Chapter 247: Departure for New York

A week later, the box‑office figures for the film's opening week were released.

"Central Heist" earned 9 million in its first week, and the current occupancy rate shows no clear decline, fully qualifying it to challenge Hong Kong Island's annual box‑office champion.

After the data came out, newspapers of all sizes on Hong Kong Island rushed to report it, giving the film another surge of hype.

Chen Mo held the freshly printed newspaper, read the report, and his smile had not left his face all morning.

Based on these numbers, reaching a 30 million box office by the time the film finishes its run is absolutely no problem.

After deducting a 10% entertainment tax and a 15% distribution fee, the remaining amount split with the Xinbao cinema chain would still net at least 13–14 million.

The film's total production cost was only a little over 8 million.

That means Chen Mo's film company netted a pure profit of over 5 million.

That doesn't even include overseas box‑office earnings or future video‑tape profits.

If those are counted, the earnings are even higher.

That's only the monetary side.

In reality, the film's blockbuster success also propelled several actors to fame for Chen Mo's company.

Take Liu Piaopiao, for example; just a few opening shots made her a rising star in the entertainment circle.

Even Gao Gang and Yin Tianchou gained some notoriety; though not as big as Liu Piaopiao, they can still be called professional actors.

Especially Yin Tianchou—no one calls him a dead‑beat extra anymore.

In Chen Mo's office, he once again gathered his core staff for a meeting.

He's ready to go to Meiliguo, and before departure some matters need to be arranged in advance.

"A Hu, there's been no activity on Wang Bao's side lately, right?"

"Nothing. Since you, Mo Ge, met them last time in Jianshazui, Wang Bao's henchmen haven't caused trouble again."

Hearing that, Chen Mo still wasn't at ease.

He doesn't think Wang Bao was frightened by what he said that day.

Wang Bao is now playing coy, perhaps hiding a bigger move.

But with his departure imminent, it's not the time for a showdown; even if he wants to act against Wang Bao, he'll wait until he returns from Meiliguo.

"For now, don't let your guard down. Keep personnel watching Wang Bao's territory. If he makes a move, strike immediately; even a full‑scale war is fine—don't be afraid of him!"

"Got it, Mo Ge!" A Hu nodded heavily.

Chen Mo turned his gaze to Li Jie: "A Jie, how's the contact you made through the reporter Le coming along?"

"Um… I've reached out to a few," Li Jie said, puzzled. "But, Mo Ge, do we really have to do this?"

"Yes, just follow the plan I set."

Chen Mo had Li Jie, via Le Huizhen's connections, contact several professional freelance writers at newspapers.

When, in a few days, the box office shows a downward trend, those writers will publish reviews of the film.

Moreover, Chen Mo split them into two camps—one to lavish praise, the other to launch scathing attacks—so that a war of words erupts in the newspapers.

Chen Mo also had Li Jie spend money to smooth things over with a few newspapers, ensuring they would publish those writers' comments.

That's Chen Mo's devised publicity strategy for the film.

Ordinary people will gather to watch a street argument; a quarrel on the newspaper is even more unmissable.

Even if just to judge who's right, the onlookers will still go to the cinema to watch the film.

Chen Mo uses this tactic to keep the film's momentum, preventing a sharp box‑office drop in the coming weeks.

"Everyone, in a few days I'm heading to Meiliguo. Ahua, come with me and use these days to finalize the paperwork."

"I estimate the earliest we'll be back is about half a month later."

"Alright, Mo Ge!" Ahua's eyes flashed with excitement.

The others couldn't help casting envious glances at Ahua.

They also wanted to go to Meiliguo; even though they don't know what Chen Mo plans, it would be good experience.

The reason Chen Mo chose to bring Ahua, besides his quick mind and reliable handling, is that Ahua can take photographs!

Since we'll be there anyway, Ahua can also serve as a photographer.

"During my absence, Guo Dong, handle the Triad Society affairs here; if anything's uncertain, call me."

"If you can't reach me, consult Gao Jin, or ask my sister—it's fine."

"Also, keep my trip to Meiliguo quiet; maintain secrecy as much as possible."

"Understood!"

Three days later, Chen Mo, Gang Sheng, Qiu Di, Ahua, and six ex‑military security guards accompanying them after more than twenty hours of flight finally landed in New York.

It is October 11th New York time, one week away from the world‑shocking "Black Monday".

For safety, Jimi, who arrived in New York early, was already waiting outside the airport with locally hired bodyguards.

Although both Jimi and Chen Mo have security personnel with them.

But this isn't Hong Kong Island, and none of them are armed.

Meiliguo has never been a particularly peaceful place; hiring local armed bodyguards is more reassuring.

Sitting in the car, Gang Sheng looked out the window and couldn't help exclaiming, "The buildings here are so tall, taller than the skyscrapers in Central!"

Chen Mo laughed, "The World Trade Center Twin Towers here are over 500 meters tall, about 200 meters taller than the tallest building on Hong Kong Island!"

"That high? Mo Ge, can we go see it? I've never seen a building that tall!" Qiu Di added, unable to hide his yearning.

"No problem!" Chen Mo replied enthusiastically, "We'll rest well tonight and handle business first thing tomorrow.

After that, I'll hang out with you in New York, go wherever you want."

"Great!" the two women cheered.

Soon, the car arrived at a Pierre Hotel in downtown New York.

Under Jimi's lead, the few of them entered a presidential suite.

"Mo Ge, the two sisters‑in‑law, this is your room."

"Wow!"

"So beautiful!"

Inside the room, Gang Sheng and Qiu Di couldn't help exclaiming in amazement.

The entire suite was about four hundred square meters, nearly matching the area of their family villa.

Within the suite, the office area, reception area, leisure area, and kitchen were all present.

The chandelier overhead was resplendent, high‑end carpet covered the floor, and all the appliances and furniture in the room were top‑brand Meiliguo products.

The most stunning feature was the two floor‑to‑ceiling window balconies; at night, through the balcony glass one could overlook the entire New York nightscape.

Not to mention the relatively inexperienced Gang Sheng and Qiu Di, even Chen Mo was very satisfied with the room.

Ahua had already taken out the camera he always carried and began documenting the wonderful life.

While shooting, he sighed, "This room is so luxurious! I really have no idea what it feels like to live here!"

Jimi laughed, "The one next door is also a presidential suite; it's mine. Ahua, you stay with me tonight!"

"Sure, sure!" Ahua quickly agreed.