Chapter 244: Global Shock

In the Beijing Film Studio office, Han Shanping stood before the window, a lit cigarette between his fingers. Amidst the swirling smoke, his brows were tightly locked.

"3 billion..." he muttered to himself, "If *Avatar* can exceed *The Meg*'s 1.5 billion, then my position will be completely secure."

But immediately, he shook his head and gave a bitter smile: "But what if the box office is dismal? This 3 billion will all go down the drain..."

He took a deep drag of his cigarette and exhaled a cloud of white mist. In his mind, he flashed through Xiang Fei's track record over the years—the *Detective Chinatown* series, *Wolf Warrior*, *The Meg*, and *Titanic*—every one was a box office dark horse; he had never failed.

"Xiang Fei's films have indeed never lacked box office revenue..."

Just as he was pondering, the office door was knocked on gently.

"Please come in."

The door opened, and Xiang Fei walked in with a middle-aged man in a sharp suit.

"Brother Han, long time no see!" The middle-aged man smiled heartily and stepped forward to shake Han Shanping's hand.

Han Shanping was stunned, then said with pleasant surprise: "Xiang Sheng?! Why are you here?"

Xiang Fei smiled slightly: "Uncle Han, I've also brought Yongsheng into the fold."

A flash of brilliance crossed Han Shanping's eyes, and he felt secretly happy: "No wonder."

An hour later, Zhang Weiping and Wang Zhongjun also arrived one after another.

In the conference room, five big shots of the film and television circle sat around a table, the atmosphere both tense and exciting.

"Gentlemen," Xiang Fei went straight to the point, "For a 3 billion investment, we need to clarify the profit-sharing ratio."

Zhang Weiping narrowed his eyes: "A-Fei, tell us your thoughts first."

Xiang Fei took out a document: "Beijing Film Studio invests 1 billion and is responsible for domestic and international screenings; New Pictures invests 300 million and is responsible for domestic promotion and scheduling; Huayi invests 500 million and is responsible for marketing and distribution; Feimin invests 800 million, and I will direct it personally; Yongsheng invests 300 million and is responsible for the Taiwan and Hong Kong markets."

Wang Zhongjun tapped the table: "And the profit sharing?"

After a morning of intense discussion, an agreement was finally reached:

- Beijing Film Studio: 1 billion investment + domestic/international distribution, 30% profit share.

- New Pictures: 300 million investment + domestic promotion, 10% profit share.

- Huayi: 500 million investment + marketing, 15% profit share.

- Feimin: 800 million investment + director/screenwriter + global distribution, 35% profit share.

- Yongsheng: 300 million investment + Taiwan/Hong Kong market, 10% profit share.

"Gentlemen, happy cooperation!" Everyone raised their glasses to celebrate, satisfied smiles on their faces.

The next day, the *People's Daily* published this news on the front page of its culture section: "World-class Director Xiang Fei Invests 3 Billion to Create a New Sci-Fi Masterpiece."

The *Guangming Daily* published a commentator's article: "3 Billion Investment, a New Height for World Cinema."

The *Southern Weekly* took a reserved stance: "The Risks Behind the Huge Investment."

On the streets and in the alleys, the common people were discussing it:

"3 billion? How many years will it take to earn that back?"

"Xiang Fei's films will definitely work; didn't *The Meg* sell well?"

"Sci-fi film? Only Xiang Fei can pull off a Chinese sci-fi film."

The film and television circle was even more explosive.

Cheng Long stated in an interview with the *Beijing Youth Daily*: "A-Fei has always dared to be the first; I support him!"

Xie Xian told a *Ming Pao* reporter: "3 billion? I hope he succeeds." Her tone carried deep meaning.

Zhang Yimou frankly admitted to *Film World* magazine: "Only Xiang Fei's *The Meg* succeeded in Chinese sci-fi, but it's still a blank slate domestically, and the risk is very high."

On the Hollywood side, *The Hollywood Reporter* covered the news with a full-page spread: "Chinese Director Xiang Fei Challenges the Sci-Fi Field Again, Investment Exceeds 400 Million USD."

At Huayi headquarters, Wang Zhonglei looked at the reports in the major newspapers and felt a bit regretful, his brows tightly locked: "Brother, we invested 500 million; is it too risky?"

Wang Zhongjun lit a cigar: "Xiang Fei has never let us down."

"But this time is different; sci-fi films domestically..."

"That's why we have to gamble," Wang Zhongjun exhaled a smoke ring, "If we win, we are the pioneers of Chinese sci-fi."

At the same time, in the Beijing Film Studio conference room, Han Shanping was reporting to the leaders.

"A 3 billion investment; we must ensure there are no mistakes," the leader said seriously.

Han Shanping nodded: "We have already communicated with the SARFT; scheduling will be fully supported."

And at Feimin Film, Xiang Fei was having a meeting with the technical team.

"Motion capture technology must be world-class," he said, pointing to the screen, "Every leaf on Pandora must have vitality."

Zhang Hong wiped his sweat: "President Xiang, this requires the most advanced equipment..."

"Money is not an issue," Xiang Fei said decisively, "What I want is the effect." ===== CHAPTER 245 =====