Chapter 121

Time quickly entered July; Annabelle had been released overseas for over a month, earning $257 million at the box office.

However, the film had not yet left theaters—in the United States, movies can run for a long time, possibly two or three months, though box office returns had already plateaued; this level was the peak.

$257 million, according to the original agreement, entitled Jade Rabbit to a share of $64.25 million, roughly 449 million RMB.

This was theater revenue sharing; further income would come from streaming, pay-TV, and other sources.

Of course, Warner earned even more; conservatively estimated, they took at least $90 million, or 630 million RMB.

Exactly how much they took Fang Hong did not know—it was their confidential agreement with theaters.

But even at the minimum standard of 60%, if Fang Hong took 25%, Warner took at least 35%.

Of course, this was a conservative estimate—it was certainly more, not less, possibly over $100 million USD.

This was the U. S. distribution model: distribution was the most profitable, production was just a job, and theaters were just employees.

But for Fang Hong, this sum was already enormous—he had not earned even a fraction of 449 million RMB in a full year last year, yet he achieved several years' worth of goals in just half a year.

He had walked the path that domestic film companies took years to cover! Still, this money was not enough to fill Jade Rabbit's financial hole; Yu Xian was still working hard, and The Purge had been scheduled for July 20.

However, this film was not given to Warner, but to Universal.

Fang Hong directed remotely while Yu Xian handled negotiations—no matter what anyone said, they would accept only the minimum 25% share and reject everything else.

Promotion expenses and all other costs were borne by the distributor.

Thanks to the success of Annabelle, Universal readily agreed.

They also signed an agreement for future series releases of The Purge—this was an IP, and making money from it was normal.

By partnering with multiple companies, they didn't put all their eggs in one basket—if Warner tried to control Jade Rabbit, they could turn to Universal.

If Universal tried to control Jade Rabbit, they could turn to Warner! If worse came to worst, there was Paramount, Sony, United Artists—anyone who could make money was a prized partner.

This past month, Fang Hong worked tirelessly, establishing company regulations and building the organizational framework.

He perfected special effects, gaming, and film production behind the scenes—essentially strengthening internal capabilities.

As for Liu Tianxian, the two had been in a month-long cold war.

For the entire month, neither spoke to the other; not a single text message had been sent—it was that stubborn.

Since Liu Tianxian would not compromise, Fang Hong would not either.

This was a matter of principle—what man could accept his woman kissing and undressing another?

He wasn't someone who liked wearing green hats! That day, Zhao Xiaodao arrived at Jade Rabbit, as previously arranged, to sign with them for an epic drama.

Zhao Xiaodao visited Jade Rabbit for the first time and saw a stone sculpture of Chang'e Holding Rabbit at the entrance; she compared her height to it and found it taller than herself.

"Why put such a huge stone? Aren't you afraid it'll block the way?"

"Did it block your way?" Fang Hong countered.

"No, it didn't!" Zhao Xiaodao smiled sheepishly.

She had just spoken impulsively, and this man had stabbed her right back.

So many staff came and went without complaining about the obstruction—only she mentioned it; wasn't that making up an excuse to talk?

Entering the office, Zhao Xiaodao couldn't help but glance around curiously at the environment—Jade Rabbit now had many more staff and had changed greatly.

It now had the atmosphere of a major company, nothing like its former quiet, empty state.

Staffing across departments was gradually being perfected.

The two entered Chen Zhixi's office and found her sitting with one leg crossed over the other, filing her nails, looking utterly idle.

All behind-the-scenes staff were in training—there truly was nothing to do!

"You're really idle," Fang Hong sat across from her.

Zhao Xiaodao stood behind, curiously observing the woman across from them.

"I'm not like some people—a workaholic," Chen Zhixi put down her nail clipper.

"Have you spent your money yet? Talking to me like this!" Fang Hong boasted.

"I'm spending it—already buying aggressively. It's only been a month; don't rush."

Chen Zhixi was speechless—had this man taken some wrong medicine this past month? He'd been obsessively monitoring every part of the company; she'd never seen him like this before.

Had Liu Tianxian lost control of him?

But they knew each other too well to get angry—she just treated it as a joke.

She looked at Zhao Xiaodao, puzzled: "What's this about?"

"Oh, this one's impressive—surname Zhao, given name Xiaodao, full name Zhao Xiaodao," Fang Hong introduced, then fell silent.

This way of introducing someone left them both speechless—how could you say someone was impressive by just naming them? No other details at all.

Zhao Xiaodao was also frustrated—why not say she was capable?

Chen Zhixi couldn't help smiling—she was already used to Fang Hong's joking style.

"You're handing her over to me?"

"Yes. You'll take care of her and produce an epic film for her—the script is already written, called Legend of Lu Zhen; pick it up from the screenwriters." Fang Hong stood and walked out.

He was essentially tasking Chen Zhixi with developing talent management and television operations.

Chen Zhixi didn't even see him off—she was glad he was leaving; he always hovered over her work, acting like he had nothing else to do.

Fang Hong still thought she was idle, with time to file her nails.

Zhao Xiaodao remained silent throughout, watching their interaction—they spoke like old friends, and she felt envious.

After Fang Hong left, Chen Zhixi looked at her, her expression turning serious: "Let's sign an agency agreement first."

Fang Hong had just stepped out when he received a call—it was Lu Dabo.

"Principal, check the news," Lu Dabo shouted excitedly. Fang Hong took his phone, returned to his office, and opened his laptop to read the information.

{Fa Ge suffered an unexpected incident while jogging—he was beaten by several hooligans and sustained a head injury! } This news instantly dominated front pages of Hong Kong media and spread to Neidi; however, the report did not say who attacked him or whether the perpetrators had been arrested.

It's probably still under investigation.

"Good job."

Fang Hong held up his phone, praising loudly—he'd finally gotten his revenge, and his temper had been high lately: "Are you back yet?"

"I'm back," Lu Dabo said.

"Good. Rest well for a while, don't go out, wait until the storm passes before showing your face," Fang Hong said.

"Principal, you won't abandon me, will you!"

Lu Dabo felt uneasy, afraid the Principal would ditch him.

On TV, after doing dirty work, bosses always abandon their pawns!

"What nonsense. It's just that there's no filming right now—backstage staff are in training. I'm just giving you some rest. You'll have plenty to do later."

Fang Hong hung up the call.

That put Lu Dabo at ease—if the Principal wasn't abandoning him, then this job was worth it.

Once you've done work for your boss, you become a big shot afterward—just like on TV.

Fang Hong scrolled through the notes on his laptop, staring at the photo of Fa Ge being carried on a stretcher with bandages wrapped around him, secretly delighted.

The news quickly spread across Neidi, sparking fierce coverage from major online media outlets, and Wangyi comments were lively.

"Who's so cruel? Absolute scum."

"I feel so sorry for Fa Ge!"

"Who did this? We can't let these people go—find them and punish them severely!"

"Fa Ge donated 5.6 billion. Has anyone in the domestic entertainment industry donated? There are too many scum in this world—there's no room for good people."

"Wish Fa Ge recovers soon—take good care of yourself!"

"So heartbreaking, so heartbreaking, Fa Ge, hold on! One point three billion people support you!"

"."

Most of these comments expressed sympathy for Fa Ge, pity for him.

They probably didn't treat their own mothers this well.

Right now, Fa Ge still has good public opinion—he's still acting, unlike later, when he stopped filming and his true nature surfaced, turning people against him.

Of course, the matter would just fade away. Even if they caught the attackers, who knew Lu Dabo? No one! Lu Dabo paid without revealing his name—unless he stood right in front of them, which was impossible.

That's the advantage of being an anonymous nobody—it feels like "no such person exists."

Fang Hong was scrolling through the news and comments when he suddenly noticed a post from the main creators of "Tongque Tai."

It expressed furious outrage at the attackers.

Meanwhile, taking advantage of the buzz, they announced the cast of "Tongque Tai."

The female lead: Da Baobei!

Fang Hong's expression froze—he realized Liu Tianxian hadn't taken the role.

No wonder Liu Tianxian had left without a word, not even speaking to him—was she angry because he'd spoken too harshly and hurt her? Thinking of this, Fang Hong closed his laptop and walked toward Chen Zhixi's office, barging in: "Chen General Manager, I need to go on a business trip."

"Where are you going?" Chen Zhixi asked, seeing how urgent he was, assuming it was another trip to the United States.

"Dunhuang," Fang Hong said without delay.

"Alright, I'll see you off!"

Chen Zhixi hurried to her feet to escort him—finally, she could get rid of him, always hovering over her work.

She'd never seen him off before, but now she was so eager.

Of course she knew—he was going to find Liu Tianxian. Whether everyone could relax depended on that girl.

"After I leave, don't slack off on work," Fang Hong instructed.

Chen Zhixi ignored him—you're not needed for the company to run. Better yet, don't come back.

Fang Hong went home, explained the situation to his mother, then headed for the airport.

He was going to find Liu Tianxian—his mother naturally approved.

Dunhuang: the Gobi Desert, vast and imposing.

"Imposing" is just an adjective—it's really just sandstorms everywhere, sand in your mouth, a place where even birds won't shit.

Fang Hong arrived at night, because the flight couldn't land directly—he still had to drive.

He rented a car, didn't hitch a ride.

He hadn't notified Liu Tianxian beforehand—he came straight. If he'd warned her, he didn't know if she'd even see him.

She might still be sulking and refuse to meet him!

Don't give her time to react—be forceful. Women like to be pursued.

Just latch on first, then slowly soothe her. They still had feelings for each other, and both had kept their heads.

Liu Tianxian hadn't said anything like "let's break up and never speak again"—she'd just ignored him in anger, still rational.

A woman like Liu Tianxian, once she lets you into her heart, rarely acts on impulse over a single issue.

Unless they truly had no feelings left, and were just incompatible.

(End of Chapter)