1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

Chapter 97 Rumors Erupt

Chapter 99 Rumors Erupt (5/5)

Xu Shengjie couldn't persuade Kenny Zhang.

Even if you try to persuade him, Kenny Zhang won't listen.

Ultimately, he was no longer a member of the Ghost Shadow Gang. Furthermore, he wasn't sure if Kenny Zhang and his group knew Xu Jiadong's identity. Especially considering Mr. Yin's lukewarm attitude towards him after his release from prison, and his subsequent demand for him to leave the gang—

It's weird!

Xu Shengjie guessed that Mr. Yin was very likely aware of this.

He spent ten years in prison on Rikers Island and also crossed paths with John Gorty the Elder, a member of the Mafia.

In the United States, if you have money, you can know anything you want to know.

John Gottie the elder was the third patriarch of the Gambino family, and even while in prison, his access to information remained unimpeded.

If he wants to find out, he will definitely be able to.

Xu Shengjie sometimes maliciously speculated that Mr. Yin actually wanted to kill him.

However, after being released from prison, he was taken for coffee by James Huang—it should be James Huang who ordered it. In addition, Xu Jiadong was already dead, and he died for the Ghost Shadow Gang, so Mr. Yin finally decided to let the original owner go.

The original owner was very awkward at the time.

He insisted on becoming an executioner, resulting in a lose-lose situation with Li Liuzi, which led to Xu Shengjie's usurpation of his position.

Thinking about it this way, many things seem to make sense.

For example, Kenny Zhang initially strongly opposed Xu Shengjie becoming the executioner.

Suddenly, he changed his mind and agreed to the original owner's request.

Mr. Yin's influence must be involved here!

As for the $50,000, that's just pure harassment.

Mr. Yin was unaware of the original owner's financial situation, but was Kenny Zhang unaware as well?

The plan was probably to force the original owner to sell the house, then set a trap to leave him homeless—but Xu Shengjie turned the situation around through the lottery. After this incident, Mr. Yin stopped targeting Xu Shengjie, presumably knowing that he was destined for greatness.

The older generation believes in this.

In addition, given that Xu Shengjie's master, Master Wu, probably had a conversation with Mr. Yin.

After that, Mr. Yin stayed in Yangtouwan and had no further contact with Xu Shengjie.

In this situation, Xu Shengjie sought advice from Kenny Zhang, but he figured that Kenny Zhang would not only not listen, but would also become suspicious.

Now that you've left, don't get involved in gang matters anymore.

Just maintain a good relationship with Zhang Ping'an and the others, that's all.

Xu Shengjie really shouldn't be too proactive.

The Canal Street Internet Cafe achieved remarkable results in its first three days of operation.

Fifty computers, without a break.

On the first day, the business operates for sixteen hours. Each machine costs $1.5 per hour, so fifty machines would cost $75 per hour. Over sixteen hours, that's $1200. Now, sit down and use the internet. Would you like something to drink or eat?

Snacks, coffee, light meals —

The turnover reached around $8000, and with the addition of online revenue, the turnover on the first day was close to $10,000.

Tong Zhen calculated that, based on this situation, subsequent revenue might be lower than this figure, but it wouldn't be lower than 5000.

That's already quite high.

After a month, the company achieved a turnover of $150,000, generating substantial profits.

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The internet cafe on Canal Street is expected to recoup its costs in a month and a half, while the other six cafes aren't doing as well. After all, the Canal Street internet cafe is located near a subway station and surrounded by other shops, creating a strong blend of business and residential atmosphere. However, it's still quite profitable; on its first day, the seven internet cafes generated a total revenue of $57,000.

The only internet cafe that had problems was the one on Sixth Avenue.

A few Korean thugs came to collect protection money, but Song Dechang and his men dragged them into an alley and gave them a severe beating.

With the addition of a warning from Kim Jung-won of KP, the turmoil quickly subsided.

But Zhang Ping'an speculated that it wouldn't end there.

Internet cafes originated in Chinatown and their entry into Koreatown signifies the extension of Chinatown's influence into Koreatown.

Koreans are mostly arrogant and look down on Chinese people.

Therefore, KK, GeeKim, and that local Korean gang won't just stand by and watch internet cafes and martial arts gyms establish themselves here.

They definitely have a backup plan.

However, Zhang Ping'an is rich!

He has already contacted other gangs on Sixth Avenue, such as the Black neighborhood gangs and the Italian and Irish gangs.

The condition they offered was that if the internet cafes operated smoothly and were highly profitable, they would provide these gangs with some advice. The Chinatown internet cafes, backed by Microsoft, possessed stronger technical capabilities and offered a better internet experience.

Several gangs discussed it privately and were extremely envious of the booming success of the Canal Street Internet Cafe on its first day of operation.

Most importantly, if internet cafes become widespread, it would give them another channel for money laundering.

Why not?

Therefore, no one cared about the threat from the Korean gang.

The internet cafe model can never be monopolized.

Rather than fighting tooth and nail later, it's better to cooperate.

After all, anyone with money can set one up. It's just a matter of technical support and project development. Anyway, this thing won't be obsolete for at least ten years. After ten years, we'll figure something else out! There are so many ways to make money in the future.

As long as you have the capital!

Tong Zhen went back to Seattle on Monday.

The internet cafes in Chinatown are gradually getting back on track.

Xu Shengjie didn't devote too much energy to the internet cafe, but instead continued to focus his attention on the preparation of the film crew.

Fight Club has 9.98 words in total, which isn't too many.

However, while writing the novel, Xu Shengjie added ten illustrations to this book.

With another weekend approaching, the start date for filming has been finalized: September 24th.

The old man helped me check the date, and it was the 19th day of the eighth month of the Jiaxu year. The almanac said it was auspicious for opening a business, breaking ground, and praying for blessings.

Danny Airo's premiere also ended on the 14th. He will stay there for two days to have some exchanges with Mr. Jacob from the Cannes Film Festival and discuss matters related to submitting "Run Lola Run" to Cannes next year.

He will return to New York on the 20th.

There is plenty of time, and the crew has completed all preparations.

Meanwhile, the writing of the script for "Buffy" also began.

Xu Shengjie produced the outline and episode breakdowns, which were co-written by Toni Ann and Tim.

Toni wrote the main script, while Tim was responsible for designing some of the lines.

The two collaborated very smoothly and quickly produced a detailed outline for the first episode.

Xu Shengjie was pleased with the script after reading it. He made some minor adjustments based on his memory of the first season of "Buffy." After that, he didn't inquire further and left the scriptwriting entirely to Tony and his colleague.

Everything is moving in a positive direction!

October 9th, Thursday.

There are only two days left until the system is powered on.

Xu Shengjie has also been particularly busy these past two days.

Today, he finally finished the Fight Club article and sent it, along with the illustrations, to Robert Gottlieb.

As soon as I entered the studio, I sensed that something was off.

"Oliver, has Danny arrived yet?"

"He was in Ms. Vanessa's office, and Mrs. Harris was there too."

"what?"

Xu Shengjie was taken aback, then nodded and walked out.

But just as he reached the door, he suddenly turned around, looking at Oliver, Leslie, and the others with a puzzled expression.

"Why do you all seem a bit strange? Did something happen?"

"No, no!"

"Forehead!"

Xu Shengjie was a little puzzled, but he didn't think much of it and left the studio, heading straight for Vanessa's office.

Vanessa doesn't come here every day, especially recently, as she's been working on recording "The Colors of the Wind" and spends most of her time at Manken's. This office has become vacant and has become Xu Shengjie's territory.

He pushed open the office door and was stunned again.

Everyone's here.

Danny Airo, JJ Harris, Charlize Theron, Edward, and Zhou Wenqiong were all in the office.

Xu Shengjie came in, greeted everyone, and then smiled at Zhou Wenqiong, saying, "Vivian, what brings you here today? Don't you have classes?"

Everyone remained silent.

"What's wrong with you guys? I went to the work area just now, and everyone seemed a bit strange."

"Didn't you read today's newspaper?"

Theron asked cautiously.

"Newspaper?" Xu Shengjie was taken aback, then shook his head and said, "I've been so busy these past two days, how could I have time to read the newspaper?"

By the way, what did the newspaper say?

"Just about me?"

Theron and the others nodded in unison.

Zhou Wenqiong handed her a newspaper and turned to the entertainment section.

"Los Angeles Times? Has the West Coast invaded the East Coast?"

Xu Shengjie smiled, took it casually, and glanced at it.

His brows furrowed instantly.

Do Chinese people really understand Hollywood?

A joke circulating in Hollywood recently tells of a Chinese student who failed his college entrance exams, wrote two novels, and, brimming with confidence, decided to try his hand at making movies. According to inside sources, he wrote a script, secured some investment, and is about to begin filming.

I have no intention of belittling those who pursue their dreams.

All I want to say is, does a Chinese person even know what an American movie is?

American movies don't just rely on kung fu gimmicks to scam box office revenue. Besides fancy moves like leaping across rooftops, what else can they do? That Chinese kid couldn't even get into university, yet he's trying to make movies. Does he even know what "dramatic conflict" is?

Listen to me, kid, save your money and study hard. That's the path you should take.

Movie?

In my opinion, that's just a joke!

The author of this report is Barbara Demick.

A columnist for the Los Angeles Times, he has extensive connections and considerable prestige in Hollywood.

"Did you mess with Demick?"

"I have no idea who she is, damn it."

"She is very energetic and quite famous in the film industry."

Her reporting could very well affect the future direction of your film —

"No, I've never even seen her or heard of her. Isn't she just asking for trouble?"

Harris coughed, took a cigarette from the red Moore cigarette case on the table, and lit it.

"I think I should know what's going on."

(besides----)

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