1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

Chapter 76: Julie Who's Missing - Please Read and Add to Favorites

The following day, Tuesday.

sunny.

Yesterday's light rain did not seem to dispel the July heat in New York; on the contrary, the increased humidity made it even more uncomfortable.

The heat is intense!

Xu Shengjie arrived at Fulimen Restaurant at noon, and Gong Xue was already there.

However, to everyone's surprise, the person Gong Xue said she would bring was not her daughter, but Zhou Wenqiong.

Vivian has made her decision and is preparing to apply to Stony Brook University, State University of New York.

While this university's accounting program may not be on par with Columbia and NYU's in New York City, it's still considered outstanding. Furthermore, the accounting program is located on the Manhattan campus, which is very close by, making it relatively convenient.

"Have you decided?"

Xu Shengjie was taken aback, but quickly realized what was happening and smiled as he spoke to Zhou Wenqiong.

"It's decided!"

Zhou Wenqiong nodded vigorously.

When will I enroll?

"It should be fine this year. Gong Xue's husband knows a professor in the accounting department at Stony Brook University. He wrote me a letter of recommendation, and Zhang Ge also has a recommendation from a professor at the University of Austin. I think it should be no problem."

"This is a big problem. How's your English now?"

"Don't underestimate me. Although I can't compare to you local bullies, I'm not much worse than most of the international students from China."

"Her English is good, much better than mine was back then."

However, she'll be attending a preparatory course first; to formally enroll, she'll need to pass next year's entrance exam. The main advantage is that the tuition isn't too expensive, much lower than Columbia or NYU, at only $4182 per year. Plus, living in Manhattan will save her at least $3000 in miscellaneous expenses… If her grades are good, she can apply for scholarships for formal enrollment next year.”

"So, Sister Gong, the reason you brought her here is...?"

"Could you give her a job? Just enough to cover her living expenses and rent. She needs to go to school, so she definitely can't stay with Disa. Luckily, she's already applied for a green card, so there's no need to worry about any legal issues."

"You want her to work for me?"

"May I?"

Xu Shengjie looked at Zhou Wenqiong.

That beautiful face revealed a hint of pleading.

Xu Shengjie had no ill feelings towards Zhou Wenqiong.

Although she changed her nationality and came to the United States from China.

But this is the norm in this era. It can only be said that people in this era have a very strong filter on Europe, America, and Japan.

But she never smeared her motherland, nor did she betray her motherland... so it shouldn't be considered betrayal.

Although there were some sensitive words during the naturalization declaration, she really hadn't done anything to betray her country.

Moreover, she did not use her status as a "celestial aunt" to return to China and make money in the future.

From this perspective, Zhou Wenqiong really doesn't have any scandals.

"Aren't you afraid of me?"

Xu Shengjie asked with a smile.

Zhou Wenqiong glanced at Gong Xue beside her, and mustered her courage to say, "If you dare to bully me, I'll ask Sister Xue to back me up."

"I wouldn't dare, he's the little tyrant of Chinatown."

Gong Xue smiled and waved her hand as she spoke.

If James Huang hadn't reminded him, Xu Shengjie might have actually believed it!

Gong Xue's influence in Chinatown is not as peaceful as she appears on the surface.

Unlike a certain Chong, who slept his way through Broadway but didn't achieve anything significant, he became arrogant and domineering upon returning to China.

The practice of "sleeping with someone" is commonplace in Hollywood and Broadway.

Xu Shengjie did not criticize him.

Is it better to do it domestically? It's the same...

Let alone a certain Chong, even Julia Roberts is known for sleeping with every member of the film crew, isn't she?

Lucy Liu, who later rose to fame with Charlie's Angels and Kill Bill, did many similar things before she became famous.

However, they slept with the right person and succeeded.

As for Mou Chong, he couldn't even find the right person to sleep with, so he can only be described as a complete failure.

In other words, there's a group of idiots in China who treat her like a treasure and praise her highly.

But whether on Broadway or in Hollywood, he's a complete loser, and there's nothing to discuss about him.

"$12 per hour, or $400 per week, your choice."

Xu Shengjie said, "I haven't chosen an office location yet. I don't have much to do usually. I mainly handle some clerical and administrative work, so it's quite relaxed. Xuejie, you... you've already obtained your USCPA certificate, right?"

The weekly salary is 800, and I don't need to be in the office regularly. My job is to do my accounting and tax filing. That's basically it.

In 1994, the average weekly salary for an entry-level accountant at a major New York company was $531.

The USCPA is a certified public accountant, with an annual salary of around $50,000. $800 a week is slightly below average, but given the lack of an office job, it's considered extra income. For Gong Xue, this is already quite substantial.

She only earned $600 a week in Zhang Disha's theater troupe.

"We don't need that many."

Gong Xue hurriedly said.

Xu Shengjie said, "I need Sister Gong to help me with the accounts and tax filing... This price includes not only my studio's taxes but also my personal tax filing. It will be very complicated, so I think eight hundred US dollars is a reasonable price."

"Including personal tax returns!"

Gong Xue thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright then."

"Vivian, are you alright?"

"I have no problem."

A weekly wage of four hundred dollars is not low for Zhou Wenqiong.

That works out to an annual income of around $20,000 (based on a 52-week work week in New York). Compared to the $19000-$24000 annual income of other office administrative staff, this price isn't too high, but it's not too low either.

The treatment was better than at Zhang Disha's Pan-Asian Theatre Company.

the most important……

Xu Shengjie just said, "It's so relaxing!"

"What kind of work does your studio mainly do?"

"Making movies, writing books, writing songs... the main income includes royalties, adaptation fees, film revenue, and song copyright revenue."

"Forehead……"

Gong Xue was stunned.

She asked softly, "Can I make money?"

"I've already received $150,000, but I made an investment of $100,000 in the name of the studio."

In addition, I will establish a personal trust fund.

The investment will be made in the studio through a trust fund, and then the investment will be made in the film through the studio.

Regarding publishing, a $100,000 advance payment will arrive soon; in a few days, another $900,000 will be deposited into the film project account… Oh, and the studio will receive a $600,000 investment in September. As for the rest, nothing is confirmed yet. In short, that's the situation. It's quite relaxed; I don't have much work.

"You, you really want to make a movie?"

"The script is finished, the crew is preparing, and filming is expected to begin at the end of September or the beginning of October."

Gong Xue and Zhou Wenqiong looked at each other in bewilderment.

I initially thought it was just a shell company, but I was wrong...

Gong Xue couldn't help but laugh. She let out a long breath and looked at Xu Shengjie.

After a moment, she shook her head and laughed, "Heroes emerge from among the young, Jeffrey, you've truly surprised me!"

……

Next, Jessica will sign contracts with Gong Xue and Zhou Wenqiong.

He told Gong Xue that he was prepared to buy property and donate to the Fifth Precinct.

Gong Xue told him that once the funds were in place, they could start planning this matter.

Her suggestion to Xu Shengjie was to have him purchase the property under the studio's name, and then rent it out in his personal name; then Xu Shengjie's current house could be rented to the studio for use, and all expenses could be deducted from taxes.

The apartment where Xu Shengjie lives is a mixed-use commercial and residential property.

Setting up the studio here is not a problem.

As for buying property...

"You can invest in a studio in the name of a trust fund, and then buy real estate in the name of the studio."

After two years, you can buy back the properties under the studio's name through depreciation or other means; these investments can be used for tax avoidance.

Gong Xue truly lives up to her reputation as someone who has lived in the United States for ten years.

How to undermine capitalism? She knew it all too well.

She spoke fluently and confidently, showing no trace of an actress; she seemed more like a seasoned businesswoman.

After reaching an agreement with Gong Xue, Xu Shengjie returned home.

Theron isn't here, the house feels so empty...

Perhaps because they've gotten used to Julie's presence, the house is usually quite lively.

now……

He picked up the phone and dialed the number Julie had left behind.

But no one answered!

What does it mean exactly?

Logically speaking, even if Julie couldn't come back for the time being, she should have at least called to let them know.

It's been almost a week, what exactly happened?

Xu Shengjie put down the phone, sat on the sofa in the corner, and fell into deep thought.

……