America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 335. Night Talk

"How's the coordination between Tianjin and Shenzhen going?"

"Everything went smoothly. They have visited the factory in Yanjing several times and are very satisfied and interested in the treatment we offer and the tax revenue we bring to Yanjing."

"I have also visited both sides and had in-depth exchanges with their leadership."

"How are you feeling?"

"They are very welcoming, and the overall business environment is better than here. The local government is willing to offer greater preferential treatment in terms of labor, water and electricity, taxes, land, and other costs and policies."

Both sides hope to invite you over and hope that we can settle down as soon as possible.

"However, boss, we didn't inform them about your visit. If you want to go and take a look, you can contact them now."

"Okay, I plan to stay in Beijing for two days, then go to Tianjin, then to Shenzhen, and finally return to the United States from there."

The factory in Yanjing was still too small. Even though the new factory area had been partially completed and put into operation, the output and production capacity were still insufficient.

The reason we chose this place as our first stop was primarily due to political factors, which far outweighed economic ones.

Especially after Eric took over Hasbro, it was time for many orders that were originally allocated to domestic factories in the United States to be moved to a different environment.

The cost of producing one toy over there is enough to produce more than three in China. The difference in labor and raw material prices is too great. If you were the boss, what would you choose?

With the rise of Marvel, only a few superhero merchandise such as Iron Man, Captain America, and Spider-Man are selling well now.

However, within two years at most, it will quickly enter a period of widespread development.

The Avengers alone have a huge number of heroes, and Eric also plans to develop a new trilogy of X-Men: First Class, Days of Future Past, and Apocalypse.

These will all lead to terrifying sales of related merchandise.

Another matter is the acquisition of Warner. Once successful, DC's various projects will naturally be launched.

Popular characters such as Superman, Batman, Heroine, and Flash will also generate a huge amount of peripheral revenue.

A factory in Yanjing simply cannot meet such a large demand. If it weren't for the current inconvenient transportation and other infrastructure, he would really like to learn from Foxconn and move the factory directly to Zhengzhou.

Unfortunately, before experiencing the subprime crisis, China had not yet entered the era of large-scale infrastructure construction, and the conditions were not yet sufficient, so coastal cities were still the preferred choice.

As they were talking, the car stopped at a private estate. Inside, a waiter opened the door.

Upon seeing Eric, everyone in the room immediately stood up.

"Welcome, welcome! It's been so long, I've missed you dearly."

Old Han led the way over; the two had a long-standing relationship and immediately hugged.

Besides Han Sanping, Zhou Xiaopeng, and Chen Ou, Eric was also surprised to see Jackie Chan present.

This person can be considered the number one Chinese movie star in the world today, or even the number one movie star with yellow skin and yellow face in the world.

However, since the two had never worked together before, their relationship was limited to nodding acquaintances.

"Eric, you must know Jackie Chan, but I still have to introduce him. Actually, his real name is Fang Shilong, or you can call him Chan Kong-sang."

Jackie Chan laughed and said in a very familiar tone, "No need for your introduction, we've known each other for a long time. We even met at the Oscars not long ago."

"I'm currently filming 'The Myth' in China. I was originally in Beijing on business when I heard that the famous director Eric Cooper was coming over, so I thought I'd get together with him."

Jackie Chan positioned Eric's title as a director, especially adding the word "big," which sounded very appealing. Everyone in Hollywood knew he wanted the Best Director award.

The two shook hands with smiles, and Jackie Chan led Eric to sit down next to Lao Han.

"Jackie, why do you have two names? And different surnames?" Chen Xing asked curiously.

Knowing that he was Eric's confidant and was now in charge of MGM's overall business in China, Jackie Chan did not dare to neglect him.

"The story is complicated; it happened in the last century, before the country was even founded."

"In short, my family genealogy does show that my surname is Fang, and I am from Anhui. My father's original name was Fang Daolong."

"Later, due to work reasons, he used the pseudonym Chen Ping'an and went to live in Hong Kong from the mainland, where he continued to live under the pseudonym."

"So naturally I was born with the surname Chan. At that time, I was called Chan Kong-sang, which means 'born in Hong Kong'."

"I chose this name to make it easier for me to get by in Hong Kong. Mainlanders are discriminated against there. When I grew up, I found out that my family tree had always listed me as Fang Shilong."

"It doesn't matter anyway, it's still me no matter what I'm called."

Eric nodded: "That's right. With Jackie's face, she'll be recognized no matter where she goes in the world. Her name isn't important."

Old Han looked at him and said, "You guys are all big stars and very busy people. I originally thought you would bring those four singers from The Voice of China with you during the Spring Festival, just like Michael Jackson did."

"I didn't expect you to have disappeared for so long. It's been more than a year since we last met."

Eric thought about it and realized that his last visit to China was indeed for last year's Spring Festival Gala.

He sighed. "We're so busy. Don't you know what's going on in Hollywood?"

"I know, the more I know, the more I admire him. How did he manage to take on all six of them and win?"

"To be honest, I was particularly worried this year, worried that MGM would be defeated."

"If you fall from power, Oriental MGM will also suffer the same fate."

"Especially since your affair with Gal Gadot has become so big that it's almost criminally liable."

"I was worried about whether 'The Meg' could even be made, and even if it was, whether it could be released. Now I'm completely relieved."

"Come on, we've been talking for ages, let's raise a toast! The first three drinks must be for Eric, to his resounding victory!"

Apart from Jackie Chan, everyone present has some kind of business entanglement with Eric, so this drink is a must.

"By the way, how far along is your 'The Meg' movie?" Chen Ou asked.

"Filming was completed a long time ago, and we've been working on post-production. It's basically ready to be released."

"One of Eric's purposes in coming here is to review the film. Why don't you come with us tomorrow?"

Chen Ou nodded: "Anyway, it'll end up on the Optoelectronics Bureau's desk sooner or later. This project is important, so it's good to get involved early."

"Such a great project, you should have informed me back then," Jackie Chan said, half-jokingly and half-complainingly.

"Jackie, co-productions always involve a mix of actors from both sides. The male lead was decided from the beginning, so we can't let you play a supporting role."

"It's okay to play supporting roles or cameos; I've actually played many supporting roles before."

"You were playing supporting roles before you became famous. Now that you're famous, you're not playing any more roles. I remember you were the lead in several Hollywood movies. Jet Li started as a villain."

"No, I just played a supporting role last year."

Zhou Xiaopeng tapped the table: "I've seen it. Isn't it the movie 'The Twins Effect'? Your son played the male lead, right?"

"Yes, to help that brat."

Eric suddenly realized something: "Brother, you don't actually want your son to go to Hollywood, do you?"

If that's really your idea, then you're kidding.

Putting aside his bad habits, even just looking at his appearance and physique, with his pointed face and sickly appearance, he's nothing. He should at least be like Daniel Wu to be worthy of the title.

If it weren't for your son, given his background, he wouldn't even be qualified to enter this circle.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, Eric drank relatively little, while each of them had already consumed more than half a jin (250ml) of liquor.

"Eric, The Meg was filmed exactly according to your script and requirements, so your judgment is definitely sound."

"But now that this project is done, what will we film next?"

"The movie hasn't been released yet, don't worry."

"Of course he's overthinking it. Those are all real achievements. Only with results can one rise to the next level and make progress."

"Bullshit, I call this passion, understand?"

"Passion and progress are not mutually exclusive; you should love your work, right?"

Hahahaha

Eric suddenly had a flash of inspiration and pointed at Jackie Chan: "The next one is easy to talk about. If Jackie wants to participate, let him be the lead."

"I?"

"Yes, but it can't be just you alone. Let's bring Jet Li over too. I don't think the two of you have ever worked together before."

"You are the most famous kung fu masters in the world film industry. The news of your collaboration will definitely generate a lot of buzz, and countless movie fans are looking forward to this day."

Frankly speaking, Eric certainly doesn't trust Jackie Chan to carry the box office alone.

Eric doesn't know how much his previous film, "Around the World in 80 Days," grossed, but he does know that it caused Disney to lose a lot of money, although it also contributed to MGM's profits.

After "Around the World in 80 Days", Jackie Chan could no longer get high-quality resources in Hollywood, except for his guaranteed film "Rush Hour 3".

Although the later film "The Karate Kid" grossed over $3 million worldwide and made a fortune, Hollywood still did not trust his ability to carry the box office.

Because this film is a remake of an older work, it has a certain foundation in North America, with North American box office accounting for half of the total box office.

"The Foreigner" was great, but it came too late; Jackie Chan was already in his twilight years.

If we move these two films to the beginning of the century, Jackie Chan's status in Hollywood would definitely be top-tier.

A real frontline, not a frontline in name only.

So Eric didn't dare take the risk of investing in an A-list production for him.

But if you add Jet Li and make a "Forbidden Kingdom" movie, that would be a different story.

The original "The Forbidden Kingdom" was definitely not good enough. The story was fragmented and completely a plot imagined by an American screenwriter, which wasted the only collaboration between the two.

The global box office was only around $1.2 million, which is definitely a loss compared to the $7000 million production cost advertised.

Moreover, DVDs were almost obsolete at that time, resulting in little success in the disc market.

If you write a good story instead of simply copying legends like the Journey to the West or the Eight Immortals, and avoid common pitfalls, this project actually has great potential.

After listening to Eric's advice, Old Han slapped his forehead: "You're right! How could I have overlooked two kung fu emperors right in front of me?"

Jackie Chan, naturally wanting to regain his status, immediately patted his chest and guaranteed, "As long as you can get Jet Li, I have no problem."

More than two hours later, everyone had drunk quite a bit.

In the US, Eric could control things, but here the drinking culture is different, and they can really persuade people.

Seeing Jackie Chan's hesitant expression, Eric realized that the other party probably didn't really want to recommend his good-for-nothing son, so he quickly said goodbye and returned to his hotel.

When they returned to the house, they immediately saw Judy lying on the bed watching TV.

Eric took a few steps back and looked at the room number. Yes, it was his room.

"What are you doing in my room? No, how did you get in?"

"I'm with you, so the waiter will naturally open the door for me. You reek of alcohol; it's practically in my nose. Go take a shower!"

"Huh? Wait, I still don't understand, why are you in my room?"

Judy pointed at the screen: "I'm watching TV. Are you blind?"

"Why didn't you watch it in your own room?"

"Oh no! Go take a shower, I can't stand the smell of alcohol on you."

Eric shook his head, feeling much more refreshed after the shower.

"If the TV is broken, you can just move to another room. Why?"

"You talk too much nonsense! I can go wherever I want, any problem with that?"

Eric shrugged: "You've been in the hotel since you woke up?"

"No, I just went out for a walk. Oh, by the way, Gadot said there are a lot of fun places in Yanjing, will you come with me?"

"I'm an older woman who's here to work. I'm going to the company and factory tomorrow and I'll be leaving tonight. I'll find a local to show you around."

"No, you'll have to come with me. How will we communicate with the locals if we don't speak the language?"

"Besides, it's not easy to come to China once in a while, and you might not have the chance again for years or even decades. What's wrong with spending a few more days here?"

"But there are really a lot of things waiting for me to deal with."

"Is it okay? Just say it, is it okay?"

Seeing Judy suddenly put her hands on her hips and glare at him, Eric sighed, "Fine, fine, I give up."

"But at most two days. I have a lot of things to do in the US, and you also have a lot of work to do."

Haw!

Judy kissed Eric on the cheek: "Thanks! Don't worry, I'll be working overtime when I get back."

"Sigh! I should have brought Gadot along too, so you two could have gone out and had fun together."

"The two of us? Aren't you afraid I'll do something to her?"

Eric chuckled: "She told me everything. That time you went on vacation, you just chatted and didn't do anything."

Judy sneered, "Did she dare tell you after she did it? Are you sure Gadot isn't lying to you?"

"Well, anyway, it's just the two of us here, so why don't we chat?"

"You've been acting strange lately, a bit off."

"What's wrong?"

"Hey girl, it's really strange that you kissed me just now! What's wrong? Is it because of Barrefaeli? Are you upset?"

Judy shook her head: "I don't want to talk about that bitch anymore, and besides, we're boyfriend and girlfriend, have you forgotten?"

Eric paused for a moment, realizing it was indeed true; he had even accompanied Judy home on Christmas Eve.

"So what's wrong with kissing my own boyfriend? Let alone kissing you, it's perfectly normal for me to sleep with you, isn't it?"

"Don't do that, bro, I'm a little scared."

"What are you afraid of! You even had a crush on me back in college, don't you remember?"

That's because I didn't know you were a lesbian.

"What if it's not like that now?"

"ha?"

(End of this chapter)