1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

Chapter 55 Future

Charlize Theron.

Born on August 7, 1975, in Gauteng Province, South Africa.

Well, to be precise, she is not white in the traditional sense, but rather an Afrikaans, also known as Boers, who were white people of African descent who were intermarried with Dutch, French, and German colonists in South Africa from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

It is the ethnic group that Mandela championed "apartheid".

Overall, Theron came from a good background. Although the social status of Boers in South Africa declined and their property was eroded after the end of apartheid, and with the support of the United States and other Western countries, many Boers sought revenge, forcing them to leave their homes and become displaced. Many of them returned to Europe or immigrated to Australia.

Theron comes from a middle-class family.

In 91, Theron went to Milan to become a model.

In 93, in order to realize her dream, she was admitted to the New York Geoffrey Ballet School, but she was unable to do so due to a knee injury.

During this period, she settled in New York with her mother.

Later, at her mother's urging, she went to Los Angeles alone. By chance, while withdrawing money from a bank, she met John Crosby, a newly debuted agent, and became Crosby's artist.

The above information is not from Crosby's resume, but from Xu Shengjie's memory.

He's a fan of Theron!

The iron kind!

After the female demon, I fell deeply in love with Theron.

Mad Max: Fury Road brought his obsession to its peak.

However, Theron in 94 was not yet the future King of the Ring.

Last year, with Crosby's help, she appeared in the film "Children of the Cornfield 3," her first film, but only in a small role.

At this time, the Serbian emperor was still very inexperienced.

Xu Shengjie had already made his decision to choose Crosby as his agent the moment he saw Theron's name.

Well, he wasn't lusting after the Empress's beauty.

He has a girlfriend...

I just wanted to fulfill a long-time fan's wish: to get to know Sergio through this [something], that's all.

He had no intention of having any close contact with the King.

As for resources?

What resources does he need?

His only requirement for his agent was to run errands for him and negotiate according to his ideas; anyone would do.

"Since you've made up your mind, I'll have someone contact him."

In addition, Jessica has already helped you with the procedures for setting up the studio.

I was going to remind you about this, but I didn't expect you to be so clever and prepare in advance.

Xu Shengjie chuckled.

……

After finishing our business, it's time for the exciting family gathering this weekend.

At Susanna's request, everyone has to perform at every weekend family gathering, which is also a way to strengthen family relationships.

In the past, it didn't matter, since they were all family anyway.

But today, the atmosphere became particularly awkward because of Xu Shengjie's appearance.

James Huang always presents a serious image in public.

Police chief, huh!

How could I be laughing and joking around, without any seriousness?

At home, however, Director Huang is still quite lively.

In Susanna's words, Director Huang has a great artistic talent and can sing Italian opera.

He won Susanna's heart by singing the classic opera "Nessun Dorma" back then.

"James, let's have one."

She sat casually on the sofa, holding a cushion in her arms.

I need piano accompaniment.

Director Huang's gaze fell on Lily.

Lily immediately exclaimed, "I just learned to play the piano, I don't know any of this opera you're talking about."

The bureau chief, who also had his pride, said with a regretful expression, "It's not that I don't want to sing, it's just that there's no one to accompany me."

Jeffrey, maybe next time.

Susanna also expressed her regret.

Xu Shengjie, with an honest and kind look on his face, raised his hand and said, "James, I can play the piano."

After retiring from the entertainment industry in his previous life, he studied piano for two years with his girlfriend, who graduated from the Central Conservatory of Music.

If he hadn't broken up with his girlfriend and stopped studying, he would have at least gotten a passing grade.

"You can also play the piano?"

"Yes, I think their skill level is pretty good."

"Where did you learn to play the piano? As far as I know, you spend your days loitering on the streets or getting into fights. You haven't learned it, have you?"

Director Huang's tone carried a hint of murderous intent.

Susanna seemed quite interested and said with a smile, "Since Jeffrey volunteered, it means he's confident. Besides, you're busy with all that fighting and killing in the police station all day, how can you be so sure Jeffrey can't do it?"

Moreover, the fact that he can write songs that even Vanessa Williams is interested in suggests that his skill level is probably not too bad.

Don't judge Jeffrey with stereotypes. When he first said he wanted to write a book, didn't you also say he was being delusional?

"Uh... well, give it a try."

However, I still maintain my opinion. Jeffrey may have studied a little playing, but the piano is a complex and difficult skill to learn, requiring considerable talent. Jeffrey, I'm not doubting you, but you're probably only at the beginner level.

Xu Shengjie smiled.

Director Huang simply doesn't want to perform.

But today, you're scheduled to perform!

He smiled and walked to the piano in the corner of the living room, where he sat down.

Once he was seated, his entire demeanor changed; his hands brushed across the piano keys, and the melody flowed exceptionally smoothly.

"Is this the piece?"

"That's right, this is it. No one will sleep tonight."

Pao and Lily excitedly walked over to watch.

Director Huang couldn't escape it either. He glared fiercely at Xu Shengjie and began to sing loudly.

Admittedly, Director Huang has a solid foundation, but his Italian is not quite standard, with several instances of mispronouncing his words.

Even so, Susanna and her two children still clapped excitedly in appreciation.

This allowed Director Huang to regain some face, and he then feigned gratitude.

"Jeffrey, my performance is over, it's your turn!"

"Do I still need to perform?"

"Of course, since you're here today, you're family... Also, I'd like to hear what song Vanessa praised."

Revenge, blatant revenge.

This time, Susanna sided with Director Huang.

Xu Shengjie didn't feel embarrassed at all; if they wanted to hear him sing, then he would.

So, to the beautiful melody of "Colors of the Wind," he sang the song "Colors of the Wind" once again.

Lily Huang's eyes blinked, revealing an adoring gaze.

"Bro, this song is amazing. I never knew you had this skill. My dad always says you're good at fighting, but that's definitely prejudice."

Susanna smiled and clapped softly.

But when Director Huang looked at Xu Shengjie again, there was a different kind of look in his eyes.

This child may not be what I imagined, someone who only knows how to fight and be aggressive; it's just that no one has discovered his talent yet.

……

The party lasted until 11 p.m.

Seeing that it was almost time, Xu Shengjie got up to say goodbye.

"Jeffrey, don't overthink it. Treat this place like home. You're welcome to come anytime."

Go back now and write well... I believe you can definitely create something great through your writing."

"Thank you, Aunt Susanna."

"Jeffrey, relax in July and August, I don't care what you do."

But in September, you must repeat your senior year of high school and take the joint entrance exam next year. This isn't a request from me, but a requirement from me.

"But I have to film a movie in September."

"Filming, filming, what are you using to film?"

Do you have that much money? You're not even a college student; who would invest in someone who failed the college entrance exam?

"I……"

"Alright, alright, stop arguing."

Here's the deal: if Jeffrey can secure the investment, then let him make the film. You can just apply for a leave of absence from school then. But if he can't get the investment, then he should just stick to his studies… Jeffrey, you're still young, you don't understand the complexities of this world. Even if you decide to focus on writing and acting in the future, you'll still need a strong network of connections… University is where you build those connections; you'll find that it's crucial for your future.”

If James had said those words, Xu Shengjie would definitely have argued with him.

But Aunt Susanna...

She's so gentle!

Xu Shengjie wanted to refuse, but he couldn't bear to see her disappointed look.

"I'll consider it."

He replied.

It's not a compromise, it's just that I don't want to argue.

……

Julie didn't come tonight.

The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute is hosting a weekend gathering, reportedly featuring lectures by Broadway stars and institute students.

This is commonplace in the United States.

After returning home, Xu Shengjie listened to the message on the answering machine.

Zhang Pingan called, and Julie also left a message.

His social circle is indeed too small now.

It's basically mostly old friends from Chinatown.

He took a shower and then lay down on the bed.

Susanna's words touched him.

Circle culture is not unique to China; Americans do it too.

For ordinary people to enter this circle, they either need exceptional luck, they need to climb the ladder step by step, or they need to have connections.

And connections are undoubtedly very important!

Or, how about going to school?

Xu Shengjie felt a little shaken. He lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, and then unconsciously drifted off to sleep.