At the same time, in New York, the morning sun shone brightly across the glass windows of Marvel Headquarters.
Kevin stepped out of his office with a broad smile on his face, personally escorting Jones, Lionsgate's production director, to the elevator. The two had just finished a crucial round of negotiations regarding the distribution rights for Saw, and the outcome was far better than expected.
After spending the last two months under Luo Zheng's guidance, Kevin had learned more than just filmmaking. He had picked up the art of negotiation, bluffing, and reading the other party's weaknesses.
This time, the contract terms were significantly stronger than before.
Lionsgate would first pay 20 million US dollars upfront as production fees to Marvel.
On top of that, the box office revenue-sharing structure had been upgraded into a far more aggressive tiered model:
25% share for earnings below 40 million
35% share after crossing 40 million
45% share after 70 million
55% share after 100 million
65% share after 130 million
Compared to their previous deal, this was almost a leap.
Before the meeting, Luo Zheng had already helped Kevin understand Lionsgate's current position. They were hungry for another surprise hit after The Man from Earth had brought them substantial returns.
Because Kevin precisely targeted their concerns, Jones had felt uncomfortable throughout the entire conversation, as if every word he said had already been anticipated.
In the end, Lionsgate had been forced to agree while barely protecting their bottom line.
The official signing was scheduled for the next day.
Kevin leaned back in his chair after Jones left, unable to hide his satisfaction.
On the other side of New York, however, the mood inside Warner Bros.' branch office was the complete opposite.
Jon sat heavily on the sofa, his expression dark.
The more he thought about what happened at Marvel, the angrier he became.
Kevin's mocking smile and dismissive attitude replayed in his mind again and again.
His temples throbbed.
For someone from a small company like Marvel to reject Warner Bros. so openly—it was humiliation.
He grabbed the office phone and dialed his superior.
"President, Marvel has rejected the cooperation proposal."
He paused, listening.
"Yes. Completely rejected."
His tone grew colder.
"They were extremely disrespectful."
As expected, the executive on the other end exploded with anger.
Jon's lips slowly curled upward.
He knew exactly how to push the matter.
"Yes, I agree. They need to understand the consequences of offending Warner Bros."
After a short conversation, he hung up the phone and let out a low laugh.
The plan had been approved.
Warner Bros. intended to use its upcoming all-star disaster blockbuster, Eight Legged Freaks, to directly suppress Marvel's low-budget horror film.
To outsiders, it was overkill.
To Jon, it was perfect.
He almost wanted to see Marvel collapse just so Kevin could come crawling back.
The next morning, the sunlight in Hong Kong was equally bright.
Luo Zheng had not slept particularly well.
The reason was simple.
A certain woman's photographs.
After finishing breakfast and washing up, he casually logged into QQ.
The unread messages from last night instantly appeared.
Fan Bingbing's latest photos were far bolder than before.
The style was clearly deliberate.
Black silk stockings.
Elegant lingerie.
Half-hidden shoulders.
Soft water droplets still clinging to her pale skin.
She had cleverly avoided showing her full face, only revealing a beautiful side profile, which somehow made the images even more alluring.
There was a hazy, almost intoxicating beauty to them.
Luo Zheng couldn't help but stare for a moment longer than he should have.
Just as his thoughts began wandering, there was a knock at the door.
He quickly sent a simple reply—a thumbs-up—and shut the laptop.
When he opened the door, Liu Xiaoli stood outside.
She wore a long floral dress that perfectly outlined her graceful figure. Her slightly curled hair rested softly over her shoulders, and her mature, elegant presence immediately filled the doorway.
For a brief second, Luo Zheng's throat tightened.
His voice came out slightly hoarse.
"What is it?"
Liu Xiaoli frowned slightly.
"Are you feeling unwell?"
Before he could react, she stepped closer and placed a hand on his forehead.
The faint fragrance of her perfume instantly invaded his senses.
Luo Zheng clenched his fists.
The close distance was dangerous.
"Fortunately, no fever," she said softly. "Probably just a slight cold."
Luo Zheng immediately turned sideways.
"I'm going to take a shower first."
As he tried to close the door, Liu Xiaoli instinctively stopped it.
"Wait, I need to talk to you."
Her eyes shifted downward.
Then she froze.
The truth was obvious.
Her expression changed instantly.
"This…"
A faint blush appeared on her face.
Now she understood why he had been acting strangely.
Luo Zheng gave an awkward cough.
Liu Xiaoli quickly regained her composure.
"Go take your shower first. We'll talk later."
She turned to leave, but Luo Zheng suddenly reached out and lightly caught her wrist.
His voice lowered.
"I'm really feeling uncomfortable… could you—"
Before he could finish, Liu Xiaoli sharply pulled away.
"What nonsense are you saying?"
Her tone was firm, but her voice carried an unmistakable tremor.
"Go take your shower."
Then she left almost in a hurry.
Watching her retreating figure, Luo Zheng sighed dramatically.
"Do I really still have to rely on myself in this lifetime?"
Shaking his head, he pulled out his phone and immediately sent Zhang Hui a message.
The contents were extremely serious.
He emphasized that finding him a personal secretary was now a matter of life and death for the company.
His only requirement:
fair skin, beautiful, long legs, and preferably an excellent figure.
Zhang Hui replied almost instantly.
He promised to resolve this major crisis threatening the company within one month.
Only then did Luo Zheng finally feel satisfied.
Soon after, while heading toward Andy Lau's new company, Luo Zheng received a call from Kevin.
Although it was late night in New York, Kevin sounded extremely energized.
After hearing the negotiation results, Luo Zheng was highly satisfied.
However, he gave Kevin one crucial instruction.
Marvel needed to begin building its own marketing and distribution team.
Relying on external distributors forever was not a long-term strategy.
In Luo Zheng's mind, Marvel would eventually stand alongside companies like Warner Bros. and The Walt Disney Company.
After ending the call, the car came to a stop.
They had arrived.
Before Luo Zheng could even step fully out of the car, Andy Lau personally came out with several people to welcome him.
Beside him stood Rosamund Kwan, director Andrew Lau, Mak Siu-fai, and several others.
But among them, one face immediately caught Luo Zheng's attention.
A woman with striking red lips and an unmistakable presence.
He looked carefully.
Then his eyes narrowed slightly.
It was Shu Qi.
Shu Qi
Her rise to fame had been dramatic and unforgettable, and her appearance here was something Luo Zheng had not expected at all.
For a moment, even he paused.
Why was she here?
The answer, it seemed, was about to make this meeting far more interesting than a simple investment discussion.