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

The three representatives of the industry leaders exchanged glances, clearly deep in thought.
Cheng Xuemin's words hit some key points:

They are wary of each other, and competing to drive up prices could indeed be mutually destructive; the unique nature of "Redemption" means that the traditional model may not be optimal; if the alliance can integrate resources, it may truly unleash greater potential!

but……

Getting them to condescend to invest in the league led by Brian is simply too difficult a psychological and face-saving issue to overcome!
Also, how exactly does this alliance operate?

How should the profits be distributed?

Who actually holds the reins?
In the audience, Raymond Chow's heart was pounding!
Michael Chen of Warner Bros. previously mentioned the possibility of joining forces with Golden Harvest. If this alliance is formed, would Golden Harvest have a chance to participate?
Even if it's just indirectly participating as a partner of Warner, that's a huge leap forward!

Fang Yihua thought even deeper. Cheng Xuemin's move was a forceful attempt to break the old order of Hollywood and fight for a voice for himself and his partners!
This audacity and planning are astonishing!

Lei Juekun was completely dumbfounded. He couldn't keep up with the pace at all and could only stare blankly!

“Mr. Cheng!” Rosenthal was the first to recover from his shock. After all, he was a businessman and forced a smile, but his eyes flickered. “Your idea… is very bold!”

"But how exactly will it operate? How will the alliance's equity be allocated? Who will make the decisions? How will the profits be calculated? Also, what were the conditions for granting the alliance the authorization you just mentioned?"

Finally, they got to the real question!
Cheng Xuemin nodded slightly to himself. He wasn't afraid of being asked; he was just afraid of being rejected outright!
"The specific operational details can be discussed in detail with everyone by Mr. Brian and Ms. Gu. I only have a basic framework here!" Cheng Xuemin looked at Brian and nodded.

Brian took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, and picked up the sheets of paper covered in writing in front of him. Although his hands were still trembling slightly, he tried his best to keep his voice steady and confident:
"Ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Gu and I have a preliminary plan... The final cut of the film and key promotional strategies need to be approved by the copyright holder, Mr. Cheng!"

He paused, glanced at Cheng Xuemin, and continued, "As for Mr. Cheng's authorization conditions for the alliance, it is: a minimum guarantee fee of fifty million US dollars, to be paid to Mr. Cheng!"

"Furthermore, Mr. Cheng will receive 40% of the net box office revenue generated by the alliance worldwide!"

Guaranteed minimum of 50 million! 40% commission!
The announcement of this condition once again elicited a low gasp in the conference room!
This guaranteed price is higher than Brian's initial $40 million for global rights, but it seems lower than the potential total price for the three divisions combined?
A 40% share is an extremely high percentage, meaning that if the box office is a huge hit, Cheng Xuemin's side will receive unimaginable profits!
Carrick, Michael Chen, and Rosenthal were calculating rapidly!

If they invest in the alliance, they won't have to pay huge copyright fees for their respective regions; they'll only need to contribute funds and resources proportionally!
If the box office is good, we'll share the profits!
Box office performance fell short of expectations; we'll share the risks!
Cheng Xuemin, on the other hand, had secured a guaranteed minimum of $50 million and an extremely high revenue share in advance, ensuring a steady profit without any risk. He also controlled the distribution process through the alliance!
This plan...

While seemingly unconventional, upon closer examination, given the current stalemate among the three parties and Cheng Xuemin's absolute initiative, it has surprisingly become a potential option to break the deadlock and achieve a win-win situation.

In particular, if they don't join, and Cheng Xuemin really gives the license to Brian and that Phoenix Pictures, they won't even get a share!
Given Brian and Ms. Gu's capabilities, if they really manage to secure an exclusive license, they might be able to form an alliance with other small and medium-sized publishers, or even go it alone...

Although the success rate is low, what if it happens?
Then those three giants would become a laughing stock in the industry!

“I need to consult headquarters!” Carrick remained silent for a long time, his face ashen, before squeezing out a few words through gritted teeth.

This decision exceeded his authority and overturned his understanding!

“I also need to communicate with Los Angeles.” Michael Chen pushed up his glasses, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

Rosenthal's eyes darted around, then he suddenly burst into laughter, though the smile was somewhat stiff: "Mr. Cheng, you always manage to surprise people!"

"The idea of ​​this alliance is very creative! We in Colombia have always been interested in innovative business models!"

"I think we can discuss the specific details in more detail. In particular, the ratio of cash contribution to resource conversion..."

Seeing the three men's reactions, Cheng Xuemin knew that they had wavered!
From the initial outright refusal to the current request for instructions and willingness to discuss, the attitude has undergone a fundamental change.

What remains is a battle over the details and a division of interests!

And this is precisely the battlefield that Brian and Gu Qiuna need to conquer!
“Of course!” Cheng Xuemin smiled and nodded, saying, “Mr. Brian and Ms. Gu can represent me in communicating in detail with you and your headquarters!”

“My principles and bottom line are clear. I believe that you are all smart people and can figure this out.”

"Cooperation is the only way to maximize the value of 'Redemption' and also maximize everyone's interests!"

"Moreover, 'Redemption' is just the beginning. I think we will increase our cooperation in the future, won't we?!"

This statement sent a jolt through the three giants!
Given the precedents of global box office hits like "Tai Chi" and "Shaolin Temple," coupled with the already phenomenal success of "Redemption" even before its release, one can imagine that this young Eastern director has already reached the pinnacle of global director and producer status.

His future directorial works, while not every one a blockbuster box office hit, will definitely not result in a loss for everyone!

Therefore, this alliance has deepened our relationship, and from now on, we can simply make money together!

Once this point is understood, not only are the three major film companies motivated, but all the other small and medium-sized film companies are also eager to try!

Cheng Xuemin observed everyone's reactions, nodded, stood up, and scanned the room before finally fixing his gaze on Fu Qi. He then said:

"Mr. Fu, I'll leave it to you to arrange the venue and related matters for Mr. Brian, Ms. Gu, and the three representatives. I'm a little tired and need to rest!"

He's handing the stage over completely to Brian and Gu Qiuna, and also putting a final bit of pressure on the three giants!
I've provided the plan and given you directions. Whether you want to negotiate, and how you want to negotiate, is up to you!
I don't have time to linger here!

Fu Qi immediately agreed!

Cheng Xuemin nodded slightly to everyone, then said nothing more, turned around, and walked calmly back to the lounge.

Feng Jiazhao and Huang Jianzhong were stunned for a moment, then quickly followed!
The meeting room was left with a diverse mix of expressions and fluctuating emotions.

Carrick, Michael Chen, and Rosenthal exchanged glances, each seeing in the other's eyes a sense of gravity, a difficult situation, and a hint of compromise that they had to face reality.

They needed to contact headquarters immediately, reassess this insane plan, and engage in tough negotiations with the strange duo of Brian and Gu Qiuna!
Brian and Gu Qiuna straightened their backs, facing the gazes of the three giants. Although the pressure was immense, their eyes were filled with the determination to fight to the death and the excitement of taking power for the first time.

The real battle is just beginning!
However, just as Cheng Xuemin entered the lounge and hadn't even had a chance to sit down and catch his breath, Fu Qi followed him in with a serious expression and hurried steps, holding a wireless telephone receiver used for internal hotel calls.

"Xuemin!" Fu Qi's voice was low, tinged with a rare tension. "It's a call for you!" "It was transferred from the Xinhua News Agency's Hong Kong branch. It says it's an urgent call from Liao Gong in Yanjing... and he specifically wants you to answer it!"

Liao Gong? Emergency call?
Cheng Xuemin raised an eyebrow slightly, and several thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant!

He took the receiver and walked to the corner of the room.

"Hello, Mr. Liao, it's me, Cheng Xuemin!" Cheng Xuemin said in an extremely calm tone.

A slightly distorted voice, though still discernible as a deep and dignified old man, came through the receiver. It was Liao Gong: "Comrade Xuemin, how are the film copyright negotiations going?"

"Mr. Liao, the initial framework has been reached and is progressing in a direction favorable to us. A minimum of fifty million US dollars, plus a high share of the profits, is basically confirmed!"

"In addition, I designed a distribution alliance model that includes the three major Hollywood studios, in order to secure long-term benefits and a stronger voice for us," Cheng Xuemin reported succinctly.

"Good! Well done!" Liao Gong's voice was approving, but then his tone changed, becoming extremely serious and urgent. "However, you must put down all your work immediately!"

"The matter in Hong Kong is to be handled by Comrade Fu Qi and the Xinhua News Agency branch in Hong Kong. You yourself, return to Yanjing immediately as quickly as possible! This is an order!"

Cheng Xuemin's heart skipped a beat: "Master Liao, what happened?"

"I won't say anything more over the phone!" Liao interrupted him, his tone more resolute than ever before. "It concerns the settlement of that four hundred million US dollar bet, and there are even more important follow-up arrangements!"

"We need you back in Yanjing immediately to report the entire situation to your superiors in person and participate in the highest-level decision-making and deployment!"

"Your flight has been arranged. It's at Kai Tak Airport and will take off in two hours! You need to leave immediately! Remember, this is a top-level order; there can be no delays!"

“Yes! I understand! I’ll set off immediately!” Cheng Xuemin replied without any hesitation.

He hung up the phone and quickly turned around!
Feng Jiazhao and Huang Jianzhong were both startled when they saw his expression suddenly become extremely serious and solemn.

"Brother, Lao Huang, tell our people to pack their things immediately; we're heading back to Yanjing right away. Xiao Yang, Xiao Zhou, prepare the car; we're going to the airport!" Cheng Xuemin spoke rapidly, his voice carrying an undeniable decisiveness. "Mr. Fu, please come in for a moment!"

Upon seeing this, Fu Qi's expression instantly turned serious, and he quickly rushed inside!
“Mr. Fu, there is an urgent mission in Yanjing, and I must return immediately. You will be in charge of assisting Mr. Brian and my aunt with all subsequent negotiations regarding the copyright of ‘Redemption’.”

Cheng Xuemin quickly explained to Fu Qi, saying, "I have already set the principles and bottom line; you handle the specific terms."

"Any major developments or changes should be reported to the domestic authorities through encrypted channels at any time!"

Although Fu Qi was shocked, he knew the matter was of great importance, so he immediately straightened his back and replied, "Understood! Xuemin, don't worry, I will handle this matter well!"

Cheng Xuemin nodded, and then gave a few brief instructions to Brian and Gu Qiuna, who rushed over from the conference room after hearing the news, telling them to stay calm, negotiate according to plan, and to consult with Fu Qi if anything came up.

"Huh?! We're leaving for Yanjing right now?!"

"Okay, okay, we'll go back to the room and pack our luggage right away!"

Over there, Feng Jiayou, Gong Xue, Zhu Lin, and Shi Hui, four women, had only just started playing mahjong and hadn't even played two rounds when they heard their eldest brother, Feng Jiazhao, say that they should set off immediately to return to Yanjing.

Startled, Feng Jiayou and Gong Xue were immediately taken aback. They abandoned their mahjong game and rushed back to their rooms to pack up!
Fortunately, the luggage wasn't disassembled too much. Knowing that the trip to Hong Kong was only for two days, everyone knew that they could leave for Beijing at any time!

Therefore, everyone moved very quickly!

"Sister Hui, what's this?"

Just as Feng Jiayou was all ready and asked Li Lianjie to help take her luggage out, Shi Hui gave her a red wooden box, but she didn't understand what it meant!
"Jiayou, we don't have anything good to give you for coming to Hong Kong this time, and we don't know what you like!"

"This is a nice mahjong set I found out some time ago, so I'm giving it to you!"

Shi Hui patted the wooden box in her hand, which was actually quite heavy, and said some farewell words with a smile.

"Mahjong?!"

Feng Jiayou was stunned upon hearing this. She quickly opened the box and found a brand new white mahjong set!

"Wow, what beautiful mahjong tiles!"

The moment Feng Jiayou opened it, her eyes lit up, and Gong Xue next to her exclaimed in surprise!
"This is... made of ivory, isn't it?" Zhu Lin seemed to know a thing or two, and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

“It is indeed made of ivory!” Shi Hui nodded, then said to them, “You can take Jiayou back with you. You can get together and play mahjong when you have nothing to do!”

"This...this is too valuable, too valuable! Sister Hui, we can't accept it!" Feng Jiayou quickly declined, adding, "Besides, there are only three of us. We're one short, and we can't always get together to play!"

"That's easy. Just recruit one or two, and you've got a table full of food."

"This is easy to learn! Jiayou, didn't you learn it after just one round?"

"Besides, Xuemin, Lao Huang, and your older brother all know how to fight, so how could we not get a table full of people?"

Shi Hui laughed and said, "Especially Xue Min, we've never won against him. If he went to Macau to participate in the competition, he might be able to defeat the Mahjong God!"

"You know what! Now that Sister Hui says it, it's true, we've never won against Xuemin!"

……

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