1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

Chapter 147 27% (5/5) Please subscribe, add to your favorites, and vote for monthly tickets.

Gramercy Tavern is a long-established classic French restaurant in Manhattan.

It offers excellent value for money and provides meticulous and thoughtful service.

It's usually packed, and you need to book two days in advance to get a table.

Their raw beef tartare and golden snapper are signature dishes, extremely delicious, and almost a must-order.

The chocolate mousse pie dessert is very famous.

Although Theron didn't go, she still specifically asked Xu Shengjie to bring back a copy.

That evening, Xu Shengjie put on a Ralph Lauren suit with a leather overcoat, a very British-style baseball cap, and a scarf. Under Theron's very satisfied gaze, he left home and drove straight to the restaurant.

Dani Airo had already arrived ahead of time.

However, he did not go in, but waited for Xu Shengjie at the door.

"Thirty-five. If the issuance fee is higher than thirty-five, we'll find someone else."

Xu Shengjie remained noncommittal and walked into the restaurant with Danny Airo.

Mr. Me Toy, Harvey Weinstein, doesn't look as bloated and obese as he would have been when the Me Toy era exploded.

His well-tailored American suit even made him look a bit thin.

"Jeffrey, I've heard so much about you and have wanted to meet you for a long time, but you've been too busy."

Harvey greeted him warmly and gave him an American-style hug.

This guy is pretty strong!

But Xu Shengjie didn't care and gave him a very tight hug. Mr. MeToo's expression immediately changed.

After they were seated, Harvey began to chat enthusiastically.

I must admit, this guy is very good at talking and providing emotional value.

Otherwise, so many top directors in China haven't gotten the better of him. They get lost in the praise, only to be ruthlessly exploited by him.

"I've prepared a bottle of Parma's Cabernet Sauvignon blend, which is the store's prized possession."

Harvey gestured to the waiter to bring wine.

Then a waiter in a suit and tie came over with a wine bottle. After the group appreciated the wine, he opened the cork, handed it to the three of them to taste, and then poured red wine into their glasses.

Xu Shengjie pressed his fingers on the base and gently slid them across the table, swirling the liquor in his glass.

Then he picked up the wine glass, sniffed it twice, and slowly took a sip, nodding to the waiter with a very appreciative expression.

"Jeffrey is quite the connoisseur of wine."

"I wouldn't call myself an expert, I just learned a little bit from Aunt Susan."

"Aunt Susan?"

"Susanna Hwang, whose last name was Lowell before marrying Chief James Wong, is now the Director of Content Review at ABC."

"Lowell?"

Harvey paused, then said softly, "Is it the Lowell I know? The Lowell family, the former textile magnates?"

Danny Airo nodded, then glanced at Xu Shengjie, who was showing off.

Harvey suddenly realized what was going on.

His attitude then became even more enthusiastic.

"Jeffrey, to be frank, I'm very interested in 'Lola'."

Xu Shengjie smiled, raised his glass, and lightly clinked it against Harvey's. "I'm very grateful for Mr. Weinstein's attention. 'Lola' is a work to which I poured my heart and soul. Not only me, but Danny and the others have also been working tirelessly on this film. Sally even almost became disabled because of filming—you know what I mean?"

I can let you publish it, but it will cost a good price.

"Thirty-five percent, that's an incredibly good price for an independent film."

"But Steven will be holding a preview screening next month, and I'm confident I'll be able to win their praise."

Your price isn't attractive enough!

"Jeffrey, I believe in your talent and your ability."

But often, talent and ability can't compete with luck—as far as I know, Steven and his team were more interested in *Telephone Booth*.

I know Spielberg is going to organize a preview screening for you, but their goal is not "Lola".

I can't guarantee they'll be satisfied with "Lola".

Xu Shengjie laughed and said, "So, Mr. Weinstein, you see, life is always full of choices."

A wide variety of choices!

"Telephone Booth" is a good story that carries the expectations of countless predecessors for thirty years, but I created that story.

Sometimes, it takes a little courage.

There's a saying in Las Vegas: The most beautiful courtesans only choose the winners.

In Chinese terms, it's winner-takes-all! But the question is, do you dare to bet everything?

Yes, the purpose of Steven and his team's test screening was "Phone Booth".

But you can't guarantee they won't be interested in "Lola". Now is your time to show your courage and wisdom.

Danny Airo originally wanted to insert the card and say a few more sarcastic remarks.

But seeing this, he fell silent.

Damn, is this guy really only 19 years old?

Listen to what he's saying. It doesn't sound like something a 19-year-old would say. He sounds like a seasoned businessman.

Harvey took a sip of red wine and squinted at Xu Shengjie.

After a long pause, he said, "32, that's a fair price."

"I think 25 is more suitable."

"Impossible, Jeffrey, this is impossible."

You need to understand that if I take over, it will come at a cost.

"However, the benefits will be greater."

"I know you want to participate in Cannes, but making a name for yourself there will cost a lot."

"Cannes is just icing on the cake for me."

"Mr. Weinstein, you may not believe me, but you have to trust Steven and the others' judgment. If the test screening is successful, I'll have more options. Mr. Weinstein, Miramax is very capable, and you are very energetic. Our collaboration is a powerful combination, and believe me, this film will not disappoint you."

"But what if?"

"Without any unforeseen circumstances, 'Lola' will definitely succeed, and it must succeed."

25%?

Jeffrey is ruthless.

However, he was still sensible and did not shout out 20%.

Otherwise————

Harvey would definitely storm off and the meeting would end badly.

"Jeffrey, final offer, 30!"

Okay, okay, 30% of the distribution revenue is fine!

But Xu Shengjie was not satisfied and suddenly asked, "Mr. Weinstein, how much do you think 'Lola' will gross at the box office?"

North America, or the world?

"North America!"

"Hmm—twenty million, at least twenty million."

"Then I'll make a bet with you: thirty-five million, 27%!"

"3500 million?" Harvey couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Jeffrey, I admit you're a genius, but do you know how many movies were originally scheduled to be released in North America this year? 830. But how many of them had wide releases? Let me tell you, only 259—and the lowest budget of them all was Pulp Fiction, with an investment of eight million."

Of the top 20 highest-grossing films in North America this year, only Pulp Fiction was a low-budget production.

Thirty-five million is basically enough to rank it 50th on this year's North American box office chart.

Do you think you can make 35 million at the box office? For a small production with only a 1.5 million investment, 35 million?

"How will you know it won't work if you don't try?"

Xu Shengjie's body suddenly leaned forward, giving off an inexplicable sense of oppression.

"27. North American box office: $35 million; global box office: $50 million."

I'd bet you I can make that bet! Let me put it this way, after the preview screening, I might make even more demanding requests.

"What if it doesn't reach that level?"

"You can pay the maximum fee."

"Jeffrey, you're really confident!"

Harvey squinted, seemingly deep in thought.

"So, a deal?"

Xu Shengjie raised his glass and pointed it at Harvey.

Harvey remained silent for a full thirty seconds before suddenly gritting his teeth, raising his glass and clinking it against Xu Shengjie's.

"Deal!"

Jeffrey, even if you don't get 50 million in global box office, I won't take 40. How about this, if you get 30 million in global box office, I'll take 35; if you get more than 40 million, 30; if you get more than 50 million in global box office, as you said, 27!

I like your confidence; it makes me feel the power of youthful passion.

"Fifty million people worldwide, isn't that a bit risky?"

"No, in fact I think it will be even higher."

On their way home, Xu Shengjie and Danny were sitting in the same car.

He gripped the steering wheel tightly and said softly, "The preview screening will be a great publicity opportunity, and I think there's a very high chance we'll reach a cooperation agreement with Steven at this screening. I'll then seek resource exchanges with DreamWorks."

"Would Steven agree?"

"DreamWorks is now a startup and needs to make a name for itself."

As far as I know, they only have one project right now: *Tornado*. Steven's initiative to organize test screenings this time is most likely aimed at *Canal Street* and *Telephone Booth*, and I also have a new film coming out next year—as long as Laura's film isn't bad, he'll seek opportunities for collaboration. This is a rare opportunity for DreamWorks.

After all, DreamWorks is currently only being held together by Steven.

Danny Airo remained silent.

He suddenly sighed and chuckled, "Jeffrey, does your studio need investment?"