Chapter 11 Surprising Numbers
Chapter 11 Surprising Numbers
Rona looked at the four men in front of her with a hint of doubt. Why did the atmosphere seem to have changed after she had only been gone for a short while?
Twenty minutes ago, the air here was thick with tension, but now it feels relaxed, even... pleasant?
Without thinking twice, she handed the fax paper to Sidney:
"Mr. Sinberg, the information is confirmed. Just yesterday, a senior vice president of Warner Bros. landed in Hong Kong and checked into the Peninsula Hotel, which was arranged by Shaw Brothers."
"Although we haven't uncovered the specific details of the collaboration yet, according to our informant, it's definitely going to be a kung fu movie."
After she finished speaking, she looked at Sidney, waiting for the global vice president's reaction.
Sidney appeared calm and nodded slightly, as if none of this was beyond his expectations.
"Thank you, very efficient work." He reached out and pushed the pile of US dollars on the table towards Lorna.
"We just made a bet, so let's leave this money in your custody as a witness."
Lorna stared blankly at the banknotes in front of her. Before she could react, Sidney's next words made her heart beat even faster.
"Universal accepted the cooperation proposal put forward by Golden Harvest."
Raymond Chow's hand tightened suddenly as he touched the ring, and his heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled down.
But being a shrewd businessman, he naturally didn't show any delight, only nodding slightly: "A wise choice, Mr. Sinberg."
In fact, from the moment the three proposed the "zero-cost" plan, Sidney was already certain that he would agree to the collaboration.
The previous high-pressure stance was nothing more than a tactic at the negotiating table.
For him, this was a risk-free and highly profitable deal.
If they win, it's because he had a keen eye for talent and opened up a new market; if they lose, Golden Harvest has to pay the price, and Universal only loses a little administrative resources.
Only a fool would choose an option that only offers upside potential and has no downside risk.
Most importantly, if it succeeds, I can legitimately withdraw from the television sector and enter Universal's core film sector!
This brings you one step closer to that lofty position.
"Since we've already laid everything bare, why don't we take it a step further?" For the first time, Sidney's gaze revealed an aggressive glint.
"Sign up Bruce Lee's other two films—'Fist of Fury' and 'Way of the Dragon'—to me together. Same terms, same treatment, Universal will cover it all."
This is a huge temptation.
If Golden Harvest could release all three films in North American theaters at once, its influence would instantly surpass that of Shaw Brothers, making it a true international film giant.
Zou Wenhua looked at Qin Han, his eyes gleaming with interest.
However, Qin Han shook his head without any hesitation: "No, Mr. Sinberg. This time we only brought 'The Big Boss'."
"Why?" Sidney clearly hadn't expected the other party to refuse such a lucrative offer: "Since the distribution channels are already established, it's the same whether you distribute one or three copies. Economies of scale can maximize profits."
"Because the price is wrong," Qin Han pointed out the problem without hesitation.
He met Sidney's imposing gaze: "Once 'The Big Boss' becomes a box office hit, the remaining two films won't be freebies anymore."
"Gold naturally has a price."
"We don't want to sell off our future gold mines as scrap metal now."
Sidney stared at Qin Han for a full ten seconds before finally letting out a short laugh—a laugh born of appreciation when facing a worthy opponent.
"Greed...good, young man. In Hollywood, greed is a virtue."
"In that case, let's start with this one." He raised his wrist to check his watch. "Gentlemen, my meeting is already ten minutes overdue, and I must leave as soon as possible."
"However, this overtime was well worth it."
He stood up, buttoned his suit jacket, and said to Lorna, "Ms. Barrett, could you please take them to the legal department to see Rosenberg? If there are no further issues, the papers can be signed today."
After saying that, he nodded to the group and strode out of the conference room.
Lorna let out a long sigh of relief. This was her first time being so deeply involved in a film deal of this magnitude, and it was incredibly exciting!
"What are you all standing there for?" She grabbed the gambling money and briefcase from the table, walked to the door, and turned back with a smile. "Let's go, future millionaires, go sign that damn contract!"
……
That evening, the four were enjoying a celebratory dinner at a high-end steakhouse in Beverly Hills.
"Come on, let's take this first step!" Rona raised her wine glass, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
The conversation naturally turned to the most practical issue—the division of the spoils!
"As previously agreed," Raymond Chow cut a piece of medium-rare filet mignon, its juices overflowing, "of this 10%, 3% goes to Aaron, and another 1% goes to Miss Barrett as commission. Does anyone have any objections to that?"
Qin Han and Bruce Lee naturally nodded in agreement.
"Raymond, I can't keep my 3% all to myself. Without Ah Han's planning, we might not have even been able to get through the gates of the Black Tower on this trip to Hollywood."
"He is my apprentice and also my strategist."
The master and apprentice did not drink alcohol today, but Bruce Lee's face was still somewhat flushed, clearly showing his excitement at being able to return to Hollywood.
"We'll split it in half when we meet. Of my share, I'll give 1.5% to Ah Han."
"Master, thank you!" Given their relationship, Qin Han believed that refusing would be disrespectful to his master.
Raymond Chow looked at the master and apprentice and didn't care how Bruce Lee divided the money, as long as Golden Harvest's interests were not harmed.
On the contrary, the more Bruce Lee valued Qin Han, the higher the young man's worth was, which was a good thing for him.
"Since Ah Long has said so, then it's settled!" He made the final decision: "I'll have Hong Kong immediately draft a supplementary agreement."
The meal was a pleasure for both the host and guests.
It wasn't until late at night that Qin Han drove the Lincoln sedan that Luo Na had rented, taking the slightly tipsy Raymond Chow and his master back to the Longmen Hotel.
Only he and Rona remained in the carriage.
"Where to? Should I take you home first?" Qin Han gripped the steering wheel, turning his head to look at the rosy-cheeked blonde beauty in the passenger seat.
"The moon is beautiful tonight. I don't want to go back so early. Let's find a place to chat for a while!" Rona tossed her hair, trying to cool off from the alcohol.
"Yes, ma'am."
Half an hour later, the car stopped at a viewing platform halfway up a hill in Hollywood.
The entire Los Angeles cityscape at night is laid out before you.
Countless lights intertwine to form a dazzling sea of light, stretching to the horizon, like a galaxy within reach.
Qin Han turned off the engine, and the car instantly fell silent, with only the sound of their breathing remaining.
"To be honest, I still can't quite believe it," Lorna broke the silence. "You actually did it. Getting Universal and Golden Harvest to sign you still feels like a dream."
Qin Han turned to the side, looking at the wildly alluring woman before him, and smiled, "Now, you should trust my judgment even more, right?"
"Don't worry, once 'The Big Boss' hits theaters, your 1% will become a number that will surprise you."
Lorna scoffed, unbuckled her seatbelt, and lunged towards the driver's seat: "A surprising number? Can 20 centimeters really be that surprising?"
As the night deepened and the air inside the Lincoln limousine grew increasingly hot, it swayed rhythmically, blending into the enchanting nightscape of Los Angeles.
……
Shaw Studios, Clearwater Bay, Hong Kong.
"Raymond Chow went to America? And with Bruce Lee?"
An elderly man, his brow furrowed deeply, stared at the telegram in his hand.
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