Chapter 370 - "Foreign Devils"

In the eyes of people from the East, it was already quite unusual for someone like her to speak their language. After all, apart from her 25% Eastern heritage, she was entirely a Western Caucasian, and she had never set foot on Eastern soil in her entire life.

"Your Chinese is truly impressive. I've met many second-generation Chinese-Americans here in the United States who can't even speak Chinese, and it's quite regrettable," sighed Yao Yingxia.

Laila knew that Easterners often preferred to beat around the bush, and conversations with them could sometimes be drawn out and indirect. There were various tests, speculations, and subtle exchanges, and she had seen plenty of such situations in her past life. In this life, she didn't want to go through it again.

"Director Yao," the man introduced himself as the director of some office, a title Laila quickly forgot. It seemed to be a department responsible for international communication. They hadn't interacted before, and she still didn't know his exact role, but it sounded like he had some significant authority.

"I've heard about the matters that Mr. Jackie Chan conveyed. I wonder if your visit is related to the Spring Festival Gala, or do you have other reasons?"

Yao Yingxia seemed accustomed to the directness of Westerners, so apart from not being entirely used to their straightforwardness, she didn't find anything wrong.

"In fact, it's related to both aspects. The person behind me is the co-director of this year's Spring Festival Gala, and he has come with a sincere invitation for you."

The middle-aged man smoothly took out a business card and handed it over. "My name is Wu Mo."

Laila accepted the business card, smiled, and nodded at him. "Nice to meet you."

"This year, as we enter the new millennium, we plan to infuse our Spring Festival Gala with a more modern atmosphere. The trend is toward greater international integration in the future, so we hope to find a suitable representative," Yao Yingxia explained. "Mr. Jackie Chan's Rush Hour received significant acclaim when it was screened in our country and also garnered numerous international honors. All of this is thanks to you, Director Moran."

Laila smiled modestly. "Just call me Laila. Achieving the current results is Mr.Jackie Chan's credit. He's a very unique actor who has brought a distinctive trend to Hollywood."

"Very well, I'll call you Laila," Yao Yingxia said politely before continuing, "Indeed, Jackie Chan has achieved excellent results in the East, but as you know, it's quite challenging for an Easterner to succeed in the West."

"According to him, he only sought your assistance after experiencing numerous setbacks. And it's your talent that allowed him to establish a solid foothold in Hollywood through this film. You've captured the authentic essence of Eastern martial arts in your work, something other Western directors can't achieve."

Laila knew that what she said was true, but she still smiled humbly, "You're too kind."

"So, in this decision, many people believe that you are the best choice. We also bring sincere intentions and hope that you can attend this year's Spring Festival Gala."

Laila looked at her with a meaningful smile. "I am personally very willing to participate. However, you should know that someone in my position has to consider many things carefully."

"Yes, he did mention that. We understand the challenges you face," Yao Yingxia said, but then she changed the subject suddenly. "I heard that you are currently shooting a highly outstanding film. Do you have any desire to release it in the East?"

Finally, they were getting to the "meat" of the matter. Laila's eyes narrowed with a smile. "It would be fantastic if it were possible. It has always been my aspiration."

While Rush Hour could be screened in the East, it was a film she had acted in and invested in. She had no control over its distribution.

But Pirates of the Caribbean was different. It was not only produced by her alone but also a massive money-making machine. If it weren't for today's developments, getting it screened in the East would have required a great deal of effort on her part, and she would have had to share a substantial portion of the profits with others.

However, if she could eliminate the middlemen through this opportunity, it meant that she would not only qualify to bring her movies into the Eastern market but also have the right to snatch a big piece of profit from other films that wanted to enter the market!

But if she could bypass the middlemen, it meant she would get more profits. So, what was there to hesitate about?

Yao Yingxia could tell from her expression that she understood her intentions. "It's not just this collaboration. I believe we need to have more exchanges with Hollywood. Laila, I'm sure you'll introduce more excellent films to our country's fans."

Hearing this, Laila's heart skipped a beat, almost unable to believe her ears. This was like handing her a piece of fat to feast on!

As everyone knows, to protect the domestic film industry from aggressive Hollywood blockbusters, there has been a system of film import quotas since 1995.

Before her rebirth, this quota system hadn't been much, and gaining a quota meant making a profit in the East and earning additional revenue!

Think about it, Hollywood produces tens of thousands of movies each year, and there are only two or three dozen quotas available! With Laila's current influence, trying to grab a quota from those major movie production companies would mean sacrificing a part of the profits. However, once she obtained Yao Yingxia's commitment, it meant that she not only qualified to bring her film to the Eastern market but also the right to tear off a piece of fat from other films looking to enter the market!

This was a gift she couldn't refuse!

So she smiled and said, "Bringing the best films to my homeland is also my duty."

Yao Yingxia and Wu Mo were both experienced in their ways, and they both showed appreciative smiles at her words. Meanwhile, the young translator, Zhao Ze, was left stunned by her audacious words.

Someone who had never set foot on Eastern soil in their entire life, who looked nothing like an Easterner from head to toe, was now talking about "homeland" like this? Yes, she could speak fluent Chinese and had a tiny bit of Eastern heritage, but no matter who saw her at first glance, they wouldn't consider her an Easterner!

Let alone an Easterner, even among Asians, she didn't look like one. She was just a purebred Westerner. Giving away her homeland for some benefits?

Laila could see his surprise but had no idea about the thoughts swirling in his mind. If she knew, she would have definitely given him a resounding slap. You're the Westerner here! Your whole family is Westerners! Despite her white exterior, she had pure East Asian heritage inside!

Unfortunately, she couldn't prove this to herself.

"Actually, even without this matter, I've been wanting to visit the East," Laila continued, satisfied with what she had obtained, and willing to show some goodwill. "My grandmother has always spoken about the beauty of that region, and I'm deeply fascinated by it. I believe that the rise of the East is inevitable, and if the opportunity arises, I would also like to explore suitable investment opportunities there."