After Liu Yifei finished speaking, Eric understood.
Although she didn't state it too clearly, the meaning was well-conveyed.
Having been an insider before his transmigration, who didn't know the gossip about Chen Jinfei and the Liu mother-daughter duo? Rumors and scandals were everywhere.
Aside from those involved, outsiders naturally found it hard to distinguish fact from fiction, but at least the identity of 'godfather' was confirmed. As for whether it involved being kept, that's hard to say.
It might exist? Or it might genuinely be a familial bond. As Yingzi would say, 'This is hard to judge!'
However, ever since the Liu mother-daughter duo connected with him, the resources Chen Jinfei could offer clearly seemed less appealing to them.
In this era, who would act in TV dramas when they could act in movies?
Who would develop their career in mainland China when they could act in Hollywood movies?
It's an open-book test; the answer is right there on the paper.
Moreover, Liu Yifei was already an American, having immigrated at a very young age. The culture she was exposed to was more aligned with American society.
However, having enjoyed the resource dividends, even if it was a mutually beneficial transaction...
But now, planning to kick her patron aside, Chen Jinfei was naturally displeased. His intention to have her star in the return of the condor heroes was also clear: he hoped she would stay by his side.
If that guy only wanted Liu Xiaoli, Eric wouldn't bother, since their relationship was purely physical. He'd already played around with her enough; he didn't need another one.
But Liu Yifei was different. He was cultivating her and paving her way, intending to bring her into his harem.
It would be boring with only fair-skinned women. He even wanted Halle Berry; a rainbow flag would be most vibrant.
How could he let someone else take the meat that was already at his mouth!
Hmm, Chen Jinfei probably thought the same way.
"You want me to help you break free from Chen Jinfei's control?"
He spoke very bluntly, and Liu Yifei nodded.
"What exactly does this person do?"
Little Liu thought for a moment: "He has his own company, his own industries, but I don't know much about them. It seems the fields involved are quite complex, including real estate, finance, chemicals, and so on."
"Is it a conglomerate?"
"Yes, it's called Tongchan Group. Oh, and also building materials. That should also be one of its main businesses."
"Is he very rich? Has the group gone public?"
"I remember it did. Chen Jinfei is the largest shareholder. I just remembered something; he even made it onto the Forbes rich list."
Hearing this, Eric became slightly more serious. Those who could make it onto that list usually possessed considerable influence.
For example, Ding Sanshi of NetEase was included last year. A net worth of 1 billion US dollars is significant even in America, and certainly carries greater influence in China.
"What's his net worth?"
"Over 200 million, less than 300 million US dollars. He was 17th on China's rich list."
Pfft!
Eric immediately burst out laughing. So you were talking about China's rich list; I thought you meant the global rich list.
"300 million? Is that all?"
"Is 300 million US dollars little? Converted to RMB, it's 2.5 billion. I heard that high-ranking officials in Yanjing City treat him as an honored guest."
"And 300 million is his personal net worth; his company must be worth even more. In short, my mother should know more. Why don't we ask her?"
Hahahahaha
Eric laughed non-stop: "Crystal, do you know how much my company is worth?"
"I don't know."
"Uh!"
Liu Yifei's straightforward denial made him choke. He had to put on a show here.
"How can you not know? Don't you usually follow my news?"
"I do! Aren't you constantly battling The Big Six lately, and there's the Gal Gadot situation? I know all about it in China; the media there reported it."
"Aside from entertainment and gossip? Don't you pay attention to anything else? For example, I recently became the chairman of Hasbro's board of directors, did you know that?"
Little Liu shook her head blankly again.
"Sigh... Then do you know how many companies I own?"
"MGM, and then Lionheart Network, and... and..." Liu Yifei struggled for a while but still couldn't come up with anything.
"Alright, seeing how much you're struggling, go back and ask your mother properly, then write me a thousand-word reflection."
"Hehe."
"As for Chen Jinfei, cross-border issues are indeed a bit tricky to handle. I'll make a call and ask. Coincidentally, there's someone over there who can deal with it."
Pulling the car over to the side of the road, Eric dialed Zhou Xiaopeng's number.
At the beginning of this year, as Old Han was promoted and confirmed, Zhou Xiaopeng also changed positions.
After all, in China, the entertainment industry's scale is so small. Even if it develops for another 20 years, it will only be in the tens or hundreds of billions.
Purely relying on box office support, without developing Supporting facilities peripherals and copyright extensions, the industry cannot grow large.
Compared to the real economy, it's miles behind. It's only because the film and television industry has the advantage of great influence that it receives attention.
Eric rubbed Liu Yifei's Crystal-clear little hand while making the call.
"Lao Zhou, are you busy?"
"Just finished an emergency meeting. Your call came at the perfect time."
"Hehe... Then I guess I made it in time."
"It's rare for a big boss like you to call personally. Is it about your factory? Don't worry, the procedures are being processed. It should be done in two or three days."
Eric paused, thinking he had misunderstood, and then casually asked, "Are you getting along well with Chen Xing? I specifically told him to find you first to pay his respects when he arrived in China."
"Hahaha, very well. He's young and promising, just like you. Most importantly, he understands Chinese and speaks Mandarin, so communication is much easier than with Ms. Susan."
"That's a relief. Please continue to look after the factory. But calling you so late at night is actually about another matter."
"Tell me."
"I'm looking for someone, do you know Chen Jinfei?"
"Yes, I know him. The boss of Hongxingwu. I knew him when I was at the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television."
"Good that you know him. I'd like to ask for your help as a middleman. My good friend Liu Yifei is an artist under his company."
"Now she wants to shift her career focus to Hollywood, but Chen Jinfei doesn't want to let her go. Can you help?"
"Of course, I won't make it difficult for you. The breach of contract fee will be paid, and compensation can be given as appropriate, but I hope he releases her as soon as possible."
As the former director of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, Zhou Xiaopeng had also heard about the relationship between the Liu mother-daughter duo and Chen Jinfei. He immediately understood that this was an attempt to snatch someone from a tiger's mouth.
But Chen Jinfei was also a prominent figure in Yanjing, and Eric was, after all, far away in America. He couldn't rashly agree.
Seeing the other side fall silent, Eric continued, "Lao Zhou, you've been in your new position for a while now. I've been quite busy lately and haven't been able to get away, so I couldn't congratulate you in person."
"Recently, frozen has been a global hit, and the merchandise is selling like crazy. So, I plan to expand the factory, starting phases two and three simultaneously, and transfer some of Hasbro's production capacity to China."
"Expand? How much are you planning to invest this time?"
"100 million US dollars. The land that your secretary allocated back then, I plan to use all of it this time. The factory is expected to expand at least twofold, or even more."
"That's great! Your idea is absolutely correct. There isn't another country in the world more suitable for large-scale manufacturing than China!" Zhou Xiaopeng said, suddenly excited.
"Mm, I think so too. It's expected to start very soon. Consider it a gift from me. I'll need your help then."
"No problem. Just have Chen Xing come directly to me; it's all negotiable."
"Then thank you. Also, about Chen Jinfei's matter..."
"Don't worry about Chen Jinfei's matter. I'll sound him out first. His Hongxingwu used to be under my jurisdiction, and now his Tongchan Group is also within my purview. I'll get back to you very soon."
"Alright, I'm counting on you!"
After hanging up the phone, Little Liu immediately wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. She had heard everything; Eric had thrown out 100 million US dollars for her sake.
So generous, so powerful, so handsome, so wealthy, so talented—she felt a blackout, and a surge of heat kept rising within her body.
Eric's hands were also restless, touching and grabbing her body. He had deliberately put the call on speaker earlier, precisely for the young girl to hear.
Moreover, expanding the factory was a plan that had been decided long ago. This time, he was just using it as an excuse. The feeling of killing multiple birds with one stone was truly satisfying.
Inside the Hummer, Liu Yifei had already climbed over from the passenger seat, straddling Eric's lap.
Her T-shirt was pushed up to her neck, her bra hung on the steering wheel, and she was groaning, head tilted back.
A female motorcycle officer gestured for them to roll down the window. Little Liu, startled, quickly pulled down her clothes and put on her sunglasses.
The female officer looked at the two with a hint of amusement: "Sir, if you have special needs, it's best to hurry home or find a hotel. Long-term parking is prohibited here."
Eric smiled at her: "Understood. So you won't give me a ticket, right?"
Looking at his sunny and handsome face, the policewoman thought, 'He's so damn handsome, and driving a luxury car. If only that yellow-skinned girl were me.'
"This time I'll let it go, but you must promise not to do it again."
"Of course, I'll remember your advice, ma'am."
"You're very eloquent. Now, get going."
Watching the car drive away, she couldn't help but wonder, "That man, why does he look a little familiar?"
That night, in the hotel.
After showering, Liu Xiaoli walked over, wearing slippers and wrapped in a bath towel. Although she was no longer young, her figure and skin were still very well-maintained.
Seeing her daughter lying on the bed, she casually asked, "Xixi, what book are you reading?"
"Mom, it's not a book, it's the script Eric gave me today. He gave me two, telling me to study them carefully."
Hearing this, Liu Xiaoli's eyes lit up. She quickly walked to her daughter's side, lay down, and started reading with her.
"So, your role is this juno? An underage mother? This kind of role isn't easy to play, but I can help you."
"No, my role is Leah, juno's good friend and bestie. It's a supporting role."
"Another supporting role?" Liu Xiaoli's face immediately fell.
"Mom, don't look like that just because you hear'supporting role,' especially in front of Eric. It wouldn't look good if he saw you. Be careful."
Liu Xiaoli poked her on the head: "Don't I understand that? Who would badmouth someone to their face? If I'm going to curse, I'll do it behind his back."
As she spoke, she thought of Eric's abuse of her, always so violent. He was truly an animal, and she cursed even louder.
"Oh, don't curse him behind his back either. I don't like you cursing him. He's been very good to us."
"How can you turn against me so quickly!"
"And how is he good? Why haven't I seen it? After all this time, he still makes you play supporting roles. If he really cared about you, he should tailor a play for you."
"Look at Gal Gadot and the Olsen Sisters. Even a fool knows he's specifically promoting them. Why is it different when it comes to you?"
"Mom!" Liu Yifei grumbled, a little displeased.
"What? Am I wrong? This guy just has improper intentions toward you. You must not be swayed by him. Remember what Mom told you: you can let him take some liberties, but never surrender the last line of defense."
"You... I think you're just prejudiced against him. But do you know what he did today?"
"Did he give you more sweet talk?"
"No, he's going to help us deal with Chen Jinfei."
Liu Yifei explained the matter in detail, and Liu Xiaoli immediately fell silent.
"At least he has some conscience, but he's still not a good person. Let's wait and see the result."
"Don't worry, Eric is so rich, godfather won't be able to fight him."
"Don't call that person godfather anymore. He also has ill intentions. Besides, it's not the same country. No matter how rich you are in America, you might not be able to control China."
"But at least he's willing to do it, isn't he? Eric is really a very good person. You're just prejudiced against him. If you interact with him more, you'll change your mind."
Liu Xiaoli rolled her eyes. 'Interact more!'
My daughter, you don't know the suffering your mother endures behind the scenes. I'm truly afraid I'll give birth to a little brother or sister for you one day.
"Oh, right, didn't you say there were two scripts? Where's the other one?"
Liu Yifei took out the Dragon Ball script: "You'll definitely be satisfied with this one. It's the female lead."
"Ah? Really!"
"Of course it's real. Eric specifically reserved this role for me. He's always had me in his heart, and it's a big production. He's directing it himself. You know Dragon Ball, right?"
"I don't know."
"Forget it, you wouldn't understand even if I told you. In short, it's a big production, with an investment of no less than 100 million."
Hearing this, Liu Xiaoli's chest heaved with excitement. Suddenly, she felt that Eric Cooper wasn't so bad after all.
Although he played rough, he kept his word.
Alright, if he wants to play, let him play.
If he could also help deal with Chen Jinfei, being on call anytime might not be out of the question.
Just as she was thinking, Liu Yifei spoke again: "There was something else this morning. Eric plans to buy me a house. He said staying in a hotel all the time isn't convenient."
Well, it wasn't about being on call. From now on, he was preparing to come over and 'favor' her anytime.