Chapter 82

Li Chong fell silent. When he first heard the news, he was really surprised and a bit excited. However, after listening to Cui Minyu's explanation, he felt a bit nostalgic. If he hadn't left Hollywood, if he hadn't returned to Korea, perhaps things would be much better now. Perhaps he would already be directing low-budget films in Hollywood. Perhaps...

"Slap" "Ah!" Li Chong was slapped on the back of his head by Zhang Xun. "What are you daydreaming about? President Cui is talking to you on the phone, and you're still daydreaming. I really can't believe you."

Li Chong's moment of reflection was instantly dispelled by Zhang Xun's slap. After another round of verbal bombardment from Cui Minyu, Li Chong finally hung up the phone, claiming he needed to call Time Warner.

"This old man is really talkative." Li Chong complained about Cui Minyu, which made Zhang Xun furious. "Someone is telling you things with good intentions and helping you, and you talk about them like this. It seems you really don't know what it means to respect the elderly and care for the young..."

Unfortunately, Li Chong was once again scolded by Zhang Xun. "Go make the call. It should be evening in the U.S. now. I hope that producer hasn't gone to sleep."

Li Chong looked at the number Cui Minyu had sent him. It seemed familiar. Could he know this producer?

Li Chong dialed the number. "Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep..." After a minute of waiting, both Li Chong and Zhang Xun felt it was an eternity.

"Hello, this is Larry." An elderly voice came through.

"Mr. Larry, it's really you! I'm Steven, the Steven from New York University!" Li Chong suddenly heard a familiar voice that had been with him for a while.

"Steven? Steven Li? That Asian kid?" The other party was also surprised.

"Yes, that's me. I was wondering why this number seemed so familiar." Li Chong was also happy. He had lost his phone while serving in the military, losing many of his old contacts, including friends in Hollywood.

"Hehe, you've been missing for five or six years. What made you think of calling me?" Larry asked with a smile.

Larry Franco is one of the most famous producers in Hollywood. He started as an actor, then became an assistant director, director, and producer. Many famous films have his name behind them. He was the assistant director and executive director of "Apocalypse Now," the producer of "Batman Returns," "Jumanji," "Sleepy Hollow," "Jurassic Park 3," "The Hulk," and "Batman Begins." The films he produced have almost always been box office hits, though he is less known in the background.

"Mr. Larry, has Warner Bros. shown interest in a script called 'The Chaser'? I'm the director and screenwriter of that film." Li Chong said happily.

"Oh, 'The Chaser' is your work? Not bad, to create such a meaningful film at your age." Larry felt that the interesting young man from before hadn't changed, still as ambitious and proactive. He had heard it was an independent film.

"Hehe, thank you for the compliment. I did study for four years at New York University and worked under you for three months, so I have some skill." Li Chong said.

"Since it's your work, let's not beat around the bush. We were planning to offer $1 million for the adaptation rights, but since it's you, I'll raise it to $1.5 million. Is that okay?" Larry said straightforwardly.

Li Chong thought that $1 million was already a lot. Selling to foreign distributors usually only fetched $300,000 to $500,000. The adaptation rights for this script at $1.5 million was already a generous offer. "Is this too much? I don't want to make things difficult for you, teacher."

"Haha, no problem. I have the authority to do this. When you write a good script, come to Hollywood and let me produce it." Larry felt that Li Chong was indeed the young man he knew.

"Hehe, many of my scripts aren't suitable for Hollywood, as they have too much Eastern influence. But I do have a few good ideas. I'll organize them and send them to you. You can find a screenwriter to look at them. I think they could make a good film." Li Chong knew his level and the cultural differences between East and West.

"Alright, when you have time, come visit me in Hollywood. Give me your bank account details, and I'll transfer the money." Larry was straightforward and trusted Li Chong.

"Sure, send me the contract, and I'll sign it and fax it back!" Li Chong hung up after saying this.

Zhang Xun had been listening the whole time. When he heard that Li Chong knew the Warner Bros. producer, he breathed a sigh of relief. When he heard about the $1.5 million, he felt an urge to rob Li Chong. The adaptation rights for a script could fetch $1.5 million, which is 1.5 billion Korean won. With a bit more, it would match the budget for his film.

"How did it go? How did it go?" Zhang Xun asked Li Chong nervously as he put down the phone.

"No problem, it's all settled. Warner Bros. will pay $1.5 million for the adaptation rights of 'The Chaser.' They've already prepared the contract, and I'll go to Showbox to sign it. I also need to get a makeover. You don't want me to show up at the press conference in this outfit, do you?" Li Chong said to Zhang Xun.

Zhang Xun looked at Li Chong, who was wearing a dull gray windbreaker, blue jeans, and a brown sweater. "Um, are you sure you're in your 80s? You look like you're from the 60s."

"You're the one to talk. If you hadn't been using me like an old ox these past few days, would I have had time to wash my clothes? This is the cleanest set I could find." Li Chong was frustrated. He had been busy until midnight every day, falling asleep as soon as he got home and sleeping until morning. Then he would be called out again, and the cycle would repeat.

On his way to Showbox, Li Chong called Cui Minyu to tell him that he had reached an agreement with Warner Bros. Warner Bros. would fax the contract, and he would go to sign it. The money would be transferred afterward.

Cui Minyu was also very happy. Although he wasn't the one who invested in or produced the film, he felt proud to be involved in a film that a major Hollywood company recognized and was distributing.

Koreans have a strange habit: anything recognized by the U.S. usually becomes popular in Korea, and they often exaggerate it, making it seem like the American people love it.

Li Chong thought for a moment and called Cheng Youli. He had no choice; the suit she had given him last time was perfect, and she was an expert in this area. "Good morning, are you up?" The call connected, and Li Chong asked.

"Um, why are you calling me?" Cheng Youli was still at home.

"Um... I have a press conference this afternoon and need you to help me pick out a suit. Something like the one you gave me last time. I'm busy signing a contract at Showbox, so I don't have time to go. After you buy it, come to the makeup designer that Hyo-ri introduced me to." Li Chong explained his situation.

Cheng Youli was more than happy to help Li Chong pick out a suit and immediately called her agent to cancel a noon event.

By the time Li Chong left Showbox, it was already 11 a.m. Although it was just a faxed contract, the meticulousness of the American contract surprised the Showbox staff. Li Chong carefully read the contract, understood his rights, and signed it, faxing the signed page back.

Within ten minutes, $1.5 million was added to Li Chong's account.

Li Chong left Showbox and remembered that he had missed calls and messages from Girls' Generation and Kwon Yu-ri. He read Kwon Yu-ri's message: "Uncle Li Chong, don't forget about Taeyeon's birthday tonight. We're waiting for you."

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