"Mr. Luo, it's finally a pleasure to meet you."
Catherine sat down in the director's chair. After cheerfully spreading out the documents in front of her, she greeted Xu Fu with cordial enthusiasm.
"Hello, Miss Kennedy," Xu Fu replied calmly and gracefully. "It is an honor for our studio to collaborate with Universal Pictures."
"Mr. Yong, time is limited, so I'll get straight to the point." Catherine maintained a professional, warm smile. "First, based on what I know, the projects you previously collaborated on with Tom—Inception and 2012—were both excellent films, and every project proposal you've submitted has been highly engaging. Second, on a personal level, I'm very optimistic about the Turning Point project."
She continued, "At present, the film's production is progressing quite smoothly, and there's a possibility of an early release. That brings us to the issue of box-office revenue sharing, which we'll need to discuss."
Xu Fu opened his laptop, ready to calculate and record figures, while Catherine rapidly laid out Universal's distribution plan.
"I estimate the global box office for this film will exceed 200 million dollars, but not surpass 250 million," Catherine said. "Considering the production cost of 50 million—excluding marketing expenses—the profit margin won't be very large. Universal is prepared to provide Titan Pictures with a guaranteed base income of 12 million dollars. The script was polished by you personally, and you also participated in production through Electric 23 Films."
She added, "This is something I specifically negotiated for you. If you followed Vice President Black's proposal instead, you'd likely receive only 8 million."
"Twelve million dollars…" Xu Fu carefully recorded the figures Catherine provided. After thoughtful consideration, he acknowledged that the amount was indeed substantial.
Xu Fu was merely one of the producers, and his small studio functioned as a distributor under Universal. Universal had spared no effort in providing resources throughout the film's production—credit where credit was due. For small studios, profit distribution was usually dictated entirely by major studios.
After careful deliberation, Xu Fu made a bold decision.
"I'll give up the guaranteed return," he said. "Let's recalculate based on box office performance."
His words immediately sent the four executives present—as well as their secretaries and assistants—into an uproar. Only Catherine remained composed, quietly contemplating.
"I'm confident Turning Point will be a box-office success," Xu Fu said, staring at his screen. "After deducting distribution costs and expenses, if total box-office profit is under 100 million dollars, our studio will receive only a 500,000-dollar service fee. However, if profits exceed 100 million, Titan Pictures will receive 25% of the amount beyond that threshold."
"An interesting choice," Catherine said, studying Xu Fu with interest. "Are you certain? You'd be giving up the 12 million I offered and settling for just 500,000." She tapped her folder lightly.
This was a gamble for immense wealth. The words had already been spoken, and Xu Fu had no intention of going back on them.
"I'm absolutely sure," Xu Fu said with a smile. "If you agree, Miss Kennedy, we can sign the contract immediately."
"The people I usually negotiate with—the top filmmakers in the industry—are typically in their forties. And those who are older, like Ridley Scott, are already in their seventies. This is the first time I've sat at a table with someone as young as you to discuss box-office revenue."
Xu Fu had deliberately grown out a beard that day, with his hair pulled back, making him appear four or five years older than usual.
"I admire you, kid."
Catherine rested her chin on her hand and smiled approvingly at Xu Fu. She then instructed her assistant to prepare the contract, casually offering a few flattering remarks to override objections from another Universal executive.
Soon after, Xu Fu signed the agreement on behalf of his studio with Universal Pictures' executives.
This was clearly a gamble for Xu Fu—either total loss or tremendous gain. Beyond waiting for the film's release, he also needed to build connections and secure additional Hollywood resources outside Universal to raise public anticipation.
Having just arrived in Los Angeles, Xu Fu was extremely busy, juggling numerous responsibilities.
At the same time, at his residence, he was forced into constant sparring with Miss Emma Frost, leaving him physically present but mentally exhausted.
Despite everything, he had not forgotten the sister he had never met.
Yet when Xu Fu used the phone his mother Dana had given him to contact Caroline, there was no response. Messages went unanswered, calls went unanswered—it was as if the number was no longer in use.
The weekend following the negotiations, Katherine Kennedy invited Xu Fu to a party—a typical Hollywood celebration.
The host of the event was Harvey Weinstein, one of Hollywood's most powerful producers.
Weinstein's fame was undeniable, but he was also surrounded by countless scandals. His harassment of teenage girls and actresses was rumored to be widespread. In recent years, as revelations surfaced one after another, his reputation had completely collapsed.
Nevertheless, Weinstein's party was an excellent opportunity for Xu Fu to meet Hollywood elites, break into higher social circles, and obtain resources beneficial to the film's promotion.
Though Xu Fu disliked such events, this was not something he could avoid.
Kathleen Kennedy made the same suggestion to him—he should bring a female companion."You're the CEO of a rising film company and a partner of Universal," she said. "You shouldn't attend with just any ordinary star."
It was his first time in Los Angeles. Where was he supposed to find a suitable companion?
…
The day before the party, at Xu Fu's apartment on Gower Street.
Xu Fu sat on the couch, scrolling through his laptop, deep in thought.
He glanced at Emma Frost, who was exercising on a yoga mat. She wore a tight gray tracksuit, her long legs raised high. She was meticulous about maintaining her figure, exercised regularly, and had even persuaded Xu Fu to join a gym with her.
Catherine had insisted he bring a companion. Was Emma Frost his only option for a temporary date?
"Emma, let me ask you something," Xu Fu said, turning off the noisy television and looking toward the White Queen.
"I've been waiting for you to ask," Emma laughed. "You're finally at level 717—don't you have something you need me to do?"
She stood up and looked at him. "Harvey Weinstein's party is tomorrow. Why are you still procrastinating?"
Xu Fu stared at her in surprise, his expression clearly asking, How do you know?
"The day before yesterday, you were having dinner with Katherine Kennedy. I was at the next table," Emma said casually. "I'm surprised you didn't notice me."
She glanced at herself with boredom.
"Then come with me tomorrow," Xu Fu said decisively.
Emma mimicked his tone. "Fine, I'll go with you," she said disdainfully. "As if I owe you something."
"If you don't want to go, I can find someone else," Xu Fu replied. He knew Emma had plenty of free time, and from her tone, he could tell she was curious about the party.
"I'll go with you," Emma said, "but first, you're coming with me to pick out a dress."
"All right, all right…" Xu Fu sighed, covering his forehead.
Choosing a dress would take at least an entire afternoon. Fortunately, Emma seemed to have no shortage of money, so Xu Fu didn't have to worry about the cost.
"And there will be plenty of reporters at a party like that," Emma added. "Aren't you afraid of being exposed? The Reform Association should still be looking for you."
"They won't," Emma replied coldly. "They don't need me anymore. And don't worry—I'll change my appearance. They'll never recognize me."
-----------------------
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