After leaving the CEO's office, Luo Zheng couldn't help thinking about Roy Disney's expression before they parted.
That old fox had practically written curiosity all over his face.
The reason Roy had been so enthusiastic from the beginning was obvious. It had never been because their friendship had suddenly reached some brotherhood level. It was because of the animation project Luo Zheng had casually tossed out a few days ago.
WALL-E.
Just the script alone had nearly caused a shockwave.
Jobs had been so excited after reading it that he almost boarded a plane to China immediately. In his words, the story wasn't simply an animated movie—it was a poetic work filled with loneliness, hope, environmental themes, and human emotion.
Even more ridiculous was that Luo Zheng had gone beyond merely handing over a script.
He had supplied concept sketches.
Character drafts.
Scene layouts.
Storyboards.
Enough material that Pixar could practically begin planning immediately.
Jobs had nearly gone mad.
Then Roy heard about it.
And after Roy heard about it...
Well, Luo Zheng had immediately become Disney's most precious treasure.
Thinking of Roy's eager face earlier, Luo Zheng laughed.
Old man, stay curious a little longer.
Curiosity kills cats.
But it also makes people work harder.
Back at the hotel, Luo Zheng had dinner with Liu Xiaoli and Liu Yifei.
Throughout the meal, Liu Xiaoli seemed distracted several times. She looked as though she wanted to say something.
But in the end, she swallowed her words.
Liu Yifei secretly glanced at Luo Zheng repeatedly too.
Every time their eyes met, she immediately lowered her head and focused on eating.
Luo Zheng naturally noticed everything.
But he pretended not to.
Some things were more interesting when left unsaid.
After dinner ended, Luo Zheng stretched lazily.
"I'm heading upstairs first."
Liu Yifei blinked.
"So early?"
Luo Zheng smiled.
"Long flight. Tired."
Liu Xiaoli narrowed her eyes.
She somehow felt that smile looked suspicious.
Very suspicious.
Unfortunately, before she could say anything, Luo Zheng had already waved his hand and entered the elevator.
Back inside his room, Luo Zheng immediately called Bill Jemas.
The phone connected quickly.
"Boss!"
Bill's voice sounded energetic.
Clearly, Marvel's recent development had put him in an excellent mood.
Luo Zheng sat on the sofa and crossed one leg.
"How's the estate?"
Before returning to China last time, he had specifically entrusted Bill with handling the purchase and preparation of a Beverly Hills property.
For future plans in Hollywood, he naturally needed a proper base.
Bill quickly replied:
"The inspections are complete."
"The legal procedures are finished."
"The staff have all been arranged."
"Butlers, security personnel, gardeners, chefs—everything."
"You can move in anytime."
Hearing this, Luo Zheng nodded with satisfaction.
Very efficient.
As expected of Marvel's president.
After discussing several matters regarding Iron Man and reminding Bill to continue monitoring important Marvel copyrights—especially X-Men and Fantastic Four—Luo Zheng finally hung up.
At nearly the same time—
Elsewhere in Los Angeles.
Lisa had already made another call.
Jessica Alba's agent, Brown, was currently enjoying a drink when his phone rang.
Seeing the caller ID, he nearly spilled his wine.
Lisa.
Roy Disney's secretary.
He hurriedly answered.
"Miss Lisa! What an honor—"
Lisa directly interrupted:
"Do you have Jessica Alba under your agency?"
Brown froze.
Then his eyes widened.
Jessica?
Why Jessica?
"Y-yes! Jessica Alba. Twenty-one years old. Beautiful, talented—"
Lisa remained expressionless.
"My boss's friend wants to meet her tonight."
Brown immediately sat upright.
"My boss's friend?"
Then suddenly—
His eyes widened.
Roy Disney.
Marvel chairman.
Pirates producer.
William.
His breathing instantly accelerated.
"Mr...William?!"
Lisa answered calmly:
"Correct."
Brown nearly stood up from excitement.
Good heavens.
William!
Recently, the youngest billionaire in Hollywood.
Marvel chairman.
Media darling.
Film genius.
The hottest young producer around.
And now...
He wanted to meet Jessica?
Brown's imagination immediately raced.
Could it be...
Pirates of the Caribbean?
Female lead?
Supporting role?
Future cooperation?
His heart pounded wildly.
"Miss Lisa, I—"
Before he finished speaking—
Lisa interrupted again.
"Mr. William simply wishes to meet her."
Simple sentence.
But Brown immediately understood.
In Hollywood, understanding hidden meanings was survival.
And Brown had survived many years.
"Understood."
"I guarantee she arrives on time."
Lisa finally smiled.
"Good."
Then the line disconnected.
At exactly eight o'clock.
The hotel room doorbell rang.
Luo Zheng walked toward the entrance and opened the door.
Outside stood a young woman.
Brown hair.
Large eyes.
Wheat-colored skin.
Beautiful facial features blending Western sharpness with softer elegance.
Jessica Alba.
At this moment she looked slightly nervous.
Seeing Luo Zheng appear, her eyes widened a little.
Because she hadn't expected him to be this young.
Or this handsome.
The media photographs simply couldn't capture it.
Especially after showering, wearing casual clothes, Luo Zheng looked far younger than his public image.
Jessica suddenly became slightly nervous.
"Hello...Mr. William?"
Luo Zheng smiled.
"Come in."
Jessica entered carefully.
Then Luo Zheng finally examined her properly.
Elegant dress.
Simple makeup.
Delicate perfume.
Clearly prepared carefully.
Under the warm room lights, her wheat-colored skin seemed to glow.
She looked youthful and energetic.
Very much like the image media later called:
Earthly Sweetness.
After talking for a while, Jessica gradually relaxed.
At first she had feared meeting another arrogant producer.
But Luo Zheng surprised her.
He was humorous.
Relaxed.
Easy to talk to.
More like someone her age.
Their conversation ranged from films to travel, from Hollywood experiences to future plans.
Time passed unexpectedly quickly.
Eventually Jessica glanced at the clock.
Then looked at Luo Zheng.
Smiling.
"I thought tonight would be very stressful."
Luo Zheng laughed.
"And now?"
Jessica looked at him.
A faint smile appeared.
"Now..."
"I think you're quite different from rumors."
Luo Zheng raised an eyebrow.
"What rumors?"
Jessica thought carefully.
"Genius."
"Billionaire."
"Arrogant."
"But..." she smiled, "...you're not difficult to talk to."
Luo Zheng laughed loudly.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
As expected of Hollywood.
Sometimes first impressions really mattered.
The next morning.
After breakfast, Luo Zheng left the hotel and headed directly toward Disney's audition venue.
The process was smoother than expected.
Natalie Portman.
Anne Hathaway.
Jessica Alba.
Several future Hollywood stars all appeared.
Honestly—
If this were purely personal preference, choosing would be difficult.
Very difficult.
But this was casting.
Not a beauty competition.
After reviewing performances and screen tests—
Luo Zheng still made the same decision as history.
Keira Knightley.
She possessed exactly the aristocratic temperament Elizabeth needed.
The governor's daughter image fit naturally.
After the audition concluded, Luo Zheng no longer stayed at Disney.
Instead, he took Liu Xiaoli and Liu Yifei straight toward Beverly Hills.
The car drove through quiet roads lined with trees.
Large estates appeared one after another.
Even Liu Xiaoli gradually showed surprise.
When they finally entered the property gates—
Even she froze.
The estate was enormous.
Far beyond expectation.
Wide lawns.
Swimming pools.
Private gardens.
Rows of trees.
Security stations.
Luxury cars parked nearby.
Liu Xiaoli stared blankly.
How much did this place cost?
Meanwhile Liu Yifei had already hugged Luo Zheng's arm.
Her eyes sparkled.
"Wow..."
"So big..."
Luo Zheng smiled.
Just as he was about to speak—
A car horn sounded behind them.
Everyone turned.
A silver sports car slowly stopped nearby.
The car door opened.
Long legs appeared first.
Then blonde hair.
Blue eyes.
Red lips.
An extremely tall woman stepped out casually.
She leaned against the car.
Removed her sunglasses.
Then smiled.
"Hello."
"New neighbor."
Her smile looked dazzling beneath California sunlight.
"I'm Charlize Theron."
For a moment—
Even Luo Zheng paused.
Because the future Oscar-winning goddess standing before him...
Was ridiculously beautiful.