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On the ride back from the premiere, Vin Diesel kept staring out the window at the fans who still hadn't dispersed.
"Cass!"
He turned around, voice tinged with emotion. "I remember last year when Fast Five came to China for promo, the level of popularity wasn't anywhere near this."
Paul lounged in his seat, flicking his lighter open and shut. "And now?"
"I counted. At least seventy percent of the light boards had your name on them."
"Those girls' eyes lit up the second they saw you. When they looked at me, it was just polite surprise." He pulled an exaggerated "whoa" face, then laughed. "Gotta admit, kinda stings."
Michelle Rodriguez leaned forward from the back seat. "Oh come on, Paul. You had plenty of fangirls in Japan too."
"Not the same!" Paul snapped the lighter shut. "In Japan I'm the hot foreign guy. Here—" He pointed at a girl outside still waving goodbye, her hands full of Cassius posters and keychains. "Look at her. Cassius everything. Poster, bag charm, phone case. All him."
"Fuck, that's insane."
Vin nodded. "I've never seen anything like it in any other country. Even in L.A., my fans don't go this crazy."
Cassius rubbed the back of his neck, a little embarrassed. "Maybe because I haven't been back in so long."
"No, Cass." Vin looked at him seriously. "This is real hometown-hero treatment. It means your pull in the market has already surpassed Hollywood itself. These fans don't like you because you're a Hollywood actor. They like you because you're Cassius."
The car went quiet for a few seconds.
Rob, sitting up front, cut in at the right moment. "Cassius's reputation here was built step by step. From the Green Lantern controversy, to the charity work, to the Oscar win—every move strengthened his connection with the audience."
Paul raised an eyebrow. "So we're on your turf now?"
"You could say that."
Cassius smiled. "Since we're on my home ground, I should play host. Tonight I'm treating everyone to the most authentic food."
He pulled out his phone and sent Shen Man a WeChat message: You in Shanghai?
She replied almost instantly. How did you know I was in Shanghai?
Cassius smirked to himself. He'd spotted her at the premiere, duckbill cap and all. Thought she was being sneaky. With that glowing 98-point favorability rating floating above her head, how could he miss it?
Dinner. Introducing you to a few friends.
A few seconds later: ???
You're joking, right?
Dead serious. Coming or not?
Send the address. On my way.
Cassius booked a private room at a discreet local restaurant on the Bund. Floor-to-ceiling windows faced the glittering lights of Lujiazui across the river.
By the time Vin and Paul walked in, Shen Man was already waiting.
She wore a simple black blazer over a white shirt, hair pulled into a neat ponytail. She looked more mature than she had on Happy Camp.
"Mr. Diesel, Mr. Walker, hello."
Shen Man greeted them in fluent English. "I'm Shen Man, Cassius's friend and producer of a domestic variety show."
Vin shook her hand, surprised. "We've met before!"
Paul blinked. "So you two really do know each other? The host on that show said you were secretly close. I thought it was just for the cameras."
"It's real."
Cassius pulled out a chair. "Sit. Let's eat."
The dishes came quickly—stir-fried shrimp, sweet-and-sour spare ribs, red-braised pork, pickled fresh bamboo shoots with pork, crab roe tofu. Classic Shanghai cuisine.
Vin stared at the table, looking slightly lost. Last time they'd only had snacks. Cassius hadn't ordered a single proper dish.
Shen Man smiled and used the serving chopsticks to place a piece of red-braised pork on Vin's plate. "Try this. Rich but not greasy, perfectly balanced sweet and savory. A signature Shanghai dish."
Vin took a cautious bite. His eyes lit up. "Whoa. That's really good."
Paul didn't wait for an invitation. He grabbed a piece of sweet-and-sour rib for himself, finished it, and gave a thumbs-up. "Way more authentic than food we get in L.A."
The atmosphere warmed up fast.
Shen Man knew how to talk to Hollywood stars—neither fawning nor cold. She treated them like industry colleagues. She couldn't embarrass Cassius.
"Miss Shen, what show are you working on now?" Vin asked, genuinely curious. Last time she'd just been staff. Now she was running her own program.
"Keep Running—an outdoor competition variety show. And another one in development called Extreme Challenge."
Shen Man explained, "A lot of the ideas actually came from Cassius. He said audiences love watching celebrities drop the act and play games with real interaction and competition."
Paul looked intrigued. "You're a woman running a physical competition show?"
"The producer doesn't have to run herself." Shen Man laughed. "I handle planning, shooting, and post-production. And who says women can't do competition formats? Our ratings are currently number one in the country."
Vin nodded. "Impressive. In America, most variety producers are men."
"So I want to break that stereotype." Shen Man's tone stayed calm. "I'm even planning to pit Keep Running against Extreme Challenge in the same time slot and let the audience decide which one they like more."
Cassius added, "She's ambitious."
Talk shifted naturally to work. Vin asked about the film market.
Shen Man's analysis was sharp. "China's annual box office has already passed sixty billion RMB—second largest in the world. But the genres are still limited. Mostly comedies, romances, and main-melody films."
"Something like Fast & Furious succeeding here isn't just because of the franchise. It's because—"
She looked at Cassius. "There's a core actor who makes audiences feel seen."
Paul took a sip of yellow wine. "So Cass's the bridge?"
"Exactly."
Shen Man nodded. "Before, Hollywood blockbusters worked in China on spectacle and effects. Now audiences are pickier. They want to see one of their own shining on the world stage. Cassius did that. That's why his box-office pull is so strong."
Vin looked thoughtful. "No wonder this China run is bigger than Japan and Korea combined."
"Not just that." Shen Man pulled out her phone and showed the numbers. "Fast 6 opened with sixty-five percent of all screenings in China and ninety-one percent occupancy. Those numbers mean almost every theater gave you the best slots, and nearly every show sold out. First time that's ever happened for an imported film."
Paul whistled. "Cass, you really are a money printer."
Cassius waved it off. "The movie's just good."
"Good movie is the foundation," Vin said seriously. "But whether you can actually get people into theaters is another thing. Cass, you need to understand your value. In Hollywood, the number of actors who can carry a film on their own is less than ten. You're one of them now."
The room went quiet for a beat.
Shen Man broke the silence. "Actually, this is what I wanted to talk to Cassius about. A lot of domestic producers are reaching out with ridiculous offers. Over a hundred million RMB in salary plus box-office points. Script approval. Director approval."
Paul's eyes widened. "U.S. dollars?"
"RMB. But converted that's still starting at around ten million USD. And if he actually comes back to shoot, the real number could be even higher once you factor in everything else."
Cassius stayed quiet, picking up a shrimp.
Vin watched him. "What are you thinking?"
"Not planning to for now." Cassius was straightforward. "My Hollywood schedule is booked through next year. Guardians of the Galaxy promo, Fast 7 script and director meetings, training, shooting. I don't want to rush back."
"Why not?"
Shen Man's eyes flickered with disappointment.
"Because if I come back now, people will say I couldn't make it in Hollywood and ran home to cash in." Cassius smiled. "I want to plant my feet firmly over there first. Once I'm solid, then coming back will actually mean something."
Shen Man nodded. "That makes sense."
"Still…" Cassius looked at her. "If you have a good script, send it over. If there's a suitable cameo or special appearance, I'll consider it."
"Really?" Her eyes brightened.
"Really."
Dinner lasted over two hours.
By the end, Vin and Paul could pick up peanuts with chopsticks—though their success rate hovered around fifty percent.
Outside, the Bund breeze was cool.
Shen Man called a driver. Before getting in, she turned to Cassius. "Thank you for setting this up tonight. It helped a lot."
"Don't mention it."
"If Extreme Challenge needs international guests, I can reach out to them. Vin and Paul are good people. Easy to work with on price."
"I'll let them know."
Shen Man paused at the car door and looked back. "Cass… you're really something now."
Cassius just smiled.
After her car pulled away, Vin walked over. "Your friend's solid. Smart. Professional. No fake politeness."
"She's always had ideas."
"Back in L.A., she was the most naturally talented director in our year. Shame…"
"Shame what?"
"Shame she' s woman."
Cassius watched the river. "In Hollywood, those two labels mean you take a lot more detours. So she came back and built something real."
Paul clapped him on the shoulder. "You're gonna be fine too."
The three of them strolled along the Bund. Late at night the tourists had thinned out, but the lights still glittered.
Vin suddenly said, "Cass, you know what I respect most about you?"
"What?"
"You don't let it go to your head."
"Anyone else with your box office and popularity would've floated off into the clouds by now. But you still train, still study roles like before. That's rare in Hollywood."
Cassius laughed softly. "Probably because I remember what it felt like when nobody wanted me. I know none of this came easy, so I don't dare waste it."
"Keep that mindset."
Vin's voice was serious. "This road is long. How far you go depends on exactly that."
Back at the hotel, it was already past one in the morning.
Cassius showered, then lay in bed scrolling his phone.
On Weibo, #CassiusPremiere was still number one on trending.
He clicked in. Fan videos from the event. Him signing until his hand went numb. Bantering with Vin and Paul. Turning back to wave as he left.
"Ge is so good to fans! So tired and still signed that many!"
"Vin Diesel and Paul Walker standing there like two bodyguards lol"
"Am I the only one who noticed Ge's jacket got all wrinkled? Fans, be gentle!"
Cassius smiled and exited.
He opened the Fast 6 box office page.
Global opening week: $985,000,000.
Just shy of a billion.
Analysts were already saying the second week plus the China explosion would push it over the line for sure.
His phone vibrated. Rob.
Time magazine interview locked for next Wednesday in L.A. Marvel wants to start Guardians promo early while you're still hot.
Universal had taken over the entire top floor of the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Champagne towers taller than people. Waiters weaving through the crowd with silver trays of caviar, oysters, and tiny expensive bites no one could name.
Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, Los Angeles glittered like a galaxy.
Vin Diesel stood on a small makeshift stage, microphone in hand. His voice boomed through the speakers.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention!"
The noise died down.
Vin held up a tablet. On the screen, a massive number:
$1,200,347,891
"This afternoon at four o'clock," Vin's voice cracked with excitement, "Fast & Furious 6 officially crossed twelve billion dollars worldwide."
Applause, whistles, and cheers exploded.
Cassius stood in the crowd, Paul and Michelle on either side, arms slung over his shoulders.
Paul shouted in his ear, "Twelve billion, Cass! We fucking did it!"
Cameras flashed nonstop. Reporters pushed to the front, lenses aimed at the number and at Cassius's face.
Universal's CEO stepped onto the stage, hugged Vin, then took the mic.
"This film made history. Not only is it the highest-grossing entry in our franchise, it's the global box office champion so far this year. And none of it happens without one key person—"
He looked straight at Cassius.
Every eye in the room followed.
"Cassius."
The CEO continued, "You joined this family and took it to heights we've never reached before. On behalf of Universal, thank you."
They pushed Cassius onto the stage.
He took the microphone and looked out at the sea of familiar faces—Vin, Paul, Michelle, Lin Yibin, Universal executives.
"Thank you."
His voice was simple. "Being part of this family is an honor. These twelve billion belong to everyone who worked on it."
"Director, writers, every actor, every crew member, and every person who walked into a theater—thank you."
Applause surged again.
Cassius opened his panel.
"Fast & Furious 6" Project Update
Progress: 99%
Performance Grade: A
Director Satisfaction: A+
Team Collaboration: A
Audience Expectation: S
Overall Rating: A+
Reward Pending: Physical Coordination +17% (will integrate upon project completion)
Trendsetting Progress: +5%
Trendsetting Total: 29%
Cassius's heart jumped.
Twenty-nine percent.
One step closer to the next milestone.
"Cass!"
Rob pushed through the crowd, grinning so hard his face looked ready to split. "Analysts are saying we could hit one-point-five billion by the end."
"That's ridiculous."
"Not even a little." Rob lowered his voice. "Warner had movement today."
"What kind?"
"Their stock dropped six percent."
Rob handed over his phone. "Overall market's up, but Warner Bros. Discovery is the only one bleeding."
"Analysts say it's because Fast 6's numbers are too strong. Makes people doubt Warner's Interstellar at the end of the year."
Cassius stared at the stock chart. The green WBD line stood out painfully against a sea of red.
Rob kept going. "I got word from inside. Warner held an emergency meeting today. Topic? Interstellar. They're scared."
At the same time, inside Warner Bros. Pictures.
The screening room lights were dim. Interstellar played on the big screen.
The final frame faded. End credits began to roll.
Lights came up.
Around the long table sat over a dozen people: Warner CEO Kevin Tsujihara, Chief Content Officer, Head of Distribution, Head of Marketing—and Christopher Nolan in the center.
No one spoke.
The air felt thick.
Tsujihara cleared his throat. "Chris, the film is excellent. Visuals, performances, concepts—all top tier."
Nolan nodded but didn't reply.
He knew how this worked in Hollywood.
Compliment first. Then the "but."
Sure enough, the Head of Distribution spoke. "But Chris, I have to be honest. This movie is very hard. Wormholes, black holes, five-dimensional space, time dilation—can regular audiences even follow it?"
Head of Marketing jumped in. "And it's a hundred and sixty-nine minutes. Almost three hours. That's going to hurt our scheduling. Maximum four shows a day. Fast 6 can do six."
Nolan finally spoke, voice calm. "I don't make movies for scheduling convenience."
"We know," Tsujihara said quickly, playing peacemaker. "Your films have always been works of art. But the market environment has changed."
He paused. "audiences are losing faith in Hollywood blockbusters. Their words, not mine."
"Formulaic superhero movies aren't moving anymore. Last year's Man of Steel only did sixty-four million in China. Fantastic Four barely cleared forty."
Nolan frowned. "Interstellar isn't a superhero movie."
"But it is hard science fiction. Brain-burning hard science fiction."
Head of Distribution pressed on. "Audiences right now want something that hits them in the heart."
"Why did Fast 6 explode? Because it's simple. Direct. Fun. Family. Brotherhood. Cars. Fights. You don't have to think. Two hours of pure enjoyment."
He pulled up another chart. "And our opponent, Cassius—he's become a box-office guarantee. When he's in a movie, audiences expect it to be good. They trust him."
Nolan was silent for a long time.
Then he said, "So you're worried that by kicking Cassius out, we now have to live in the shadow of the box-office miracle he helped create?"
Tsujihara didn't answer directly. Instead he brought up the stock chart. "Our stock is at sixty-one dollars. Dropped another six percent today. If Interstellar underperforms…"
He didn't finish the sentence.
But everyone understood.
Warner looking bad was minor.
A stock crash was not.