1978: Female educated youth, don’t want an illiterate husband

"This...this...Cheng, you're not joking, are you?"

Brian's voice trembled as he was overwhelmed by a mixture of immense joy and equally immense panic!

To our surprise, it was like a windfall, no, a gold mine!

Cheng Xuemin actually handed over the global distribution rights of such an important project as "Redemption" to him and partnered with a new company!

This means he will no longer be a marginal bidder, but will transform into one of the core operators!

This leap in status and position is something that money can't buy!

The scary thing is that the gold mine is too heavy; can Brian, with his small frame, handle it?
Will Fox, Warner, and Columbia, those three hungry sharks, just watch helplessly as an independent publisher and a shell company snatch away the fat meat that's already in their mouths?
They won't unite and devour him and that Phoenix Pictures company alive.
Would MGM agree to him doing this?
Does he have the ability and prestige to lead a global distribution alliance that could involve tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars in box office revenue?
"Do I look like I'm joking?" Cheng Xuemin retorted, his expression serious, his sharp gaze fixed on Brian's flickering eyes, and said:
"But the premise is that what you need to do is not to take my authorization letter and go around begging and pleading with theaters to schedule screenings!"

"What you need to do is use this exclusive license as your core bargaining chip to talk to those three outside: Mr. Carrick, Mr. Michael Chen, and Mr. Rosenthal."

“Talk to them? Talk…talk about what?” Brian felt his brain was a bit overwhelmed, unable to keep up with Cheng Xuemin’s jumping thoughts.

Why not sell the copyright, but instead use the license to negotiate with people who want to buy the copyright?
What to talk about?
“Let’s talk about cooperation and equity investment!” Cheng Xuemin said clearly, each word like a hammer blow to Brian’s heart. “With you and Phoenix Pictures as the main leaders, let’s establish a global distribution alliance for ‘Redemption’.”

"This alliance needs funding, a global reach, top-notch publicity and public relations experience, and the ability to handle complex situations in different markets. And they have all of these."

He leaned forward, lowered his voice, and spoke with a calm, analytical tone: "Let them use their funds, their channel resources in their respective advantageous regions, their professional teams, and their industry influence to invest in this alliance."

"Risks are shared by everyone in proportion to their investment and effort. Profits are also shared in proportion to their shareholding."

"Instead of their current proposal, where they pay to buy out the copyright for a certain region, taking the lion's share of the profits while we only get a fixed minimum guarantee and a share, and we have to completely hand over the fate of the film to them, letting them decide whether it's good or bad."

Brian was stunned. This idea was too bold, too crazy!

To get the three Hollywood giants to abandon their usual buyout or dominance models and condescend to invest in a distribution alliance led by him, Brian, and a new company?

They're expected to contribute money, effort, and resources, and ultimately, within the framework of the alliance, at least nominally, they're expected to follow orders.

This is simply a game-changer for the industry, it's a fantasy!

“They…how could they possibly agree?” Brian exclaimed, his voice shrill with excitement and disbelief.

"Cheng, they are Fox, Warner, Columbia! They are the giants of Hollywood, the rule-makers!"

"Why would they condescend to invest in a newly formed alliance like ours?"

"That's impossible! Absolutely impossible! They'll feel insulted!"

"Why is it impossible?" Cheng Xuemin's voice was frighteningly calm, as if stating a simple fact. "Brian, you're intimidated by their reputation as a giant."

"Strip away that glamorous facade, and they are first and foremost businessmen, beasts chasing profit. What's the situation now?"

He held up three fingers: "First, everyone wants 'Redemption.' The Palme d'Or and the $400 million bet have generated a lot of buzz, and audiences worldwide are eagerly anticipating it. The film's box office potential is obvious. Whoever gets it could make a fortune and elevate their company's image. It's a huge temptation."

“Second!” he curled a finger, “but none of them are confident they can monopolize the global market, or they worry that if they pay a high price to secure it, the other two will join forces to resist and sabotage them in other areas. Competition in Hollywood has never been just about fair bidding. They are wary of each other and compete with each other.”

“Third!” The last finger bent as well. “More importantly, they saw my attitude. I will not easily break up the copyright and sell it piecemeal, much less sell it cheaply.”

“I have clearly expressed my dissatisfaction with their previous model of raising prices against each other and trying to bundle sales, and I have given a framework for regional cooperation.”

"But there's a lack of trust between them, making it difficult to truly sit down and divide the territory. A stalemate wouldn't benefit anyone; it would only leave me, the copyright holder, holding out for a higher price, pushing it up to a level that might even hurt them, or... I might simply not sell and wait for other opportunities. Don't forget, there are other publishers in Europe, Japan, and elsewhere watching."

Cheng Xuemin leaned back slightly, his gaze sweeping over Gu Qiuna, who was also lost in thought, and continued:

"So instead of fighting to the death and letting the fisherman profit, or letting me, the fisherman, drive the price up to the sky, why don't we change our thinking, sit down, cooperate, make the pie bigger, and then divide it fairly according to our respective contributions?"

“For them, both risks and costs are reduced. They don’t have to pay exorbitant exclusive buyout fees. They can simply invest their own resources and funds proportionally to share in the global profits.”

"It also avoids vicious competition and locks in profits. Through this alliance, we can also establish a closer and longer-term cooperative relationship. After all, I have more than just 'Redemption' in my hands."

His last words were quite meaningful, and both Brian and Gu Qiuna were moved!
“And you, Brian!” Cheng Xuemin’s gaze became tangible again, fixed on Brian’s face, which was changing expressions. “You will no longer be that small publisher who anxiously waited in the corner, begging them for scraps.”

"You are one of the initiators of this alliance and a representative of the holder of the global rights to 'Redemption'!"
What you hold in your hand is the key they've been dreaming of! You're going to give them a chance to cooperate, a chance to avoid a fight between the two sides, achieve a win-win situation, and get on my fast track!

Cheng Xuemin's voice was not loud, but it carried a seductive power and an undeniable confidence: "You have to get the posture right."

“You’re not going to beg them; you’re going to show them a clear path. A clear path that benefits them, you, and me.”

Brian's brain was working frantically, processing Cheng Xuemin's groundbreaking yet meticulously detailed plan.

Getting a giant to invest in the company sounds absurd, but upon closer inspection, given the current stalemate among the three parties, the copyright holder's tough stance, and the fact that they hold a trump card, this might be a way for everyone to back down gracefully!
A way to break the deadlock!
Cheng Xuemin is holding onto the copyright tightly, and the three giants are raising prices at each other while remaining wary of one another. In the end, they may very well part ways on bad terms, or the price may become so high that one or two of them will be unable to afford it.

If there were a seemingly fair middle ground proposed by the copyright holder, allowing them all to participate, share costs and profits, and avoid direct conflict and subsequent sabotage... Especially since the core authorization of this plan is held by their own people Brian and Aunt Gu Qiuna, perhaps... they would really seriously consider it?

Moreover, if this happens, where will Brian stand?
He will no longer be a wanderer on the periphery of Hollywood power, but a key link connecting Cheng Xuemin, this rising Eastern superstar and Midas touch master, with the three giants!
He is one of the key operators of this project, which may be worth more than 60 million US dollars or even more!

This will be the biggest leap in his career, no, in his life!
This is enough to put him at the top of Hollywood's power table and give him real say!

The immense temptation overwhelmed Brian's reason like a tsunami, and fear and excitement clashed fiercely within him.

His face was flushed, his breathing was heavy, his fingers were unconsciously clenched tightly together, his knuckles were white, and his palms were sweaty.

He could feel his heart pounding wildly in his chest, and his temples throbbing.

“But…Cheng!” Brian still lacked confidence, his voice dry. “Even if they are considering their own interests, they might…they might talk.”

“But they won’t listen to me. I’m just a small distributor. In Hollywood, my experience, connections, and prestige can’t compare to theirs. Why should they listen to me?”

"Even if this alliance is formed, the dominant power will likely fall into the hands of one of them, and then Ms. Gu and I might be sidelined..."

"Therefore, you need a strong ally who fully represents my interests."

Cheng Xuemin took over the conversation, looking firmly at Gu Qiuna. At the same time, he was also sending a clear signal to Brian: Gu Qiuna was not just an embellishment, but a key figure in maintaining balance.

“My aunt has been operating in North America for many years, and her connections, vision, and abilities are top-notch. She will represent me and work with you to lead the formation and negotiation of this alliance.”

Moreover, Phoenix Pictures will not be an empty shell; it will be a crucial part of my future strategy in the North American and even global film markets. This collaboration is the best opportunity for it to debut and establish itself.

Gu Qiuna had by now recovered from her initial shock.

She has weathered many storms and managed to establish herself in the world of fame and fortune in New York.

Upon hearing Cheng Xuemin's words, she quickly sorted out her thoughts and understood her nephew-in-law's deeper intentions.

This is not just about maximizing profits for the film "Redemption"!
It is also a well-thought-out strategic move!

Cheng Xuemin wants to ride the wave of "Redemption" sweeping the globe and drive his own nail into the heart of Hollywood!

This nail is the global distribution alliance she and Brian jointly spearheaded, which is tied to the interests of the three giants, and Phoenix Pictures, which she will be fully committed to developing!

Through this alliance, Cheng Xuemin can bypass the traditional Hollywood distribution system and establish closer ties with the end market and audiences, thus taking control of the fate of his works.

At the same time, it can also bind Brian, a local strongman with certain abilities, ambitions, and who currently seems relatively controllable, to its own side.

Giving Gu Qiuna the leadership of the company in North America demonstrates a keen eye for talent, allowing the company to utilize her abilities and resources while ensuring that core interests remain in the hands of its own people.

More importantly, Cheng Xuemin's statement that he has more than just "Redemption" suggests that he has more projects and plans for the future.

If this alliance is successful, then Phoenix Pictures and this cooperation model with the three giants will become the standard template and powerful support for Cheng Xuemin's future works to enter the global market!

This is a very big game!
Having figured all this out, Gu Qiuna felt an indescribable surge of excitement and a sense of responsibility.

She looked at Cheng Xuemin, a sharp and firm glint in her beautiful eyes—a look that said, "I understand," and "This is what you've got."

"Xuemin, I understand what you mean."

Gu Qiuna's voice was clear and steady. She turned to Brian, who was still somewhat bewildered, and extended her hand, a calm and confident smile on her face, saying:
“Mr. Brian, it seems we need to work closely together to fight a tough battle.”

"Since Xuemin trusts us and has entrusted us with this important task, we must put in 200% effort and wisdom to make this a success!"

Brian looked at Gu Qiuna's outstretched hand, then at Cheng Xuemin's calm yet powerful eyes, as if everything was under his control. A surge of passion mixed with the sense of being trusted and entrusted with a great responsibility rushed to his head!

Fear still exists, but it has been completely overwhelmed by burning ambition, the desire for great success, and an impulse to die for a friend!
He stood up abruptly, vigorously wiping the sweat from his palms along the seams of his expensive suit trousers. Then he gripped Gu Qiuna's hand tightly, his voice hoarse with excitement, yet filled with a do-or-die determination:
"Ms. Gu! It's been a pleasure doing business with you! Cheng! Thank you! Thank you for thinking so highly of me and giving me this opportunity!"

I, Brian, am betting everything I've built up in Hollywood over the years, my reputation, and my future, on this! I promise I won't let you down! This alliance, we'll make it happen!

He knew that by taking on this task, he would face the doubts, contempt, pressure, and even overt and covert difficulties from the three giants.

He will have to navigate between several cunning industry tycoons, balance the interests of all parties, ensure the alliance doesn't fall apart, and also achieve the goals set by Cheng Xuemin.

The difficulty and risks involved are self-evident.

But compared to the potential rewards, there is fame, status, wealth, and an unprecedented career height!
These risks are worth taking!
This might be the only time in his life he has the chance to rise above his circumstances and truly enter the Hollywood power circle!
If he misses out, he will forever remain a second-rate publisher, struggling to survive in the shadow of the giants.

……

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