noveldepot Chapter 107 Making a Little Money
Chapter 107 Making a Little Money
Chapter 107 Making a Little Money
It was 4:17 a.m. on a winter night in Beijing.
When Jiang Yu woke up, his brain became clear before his body.
He lay there with his eyes closed for three seconds, then reached for the bedside table. His phone was buzzing in the dark, its screen gleaming brightly; the caller ID read "David Cohn."
Los Angeles time, 1:17 PM.
He didn't rush to answer, but instead sat up and turned on the bedside lamp.
He finally answered during the third vibration: "David."
"Boss, sorry for the timing." David's voice came through the radio, with the faint sounds of keyboard typing and coffee machine running in the background. "The Disney people have come knocking. Franco Cole is leading the team himself. It's a big deal."
Jiang Yu threw off the covers and got out of bed, walking barefoot onto the cool floor towards the living room.
The moment the refrigerator door opened, he took out a bottle of Evian, unscrewed it, and took a big gulp.
The ice water slid down his throat, completely waking him up.
"Which project?" he asked, his voice still low and hoarse from just waking up.
"Tron: Legacy, the sequel to the 1982 film Tron." David spoke quickly, "The budget was $2 million, Disney offered $8000 million, saying it was just for risk sharing, they themselves weren't sure."
Jiang Yu walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.
In the early morning, Beijing's CBD resembles a steel forest sunk to the bottom of the sea.
In the distance, the red aviation warning lights on the roof of the China World Trade Center Phase 3 tower flickered alone in the thick darkness of the night.
"What's the current trend in Hollywood?" he asked.
"I'm not optimistic," David said bluntly. "I asked a few people in the industry privately, and they all said Disney has gone mad."
Fans of *Tron* are now in their forties and fifties; who would still pay for a 27-year-old franchise? Young people haven't even heard of it. Director Joseph Kosinski is a newcomer, having only directed *GG*. This combination is like throwing dice in a casino.
Jiang Yu didn't say anything.
He knew David was right, but he also knew things David didn't; Tron: Legacy did indeed perform poorly at the box office, barely reaching $4 million worldwide, just breaking even after deducting production and marketing costs. Disney still made a small profit through subsequent streaming rights and merchandise licensing.
More importantly, this project can bring more than just money.
"What conditions did they offer?" he asked.
"On the surface, it's called a deep strategic cooperation, but in reality, they're just making us suckers." David's voice was laced with sarcasm. "They'll give us a maximum of 30% of the profits, keep all the distribution rights, and not give us a penny for merchandise licensing. The only good thing is—they said they could give us a role, a female lead."
Jiang Yu twirled the water bottle in his hand, the plastic bottle making a slight creaking sound.
"Boss, my suggestion is to turn it down," David continued. "We already have enough projects on our hands. 'Lucy' is about to start filming, 'Inception' hasn't even started yet, and '2012' is in production. There's no need to take on this hot potato."
"Cancel it?" Jiang Yu repeated, then smiled. "No, we'll accept it."
There was a three-second silence on the other end of the phone.
"Boss, are you serious?"
"Really." Jiang Yu walked back to the bedroom, took out a leather notebook from the bedside table drawer, and opened it. "But the conditions need to be changed. First, the budget is reduced to 1.6 million, with Disney contributing 1.1 million and us contributing 5000 million. Second, the special effects package will be given to Light & Shadow Digital. Third, we want a 40% global share, with 20% split between television and streaming."
Fourth, we want that role, but the final decision rests with Disney.
He finished speaking in one breath, and all that could be heard on the other end of the phone was David gasping for breath.
"Boss, Disney can't possibly agree to these terms," David said with difficulty. "A $40 million budget cut? And a 4000% share? Franco would slam the door and walk out."
"Then let him break it." Jiang Yu said calmly. "Tell him you can't make this decision. If he really wants to talk, let him bring his team to Beijing, and I'll personally receive them. We'll cover all their airfare and accommodation."
David fell silent again, this time for even longer.
Jiang Yu could imagine him in his Los Angeles office, phone in one hand, scratching his messy blond hair with the other, his expression must have been priceless.
"Boss," David finally said, "you're thinking of using this project to—fish?"
"Smart." Jiang Yu smiled. "Go and pass on the message. Remember, be sincere and sound hesitant. Say that our CEO Jiang values this very much, but the conditions are indeed demanding. Why don't you come to Beijing in person to discuss it with him?"
"Understood." David smiled too. "I'm good at acting. But boss, if they really come—"
"Let's talk properly now that you're here." Jiang Yu closed his notebook. "I know what I'm doing."
I hung up the phone at 4:42 a.m.
Jiang Yu didn't go back to sleep, but went into the study and turned on the computer.
The cold white light from the screen reflected on his expressionless face as he searched for all the information about "Tron," including box office figures, reviews, fan base, and subsequent impact.
Halfway through reading, he sent Jiang Xuerou a WeChat message: "See you at the company at nine o'clock tomorrow morning. We have important guests."
Jiang Xuerou replied almost instantly: "At this time—who?"
"Franko Cole, president of production at Disney, led a team of ten."
It lasted for a full half minute before finally sending a message: "I'm going to the company to get ready."
Jiang Yu smiled and opened an encrypted folder containing a project plan for Light Chaser Pictures for the next three years.
At 8:50 a.m. on the third day, at the headquarters of Chasing Light Films in China World Trade Center.
Jiang Xuerou stood in the elevator lobby on the 12th floor, checking her attire for the third time.
Today she chose a navy blue wool suit, paired with a beige silk shirt, pearl earrings, and her hair was neatly tied into a low ponytail.
My makeup was heavier than usual, to cover up the fact that I only slept for four hours last night.
"Mr. Jiang, everything's arranged with the media." The assistant jogged over and whispered, "Entertainment reporters from Sina, Tencent, and NetEase are waiting at Starbucks downstairs, their telephoto lenses are all set up."
"Make them wait." Jiang Xuerou glanced at her watch. "Franko's car will arrive at nine o'clock. From getting out of the car to getting into the elevator, it will take at least thirty seconds. That's enough time for them to take a series of photos."
"clear."
Jiang Xuerou thought for a moment, then shook her head: "Let the media bump into them, and the press release should emphasize that Disney executives secretly visited China, possibly to chase the light or participate in an A-list production." Let them guess the rest.
The assistant nodded and left.
Jiang Xuerou took a deep breath, turned around and walked towards the conference room.
This is a great vantage point, offering a panoramic view of the China World Trade Center Phase 3, Yintai Centre, and Wanda Plaza; she wants to show the Disney people what kind of location Light Chaser's headquarters is situated in.
At 9:00 AM sharp, the front desk called on the internal line: "Mr. Jiang, the Disney cars have arrived, three black Mercedes-Benzes."
"Please ask them to come to the conference room on the 35th floor."
It takes forty-five seconds for the elevator to go up.
Jiang Xuerou used this time to make final adjustments to her expression. The corners of her lips were raised by fifteen degrees, and her eyes were slightly curved. It was a professional smile that was warm but not obsequious, confident but not arrogant.
She went to greet them as the elevator doors slid open.
"Mr. Cole, welcome to BJ." Her English was fluent and standard, with just the right amount of enthusiasm. "I am Jiang Xuerou, the domestic president of Light Chaser Pictures."
Franco Cole looks much the same as in the photos of financial magazines.
In his early fifties, wearing a dark blue tailored suit, he was the epitome of an American executive.
He was followed by nine people, men and women, aged between thirty and fifty, each carrying a black briefcase, their expressions as solemn as if they were attending a funeral.
"Mr. Jiang, it's an honor to meet you." Franco shook hands firmly, his palms dry and warm. "BJ is more than I imagined—"
Energetic.
That's a subtle way of putting it.
Jiang Xuerou knew what he was referring to: the congested traffic outside the car window, the bustling crowds on the streets, and that vibrant, restless energy—completely different from the leisurely atmosphere of the American West Coast.
"This city never sleeps," she replied with a smile. "Hot coffee is ready in the meeting room, please."
The group entered the conference room.
Jiang Xuerou keenly noticed that several people in the Disney team were discreetly observing the office environment.
That kind of scrutiny isn't out of curiosity; it's an assessment.
She sneered inwardly. "Evaluate it then, evaluate it thoroughly."
Everyone took their seats.
Franco sat in the guest seat, with an Asian woman in her early thirties, presumably his assistant, to his left; and a bald man with gold-rimmed glasses, the legal director, whose expression was as serious as a granite block.
Jiang Xuerou sat in the main seat, but the main seat next to her was empty, reserved for Jiang Yu.
"General Manager Jiang has an urgent conference call and will be there shortly," she explained, gesturing for the administrative staff to bring coffee. "Everyone, please take a break and adjust to the time difference. If you need the restrooms, turn left outside."
"No need." Franco waved his hand, took out a thick stack of documents from his briefcase, and said, "Mr. Jiang, let's get started. Time is precious."
He spoke with that unconscious Hollywood superiority complex, and Jiang Xuerou's smile remained unchanged, but in her heart she had already cursed this man's ancestors for eighteen generations; Is this how it begins? A show of force?
"Of course." She nodded. "But before President Jiang arrives, we can talk about our basic intentions."
"No need to discuss intentions." Franco pushed a document in front of her. "This is the project proposal for 'Tron: Legacy,' Disney's S-level project this year, with a budget of $2 million. We're showing it to you first because we're about to have a deep collaboration with Light Chaser Animation."
That's a beautifully said statement, and the subtext is clear: this is charity, a favor, and you should be grateful.
Jiang Xuerou opened the project proposal.
Production budget: $2 million. Director: Joseph Kosinski (newcomer, notable works: none).
Starring: Undetermined.
Release date: Summer 2011.
Expected box office: $6-8 million worldwide.
She quickly browsed through the pages, her mind racing with calculations.
A budget of $2 million isn't the highest in Hollywood, but it's not low either.
The key issue is that this movie is a sequel, and a sequel 27 years later, which carries enormous risks.
Disney's willingness to invest suggests either that it has internal data to support its decision, or that it genuinely needs someone to share the risk.
"Director Kosinski," she looked up, her tone gentle, "I remember he'd only directed GG and short films before?"
"Genius doesn't need qualifications," Franco said confidently. "His visual concepts for Tron: Legacy were unanimously approved by the board. Disney will provide him with the best production team and the most advanced technical support."
"But audiences recognize the director's name," Jiang Xuerou smiled. "Nolan, Cameron, Jackson; those names are only worth a 2 million budget. Kosinski—market recognition is almost zero."
Franco's smile froze. The legal representative behind him adjusted his glasses, preparing to speak, but just then...
The meeting room door was pushed open.
Jiang Yu walked in, wearing a dark gray cashmere suit, no tie, and a white shirt with one button casually undone at the collar.
He was holding a thermos, looking like he had just finished a routine internal weekly meeting.
"Sorry to keep you waiting." He sat down in the head seat, placed his thermos on the table, unscrewed the lid, and steam billowed out. "Mr. Cole, welcome to Beijing. How's your jet lag adjusting?"
With just a few simple words, the atmosphere in the entire conference room instantly changed.
The real confrontation begins now.
Jiang Yu didn't stand on ceremony and went straight to the point.
He picked up the project proposal, flipped through only the first three pages, and then closed it.
"Tron," released in 1982, had a production cost of $1700 million and a worldwide box office of $3100 million.
Ten thousand."
His voice was calm, as if he were stating the weather, "In terms of inflation, that's equivalent to a cost of $4600 million and a box office of $8500 million today. The return on investment is less than double. Mr. Cole, what makes Disney think a sequel 27 years later is worth a $2 million investment?"
This problem is like a scalpel, precisely cutting away all the glamorous packaging.
Several members of the Disney team exchanged glances. The legal representative cleared his throat, preparing to speak, but Franco raised his hand to stop him.
"Jiang, that's not how you calculate the film industry." Franco leaned forward, elbows resting on the table. "Tron: Revolution ushered in the CGI era, a CUIT classic with a huge and loyal fan base. For 27 years, fans have been waiting for a sequel. Now that the technology is mature enough, we can create a digital world like never before; that concept alone is worth $1 million."
"Fans?" Jiang Yu laughed, but the smile lacked warmth. "Fans born in 1982 are now on average 45 to 55 years old. Do people in this age group still go to the cinema to watch sci-fi movies? Will their children, the post-80s and post-90s generations, pay for their parents' intellectual property?"
The temperature in the conference room dropped sharply.
Jiang Xuerou lowered her head to drink her tea, concealing the smile on her lips.
She knew Jiang Yu's style: no beating around the bush, straight to the point, always picking on the issues the other party least wanted to face.
"That's exactly what we're going to do." Franco's voice rose slightly. "We're not making this for old fans; we're making it for a new generation of audiences. Tron: Legacy will be a completely new story, a completely new visual, a completely new experience. Disney's market research shows that as long as the production is well-done, young audiences will definitely accept it."
"High-quality production requires money." Jiang Yu reopened the project proposal, tapping the budget section. "2 million budget, how much is allocated to special effects?"
"—Approximately 8000 million." This time, the answer came from a young man wearing glasses behind Franco, who was probably a production assistant.
"Light & Shadow Digital's quote can be 20% lower than Industrial Light & Magic's, with comparable quality." Jiang Yu closed the project proposal. "Even so, 2 million is still too high. Unless the budget is reduced to 1.6 million, with 5000 million contracted to Light & Shadow Digital for special effects, and another 1000 million USD invested in cash by Light Chaser. We want a 40% global share, plus 20% from television and merchandise, streaming media, and that character."
He finished speaking in one breath, and the conference room fell into dead silence.
The entire Disney team was stunned.
They anticipated that the negotiations would be difficult, but they didn't expect the other party to cut the budget by 40 million right off the bat, and also demand a 4000% share and revenue sharing with streaming services. This wasn't just asking for the moon; it was asking for the moon like a dinosaur.
The legal representative finally couldn't hold back any longer: "Mr. Jiang, this condition is completely contrary to industry practice."
Disney invests in intellectual property and global distribution resources, so it should have a dominant role. A 30% share is the maximum; streaming revenue sharing is out of the question. As for roles, we can offer auditions, but we can't guarantee a final selection.
"Then there's nothing to discuss." Jiang Yu stood up, his movements swift and decisive. "Mr. Jiang, see the guest out."
Everyone was stunned.
Even Jiang Xuerou, though she knew Jiang Yu was domineering, felt this was just too much—too disrespectful.
"Jiang!" Franco stood up, his face flushed. "This is negotiation, not child's play! We flew twelve hours to get here, not to hear you say 'there's no room for negotiation'!"
"I know this is a negotiation." Jiang Yu looked at him, his eyes calm and unwavering. "So I'm giving you my terms. If you accept, we'll continue; if not, there's no need to waste each other's time. Light Chaser Animation doesn't lack projects, Disney should know that. Last year we invested in *Iron Man*, *Inception*, and *Avatar*, and this year we have *2012*, *Iron Man 2*, and *Twilight Saga: The Last Knight*. One more *Tron: Legacy* won't make a difference, and one less won't either."
These words were so heavy that Franco's assistant behind him gasped.
Franco stared at Jiang Yu for a full ten seconds, his face alternating between red and white.
Jiang Xuerou almost thought he was going to slam the door and leave, but unexpectedly, he suddenly smiled and sat down again.
"Alright, alright." Franco gestured for the team to sit down. "Jiang, I appreciate your directness. Then let's—talk it over slowly."
Jiang Yu sat down again.
With this rise and fall, the initiative has completely changed hands.
The next three hours were filled with an intense, almost brutal, confrontation.
The budget was negotiated down from 2 million to 1.8 million, but Jiang Yu refused to budge: "1.6 million, not a penny more. If Disney can't even control its costs, this project is better off not going through."
The share was negotiated from 30% to 35%, then to 37%, and finally settled at 38%.
The legal representative nearly slammed his fist on the table: "Mr. Jiang, 38% has broken Disney's historical record!"
"Then let's break it once." Jiang Yu took a sip of tea. "Or you can find another sucker."
Revenue sharing in streaming media is the biggest battleground.
Disney firmly refused, stating, "This is our core profit; we cannot share it."
"Then let's trade something else," Jiang Yu said. "Give us the distribution rights for the Asian region, or—for those two roles, we want complete casting decision-making power."
"Impossible!" Even Franco shook his head this time. "The choice of Disney movies must be in our hands."
"Then we'll have to compromise on the profit sharing." Jiang Yu refused to budge an inch.
Finally, just as the lawyers for both sides were about to start arguing, a compromise was reached: the budget was 1.6 million (Disney would contribute 1).
The budget is 100 million, with Light Chaser contributing 60 million (including special effects contract). Light Chaser will receive 38% of the global box office revenue, 10% for television and streaming, and Light Chaser will hold the distribution rights in Asia. The two roles will be nominated by Light Chaser and cannot be rejected without cause unless there are major flaws.
"It's been a pleasure working with you." When Franco shook hands with Jiang Yu again, his palms were sweaty. "Jiang, you are the most difficult negotiating opponent I have ever encountered in my more than 20 years of professional career."
"Likewise," Jiang Yu smiled. "Mr. Cole flew for twelve hours. How about I treat you to some authentic Beijing cuisine at noon?"
"No, thank you." Franco glanced at his watch. "The 3 PM flight back to Los Angeles. This project—"
The board is waiting for my report.
"I understand." Jiang Yu nodded. "Then I won't keep you any longer. The draft contract will be sent to you within three days."
When the Disney team left, Jiang Yu and Jiang Xuerou accompanied them downstairs.
Inside the elevator, Franco watched the floor numbers tick by and suddenly said, "Jiang, I'm curious. You knew this project was very risky, so why did you invest? And so much?"
"Because the higher the waves, the more expensive the fish," Jiang Yu said. "And I believe Disney wouldn't joke around with its flagship IP. If you dare to make it, I dare to invest; moreover, we have Light & Shadow Digital backing us up, so we can control the special effects costs."
That's half true and half false.
Franco understood the unspoken meaning and shook his head with a wry smile: "I'm starting to wonder if it was a mistake to collaborate with you."
"It's not too late to regret it now," Jiang Yu said with a smile.
"No." Franco took a deep breath. "You won this round. I promise, next time—next time I'll be ready."
"expect."
As soon as the Disney convoy drove away from Huamao, Jiang Xuerou couldn't help but ask, "President Jiang, are you really planning to invest this 5000 million yourself?"
"Let's vote." Jiang Yu pressed the elevator button, "but not just our company."
As the elevator ascended, he continued, "We'll keep 8% of the 38% share, and split the remaining 30% into three 10% portions to sell. The same goes for the two roles; the female lead will be sold as a package to one company, and the male supporting role to another. The price—you decide, but don't set it too low. This is a Hollywood A-list production, and it's a Disney IP; it's valuable."
Jiang Xuerou's eyes lit up: "You mean—"
"After a day of fishing, it's time to haul in the nets." Jiang Yu smiled. "Those companies in China, Japan, and South Korea that want to enter Hollywood, those agencies that want to promote their artists internationally, and those capital firms that want to get on Disney's good side—it's time for them to bleed money."
Back in her office, Jiang Xuerou immediately began making arrangements.
She first "leaked" the news to a few of her closest entertainment reporters, speaking in a mysterious tone: "Disney's president of production, Franco Cole, personally led a secret delegation to China to discuss 'Tron: Legacy' with Light Chaser Animation Studios."
A collaboration with "The Chronicles of War" has been agreed upon, with a budget of $2 million. Crucially, Light Chaser Animation has secured the Asian distribution rights and endorsement rights for two important characters.
"Furthermore," she lowered her voice, "Light Chaser is preparing to share a portion of its investment and role opportunities with its strategic partners. I'm only telling you the news; as for the draft—you know what I mean."
A gasp came from the other end of the phone: "Mr. Jiang, is this news—guaranteed to be true?"
"What do you think?" Jiang Xuerou smiled. "Remember, the key points are: Disney came to us proactively," "Light Chaser led the negotiations," and "shares and roles are transferable." The rest—let them guess."
After hanging up, she dialed the second and third numbers.
In less than half an hour, everyone at the very top of the entertainment industry knew.
At 3:17 PM, Sina Entertainment released its first press release.
Breaking News! Disney's Production President Secretly Visits China; $2 Million A-List Production Set to Target Light Chaser Anchoring Project
The accompanying photo is a series of shots of Franco Cole getting out of his car and walking into the China World Trade Center. Although the resolution is not high, his face, which often appears on the cover of The Hollywood Reporter, is clearly recognizable.
The article is written with great skill: first, it exaggerates the financial crisis and Hollywood's predicament, then it lays the groundwork for Light Chaser Animation's rise in Hollywood, and finally it drops the bombshell: "Light Chaser Animation not only secured investment shares, but also obtained Asian distribution rights and the right to recommend actors, setting a precedent in Chinese film history."
The comment section exploded instantly: "Holy crap, this spotlight is going to fly!"
"2 million US dollars! That's almost 14 billion RMB! This investment is equivalent to three parts of 'Red Cliff I & II'!"
"Asian distribution rights? Does that mean this film is handled by Tracker in Asia?"
"A role recommendation opportunity! Can we give our sister a chance?"
"Disney took the initiative to come to us—that's a level of prestige that the entire country combined can't match, right?"
Jiang Xuerou scrolled through the comments, unable to hide the smile on her lips.
She knew that from now on, her cell phone would become a hotline.
Sure enough, starting at four o'clock, the calls came in like a tidal wave.
The first call came from Wang Zhonglei of Huayi Brothers, his tone as warm as that of a long-lost sibling: "Xuerou, I knew it was your doing as soon as I saw the news! Such a big project as Disney, why don't you take your brother along? Huayi is going public this year, and your CEO Jiang is a shareholder. We need this kind of international project to bolster our image!"
"Mr. Wang, you're joking. We've only just begun discussing the intentions; the specifics of the cooperation haven't been finalized yet," Jiang Xuerou said deftly.
"An expression of interest is enough! Okay, I'll book the Wangfujing Hotel tomorrow at noon, and we'll discuss the details. Huayi can book the entire share; you name the price! As for the actors, Huang Xiaoming, Deng Chao, Zhou Xun, and Binbin who's filming 'Inception'—take your pick! Their fees are negotiable!"
The second was Mr. Huo, the CEO of The Music Emperor, who opened with his signature Cantonese-accented Mandarin: "Mr. Jiang, congratulations! Could you reserve a spot for us at Disney? The Music Emperor can contribute money and effort, and Nicholas Tse, Joey Yung, and Charlene Choi can all cooperate in the promotion!"
"Mr. Huo, the casting decision needs to be made by Disney. We'll have to wait for their notification for now."
"Oh, you're being modest! Everyone knows that Zhuiguang speaks with more authority than the Six Greats these days—"
The third was Yu Dong from Bona, whose tone was even more direct: "Xue Rou, we've known each other for so many years, you should think of me first when there's such a good thing. Bona just raised a sum of money and is worried about where to invest. I want a share, at a price 10% higher than the market price! Role—do you think Princess Peacock is suitable? She speaks good English."
The fourth, the fifth, the sixth —
Some wanted to invest, some wanted to cast actors, and some wanted to participate in distribution.
Jiang Xuerou handled the situation with ease, deferring when necessary and agreeing when appropriate, without making any concrete promises, making each phone call seem "interesting".
At 7 p.m., after receiving her thirty-first call, her phone finally ran out of battery and shut down automatically.
Jiang Xuerou leaned back in her chair and let out a long breath.
Outside the window, the lights of the CBD have merged into a dazzling sea of light.
She rubbed her stiff cheeks and suddenly remembered Jiang Yu's words from that afternoon: "After a day of fishing, it's time to haul in the nets."
Yes, the fish has taken the bait.
The problem now is—how to sell these fish for the best price.
At 8 p.m., Jiang Yu finally finished processing all the documents.
He turned off his computer and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.
The LED screen on Wanda Building No. 1 is playing a video of a luxury brand's GG, with the model's face flashing on and off in alternating red and blue light.
The streets were bustling with traffic, their taillights leaving trails of red light.
My phone vibrated; it was Liu Yifei.
"I saw the news." Her voice came through the receiver, with the faint sound of a television program in the background. "You secured that Disney project?"
"Hmm." Jiang Yu rubbed his temples. "Just finished."
Are you tired?
"It's alright." He paused. "The movie will have an Asian female lead and an Asian male supporting role. Would you like to give it a try?"
There was silence for a few seconds on the other end of the phone.
"Tron: Legacy?" Liu Yifei asked. "I remember it being a science fiction film, right?"
"Yes, it's about the virtual world. The female lead is the daughter of a programmer who gets caught up in the digital world," Jiang Yu explained briefly. "The role involves action scenes and emotional scenes, so it's quite challenging."
Another silence followed.
Jiang Yu could hear her soft breathing, a habitual action she took when she was thinking.
"Jiang Yu," she finally spoke, her voice very soft, "I want to act in 'Lucy'."
This time, Jiang Yu remained silent.
"I know that Tron: Legacy is a big project for Disney, and it's a rare opportunity."
Liu Yifei continued, "I've read the script for 'Lucy' three times. I can't let go of the character Lucy."
Her transformation from an ordinary girl into someone who can perceive all things and control time is incredibly challenging.
She spoke slowly, each word as if carefully chosen.
As Jiang Yu listened, the image of her reading the script appeared in his mind's eye: sitting cross-legged on the sofa, her brows slightly furrowed, her lips unconsciously pursed, and her eyes lighting up when she saw something exciting.
"The female lead in 'Tron: Legacy' might be more suitable for someone else," Liu Yifei concluded. "An actress with a stronger, more futuristic presence. I won't join in the fun."
Jiang Yu smiled.
This is the Liu Yifei he knows: she looks gentle and kind, but deep down she knows better than anyone what she wants.
"Okay," he said. "Then we won't try it. Focus on preparing for 'Lucy.' Filming starts in May, so you have four months."
"Hmm." Liu Yifei's voice brightened. "So—are you working overtime again tonight?"
"I'm not adding any more, I'm getting ready to go home."
"Remember to eat dinner."
"Know."
After hanging up the phone, Jiang Yu stood by the window for a while longer.
Before the phone screen went dark, he saw the screen saver photo; it was a photo of Liu Yifei taken on New Year's Day last year, with her smiling at the camera and her eyes curving into crescents.
A knock sounded at the door, and Chen Jingming poked his head in: "President Jiang, aren't you leaving yet?"
"Just about to leave." Jiang Yu picked up his coat. "Want to come together?"
"it is good."
As the elevator descended, Chen Jingming said, "The news about Disney is going viral. I just did the math, and if that 30%..."
"If we sell our shares at market price, we can recoup at least $6000 million. Two roles—if handled well, selling one for $300 million shouldn't be a problem."
"Then let's do it right," Jiang Yu said. "Remember, don't release them all at once. Do it in batches, keeping them in suspense. Tell President Jiang whoever offers the highest price and can provide the most resources, and that's who we'll give them."
"Understood." Chen Jingming paused. "But Mr. Jiang, wouldn't this be too commercial? Won't people in the industry say we're reselling opportunities?"
"Fine, I'll say it." Jiang Yu smiled. "They want opportunities, I want resources. Fair trade, no cheating. Besides—"
The elevator arrived at the underground parking garage, the door slid open, and a blast of cold air hit us.
Jiang Yu pulled his coat tighter and continued, "These shares and roles are just bargaining chips for us. But for companies that want to break into Hollywood and go public, they're stepping stones. We're helping them realize their dreams."
Chen Jingming chuckled: "Boss, the way you're saying it, I'm almost starting to believe you."
"That's exactly how it is," Jiang Yu said seriously. "We're doing charity work and just trying to earn a little extra for our hard work."
They both laughed.
>