Chapter 84

"However, speaking of which, what are you going to do in the United States?" Jessica was very puzzled. Li Jingming had just debuted, and his momentum was astonishing, already earning him the title of 'Rookie King.' In her mind, this was the critical time to solidify his popularity, participate in numerous programs and events to increase exposure. How could he abandon his career in Korea and go to the United States?

Li Jingming didn't want to discuss his future plans with Jessica in detail and just said evasively, "It's work-related."

"Tsk, I know that much." Jessica was a bit dissatisfied with Li Jingming's official tone. What kind of relationship did they have? There was no need to hide anything from her. However, as a woman, the most important thing was not to ask too many questions, which would leave a good impression on men. Although Jessica remembered this from a book, she forgot that this tip and the one about how to get her husband to talk were actually in the same magazine...

"I guess you'll know next month." Li Jingming added, as Jessica was a friend he had a good impression of. "Let's keep it a bit mysterious for now."

"Really think you're 'Mysterious Li,' huh? When are you coming back?" Jessica hadn't seen Li Jingming for just three days, but she felt it was different knowing he was in the United States. If he were in Korea, not seeing him for a few days wouldn't be a big deal since she could call him anytime.

"I'm boarding the plane in a few hours, at 10 PM tonight." The next day was the Dragon Boat Festival, and Li Jingming had to rush back to Korea. This time, he didn't refuse the private jet, which was provided by the Chicago Consortium, a Gulfstream G550. Li Jingming had a rather awkward personality and was unwilling to admit he belonged to the privileged class unless he had no choice, but in reality, he often used the privileges of the privileged class to achieve his goals.

Li Jingming's lunar birthday was on Sunday. He had a bowl of seaweed soup at his grandfather's house in Suwon in the morning and then rushed to catch the plane. He had to leave in a hurry for the matters in the United States, so he didn't celebrate his birthday properly. Of course, Li He was very satisfied, believing that a good man should prioritize his career. This Dragon Boat Festival, the family planned to make up for Li Jingming's birthday. The way Koreans calculate birthdays is varied, so Li Jingming wasn't sure if he was 22 or 23 according to Korean customs, but he was 21 in solar years.

After chatting with Jessica for a while, Li Jingming hung up the phone. Unconsciously, he had gotten used to having a tsundere in his life, who would occasionally call out to him with a clear voice, "Hey!" Habit is a very powerful force. Li Jingming smiled and walked back to the party venue, chatting with the staff one by one, trying to show concern for everyone. This was a basic skill from his previous life, and although he hadn't used it for a long time, he still had the foundation and could handle it with ease, making sure no one felt neglected.

"Brother, someone called saying they have business to discuss with you." An Hanjian found Li Jingming, who was joking with two lighting technicians. "It's business here."

Here, of course, referred to Kookguk Pictures. An Hanjian was surprised when he received the call. The first press conference for Kookguk Pictures was held just this morning, and already someone was seeking business? The caller identified himself as a photographer from National Geographic, even giving An Hanjian his union registration number. An Hanjian didn't actually check, but the caller could hardly be fake, and if he were, he would have prepared well.

National Geographic is a giant in the documentary industry, having won 129 Emmy Awards, covering 171 countries and 440 million TV viewers, with seven sub-channels. It seemed unlikely that they would seek out a small company like Kookguk Pictures, which had neither fame nor history. However, since business was coming their way, Li Jingming decided to meet, even though it wasn't part of his plan. If there were benefits, he would take it; if not, he would decline. Kookguk Pictures would not lose in this deal.

"Hello, my guest, I haven't introduced myself yet. I am the equity representative of this film company, Jamie Li. You can call me Jamie." Li Jingming stepped forward to shake hands with the gray-haired man. This was the small reception room of Kookguk Pictures, not large but tastefully designed by Li Jingming's father, Li Jeong.

"I knew you were the one in charge here. I heard your words this morning, and they were very inspiring. It's indeed time to reclaim that spirit of adventure." The man smiled warmly. He was staying at the same hotel where Li Jingming held the press conference and happened to pass by and listen in. Li Jingming was giving a tough talk to the reporters at that time, which was the reason he came to Kookguk Pictures.

"Right, here's my business card. I think it's better for you to confirm it first." The man handed over his card, which Li Jingming received respectfully, as he was a senior. His name was Louis Psihoyos.

"I've been watching National Geographic programs since I was a child. It's an honor to meet you." Li Jingming was not lying; he genuinely enjoyed watching these programs.

"Actually, I no longer work as a photographer for National Geographic. I have more important things to do." Louis Psihoyos said firmly. "There is a group of beautiful creatures waiting for us to save them, but we are facing resistance."

"You can tell me the specifics." Although Li Jingming was not an extreme environmentalist, he was always enthusiastic about public welfare and donated a lot of money to charitable organizations every year.

"We have a plan to shoot a documentary about dolphins, exposing the slaughter of dolphins in Japan, but we are facing significant resistance." Louis Psihoyos explained. "We hope a film company can back us, providing equipment, and it would be even better if we could find investors."

Li Jingming suddenly understood. Although he didn't remember Louis Psihoyos, the documentary they were planning to shoot must be "The Cove." Li Jingming was very excited, so much so that he lost his composure and stood up abruptly. Realizing he had lost his composure, he immediately slapped the table, "I have long been outraged by the despicable actions of the Japanese, such as poaching whales and polluting the ocean. These actions are truly despicable."

Louis Psihoyos thought there was a chance. Li Jingming had mentioned in the press conference that he was Korean, and the relationship between Koreans and Japanese was well-known. "Yes, we need to expose their despicable actions to the world."

"So, are you making this request to our company in a personal capacity? Please tell me about the resistance you've faced and whether it can be resolved." Li Jingming started to use his negotiation skills, trying to get more information.

"We want to shoot in a small fishing port in Japan. First, we face resistance from the Japanese Fisheries Association, who use public officials to drive us away. Second, the local residents are very unfriendly and prevent us from getting close. Third, many marine entertainment venues are boycotting us. Fourth, the local government is interfering, preventing us from obtaining shooting permits. Lastly, we lack funds and equipment." Louis Psihoyos, a former cameraman, couldn't match Li Jingming, who had been an official and businessman for decades, and revealed everything.

Li Jingming pretended to ponder, but in his mind, he was quickly calculating. Initially, he was just putting on a show, but in the end, he was genuinely unsure. If this project went well, it could save him three years, but if it went wrong, it could leave a隐患 (hidden danger).

"This is a difficult matter. Government intervention from the other side will have a significant impact on a legitimate film company like ours. Moreover, the narrow terrain of Taiji with only one entrance makes it hard to even get close, let alone shoot." Li Jingming frowned.

"You know about Taiji?" Louis Psihoyos was surprised. Although it wasn't a secret, Li Jingming hadn't met any of their members, so how could he know about Taiji?

Li Jingming was embarrassed, having slipped up. But he quickly recovered, "When you mentioned a small fishing port in Japan where dolphins are slaughtered, I guessed it was Taiji. I am an environmentalist and was a member of an environmental monitoring group at Harvard, so I have always been very attentive to such issues."

Harvard students had too many private gatherings, and the group he made up could be announced on campus by An Hanjian.

"That's great. So, you are a Harvard student." Louis Psihoyos was impressed by Harvard's reputation.

"Can you tell me who is in your team now?" Li Jingming continued to gather information, as he needed to know the details to set conditions.

"Myself, a dolphin trainer with decades of experience, a former pirate navigator, and two of my former camera assistants." Louis Psihoyos said.

Li Jingming was delighted to hear about this modest team. This gave him the opportunity to insert more people and take a larger share of the film. He made up his mind, "To be honest, I am very wealthy, extremely wealthy."

"Hmm." Louis Psihoyos also realized that someone who could privately invest ten million dollars in an independent film couldn't be poor.

"But my Kookguk Pictures doesn't have more personnel to work on your film." Li Jingming stared into the other's eyes, "So, when do you plan to release this film?"

"As soon as possible. The dolphins may be dying in large numbers every minute." Louis Psihoyos frowned.

Li Jingming didn't care whether it was for the dolphins or for the documentary. As long as the other party had a need, he had room to negotiate. "You see, a film like this has no commercial value, so I want to be a co-director."

"This..." Louis Psihoyos was clearly unwilling.

"Next month, you will get the staff, equipment