Chapter 305

That evening, after the closing award ceremony of the Shanghai International Film Festival, Charles made special arrangements for a grand banquet at the Shanghai Oriental Riverside Hotel in Lujiazui, Pudong New Area.

Organized by Xu Xiaoling, nearly 200 people attended the cocktail party. Sophie Marceau, an international film star, had only been in China for two days and had already participated in several press conferences.

Gao Yuanyuan, being close by, was able to get a photo of Sophie Marceau while promoting Painted Skin, and had also met with Marion Cotillard and Kate Beckinsale.

The cast of Painted Skin and the main creators of Departures were certainly present at the event.

In particular, Departures won big with Takita Yojiro and Masahiro Motoki taking home the Golden Goblet Award for Best Film and Best Actor at the Shanghai International Film Festival.

"Though the audience might be small in China, the acclaim for Departures is really high," said Xu Xiaoling.

Charles smiled and said, "The Shanghai Film Festival is an international award, so there'll be some good publicity for its release in Japan!"

"I have confidence in Painted Skin, not just because of the theme, but also the special effects. I believe it will do well during the National Day holiday," Xu Xiaoling, well-versed in the Asian market, knew the Chinese market best.

Painted Skin was, of course, a co-production similar to Kung Fu Hustle, with overseas film companies commissioning domestic companies for production.

"The director of Painted Skin is excellent. We might have more opportunities to collaborate in the future. Capet Pictures (China) surely won't invest in just one film," Charles said with a smile as Sophie Marceau approached.

Xu Xiaoling, being the head of operations here, was responsible for promoting Capet Pictures' films and TV shows in China, as well as business cooperation in the video and audio market.

Products like DVDs and VCDs of Capet Pictures' productions were exclusively distributed by the China Audio-Video Publishing House. However, China didn't emphasize copyright much, leading to low revenue from DVDs and VCDs.

After a few exchanges, Xu Xiaoling went on to chat with other local stars.

"I didn't expect your company to invest in Chinese and Japanese films!" Sophie Marceau was initially surprised but then felt it made sense considering Capet Pictures also invested in European films.

"International film markets are also a key battleground for us Hollywood studios," Charles shrugged casually, as Capet Pictures was now on a par with the Big Six in Hollywood.

"The Lives of Others and La Vie en Rose are non-English films and were wildly successful!" Sophie Marceau was interested in participating in high-acclaimed films.

"Do you have any thoughts on adapting The Second Breath into a biographical film?"

"The idea remains the same: combining the autobiography of The Second Breath with themes from the documentary Serendipity, focusing on the protagonist's psychological and physical transformation, and daily life with their black nanny;

The film's theme is touching, inspirational, and centers on uplifting friendship. A wealthy disabled white man and a poor black nanny becoming inseparable friends is attractive in itself!

With this script adaptation, filming shouldn't be too difficult," Charles commented, still wary of French films' typical themes of sex, romance, and neurosis.

"When you return to France, you can get someone to start on the script adaptation. Once I review it, I'll invest in its production!"

After saying this, Charles leaned closer to Sophie Marceau. "Let's go back to our room and rest. You have a flight back home tomorrow!"

Sophie Marceau smiled at Charles, "Wasn't last night tiring enough?"

Nevertheless, Sophie Marceau returned with Charles to the high-floor suite of the Oriental Riverside Hotel.

Near the Huangpu River and the Oriental Pearl Tower, the hotel offered direct views of the beautiful Bund nightscape and Shanghai's night scenery.

By the suite's window, Charles embraced the scantily-clad Sophie Marceau from behind, both appreciating the stunning view of the Huangpu River.

With her head against the floor-to-ceiling window, Sophie Marceau turned and kissed Charles. "You called me here to attend the film festival. Is there another collaboration brewing?"

"There are always collaborations," Charles held Sophie Marceau tightly. 

Releasing his grip on her chest, Charles pointed outside to the night view of Shanghai, "This place is developing rapidly. I've also made some investments."

"I know, Capet Cinemas has been investing heavily in new cinemas in China. There are about 20 theaters open now!"

"I'm talking about personal investments. Last year, I bought a few properties here. This year, I've bought over ten riverside mansions worth around 25 million euros in total!" Charles had Phyllis Jones busy managing these investments, totaling over 200 million RMB for properties ranging from 240 to 450 square meters each.

Including last year's three properties, Charles now owned the most properties in Shanghai.

"So many?" Sophie Marceau was taken aback. He was very optimistic about this place. There was no way he bought so many properties for himself.

"Nothing major," Charles smiled, recognizing that real estate investments here were a pillar industry of the future.

There wasn't much more to say about real estate as a pillar industry.

"When are you going to Paris again, Charles?"

"Paris? Soon," Charles responded, as Sophie Marceau turned completely towards him.

Outside was the beautiful night view of the Huangpu River, inside was the French Rose, Sophie Marceau. It was indeed wise to have her come over.

*****

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