Chapter 167: Massive Capital

March 1994, top-floor conference room of Feimin Entertainment.

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the long table; Xiang Fei sat at the head, his fingertips lightly tapping the surface. His gaze swept over the several film tycoons present—Han Shanping, director of Beijing Film Studio; Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei of Huayi Brothers; Zhang Weiping of Xin Huamian Pictures.

"Gentlemen, I've called you here to discuss a project." Xiang Fei slid forward a glossy-covered proposal, the three bold characters "MEGALODON" glinting in the sunlight.

Zhang Weiping was the first to pick up the proposal; he opened the first page and widened his eyes: "120 million investment? Boss Xiang, are you sure you didn't add an extra zero?"

"Correct, 120 million." Xiang Fei lifted his teacup, his tone as calm as if discussing today's weather, "Co-produced with Xiangjiang, global release."

Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei simultaneously drew in a sharp breath, exchanging a stunned glance. Han Shanping slowly put on his reading glasses and carefully flipped through the proposal.

Xiang Fei pressed the remote; the large screen in the conference room lit up, revealing a lifelike 3D model of a megalodon gliding through the ocean.

"Special effects handled by our newly established Minyang, filming crew split evenly between mainland and Xiangjiang, lead actors planned to be top-tier stars."

Zhang Weiping wiped sweat from his forehead: "Boss Xiang, this risk is too great... currently, a domestic box office over ten million is considered a huge success—120 million investment..."

"The greater the risk, the greater the reward." Xiang Fei's gaze burned bright, "Conservative estimate: global box office at least one billion."

Wang Zhonglei couldn't help interjecting: "How are profits divided?"

Xiang Fei had prepared in advance; he pulled out a table from his folder: "Distribution by investment ratio. Beijing Film Studio 45%, Huayi 10%, Xin Huamian 5%, the remaining 40% goes to Feimin."

Han Shanping removed his reading glasses and lightly tapped the table: "Beijing Film Studio can contribute 60 million, but I want 15% of North American distribution rights."

"Director Han," Xiang Fei smiled, "North American distribution rights have already been negotiated with Hollywood. However..." he shifted tone, "I can offer you a share of distribution rights in other Asian regions."

Wang Zhongjun immediately replied: "Huayi contributes 20 million, but we want 12% of the profits."

"Maximum 10%." Xiang Fei refused to budge, "Huayi handles mainland promotion—this portion can be calculated separately."

Zhang Weiping gritted his teeth: "Xin Huamian contributes 8 million, but 5% is too little—I want 7%."

The conference room fell silent; all eyes fixed on Xiang Fei.

Xiang Fei suddenly stood, walking to the window. Outside was the early spring scene of Beijing, new green branches swaying in the breeze.

"Let it be settled," he turned back, "Beijing Film Studio 45%, Huayi 10%, Xin Huamian 5%, but Huayi and Xin Huamian get first priority to invest in future projects."

Han Shanping was the first to nod: "Deal."

The Wang brothers exchanged a glance; Wang Zhongjun extended his hand: "Pleasure doing business."

Zhang Weiping sighed and also extended his hand: "Boss Xiang, I've bet my entire fortune on this."

The legal department swiftly drafted the contract; the secretary entered with champagne.

Xiang Fei raised his glass: "To Chinese cinema going global—cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Amid the crisp clink of crystal glasses, the largest investment in Chinese film history was sealed. After signing, Han Shanping said with deep meaning: "Fei, I hope you won't let us down."

"Rest assured," Xiang Fei watched the darkening sky outside, "This is only the beginning."