Chapter 30

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This time, no one treated Wu Cheng as a child anymore.

In fact, after half a year of growth, Wu Cheng indeed looked like a typical fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy. Coupled with the clothing and accessories he designed for himself, his demeanor became more mature. If one didn't look at his face, it was easy to overlook his actual age.

Over the past half year, the person who understood Wu Cheng the most was naturally Zhao Yazhi. She could be said to have witnessed Wu Cheng's transformation. Even she sometimes treated Wu Cheng as an adult.

Especially in business matters, she often sought advice from Wu Cheng!

After putting aside their initial contempt, the four people sat down again.

Hong Jinbao, standing nearby, once again recognized Wu Cheng's assertiveness. Few people in the entire Hong Kong entertainment industry dared to challenge Zou Wenhui like this.

"Since Mr. Wu has come with sincerity, why don't you let us read the script as well?"

After the four sat down, He Guanchang smiled and said, pouring tea for Wu Cheng as he spoke.

Wu Cheng took out the script and said, "This script is called 'Half a Catty, Eight Taels.' It's a low-budget film, but if we add the humor of the Hsu brothers, the effect will be excellent, and a few million in local box office is not a problem."

Last year's box office champion was 'The Genius and the Fool,' with a box office of over four million. Historically, this year's box office champion is 'Half a Catty, Eight Taels,' also a film by the Hsu brothers, and the box office was reportedly doubled, though Wu Cheng had forgotten the exact figure.

After He Guanchang and Zou Wenhui read the script, they both secretly cursed, feeling they had been tricked by this young rascal. While others could also perform this script, it wouldn't have the same flavor as the Hsu brothers. Only the Hsu brothers were the most suitable.

Thus, Wu Cheng's previous actions were largely for show.

However, since they had read the script, the two naturally didn't want it to fall into others' hands. Such a script, if handled properly, would make money easily.

"How much for the script, young man? Give us a price!" Zou Wenhui said bluntly.

Wu Cheng smiled, "Mr. Zou, do you think I'm short of money now?"

Hong Jinbao also smiled bitterly, "Uncle Huai and Uncle Chang might not know, but Cheng is the author of the 'Return to the Ming' novel in the Urban Entertainment Report. His current royalties are over 800 yuan per thousand words, and I estimate that when 'Return to the Ming' is finished, his royalties might reach 1,000 yuan per thousand words."

Upon hearing this, He Guanchang and Zou Wenhui felt like they were listening to a joke.

After all, the most famous writer in Hong Kong, Ni Kuang, only earned less than 200 yuan per thousand words. A newcomer could earn over 800 yuan per thousand words? It sounded like a joke!

However, such a matter couldn't be a joke; if it were, it would be easily exposed. They just couldn't imagine that the author of 'Return to the Ming' was a teenager.

Seeing the changing expressions on the two elders' faces, Wu Cheng continued, "My idea is for our Eastern Dragon and Golden Harvest to co-invest in this film. You can choose the male lead, but the female lead will be chosen by me."

Seeing their expressions worsen, Wu Cheng added, "Of course, if the two of you are willing to make some concessions on the overseas box office of 'Five Lucky Stars,' I can sell you the script, or even give it to you for free."

Upon hearing this, the two were not only not pleased but were surprised, as they knew this young man's ability to make high demands.

"Let's hear it!" Zou Wenhui said calmly.

Wu Cheng nodded, "I have two proposals. The first is that I will negotiate the overseas distribution rights, whether it's a buyout or a split, I will make the decision. The second is that I will sell you the overseas distribution rights for 15 million, and I will give you the script for free, but the female lead must be chosen by me."

Negotiating the overseas distribution rights with Wu Cheng was impossible. They had already experienced his persuasion skills and were worried that if they let him handle it, Eastern Dragon International's overseas distribution might be easily broken through.

As for the buyout, they were willing, but the price was too high for them to accept. However, if they could get the script for 'Half a Catty, Eight Taels' for free, making some concessions wasn't a problem.

However, upon hearing the price, He Guanchang looked bitter, and Zou Wenhui laughed, "San Mao, are you sure your partner isn't crazy?"

Hong Jinbao's face turned red, while Wu Cheng smiled lightly, "I've given you the conditions; the choice is yours. If Mr. Zou thinks it's too difficult, then let's go with the first proposal!"

"Let's go with the second proposal! It's simpler, but the price is too high. We can only offer 3 million!" He Guanchang shook his head. This was only because of the script for 'Half a Catty, Eight Taels'; otherwise, they wouldn't pay a penny.

"If that's the case, we can't continue the discussion," Wu Cheng shook his head. "Why don't we wait until the film is released and then talk about it?"

Zou Wenhui glanced at He Guanchang, who shook his head slightly. He then nodded lightly, knowing that if they waited until the film was released, the price would likely not come down.

After some thought, Zou Wenhui said, "15 million is absolutely impossible. The most we can offer is 5 million. Your production cost is only 2 million, so this will already cover your costs and even make a profit. The rest is pure profit."

Hong Jinbao was already satisfied with this price, but Wu Cheng felt it was not enough.

In fact, the real big money in Hong Kong films was overseas, and the local box office often only accounted for a small part of the total. Getting a share of the Hong Kong box office was just a small bonus for them, especially since they had to give up the script for 'Half a Catty, Eight Taels.'

In fact, Wu Cheng was not clear about the overseas box office of 'Half a Catty, Eight Taels,' otherwise, he wouldn't have given up on its investment so easily.

"12 million, no less!" Wu Cheng shook his head.

At this moment, Hong Jinbao and He Guanchang were drinking tea, watching Wu Cheng and Zou Wenhui 'bargain,' unable to interject. He Guanchang was still okay, but Hong Jinbao was just a spectator.

"8 million, no more than 8 million!" Zou Wenhui slammed the table, "This is my bottom line. Young man, don't push your luck. Also, the female lead for 'Half a Catty, Eight Taels' must be chosen by me, and it has nothing to do with you! Otherwise, it's a deal-breaker."

Wu Cheng shook his head, "My bottom line is 10 million, and the female lead must be chosen by me, or it's a deal-breaker. You don't need to raise your voice; if I was afraid of your voice, I wouldn't be sitting here. Hong Kong has more than one theater chain. Besides Shaw Brothers, there are other smaller chains."

Wu Cheng smiled coldly, "Mr. Zou, do you think, with the potential of our film, we can't temporarily organize a theater alliance for a joint release? I'd like to see if your Golden Harvest can really control everything in Hong Kong!"

Seeing the two about to argue again, He Guanchang and Hong Jinbao stepped in as peacemakers. He Guanchang said, "Uncle Huai, Mr. Wu, let's each make a concession. 9 million, and the female lead will be chosen by Mr. Wu, with Mr. Hsu's approval. Besides, the female lead's role isn't that significant."

He Guanchang was also worried that if Wu Cheng really did this, the theater alliance might actually be formed. They had all seen the film and were quite optimistic about its box office potential. If Shaw Brothers got involved, Golden Harvest would lose out.

Wu Cheng took a deep breath, thought for a moment, and then nodded, "I'll give Mr. He a face. 9 million, but you must pay me within a month!"

"9 million in a month is fine, but we won't handle the pre-release publicity!"

Zou Wenhui's angry words left He Guanchang speechless. This was just venting! Even if they didn't handle the publicity, they shouldn't say it now. It would not only lose face but also make the other party wary.

Zou Wenhui regretted saying this after he spoke!

Wu Cheng was taken aback but still nodded.

After the deal was made, they discussed the release date, setting it for the Spring Festival, early February.

Then they signed the contract, and Wu Cheng finally felt a bit relieved.

Leaving Golden Harvest, Hong Jinbao was beaming, patting Wu Cheng's shoulder and laughing, "Cheng, you're amazing! I didn't expect you to be so fearless in front of Uncle Huai. 9 million! We haven't even released the film, and we've already covered our costs and made a big profit. I bet the local box office won't even reach 9 million! How did Uncle Huai agree to it?"

Wu Cheng shook his head and smiled, "Do you really think they believe the overseas box office of 'Five Lucky Stars' will be that high? They're worried that Shaw Brothers might suddenly get involved and ruin their plans. They're also worried that I might really form a theater alliance, creating a third major chain in Hong Kong, which would be a loss for them. Lastly, they see the potential of 'Half a Catty, Eight Taels.'"

Pausing, Wu Cheng continued, "'Five Lucky Stars' hasn't been tested by the market, so they can't estimate its potential. While they think it's feasible, they don't believe it will be that successful. However, they are very clear about the box office appeal of the Hsu brothers. To be honest, I feel I'm at a disadvantage. I gave away 'Half a Catty, Eight Taels' for free!"

"Cheng, don't worry, we'll cover the cost of the script! We can't let you lose out."

Wu Cheng shook his head and smiled, "San Mao, that's not what I meant. 'Half a Catty, Eight Taels' was originally intended for the Hsu brothers. We could shoot it ourselves, but it would be hard to capture their style. So, using it to maximize the benefits of 'Five Lucky Stars' was a well-thought-out decision. However, they underestimated the overseas box office of 'Five Lucky Stars,' which I find very unsatisfactory. 9 million for the overseas distribution rights is a successful deal, but giving away 'Half a Catty, Eight Taels' feels like a loss."

"Then why did you sell it?" Hong Jinbao also smiled bitterly.

Wu Cheng smiled, "That's why I made them pay us 9 million within a month! With this 9 million, we can start shooting three films simultaneously. Two will be by your fellow students, and the third I want to invite someone else to direct."

"Are the scripts already written?" Hong Jinbao asked excitedly, "Are they part of the 'Five Lucky Stars' series?"

Wu Cheng shook his head, "No, we need to wait a while before starting the 'Five Lucky Stars' series, otherwise, the audience might get tired of it, which would be a loss."

"Tired of it?"

"It means that after seeing too much of something beautiful, one gradually loses interest."

"Oh!" Hong Jinbao felt that communicating with intellectuals was exhausting. He then asked, "What about the promotion of this 'Five Lucky Stars'?"

Hearing this, Wu Cheng felt a headache. Everyone knew Golden Harvest's intentions, but breaking this constraint required careful thought.

Only when Wu Cheng and Hong Jinbao parted ways and returned home did his eyes gradually brighten.

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