Chapter 21: Competing with infernal affairs
Yang Siwei called Li Chen specifically to remind him that 'New Police Story' and the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival were on the same day.
Li Chen slapped his forehead; he really hadn't paid attention to that.
When Li Chen met the Emperor Entertainment Group's artist director, a former model, at the company, he was also somewhat impressed.
It was a completely different kind of beauty from that of a celestial being.
It was an intellectual beauty, a blend of a spirited and capable demeanor with the unique confidence of a successful woman.
When lost in thailand was taken off screens, she had contacted him, but Li Chen didn't have time to socialize then.
After all, he only had one film, lost in thailand, which wasn't presentable and didn't prove much.
If she hadn't expressed interest in introducing and distributing 'Stone' in Hong Kong today, he might already be on a plane.
Li Chen shook her hand and motioned for her to sit.
"Director Huo, are you saying Emperor Entertainment Group wants to acquire 'Stone' for 10 million?"
Huo Wenxi smiled, "That's right, Director Li."
Li Chen could vaguely guess her intentions.
But he still asked, knowing the answer, "'Stone' already has pirated versions online. Emperor Entertainment Group wouldn't be unaware of that, would it?"
Huo Wenxi maintained a professional smile, "We are aware."
Li Chen leaned back slightly, smiling, "This type of film has its limitations."
Huo Wenxi said, "We are also aware of that."
Li Chen nodded, "So? Losing money to gain favor?"
Huo Wenxi was slightly surprised.
Li Chen continued, "If that's the case, there's no need."
"Although Rongchen Film and Television can't compare to Emperor Entertainment Group's large scale, it's not lacking for Emperor Entertainment Group's small change."
Huo Wenxi suddenly realized that he had misunderstood, but his tone was truly arrogant.
10 million is considered small change? Li Chen's financial situation is transparent in front of Emperor Entertainment Group.
10 million would absolutely not be a small sum for him.
Huo Wenxi felt somewhat relieved, "Director Li, you've misunderstood. Our Yang Dong didn't mean that..."
Li Chen raised his hand, interrupting her, "Are you hoping for future cooperation, using 10 million as a token of sincerity?"
Huo Wenxi paused, "Uh, Director Li already understands."
Li Chen smiled, "Then you should have just said so. Coming straight out with money, I don't like that approach."
Huo Wenxi paused again, then apologized, "My apologies, Director Li, Emperor Entertainment Group was presumptuous."
Huo Wenxi thought to herself, Yang Dong was indeed right.
People with talent all have strange temperaments, and is there anyone who doesn't like money?
"Our Yang Dong said that Emperor Entertainment Group very much hopes to have the opportunity to cooperate with talented young individuals like Director Li in the future."
"10 million is just a stepping stone. Of course, Director Li's talent is evident to all."
"Emperor Entertainment Group fully believes that with Director Li's ability, he certainly won't lack investment."
Li Chen smiled, "Alright, don't flatter me. I'm a direct person, so please bear with me."
Huo Wenxi smiled, "Director Li is too kind, please speak."
Li Chen nodded, "I see Emperor Entertainment Group's sincerity."
"However, since it's a collaboration, both sides must profit."
"I can't do something that only benefits me without me putting in any effort."
Huo Wenxi asked, puzzled, "Director Li's meaning is?"
Li Chen said, "Forget about 'Stone'. The biggest difference between Hong Kong and the mainland is the film system."
"Films that cannot be made in the mainland can be made in Hong Kong."
Huo Wenxi smiled, "Director Li wants to film in Hong Kong?"
"If so, Emperor Entertainment Group can provide full support for Director Li."
Li Chen waved his hand and smiled, "You've misunderstood. I'm very busy these one or two years and have no time at all."
"But while I don't have time, Emperor Entertainment Group is fully prepared, only lacking a good script."
Huo Wenxi understood, and smiled, "So that's it, Director Li, may I see the script first?"
Li Chen smiled, "Of course, no problem."
Li Chen took a document bag from the safe and handed it to Huo Wenxi.
Huo Wenxi opened the document bag, and the first page of the script read 'new world' in large characters.
Huo Wenxi became more and more engrossed as she read. Half an hour later, Huo Wenxi closed the script and let out a soft breath.
Li Chen smiled, "How is it, Director Huo?"
Huo Wenxi nodded, "It's widely rumored that Director Li's scripts are known for their ingenious conception and bold style. Today, I believe it."
"This 'new world' can completely rival Media Asia's infernal affairs, and is even more realistic than infernal affairs."
Li Chen said, "Indeed, the inspiration for my 'new world' also came from 'infernal affairs'."
"You can ask for your Yang Dong's opinion, and convey my words to him."
"For this film, I will provide the script and take a 30% share. I will not be involved in anything else."
"However, regarding actor selection, I do not wish to see rotten people with twisted values."
"I don't want to see those scoundrels who eat Chinese food and then smash Chinese pots in films produced by my company."
Huo Wenxi was astonished, "I understand Director Li's meaning. I will return to Hong Kong today."
Huo Wenxi's departure from Rongchen Film and Television was captured by paparazzi.
News spread that afternoon.
"Emperor Entertainment Group's artist director visited Rongchen Film and Television. The specific situation is unknown, but Huo Wenxi appeared relaxed when leaving Rongchen Film and Television."
"It is suspected that Director Li's next work will be co-produced with Emperor Entertainment Group."
The efficiency on the Hong Kong side was very quick. That evening, Yang Shoucheng personally called.
"Director Li, I am Yang Shoucheng."
"Hello, Yang Dong."
"I've read Director Li's script; it's a good one. But the investment will certainly be substantial, especially to rival infernal affairs."
"Actor salaries are not what they were two years ago. Is 30% for Director Li a bit too much?"
Li Chen smiled, "It's alright, Yang Dong. Cooperation is always a matter of mutual willingness."
"If Emperor Entertainment Group cannot accept it, I can find another partner."
On the other end, Yang Shoucheng looked at his company's screenwriting team, and a few of them shook their heads slightly.
Yang Shoucheng, however, said, "Alright, we'll do as Director Li says."
Li Chen smiled, "Don't worry, Yang Dong. The facts will prove that Yang Dong's choice today was absolutely correct."
Yang Shoucheng smiled, "Happy cooperation, Director Li. I will arrange for Wen Xi to finalize the contract as soon as possible."
"Happy cooperation."
Li Chen hung up the phone. 'new world' would definitely not lose money.
Even without considering box office, just selling the copyright to Southeast Asia would be a guaranteed profit.
Yang Shoucheng hung up the phone.
Inside the office, several screenwriters said, "Yang Dong, in that case, our risk is too great."
Huo Wenxi stood silently to the side.
Yang Shoucheng ignored the three screenwriters and turned to Huo Wenxi, "Mani, what do you say?"
Huo Wenxi didn't even look at the three screenwriters, "I think Yang Dong's decision fully aligns with the group's interests."
"Director Li is a person worth investing in, Yang Dong."
Yang Shoucheng laughed heartily, "Mani truly understands my thoughts."
Huo Wenxi had long understood her boss's intentions.
Regardless of whether the other party agreed to lower the share, the boss had already decided to cooperate before making the call.
If the boss didn't want to cooperate, there would be no need to call the other party; she could have politely declined.
She had a premonition that her boss's decision would be absolutely worth it.
The next morning, several acquaintances called to ask Li Chen what was happening.
Han Sanping was the first, followed by Wang Changtian, Wang Zhonglei, and so on.
Li Chen didn't hide anything. When they heard it couldn't be filmed in the mainland, they didn't say much more.
Han Sanping even complained that Yang Shoucheng's reach was getting longer and longer.
Please collect and follow, families.