North American Plans and a Parting Gift

Wei Jin woke early, feeling refreshed and full of energy. He turned to look at Scarlett Johansson, who was still fast asleep, and couldn't help marveling at how robust white people were. She was the first woman who had forced him to use half his strength.

Even the twin models from the night before last had been no match for him at thirty percent of his strength. Back home, apart from Fan Bingbing, there wasn't a woman who could last a single round against him. They were all pushovers.

Without waking Scarlett Johansson, Wei Jin washed up and went down to the hotel lobby, where Hunter was already waiting.

"Good morning, boss. Looks like you had a pleasant night."

Hunter sounded a little obsequious, which was hardly surprising. He was only a manager at Summit Entertainment, barely among its senior ranks. If he hadn't dealt with Wei Jin before, he wouldn't even have qualified to attend the negotiations.

Once the contract was formally signed, Wei Jin had become a major shareholder in Summit Entertainment and a bona fide big boss. Naturally, Hunter was eager to align himself with the organization.

Just yesterday afternoon, Hunter had formally pledged himself to Wei Jin, becoming his eyes at Summit Entertainment.

Hunter was no fool, either. Wei Jin had produced sixty million dollars without batting an eye, which spoke volumes about the depth of his resources. It wasn't that white people had no loyalty, but it was rare.

Wei Jin didn't need anyone to swear loyalty to him. He believed that interests came first. Hunter was just an employee; given enough benefits, he couldn't refuse to work for Wei Jin.

Besides, as a major shareholder, wasn't he supposed to have a team of his own?

"Relax, Hunter. We're friends, aren't we?"

Wei Jin's attitude toward Hunter hadn't changed. Hunter was only a tool, and how hard was it to show him a little respect when it cost nothing?

"Come on, give me a ride. I'm not familiar with the area, so sorry for the trouble, but I'll need you to double as my driver."

The two then drove to a business district. Hunter headed for the parking lot to wait, while Wei Jin strolled into a café.

He approached the table he had reserved in advance and saw a white man in his early forties who had already been waiting for some time.

"Boss, is that you?"

The white man stood up and asked, somewhat hesitantly.

"William, it's me, your boss, Wei Jin."

As he spoke, Wei Jin sat down, called over a waiter, and ordered a latte.

Since the end of last December, Wei Jin had been assembling a North American Investment Team through an overseas company.

Unlike Qingtian Capital, which focused on projects related to the domestic entertainment industry, the North American Investment Team was primarily responsible for investing in projects around the world.

By projects, that meant anything profitable, regardless of the industry.

The slightly overweight, middle-aged white man before him was William, the head of the North American Investment Team.

"Actually, we've spoken on the phone many times, but seeing you in person, I still can't help marveling that geniuses really do exist in this world, boss."

William spoke respectfully, with a note of wonder. There was no other reason: his boss was simply too young. Word had it he wasn't even twenty-two.

Thinking of the funds on the investment company's books, William grew even more respectful. It was respect for wealth.

"No need to marvel, William. Once we've spent more time together, you'll see that I've always been generous to those who work for me loyally. I promise you, if you follow me, you'll be a member of North American high society within ten years."

Painting a grand picture cost nothing. Besides, as long as William remained loyal, Wei Jin didn't mind letting him make a fortune alongside him. In ten years, he himself would most likely have retired from Hollywood with his success secured.

"By the way, my time here is limited, so I've already prepared the projects I want you to focus on. As for the rest, you can discuss them with the team."

Wei Jin handed William the materials he had prepared. With his background in finance from his previous life, Wei Jin had far more professional knowledge of the investment opportunities that had taken off at different times than he did of films and television dramas. His investment plan had long since been drawn up.

"Understood, boss. I'll follow your plan to the letter. If anything comes up, I'll report to you immediately."

William respectfully accepted the materials and made his position clear. There was no other reason: the boss paid too well. The entire investment team's compensation was comparable to the best in the industry, in no way inferior to that of their counterparts on Wall Street.

After discussing business with William and briefly asking about the investment team members, Wei Jin called Hunter to pick him up.

That afternoon, Wei Jin arrived at Summit Entertainment's headquarters. Friedman and the company's management team were already in the conference room.

"Wei, tell us what you think. Which do you plan to make first, Dead Silence or The Infiltrator?"

Friedman asked, sounding somewhat impatient.

"Relax, buddy. Why can't we make both?"

Wei Jin crossed his legs and reclined on the sofa. If he'd had a cigar between his fingers, he would have looked every bit the villainous big shot.

Wei Jin had limited time in North America and planned to finish both films in two months.

After he and the company's senior executives settled on the shooting plans, Summit Entertainment sprang into high gear.

Both scripts Wei Jin had brought this time were classics of getting big returns from small investments in his previous life.

The Infiltrator went without saying: it had cost less than two million dollars to make and earned over $155 million at the global box office.

Although Dead Silence hadn't made a profit, it had also become a classic in the horror genre. Besides, it had only failed to make money because its costs hadn't been properly controlled.

With Wei Jin at the helm this time, he would be sure to keep costs down and turn a profit. After all, these two projects were his first battle after taking charge of Summit Entertainment, and he had to win it in style.

Hollywood worked very efficiently. Whatever actors you needed, you only had to give your requirements to the Screen Actors Guild, and it would make sure to find people who fit the bill.

Preparations for the crews went smoothly, and Wei Jin began his long stretch of filmmaking in North America.

Shooting according to the finished films in his head made the work easy enough, though a little dull. Fortunately, he only had to work eight hours a day, leaving him time to tumble among the clouds with Scarlett Johansson and balance work with pleasure.

Wei Jin didn't know what had gotten into Scarlett Johansson; she seemed to have tasted the marrow and wanted more. But recalling her complicated romantic history in his previous life, he guessed the Widow must have a rather strong appetite. That suited him perfectly: they were well-matched opponents, each a worthy match for the other.

The days passed like this, filming by day and riding by night, until May arrived. Both films had finished post-production, a little later than Wei Jin had expected. There was nothing he could do about it: Hollywood didn't allow overtime unless you paid extra.

After watching the finished films, Summit Entertainment's senior executives were very satisfied and set the release dates.

The Infiltrator would open in June to compete for the summer box office, while Dead Silence would open in September.

When Scarlett Johansson learned that Wei Jin would soon be returning home, she was visibly reluctant to part with him. For two days, they clung to each other in passionate lovemaking in the hotel. After the clouds dispersed and the rain subsided, the Widow leaned against the balcony railing, smoking a cigarette.

"Wei, will you come back?"

"Of course. I have a business in North America too, not to mention you."

Wei Jin wasn't lying to her. He had to admit, the Widow was a perfectly good bed partner.

Heaven knew how happy Wei Jin had been during this time. Two months, a full two months: they'd unlocked every position and even tried all three openings. It was truly a case of finding such joy here that he forgot all about home.

"By the way, Scarlett, I remember you can sing?"

"Of course. My singing is every bit as good as my acting."

Although Scarlett Johansson didn't understand why Wei Jin was asking, she answered honestly.

"I've been very happy during this time. You've brought me joy, and now that we're parting, I want to give you a gift."

Wei Jin took out the lyrics and sheet music he had prepared and handed them to Scarlett Johansson.

In fact, Wei Jin had spent the past two days wondering what to give her. Searching his memory, he recalled an article he'd read saying that Scarlett Johansson was a good singer, especially in the high notes, so he'd gone ahead and transcribed a song that suited her. Of course, it was also the Widow's battle song in many short Avengers videos.

"Oh my God, Wei, how much talent are you still hiding from me? You can even write songs?"

After reading the lyrics and sheet music in her hands, Scarlett Johansson could hardly believe it. The man she'd spent more than two months with was practically overflowing with talent.

A strong body, handsome looks, and talent he can't hide. What a perfect man. At the thought, the Widow gave him a sultry look and bit her red lip, sending him a signal. She wanted him again...

That night, the tide rose and fell on the beach at Santa Monica, never tiring...

Early the next morning, while Scarlett Johansson was still fast asleep, Wei Jin had already boarded a plane home...