"Alright then, call me when you arrive, and I'll come down to meet you."
After hanging up the phone, Mike hesitated for a moment, glanced at the time on his watch, and quickly dialed Wayne's number. He wanted to ask what kind of treatment they should give to Liu Tianxian, as different newcomers have different contracts.
Although it was unlikely, Mike still wanted to confirm whether Liu Xiaoli was a scammer.
Wayne, who had just taken out his phone and was about to turn it off, received Mike's call.
"Hey, Mike? What's up? My flight's about to take off."
"I'll be brief," Mike quickly said. "A dancer named Liu Xiaoli just called me. She said you recommended her daughter for me to sign. Is that true?"
"Yes, it is."
"And the terms?"
"Just give her the standard rookie contract. However, if they don't plan on leaving Hollywood anytime soon, you could arrange for Liu Qianqian to have a small role in *Gifted Girl*, with a couple of lines and screen time." Wayne thought for a moment and added.
For many newcomers, even a role with just a few lines is an incredibly precious opportunity, enough to make them overjoyed.
It seemed like Wayne was looking out for Liu Tianxian, but in a few years, her fame would likely boost the movie's value.
The main goal of this movie was to recoup the threefold production funds returned by the system. Since there was no need to rush profits, Wayne planned to let the newly established distribution department at Hemera Pictures handle the North American release, preparing for the upcoming *The Bourne Identity*.
This way, all the rights to the movie would remain with Hemera Pictures. As a savvy capitalist, Wayne knew it was in his best interest to maximize the film's value.
"Got it. Once the contract is signed, I'll contact Susan right away."
It's unclear if all famous writers have a habit of delaying deadlines, but Alan Ball, who had originally promised to finish the script in two weeks, didn't turn it in until the day before.
However, the level of writing from an Oscar-winning screenwriter is undeniably impressive. Wayne was blown away after reading it.
Not only did it surpass the original version in many ways, but it also had a deeper, more symbolic meaning, leaving the reader eager to explore, reflect, and rewatch to savor every detail.
It's no exaggeration to say that if a director can't turn a script like this into a critically and commercially successful film, it would be a major failure on their part.
But then again, the director had been nominated for an Oscar and excelled in this genre, so if the movie bombed at the box office, it would likely be the actors' fault.
Susan realized this after reading the script.
And since this was her first film as a producer with a budget over $10 million, she would demand perfection in every aspect. That's why the audition process for *Gifted Girl* hadn't started yet.
Although Wayne had already locked in the four main actors, there was still plenty of room for casting other supporting roles.
Aside from Oscar-winner Susan Sarandon, Anne, Dakota Fanning, and Naomi Watts, who had already finished filming *Mulholland Drive*, were also scheduled for acting lessons.
If these lessons were offered to B-list celebrities, they might cause dissatisfaction.
But since all three actresses were still relatively unknown, they didn't have much choice. Anne, for instance, had already lost her role in *The Princess Diaries*.
Though Naomi Watts had finished filming *Mulholland Drive*, its release was still pending, as it wouldn't debut until next year's Cannes Film Festival.
As for Dakota Fanning, her breakout role in *I Am Sam* wouldn't begin filming until next year, and the project hadn't even been greenlit yet.
"Let's hope Susan doesn't get mad." After hanging up the phone, Wayne quickly turned off his phone to avoid any potential complaint calls.
However, he underestimated Susan. She did feel a bit annoyed when Mike first called her, but after realizing that Wayne had entrusted such a major project to her, with an even bigger commercial blockbuster series waiting afterward, she quickly calmed down. After gulping down a cup of cold coffee, she got back to work.
Meanwhile, over at Liu Xiaoli and Liu Tianxian's side, when they found out from Mike that Liu Qianqian would get a role with lines and screen time in *Gifted Girl*, their excitement was impossible to hide.
"Are you serious? My daughter can really have a part in a $10 million movie directed by an Oscar-nominated director, written by an Oscar-winning screenwriter, and starring an Oscar-winning actress?"
In Mike's spacious, newly-renovated office, Liu Xiaoli struggled to contain her excitement as she asked again.
"It's just an audition opportunity for now. Whether she can pass the audition depends on the director, producer, and most importantly, Wayne's opinion. You get that, right?" Mike said as he organized the contract.
"Yes! Yes!" Liu Xiaoli immediately nodded in understanding.
In this parallel world, she had indeed protected Liu Tianxian well, but only selectively. Otherwise, how would those later notorious photos have surfaced?
To Liu Xiaoli, Wayne—who now ran a mid-sized production company and was a popular B-list star—was far more valuable than Liu Tianxian's "godfather."
But then she realized that Wayne had gone to Europe for filming, so how could she "work her charm" now?
"The audition is scheduled for 9 a.m. the day after tomorrow at Hemera Pictures. Will that work for you? I heard you and your daughter are heading back to China? If she passes the audition, you'll need to stay here for a while until filming wraps up," Mike added.
"That won't be a problem. Qianqian is only returning to China for a few commercials. I'll contact them to postpone, and if they can't, we'll just cancel them." Liu Xiaoli quickly assured him.
After all, the commercials had been arranged by Liu Tianxian's "godfather." When they're shot doesn't really matter.
However, after signing with WMA, Liu Tianxian wouldn't be able to sign with any agencies in China, which could be a bit tricky.
But financially, this was definitely a good thing for Liu Tianxian and her mother. After all, Liu Tianxian's "godfather" wasn't doing it for charity. His cut was a steep 50%, with a multi-year contract.
Now, with WMA as a shield, Liu Xiaoli could easily push that deal aside.
Thinking of this, Liu Xiaoli grew even more excited. She wished time would speed up to the audition day, though she still worried about not having done enough to ensure Wayne wouldn't change his mind, leaving her feeling conflicted.
---End of Chapter---