Just as Jessica was sighing and about to pick up the phone to call her agent and express her willingness to make a cameo appearance in the low-budget soap opera, she suddenly saw another news item on the newspapers scattered on the ground.
“Billi Hill Film Company has changed hands, with a mysterious Easterner injecting new capital.”
Below is a photo, clearly taken by a reporter at the company entrance. In the photo, a young man with an Asian face smiles handsomely at the camera and waves casually. Although he is wearing sunglasses, Jessica recognized him at a glance as the mysterious Asian man she had met at Mr. Sorin's dinner party in Canada six months ago. Judging from the respectful manner Mr. Sorin showed him back then, this guy seemed to be someone important.
Completely instinctively, Jessica glanced at the news text below, and one sentence in particular caught her attention:
The company announced that it may begin filming a new movie soon, although no script information has been released yet. However, reports suggest that Colin Farrell and Keanu Reeves may join the cast, and John Depp is also reportedly on the shortlist.
Undoubtedly, these are the names of three currently popular A-list male stars in Hollywood, and these three names alone are enough to attract a lot of attention... What caught Jessica's attention was that... this news did not mention any information about the actresses in the new film.
"Perhaps..." she thought for a moment, her alluring lips curving into a captivating smile...
I think I was born with a talent for acting... or rather, a talent for being a con artist.
Taking over Billy Hill Films was almost unbelievably smooth... I even felt that the company's decision-makers were practically welcoming me, this outsider. Although the way they looked at me probably meant they thought I was an idiot. Everyone knows Billy Hill Films is a mess now. For someone to take over this company at this point, they either have to be a super expert in the film industry, or... an idiot!
And I certainly don't look like a film industry expert.
I did not disclose any plans for injecting new funds or anything like that; I simply requested a board meeting immediately and then offered to acquire all the shares held by the other directors.
Not just a part, but all of them!
I want to take complete control of this company!
These shareholders, seeing that I was a "sucker" willing to pay for and take over these messes, were more than happy to oblige.
Everyone knows that their shares are only "theoretically" valuable now. But once the company goes bankrupt, those shares will be worth less than toilet paper! And now, it seems the company's bankruptcy is inevitable!
The negotiations went exceptionally smoothly, and we signed most of the shareholders' shares almost on the spot, at an absurdly low price... At this point, it's like a sinking ship, and everyone is eager to get off it. Who would come to me to negotiate prices?
Six million US dollars. I bought back all the shares. Yang Wei thought the price was too high; she believed that if I were more ruthless, I could have reduced the cost to less than three million.
After the lawyers handled all the legal formalities and signed all the contracts, and got rid of all the company's shareholders and directors, I immediately convened a meeting of the company's internal management and announced that I would personally inject ten million US dollars into the company to repay part of its debts.
This announcement was like a shot of adrenaline, instantly revitalizing the company, which had been in a state of utter despondency and low morale!
Especially the company's employees!
It's important to know that Hollywood, the global hub of the film industry, is not only the world's largest film production center, but it also attracts film professionals from all over the world! While strolling through Hollywood, you'll likely encounter actors, screenwriters, cinematographers, and so on... basically, it seems like everyone here has some connection to film...
The competition has reached an almost terrifying level! Dozens, even hundreds, of people will be vying for a single job in the film industry!
The fact that the company didn't go bankrupt allowed these people to keep their jobs for the time being! Otherwise, if the company had gone bankrupt, they would all have been unemployed and would probably have to go to the film sets of major companies to find temporary work to make a living starting tomorrow.
This is the almost brutal competition beneath the halo of the super-developed Hollywood film industry!
Then, Yang Wei and I had a secret meeting with the bank's representatives.
Yang Wei's strategy is simple: "Do the most with the lowest possible cost!"
Originally, I thought that since the company had those few film contracts, it wouldn't matter if I directly paid off the company's bank loans. The bank loans amounted to approximately twenty million US dollars. These were debts accumulated by the company over the years.
Yang Wei, however, refused to contribute more money.
Negotiations with the bank reached a stalemate. The bank insisted on either repaying all debts or declaring liquidation! They wanted the company bankrupt, forcing the bank to take over, dismantle the company, and sell it to raise cash to offset the debts.
“No, asking us to repay twenty million US dollars right now… that’s a pipe dream.” Yang Wei refused decisively.
Just when the bank representative was about to give up, Yang Wei coldly offered her offer: "Ten million, we will repay at most ten million US dollars first. As for the remaining debt, we are willing to propose a reasonable repayment date to the bank... everything will be handled through normal loan procedures."
“But you’re not short of money!” The bank representative had clearly done his due diligence: “According to our information, Mr. Chen and Ms. Yang, the powerful figures behind you two wouldn’t care about a mere ten million US dollars! You have plenty of funds.”
“Then there’s even less reason to force us to repay immediately,” Yang Wei said firmly.
“Because Billy Hill’s credit rating has dropped to the lowest possible level! We would certainly be willing to continue lending to other clients. Why wouldn’t we make money?” The bank representative, clearly a skilled negotiator, shrugged. “We would be happy to continue lending to our clients… but the problem is, our assessment team’s evaluation of Billy Hill is that the company is currently in grave danger!! We don’t want to get bogged down! We just want to get out of here as quickly as possible. This isn’t our fault; it’s the result of Billy Hill’s poor credit history over the years!”
“But we only have ten million right now,” Yang Wei said, looking at him. Then she suddenly smiled. “The total debt is twenty million US dollars, isn’t it… Sir, let’s make a very simple comparison… Either you accept our ten million as repayment, and the remaining ten million is repaid in installments according to normal loan procedures. Or you refuse us, and in two months, the company goes bankrupt, and you sell the company off.” Her expression was very confident. “But you might as well do the math… If you refuse our proposal and insist on bankruptcy… then, given Billy Hill Company’s current situation, even if you sell it off, how much money can you get back?”
The bank representative was speechless.
“I can answer your question because I’ve done very detailed calculations and come up with a reasonable figure, about six million US dollars.” Yang Wei’s face was full of confidence. At this moment, she looked at the other party like a real strategist: “Look, either you accept our ten million US dollar repayment plan! Or… you take the company and you will only get six million. Such a simple math problem, even an elementary school student can do it.”
...
After seeing the bank representative off, Yang Wei gave me a triumphant smile.
“We don’t need that ten million.” I shrugged. “Why not just pay off the debt? It’s not a good thing to owe the bank money.”
Yang Wei looked at me with a half-smile, then picked up a paper cup from the table and handed me the coffee. I saw a faint mockery on her face: "Chen Yang, you're wrong. We don't lack ten million... we lack much more, we lack one hundred million, two hundred million!"
I sat in the chair, and she walked around behind me, gently placing her hands on my shoulders. Standing behind me, she whispered with a laugh in my ear, "Chen Yang, I know you've made a lot of money in the last six months. But how much assets do you actually have? Including your company's cash flow, your fixed assets, your house, that villa—all your assets total no more than a hundred million, right?" She seemed to smile slightly. "A hundred million dollars! In Hollywood, even a simple B-movie costs far more than that to produce! You're wrong. We're not short of money…we're extremely, extremely short of money!!"
She walked up to me, counting on her fingers as she laughed, “Look, we’re new here. We need to break into this industry, build relationships with the media, do publicity, throw parties. All of this requires spending huge sums of money! Newspapers, magazines, media outlets, TV stations, radio stations, and those demanding film critics, industry associations… they’re all going to be eating up huge chunks of our budget!! We’re desperately short of cash!!”
I couldn't help but blush slightly. Indeed, perhaps I've been a little too complacent lately?
Making a profit of one hundred million US dollars in just one year is quite a feat for someone like me who started from scratch. But such enormous success has also made me a little overconfident.
"Moreover, the problem is, I don't intend for you to invest your entire fortune in this company." Yang Wei's eyes were filled with her usual wisdom and composure: "This company will become our money-printing machine... but it's just a tool for making money. It's not your real business! It's not your real foundation! So, based on my calculations, the most reasonable thing for you to do is invest a maximum of thirty million US dollars here! That's the most you can do! Your funds should be used in more worthwhile places, not here. Thirty million in Hollywood can't do much, it might not even make a ripple. If you want to make a big impact here, this amount of money won't be enough."
"So what's your plan?" My eyes lit up, and I vaguely understood Yang Wei's intention.
“Second-rate smart people use their own money to make money for themselves…first-rate smart people use other people’s money to make money for themselves!” Yang smiled happily. “My idea is simple. We can’t let the banks run away; we need to keep them tied to us! I only plan to return ten million to them, and they will agree. The benefits of keeping the banks tied to us are twofold.” Yang quickly explained her plan: “First, we are outsiders; we have no roots here. After swallowing this company, we only retained all the middle and lower-level employees, thus maintaining the company’s operational capacity. However, the top-level figures, the shareholders, they all left. In other words, we lost our connections and networks in Hollywood! When we encounter trouble, no one can help us! When we encounter malicious opponents…you know, this is Hollywood! Countless film companies, big and small! Competitors can set traps or cause trouble for us at any time…At times like these, we need someone to help us…and banks are the best helpers!”
"Perhaps Chen Yang, you will never understand the power of banks!! But I can tell you, in the capitalist world, banks represent the operation of capital! All companies are related to banks, all companies!! All!! Banks are not just financial institutions... In their hands, behind them, they themselves, there is a vast network of relationships that is beyond your imagination! And, barring any unforeseen circumstances, banks are always the winners! I've heard an American saying: If you want to succeed, then you only need to always stand with the banks. Of course, some people say that banks are a bunch of vampires, but it has to be admitted that they wield enormous power."
Yang Wei has undoubtedly taught me a valuable lesson! Perhaps I thought I was already very clever before, and I was very proud of my ability to consolidate the smuggling business and unify the underworld. But when it comes to this kind of orthodox, mainstream, business and political maneuvering, I really have to humbly bow my head and learn from Yang Wei.
"Look, by offering them ten million, I've actually given them an unexpected bonus. If we had let the company go bankrupt as planned, the bank would have gotten even less. These people only care about money! In the West, never expect banks to have any sentimental relationships with you! And this ten million I offered is also bait! Let them taste a little sweetness first, and then they'll see our development gradually getting on track. At the same time, they'll expect us to repay the remaining ten million in loans… At this point, anyone who opposes us is opposing the banks! If anyone tries to bring us down… then the banks will worry that once we collapse, they won't get the remaining ten million in loans back… So, in crucial moments, when we encounter difficulties, the banks will give us some help! This help isn't just lending us money! Many officials, governments, institutions, and large companies… they all have to give the banks face!!!"
I nodded and sighed, "That makes sense!"
"That's just the first point. The second point... as I just said, we're still short of money. So, once the company is on track, not only will I not repay the bank loans, but I also plan to get even more loans from the banks! Further financing!! We're like a quagmire, and I want to make the banks sink deeper and deeper into it! The more they lend us, the more they'll value us in the future! Because if we fail, their loans will suffer losses! So they'll do everything they can to protect us... and at the same time, use the bank's money to make money for us, why not?"
After saying all that, Yang Wei looked at me and smiled slightly, "Darling, these are the rules of the game in the capitalist world. You must learn them as soon as possible... and then, have a good 'play' here!"
At this moment, Yang Wei's smile looked like a devil with a little tail trailing behind him.
"So, what's our plan next?" I asked.
Yang Wei thought for a moment: "That's about right. Although the bank didn't give us a reply today, they will definitely accept our request. So, we've passed the bank hurdle for now. In the next few days, we need to meet with the agents of the big stars whose film contracts we have and have a proper talk with them."
"Are you really going to make a movie?" I asked excitedly. "Colin Farrell, Keanu Reeves... oh, and John Depp. He's one of my favorite actors."
"But you'd better be prepared. I guess there's only a 0.1% chance they'll agree to let us make the film." Yang smiled and bluntly poured cold water on my hopes.
"Oh? Don't we already have film contracts in hand?"
“Film contracts aren’t a magic bullet.” Yang Wei shook her head. “I never expected to actually get these big names to come and make movies for us through film contracts… If we did that, it would be like offending several powerful enemies!! Getting John Depp to make a movie for two million dollars? Damn it, his current salary is at least twenty million dollars plus a cut! Even if he agreed, his agent wouldn’t! Agents get a cut of the actors’ income! If John Depp’s income is less, it means his agent’s income is less… His agent will hate us! And in Hollywood, a big-name agent might have many big-name stars under their contract! If we offend a big-name agent, it means we will say goodbye to all the big-name actors under that agent forever! Doing that kind of thing is not worth it.”
"So what do you plan to do?"
Next, Yang Wei briefly explained the rules of film contracts to me. Even after signing a film contract, it's possible to breach it, but of course, a certain penalty fee must be paid. Generally speaking, the penalty fee is about ten times the contract amount.
In fact, some big-name actors, after becoming famous, will pay to buy back the film contracts they signed before they became famous! They'd rather pay the penalty for breach of contract!
“It’s simple… darling.” Yang Wei couldn’t help but laugh, but her laughter was somewhat strange. “I’ve seen our contract with Colin Farrell. It’s very clear on the contract that Colin Farrell is even willing to do ‘nude’ scenes in the movie.” Her expression was odd. “Look, that was years ago! Back then, Colin Farrell was just an unknown. He only signed such a contract to get roles. But now? Do you think he would still be willing to do nude scenes in a movie he’s filming? Unless you offer an exorbitant price!”
I nodded.
"So, my plan doesn't actually rely on those big names fulfilling their contracts to make movies for us. I just want to use them as leverage to negotiate with them. They can pay a certain amount of breach of contract fee to buy back their contracts," Yang Wei said.
I thought about it carefully: "In that case... how much money could we possibly get?"
Yang Wei quickly pulled out a notebook, flipped through it, did some calculations, and laughed, "Colin Farrell got the least; when he signed, his salary was $150,000. Even if it's increased tenfold, it's only $1.5 million. But the unlucky ones are John Depp and Keanu Reeves. John Depp's contract was $2 million per film. And he has to pay a penalty, which, according to the contract, is ten times that—$20 million in compensation. And the most unlucky one is Keanu Reeves… He signed for three films, $6 million, and if it's increased tenfold…"
She glanced at me and smiled slyly.
I whistled: "Sixty million? My God. I feel like I'm being extorted."
But after thinking about it seriously, I sighed and looked at Yang Wei: "Alright, Yang Wei. Stop messing with me! I'm not stupid! This kind of extortion, in Hollywood? Extorting the biggest stars like this? Is that even possible? They would definitely fight back, and the lawsuit would go on for a long time! Would they obediently hand over tens of millions to us? Even superstars wouldn't be indifferent to such a large sum of money. Besides, how is this any different from offending them, as you just said? We can't do that, we definitely can't."
Yang Wei looked at me with a hint of satisfaction in her eyes and smiled: "It's really great that you think that way."
I couldn't help but feel a little frustrated: "But what can we do? These few film contracts are our trump card! If we can't use them..."
“No, we definitely need to use it,” Yang smiled slightly. “It just needs to be done skillfully. We can talk to their agents. Since the legality of the contracts can't be denied, their agents' only recourse is to discuss with us how to cancel them. And we can't be outrageous and actually demand the full amount of the penalty! My plan is to ask for less, or even exactly the contract value, without asking for a single penny more, and sell the contracts to them. That way, at least we can establish some connection with them and win their favor… Making a couple of friends with superstars can't hurt Hollywood newcomers like us! At the same time, we can fully utilize this situation to…”
I suddenly smiled and, before Yang Wei could speak, I interjected, "Let's discuss it with them, and have everyone cooperate. A little hype? Great idea! They get their film contracts back, we recoup our costs, and we get some publicity... a few superstars teaming up with us for a hype!"
"Yes, this company is actually quite good. All the operational departments are complete; it's small but perfectly formed. Moreover, they originally had their own film production plans, but the company went downhill and couldn't afford to invest in movies anymore. Even now, the company has scripts they bought back then, a budget team, and everything else. As long as we have the funds, we can start filming a movie anytime!" Yang smiled slightly. "Of course, we don't need to worry about the film production itself; we're just using this film company to make money… and at the same time…"
Yang Wei looked at me and said quietly, "Xiao Wu, as your career develops, are you going to keep using our family's casinos to launder money? That's like putting your lifeline in my uncle's hands! Right now, you and my uncle are allies, you're partners... but what if things change one day... what will you do? You need new money laundering channels! And movies are a very good way! You know, one of the seven giants of Hollywood has connections to the Italian Mafia!"
Yang Wei's words touched me deeply. I looked at her for a moment, unsure of what to say.
She truly set aside her own family's position and was completely thinking of me!
My heart skipped a beat. Without a doubt, I read something heavy in Yang Wei's eyes! I sighed instinctively, trying to look away. Fortunately, Yang Wei didn't want to put me in a difficult position, and she quickly composed herself... She truly is a wise woman; she is incredibly intelligent, yet she is always thinking of me and never wants to put me in a difficult position.
“Alright, let’s think of a way first.” Yang smiled. “Now I need to think of a way to get you on the front page of the entertainment media as quickly as possible! Hmm, our company doesn’t have many gimmicks to create right now, but I think the media seems very interested in you, this mysterious investor from the East… Hmm, I need a gimmick… a gimmick… hmm… a gimmick…”
She looked at me, as if pondering how to extract value from me, with a half-smile.
I've long been used to Yang Wei's frequent smiles like that. Generally speaking, when she smiles like that, it means someone is about to be schemed against by her.
Just then, my phone, which was in my jacket pocket, suddenly rang...
The phone number was unfamiliar, but it was clearly a local number.
Hmm? I don't remember having any friends there.
After answering the phone and saying "Hello," I heard a soft, charming woman's voice on the other end: "Hi—hello, is this Mr. Chen? Oh, I wonder if you still remember me, your friend? I'm Jessica Alba. I saw in the newspaper that you've come to Hollywood. Would you like to come out and have a coffee with an old friend?"
I was stunned for a moment, but after all, she was a stunningly beautiful woman, and men naturally have a deep memory for beautiful women, so I remembered who she was in just one second.
"Oh, it's you, Jess." I smiled. "It's nice to receive your call. Um, when... now?" I glanced at my watch, then looked up at Yang Wei, and covered my phone.
"who?"
“Jessica Alba. The Hollywood actress I met at the dinner party in Thorin.” I shrugged. “She invited me for coffee.”
Yang Wei suddenly winked at me and said in a low voice with a smile, "Look, here comes the 'gimmick'."
Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter 139: Illusion?
As agreed over the phone, I drove to the underground parking lot of a building in Beverly Hills. A few minutes later, I saw the elevator doors open and Jessica walk out.
When I saw Jessica Alba again, this stunning Hollywood beauty appeared before me, radiating beauty. She deliberately wore a dress with a touch of oriental flair, the tassels highlighting a hint of Eastern charm. Her long, dyed black hair, combined with her already Barbie-doll-like face, created a unique allure.
Accompanying her was someone who looked like an assistant. Jessica saw my car parked there, immediately turned around and said a few words to the assistant behind her. When she looked at me again, she was all smiles and strode over. I got out of the car politely, but she didn't give me a chance to shake hands. Instead, she gave me an American-style hug and even a kiss on the cheek.
"I really don't understand why you Easterners like shaking hands so much?" The beautiful woman shrugged, and then I opened the car door and invited her into the car.