Entertainment 2000: Supporting female stars will bring you a hundredfold return

Chapter 327 Marvel's Last Hope
Those who frequently rock their cars know this.

A standard Cadillac SRX SUV.

The vehicle weighs no more than 1.8 tons.

With its high chassis, it's not difficult to rock.

The vehicle Tang Wen was riding in had been professionally modified to achieve Level III+ bulletproof protection.

It weighs up to 4 tons.

It would be a bit difficult to make it shake.

Director Tang, undeterred by hardship, rose to the challenge...

During his hard work.

Partner Robert, too, struck while the iron was hot.

He summoned his assistant and held further discussions with Ike, who wanted to sell his Marvel stock.

Ike is stingy, but naturally very greedy.

The conversation continued into the evening, but progress was slow.

Robert checked the time and immediately suggested trading at the current stock market price.

Ike, of course, disagreed: "This is Marvel, etched in the hearts of countless Americans, the deepest and most cherished comic book memories! Didn't you just say it was a cherished childhood memory for you?"

Robert, displaying the high moral character expected of an American business elite, turned his back on their agreement and said:
"Actually, my favorite thing when I was a kid was Transformers. We're in talks with Hasbro about the adaptation rights! It's a pity they're doing so well and their asking price is too high, unlike Marvel, whose stock price is so low."

Hey!
The curse is too dirty.

This means I'm incompetent at management!
Ike was trembling with anger and wanted to storm off, but seeing Robert's nonchalant attitude, he was afraid of missing out on this buyer, so he had no choice but to hold back: "I've put a lot of effort into Marvel and invested countless amounts of money..."

double!
At twice the current stock price, I'm willing to sell all my shares!

“Ha!” Robert laughed. “Then you’ll just have to hold onto your shares and be forgotten along with Marvel. You’re not the only one willing to sell your shares.”

Ike remained unfazed: "It seems you haven't understood the situation properly. I hold the controlling stake."

His eyes were full of threat.

He has absolute control of Marvel, even if Robert acquires shares from other people.

As long as he doesn't agree, Galaxy Entertainment can't participate in Marvel's operations.

“On the contrary, I know very well.” Robert reached behind him, and his waiting assistant immediately pulled out a document and handed it to him.

It is a photocopy of the Merrill Lynch regime's transfer of Marvel shares.

When Ike took the shares, he was surprised to learn that they had acquired 4.9% of Marvel's outstanding shares. Instead of being surprised, he was delighted: Galaxy Entertainment really has its eye on Marvel.

Double the price, absolutely not!
However, this was merely a negotiating tactic employed by Robert.

The negotiation expert hired by the company anticipated the thoughts of Ike, this stingy rich man.

Everything is under control: "Ike, you must be very happy, thinking that we have already paid the price and will definitely accept your high extortion, right?"

That's exactly what Ike thought: "You've already paid tens of millions of dollars."

"That's right. I also know that your shareholding is just over 50%, less than 50.5%, right?"

"What do you mean?"

"That means we may continue to acquire shares from other people."

But if no one will buy from you, you can't sell to them, not even a little bit!

Otherwise, we'll lose control!
Marvel's most valuable assets—Spider-Man, X-Men, and Fantastic Four—are all in other people's hands. Just wait and see; your stock price will keep falling.

After saying that, Robert didn't give him a chance to speak again.

Got up and left.

Ike stared at his retreating figure, his eyes filled with suspicion and uncertainty.

Outsiders may not understand, but as the head of the family, he knows that Marvel's current revenue is completely insufficient to cover its debts.

Marvel's debt alone is over two hundred million US dollars.

Meanwhile, Marvel comic book sales have been declining year after year, and there are very few comics featuring any character that can sell more than 10 copies a year.

Ike frowned deeply.

There is no doubt that Robert is currently unaware of the debt issue.

Once he understands the situation, he'll only offer an even lower price.

Marvel's debts involve multiple companies, and it can't be hidden.

They don't want to lower the price themselves.

However, there is still a chance.

The Hulk

Universal Pictures' big-budget Hulk movie is coming out soon!

The Hulk is a top-tier superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is extremely famous.

Universal Pictures attached great importance to the project, hiring renowned director Li An to direct, and Industrial Light & Magic, a top company in the industry, to handle the special effects.

This show is sure to be a huge hit!

At that time, there will definitely be more companies interested in Marvel characters and shares.

With that thought, Ike let out a long sigh of relief, his eyes filled with hope again, and drove to the airport, preparing to rush back to Marvel headquarters in New York overnight.

The upcoming release of "The Incredible Hulk" was naturally within Tang Wen's expectations.

The cost of "The Hulk" was as high as 1.5 million US dollars.

Currently, it certainly seems to be Marvel's greatest hope.

Unfortunately, Tang Wen knew the final outcome.

After its release, the film only performed well at the box office in its opening week; otherwise, it was a complete financial disaster.

Not only did it perform poorly at the box office, but its reputation wasn't great either.

Marvel fans who came to see the movie were greatly disappointed.

It can be said that the door to Marvel movies was not even opened before it was slammed shut and locked by "The Incredible Hulk".

Universal Pictures, the company that produced "The Incredible Hulk," also had a tough year in 2003.

Its parent company, the French Vivendi Group, suffered a huge loss of more than 200 billion euros in 2002 due to overexpansion.

In 2003, Vivendi launched an asset sale plan.

The largest asset they plan to sell is Universal Pictures.

In this context, the huge budget of "The Incredible Hulk," scheduled for release in June, is a testament to this.

It plays a role in "stabilizing market value".

If there is a loss, it will directly affect the stock price of Global.

Ike's attempt to boost Marvel's stock price with "The Hulk" is simply delusional.

Acquisitions targeting other Marvel shareholders are also underway simultaneously...

It can't be completed in a short time.

The rising sun shines through the curtains.

Tang Wen opened his eyes and looked at the unfamiliar surroundings.

I remembered that this was the Getty family's villa.

This villa is larger than all his villas in Beverly Hills combined.

It was just Sarah Getty's residence.

Jingle Bell……

The alarm clock on the bedside table rang.

Sarah struggled to open her heavy eyes; she had slept so soundly last night that she hadn't even dreamed.

She turned off the alarm clock, snuggled back into Tang Wen's arms, and murmured as if in a dream:
Last night felt like a dream.

The 30-year-old woman provided a wonderful experience as well.

But Tang Wen didn't praise her, afraid that she would become arrogant.

She was just gently patting his pert buttocks.

"How about we don't leave?" Sarah looked up, blinking her beautiful big eyes.

Tang Wen changed the subject: "Your eyes are so beautiful, like the morning mist on the banks of the Seine in Paris."

Sarah's eyes dimmed; sweet words may sound nice, but he still had to leave.

Round and firm thighs.

She caressed him, as if trying to entangle him and continue dreaming.

Suddenly, she sensed something...

I picked up my phone and texted my assistant that there was an emergency and I wouldn't be coming to work today.

This is the first time since she was promoted.

Put your phone away.

Sarah tucked her hair behind her ears and slipped into the covers...

Tang Wen didn't rush to leave.

We didn't prepare to leave until the afternoon.

Seeing Sarah's lingering gaze, he couldn't help but step forward and pinch her large white rabbit: "I have to go to Industrial Light & Magic, do you want to come with me?" "Okay!" Sarah went into the dressing room and began to get ready.

As long as it can develop into a long-term relationship.

Let alone going to Industrial Light & Magic, even if Tang Wen wanted to visit the most advanced weapons base in California, Sarah would be willing to accompany him.

The special effects for "Pirates of the Caribbean" are now complete.

The screening room of Industrial Light & Magic.

Tang Wen took Sarah and Lin Zhiling to see all the special effects in "Pirates of the Caribbean".

This is the third time I've watched it.

The first two times, some flaws were pointed out.

Industrial Light & Magic has made adjustments.

"Director Tang, how is it?" The manager of Industrial Light & Magic looked at Tang Wen.

"That's good. I didn't find any problems."

"Great!"

"Wait, let me take another look at the details."

"Of course, of course. The project engineer will accompany you throughout the process and explain everything to you."

I went through it three times in a row, and it was definitely fine.

Tang Wen was relieved. In the next few days, he would do the final editing.

After leaving the screening room, Tang Wen, accompanied by staff, took Sarah on a tour of Industrial Light & Magic.

I casually asked what projects they had taken on recently.

This isn't a trade secret; Industrial Light & Magic's special effects production is one of the film's selling points.

Once the contract is signed, the film company will often disclose it to the media to promote the film as a high-quality production.

The staff did not hide anything and introduced the projects one by one.

Soon, they got to what Tang Wen wanted to hear—"The Hulk."

Tang Wen's approachable nature put the staff at ease.
"Director Li, the feeling you're trying to convey is too complex. At first, none of us understood it..."

He requested that the Hulk's different levels of anger be expressed using colors such as light green, blue-green, and bright green...

The production team criticizes him every day.

Tang Wen listened quietly, occasionally offering a word of agreement.

After hearing that, I knew it was a sure thing.

Just like in memory.

A large portion of the special effects in "The Incredible Hulk" were used up in the moment the Hulk appeared.

The Hulk model used a full hundred layers, with details such as skin, dirt, and sweat glands all needing to be accurate.

Lee An, who comes from an art-house film background, is overly meticulous about details and the depth of his films.

This is a major reason why "The Hulk" failed!
He also ruined a mega-production worth 1.5 million.

He almost couldn't make it in Hollywood.

Well, when he can't make a living anymore, that's when I'll extend an olive branch.

Galaxy Entertainment should sign a few directors.

You can't make every movie yourself, can you?
We left Industrial Light & Magic and got back into the car.

Sarah nestled close to Tang Wen and said, "You seem to be paying special attention to 'The Hulk.' Are they your competitors?"

"You have a very keen eye!"

"Do you need my help?" Sarah raised her voice, glancing at Lin Zhiling as she did so.

She had heard about Tang Wen's womanizing ways.

Women from prominent families know that successful men are impossible to control.

Their ancestors and fathers were all surrounded by women.
The same applies to the men in my social circle.

It's human nature.

Sarah could sense that Lin Zhiling and Tang Wen had a special relationship.

They have such great chemistry.

"All I know is that you work for the IRS and are from the Getty family." Since the other party had offered to help, Tang Wen naturally wanted to ask a few more questions.

“That’s right, I’m one of the heads of the IRS’s California office.” Sarah blinked, noticing the surprise on Tang Wen’s face, and felt quite proud.

Lin Chih-ling exclaimed in surprise, "Are you the California director of the IRS?"

Sarah simply pulled her work ID out of her bag.

Sister Lin carefully took it, putting on her best acting performance ever: "My goodness, you're so young, and you're already a supervisor!"

Those two sentences struck a chord with Sarah.

Born into a prominent family, he had no worries about food or clothing.

She wanted to prove herself.

This job is Sarah's proudest achievement in her life.

Lin Chih-ling continued to flatter her, and Sarah's gaze softened: "Yes, she's Tang's secretary, I should try to get on good terms with her."

Thinking this way, the two chatted more and more happily.

After a while, Sarah turned to look at Tang Wen: "If there's anything I can help you with, be sure to tell me!"

She spoke with great confidence.

Because the IRS in the United States is a truly terrifying organization.

In the United States, even if you accidentally kill a few people, you have the right to remain silent.

However, if you haven't paid taxes, you don't have the right to remain silent under U.S. law.

Police, narcotics enforcement, and other departments have all sought assistance from the IRS when faced with cases they cannot handle and that have a serious negative impact.

In the early 20th century, a certain mob boss was very willing to spend money on lawyers.

The US police were thoroughly exasperated and unable to find a breakthrough.

They had no choice but to seek help from the IRS.

When the tax authorities investigated, they found out the gang leader had evaded taxes and sentenced him to eleven years in prison!
They have independent law enforcement powers and can freeze all assets of individuals, companies, or institutions without going through the courts.

The IRS has its own armed forces, with thousands of field agents.

Arresting people doesn't require reading the "Miranda warning"—its status in the US is comparable to that of the American "Western Depot"!

They dare to arrest people that other agencies can't.

Things that the FBI and law enforcement agencies can't handle, they'll handle.

As Sarah recounted the glorious achievements of the IRS, Lin Chih-ling repeatedly expressed her amazement and admiration.

Tang Wen seemed to be deep in thought.

Lin Zhiling seemed unable to hold back any longer and said, "We are launching an acquisition plan, perhaps Sarah can help..."

"Zhiling!" Tang Wen called out.

“I can help,” Sarah said, wanting Lin Zhiling to continue.

As a social elite, she also understands that to be with an outstanding man, it's not enough to just talk about feelings or focus solely on physical attraction.

Men like Tang Wen, who are almost without flaws, are extremely sought after.

Only when interests are aligned can relationships be stable.

Seeing her earnest look, Tang Wen smiled and said, "Okay, if any problems arise, I'll definitely ask you for help."

Sarah took a deep breath to suppress her anxiety.

The two have only known each other for a day, so it's really a bit early to say these things.

Over the next two days, the two played basketball and went on a date.

Tang Wen used the same trick again, taking this elite mature woman to the amusement park and on the Ferris wheel.

Sarah said it was childish, but ever since they entered the amusement park, the corners of her mouth had never left her lips.

Looking at Tang Wenru's face, which resembled that of a high school heartthrob, as he played freely in the amusement park that he had booked for himself, I felt a sense of returning to my youth.

This feeling intensified at night.

Moonlight spilled across the sea.

Under the moonlight, the yacht rocked gently.

After a two-day break, Sarah returned to work.

Tang Wen also started getting busy with serious matters during the day, doing the final editing of "Pirates of the Caribbean"...

The plane pierced through the clouds and landed slowly.

As Alyssa Chia and Xuanxuan walked out of the airport, they saw a tall, beautiful Asian woman leaning against a Rolls-Royce, seemingly waiting for someone.

Even Xuanxuan, who is known for her beauty, couldn't help but be amazed by the other person's charm.

Before she could say anything, Jia Jingwen grabbed her arm and walked straight toward the other person.

"Was she waiting for us?"

No, with such a beautiful woman by Director Tang's side, do I still have a chance?
(End of this chapter)