[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-marvel-a-lazy-ass-superman":3,"chapter-marvel-a-lazy-ass-superman-marvel-a-lazy-ass-superman-chapter-455":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Marvel: A Lazy-Ass Superman",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1721705,2198,"Chapter 455 455 — A Sharp-Tongued Financier","marvel-a-lazy-ass-superman-chapter-455",455,"\u003Cp>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For 40 advanced chapters, visit my Patreon:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Patreon - Twilight_scribe1\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Henry's memories from before his transmigration, by this point 20th Century Fox should already have reached an agreement with Paramount to co-finance this \"big ship.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this project had one undeniable core—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>James Cameron himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without his approval, nothing could move forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason this director had come personally to Stark Pictures wasn't just because of Henry's earlier hint—it was also because of Stark Pictures' technical capabilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he worked with Paramount, he'd still need to find another partner for the CGI work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So why not go straight to the source?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A studio that already had the technology.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Stark Pictures hadn't made any large-scale investments for quite some time, its parent company was still Stark Industries, a military-industrial giant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the studio now had a new CEO.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A newcomer would bring new possibilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, everyone knew:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young people—and especially inexperienced newcomers—were far more likely to take risks on impulse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was exactly what Cameron was betting on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what no one knew was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Henry might very well be the person in the world most confident in Titanic's success.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now that Cameron had delivered himself to his doorstep—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could Henry possibly turn him away?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Putting on a conflicted expression, Henry said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Cameron, from a personal standpoint, I'd absolutely be willing to support you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But Mr. Tony Stark has set an annual film production budget for us—only $10 million.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anything beyond that requires his approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, even if he refuses, I personally have the funds. But if we're investing through Stark Pictures, we still need to inform him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You understand, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cameron nodded, somewhat uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. I understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But… when would you be able to ask Mr. Stark?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Henry didn't keep him waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How about this—you sit tight for a moment. I'll call him right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your coffee's gone cold. Want me to get you a fresh one?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need,\" Cameron said quickly. \"This is fine. The call is more important.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Henry smiled, stood up, and returned to his desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just a moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dialed the number, switched to speaker mode, and set the receiver down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cameron listened as the ringing echoed through the office, his emotions rising and falling with each tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The call connected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crisp female voice came through:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is Mr. Tony Stark's private line. I'm his secretary. May I ask who's calling?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Henry replied:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello, this is Henry Brown. Stark Pictures has a major investment proposal for Mr. Stark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please tell him—it's quite a challenge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood, Mr. Brown. Please hold.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later, the line picked up again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar, arrogant voice rang out:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Walt! Loser! Finally calling to surrender?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll allow you to kneel and worship me over the phone. No need to come in person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Henry resisted the urge to fly to the East Coast and smash that smug face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What exactly am I surrendering for?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's Director James Cameron—he's here seeking investment for his film.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He also wants to use computer rendering for certain scenes, which requires a solid physics engine and proper hardware.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We've got the hardware.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What we lack is a dedicated department to design and operate the physics engine—and funding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So I'm asking whether you're interested in investing, and whether you approve expanding the company.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tony didn't miss a beat:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"James Cameron? Oh—you mean that ship that's destined to sink?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't follow Hollywood much, but even I've heard it's a mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want a physics engine, then hire people and build one. Why invest in the movie?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Henry chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We need a platform to prove that we can do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you think the risk is too high, I can always use the compensation money I got from Sony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just wanted your approval to invest through Stark Pictures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Though Sony hasn't paid everything yet—so I might need a short-term loan from you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tony didn't answer directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How much do you need?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fox has already invested $135 million.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Cameron says another $60 million will complete the film.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tony scoffed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you're so confident and willing to gamble your own money, why go through the studio?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Henry replied frankly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This investment is nearly a third of the total budget.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not interested in being some idiot investor who just hands over cash like those fools on Wall Street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want Stark Pictures to negotiate with Fox—for distribution rights, or home video rights like VHS and VCD.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That way, even if the box office fails, we still have revenue streams to recover costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Otherwise, we risk losing everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And trust me—you want a lesson on Hollywood accounting tricks?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tony responded immediately:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright. Here's the deal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Give him $65 million. Round the total budget up to $200 million.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You go tell Fox—I want North American distribution rights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's be realistic—your studio doesn't have international distribution capacity yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And home video takes too long. I'm not waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If Fox agrees, great. If not, forget it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of the $65 million, $10 million comes from Sony's compensation—that counts as your personal investment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The rest is mine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it profits, you get your share proportionally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it loses money, my portion covers the losses first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Deal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh—and any additional funding later? That's on you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Henry grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was fast. I thought you'd dump the whole thing on me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tony replied coldly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm just curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You've never cared about investing in films. So why jump straight into something this risky?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There must be something you see that others don't.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't understand movies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I know you're not that stupid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Henry feigned surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wow. Trusting my judgment that much? I'm flattered, young master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tony's voice turned vicious:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No. I actually hope you screw this up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So I finally have a reason to strangle you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Henry shot back instantly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then you'd better invent a press strong enough first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Otherwise, those weak arms of yours trying to strangle me will feel more like a gentle caress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And that would be disgusting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"F*CK!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tony slammed the phone down so hard it nearly snapped the antique receiver stand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If anyone could see where Tony Stark was at that moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They'd notice he was standing in a study decorated in 18th–19th century style.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Except—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Up, down, left, right…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All surfaces functioned as the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tony was standing on the ceiling, completely ignoring gravity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back at Stark Pictures—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Henry listened to the \"beep-beep\" of the disconnected call, then awkwardly smiled at Cameron, who had been watching anxiously the whole time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked back over and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Looks like we've dealt with the toughest guy involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So—who should I talk to at 20th Century Fox?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>🎉 Power Stone Goal Announcement! 🎉\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'll release one bonus chapter for every 500 Power Stones we hit!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let me know what should I do\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your support means everything—let's crush these goals together! Keep voting, and let the stones pile up! 🚀\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\u003C\u002Fp>",1184,"2026-06-06T15:31:22.543Z",1,"novelbin.me","303f192419b0749642d1563f24df89ceb40291f978f6eaa67b5624ddebaf20f1","marvel-a-lazy-ass-superman-chapter-456","marvel-a-lazy-ass-superman-chapter-454",556,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmarvel-a-lazy-ass-superman-cover.jpg"]