Chapter 85

In the漏勺 restaurant on Main Street, the interior decoration was simple and clear. The two of them sat at a quiet corner table. A white-clad waiter walked over several times with a tray emitting a fragrant aroma, serving them food. Several customers recognized Hanks and came over one after another to greet him. Hanks chatted and laughed with each of them, signing autographs and taking photos, showing no trace of a superstar's arrogance.

From the start of this meeting, it was almost entirely Ye Wei who was talking, even more talkative than the beginning of a Quentin Tarantino movie.

He didn't hide his emotions, recounting how he had been captivated by the script of "Little Miss Sunshine," how he embarked on the path of chasing his dreams, how he crowdfunded to buy the script, how he contacted Willis, how he shot a short film, how he impressed Willis, and how he ended up here after being betrayed by them.

As he spoke, he took things out of his suitcase to use as props. They were a bit wrinkled, but still clearly visible.

"Tom, to be honest, I almost threw all these things away. At that time, I was really disheartened. I don't want to use the word 'despair,' but it was a heavy, unbearable disappointment."

Hanks listened intently, moved by the wrinkled documents and materials Ye Wei handed over. They were all handwritten!

He liked this. In his heart, handwriting was the best way to show sincerity and seriousness. He himself had once written a letter to Nia Vardalos, the screenwriter of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."

Now, this young man had handwritten everything, even drawing precise storyboards, 100% storyboards! This proved he was no ordinary teenager.

Just based on this seriousness, Ye Wei deserved a chance.

"These documents were all done by me, stroke by stroke, to show my ability and sincerity. But even so, there are still people who want to defame me, Richard Lowitt..." Ye Wei almost swore, but restrained himself, saying, "That guy, he's too despicable."

Hanks nodded, his face stern, "Such tactics are not good."

In fact, he had heard about this when he learned about Ye Wei's situation yesterday. Now, after seeing the original materials and hearing Ye Wei's words, he already knew who was telling the truth.

"Those people don't see it that way; they call it a 'well-intentioned lie.'" Ye Wei laughed disdainfully, his anger growing.

It had to be said, his "recklessness" was partly due to a change in his mindset, and partly because Hanks was as approachable as Forrest Gump!

He knew that the screen image, public image, and true personality of celebrities often differed greatly, often being completely different. After the Willis incident, he understood this even more. The bigger the celebrity, the better they were at pretending. Some people who smiled were actually very bad inside, like Lowitt and Rifkin.

But Hanks gave him the feeling of a kind elder, not looking down on young people, not putting on a superstar's airs, willing to listen, understand, and comfort.

The mysterious letter's phrase "Don't trust anyone" made Ye Wei less trusting of people, with a higher level of caution. But he was willing to trust Hanks.

Speaking of which, both were Hollywood superstars, but Hanks' status in the industry was a level higher than Willis. Hanks could not only make money but also win awards, and he had very good relationships with people.

Sometimes, a filmmaker's popularity is directly reflected in the Oscars. Each vote is from a colleague, especially from the Screen Actors Guild, who decide the winners every year. When two candidates are equally good in their film performances, if I have a vote and no one has lobbied me, should I vote for the kind Hanks or someone who always acts like a big shot and gets angry?

If a filmmaker is often lamented by the media as "He should have won an award, why hasn't he?" or "He should have been nominated," it means they have a problem with their relationships.

Hanks had good relationships and a good eye for production. His production company, Playtone, was much more powerful than Cheyenne Enterprises.

Playtone was founded by Hanks and producer Gary Goetzman in 1996. Their first film was "That Thing You Do!" (Playtone was the name of the record company in the film), and yes, Forrest Gump could also write and direct!

And it was a classic, with top reviews and excellent box office performance (a $2.5 million budget with a $34 million global box office)! His filmmaking talent was all-around.

However, after this directorial and writing debut, Hanks never directed or wrote again, probably because he was more passionate about acting.

By 2000, Playtone had its second project, "Cast Away" (a $420 million global box office, 2 Oscar nominations), followed by the super classic miniseries "Band of Brothers," and then "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," a miracle film with a $5 million budget and a $368 million global box office!

It also sparked a trend of wedding films, leading to their "My Life in Ruins." Ye Wei realized that he and Hanks had a fateful connection long ago.

These three works, Hanks was a producer for all of them. In fact, Playtone started producing only a year earlier than Cheyenne Enterprises.

But comparing the achievements of the two companies, it was like comparing Yao Ming to Earl Boykins.

This was due to different business strategies. Playtone was steady and cautious, only taking action when they were sure of success. Cheyenne Enterprises, on the other hand, was ambitious, starting with several big projects and buying a bunch of novel adaptation rights. They were still vibrant due to their wealth, but if they continued to squander, how long could Willis last?

This was not Ye Wei's concern. Previously, he had thought about how to save them, with the goal of making Cheyenne Enterprises taste a big success. Now? To hell with it.

Willis' ambition was not a first. He and Sylvester Stallone and others had opened the "Hollywood Planet" restaurant, which was initially successful and expanded across the U.S. But due to poor management, the company eventually went bankrupt.

People are multifaceted. As an actor, Willis was very smart, but as a boss, he was very foolish.

He hoped Hanks would continue to be wise.

"Tom, that's the situation. This is my current predicament, but I have to say, I'm not afraid of them! Your appearance has made me even more determined."

Ye Wei scooped a spoonful of caviar into his mouth, munching with a crunch, and said seriously, "I learned a phrase, 'In the film industry, your work is your greatest power.' I always believe this is the truth. I got this opportunity because of 'Dance of the Angels,' didn't I?"

"That's the truth." Hanks nodded, his appreciation for this young man growing. A person who focuses on their work is hard to fail.

"I will help you resolve this matter. I can't ignore it once I know about it."

Hearing these deep words, Ye Wei couldn't help but smile, "Thank you, Tom! I'm incredibly grateful. The other day, I told a friend that Willis is a bad cop, but I believe there are still good cops in the world. Now I've found one, 'There's a snake in my boot—' ha ha!"

Hanks also laughed, "You're very humorous."

"Yes, that's one of my strengths."

The two then began discussing the possibility of collaboration. Hanks was now very curious about the "Little Miss Sunshine" script. A project that could cause such a stir was definitely not ordinary.

As for Focus Features giving it up, that was not important at all. Warner Bros. had once passed on "Forrest Gump" in 1988, hard to believe, right? At the time, they thought Forrest was too similar to "Rain Man" and offered no surprises. It wasn't until 1993 that Paramount produced this classic.

This is the film industry. Before it's made, no one knows what it will be. Don't deify the script, but don't underestimate it either.

Ye Wei took out the script and handed it to Hanks, saying solemnly, "I have one thing to clarify. If we can collaborate on 'Little Miss Sunshine,' in any way, I want to be the lead producer and director. This is my condition for collaboration. I'm arrogant, but I have the talent to back it up."

"The success of 'Dance of the Angels' speaks for itself. I'll read the script first." Hanks didn't react strongly, his expression still kind as he started reading the script.

Ye Wei didn't interrupt, quietly enjoying the French cuisine on the table, observing Hanks' expression: serious, interested, as if he had found a treasure. His face showed subtle acting expressions, the reaction of an actor reading a beloved script!

He couldn't help but feel happy and proud. Focus Features, you were willing to sell such a good script, now it's someone else's, and you can't take it back!

After a while, his phone vibrated with an incoming call. Ye Wei took it out and saw it was Lowitt. He frowned, "Tom, Lowitt is calling me. I'll see what he wants to say."

"Okay." Hanks looked up and continued reading the script.

"Son of a bitch, what do you want?" Ye Wei cursed as soon as he answered.

"Ha ha ha! Kid, shouldn't you come to Santa Monica?" Lowitt's voice on the phone was full of arrogance, "Kevin Thomas, you know him, right? I found him, and he told me some things. That private compensation contract won't work. Wei Duo Image has other partners, right? How dare you put the money in your family's bank account? If this gets out, what do you think will happen?"

Ye Wei was suddenly furious. A few scoundrels were colluding! Damn! He tried to calm down, "Save it. That contract was drafted by a professional lawyer. We made sure it was valid before signing it. You can't scare anyone!"

"Valid? Kevin Thomas cooked the books so much, and you didn't expose or sue him. Instead, you colluded with him, causing losses to other partners. Is that valid?"

Lowitt laughed happily, feeling relieved to have this leverage, "Kid, I know more about the law than you. Maybe your dad will go to jail, maybe not, but the $500,000 your family took will definitely have to be returned to the company. And your family's reputation, your reputation... ha ha! If you did this, will the Dream Chasers be clean? Do you think those parents will let you off? Kid, I told you, it's not the right time, it's not the time for you to act out!"

"You... you..." Ye Wei's fists trembled, Kevin Thomas must have gotten something to make him admit to cooking the books and drag them down...

Hanks had already looked up, his face showing confusion. What's going on?

"Now I'm giving you one more chance. Come to Cheyenne Enterprises immediately and sign the contract, selling the script to us for $600,000, and everything will be fine! If you still don't know your place, all the investors in Wei Duo Image and the Dream Chasers will know your dirty deeds!

But if you admit your mistake and apologize to us, you might still get some screen time during the film's promotion, genius kid, ha ha."

"FUCK YOU!" Ye Wei cursed, his face red with anger, but his resolve unwavering, "Go ahead, do it. I told you, I'm not afraid of you! I'm not afraid at all! Have the guts to send me to jail! Tell Kevin Thomas, fuck him!"

He hung up, looked at Hanks, and covered his forehead, "Sorry, Tom, I'm too angry..."

"What happened?" Hanks asked with concern.

Ye Wei sighed and recounted the "My Life in Ruins" incident and Lowitt's threats. He said angrily, "I'm already remaking 'My Life in Ruins' on my own! I just need time to make it profitable and return the investors' money.

That private embezzlement is a lie! My family invested $1.8 million, holding 78% of the shares! What embezzlement? Those bastards! But I'm not afraid, I just need to explain more to the investors... They want to steal 'Little Miss Sunshine'? Dream on!"

Hanks frowned, his kind face showing a hint of anger, "Don't worry, you don't need to be concerned. I've heard that Willis doesn't intend to harass you. These things are probably Lowitt's idea. That guy is like that, I've never approved of him."

He took out his phone and quickly dialed someone, saying sternly, "Lowitt, come to the漏勺 on Main Street! Ye Wei and I are here. Come over, and we'll clear things up."

Ye Wei was surprised and put another spoonful of caviar in his mouth, crunching!

...

On the other side, in the CEO's office of Cheyenne Enterprises, Lowitt was stunned. Tom Hanks...! Hanks and Ye Wei having lunch? What's going on!?

He looked at the puzzled Rifkin and the smiling Kevin Thomas, his face turning very ugly, "That damn kid... damn it!!"

Tom Hanks' influence was too great, the biggest actor client of CAA. Lowitt didn't dare not go, and he didn't dare to delay. He immediately rushed to the漏勺 on Main Street, making all sorts of guesses along the way. Why did Hanks get involved, and what did he mean by calling him over...

A few minutes later, Lowitt entered the漏勺 restaurant. The two had already finished lunch and were enjoying dessert.

Seeing Ye Wei talking and laughing, and the "Little Miss Sunshine" script and "Dance of the Angels" storyboards on the table in front of Hanks, with the great man looking appreciative, Lowitt's heart sank. What happened? That kid... what luck!

He kept his face calm, walked over, and greeted, "Hey, Tom!" Then he looked at Ye Wei and smiled, "This is a cunning kid, very good at lying..."

"You don't need to say more. I have a few questions for you. Tell me the truth." Hanks interrupted him, his voice authoritative, his gaze sharp. At this moment, he was not just the kind Forrest, but the highest superstar in Hollywood, "I know I can get the truth, so don't lie to me."

"Yes, you can certainly..." Lowitt's calmness couldn't hold, feeling embarrassed in front of this kid...

Ye Wei leisurely ate his pudding, smiling, and said silently, "Someone is in trouble."

Hanks asked, "First, is 'Dance of the Angels' Ye Wei's work?"

"Um... 'Dance of the Angels'..." Lowitt hesitated but had to answer truthfully, "It's his work. Whether he plagiarized or not, I don't know."

Hanks' gaze became even sharper, "Second, did you conspire to steal the 'Little Miss Sunshine' project?"

"Tom, it was a well-intentioned lie! The conditions we offered him were not bad at all..." Lowitt quickly tried to justify himself.

"Stop talking." Hanks interrupted him again, his eyes filled with anger, "Third, did you suppress this young man, spread rumors, threaten, and intimidate him, and plan to make him disappear from the film industry?"

Lowitt really didn't want to answer. He looked around; although no other customers could hear, admitting to Hanks was like signing his own death warrant...

Damn! He waved his hands frantically, his face red, adjusting his almost falling glasses, "You don't know how bad this kid is. He used the F-word to curse Bruce! I just wanted to teach him a lesson to help him grow. We value him very much..."

"Enough!" Hanks suddenly couldn't hold back and slapped the table, not hard, but the anger in his eyes was intense, glaring at Lowitt and scolding him:

"The reputation of the film industry is ruined by people like you. Instead of protecting talented young people, you do this! Lowitt, whatever you plan to do, stop it. Restore Ye's reputation and don't bother him anymore. Otherwise, I'll make sure you can't stay at CAA!"

Ye Wei suddenly spoke up, "I need an apology from him, just a simple 'I'm sorry.'"

"That's fair." Hanks nodded.

Lowitt's face was a mix of colors, helplessly calling out, "Tom, Tom..." Don't do this, Hanks!

Hanks kept a stern face, not saying another word. Lowitt knew it was useless. This great man had decided to stand by the damn kid. Although he was a big agent, he was just a small fry in front of a true great, just a 10% man.

"Oh..." Lowitt suddenly laughed, a laugh uglier than a cry, "Kid, I'm sorry. I was too angry before. Let's just leave it at that. What I said on the phone doesn't count, let's just leave it at that..."

"My name is Ye Wei, not kid." Ye Wei said coldly, taking another bite of pudding.

"Wei, I'm sorry!" Lowitt almost exploded but held back, glancing at Hanks. He couldn't stay, even the thick-skinned 10% man couldn't stay! He smiled at the great man, "Tom, I'll go. You decide on this."

Hanks nodded slightly and added, "Remember not to play any more tricks. I really appreciate this young man."

Looking at Lowitt's liver-colored face, Ye Wei felt a deep sense of relief, laughing and quoting a classic line from "Forrest Gump": "Miracles happen every day, don't they?"

Page flip AD starts

Page flip AD ends