The Wall of Prejudice

Lin Yuan completed the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" box office boost mission, earning another 2 Distributable Attributes.

This was a timely boon, exactly what Lin Yuan needed.

He immediately allocated these 2 attribute points to Strength and Constitution.

[Name: Lin Yuan]
[Age: 18]
[Strength: 13 -> 14]
[Agility: 15]
[Constitution: 13 -> 14]
[Distributable Attributes: 0]
[Skills: Master Swordsmanship, Master Parkour]

With his attributes enhanced once more, both Strength and Constitution were nearing the current limit of 15 points.

The increased muscle strength made Lin Yuan feel his jumping ability was now on par with some professional basketball players, and his punching power was comparable to professional boxers.

The boost in Constitution not only brought him a step closer to having "titanium" knees but also significantly improved his stamina. Lin Yuan estimated he might even be able to run a marathon.

As his physical fitness improved, Lin Yuan felt even more confident about the meeting arranged by Director Cohen.

Tonight, Director Cohen would introduce him to Stephen Sommers, the director and producer of "The Mummy Returns."

Speaking of "The Mummy Returns," it was undoubtedly a classic of the fantasy film genre.

The Scarabs, the Book of the Dead, the Book of Amun-Ra, and the high priest Imhotep—these classic elements became well-known to many in the country following the film's release.

So much so that many online novels incorporated these classic elements. In many "infinite stream" novels, "The Mummy Returns" was even one of the essential dungeons for the protagonist to challenge in the early stages.

Another noteworthy point was that Dwayne Johnson played the villainous Scorpion King in this film, marking his cinematic debut.

When he guest-starred in this role, he surely didn't expect that he would accidentally complete the transition from a wrestler to an action actor.

In short, it was a classic fantasy film and a fond childhood memory for Lin Yuan, so naturally, he hoped to be cast in it.

To demonstrate his sincerity, Lin Yuan not only choreographed action sequences fitting the film's style but also recorded them on video.

He also considered that his individual strength was limited and that helping the entire crew improve the quality of their action scenes would require a team.

Therefore, through Zhang Ziyi, who was currently filming "Rush Hour 2," Lin Yuan contacted Jackie Chan, hoping to borrow some martial artists from his Jackie Chan Stunt Team to assist in choreographing the action scenes.

Although Jackie Chan, who was filming in Hong Kong, didn't meet him in person, he readily agreed over the phone. His only request was for Lin Yuan to also guest-star in "Rush Hour 2."

It was less of an exchange and more of a senior supporting a junior.

Lin Yuan was grateful in his heart.

With so much preparation done, his sincerity was fully displayed.

Lin Yuan believed he could conquer Director Sommers tonight and secure an important role in "The Mummy Returns."

To appear more formal, he meticulously styled his hair and put on a handsome suit.

With everything ready, Lin Yuan drove off.

He drove his car all the way to the Conrad Hotel in the heart of New York City.

The Conrad Hotel was a renowned luxury hotel in New York, situated next to Central Park, offering panoramic views of the Hudson River. The lowest room rate here started at $700 per night.

Director Sommers was staying at this hotel tonight, indicating his high standards for quality of life.

When Lin Yuan arrived at his destination, Director Cohen was already waiting for him at the hotel entrance.

Upon seeing Lin Yuan, Director Cohen walked over, "Let's go, Director Sommers is already waiting for us."

"Is there anything I need to be mindful of?" Lin Yuan asked.

"Speak less tonight. Let me handle most of the communication. Director Sommers has a bad temper."

Hearing Director Cohen's reply, Lin Yuan's heart skipped a beat, a bad premonition flashing through his mind.

He still replied, "Thank you for your trouble, Director."

Lin Yuan was very grateful that Director Cohen was so invested in him and willing to go the extra mile to pave the way.

Although both "The Fast and the Furious" and "The Mummy Returns" were films produced by Universal Pictures, "The Fast and the Furious 1" was just a new series with an investment of only over $30 million, a test product.

In contrast, "The Mummy Returns" had a budget of nearly $100 million and was a sequel to a successful film.

This showed the vast difference in the importance Universal Pictures placed on Director Cohen and Director Sommers.

Would Director Sommers do Director Cohen a favor?

Lin Yuan's worries deepened.

The two arrived at the living room of a luxurious suite. Director Stephen Sommers was waiting for them on the sofa.

Born in 1963, Director Sommers was 37 years old, at the prime of his directing career. Compared to the 51-year-old Director Cohen, he appeared more assertive.

He stood at 1.88 meters tall, and his strong physique easily gave people the impression of being brainless. However, when one noticed his sinister and cunning eyes, they would immediately realize he was no ordinary person.

Upon seeing the two enter, Director Sommers did not rise to greet them. His gaze swept over Lin Yuan briefly before he gestured for them to sit.

"Director Sommers, this is Lin Yuan, the person I wanted to introduce to you. Don't let his young age fool you; give him a few years, and he'll definitely become a legend like Jackie Chan," Director Cohen said.

"Oh? Well, I wish him luck then." Sommers clearly seemed unimpressed.

"If he could be in your 'The Mummy Returns,' he could definitely help you shoot the action scenes more spectacularly. Here's a proposal he meticulously prepared."

Director Cohen handed over the proposal Lin Yuan had prepared.

Director Sommers took it, casually opened it, flipped through a few pages, and then tossed it aside.

Seeing his actions, Lin Yuan felt a sinking feeling in his heart:

Director Sommers hadn't even looked at his proposal. His eyes hadn't moved; he just pretended to flip through a few pages before discarding it.

"The proposal is passable, but my movie is fully cast, and there's no room to fit him in."

"I've read the script. The role of the Pharaoh's guard captain is perfect for Lin Yuan. Trust me, he'll surprise you!" Director Cohen continued to persuade him.

"I don't think so. I only cast pure Westerners in important roles in my movies. Let's just forget about Asians."

"But..."

Director Cohen was about to speak when he was interrupted.

"Even a Black person would be better than a Chinese person. I will absolutely not use a Chinese actor!" Director Sommers flatly refused.

"..."

"Alright then, you truly don't know what kind of genius you're missing out on. You'll regret this in the future."

With things having reached this point, Director Cohen could only get up and leave with Lin Yuan.

As the two left, Director Sommers said with a cold laugh, "If it weren't for saving face, I wouldn't have wasted my time meeting them tonight. A yellow-skinned monkey trying to make it in Hollywood? Ridiculous!"

"Lin, I'm sorry. I let your hopes down tonight."

After leaving Director Sommers's room, Director Cohen apologized.

"No, Director, you shouldn't apologize. I'm the one who troubled you."

"This guy is a racist, such damn arrogance!" Director Cohen cursed.

Seeing Lin Yuan's unhappy expression, Director Cohen continued, "Don't worry, I'll find you new opportunities!"

But then he seemed to suddenly realize something and murmured, "Though, thinking about it, there really aren't many directors willing to cast a Chinese person as the lead. These guys and their prejudiced views..."

Lin Yuan was indeed feeling a bit down. It was because he suddenly realized he had been too naive, thinking things were too simple.

He was daring and could fight well, but was that enough?

This was Hollywood, a world dominated by white people, where white supremacy reigned.

Perhaps Black people could get a small piece of the pie from the sidelines, but Chinese people didn't even have that chance!

This wasn't just due to the racist views of a few directors; it was determined by the entire Western world's stereotype of Chinese people.

Westerners' ingrained impression of Chinese people was backward, ignorant, with squinted eyes, Fu Manchu...

The prejudice in people's hearts was like an invisible, towering wall. Today, Lin Yuan had finally crashed headfirst into it.

You don't want to play the villain? You want to appear in a different image? Dream on!

But Lin Yuan refused to accept it. He not only wanted to break through like Jackie Chan but also wanted to tear down this wall completely!

Sensing Lin Yuan's resolve, golden system text appeared once more:

[The host's ideal has been established, initiating the chain quest: Legendary Action Superstar.]

[First stage of the quest: Star in a Hollywood movie, and its global box office must surpass 'The Mummy Returns'.]

[Attribute rewards will be given based on the host's performance.]