“Old Carter, I didn't expect you to be so open-minded.” Grace Clark patted Mr. Carter on the shoulder.

As for the original parents, they were quite interesting—one wanted to be an actor, the other a director, but due to family reasons, neither fulfilled their dreams.

Coincidentally, the original self loved movies from a young age, and both parents were fully supportive.

A morning exchanged for an evening glow.

“I have good news and some news, Director Carter, which one do you want to hear first?” Blake rushed over energetically.

Shawn Carter said, “The good news.”

“Director Carter, Mindy Foster has agreed to play the female lead,” said Blake. Naturally, he was the one who contacted Mindy Foster.

Upon hearing this, Shawn Carter breathed a sigh of relief. To show sincerity, he had stayed up all night drawing many action storyboards from Kill Bill, and with over sixty million in investment, Mindy Foster shouldn’t refuse.

But having confidence is one thing; actually securing it is another.

“As for the 5 million fee, her agency wants 5.5 million,” Blake said. “Her accommodation requirements are also very low—just a star-rated hotel.”

“Bargaining for fifty thousand, that’s indeed very sincere.” Shawn Carter nodded. “Notify legal to sign the contract. We should also show sincerity: guarantee a five-star hotel for accommodation, and all travel arrangements should be according to top-tier celebrity standards—write it all into the contract.”

There’s a saying: in a capitalist’s negotiation, any promise not written into the contract is just hot air. And as the saying goes, a contract without a signed acknowledgment is just toilet paper.

Back to the point: as a second-tier actress, Mindy Foster’s market rate is six to seven million, and because of her specialty as an action star, it’s about a million higher than other second-tier actresses.

The five million offered by the crew was a probing price, and the agency only raised it by fifty thousand—still lower than the usual six million market price, which shows sincerity.

It sounds complicated, and it really is. Once money is involved, nothing is simple.

“So what’s the bad news?” Shawn Carter turned to ask.

“The bad news is, the audition invitations sent to the other three stars were all declined due to scheduling conflicts,” Blake said.

“It’s fine, I have backup plans.” Shawn Carter was in good spirits. It was within his expectations. Once he becomes famous as the king of adaptation, things will look different.

Suddenly, Shawn Carter said, “Blake, your image isn’t suitable for playing a gentle, warm guy.”

“Huh? What?” Blake was stunned.

“As for the invitation to play Ishii Yulian, the three stars probably didn’t even look at it before rejecting it, right?” Shawn Carter said.

“Uh… Director Carter, how did you know?” Blake was stunned. What he said was actually a white lie—after all, to reject without even looking is blatant disrespect.

“Blake, you’re not the type to beat around the bush. If you start by asking whether I want the good or bad news, it can only mean you’re trying to hide something and act casual,” Shawn Carter pointed out directly.

“Director Carter, didn’t you major in directing at university? How are you so good at psychology too?” Blake comforted him, “Director Carter, don’t take it too hard. At least your courage is dozens of times greater than others’.”

To be honest, after reading the script and knowing there would be over ten minutes of animation inserted, Blake couldn’t really say with confidence that this film would definitely succeed.

But Blake could clearly feel that Shawn Carter had become more composed—whether in action or planning, he was much more organized. It was obvious that he had improved after the last setback.

Don’t be fooled by Blake’s ordinary appearance; he’s actually a very thoughtful person. You can tell just from how he addresses people—he used to call him “brother,” but after joining the team, he’s always called him Director Carter.

Shawn Carter said he had thick skin and wouldn’t dwell on it. Instead, he wanted to seize the time to invite the actress to play Ishii Yulian.

Back at Beijing Film Academy.

The person he wanted to invite was the school’s diction teacher, Teacher White.

First of all, Teacher White’s diction skills were unquestionable—otherwise, she wouldn’t be a teacher. As for acting, Shawn Carter discovered that Teacher White had acted in several productions, including playing a female general—Yang Bamei from unofficial history—and her acting was more than up to par.

The reason she later left the entertainment industry was because of an online rumor about “flirting with a married man on set.” Unable to withstand the cyberbullying, Teacher White withdrew from the industry.

As for the specifics, there were many rumors. Some said the male actor was the one who made advances toward Teacher White, but after the incident lost heat, no one really cared anymore.

Anyway, from the original self’s memory, no media ever came out to say what the real truth was.

Chapter 9 Who Understands Best?

After being persuaded by Shawn Carter, Teacher White successfully joined the crew and took a long leave from school. The school was initially reluctant, since the leave was for two months—too long.

In the end, no one knows how Teacher White convinced the director, but she managed to join the team.

“Director Carter, you’re really young. Hello, I’m Mindy Foster.” Mindy Foster wore a single ponytail and a black newsboy cap. Her top was a white T-shirt with no pattern on the front, and on the back was the image of a bear’s back. From behind, she really did have a bit of a “skinny bear” vibe.