was so excited that she kissed Charles passionately. Besides this, Gao Yuanyuan had nothing else worth Charles' attention.
...
On the last day of July, Charles notified Lin Chi-ling and then flew directly from Beijing to Tokyo on his private plane.
"Boss, did you have Dona buy three more luxury homes in Shanghai?" On the plane, Phyllis Jones received information from Dona in Shanghai.
A standalone 630-square-meter house in Pudong, Nine Trees, costing 28 million yuan;
A 448-square-meter high-rise in Huangpu Xintiandi, Huafu Tianxia, costing 24 million yuan; and a 365-square-meter high-rise in Cuihu Tianxia, costing 20 million yuan.
"Relax, it's for investment. These over 70 million yuan will easily become four or five hundred million yuan," Charles said with a shrug, finding it a bit unbelievable himself.
"Boss, isn't Dona coming to Tokyo with us?" Phyllis Jones wasn't fazed by Charles spending less than ten million dollars on houses.
Charles shook his head, "She'll probably return to the U.S. after handling things. Google is acquiring YouTube, and as a major shareholder, I need her to represent me in the negotiations!"
YouTube was finally being harvested after receiving so many copyright infringement complaints. It was time to let Google handle it.
...
Just as Charles was spending money and handling business in Asia, Hollywood was far from peaceful.
Hollywood superstar Mel Gibson got into big trouble because an entertainment news website obtained and released a leaked handwritten DUI arrest report and on-site recording.
On July 28, 2006, on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, Mel Gibson was driving almost double the speed limit when he was pulled over by the police.
Officer James May quickly conducted a breathalyzer test on Gibson, finding his blood alcohol level well above the legal limit.
A bottle of opened tequila was lying next to him on the passenger seat, which led to Mel Gibson's arrest.
Mel Gibson shouted, "Damn Jews... Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world."
He then asked the officer, "Are you a Jew?"
Officer James replied, "Yes."
Soon enough, Mel Gibson was forcefully handcuffed.
On July 29, after his handwritten arrest report and recording were exposed and harshly criticized by the media, Mel Gibson issued an apology letter.
However, the apology did not mention his anti-Semitic remarks, and many Jewish people, led by Abraham Foxman of the Anti-Defamation League, expressed their anger.
"Where's Mel Gibson these days?" Charles asked Phyllis Jones after their plane landed at Tokyo's Haneda Airport.
"Writing more apology letters and seeking out Jewish groups to apologize," Phyllis Jones replied.
"Huh, just as I thought, some lines you just can't cross!" Charles remarked.
*****
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