[Chapter 524: The Stunning Rosamund Kwan]
In Rosamund Kwan's eyes, seeing Vivian Chow and Michelle Reis's meteoric rise to international stardom stirred a fierce unwillingness to admit defeat. Back when everyone was competing in the relatively small Hong Kong scene, she was on the same level as them, even slightly ahead.
She believed their success was entirely due to luck -- hooking up with Linton Anderson and riding his powerful backing. If she had access to such resources, she was certain she could have become an international superstar too.
She vividly remembered that when Linton came to Hong Kong before, she had a chance to get close to him, but those two -- Vivian and Michelle -- had collaborated to block her out. Missing that opportunity gnawed at her. Unfortunately, Linton never returned to Hong Kong after that, leaving her no further chance to connect with him.
Now that Jet Li had come asking for her help, offering a chance to reconnect with Linton, she was eager beyond words. How could she possibly refuse? At 34, she was well past her prime years. If she didn't take this shot, there would be nothing but fading beauty awaiting her.
---
At 3 p.m., Jet Li and Rosamund Kwan walked into the office accompanied by Li Xiaoran.
Jet Li's appearance was modest -- average looks, not very tall, dressed simply in a suit -- but he carried himself with a quiet, intense energy that made an impression.
Meeting Linton, he humbly extended both hands and said in halting English, "Hello, Mr. Anderson. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to see me."
Linton smiled warmly, "Jet Li, hello."
Jet Li nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Mr. Anderson. Let me introduce this beautiful lady. This is Rosamund Kwan, who has starred with me in many films. She's a great actress."
From behind him, a strikingly beautiful woman emerged -- Rosamund Kwan herself, exuding an unmistakable Eastern allure. Her delicate, seductive face framed by cascading dark flowing waves. She wore a dazzling red knee-length dress with simple black high heels that accentuated her tall, sexy figure. She was like a blazing flame -- bright, captivating, and impossible to ignore.
"Hello, Ms. Kwan," Linton said kindly. "I've seen some of the films you made with Jet Li. I remember a very iconic character -- you played the 'Thirteenth Aunt,' in Once Upon a Time in China, right?"
"Hello, Mr. Anderson," Rosamund Kwan replied with a knowing smile. "Thank you for recognizing the role of 'Thirteenth Aunt.' For your compliment, may I give you a hug?"
True to her mature and seductive nature, Rosamund boldly stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Linton in an intimate embrace. Though it was brief, Linton felt the undeniable warmth of her body -- and a faint but intoxicating fragrance lingered around her.
After Li Xiaoran prepared tea for the three of them and left, Linton raised his cup. "This is tea straight from my own farm. Please try it."
Jet Li took a sip, his eyes lighting up. "This is excellent tea -- smooth, refreshing, with a sweetness that spreads through the mouth and sharpens the mind. I've never tasted anything like this before."
Rosamund Kwan nodded in delight, adding, "Amazing tea! It's like it makes your brain sharper just by drinking it."
...
"Jet Li, you came all the way from Hong Kong to see me -- is there something you need?"
"Yes, Mr. Anderson. Have you seen my latest film, Black Mask?"
"Black Mask -- I've heard about it. The distribution department recently acquired North American rights in Hong Kong. They say it's a very exciting movie."
"May I be so bold as to ask if you've actually seen it?"
"Sorry, I've been swamped lately. No time to watch yet. But don't worry about distribution; our team is very experienced."
"Mr. Anderson, could I trouble you for an hour and a half? I would love for you to watch it personally."
Just as Linton hesitated, the glamorous Rosamund Kwan took her chance. She gracefully walked over, seated close to him, took his arm, and began to purr sweetly.
"Mr. Anderson, give us a break. We came all this way -- you can't refuse us, can you? Besides, the movie really is fantastic. Just watch it with me, okay?"
Linton chuckled, "Alright, if you're that confident, let's watch it together. I happen to have a private screening room."
He promptly called the distribution team, requesting a copy of Black Mask.
...
Soon enough, staff arrived with the film. Linton led Jet Li and Rosamund into the screening room, which lay tucked behind his office -- a small but ultra-luxurious private theater.
The two visitors were stunned, with Rosamund's eyes practically bugging out. The room had about ten deluxe leather sofas, spacious enough for two per couch. Rosamund snuggled tightly against Linton on a sofa, leaning close, their bodies brushing side by side.
During the film, minor touches and whispered words were inevitable as Rosamund practically hung onto Linton's arm. Watching this, Li Xiaoran -- the assistant serving drinks -- grimaced silently, thinking, 'Such a shameless temptress.'
The movie began promptly.
...
It told the story of Micheal (Tsui Chik) (played by Jet Li), a ruthless assassin from a highly secretive supersoldier project. Tired of a life as a cold-blooded weapon, he fled to Hong Kong and disguised himself as an ordinary librarian.
There, he befriended Police Inspector Rock (Shek Wai-Ho). But when 701 squad reinserted themselves to capture a crime boss, the police were powerless. Seeing his friend in danger, Micheal transformed into his alter ego -- the Black Mask -- and clashed dramatically with the enemies.
The organization's leader, Jimmy (Xin Xin Xiong), enraged by Black Mask's defiance, sent Micheal's former lover, Yeuk-Lan, to persuade him to surrender. Micheal refused flatly, facing relentless pursuit while protecting his innocent coworker Tracy.
Through protecting Tracy, Micheal, as the Black Mask, gradually rediscovered the emotions he thought he had lost.
Although the plot of Black Mask was a bit rough around the edges, Jet Li's sleek and precise martial arts made up for it. The film blended traditional hand-to-hand combat with high-tech weaponry -- guns and explosions -- creating a heart-pounding thrill ride.
As a story of an urban superhero, it bore some resemblance to popular American heroes like Batman, and was expected to find a solid audience in North America.
After 90 minutes, the film ended. Without realizing it, Rosamund was completely nestled in Linton's arms.
...
When the lights came back on, Linton gently lifted the pliant beauty, and together with Jet Li, returned to the sitting room.
"So, Mr. Anderson, do you think Black Mask will be popular with North American viewers?" Jet Li asked eagerly as soon as they sat down.
"While the plot is somewhat thin, the overall execution is good. The superhero trend is strong in America now, and the action scenes are excellent. Teens there should really like it. In the videotape market, it'll do very well," Linton answered honestly.
"Only videotape? You said the movie could appeal to teens -- could you help get it into theaters?"
"Theatrical release?"
"Yes, please. It's very important to me. I'll cooperate fully with the promotion."
Linton tapped the desk thoughtfully. Though he thought the film was lacking, he had to admit the action choreography was impressive.
This film was tailored for Western audiences and likely wouldn't find much success in Asia. But it should attract many viewers in North America.
With proper marketing, a $20 million box office seemed achievable.
However, to pull that off, Jet Li himself would need a bigger public profile. At minimum, his previous films should soon air on UPN and MCA Television networks to boost recognition.
The more popular he became, the easier promotion and higher box office revenue would be.
Linton had always treated Jet Li and Jackie Chan differently. He'd supported Jackie's films with maximum effort -- and the returns were rich.
For example, the movie Police Story 4: First Strike, with a $5 million investment, grossed $61 million in North America alone, resulting in over $22 million profit after expenses. With VHS and TV rights, total earnings easily surpassed $60 million.
Jet Li's films might not reach Jackie's level, but they weren't far behind.
For Black Mask, if pushed to theaters, a $10 million minimum box office was guaranteed, and with strong promotion, $20 million was possible.
The box office alone would cover costs, and combined with video and TV rights revenue, this would be a good deal.
Well, at least Jet Li was a rare kung fu star -- it was worth giving him a push.
[T/N: Jet Li's lack of patriotism or being China-Pro was the main reason Linton did not want to release his movies. He hadn't protected China's image well outside, often playing roles that made Chinese characters look bad. Later, he even changed his nationality, and his so-called charity foundation was a mess. He was different from Jackie Chan, who was seen as a genuine patriot and a role model, forgiven for human flaws after decades in showbiz. Linton hoped, since in this life, his behavior hasn't started to go too far yet, maybe he can make things different.]
...
As Jet Li and Rosamund looked on anxiously, Linton finally spoke, "Alright, I'll make arrangements, but it won't happen until October."
"Thank you so much! The movie is already scheduled for release in Hong Kong and Asia in July. When we launch in North America, I'll fully support the marketing."
"Someone will contact you with the specific promotion plan."
At this moment, Rosamund delivered a timely emotional boost. "Mr. Anderson, you're amazing. With your involvement, Black Mask's box office will definitely be huge. With your help, Jet Li will soon break through in Hollywood."
"With Jet Li's talent, Hollywood won't reject him. But it's a big melting pot. If you want to go far in Hollywood, you need to have a sense of identity," Linton offered tactful advice. [T/N: Sense of national identity, not forgetting roots, and patriotism.]
Whether Jet Li took it seriously was uncertain, but Rosamund clearly sensed that Linton's approval meant Hollywood success was just a matter of time -- and wondered if she had a shot too.
"Mr. Anderson, do you think I have a chance to break into Hollywood as well?"
"To be honest, Hollywood is less friendly to Asian faces, so opportunities are rare. But how about this: Jet Li's next big movie will be a priority for you to star as the female lead."
Though a little disappointed, Rosamund knew this was the best she could hope for. She quickly asked the crucial question for Jet Li on his behalf, "Thank you. Will you invest in it?"
"That depends on the script and production team."
"I'll get those to you for review as soon as possible," Jet Li said, delighted.
"Let me know when. I'll come with you to the States," Rosamund added persistently, determined to lock down her lead role.
"Mr. Anderson, thank you so much. It's getting late. I've reserved a private room at the Four Seasons Hotel. Would you honor us with dinner?" Jet Li was in high spirits, now that Black Mask could hit North American theaters. Rosamund looked on hopefully.
"All right."
...
The group went down to the lobby. From the moment they left the office, Rosamund clung tightly to Linton's right arm and didn't let go until they were in the car.
"Mr. Anderson, may I ride with you?" she asked.
Li Xiaoran rolled his eyes fiercely beside them, silently cursing, 'Temptress.'
No surprise she was angry. During the ride, sitting in the front seat, she glimpsed through the rearview mirror that Rosamund sprawled shamelessly in Linton's arms, her body nearly merged with his.
Fortunately, the Four Seasons wasn't far -- only a ten-minute drive. Otherwise, who knew what might have happened if they'd been alone longer.
Li Xiaoran's frustration grew when, upon arrival, she received a subtle signal from Linton to book a room in advance at the Four Seasons.
...
Dinner was held in the top-floor restaurant's private Red Maple room. Jet Li had gone all out -- tables weighed down with a lavish spread and two bottles of 1982 Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
The atmosphere was lively. Rosamund was especially attentive to Linton, frequently feeding him, peeling shrimp, picking bones from fish... attending to him with flawless care.
And she didn't skimp on wine either -- her rosy cheeks deepened with every sip, her charm rivaling the finest rose.
By the evening's end, she had boldly jumped onto Linton's lap, sharing a toast glass-to-glass, as if trying to melt entirely into his embrace.
...
As the banquet ended, reluctant Li Xiaoran handed Linton the executive suite key card for the Four Seasons, located two floors below the dining room.
Rosamund naturally hooked her arm through Linton's, entering the suite together.
As soon as the door shut, she released his arm, twirled, and threw herself into Linton's embrace, planting a passionate kiss.
"Darling, love me..." she whispered.
A lively, sweet melody played softly...
It was clear Rosamund Kwan was a formidable lover -- her skills finely honed, every move executed with practiced ease...
*****
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