Luo Zheng understood very clearly what kind of subtle intentions were hidden behind Jolie's faint, knowing smile. She had always been perceptive, the kind of woman who could read people with a single glance. Bringing Cate Blanchett along today was no coincidence—it was a test, a probe, and perhaps even a calculated move. But Luo Zheng didn't mind. In fact, he played along effortlessly.
He treated Cate with impeccable courtesy—warm, but never excessive. Their conversation flowed naturally, touching on films, acting philosophies, and even literature. Cate, with her cool elegance and composed demeanor, gradually softened. By the end of their meeting, the two had exchanged contact details, even casually agreeing to meet again for coffee sometime in the near future. It all felt natural, but beneath the surface, every word carried weight.
Jolie watched the entire interaction quietly, the curve of her lips betraying a hint of amusement. To her, this was like watching a fisherman skillfully reel in a fish—except she couldn't quite tell who was the hunter and who was the prey.
—
The next day, the atmosphere shifted entirely.
Culver City, California.
Unlike the glamour of Hollywood Boulevard, this place carried a more corporate, controlled energy. It was the operational heart of several major studios, including Columbia Pictures, a key subsidiary of Sony.
Inside the president's office, the environment was calm but tense.
Luo Zheng sat across from Sidney, the president of Columbia Pictures. Between them, two cups of freshly brewed coffee released thin trails of steam, curling lazily into the air. The setting was quiet, but both men knew this meeting would determine far more than just a single deal.
Sidney leaned back slightly, fingers interlocked, studying Luo Zheng with a confident expression.
"Mr. William," he began, using Luo Zheng's English name with deliberate familiarity, "your novel Pirates of the Caribbean is exceptional. I've read it twice."
He didn't bother with small talk or indirect approaches. This wasn't carelessness—it was confidence. Absolute confidence.
In Sidney's eyes, Sony already held the dominant position. They controlled Spider-Man. Marvel, despite its potential, was still recovering, still dependent. From his perspective, this negotiation wasn't about equal footing—it was about offering just enough to keep Marvel satisfied.
Luo Zheng, however, simply smiled faintly, lifting his coffee cup.
"It's an honor to have Mr. Sidney as a reader," he replied calmly.
Sidney nodded, then moved straight to the point.
"Sony is willing to increase Marvel's share of the North American box office by an additional one percent… in exchange for the full film and merchandise rights to Pirates of the Caribbean."
The words were delivered smoothly, almost generously—but the meaning behind them was clear.
Take this offer. It's already more than you deserve.
In Luo Zheng's previous life, Sony had acquired such rights outright without offering anything meaningful in return. Compared to that, this deal might even seem like an improvement. But Luo Zheng wasn't here to compare past and present—he was here to rewrite the rules.
He set his cup down slowly, his gaze sharpening.
"Mr. Sidney," he said evenly, "I don't see any sincerity in this negotiation."
He stood up.
"Let's end this here."
The sudden shift caught Sidney off guard. He hadn't expected Luo Zheng to walk away so decisively. For a brief moment, the balance of control slipped.
"Wait!" Sidney stood quickly, stepping forward. "Mr. William, there's no need to rush. If there's dissatisfaction, we can discuss adjustments."
Luo Zheng paused, then returned to his seat—but his expression remained unchanged.
Sidney forced a smile, adjusting his tone.
"Spider-Man is expected to perform exceptionally well. Our projections estimate a global box office of 500 to 600 million dollars, with North America contributing at least half of that."
He leaned forward slightly.
"I can push for an adjustment—change the additional one percent from North America to global box office. That's a significant improvement. What do you think?"
It sounded generous. But the underlying message remained the same.
This is the best you'll get.
Don't push further.
Luo Zheng looked at him quietly, then asked something completely unexpected.
"Mr. Sidney… how much do you think Marvel could raise if we mortgaged all our character copyrights?"
Sidney blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in topic.
"…Around 600 million dollars," he replied after a moment. "Given your recent success, lenders would have confidence."
Luo Zheng nodded thoughtfully.
"And if we added the full rights to Pirates of the Caribbean—all five planned installments—could that reach one billion?"
The room fell silent.
Sidney's expression changed instantly.
"Wait… what are you implying?" His tone grew serious. "This isn't a joke, Mr. William."
"But I find it quite interesting," Luo Zheng said lightly.
Now Sidney understood.
This wasn't negotiation—it was a threat.
A calculated, precise threat.
If Sony refused to cooperate, Luo Zheng was prepared to raise capital… and invoke the repurchase clause in the original contract.
Spider-Man could be taken back.
The realization hit Sidney like a cold wave.
"So there's nothing to discuss?" he asked, his tone hardening.
"You started this situation," Luo Zheng replied calmly.
Sidney stared at him for a few seconds before exhaling.
"…State your terms."
Luo Zheng didn't hesitate.
"First—renegotiate Marvel's share in Spider-Man's box office revenue."
"Second—add a revised repurchase structure."
"Third—Pirates of the Caribbean will not be sold outright. Only co-production."
Each sentence landed like a hammer.
Sidney's eyes widened slightly. For a moment, he didn't speak.
Then he shook his head.
"Mr. William, I can tell you clearly—Sony will never agree to these conditions."
His voice carried certainty, but also frustration. He already knew this meeting had failed.
"Very well," Luo Zheng said calmly, standing up again.
He walked toward the door, then paused, turning slightly.
"Oh, one more thing."
His lips curved faintly.
"Disney is also very interested in Pirates of the Caribbean."
Then he left.
The door closed softly behind him.
Inside the office, silence lasted for only a second before—
Crash!
Sidney kicked the coffee table over, the sharp sound echoing through the room.
—
Outside, Luo Zheng showed no reaction.
He had expected this outcome from the very beginning.
Downstairs, Kevin paced anxiously beside the Rolls-Royce, his movements restless. Liu Yan watched him with mild annoyance, thinking that anxiety seemed to affect people the same way, regardless of nationality.
When Luo Zheng emerged, Kevin rushed forward.
"Boss! How did it go? Did Sony agree?"
Luo Zheng laughed.
"Kevin… you're too optimistic."
He patted his shoulder.
"Prepare the legal team. We're going to war."
Kevin froze, then slowly understood.
His expression shifted from confusion… to shock.
Inside the car, Luo Zheng briefly explained the situation.
Liu Yan listened quietly, though much of the deeper strategy went beyond her current understanding. Kevin, however, grasped the full implication.
This wasn't negotiation anymore.
This was a calculated move to reclaim Spider-Man.
"But Boss…" Kevin hesitated. "That's Sony. One of the biggest studios in Hollywood."
For the first time, doubt crept into his voice.
Luo Zheng leaned back comfortably.
"Relax," he said. "We're not fighting alone."
Kevin looked at him.
"…You mean?"
Luo Zheng smiled.
"Disney."
The word carried weight.
Because everyone in the industry knew—Disney never ignored opportunities tied to major intellectual properties.
And Pirates of the Caribbean…
Was exactly the kind of bait they couldn't resist.
Luo Zheng's plan was simple in concept, but ruthless in execution.
Let the tiger fight the wolf.
And reap the benefits while they tore each other apart.
Kevin sat back slowly, the realization settling in.
This wasn't just a negotiation anymore.
It was the beginning of a power struggle that could reshape Hollywood itself.
And at the center of it—
Was Luo Zheng, calmly pulling the strings.