When Jet Li first arrived in Hollywood, few held high expectations for him. Eventually, a film company offered him a role, but the pay was a mere $1 million, and he was cast as a villain. Jet Li hesitated, stating he needed time to consider. However, by the time he agreed, the company had changed its terms, dropping the salary to $750,000.
Money wasn't the primary concern, but in the Southeast Asian film market of the 1990s, the name "Jet Li" was already a prestigious brand. Transitioning from being the "Kung Fu Emperor" to this predicament was difficult for him to grasp. After careful thought, he decided to accept, only to face further pressure: "500,000 dollars, or don't do it." This $500,000 had to cover lawyers, agents, and publicity firms; after taxes, very little remained. Yet, Jet Li agreed readily: "I'll do it."
Thus, Jet Li filmed his first Hollywood movie, *Lethal Weapon 4*. Despite the film's star-studded cast, he earned a 7.5 rating on opening night, ranking high among the actors.
The very next day, the film company's boss visited him personally and respectfully asked, "How about playing the lead in our next film?" Once his strength proved everything, Jet Li gained leverage; by his fourth Hollywood film, his salary had reached $17 million.
By taking a step back to move forward, Jet Li successfully knocked on Hollywood's door. Reflecting on the past, he recited a philosophical poem: "Planting young rice seedlings in the field, bowing down to see the sky reflected in the water; when the six senses are pure, that is the Way; retreating is, in fact, advancing."
Philosophy: Instead of complaining about fate, a person of character should respect reality and advance through strategic retreats.
