Chapter 782: Awards and New Developments Regarding the Script

Two world-renowned directors were actually both complaining about how hard it is to find investment—

Lu Yan He was quite surprised, though he no longer took for granted that a great director could easily secure funding.

In the business world, if you don't make money, even someone like Li An cannot withstand failure after failure.

Zeno Shi Diwensi said, "Investors today still place immense value on movie stars; without a star leading the cast, securing investment is extremely difficult, yet hiring a star drives up salaries so high that finding investment becomes even harder—an vicious cycle with no solution."

Eugene Mo Leinuo suddenly smiled and said, "Zeno, you could try seeking investment in China; I hear Chinese film companies are very willing to fund foreign directors."

Lu Yan He's brows furrowed slightly.

He was not alone; even Sandra Vitch glanced at Eugene Mo Leinuo in surprise, then subtly concealed her disgust.

Lu Yan He smiled at Zeno Shi Diwensi and said, "Zeno, my production company, Linghe, does invest in several art films every year; if you need it, we can discuss the details later."

Zeno Shi Diwensi showed surprise, mixed with delight.

"Really?"

"Yes," Lu Yan He nodded. "If it's a major production, we may not have sufficient funds to support it, but for art films, as long as they are suitable, we already have a budget allocated for investing in art cinema."

Zeno Shi Diwensi immediately broke into a brilliant smile.

"That's wonderful."

Eugene Mo Leinuo likewise looked somewhat astonished.

He said, "Zeno, your film is still short several million dollars in funding, isn't it? Lu, does Linghe have such ample capital?"

Lu Yan He smiled somewhat embarrassedly and said, "Fortunately, every film produced by Linghe has turned a profit, so our funds are indeed relatively ample."

Eugene Mo Leinuo: "..."

Lu Yan He said, "In fact, Eugene, you made a very accurate point earlier: many Chinese film companies are indeed very willing to invest in new works by art-film directors like yourselves; profit is secondary, the main goal is to support true artists, so we welcome you to China."

The moment Lu Yan He spoke, Eugene Mo Leinuo's expression clearly froze.

Just now, Eugene Mo Leinuo had not been genuinely praising Chinese film companies—

Yet, by turning Eugene's own words against him, Lu Yan He left Eugene Mo Leinuo speechless.

Sandra Vitch said, "Next year's Hexi Film Festival will be held in China; you could go meet some Chinese film companies there."

Her tone was full of mockery.

Lu Yan He smiled at Sandra Vitch.

The panel discussion proceeded very smoothly.

Eugene Mo Leinuo did not make any more passive-aggressive remarks in public.

As masters of cinema, they all knew exactly what to say in each situation.

It was not until the audience Q&A session that a spectator asked Lu Yan He, "As the chair of the selection committee for the next Hexi Film Festival, will you favor Chinese films?"

Lu Yan He paused, startled.

Sandra Vitch smiled and said, "We are currently at the Bicaro Film Festival, aren't we?"

She attempted to smooth things over.

Eugene Mo Leinuo, however, picked up the microphone at that moment and said, "Actually, as a film director, I am also very curious to hear the answer to this question."

Lu Yan He raised his eyebrows slightly, took the microphone, and said,

"I was wondering whether, in response to such a question, I should offer some inoffensive but hollow pleasantries, or sincerely express my true thoughts." With a smile, he looked toward Eugene Mo Leinuo. "Just as Eugene remarked backstage earlier, many art films struggle to find investment, but one could try China because Chinese film companies are now very willing to fund genuine art cinema. When I heard Eugene say that, as a Chinese filmmaker, I felt very proud; sincere words always give us strength."

Eugene Mo Leinuo's face stiffened.

Lu Yan He continued, "Therefore, as a filmmaker, I believe I must speak the truth no matter what, and the truth is this: I am a Chinese filmmaker. Producer Wu Yang decided to make the Hexi Film Festival a traveling event held worldwide, and to seek different individuals from various regions to serve as chairs of the selection committee, precisely to uncover great films from every corner of the globe—films once overlooked due to geographical bias. One of my duties is to bring to light excellent Chinese films that were previously ignored because of their origin. So, whether I will show bias is, for any filmmaker, an unquestionable matter."

"Then, would I, simply because I am a Chinese filmmaker, disregard a film's quality, ignore its artistic merit and content, and squeeze out great films from other countries merely because they are not Chinese? I believe that for any of us on this stage—those of us whom this industry has endowed with honor and influence—we would never stoop to such a low-level act," Lu Yan He said with a smile. "Everyone, serving as an honorary chair of the selection committee is merely a temporary role; what lasts a lifetime for us as filmmakers is our love for the entire film industry and our desire to see it grow ever better."

Sandra Vitch led the applause.

Eugene Mo Leinuo could only join in clapping.

From every perspective, this panel discussion was an overwhelming success.

Especially Lu Yan He's response; nearly every film media outlet promoted it as their headline story.

This was precisely because it genuinely possessed newsworthy value.

The "unexpected bonus" was Lu Yan He's citation of Eugene Mo Leinuo's suggestion to "seek investment from Chinese film companies," which inexplicably led some Western media and film companies to view Eugene Mo Leinuo as a "traitor."

Eugene Mo Leinuo was completely like a mute eating bitter herbs—suffering in silence with no way to complain.

For Lu Yan He, the unexpected delight of this panel discussion was that afterward, Sandra Vitch proactively reached out to build goodwill, stating that if he ever needed her in the future, regardless of the size of the role, he could contact her, as she was willing to participate in his film projects.

For an actress of Sandra Vitch's stature, voluntarily making such a statement was an obvious gesture of goodwill.

Although Sandra Vitch was not a superstar, actresses like her, similar to Helen Mirren and Emma Thompson, represent the highest standards of the film industry and serve as the backbone of mainstream awards.

While they themselves might find it difficult to secure another Academy Awards nomination, their praise and support could instantly propel a young actor into the mainstream spotlight.

This was the industry influence they had accumulated over time.

Therefore, Sandra Vitch's willingness to extend such an olive branch was precious and rare, even though Lu Yan He's status today was no longer that of a newcomer needing support.

So many Hollywood actors had been inquiring about Lu Yan He's scripts, hoping to find a good role, but few directly stated that any of Lu Yan He's projects would work for them or expressed genuine interest in collaborating with him.

Among actors of Sandra Vitch's caliber, she was the very first to do so.

Lu Yan He said nothing in reply, but immediately invited Sandra Vitch to attend the Hexi Film Festival to be held next year in Yuming.

During this panel discussion, while others might not have noticed, Lu Yan He fully perceived Sandra Vitch's goodwill toward him.

Especially when Eugene Mo Leinuo mocked Chinese film companies, Lu Yan He caught the disgust in Sandra Vitch's attitude toward him.

Following this came the awards ceremony.

Lu Yan He served as the presenter for the Best Actress award.

On that day, a total of eight film crews received recall notifications.

Among the three Chinese-language films nominated in the Main Competition Unit of the Bicaro Film Festival, one received a recall notification.

It was "Hesitant Outlook on Life," directed by Wang Shuai and starring Yu Mengling and others.

Lu Yan He immediately felt a pang of regret; he had originally thought that Teacher Liu Teli, thanks to his outstanding performance in "Xunyang River," stood a chance of competing for Best Actor, but it seemed the film's overall quality had ultimately held him back.

Lu Yan He sent a message to Liu Teli, saying: "Teacher Liu, many foreign friends, after watching 'Xunyang River,' have been asking me who the male lead is. When I told them it was the thief from 'Home Alone,' they were shocked. Even Sandra Bullock spoke highly of your performance. I truly hope to see more of you at international film festivals in the future. If you encounter a good script or project and lack investment, or need me to do anything, please contact me anytime."

Liu Teli: "Received your message; it was very warm. Thank you."

Lu Yan He said: "This year, 'Home Alone 2' will hold extensive premiere ceremonies and promotional events globally. I hope you can make time to attend more of them. Although this is exhausting, I hope it helps more people around the world recognize you, and it will also bring greater attention to other films and dramas where you play the lead."

Liu Teli: "Okay, thank you for your help, Yan He."

Lu Yan He put down his phone and asked Wang Biao, "Among the awards presented earlier, was there one for 'Hesitant Outlook on Life'?"

Wang Biao shook his head and said, "Not yet."

They were currently backstage.

Lu Yan He took a deep breath and said, "I hope 'Hesitant Outlook on Life' can win a major award."

Wang Biao said, "The field journal score for 'Hesitant Outlook on Life' isn't high; can it really win a major award?"

"Field journal scores are merely a reference; they represent the media's opinion. However, the Bicaro Film Festival uses a jury system; it is those judges on stage who decide the award recipients," Lu Yan He said. "If the judges like this film, it can win an award even with a low field journal score."

Wang Biao said, "I also hope Director Wang Shuai can win an award, as well as Cheng Ben. These two went through so much to make this film; they sold their houses, struggled to make ends meet, and now both live in rental apartments of only a few dozen square meters."

Lu Yan He showed a look of surprise.

"Is that so?"

"Mm." Wang Biao nodded. "I read a report that said exactly that."

Lu Yan He thought for a moment and said, "Then later, tell Wang Shuai's Producer that if they encounter difficulties securing investment for their next film, they can contact me, or contact Linghe directly."

Wang Biao said, "Little Brother Lu, you've already said something like this to them before. During 'The Waves,' they mentioned it, but when they made 'Hesitant Outlook on Life,' they didn't come to us."

"Perhaps they didn't think I was serious when I said it back then," Lu Yan He said. "But it's also possible that securing investment for 'Hesitant Outlook on Life' went relatively smoothly, especially since they even managed to invite Yu Mengling."

"Yu Mengling received only 50,000 yuan in remuneration for filming 'Hesitant Outlook on Life,'" Wang Biao said. "She said so during an interview with a media outlet."

Lu Yan He displayed a look of shock.

Yu Mengling?!

Even if she no longer belonged to the category of popularity or traffic stars, and even if 'Hesitant Outlook on Life' was struggling to make ends meet, Yu Mengling should not have accepted a remuneration of merely 50,000 yuan.

At this moment, Lu Yan He felt nothing but deep respect for Yu Mengling.

At this time, the announcement for Best Actor began.

In that instant, a thought flashed through Lu Yan He's mind: it would be fine if Cheng Ben won the award.

But unfortunately, it was not so.

The winner was a Turkish male actor.

While Lu Yan He applauded, he also watched the live feed on the screen.

The footage did not cut to anyone he knew.

Lu Yan He did not know what Cheng Ben was feeling at that moment, but he must have been very disappointed.

Lu Yan He sent a message to Chen Yin: "If Linghe has a suitable project where we can invite Cheng Ben to play the lead, then let's invite him to star in one."

Chen Yin, receiving such a message out of the blue, was somewhat surprised, but still replied: "Okay."

Lu Yan He: "Pay him the market rate for his remuneration; do not lowball him."

Chen Yin: "Okay."

Chen Yin asked: "Does Shihuo want to sign him?"

Lu Yan He: "No, but he is a good actor."

Chen Yin: "Okay, understood."

At a time like this, rather than sending him a message of comfort and encouragement, it was better to do something practical.

Subsequently, it was time for Lu Yan He to go on stage to present the award for Best Actress.

For this edition of the Bicaro Film Festival, there were three favorites for Best Actress; unfortunately, Yu Mengling was not among them.

After Lu Yan He went on stage, he was greeted by a wave of applause no less than what the winners received.

While presenting the award, Lu Yan He remarked that he shared an unparalleled fate with the Bicaro Film Festival.

He very much hoped that in the future he could bring his works to the Bicaro Film Festival to meet everyone.

After saying this, Lu Yan He finally opened the envelope to announce the winner of Best Actress.

However, when he opened the envelope and saw the name of the winner inside, he first froze, suspecting he had misread it, then confirmed that he had not made a mistake.

A look of joyful excitement appeared on Lu Yan He's face.

"The winner of this year's Bicaro Film Festival Best Actress is, Yu Mengling, for 'Hesitant Outlook on Life'."

He used his gaze to locate the position of the 'Hesitant Outlook on Life' crew and pronounced the name clearly and accurately.

Yu Mengling covered her mouth with both hands, displaying an expression of disbelief.

Director Wang Shuai and Jiang Yue nearby immediately cheered with delight.

It was simply incredible.

Yu Mengling's performance in 'Hesitant Outlook on Life' was indeed outstanding. However, the character she portrayed, as well as the character's screen time and arc within the film, were not typical of an 'award-winning' role.

In the film, she served more of a 'supporting role' function.

This was because the absolute protagonist of this film was still Cheng Ben.

At film festivals, especially top-tier ones, the winners of Best Actor and Best Actress are usually the absolute protagonists of a film.

This is also why Yu Mengling was not included in the list of heavy favorites predicted by the media earlier.

But clearly, Yu Mengling had very good luck.

She had encountered a group of judges who loved her performance.

Lu Yan He walked excitedly to the front of the steps, helped Yu Mengling, who was wearing high heels, onto the stage, and then presented the award to her.

"Congratulations, Best Actress!"

Yu Mengling was still immersed in delight, shaking her head as if deeply moved, "Oh my, it feels like a dream."

Lu Yan He gestured for Yu Mengling to step up to the microphone and deliver her acceptance speech, "Don't waste time on me; this is your moment, this is your lucky ground."

That last sentence was Lu Yan He's reminder to Yu Mengling.

Everyone knew it—and Yu Mengling herself knew it too—that this year she was not a favorite for this award.

Her winning the award was entirely because the jury of this year's Main Competition Unit liked her performance.

"Thank you to the jury." Yu Mengling's very first words were to thank the jury.

Lu Yan He looked at Yu Mengling standing under the spotlight; her inherently cool temperament made her appear even more ethereal.

In recent years, Chinese actresses have been quite formidable.

At the four major international film festivals, they have already claimed four Best Actress trophies.

Chen Bige won two, Ning Xiulian won one, and now Yu Mengling has won another.

Moreover, these four trophies cover Venice, Hexi, and Biloca; only the Situer award remains missing.

The prestige and value are extremely high.

In contrast, on the Best Actor side, it seems only he has won one Situer Film Festival award, with no other achievements.

I truly hope Teacher Liu Teli can win another one.

I also hope Chen Pinhe never wins one in his entire life.

After thinking this, Lu Yan He chuckled to himself.

At a time like this, he actually thought of Chen Pinhe.

Hehe.

After Yu Mengling won the Best Actress award, "Hesitant Outlook on Life" did not receive any other awards.

What a pity.

Lu Yan He hadn't expected that after the crew was called back to the stage, aside from the individual acting awards, the film would not secure a second trophy.

Even so, Wang Shuai was very happy.

His first reaction was: "'Hesitant Outlook on Life' shouldn't have trouble selling now."

His second reaction was: "Good, very good; Mengling winning the award will boost box office sales far more than any other award."

Yu Mengling was indeed the biggest star of "Hesitant Outlook on Life," and the buff stacked by her winning the award was the greatest.

That statement was not wrong.

It just sounded strangely heartbreaking. Lu Yan He said to Wang Shuai, "The box office for 'Hesitant Outlook on Life' in China will definitely be good."

Wang Shuai: "I hope we can achieve good box office results; sigh, otherwise it will be even harder to find investment for the next film."

Lu Yan He said, "If you can't find investment, just come to me; I'll invest."

He had already watched two films directed by Wang Shuai; whether it was "In the Waves" or "Hesitant Outlook on Life," Wang Shuai had demonstrated full authorship in his movies.

They might not be works liked by the general public, but they possess their own significance and value.

Lu Yan He was also willing to support him.

Wang Shuai nodded and said okay.

"I am serious," Lu Yan He said. "Director Wang, if you need anything, contact me anytime."

And so, the Biloca Film Festival came to a close.

Lu Yan He's stay at Anna's home was also coming to an end.

This time, the deepest impression Biloca left on Lu Yan He was his two-week-long interaction and conversations with Anna.

Before leaving, Lu Yan He treated Anna's family to another meal.

"I've really troubled you all during this time." Lu Yan He directed these words mainly to Tucker and Anna's husband, "If you come to China in the future, please be sure to contact me in advance."

After saying that, Lu Yan He turned to Tucker and said, "It's the same for you in the United States; if you encounter any trouble, contact me. I'll send you the contact information for my company's person in charge in the US in a moment."

Tucker let out a strange "Wah!" cry and said, "Why are you so good?!"

Lu Yan He smiled and said, "We Chinese speak of fate; meeting is fate. As the saying goes, 'meeting like duckweed on water.' Although you and I met because of your mother, from now on we can bypass your mother and do our own thing."

Tucker nodded in agreement, flashing a toothy grin at his mom.

"I think that's a great idea."

Lu Yan He laughed.

Anna glared at him and said, "While you're in the United States, cause less trouble for me! Study hard at university, don't mess around blindly!"

Tucker made exaggerated facial expressions.

Putting work aside, during those two weeks in Biloca, Lu Yan He indeed received a lot of care from Anna.

This care covered all aspects.

Lu Yan He also wanted to extend this closeness that had developed after becoming acquainted.

Lu Yan He said to Anna, "Anna, I hope you can come to next year's Hexi Film Festival, and also next year's Jump Up International Film Critics Festival."

Anna shrugged and said, "If I have time, I will go; this is my job after all."

Lu Yan He: "Then see you then! Oh, wait, maybe we'll meet soon at another film festival."

Just as Anna said, attending film festivals is her job.

Besides writing film reviews, she is also an editor for a film magazine.

She smiled.

After leaving Biloca, Lu Yan He could not return directly to China; he had to go to the United States for the premiere and promotion of "The Mist 2."

At the same time, upon learning that Lu Yan He would be going to the United States, Maixine immediately contacted a talk show for the "Friends" cast—the hottest one in the US with over ten million live viewers—arranging for the six members of "Friends" to appear on the program to promote the new season of "Friends," which had already started airing.

At Biloca Airport, Lu Yan He ran into Sandra Vitch, who was also flying to the United States.

"Hi~" Sandra Vitch warmly embraced Lu Yan He. "Are you preparing to return home?"

"No, I'm going to the United States to promote The Mist 2 and Friends."

"Oh, The Mist 2 is about to be released," Sandra Vitch nodded.

Lu Yan He asked, "Sandra, have you seen Raise the Red Lantern?"

Sandra Vitch shook her head. "No, but I've heard of this film; it won an award at the Situer Film Festival and is also contending for this year's awards season."

"Yes, that is a film I wrote as a screenwriter," Lu Yan He said. "It is a Chinese film; if you have time, may I invite you to watch it?"

Sandra Vitch broke into a smile.

"Lu, since it is your invitation, of course I will accept."

"It is my honor," Lu Yan He said happily. "Coming to Biloca this time, my greatest gain has been meeting you; I hope we can collaborate soon."

Sandra Vitch said, "Of course; there will certainly be opportunities. There is a film I am currently discussing, and I heard they have also invited you to act in it."

"Is that so?" Lu Yan He showed surprise. "What film?"

"Cloud Sea."

"Oh!" This was a Hollywood franchise film he had taken on in the summer.

At that time, Hurricane 2 was released, and his box-office draw among Asian communities was proven, leading many blockbuster franchises to hope to replicate Lu Yan He's performance in Hurricane 2.

In the end, Lu Yan He chose Cloud Sea.

Sandra Vitch said, "They want me to play the witch in it, a role with only two scenes, and I have no scenes opposite you."

"That is such a pity," Lu Yan He said. "As an actor, I very much hope to perform scenes opposite you."

Sandra Vitch: "Believe me, I look forward to it just as much."

The two chatted for a while before preparing to board the plane.

At this moment, Chen Siqi suddenly sent him a message: I have an idea.

Lu Yan He: What idea?

Chen Siqi said: Could we make Jump Up the official partner magazine of the Hexi Film Festival?

Lu Yan He was stunned: Huh?

Chen Siqi said: I feel this could also become an opportunity for Jump Up, a chance to truly become an international media outlet.

Lu Yan He fell into deep thought.

Becoming the official partner magazine of an international film festival?

This was certainly nothing rare.

For example, Vanity Fair with the Academy Awards, or some film magazines with certain top-tier film festivals.

In fact, although such magazines might sell only a thousand copies, because they are backed by the film festival and are entirely targeted at a specific audience, the price for advertising space is not cheap.

One issue per day; by the end of a film festival, they still earn a great deal.

But the most important thing is not the monetary gain; it is the influence.

Jump Up had been struggling for several years, aiming to go overseas and become a global magazine—

Apart from fashion magazines, no other literary or arts magazine had managed to achieve this.

However, Chen Siqi had now developed four versions: Japanese, Korean, Thai, and English.

Although they had not achieved the market miracle of the Chinese version's "counter-current ascent" in their respective regions, they had at least managed to gain a foothold.

Nowadays, Chen Siqi was exerting all her strength to increase circulation and open up the market and situation.

If they could cooperate with a globally top-tier event like the Hexi Film Festival, it would naturally bring great benefits to Jump Up in raising its profile.

Even if the cooperation with the film festival could only take the form of a special issue.

Lu Yan He told Chen Siqi: I think we can do it, but it requires good planning and execution, so that it neither affects the magazine's own positioning nor fails to establish a high-end image for Jump Up among the general public.

Chen Siqi: I completely agree; that is exactly what I thought, but I needed to hear your opinion first; if you minded that this was a bit of riding on coattails, then we wouldn't do it.

Lu Yan He: If Hexi can ride on my coattails, why can't I ride on Hexi's coattails?

Chen Siqi: "Kiss kiss."

Lu Yan He: "Hug hug."

By the time they arrived in Los Angeles, night had already fallen.

Originally, Wan Qingqing was coming to pick them up at the airport, but because Flypaper was in the final stages of filming, the most stressful period for the crew, Lu Yan He told her not to come.

Darren Wilson had arranged for someone to pick up Lu Yan He.

The hotel they were staying at this time was arranged by d19.

Senior executives from d19 were even waiting for him at the hotel, just to show their emphasis on him through their welcoming attitude.

Of course, as the lead actor of The Mist 2, it was only reasonable for Lu Yan He to receive such treatment.

At this time, Director Wang Zhong and Chen Bige were also in the United States.

It was just that they were not in Los Angeles.

For the awards season journey of Raise the Red Lantern, they had been staying in the United States during this period.

Lu Yan He was still thinking about when to meet up with them.

After arriving at the hotel, Lu Yan He was already starving.

Too hungry; he needed to find food.

Lu Yan He decided with Wang Biao, Zou Dong, and others to find a Chinese restaurant nearby, but after walking several blocks, they failed to find a single Chinese restaurant—

"What should we do?" Wang Biao asked. "Little Brother Lu, otherwise let's go back to the hotel and order takeout? I have some restaurant contact information here."

For an assistant to reach Wang Biao's level was truly beyond words.

Lu Yan He thought for a moment and said, "Alright, then let's go back to the hotel to eat."

Wang Biao made the phone call directly on the way back to the hotel.

Lu Yan He had no idea how Wang Biao managed it; with remarkable resourcefulness, he found a restaurant that delivered Chinese food to them at 11 PM local time.

Lu Yan He looked at Wang Biao in surprise.

Wang Biao smiled at Lu Yan He, taking credit: "This is a friend I met when I previously came to Los Angeles; he's a chef himself, and after finishing the cooking, he drove over to deliver it personally."

Lu Yan He said, "No wonder, this is custom-made."

Wang Biao replied, "Mainly it's because Little Brother Lu has prestige; they were willing to make a custom order just for you."

Lu Yan He ate a filling meal, and crucially, it tasted very good.

He hadn't had authentic Chinese food in a long time, yet here he was, eating it late at night after arriving in Los Angeles.

Lu Yan He suddenly thought of something and asked, "Wang Biao, does this friend of yours run a restaurant, or is he working as a chef in some restaurant?"

"He works as a chef in a Chinese restaurant," Wang Biao said. "What's up, Little Brother Lu?"

"His culinary skills are quite good; I was thinking I could actually invite him to take charge of the cooking for a dinner party where I invite some friends. Aren't Yan Liang and the others coming over too?"

Wang Biao said, "Sure, I'll ask him."

Lu Yan He added, "Mm, if we can directly book out his entire restaurant, let's hold it there; if not, then forget it, since we don't have a venue ourselves."

Wang Biao nodded.

Lu Yan He actually quite enjoyed organizing dinner gatherings these days.

Due to work commitments, everyone usually spent little time together and much time apart.

Whenever they could gather, they should gather more often.

Especially when in a foreign land like this.

The next day, Darren Wilson arrived.

This time, he came to discuss the two scripts, The Notebook and The Fault in Our Stars, with Lu Yan He.

Darren Wilson had taken these two scripts and approached almost every company in Hollywood.

He brought back some very good news.

First, both scripts were highly sought after.

Major film studios in Hollywood were very interested, but Lu Yan He's requirement to retain the film copyright made all the major studios hesitate.

None of these film companies were willing to act merely as investors.

Of course, Lu Yan He didn't expect them to be content with just being investors either.

Darren Wilson said, "For the script of The Notebook, Green Valley is willing to offer five million dollars to buy it."

Lu Yan He showed a look of surprise.

Five million dollars?

That price was truly at the very top.

Darren Wilson continued, "However, Green Valley's requirement is that for five million dollars, the copyright for The Notebook belongs to them forever; whereas Parameter has proposed two million dollars, but after twenty years of release, the film copyright can return to your hands."

Lu Yan He once again showed a look of surprise.

Being clear about Hollywood's film companies and rules, Lu Yan He knew very well what an unprecedented move it was for Parameter to agree to return the film copyright to him after twenty years.

Lu Yan He weighed the options and said, "Regarding what I mentioned before—that I require serving as Producer and substantively participating in the operation of the film project, including casting, filming, post-production, etc., with decision-making power—what is their attitude?"

Darren Wilson wore a relieved smile.

"Originally, I thought this point would be the hardest to negotiate, but clearly, the success of Buried and Home Alone has given you a pass in front of projects at major film studios, not to mention that this project is based on a script you wrote; they now greatly trust your vision and decisions."

Lu Yan He was also stunned, not expecting such a result.

Indeed, he had not expected it.

Lu Yan He asked, "Then which one do you suggest I choose?"

Darren Wilson smiled slightly and said, "I suggest you choose Solon."

"Solon?" Lu Yan He was stunned.

In the information Darren Wilson had previously revealed, this company was not included.

Moreover, Lu Yan He did not know the situation of this film company; it felt somewhat unfamiliar.

Darren Wilson explained, "This film company is a new studio formed after Hengzhao Mountain Group acquired three independent film production companies and one distribution company and integrated them; they have ample funds and strong capabilities but lack accumulation, making them most eager to court creators and most generous with offers, which best suits your current needs."

Lu Yan He looked at Darren Wilson with slight astonishment.

Darren Wilson fell silent for a moment, then said, "Linghe's ultimate goal is to become an independent company in Hollywood capable of producing and distributing its own films, correct? Your core purpose in giving me these two scripts is to truly and centrally participate in the process of operating an A-list film project in Hollywood, to understand the inner workings."

Lu Yan He did not respond.

He simply looked at Darren Wilson.

The two silently locked eyes for a moment.

Only then did Lu Yan He say, "What can Solon offer me?"

"For the two scripts, a package deal of five million dollars; you will be the second-in-command Producer, and you along with Linghe can jointly hold a 25% priority investment dividend right; they will only hold the copyright for five years after the release of the two films, after which the films return to your hands," Darren Wilson said. "At the same time, they will provide global large-scale distribution treatment for these two films, including in North America, where they are willing to provide distribution conditions of at least 4,000 theaters for two weeks for both films."

Lu Yan He instantly understood why Darren Wilson believed Solon was the most suitable for his current needs.

"However, besides this, Solon has also put forward one requirement," Darren Wilson said. "They hope to establish a deeper cooperative relationship with you; beyond these two films, they hope you will cooperate with them on two more films within the next six years, whether as director, Screenwriter, or lead actor—they accept any of these three forms of cooperation."

Lu Yan He said, "You can reply to Solon that we can sit down together to discuss this further."

Lu Yan He would not agree to these cooperation matters outright right now.

Darren Wilson, however, understood Lu Yan He's meaning.

He smiled.

Lu Yan He smiled back at him. (End of Chapter)