Chapter 81

Americans have a certain disdain for other ethnic groups, but in fact, there has never been a distinct "American" ethnicity on this planet. What is meant by the melting pot of world ethnicities? It is a country composed of a group of invaders, exiles, speculators, and the innocent who were trafficked here. Americans look down upon Asians, African Americans, Jews, Indians, and Scots, but in reality, their own ancestors were a group of failures who could not make it in their original homelands and thus came to America. Otherwise, who would risk being swallowed by the sea and ending up as fish food to come to this then-barbaric land? Yet, after the two World Wars, this group of people made some war profits and rose to prominence. Despite always advocating for equality, democracy, and freedom, the term "racial discrimination" was specifically created for this ugly country.

Below, Li Jingming was very clear about what was being discussed. It was nothing more than the fact that seeing an Asian person as a producer had touched a sensitive nerve among these Americans. There are many Asians who have achieved success in the American film industry, the most famous being the great director Ang Lee, who won the Best Director Oscar. However, not only is Ang Lee thoroughly American, but he is only a director. If Ang Lee wanted to start his own company like "Dream Weaver" Spielberg, it would be impossible. Similarly, demanding a large share of the profits like "King of the World" Cameron would also be impossible. Just by putting these three examples together, it is clear that Americans would rather accept a Jew (Spielberg), a Canadian (Cameron), but not an Asian (Ang Lee).

"Do you think your investment in this film is for the purpose of entering the American film industry?" A reporter asked a seemingly innocent question, but it was clearly aimed at a specific target.

Li Jingming was extremely arrogant; how could he have a good attitude when someone said such things to him? "I invested out of regret that an excellent script did not receive recognition and out of pain that an excellent screenwriter did not receive acknowledgment. Of course, I am referring to 'Juno' and its author, Diablo Cody."

"Then you are saying that the other companies in Hollywood that rejected 'Juno' were all blind?" This was big news; an Asian person boldly criticizing the eight major film giants and challenging the traditional Hollywood system was the best news material.

"These companies may have their own considerations. I am not them, so I do not know what they think. Therefore, I cannot say they were blind. It would be better to say they lacked the spirit of adventure." Li Jingming shrugged, and his mocking expression was almost like pointing at Hollywood and calling the big companies cowards.

"Are you an Asian American or of another nationality?" Another reporter asked.

"Korean."

"Do you think you can handle the job of producing this film? Personally, I don't think you can." This seemed like a small question, but it was essentially a provocation, equivalent to a personal attack.

Li Jingming sneered, "Do you know my age? Do you know my life experiences? Do you know my work situation? Do you know my educational background?"

"I don't know, and I don't need to know." The American reporter said arrogantly. He was a standard racist, and his father had once worn a white robe and a white pointed hood (please look up white supremacy).

"Without knowing anything, you dare to conclude whether someone is capable or not. I think when the U.S. invaded Iraq, you didn't know whether they had weapons of mass destruction or oil, and you didn't need to know, right?" Li Jingming directly exposed the logic of the aggressor. "Not needing to know? Is that the American way of dealing with the world?"

"Of course not, that's his personal opinion."

"How can that be? America is a rigorous country."

"We always investigate before we act."

The other reporters should have given this stupid pig a few slaps to wake him up. Was this human talk? What does "not needing to know" mean?

The anti-war sentiment among the American public has always been high, reaching a peak in recent years. This war, fought only for the rich, has already caused widespread opposition among the lower classes, who have lost their loved ones while the upper-class rich have benefited. If this reporter dared to speak for the American bureaucrats and capitalists who stand against the people, he would likely face a deadly end. Not a joking death, but a real one. There are countless veterans in America with nothing to do, suffering from various psychological disorders and possessing strong military skills. One day, after a few drinks, they might really go and give him a taste of their wrath.

"I don't care how you got in here or how you plan to write this report, whether you are prepared to receive a lawyer's letter and lose all your underwear. But what I want to say is this: many traditional Hollywood filmmakers have lost their spirit of adventure. It's time to regain that spirit." Li Jingming's words were firm and resolute. He has always been a self-centered person and would not be influenced by a few small reporters.

After saying this, Li Jingming left directly. He came here to show his presence, but having his name appear in the credits would also be justified. He came to visit his employees, not to argue with these reporters. As Li Jingming left, the reporters calmed down. Although the film itself was already a hot topic, the reporters had already gathered the sensational material they wanted—a arrogant Asian. Nothing could be more appealing to readers. These reporters regretted that 'Juno' had just started filming; if it had already been released, they could have given Li Jingming a taste of their power. But now they could only wait, and only after 'Juno' was released and failed could they do so.

Li Jingming waited on the side, and soon the press conference ended. The first to come over to shake hands was Diablo Cody. Over the past year, Diablo Cody had been deeply troubled by her work. A very good script had faced many rejections due to its subject matter. Just when she was about to give up in despair, Li Jingming appeared, giving her the opportunity to bring 'Juno' to the big screen. A work is like a child to its author; how could she not want her child to be the focus of attention? Diablo Cody had faced much skepticism in America, a country that not only discriminates against other ethnicities but also against women. Li Jingming's two "excellents" had completely won her over.

"How about it, guys, our movie is about to start shooting. Excited?" Li Jingming did not say this without reason. His film company was full of people who had been marginalized or unappreciated by other companies, but they were all skilled and talented. Now, they no longer had to suffer from being marginalized and could start shooting their own works, so they were naturally excited. The director and screenwriter were also excited that their beloved script was finally going to be brought to the big screen. Director Jason Reitman was the key person who convinced Diablo Cody to turn 'Juno' from a serialized novel into a film script. During the time when no one was willing to fund 'Juno,' he had been tirelessly seeking investments and giving Diablo Cody encouragement and support. 'Juno' also contained a lot of his hard work.

The male lead, Michael Cera, was also very excited. Although he had acted in many films, he had never really broken through. Now, with such a sensitive subject and a $10 million independent film, he had never heard of anyone investing $10 million in an independent film. Michael Cera saw the hope of success, and he was very confident in the script, having developed a good script appreciation ability over the years in Hollywood.

The only one who might not be as excited was Ellen Page. She was a rising star in Hollywood with a bright future. Without mentioning other things, in 2007 alone, she had five film shooting plans. Ellen Page, who had shot both small and large productions, took on this film because she was very interested in the character of Juno. Even after her agent's strong persuasion, she insisted on accepting the invitation to 'Juno.' Being invited to audition and submitting a resume to audition are two different things, so it was no surprise that Ellen Page got the role of the female lead.

Originally, Ellen Page was only interested in the film itself, but today she saw someone who interested her even more. This person looked younger than she, the "Hollywood rising star" (in reality, Li Jingming was one year older than Ellen Page), but he was assertive and arrogant, unlike any Asian she had ever met. In Ellen Page's impression, all Asians were always humble, gentle, and accommodating. Li Jingming was the first Asian she had seen who was so bold and arrogant.

"Hello, Mr. Producer." Ellen Page went up to greet Li Jingming first. On the set, the director is the biggest authority during filming, but at other times, the producer is the biggest, representing the investors. Ellen Page, both professionally and personally, needed to build a good relationship with Li Jingming. Despite her young age, she had been in Hollywood for many years and knew all the necessary skills.

Li Jingming's reaction was completely different from his attitude in front of the reporters, very sunny: "Hello, call me Jamie, our lovely and beautiful leading lady."

"Don't you even know my name?" Ellen Page lowered her guard under Li Jingming's smile, and people of the same age always get along better.

"How could I not? I've been a fan of Miss Page since 'Hard Candy' came out." Li Jingming subtly flattered her, knowing that he had only learned about 'Hard Candy' last week. "Your acting is great, and that's one of the reasons we invited you."

Ellen Page was very happy; no one dislikes being praised, especially women. "Thank you, but acting is just one reason. What are the others?"

"Of course, it's your beauty." Li Jingming's smile was particularly charming and particularly flattering.