In the morning, the launch ceremony of the project had taken place, and the initial funds from MGM had been deposited into the accounts. Everything was settled, the future looked promising, and they added a significant achievement to their record.
Eric had already had lunch with Li and other officials and was preparing to fly back to the US. However, Han Sanping and Zhou Xiaopeng convinced him to stay for one more evening, and Eric agreed.
All three were feeling the effects of the alcohol, despite not drinking baijiu. Even Eric began to feel a bit dizzy. Han, in particular, who was known for his friendliness and fondness for drinking, seemed especially affected.
Eric stood up and looked at the two companions. "I think that's enough for today. Chairman Han, Director Zhou, take care of each other. I've had my fill and just want to rest."
Without waiting for Han Sanping to try and stop him, Eric exited the room and headed toward his suite in the elevator.
After a hot shower, he lay down on the bed and checked the news from America. Rumors about his romance with Nicole Kidman were starting to die down. Nicole was staying out of the public eye, and Eric had left the country entirely. Other scandals had taken over the headlines.
Halle Berry had confessed to journalists that her husband had cheated on her, and they were getting a divorce. This story became the main topic of the news, overshadowing the rumors about Eric and Nicole.
Under the influence of alcohol, Eric soon fell asleep.
Suddenly, he heard knocking at the door in his dream.
Eric opened his eyes and realized it wasn't a dream. Someone was indeed knocking on the door.
He looked at the clock—it was already one in the morning.
"What's going on? Who could be knocking at this hour? Could it be Zhang Ziyi, still not giving up?"
Slipping on his slippers, he approached the door and peeked through the peephole. A woman stood on the other side, covered from head to toe, but from her figure, he could tell it wasn't Zhang Ziyi.
"Miss, you've got the wrong room. This isn't your suite."
"No, I haven't made a mistake. You're Eric Cooper, the vice president of MGM. I've been looking for you."
The woman removed her mask and glasses. The familiar face left no doubt—it was Liu Xiaoli.
Eric was surprised. How did this woman find out where he was staying, and what did she want?
"So, it's you?" Eric continued with sarcasm, "Listen, ma'am, all I said was that your daughter isn't a fit for Hollywood. Have you come to take revenge on me for that in the middle of the night?"
"What are you planning to do? Yell at me? Or beat me? Just a warning, this is a high-end hotel, and there are surveillance cameras."
Liu Xiaoli hesitated, thinking to herself: "How could I, a lone woman, possibly beat you in the middle of the night?"
She replied, "Mr. Cooper, there's no revenge. Today, my daughter and I saw you on TV and realized who you really are."
"Remembering your words, I decided to find out which hotel you were staying at to ask you a few questions."
"Questions about Hollywood, which I'm sure you can provide comprehensive answers to."
Eric finally understood that the news broadcast had prompted her visit. But he was impressed by the boldness of this woman, who wasn't afraid to come alone at such a late hour. People like her fit perfectly into the entertainment industry.
Liu Xiaoli's true intentions were clear, and her excuse about seeking advice didn't fool him.
"Ma'am, this is not the right time. Leave now, or there could be misunderstandings."
"Besides, I'm flying out tomorrow morning and need some rest. If you don't go, I'll call hotel security."
"Wait, I have a business proposition for you. A very profitable one," Liu Xiaoli exclaimed.
The mention of a profitable deal piqued Eric's interest. He asked, "What kind of deal, and how much are we talking?"
"Mr. Cooper, shouldn't you at least let me in first? Can we really discuss business through the door?"
Click.
Eric opened the door and let Liu Xiaoli inside. She took off her coat and hat, revealing a tight-fitting top that accentuated her figure, very similar to what Zhang Ziyi had worn that night.
Shaking out her hair, Liu Xiaoli introduced herself, "My name is Liu Xiaoli, and this is my daughter, Liu Yifei, also known as Crystal Liu."
"I wanted to thank you for the time you helped us take photos at the Forbidden City, but I never had the opportunity before."
"There's no need for thanks. I'm always happy to help, especially when it comes to beautiful women."
Liu Xiaoli laughed, covering her mouth with her hand. "Are all Americans so witty and charming? It seems like each of you knows how to compliment a woman."
Eric noted how much more pleasant and friendly she seemed now, compared to that day at the Forbidden City.
"Miss Liu, let's get to the point. It's late, and what project are you talking about?"
Seeing that Eric was again trying to brush her off, Liu Xiaoli cursed inwardly, "Damn, why is he flying back to America so soon?"
Her goal for the evening was clear—to capture Eric's attention and spark his interest.
Late at night, when desires were strongest, she was confident in her attractiveness, honed by years of dance and her maintained beauty.
However, she didn't plan anything too serious. She just needed to capture his attention enough so that later, once he was "hooked," she could gain some advantage from him. This method always worked with men, and she had plenty of experience in it. As for actual business, of course, she had none. All the projects were handled by Chen Jinfei.
But Eric was leaving tomorrow, and if she didn't seize the opportunity tonight, it would be lost. Tomorrow would be too late.
Clenching her teeth, Liu Xiaoli said, "Mr. Cooper, if Feifei wants to develop her career in Hollywood, would you be able to help her?"
"I've already said that with solid martial arts skills and acting talent, she'll have a chance," Eric replied calmly.
"No, I mean, can you give her some special conditions?"
"What do you mean? Do you want her to land a leading role right away? Or do you want a project tailored just for her?"
"Is that possible?" Liu Xiaoli's eyes lit up with hope.
"Of course not! Hollywood is not a charity. With her performance in The Story of a Noble Family, she's not even good enough for the background cast. She has no chance!"
"You...!" Liu Xiaoli flared up with anger.
"Miss Liu, don't you think it's a bit odd to ask such questions at only our second meeting? And for your information, Americans are not as polite as you think—they're even more pragmatic than the Chinese!"
"If you don't want your daughter to be an actress, there's another way into Hollywood: becoming a porn star. Would you let her undress?"
Liu Xiaoli was stunned, as if struck by lightning.
"Don't look at me like that, Miss Liu. That's how it is in Hollywood. If this is your 'business proposition,' I don't see any benefit in it. I genuinely want to rest."
Eric made it clear that the conversation was over, but Liu Xiaoli wasn't ready to leave just yet.
She stared at him intently and suddenly said, "Undress? Fine."
"What?!" Now it was Eric's turn to be shocked.
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