Chapter 42: North American Layout and a Parting Gift
Waking up early, Wei Jin felt refreshed and full of energy. He turned his head to glance at Scarlett, who was still fast asleep, and couldn't help but marvel at the robust constitution of white people; she was the first woman to force out five-tenths of Wei Jin's internal power.
One must know that even those twin models from the night before last were no match for three-tenths of Wei Jin's power. As for back home, aside from Fan Bingbing, there was even less of a match; they were all just weaklings.
Without waking Scarlett, Wei Jin washed up briefly and went to the hotel lobby, where Hunter was already waiting.
"Boss, good morning. It looks like you had a pleasant night."
Hunter said with a hint of sycophancy. This was not strange; Hunter was merely an administrator at Summit, barely stepping into the ranks of the upper management. If he hadn't dealt with Wei Jin before, he wouldn't even have been qualified to attend this negotiation.
After formally signing the contract, Wei Jin leaped to become a major shareholder of Summit Entertainment, a true boss in name and deed. Naturally, Hunter was actively trying to align himself with the organization.
Just yesterday afternoon, Hunter had officially pledged his allegiance to Wei Jin, becoming his eyes within Summit Entertainment.
Hunter was no fool. Wei Jin had brought out 60 million USD without batting an eye, so one could imagine how deep his resources were. The quality of loyalty in white people—it wasn't that it didn't exist, just that it wasn't common.
Wei Jin didn't need anyone to swear an oath of loyalty; he believed that interests came first. Hunter was just a wage earner; as long as there were sufficient benefits, he couldn't refuse to work for him.
Besides, as a major shareholder, wasn't it expected to have one's own team? "Hunter, relax. We are friends, right?"
Wei Jin's attitude toward Hunter hadn't changed; he was just a tool. Was it really that hard to give a little free respect?
"Let's go. Take me over there. I'm not familiar with this place, so I'll have to trouble you to moonlight as a driver."
The two then drove to a commercial center. Hunter drove to the parking lot to wait, while Wei Jin walked slowly into a cafe.
Arriving at the pre-booked table, he saw a white man in his early forties already waiting for some time.
"Boss, is that you?"
The white man stood up and asked with some hesitation.
"William, it's me, your boss, Wei Jin."
Wei Jin said as he sat down, called the waiter, and ordered a latte.
Since the end of last December, Wei Jin had established a North American investment team through an overseas company.
Unlike Qingtian Capital, which focused on investing in domestic cultural and entertainment industry projects, the North American investment team was mainly responsible for project investments on a global scale.
Projects here referred to profitable projects, not limited to any specific industry or sector.
The slightly plump middle-aged white man before him was the head of the North American investment team—William.
"In fact, we have spoken on the phone many times, but seeing you, I still can't help but marvel that there really are geniuses in this world, my boss."
William's tone was respectful, yet filled with emotion. There was no other reason; the boss was simply too young, reportedly not even 22 years old.
Thinking of the funds on the investment company's books, William became even more respectful; this was respect for wealth.
"No need for emotion, William. After working together for a long time, you will find that I have always been generous to those who work loyally. I promise you, follow me, and within ten years, you will become a member of the North American upper class."
Drawing a big picture cost nothing. Besides, as long as William was loyal, Wei Jin didn't mind him making a fortune following him. Ten years later, he would likely have retired from Hollywood with success anyway.
"By the way, my time is limited on this trip. I have already prepared the key projects to focus on; for the rest, you can discuss them with the team."
Wei Jin handed the prepared materials to William. Coming from a finance background in his past life, Wei Jin was far more professional regarding the trends of various time periods than he was with movies and TV shows. The investment plan had long been drafted.
"Understood, boss. I will strictly execute according to your plan. If there is any situation, I will report to you at the first opportunity."
William respectfully took the materials and stated his position. There was no other reason; the boss paid too much. The compensation for the entire investment team could be said to rival the industry's top, completely on par with their Wall Street peers.
After finishing business with William and briefly inquiring about the members of the investment team, Wei Jin called Hunter to pick him up.
In the afternoon, Wei Jin arrived at the Summit Entertainment headquarters. Friedman and the company's management team were already in the conference room.
"Wei, tell us your thoughts. Which one do you plan to do first, *Dead Silence* or *Lurking*?" Friedman asked impatiently.
"Relax, buddy. Why can't we do both?"
Wei Jin crossed his legs and leaned back on the sofa. If he had a cigar in his mouth, he would be the perfect villainous boss.
Wei Jin's time in North America was limited, and he planned to spend two months finishing both films.
After setting the shooting plan with the company's senior management, Summit Entertainment began to operate at high speed.
The two scripts Wei Jin brought out this time were both classics of winning big with small investments in his past life.
*Lurking* went without saying; with a production cost of less than 2 million, the global box office exceeded 155 million USD.
Although *Dead Silence* didn't make money, it became a classic in the horror genre, and the lack of profit was only because cost control hadn't been handled well.
This time, with Wei Jin at the helm, he was bound to control the costs and ensure profitability. After all, these two projects were his first battle since taking over Summit, and it had to be fought beautifully.
Hollywood's work efficiency was very high. You just needed to tell the Actors Guild what kind of actors you needed, and they would guarantee to select ones that met your wishes.
The preparation of the crew went very smoothly, and Wei Jin began his long journey of filming in North America.
Filming by comparing it to the finished product in his mind, the work was easy, just a bit dull. Fortunately, he only had to work 8 hours a day, allowing Wei Jin time to engage in intimate relations with Scarlett, balancing work and rest.
Wei Jin didn't know what was up with Scarlett; she seemed to have developed a taste for it. However, recalling Scarlett's complex romantic history in his past life, Wei Jin guessed that the "Black Widow" must have a rather strong appetite. That was perfect; he and Wei Jin could be considered well-matched opponents.
In these days of filming by day and "riding horses" by night, time passed day by day until May. Both films had completed post-production, taking slightly longer than Wei Jin had anticipated. There was no help for it; Hollywood didn't allow overtime unless you paid extra.
Summit's senior management was very satisfied after seeing the finished films and set the release dates.
*Lurking* would be released in June to compete for the Summer Slot, while *Dead Silence* would be released in September.
Upon learning that Wei Jin was about to return to his country, Scarlett was clearly reluctant. For two days, the two stayed in the hotel, entangled in passion. After the clouds dispersed and the rain ceased, the Black Widow leaned on the balcony, smoking a cigarette.
"Wei, will you come back?"
"Of course. I have my career in North America, and more importantly, I have you."
Wei Jin wasn't lying to her. It had to be said that the Black Widow was a qualified bed partner.
Heaven knew how happy Wei Jin had been during this time. Two months, two whole months, every position had been unlocked, and even the "three-way" had been tried. It could truly be described as: "Finding such joy here, one forgets about Shu."
"By the way, Scarlett, I remember you can sing?"
"Of course, my singing skills are not at all inferior to my acting skills."
Although she didn't understand why Wei Jin asked this, Scarlett answered honestly.
"I've had a very happy time during this period. You brought me joy. As we part, I want to give you a gift."
Wei Jin took out the lyrics and sheet music he had prepared and handed them to Scarlett.
In fact, Wei Jin had been thinking about what to give her for the past two days. Searching his memory, he recalled a report he had seen: Scarlett's singing was quite good, especially her high notes. He simply dug up a song that suited her well. Of course, this was also the battle song for the Black Widow in *Avengers* that appeared in many short videos.
"Oh, my god, Wei, just how much more talent have you been hiding from me? You can actually write songs too?"
After finishing the lyrics and musical score in her hands, Scarlett found it hard to believe; the man she had been spending time with for over two months was simply overflowing with talent.
"A strong body, a handsome appearance, and talent that cannot be concealed—what a perfect man." Thinking of this, the Black Widow's eyes became sultry; she bit her red lips lightly to send a signal. She wanted him again. This night, on the beach of Santa Monica, the tide rose and fell, tireless. Early the next morning, while Scarlett was still fast asleep, Wei Jin had already boarded the plane back to his country. As a newbie author writing a book for the first time, I humbly beg for collections, follows, catch-up reads, and recommendations. Thank you, everyone. As a newbie author writing a book for the first time, I humbly beg for collections, follows, catch-up reads, and recommendations. Thank you, everyone.
(End of this chapter)
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