While Gilbert and his family were enjoying their leisurely vacation at the farm, newly renamed Stardew Valley Farm, the film market was in full turmoil.
During the first two weeks of May, The False dominated the box office. Neither Van Helsing nor any other films posed any real threat.
It wasn't until the third weekend, when Troy was released, that The False was pushed off the top spot in North America. But even then, Troy's reign was short-lived, soon replaced by other films.
On May 21, DreamWorks' action animation studio released Shrek 2.
The first film had achieved excellent box office and critical acclaim, so the sequel's development proceeded smoothly and finally debuted this year.
Unsurprisingly, the film became the first in the 2004 summer season to break $100 million in its opening weekend, grossing $108 million.
Though this opening wasn't as shocking as Return of the King's, it gave DreamWorks a major boost of confidence.
Everyone knew that DreamWorks had long aspired to become Hollywood's eighth major studio. Originally, with MGM's collapse, there was a chance to be the seventh.
But the established giants refused to allow a new player to enter, blocking DreamWorks from various resources.
Thus, a strange phenomenon emerged: whenever DreamWorks faced difficulties, Spielberg would intervene. The problem was, Spielberg's intervention wasn't always effective.
Privately, Spielberg even confided to his close aides that if DreamWorks had Gilbert, things would be far simpler.
But that was impossible, so DreamWorks needed to find a new path.
That path was placed in DreamWorks' animation studio.
Thus, Shrek 2 naturally took on this crucial task and achieved huge box office success.
It is well-known that animation films' greatest strength lies in merchandising.
Often, a well-made animated film's success at the box office is no accident, and ancillary profits can be several times the box office revenue.
In other words, Shrek 2 essentially revitalized DreamWorks and attracted the close attention of other major studios.
While Shrek 2 thrived, Steve Jobs visited StarDew Valley Farm, due to matters concerning Pixar Animation Studios.
"Steve, how was that Chinese medicine practitioner I recommended last time?" Gilbert asked with a smile.
Hearing this, Steve Jobs glared at Gilbert. "You tricked me last time. You said he was a Zen master who could calm my mind. Out of personal trust in you, I invited him to America—who knew he was a Chinese medicine doctor, here to treat me medically?"
"So tell me, didn't you feel relaxed during the treatment?" Gilbert countered.
"Well…" Steve Jobs couldn't deny it, so he admitted honestly, "Yes, we often discussed Buddhist philosophy together. It brought me inner peace and helped me view death more calmly."
What had happened was that Gilbert had repeatedly persuaded Steve Jobs to seek treatment. But Jobs didn't trust doctors, especially Western medicine.
When Gilbert mentioned it to Ivanka, she suggested inviting another doctor disguised as a Zen master.
Gilbert's eyes lit up—he immediately realized it was a great idea. He called his old Chinese friend, Lao Tian, for help.
Lao Tian, who had felt guilty for deceiving Gilbert before, was anxious. But Gilbert asked him to find a doctor who was also a Zen master.
Lao Tian agreed immediately, reported it to the authorities, and they arranged for a highly skilled physician who was also a Zen master to come to America to treat Steve Jobs.
At first, the master was reluctant, but after hearing it would help the country restore its image and mend relations, he agreed.
Before Jobs' treatment, Gilbert tried it himself. The master prescribed some medicine to help Gilbert with issues caused by years of intense work.
However, long-term care was required; it wasn't a quick fix.
The master also gave some prescriptions to several women, mainly for beauty and skin care. Naomi Watts and the others used them daily, becoming even more radiant.
Once Gilbert verified the master's abilities, he introduced him to Steve Jobs.
Initially, Jobs was hesitant. Gilbert then deceived him, saying the master was a Zen master who, upon death, would become a relic.
Jobs, with his zeal for Zen, believed it and invited the master to teach him.
During the sessions, they discussed Buddhism, and the master provided medicine for Jobs.
Over the past six months, Jobs' physical and mental health visibly improved, delighting Apple's executives.
The master was clear, however, that Jobs' illness could not be completely cured. The treatment could only slow it down. If the patient maintained good condition, living another 10–20 years was possible.
For Gilbert, that was enough.
If memory served, Steve Jobs passed away in 2011. A good treatment, giving him another 10–20 years, was immensely valuable.
Jobs knew Gilbert had deceived him, but his body improved, and the master's Buddhist teachings were profound, so he could not resent Gilbert.
Today, visiting Stardee Valley Farm, Jobs was outwardly composed, yet inwardly grateful to Gilbert.
After all, any normal person doesn't wish to die prematurely.
For a tech fanatic, the greatest hope is to see how their creations change the world. Jobs was no different.
"By the way, Gilbert, how did you find Master Shikong?" Jobs asked curiously.
"It's nothing," Gilbert replied casually, "Master Shikong is one of the Zen disciples outside China's Zhongnan Mountain Eight Disciples. He travels among the people, never involving himself in worldly Buddhist affairs.
He's a true ascetic, traveling across China's famous mountains and rivers, visiting enlightened monks, teaching the Dharma, and healing suffering people."
Steve Jobs joined his hands. "He truly is extraordinary. Speaking with him, I felt my mind purified, and I became much calmer."
Gilbert said, "China has many such gifted individuals. If you like, I can introduce you to a Daoist heavenly master as well."
"To meet even one enlightened teacher in a lifetime is rare. How could I ask for more? Do you know, just before leaving, Master Shikong gave me a calligraphy piece. Do you know what it was?"
"What was it?"
"'Embrace the One.' A sage embraces the One — how could I allow myself to think of twos and threes?"
Gilbert froze for a moment. Steve Jobs had practically turned into a philosophy master.
Moreover, the saying 'A sage embraces the One' actually originated from Confucian philosophy. Though Gilbert wasn't a scholar of traditional Chinese studies, he at least knew a little about it.
It seemed that Master Shikong wasn't only a great Zen master but also well-versed in Confucian classics.
That was perfectly normal. Throughout Chinese religious history, there had always been a process of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism merging into one. Many enlightened figures were well-read in all three traditions, so it wasn't surprising that a Zen master could also master Confucian thought.
Of course, that wasn't the main point. The real point was that Master Shikong had indeed made an impact — shifting Steve Jobs's attention from Indian Buddhism to Chinese Buddhism.
More importantly, his health had improved — a very positive sign.
It was certain that this story would eventually spread. Steve Jobs himself would tell others about it, promoting the influence of Zen Buddhism.
Those wealthy individuals who cherished life yet were frustrated with the limits of Western medicine would henceforth become fascinated with Chinese masters, seeking ways to prolong their lives.
In time, these upper-class figures would develop a strong affection for the Chinese people.
Changes within the upper class would trigger transformations in the lower strata of society.
Within Western society, this would greatly ease the cultural divide between East and West, accelerate globalization, and, while it might not eliminate hatred, would at least reduce unnecessary misunderstandings.
Although Gilbert was a filmmaker, he sometimes felt a certain sense of mission.
He couldn't be called a "traitor to America" — that would be unfair. Everything he did was, in truth, to help save Westerners who were lost, confused, and suffering.
At his core, Gilbert didn't want to see humanity regress to the Stone Age, wielding clubs and stones again, in the event of a fourth world war.
From that perspective, Gilbert was a "schemer" within the system — a spy in the halls of power.
Sometimes even Gilbert laughed at himself — a mere movie director, and yet he harbored such grand notions of destiny. Where did this sense of superiority even come from?
But he truly couldn't help it. Gilbert felt that he was the protagonist of the story — destined to become a great artist who would influence the course of human history.
Otherwise, what was the point of his coming here?
Even if his art had been built on imitation and borrowing from others...
After exchanging a few philosophical ideas, Gilbert admitted defeat; he was no match for Steve Jobs.
However, Jobs also brought him news during this visit: Pixar Animation Studios had officially accepted Disney's acquisition offer, and he would soon become a Disney shareholder.
At the same time, Steve Jobs said, "Although I won't be managing Pixar's daily operations anymore, I still plan to invite you to serve as Pixar's Creative Director."
"Creative Director?" Gilbert asked. "And how much will you pay me?"
Steve Jobs solemnly took out a one-dollar bill, placed it in front of Gilbert, and said, "One dollar."
"One dollar?"
"Yes, one dollar."
Seeing Gilbert's expression — as if asking, Are you serious? — Steve Jobs couldn't help but laugh.
Their conversation had been quite pleasant overall. Because of his responsibilities at Apple, Steve Jobs didn't stay long and soon returned.
However, peace would not last at Stardew Valley Farm. Many visitors would soon come by to meet Gilbert and discuss those mysterious and fascinating events.
That summer, Stardew Farm was destined not to remain tranquil — and Gilbert's leisurely vacation seemed to have become not so leisurely after all.
.....
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