1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

Chapter 71: A Pleasant Cooperation - Please Read and Add to Favorites

Isn't Charlize Theron an artist under Crosby's label?

Xu Shengjie was a little confused!

Yes, he's a huge fan of Theron.

He can quote her works fluently and eloquently.

But as for her acting career... God knows who her agent is? Which agency she's signed with.

If Xu Shengjie hadn't seen Theron's name on Crosby's resume, he wouldn't have even known who Crosby was.

What, you've already changed jobs?

How long has it been since we last met at NYFA?

Theron then realized what was happening and flashed a bright smile.

That stunningly beautiful face, which originally gave off a cold aura, became even more captivating, like a hundred flowers in bloom.

"Mr. Jeffrey, it's nice to see you again."

Susanna and Vanessa immediately turned to look at Xu Shengjie, with Susanna's eyes revealing confusion and curiosity.

Kid, tell me honestly, how did you get to know this scumbag?

"Um, Miss Theron..."

"Just call me Charlie. I didn't expect Ms. Harris wanted to see you. I just transferred to Ms. Harris's team last week. I didn't have much to do today, so Ms. Harris brought me along to broaden my horizons."

Hello, Ms. Susanna.

"Oh, Charlie, hello!"

Susanna turned her head and glanced at Xu Shengjie again, then blinked.

That's impressive, kid!

I have a hot girl at home, and I also know this other pretty girl outside.

In Susanna's view, Theron and Jolie are like spring flowers and autumn moon, each with their own unique charm.

However, she prefers Theron. Jolie is ruthless, but the feeling she gets from her... how to put it, is that she's not someone to be trifled with!

"Let's go in."

Vanessa said with a smile, then walked into the reception room.

Xu Shengjie and Seron lagged behind.

He lowered his voice and said, "Aren't you Crosby's artist? Why did you suddenly switch to Harris's agency?"

Elaine advised me that Crosby was incompetent.

You remember Elaine, right? She's the casting director for ShowGirls. She's close to my mom, so she recommended Harris to me. I spoke with Ms. Harris a few times, and I felt she was very dedicated and willing to make reasonable plans for me.

Unlike Crosby, who seemed to be aimlessly auditioning everywhere.

Ms. Harris paid me $50,000 to terminate my contract, and then I signed the contract with him.

Cancel the contract for just $50,000?

Crosby seems to have made a profit, but once Theron becomes famous, he'll probably be heartbroken.

Even though Theron isn't a member of the $20 million club, her commercial value... Crosby, you're really in for a world of hurt!

Xu Shengjie and Theron chatted as they walked into the reception room.

……

JJ Harris, an old-school independent agent.

He was to collaborate with Theron for fifteen years, and was instrumental in her achieving numerous accolades, including an Oscar for Best Actress and a Golden Globe nomination. However, Theron later transferred her agency to CAA. The reason...

JJ Harris is an elderly woman in her fifties.

He wasn't tall, but his eyes were piercing and full of power.

This is a very strong old woman.

She was very gentle and had a kind smile on her face.

"Jeffrey, I've heard about you."

"what?"

"After Susanna contacted me, I learned some things about your story through my connections..."

Including the time you spent on the streets.

Susanna's expression changed slightly.

Before she could speak, Mrs. Harris waved her hand and said, "Don't worry, everyone has some crazy times when they're growing up. It's nothing... Jeffrey just got into a fight. He hasn't killed anyone, doesn't do drugs, has no debts, and has no other bad habits. He probably just had a few drinks beforehand."

Harris smiled gently and said, "What's the big deal?"

Compared to those who have achieved great success, he is almost a saint.

It was just a fight... and for Jeffrey, it might even be a form of protection. You should know that this circle is full of man-eating beasts. His gang connections actually deter some people from making any rash moves.

Wow, this old lady is pretty amazing!

Xu Shengjie had dealt with Spike and Robert, but they had never talked about his gang past.

Perhaps they don't know, or perhaps they don't care.

They're all seasoned veterans. What kind of people are in this industry? They're all ruthless and depraved. What does it matter if they have a gang background?

Susanna breathed a sigh of relief.

But Xu Shengjie became wary.

This old woman is definitely a very cunning and shrewd old fox.

He got the rhythm right away!

Actually, given Susanna's experience, she might not fall for it.

It's just that the deeper the concern, the easier it is to lose one's composure...

Spike and Verhoeven rave about you.

They think you'll become an excellent director, and they're really drooling over your script.

Six hundred thousand dollars… You managed to stay calm and unmoved… Jeffrey, you're more composed than I expected.”

"What, six hundred thousand dollars?"

Susanna looked at Xu Shengjie with suspicion, "Are you hiding something from me?"

Xu Shengjie quickly explained, "No, it was just something Director Fan Huowen and the others said casually."

"He wasn't just saying that casually; he really wanted your script."

Oh, and Verhoeven also asked me to pass on his message that if you need investment, he can personally invest $300,000.

amount……

Xu Shengjie scratched his head, but did not give Harris a clear answer.

He could handle the $150 million investment himself.

Not to mention that Robert has already taken 200,000, and if Verhoeven takes another 300,000, his profits will only decrease.

"Jeffrey, I suggest you accept his investment."

Why?

"You might be able to come up with that money on your own, but when it comes to making a movie, there's no need to put all the pressure on yourself. You're a newcomer, and having Verhoeven and Spike endorse you will give you access to more resources."

"Spike?"

"Yes, when I asked him about you, he said he wanted to invest some money in you."

He'll probably tell you to your face, so you'd better be prepared. My advice remains the same: it's best to accept it…”

"Jeffrey, is that the script for your 'Run Julie Run'?"

"yes!"

"Didn't you say it was a very simple story?"

"Um, it's really simple!"

"Give me your script later, I want to take a look."

Susanna knew the story of "Run Julie Run," but she didn't know the specifics or even the complete script.

Theron sat behind Mrs. Harris, her gaze towards Xu Shengjie now filled with even more admiration.

"Jeffrey, I believe you have a very clear plan."

Actually, you probably hired me as your agent to create a safety net for yourself, to handle the mundane details, right?

Xu Shengjie hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

That's exactly what he thought!

Mrs. Harris smiled.

She leaned forward slightly, resting her arms on the table for support.

"As for me, I've been working in this industry for over twenty years."

I wouldn't call myself particularly successful. As you know, the existence of brokerage firms like CAA, UTA, and WME has consistently squeezed the space for independent brokers. I'm good at planning and can offer you advice, even handling some messy situations for you. But if you're looking for more resources, I probably can't provide that.

I do have some connections.

Even within the three major brokerage firms, I can make some adjustments for you.

But true success depends more on your own efforts... If you're willing to sign with me, I'll only take five percent of the fee.

She is humble and honest.

Theron sat to the side and glanced at Harris.

Harris and her contract, however, only get 20%.

When it came to Xu Shengjie, it was only five percent?

But thinking about it, it seems quite normal.

Xu Shengjie can write books, direct films, and has ample funds to produce his own works...

It seems that Harris doesn't really need to do much.

Moreover, if Xu Shengjie succeeds, she, as an artist under Harris's management, will likely also benefit from it.

Theron's gaze toward Xu Shengjie became even more fervent.

Xu Shengjie turned to look at Susanna.

Susanna smiled and said, "It's your decision. As I told you, I can only act as an intermediary."

But just how many secrets do you have up your sleeve?

Six hundred thousand dollars…

She turned to look at Vanessa.

Vanessa laughed and said, "That means Jeffrey is really confident."

Xu Shengjie did not answer immediately, but fell into deep thought.

Harris was very sincere and hit Xu Shengjie where it hurt.

Of course, some things shouldn't be believed. Since this old woman claimed she had influence within the three major talent agencies, it means her power is far from insignificant.

This is an unfathomable old woman!

After a moment's hesitation, Xu Shengjie stood up, bent down, and extended his hand to Mrs. Harris. "Madam, your frankness has deeply moved me. I believe we will have a wonderful collaboration. I will also do my utmost to prove to you that you have made an extraordinary decision today."

Harris also stood up.

She grasped Xu Shengjie's hand. "So, Jeffrey, it's been a pleasure working with you?"

"Yes, it's a pleasure doing business with you!"

Xu Shengjie glanced at Theron behind Harris and a bright smile spread across his face.

……