1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

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Xu Shengjie's impression of the movie "Phone Booth" is that it's quite good.

The suspense is well-crafted, using a phone booth as a backdrop to showcase the two sides of human nature.

Of course, actors are good too!

However, Colin Farrell hasn't debuted yet, has he?

In my memory, he was a year younger than Xu Shengjie.

We've gone off-topic again, let's get back on track.

This movie was made with an investment of around 10 million yuan back then, and it grossed nearly 100 million yuan worldwide, making it a classic example of a small investment yielding a big return.

Xu Shengjie also had a deep memory of this.

But there are so many stories behind this movie?

Spike had mentioned it to him briefly before, but he hadn't thought much of it.

But now, he seems to have underestimated the potential hidden behind this film.

It involves humanistic care, obsession, thirty years of waiting, and even most of Hollywood.

The names Spike mentioned on the phone were either top-tier figures in Hollywood or veteran directors with prestigious positions in the city—the combined power of these people was frightening.

Xu Shengjie even witnessed the rapid increase in sales of "Telephone Booth" after its publication.

That's all money!

"Jeffrey, what are you daydreaming about? Who was on the phone just now? You were talking for so long."

"Nail's phone call."

"Director Spike? What's it about? Is it still related to 'Phone Booth'?"

"Has the advertising campaign for the phone booths already started?"

"Yes, it started last week, and it's been making quite a stir, didn't you know?"

Xu Shengjie shook his head and said with a wry smile, "I've been busy with post-production lately and haven't paid any attention to what's going on outside."

Do you know what Nail wanted to talk to me about just now?

"What?"

"He said that director Spielberg is planning to hold a preview screening for me. He'll be in New York next month for it at NYFA—lots of big-name directors will be there to watch it, Coppola, Kubrick, George Schumacher, and Lucas will all be there. Sally, do you know what that means? Hahaha, *Lola* is going to be a hit!"

Moreover, it will be a huge hit!

Theron's head was also buzzing.

"real?"

"certainly!"

"Aaaaaah!"

She got excited and rushed over, leaping onto Xu Shengjie.

With long legs wrapped around Xu Shengjie's waist and arms around his neck, she excitedly shouted, "Jeffrey, you did it!"

If it were Julie, she would be excited too.

But she must have been excited for herself.

But Theron was happy for Xu Shengjie's success.

Xu Shengjie also laughed heartily, dragging Theron's body with both hands and spinning her wildly around the living room.

He was definitely a little excited!

Two lifetimes combined, and the first film is finally finished.

As they were turning around, Xu Shengjie plopped down on the sofa, and Theron straddled him. The two looked at each other, smiled, and then kissed passionately.

At noon, the phone rang.

Theron lay motionless on the bed and said lazily, "Jeffrey, answer the phone."

"oh!"

Xu Shengjie got out of bed lazily.

The room was very well heated.

Both indoor and outdoor air conditioners are running, making it warm and cozy.

It's a bit dry!

-

After a vigorous workout, Xu Shengjie felt a bit thirsty.

He came out of the bedroom with a bath towel wrapped around his waist and picked up the phone.

He said somewhat absentmindedly, "This is Jeffrey."

"Hey Jeffrey, this is Robert."

"Mr. Robert, it's been a long time! How are you?"

"That's wonderful! Are you done with your work?"

"Lola is finished, but it's not over yet. The new book won't be finished for a few more days, and I'll be busy for a few more days."

"A new book? You've written a new book again?"

"Yes, Tomb Raider, a story of an adventurer."

On the phone, Robert slapped his forehead. "Look at my memory, you said it before."

This is your eighth book this year, right? — Take a break, Jeffrey. You're putting a lot of pressure on me.

I still have five of your novels pending, and your sixth one is about to be completed.

It feels like your publishing speed can't keep up with your writing speed—these six books are sure to dominate the bestseller lists for next year.

"Haha, I hope so too."

Robert smiled too.

Having a diligent writer at your disposal is a bittersweet experience.

The key is that this writer is incredibly diligent, and his inspiration flows like a spring, creating one story after another as if there's no end in sight. He initially volunteered to be Xu Shengjie's literary manager, hoping to find something to do after retirement.

Originally, he was thinking about whether to expand the scale and find a few more good talents.

But now————

Robert felt that having Jeffrey Tsu in his hands was worth more than a million soldiers.

Xu Shengjie's works alone have already kept him extremely busy. If he were to find new talent, wouldn't he be overwhelmed with work?

"Let's get down to business. Jason's statistics for this year are complete."

"Oh?"

"I have some good news for you. On December 10th, sales of 'Buffy' officially surpassed 350,000 copies. However, it has fallen out of the top three and is currently ranked fifth in the fiction novel bestseller list. 'Canal Street' has also surpassed 200,000 copies in sales, but it still holds the top spot, and no one can shake it in the short term."

Langdon and Doubleday have already started settling your royalties for this year.

They will mail the royalty statement to your studio. If there are no objections, the money will be transferred to your studio's account before the end of the year. Jason asked me to tell you to check your royalty statement and sign to confirm receipt.

"I see!"

Langdon wouldn't try to pull any tricks when it comes to royalties.

In contrast, the publishing industry also has some little-known tricks, but they are much clearer than the murky waters of Hollywood.

"Well then, thank you, Robert."

You've worked hard these past six months too.

Robert laughed, exchanged a few more words with Xu Shengjie, and then hung up the phone.

He turned around and saw Theron leaning against the bedroom door frame, her curvaceous body wrapped in a large bath towel.

"Good news?"

"Um!"

Xu Shengjie walked over, took the water glass from Theron's hand, and drank it all in one gulp.

"The royalties for Buffett and Canal Street have begun to be settled."

Theron's eyes lit up when he heard this.

She immediately went to the worktable, picked up the calculator, and started typing away.

"Your book's royalties are eight percent, right?"

"Yes!"

"Buffy's selling price is $9.99, 350,000 copies sold, $9.99, 8% royalties—so, Buffy's income is—no, there's tax too. Jeffrey, did you sign a contract with the studio and the publisher?"

"Yes, according to the new rules for the US publishing industry in 1990, royalties are subject to corporate income tax. My studio is considered a small business, therefore it's subject to a 15% corporate tax rate—Buffett's royalties were $230,000?"

Xu Shengjie discovered that his math skills seemed to have improved significantly.

Meanwhile, Theron, using a computer, also obtained the result: "Jeffrey, you're amazing! $23.6!"

She looked at Xu Shengjie with adoration.

Xu Shengjie poured two glasses of water and casually placed one of them in front of Theron.

"The racial talents of Chinese descent are basic skills, nothing to brag about."

Theron chuckled and gave him a hard slap on the butt.

"Jeffrey, you feel good."

Are you flirting with me?

Xu Shengjie immediately put down his water glass, ready to retaliate.

Theron replied, "Stop fooling around, I'm busy."

"I remember the Canal Street Metro Station ticket was $17?"

"Um?

""

"200,000 copies, $17, 8%, then deduct 15% corporate tax, so the income of 'Canal Street' is..." She turned her head and looked at Xu Shengjie.

Xu Shengjie closed his eyes and used his super brain to quickly calculate.

"It should be around 23."

"You got it right, $23.4."

So, your two books will bring in $47? Wow, that's amazing!

"It shouldn't be 47. Langdon gave a 10 advance payment beforehand, so the actual amount received should only be 37."

"That's amazing, it's equivalent to my salary for four movies."

It must be admitted that Theron provided a great deal of emotional value.

Xu Shengjie laughed and said, "Once you become famous, your salary for just one movie will be equivalent to my annual income!"

Upon hearing this, Theron couldn't help but beam with joy.

The unpleasant telephone rings again.

Xu Shengjie, who had already hugged Theron from behind, was extremely annoyed.

"Answer the phone!"

"No need, he'll leave a message if it's urgent."

As he spoke, he lowered his head and kissed Theron's smooth back, then slowly kissed down her neck, before taking her earlobe into his mouth.

The phone rang, then stopped.

Answering machine on: This is Jeffrey Xu. I'm not home right now. Please leave a message and I'll get back to you later.

"Jeffrey, answer the phone, damn it, I know you're home."

On the other end of the phone came Danny Airo's angry roar.

Xu Shengjie frowned, but did not manage his finances.

Theron pushed him away and laughed, "Answer the phone, Danny must have something important to tell you."

Xu Shengjie stormed over and grabbed the receiver.

"Louis, I assure you in the name of the Three Pure Ones, you are dead unless you have something important to say."

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