In Room 514, Eric and Liu Xiaoli strolled to the floor-to-ceiling window.
From the huge floor-to-ceiling window, the brightly lit high-rises and streets outside could be clearly seen.
It was the middle of the night in Los Angeles, this world-renowned entertainment hub, and at this moment, many people were probably indulging in a life of luxury.
However, as a high-end hotel, this kind of glass certainly couldn't be seen through; you couldn't see inside from the outside, which felt like a bit less fun.
"It's so cool."
"The air conditioning is on, so the glass is naturally cool."
"By the way, next time we have a chance, let's go out to the wilderness and have a picnic or something," Eric said with interest.
"If you want to go, go by yourself; I can't."
"Then how about the rooftop? I've been to the top of the MGM building. It's a bit windy, but it's not cold in summer, and the space is quite wide."
"Go to hell, you! If you dare, I wouldn't dare. I can't afford to lose face. What if someone sees us? Don't you ever think about it?"
"Do I need to think about it? I am the owner of that building! If I don't let anyone up, no one dares to go up!"
"Alright, alright, you're amazing. Let's not stay here. I feel a bit flustered," Liu Xiaoli said, frowning.
"What's there to be flustered about? No one can see us from outside!"
Unconsciously, the two had already arrived in front of the mirror.
"Look up!"
"Don't look down, open your eyes wide and look at the mirror!"
"How do you feel now?"
The whispers were like those of a demon.
Liu Xiaoli shook her head slightly, remaining silent.
Only one thought remained in her mind: how could this detestable fellow have become so fierce?
It felt particularly strange, as if a fish was swimming back and forth inside her body, its tail flapping against every nerve.
"Don't want to talk? Then I especially want to hear you talk!"
Saying this, Eric suddenly let out a mischievous laugh.
"You... what are you laughing at?" Liu Xiaoli managed to ask.
"I just thought of an interesting line."
"Huh?"
"Madam, you wouldn't want your daughter to fail in Hollywood, would you?" Eric said with a touch of malice.
When Liu Yifei was mentioned, Liu Xiaoli's mind instantly cleared a bit.
"Bastard, Eric Cooper, you truly are an out-and-out scoundrel and a jerk! How dare you threaten me with Feifei!"
"How can you say such unpleasant things? When we first met, at the ※_24_⛬, I kindly pointed out Crystal's problems and showed her the way."
"No stranger would tell you these things. If not a benefactor, at least there's some goodwill, right? You should feel at least a little grateful. How can you curse me?"
"Bastard, I think you had this planned all along!"
Eric chuckled and changed his approach: "How about this, if you don't want to talk about your feelings, you can answer one question for me."
"What question? What trick are you trying to pull now?"
"No more nonsense, it's a yes or no question. Will you answer?"
"Alright, then ask quickly."
Eric took a deep breath: "Your cousin, Zhou Wenqiong, what exactly does she want?"
Liu Xiaoli grumbled a few times before speaking: "Her? Isn't she discussing Broadway matters with you? She's been doing this ever since she went abroad years ago. I don't really understand it."
"You don't know anything at all? You've also been in America for so many years, and aren't your relations very good?"
"Our relations are good in terms of personal life, but in terms of work, I really don't know. To be honest, let alone Broadway, I don't even fully understand how deep the waters of the film and television industry are. Otherwise, would you be able to humiliate me like this now?"
"You scoundrel, I really regret it now. Why did I let Feifei enter the entertainment industry? This circle is too murky. Sometimes it's so dirty I feel like throwing up, sigh!"
Eric chuckled: "Dirtiness and glamour are the hallmarks of this industry. If you can't adapt, it's not too late to quit now. Open a dance training class, go work in a factory or supermarket, no one is stopping you!"
"Now, turn left and you can leave this circle. Take a plane and go wherever you want, who can restrict your freedom?"
"Eric Cooper, can you be a bit more subtle when you speak? I was just expressing some emotion, and you're being so sarcastic. Feifei has a contract signed; is it really as simple as just leaving?"
"Heh heh, let's not talk about this anymore. Quickly tell me what Zhou Wenqiong wants to do. I don't believe you know nothing."
"Everything I said is true. Wenqiong rarely talks to me about work."
"Still not being honest, huh? I was originally thinking of giving Crystal a role to try out, but it seems…"
Before he could finish, Liu Xiaoli quickly interrupted him.
"Wait, wait, I know, but only a little. Do you want to hear it?"
"You have no right to bargain! If you don't speak, I'm leaving now."
Liu Xiaoli sighed helplessly: "Oh, I'm really afraid of you. Actually, my cousin isn't the drama director of the Hudson Theatre. She's just a relatively leisurely middle manager."
"When she talked about her identity during dinner, I was also very surprised."
"I really only know this much. What she specifically wants to do, I truly don't know."
"You can just go ask her, but don't reveal me. Just say you found it out yourself, otherwise, I won't be able to get along with Wenqiong."
Eric chuckled: "I knew there was something fishy going on. So that's it. Thank you, good sister."
Liu Xiaoli looked back at Eric, her expression very wronged.
"You scoundrel, isn't that enough? What more do you want from me?"
Looking at her pitiful appearance, Eric wasn't heartbroken, but he still needed to offer a carrot after the stick.
Otherwise, if she was used up, there would be no more fun later. This wasn't ancient times, and Eric didn't want to commit a crime, nor could he imprison a living person, right?
Eric picked up Liu Xiaoli and returned to the bed, gently kissing her.
"Alright, alright, I was just joking with you. Let's not talk about your cousin anymore. Actually, I'm really considering Crystal's matter."
"In a while, MGM plans to start a new American drama, a supernatural horror theme. I can arrange for her to play a role in it."
Hearing this, Liu Xiaoli's eyes lit up. She had sold herself and her cousin; wasn't this exactly what she wanted?
She immediately asked happily: "What kind of role? A supporting role or a lead? Is the role significant?"
"As for the role, to give you an example, have you seen 24?"
"Yes, I have. It's a very good American drama."
"It's a similar episodic drama. We can arrange for Crystal to play the female lead in one episode."
"So it's an episodic drama," Liu Xiaoli said, a little disappointed.
Eric squeezed her waist: "What's wrong with an episodic drama? Are you still not satisfied? Have you ever considered that Feifei is completely unknown here in America?"
"I dare you to bet that if you randomly interview a hundred people, not one of them will know her. She's not yet capable of carrying a larger role."
"Besides, which of the big stars in Hollywood didn't start from small roles and work their way up?"
"Leonardo DiCaprio started with a cameo in Growing Pains, and that was already its sixth season, when the show's ratings were very low."
"Brad Pitt started by playing a small thug in Thelma & Louise. Johnny Depp's debut was in a nightmare on elm street, playing a small character who was murdered, appearing for less than ten minutes."
"These big stars all started from small roles. I believe Crystal is no worse than these people; she can also break out from them, can't she?"
Liu Xiaoli reluctantly nodded. She knew she only had the power to suggest and couldn't influence this detestable man's decisions.
Even if the other party used her completely, she would have nowhere to complain in Hollywood.
Might makes right; this rule applies everywhere.
"What if the audience is quite satisfied?"
"Heh heh, if the audience is satisfied, you don't even need to say anything. If I don't arrange better roles for her, scripts will actively come knocking on her door. Remember, capital always seeks profit."
"Alright, then I'll listen to you."
Eric nodded slightly: "So, how are you going to repay me?"
"Aren't I already repaying you?" Liu Xiaoli rolled her eyes at him.
"Something more intense. You're a dancer, do you have any special skills?"
"Hmph! Being pressed against the mirror by you just now wasn't stimulating enough, was it? Eric Cooper, I think you're not just a scoundrel, but also a pervert."
Eric raised his eyebrows: "It seems you're still not obedient enough. A pervert, huh? Then I'll do something perverted."
...
When Eric left the Rupert Hotel, it was almost five in the morning.
In June, dawn breaks early. The air was already slightly warm, and the sun was about to rise.
Yawning and rubbing his somewhat sore lower back, Eric sighed, reminding himself to exercise restraint.
Although the medicinal wine was effective, it wasn't a miracle cure. After nearly three hours of exertion, even a young body couldn't withstand such abuse. He had to rush home and catch up on sleep.
He sharply turned the steering wheel and sped towards Beverly Hills. The roads were empty, allowing him to drive fast, but halfway there, he felt it wasn't a good idea.
His mom always liked to ask questions, and without Joshua at home to draw fire, she would definitely interrogate him about where he had been.
After some thought, he again sharply turned the steering wheel and headed towards the boulevard. He had bought three apartments, and two were still empty, perfect for sleeping.
On the way, in his post-coital clarity, he recalled his conversation with Liu Xiaoli about the arrangements for Liu Yifei.
Since supernatural was currently being scripted, he could make a request to the screenwriters to rewrite a chapter so that an Asian girl is harmed and becomes a female ghost, or something similar.
The ending could be written a bit heartwarming, where the female ghost isn't killed by the Winchester Brothers but is only temporarily sealed, leaving a foreshadowing for the future.
If the trial run gets a good response, he could restart this character, or have her participate in other film and television dramas, slowly building up her audience appeal.
Afterward, she could play supporting roles in movies. Whether she could become a lead would depend on her effort and luck; no one can predict fate.
In short, he could slowly nurture her, not aiming too high and following the old path, and the outcome should be very different.
At the same time, Eric also told them not to give up on China; that was their base. They still needed to film there, as solidifying their base was more important.
Look at Chow Yun-fat; even after failing so completely in Hollywood, he was still called 'Brother Fat' upon his return.
Regardless of private attitudes, at least on the surface, who would dare disrespect him, who wouldn't call him an old artist?
His film fees were still top-tier, and he still got the best resources. This was the benefit of a solid base; many Chinese audiences recognized him.
The same was true for Liu Yifei before the transmigration. Her debut roles accumulated a terrifying number of fans, especially chinese paladin, which cemented her status in the hearts of the post-80s and post-90s generations.
So even as an American, and even after some issues, Liu Yifei wasn't greatly affected.
Her HP bar was so thick that countless female stars envied her beyond measure.
And at the same time Eric left, Liu Xiaoli also quickly put on her clothes and returned to her room.
Although she hadn't been 'backdoored,' the series of high-difficulty positions, coupled with that scoundrel's astonishing stamina, left her swollen and red.
Quietly opening the door, Liu Xiaoli tiptoed in, preparing to softly return to the bedroom.
Suddenly, she saw Zhou Wenqiong standing by the window.
Caught doing something guilty, her heart skipped a beat.
"Wenqiong, you… why are you up so early? And without turning on the lights, you scared me."
Zhou Wenqiong turned around: "I drank a bit yesterday and went to bed early, so I woke up early today. After waking up, I couldn't fall back asleep, so I came to the window to look at the scenery outside."
Then she asked knowingly: "Sister, why are you up so early too? Did you even go out?"
Liu Xiaoli was a bit embarrassed: "Yes, I woke up even earlier than you. I couldn't sleep, so I went out for a walk. It was all because of that glass of wine."
"America is very chaotic at night, you know that, so it's better not to go out. Did you sprain your ankle? Your walking posture is a bit strange."
"Uh… I twisted it a bit. I'm a little tired from walking. I'm going back to sleep for a bit. You should also rest a bit more."
Liu Xiaoli didn't want to talk much. She really wanted to rest now; she desperately needed a good sleep.
"By the way, sister, do you think what I discussed with Eric Cooper will succeed?"
Liu Xiaoli became even more awkward, thinking, I just sold you out, what do you expect me to say?
She organized her thoughts, unsure how to respond.
Zhou Wenqiong didn't know her dear sister had already sold her out, and immediately asked for help: "Sister, you have to help me. Your relationship with Eric is very good, isn't it? Speak up for me. If this can succeed, I will definitely thank you well."
Liu Xiaoli was extremely embarrassed: "Don't worry, Wenqiong, between us sisters, there's no need for thanks. Your business is my business."
"When I chat with him, I'll subtly probe and sound him out for you."
"That's great! Thank you, sister!"
"Heh heh… We're family, no need for formalities. I'm going to sleep now."
"Go quickly, you look tired."
Returning to the bedroom, Liu Xiaoli saw her daughter still sound asleep and couldn't help but shake her head slightly.
"My daughter, I've managed to get you an opportunity. You must make the most of it."