Chapter 338: hold together

   "Of course." Chen Zonghui agreed without hesitation.

After the two agreed on a meeting place, they immediately hung up the phone.

"Dongcheng, what happened? You seem to be in a bad mood since meeting Mr. Arnold and his wife." Patricia asked, pressing on Zhang Dongcheng's shoulder from behind.

With black and smooth hair hanging down, she looked at Zhang Dongcheng with her cheek sideways. The watery eyes were full of worry.

"No! It's nothing, it's just that some things can't be figured out for a while." Zhang Dongcheng shook his head and said.

"Really?" Patricia gently kissed Zhang Dongcheng's side face, and said, "If you can't figure it out, then don't think about it. What do you think about so much? My great director!"

Hearing Patricia's soft words, Zhang Dongcheng turned around and hugged Patricia in his arms, and said, "There are some things you don't understand!"

Patricia, who grew up in the United States, really doesn't understand. What Zhang Dongcheng is worried about now is that he is likely to be used as a gun by some gangs.

In the United States, the life of Chinese Americans is indeed difficult. Compared with the blacks, he is half a catty. Zhang Dongcheng, who can be regarded as successful and famous now, doesn't mind helping his compatriots if he can.

But it must be voluntary, if someone plots against him, Zhang Dongcheng will feel very upset! No one wants to be thought a fool. The same is true for Zhang Dongcheng, especially with the increasingly different status and status, Zhang Dongcheng hates being calculated by others more and more.

The place where I met Chen Zonghui was a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown, Los Angeles.

The decoration style is quite classic. When he walked into it, Zhang Dongcheng felt that this place could directly let the costume crew come in and use it as a filming location, without any decoration.

Of course, the lights on the roof still need to be covered up. Apart from a few modern touches, this Chinese restaurant feels like it's been stepped back in time.

"Mr. Zhang, long time no see!" Just after walking to the lobby, a Chinese man in a neat suit walked towards Zhang Dongcheng quickly and said hello from a distance.

"Mr. Chen, hello!" A formulaic smile appeared on Zhang Dongcheng's face.

"I've already reserved a box, let's talk while eating!" Chen Zonghui enthusiastically brought Zhang Dongcheng to the box.

With strong Chinese-style mahogany chairs, the round table is already filled with typical Chinese dishes that are delicious in color, fragrance and taste.

After being seated, Chen Zonghui explained: "This restaurant is different from other places. In most Chinese restaurants in the United States, you can no longer find authentic Chinese taste. In order to cater to American tastes, many dishes have become very sugary. Like. Only this restaurant, the boss still insists on making authentic Chinese dishes, and the food here is very famous among us Chinese. You should try it first!"

While listening to Chen Zonghui's explanation, Zhang Dongcheng picked up a piece of crystal shrimp with chopsticks and put it in his mouth.

After chewing for a while, Zhang Dongcheng had to admit that what Chen Zonghui said was right, the dishes here are indeed different from those in other places. It still maintains the authentic Chinese taste and has not changed to cater to American tastes.

Chinese people are used to discussing issues at the dinner table. Zhang Dongcheng, as a Chinese who grew up in China and didn’t study in the UK until university, naturally developed such a habit.

Although Chen Zonghui can't even speak Chinese clearly, this guy is proud of his identity as a Chinese, and he obviously has three flavors in it.

Wine after three rounds of food and five flavors. Zhang Dongcheng put down his chopsticks.

When Chen Zonghui saw this, he immediately stopped chopsticks. Raising his wine glass, he said, "Mr. Zhang, we have almost eaten. I wonder if you have anything to do with me this time?"

Zhang Dongcheng took out a napkin and wiped the grease stains from the corner of his mouth, and said, "Mr. Chen, is it difficult for us Chinese Americans to live in the United States?"

Chen Zonghui lowered his eyes, and said with some doubts in his tone: "What does Mr. Zhang mean?"

The acting skills are too bad, not as good as Adaman! Zhang Dongcheng slandered in his heart. He said directly: "Mr. Chen, let's open the skylight and speak brightly. Last time you asked me to join the Four Seas Poetry Club, it must not be as simple as wanting to talk about poetry and poetry with me, right? Everyone is smart, so let's talk Understand. I am also of Chinese descent. If I can help, I will naturally not refuse. But I don't like others to plot against me. Do you understand?"

"Hahaha..." Chen Zonghui laughed loudly, raised his glass, and said, "It's my fault, I'll punish myself with a drink!"

As soon as the words fell, Chen Zonghui directly drank the wine in the glass.

After putting down the cup, Chen Zonghui said frankly: "Mr. Zhang guessed right. It is indeed not that simple for me to invite you to join the Four Seas Poetry Club!"

Zhang Dongcheng said nothing, waiting for him to continue.

"Mr. Zhang also said before that the life of Chinese Americans in the United States is not easy. Only those who really live here can understand the filth of this country that advertises itself as democratic and free." Chen Zonghui sighed with emotion road.

Paused, he continued: "From the last century..."

"Stop!" Zhang Dongcheng suddenly said, "Mr. Chen, let's not talk about those old sesame seeds and rotten millet. When I was studying in China, I was good at modern history!"

Chen Zonghui was so embarrassed that the corners of his mouth twitched twice. She smiled embarrassingly and said, "Okay, then I'll simply say it!"

A person who likes poetry is usually a bit of a young man, and as the vice president of the Four Seas Poetry Club, Chen Zonghui is even more so. When speaking, I always habitually express my compassion and impassionedness!

But Zhang Dongcheng is not interested in talking like this.

"Among the Chinese Americans, Mr. Zhang's achievements and influence are among the best. We hope that Mr. Zhang will not forget his roots, and try his best to help those compatriots who are struggling in life if he is able!" Chen Zonghui said.

"If you are poor, you will be alone, and if you are rich, you will benefit the world!" Zhang Dongcheng nodded. Said: "I understand what you mean, but what do you want me to do?"

"Mr. Zhang, you think too much!" Chen Zonghui laughed and said, "In fact, the purpose of our contact with you is not as complicated as you imagined. It's just that we are all Chinese, and you have a pivotal role in the United States and the world." Influence, we just hope that if possible, you can stand on the side of the Chinese!"

Maybe because he was afraid that Zhang Dongcheng would not understand what he meant, Chen Zonghui made a special analogy. "For example, when the government promulgates policies that are unfavorable to us Chinese, we hope you can stand with us!"

"You?" Zhang Dongcheng grasped the question keenly.

"Yes, it's us." Chen Zonghui said: "We are all Chinese, and we are in this foreign country. Of course, the connection will be closer. For example, East West Bank, which has had contact with you."

Speaking of East West Bank, Zhang Dongcheng immediately thought of a person. Claude Chen.

Both of them have the surname Chen. Is there any connection between them?

Perhaps seeing Zhang Dongcheng's doubts, Chen Zonghui explained in advance: "Claude Chen, who has been in contact with you, is my family. If you count according to the genealogy, it should be my father's generation. I should call him uncle, but the relationship has gone through five servers, so he is no longer a good relative."

"So that's it!" Zhang Dongcheng suddenly understood, it seems that Chinese Americans are indeed very close, and those who have achieved a little bit know each other. In addition to being an ethnic group, it is more because in such a foreign environment, everyone instinctively wants to get close.

"So, I don't know if I need to join some kind of organization?" After all, Zhang Dongcheng came from a grassroots background, and he doesn't know very well about those things in the upper class.

In the novels and stories I have read, there seems to be some kind of organization. Let's make an alliance with blood and discuss major issues together!

Chen Zonghui looked strange for a while, and said: "Mr. Zhang, this is not the era before. We can't talk about any organization at all, and there are times when we don't like each other. It's just that we let each other off. Just take a stand!"

"So that's the case!" Zhang Dongcheng smiled sheepishly, and said, "It seems that I did misunderstand."

"It doesn't matter. When we meet next time, I hope that Mr. Zhang can come over when he is free, and meet our friends in the Chinese circle by the way!" Chen Zonghui explained.

"Okay. Mr. Chen can contact me directly when the time comes!" Zhang Dongcheng readily agreed.

After understanding Chen Zonghui's intentions, Zhang Dongcheng's previous haze in his heart dissipated. The mood is smooth!

In the final analysis, people like Chen Zonghui are not going to take advantage of themselves, but they are all Chinese, and they instinctively want to form a group.

This is the inevitable circle in any culture in the world.

To put it mildly, students in the same class will have a good relationship with whom. To put it bluntly, this is the situation now.

There is no organization and no rules. It’s just that everyone is of Chinese descent and helps each other when possible.

Originally, Zhang Dongcheng still wanted to ask Chen Zonghui about Arnold, but after understanding their nature, Zhang Dongcheng dismissed this idea. Anyway, they just help each other. Consulting him will only make things more troublesome.

In the end, Zhang Dongcheng trusts Chen Zonghui more by nature. After all, everyone is of Chinese descent, and Maria is not only from the Kennedy family, but also a staunch supporter of her husband Arnold Schwarzenegger. There is no reason to remind Zhang Dongcheng of anything. What she said before may be misleading herself.

After thinking about this, the communication between Zhang Dongcheng and Chen Zonghui suddenly became much more enjoyable.

After finishing the communication with Chen Zonghui, Zhang Dongcheng walked towards the villa in a relaxed manner.

Recalling that Chen Zonghui invited him to a party of Chinese descent, Zhang Dongcheng smiled.

There are really all kinds of people who come to this kind of gathering, including all kinds of religions and nine streams. Besides Claude Chen from East West Bank, Zhang Dongcheng also knows Ang Lee!

That’s right, the real director of Brokeback Mountain in the future, Ang Lee.

Besides that, there is Zhao Xiaolan! Maybe when it comes to this name, not many people know it, but after the 2001 US election, she will become the 24th US Secretary of Labor. She is the first Chinese American to enter the cabinet in American history, and also the first Asian woman in the cabinet.

Of course, it is only 1998 now, and 1999 is about to enter, Zhao Xiaolan has not yet achieved the brilliant achievements in the future.

After returning to the villa all the way, Zhang Dongcheng saw Patricia lying sideways on the sofa watching TV as soon as Zhang Dongcheng entered, her two white and tender legs were constantly swinging according to the owner's mood.

The nightgown, as thin as a cicada's wings, was put on her body, which couldn't hide Patricia's graceful figure at all.

"Dongcheng, you're back!" Hearing the sound of the door opening, Patricia immediately came to Zhang Dongcheng like a baby swallow returning to the forest, and held his arm affectionately.

After spending the night with Patricia, her vacation ended and she had to return to ZDC to continue the work of the host.

And Zhang Dongcheng also buried his head in the scattered negatives, and began to be busy with the editing work of Brokeback Mountain.

Boom boom boom...

Zhang Dongcheng, who was staring at the scene of Brokeback Mountain on the screen, suddenly heard a knock on the door.

Frowning slightly, Zhang Dongcheng, who disliked being disturbed during his working hours, came to the door.

During this period of time, Adaman was the only one knocking on the door.

"Hey, Smith, what time do you plan to go tomorrow?" Adaman opened his mouth and asked such a question.

Zhang Dongcheng was stunned for a moment, then said blankly: "What time will you go tomorrow? What did you say?"

Adaman's face turned dark. Of course, although he is very dark, his gloomy face can still be seen. "God! Smith, you don't suffer from amnesia, do you? Have you forgotten? Tomorrow is the day when Mr. Michael Jackson invites you to a private banquet!"

"Oh! ****!" Zhang Dongcheng slapped his forehead. His reaction also made Adaman see it. This guy literally forgot about Michael Jackson's invitation.

"Well, I really forgot. There are too many things these two days!" Zhang Dongcheng explained.

It's not that he's joking. In the past two days, Zhang Dongcheng has indeed encountered many things.

In addition to having a weird relationship with Rachel and finally getting together, there is also meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife on the road, being misled by Maria, and eating with Chen Zonghui.

After a series of events, Zhang Dongcheng still remembered Michael Jackson's invitation. Besides, this matter itself was just mentioned by Adaman.

"****! I don't want to hear your explanation. Tell me first, what time do you plan to go there tomorrow?" Adaman took a deep breath, suppressing his dissatisfaction.

"Didn't you say afternoon?" Zhang Dongcheng asked suspiciously.

"OK. I don't care when you go, remember to let me know." Adaman urged.

"Adaman, aren't you afraid that our relationship will be misunderstood?" Zhang Dongcheng asked curiously. You must know that not long ago, I just said this casually, and Adaman left in a state of disappointment. Why has this family changed **** in just two days?

"Of course I'm not afraid!" Adaman took out an invitation card from his pocket smugly, and said, "Did you see it? I also received an invitation from Mr. Michael Jackson!"

"Oh!" Seeing Adaman showing off, Zhang Dongcheng replied flatly: "In this case, please remember to notify me tomorrow! Anyway, everyone has received the invitation, so why not go together!"

"I thought so too, that's why I came to you!" Adaman agreed wholeheartedly. This is an invitation from Michael Jackson.

For Adaman, Michael Jackson is the number one idol in his mind. Nobody can compare to Michael Jackson.

"Smith, do you know what happened to Rachel these two days?" Adaman suddenly changed the subject, and began to ask questions about Rachel. "Since she signed the contract last time, she has not heard from her again."

"Huh?" Zhang Dongcheng suddenly became embarrassed. The reason why there is no news about Rachel is because he had an unexpected relationship with him that day?

"I'm not very clear about this, but I think it must be because she was a little tired during this time. After all, she was busy promoting The Mummy 2 not long ago. After signing with our company, she hasn't had a good rest yet!" Zhang Dongcheng spoke nonsense with his eyes open.

Adaman believed it, nodded and said: "So that's it, I thought something happened to her. I planned to discuss with her about the agent, it seems that we should talk about it in a few days!"

Every famous actor will have an agent by his side. Dealing with various things for actors, such as attendance at events, advertising contracts, movie appointments, and program invitations are all handled by agents.

Of course, if you meet a strong actor, the rights of the agent will be greatly reduced. For example, when Zhang Dongcheng signed the contract with Nicolas Cage, as long as he put down a check for 20 million US dollars, Nicholas would not even have the script. Signed without looking. Poor his manager is like an angry little daughter-in-law, dare not speak out!

Now it is time to choose an agent for Rachel, so Zhang Dongcheng will definitely ask. The relationship between the agent and the actor is quite close. After all, the agent knows too many secrets of the actor, once these secrets are exposed. It is likely to completely destroy a popular movie star.

Rachel is already Zhang Dongcheng's woman, of course he will not arrange an unreliable manager for Rachel. Of course, it is best to choose a woman, even a man would make Zhang Dongcheng feel uncomfortable.

I have to admit that sometimes Zhang Dongcheng is very cautious.

"Who is the agent you arranged for Rachel? Let me meet him!" Zhang Dongcheng demanded.

Adaman's expression suddenly became strange when he heard the words. Looking up and down on Zhang Dongcheng's body, he said, "Smith, you won't be with Rachel, are you?"

His suspicion was not unfounded. When he called Zhang Dongcheng that day, he was doing that kind of thing. And Zhang Dongcheng knew about Rachel's matter too clearly.

Now I have to ask Rachel's agent again, no matter how you look at it, it seems that there is adultery between the two!

Zhang Dongcheng blushed, coughed dryly, and said, "Why do you ask so many questions? Hurry up and let me know, I want to see Rachel's manager!"

"No need, you know Rachel's manager!" Adaman said with a suppressed smile, his cheeks twitching. He rarely saw Zhang Dongcheng showing such an embarrassing expression.

"I know?" Zhang Dongcheng asked suspiciously, "Who is it?"

"Atlante!" Adaman replied.

"It's her?" Zhang Dongcheng's expression suddenly turned ugly. If this woman hadn't helped him back then and pushed Gavin into the pit and couldn't get out of it, Zhang Dongcheng would never have let such a scheming woman enter his company.

Not to mention anything else, if she cheated herself like she did with Gavin that day, Zhang Dongcheng would absolutely not accept it!

"That's right!" Adaman knew that Zhang Dongcheng didn't like Atlanta, and explained: "She has joined our company for a while, but she hasn't received any film contracts. It's a bit too much to stay here as an operator." It's a pity. And I think she is still very good at communicating with people, so I arranged for her to act as Rachel's manager for a while!"

A scheming woman of course knows how to communicate with others. To put it clichédly, Atlante is a guy who buries his own thoughts deep in his heart, talks to people, and talks nonsense when he sees people.

If she enters the harem of ancient Chinese emperors, she may not be able to become the second Wu Zetian. Of course, such an evaluation may be a bit exaggerated, but it undoubtedly shows Zhang Dongcheng's fear and vigilance towards her.

Seeing that Zhang Dongcheng was silent and already knew the relationship between him and Rachel, Adaman immediately said: "If you think it's inappropriate, I can replace her!"

To be honest, Zhang Dongcheng really thinks that Atlanta is not suitable. If she becomes Rachel's manager, then her relationship with Rachel will definitely be known to her. His own interests sold him out.

"Let's replace it. After all, Atlante graduated from the acting department, so it's not suitable to be an agent." Zhang Dongcheng readily agreed. Also explained the reason by the way.

"Then how will Atlanta arrange it? Could it be that she has been kept in the company?" Adaman asked a little worried.

"What? Is there any problem with her staying in the company?" Zhang Dongcheng asked suspiciously.

"No! That's not true." Adaman shook his head.

"Since it's not, then leave her alone. The contract we signed with her at the beginning was an actor's contract, and we planned to give her the opportunity to appear on the scene within a certain period of time." Zhang Dongcheng explained: "Next year we will still start shooting a lot at the same time. Movies, there will always be a chance at that time! It is not appropriate to arrange for her to work as an agent now!"

Zhang Dongcheng didn't forget how Atlante tricked Gavin back then. Although I don't know what's going on with Gavin now, but one thing is certain, this guy's life is definitely not easy.