Chapter 1564: Donnie Burning His Boats

Zhao Fusheng never underestimated any partner or competitor.

Although things had been going smoothly all these years, Zhao Fusheng always reminded himself that, no matter when, he must not forget that there was still a gap between him and the truly big shots.

Relying on foresight to have everything he had today, Zhao Fusheng had a clear understanding of his own positioning.

Who was Kevin Feige?

A man who could single-handedly revive Marvel from its困境 and lead it to glory—could he possibly be an idealist with no scheming at all?

Zhao Fusheng simply didn't believe it.

Kevin Feige might have had some hesitation, but as for the idea of handing over Robert Downey Jr.'s information to him for an interview being Jon Favreau's idea, Zhao Fusheng couldn't bring himself to believe it no matter how he thought about it.

This matter was very likely Kevin Feige's own idea.

Having confirmed this in his mind, Zhao Fusheng glanced at Kevin Feige without changing his expression, smiled, and said with feigned surprise, "Really? Does Mr. Favreau think that Mr. Downey is more suitable to play Tony Stark than Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio?"

Kevin Feige was taken aback, looking at Zhao Fusheng with some confusion, but inwardly he cursed, "FXXK!"

His original plan was to use Jon Favreau as an excuse to test Zhao Fusheng's attitude, since the gimmick of two major Best Actor winners competing to star in a Marvel movie was far more appealing than Robert Downey Jr., the prodigal son.

Moreover, the box office appeal of two top Hollywood male stars was undeniable; if either of them were to play the role of Iron Man, it would be great news for Marvel.

But!

After meeting Robert Downey Jr. in person and talking with him, Kevin Feige was convinced by him.

As for Jon Favreau, Kevin Feige hadn't lied to Zhao Fusheng; that guy had indeed already set his sights on Robert Downey Jr. as the only choice for Iron Man.

The only problem now was Zhao Fusheng, sitting right in front of him.

This guy was the company's investor. In the current situation, without Zhao Fusheng's support for such an important decision, Kevin Feige could well imagine that he would be attacked from all sides at the board meeting.

Conversely, with the backing of Zhao Fusheng, the absolute majority shareholder, any decision he made could be perfectly executed.

"What, am I wrong?" Zhao Fusheng looked at Kevin Feige with a half-smile, speaking calmly and confidently.

Kevin Feige felt like he was going crazy. The man in front of him was like an old fox with no weaknesses; even just sitting there, smiling at him, he gave no opening at all.

"Well..."

Hesitating, Kevin Feige was torn over whether to tell Zhao Fusheng the whole story from beginning to end.

Seeing his hesitation, Zhao Fusheng chuckled, stood up, and said to Kevin Feige, "Mr. Feige, I think this matter doesn't need me to explain it. You know better than I do how to choose what's best for the company. I trusted you, Mr. Feige, which is why I made you my partner. I hope you won't let me down. You should know that we Chinese place great importance on the word 'friendship.'"

With that, Zhao Fusheng turned and left, not giving Kevin Feige a chance to speak again.

Watching Zhao Fusheng's retreating figure, Kevin Feige opened his mouth but finally sighed, shook his head helplessly, and said nothing more.

After a long while, he looked up, as if having made a decision, gritted his teeth, pulled out his phone, and dialed a number.

"Buddy, I think we need to have a serious talk! About 'Iron Man,' about how we choose!"

Kevin Feige said each word deliberately.

The person on the other end of the line was surprised; clearly, he hadn't expected Kevin Feige to say that.

Three days later, on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

A man of average height stood there, with a blonde woman beside him. They walked arm in arm, not very fast.

"Susan, I'm a little nervous."

Robert Downey Jr., who stood only five feet eight inches tall, did not look particularly imposing next to his wife Susan. At this moment, he seemed like a newcomer just starting out.

Beautiful Susan was a top student from the University of Southern California. Although her husband was much older than her, the two had a good relationship. Hearing his words, she smiled gently and said to Robert Downey, "Honey, believe me, you are the best, the most suitable person. Haven't Mr. Feige and Mr. Favreau already confirmed that?"

Her words did not ease Robert Downey's expression. He shook his head helplessly: "They confirmed that, but they also said the final decision doesn't rest with them, but with that Easterner, doesn't it?"

Less than a month ago, he had learned from a friend that Marvel was going to make an 'Iron Man' movie, which excited him but also made him anxious.

After all, he had kicked his drug addiction last year and acted in three films, somewhat restoring his reputation in Hollywood. But even so, Robert Downey Jr. knew he still had a long way to go to reach the peak of his life again.

"Relax. A billionaire worth at least two billion dollars won't be as shallow as you think." Susan could see that her husband was overly nervous, so even though she herself had no confidence, she still carefully reassured Robert Downey Jr.

"I hope so."

Robert Downey was not as confident as he would later become. He sighed, clearly still worried.

Little did he know, Zhao Fusheng was also feeling somewhat lost at this moment.

"Robert Downey Jr. wants to visit me?"

Holding the phone, Zhao Fusheng asked Kevin Feige on the other end in confusion, "What does he want to see me for?"

Clearly, this was not part of his plan.

"Well, Sean and I discussed it and felt that the final choice for the lead actor should be yours to make."

Kevin Feige explained to Zhao Fusheng, "You're the major shareholder of the company; I think it's both your right and your responsibility."

"Alright, I understand."

Zhao Fusheng nodded helplessly.

Since they had put it that way, no matter how reluctant he was, he had to meet the future Iron Man.

Moreover, Zhao Fusheng wasn't unwilling; in fact, he was quite interested in meeting Robert Downey Jr.

Putting down the phone, Zhao Fusheng smiled at Wu Sijie and said, "Get ready; we'll have guests soon."

"Guests?"

Wu Sijie was a bit surprised but still nodded.

Before long, he received a notice from Hu Donghai, and shortly after, Robert Downey Jr. and his wife, led by Hu Donghai, arrived at the room where Zhao Fusheng was.

"Hello, respected sir, I'm Robert Downey, and this is my wife Susan."

Seeing Zhao Fusheng, Robert Downey greeted him politely.

"Hello, Mr. Downey."

Zhao Fusheng nodded, then smiled at Susan, "Hello, Ms. Susan."

"Hello."

Susan smiled and nodded at Zhao Fusheng.

After some small talk, the three sat down on the sofa. Wu Sijie poured them coffee and then left the room.

"Honorable Mr. Zhao, I think you already know from Mr. Feige why Downey and I are here today," Susan, a strong woman who had worked as a producer, broke the silence first.

"Mm."

Zhao Fusheng nodded. There was no need to hide it; since they had come, Kevin Feige and Shawn Levy must have already revealed his identity.

They were all adults, and Zhao Fusheng disdained to play dumb when he knew the truth.

"Mr. Zhao, I've read the script many times and have been gaining weight recently. I think I'm very suitable for this role," Robert Downey said, looking at Zhao Fusheng, hesitating before speaking up.

Zhao Fusheng chuckled, looked seriously at Robert Downey, and remained silent for a long time. Just as Susan and he thought Zhao Fusheng would directly reject them, Zhao Fusheng suddenly spoke: "Mr. Downey, I won't deny that you're a good actor. I didn't know you before, but after Mr. Feige mentioned your name, I watched some of your work. It's very successful, and I think you're qualified to compete with Tom Cruise and Mr. Jack. But tell me, why should I choose you, since you're all good actors?"

There was hope!

In that instant, Robert Downey and his wife exchanged glances, both seeing a glimmer of joy in each other's eyes.

Having spent many years in Hollywood, both knew that if Zhao Fusheng had directly refused them without a word, it would have meant the role was out of reach.

But Zhao Fusheng didn't outright reject them; instead, he asked Robert Downey a question, which meant he was interested in Robert Downey playing Tony Stark!

This was important!

Very important!

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Robert Downey looked at Zhao Fusheng and said seriously, "Mr. Zhao, I think compared to those two guys, my biggest advantage is that I have nothing left to lose."

"What do you mean?"

Raising an eyebrow, Zhao Fusheng looked at Robert Downey, puzzled: "Can you explain more clearly?"

"I've succeeded and I've failed. I've seen sycophants around me, and I've experienced betrayal from those close to me," Robert Downey said slowly, looking at Zhao Fusheng. "If it weren't for Susan, I might be dead by now."

"So no one cherishes the opportunity to star in 'Iron Man' more than I do. If you're willing, I can play this role for free!"

Robert Downey's words even stunned his wife Susan.

And Zhao Fusheng's lips curled into a slight smile.

This guy really was an interesting one!