Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 146 1 Days and 1 Nights

July 19, Los Angeles.

Fu Yibai walked out of the terminal, with Liu Yan pushing a luggage cart behind him. As soon as they stepped out of the exit, they saw a familiar figure.

Scarlett stood in the crowd of people waiting to pick up passengers, wearing sunglasses, a simple white T-shirt and jeans, with her long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders.

When she saw Fu Yibai, she took off her sunglasses and smiled.

Then she walked quickly over, threw herself into his arms, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him.

The kiss was passionate and lingering, oblivious to everyone around them. Passengers around them turned to look, and someone whistled.

Liu Yan pushed her luggage to the side, a professional smile on her face, her gaze shifting elsewhere.

It's unclear how much time passed before the two finally parted ways.

Scarlett buried her face in the crook of his neck, her voice muffled.

"Fu, I miss you."

Fu Yibai reached out and put his arm around her waist, then gently patted her back.

"Let's go, we'll talk about it when we get back."

Scarlett nodded.

The three of them walked out of the terminal, and Scarlett's car was parked on the side of the road.

Fu Yibai got into the passenger seat, Liu Yan put the luggage in the trunk, and then got into the back seat.

The car drove out of the airport and merged into the traffic flow of Los Angeles.

Scarlett gripped the steering wheel and glanced at Fu Yibai.

"Fu, how long can you stay this time?"

"About a week."

"It's so short!"

"I'll come back after the New Year, and I'll spend more time with you then."

"All right."

The moment the car came to a stop, the villa door opened.

Anne stood in the doorway, wearing a loose white shirt and light blue denim shorts, revealing her long, straight legs.

Her long brown hair was loosely draped over her shoulders, and she had a smile on her face.

As soon as Fu Yibai got out of the car, she walked over quickly, paused for a moment on the steps, and then threw herself into his arms.

Unlike Scarlett's passionate and unrestrained embrace, Anne's hug was gentler, yet more tender.

She pressed her face against his chest, wrapped her arms around his waist, and leaned her whole body against him.

"pay."

Her voice was soft, carrying a hint of suppressed longing.

Fu Yibai put his arm around her shoulder, lowered his head and sniffed the top of her hair. It was her usual perfume, mixed with the scent of sunshine.

Scarlett got out of the car and saw this scene, a smile playing on her lips.

"Alright, alright, let's go inside and hug again."

Annie lifted her head from Fu Yibai's embrace, glared at her, and her face turned slightly red.

Liu Yan took her luggage out of the trunk and pushed it inside.

The four entered the villa. The living room was spacious and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the swimming pool and distant mountains.

Sunlight streamed through the glass, casting large patches of light on the light-colored wooden floor.

Liu Yan put her luggage away and went upstairs to her room without any hesitation.

Scarlett pulled Fu Yibai to sit on the sofa, then sat directly in his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"What are you doing?"

Fu Yibai placed his palm on her pert buttocks and gently caressed them.

"What do you mean, 'what'?"

Scarlett leaned down and kissed Fu Yibai on the lips.

Annie couldn't wait any longer and immediately took off Fu Yibai's pants.

Fu Yibai stayed at the villa for a whole day and night.

After the two women were completely satisfied, they let him leave.

Franchise Studios —

As soon as Fu Yibai and Liu Yan arrived downstairs, Margaret immediately came to greet them.

"Boss, you're finally here."

"Come on, let's talk in the office."

Margaret sat down behind her desk, turned on her computer, and pulled up several documents.

Liu Yan sat down on the sofa next to her and opened her notebook to take notes.

"Boss, this is Franchise Entertainment's performance report for last year."

Margaret turned the screen toward Fu Yibai.

"Inception grossed $8.9 million worldwide, and the franchise, as a co-producer, received $2.1 million. After deducting costs and taxes, the net profit was $1.3 million."

Fu Yibai leaned back in his chair, staring at the numbers flashing on the screen, without saying a word.

Margaret continued scrolling down.

"Twilight" was released globally in early January and has currently grossed $270 million.

1.6 million in North America and 1.1 million overseas.

It hasn't been released in Japan or South Korea yet, but it's expected to gross another 30 million yen.

"How much does it cost?"

"Twenty-eight million."

Including marketing and promotion, the total cost was kept under 50 million.

Fu Yibai nodded.

The box office performance of "Twilight" was within his expectations.

The original novel has a good fan base in North America, and with a large investment in marketing and promotion, the box office performance should be good.

But the real profits come later—DVD sales, television rights, and merchandise—these are the long-term revenue streams.

"What about 'The Devil Wears Prada'?"

"Post-production is complete, and the film is scheduled for release in North America on March 10, with simultaneous progress in overseas markets."

Margaret pulled up another document.

"The test screenings were well received, and film critics gave them high marks."

Scarlett Johansson's performance is widely considered promising, and she should have a chance during next year's awards season.

Fu Yibai took the mouse and quickly browsed the preview feedback.

Data shows that the show received rave reviews from viewers, with female viewers accounting for 78% and women under the age of 25 making up more than 40%.

Just as he had predicted—this film was aimed at the young female market.

"What's the marketing budget?"

"Twenty million."

We handle North American distribution, Fox handles overseas.

"Hmm, not bad."

I have a task for you now.

Fu Yibai took out several scripts from his briefcase.

He redeemed these books from the system: Interstellar, Source Code, The Hunger Games, and The Martian.

The system now has only 25000 influence points remaining.

"Get these scripts registered as soon as possible; these are projects for Franchise Films for the next few years."

I will gradually activate them when I have time.

Margaret excitedly accepted the script.

"yes!"