Chapter 1059: Asking Price: 6 Billion Dollars; Next Year's Film Plans!

The fifteen-hour time difference made it very hard for Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei to stay in sync.

Of course, Director Lin Da didn't want Miss Liu to worry about things on this side either; she only needed to handle the Golden Horse Awards nomination cocktail party well, and to put on the airs of a big producer and a big director's wife.

Early morning on the 15th, Hollywood time, the third-floor conference room of Crystal Pictures was already packed.

Universal, Warner Bros., Paramount, Disney, Columbia, Fox, United Artists, Lionsgate, Netflix… One glance swept across them — every single one was a Hollywood giant, commonly known as the biggest bunch of gang bosses in Hollywood!

At the same time, one could also see that today the representatives of every giant were wearing no pleasant expressions.

Because without exception, they were all very dissatisfied with this kind of "negotiation" method where everyone sat together. The reason traced back to the fact that they too were competitors with one another.

But sorry, Lin Nan simply refused to play along with their wishes — at least for the first round, this lot had to come together. Only this way could Lin Nan himself seize the initiative, even if it was just a slight upper hand.

"Many of those present are old acquaintances. Warner Bros., Lionsgate are old friends we've worked with for many years, and Disney — we're currently cooperating on Hua Mulan."

"Thinking about it, it's really quite interesting — cooperation is cooperation, commercial acquisition is commercial acquisition, one thing at a time, right?" Lin Nan said with a barbed tone, chuckling coldly under his breath.

"Lin, we're all adults here, and this is a business matter — you shouldn't be saying these emotional things." The Warner Bros. representative laughed and added a line.

"Lin, actually Disney is equally very interested in you.

If possible, both you and Crystal Pictures could become part of Disney; Crystal Pictures could also operate entirely independently, still controlled by you and Tang Mu. We open our arms to you — what do you say?"

One sentence from Disney's vice president immediately drew displeased glances from the representatives of the other companies present.

Without waiting for anyone else to speak, Lin Nan laughed. "I admit, Disney really does have money! But without Crystal Pictures, I absolutely will not stay in Hollywood — I have no ties left here.

Oh right, I heard Disney is currently acquiring Fox, with an offer of over 50 billion dollars?"

As he spoke, Lin Nan also glanced at the Fox representative, whose expression remained calm, showing no unusual change.

After all, although this matter hadn't yet spread outside, everyone in the industry who should know basically already knew — it wasn't any commercial secret that particularly needed to be kept confidential.

"Lin, then your information is outdated. Disney offered 52.4 billion dollars, but Fox doesn't agree with that price — the talks have already reached 70 billion dollars, and the final closing price might be even higher!"

Paul chimed in cheerfully, immediately earning unanimous agreement and affirmation from everyone except the representatives of Disney and Fox.

"Truly rich." Lin Nan couldn't help sighing, a glint of cunning flashing through his eyes.

And beside him, Tang Mu even cursed in Mandarin in a low voice, something only the two of them could hear clearly: "Stinking rich!"

"So, the price Disney can offer will definitely satisfy you. Lin, want to think it over again and join us?" The Disney representative continued tossing out the olive branch.

Lin Nan still shook his head without the slightest hesitation, rejecting Disney's recruitment: "Alright, let's get down to business. Tang Mu."

Hearing this, Tang Mu immediately signaled to a Crystal Pictures staff member nearby. Immediately, identical "quotation sheets" were distributed to everyone present.

This was exactly the scene Lin Nan wanted — his asking price delivered clearly to everyone, and precisely at the moment when these people were sitting together. From the second round onward, he'd negotiate with them one by one!

"Lin, you're simply asking an outrageous price!" The Universal executive, upon seeing the asking price, immediately spoke up to rebut.

"Outrageous? Whether it's outrageous, I know very well in my heart, and you know very well too!

It's not me who's asking an outrageous price — it's you lot taking advantage of the fire, seizing by force and cunning plunder…" Lin Nan shot back without any courtesy.

"Look, you're being emotional again. Such childish words are best left unsaid. Because you can't change the external environment, so you can only take it."

The Columbia Pictures representative chuckled, appearing so condescending. In the eyes of people like them, Crystal Pictures was clearly already meat on the chopping block — free to be taken at will.

"The price for packaging the entire Crystal Pictures is indeed high, Lin." Without waiting for Tang Mu to fire back, Paul spoke up.

"High? Then I have a second option — do you want to consider it?"

Lin Nan smiled lightly, and under everyone's puzzled gazes, slowly said: "How about splitting Crystal Pictures into several major blocks and selling them separately — highest bidder wins, how about it?

The existing film rights library but excluding IP adaptation authorization, the existing script and novel rights library, the merchandising revenue module, the brand value module, the audio-visual revenue module…

Especially the film and television adaptation rights of existing IP films — this block is also a big piece. So many successful franchise films, whichever of you gets them can continue making sequels…

Of course, if we sell it this way, I believe the total funds Tang Mu and I ultimately receive will definitely be more — far more than the money from selling the entire Crystal Pictures as a package!"

Lin Nan's low voice seemed to carry both enchantment and threat, instantly making the faces of everyone present turn grave — they were probably all cursing in their hearts.

Because everyone understood one thing: once Crystal Pictures was truly split into modules and acquired separately by the major studios, the conflicts between them would intensify.

To use the simplest example — if the first and second Pacific Rim films were bought by Warner Bros., but the IP adaptation rights were sold to Universal, then Pacific Rim 3, Pacific Rim 4… these subsequent franchise films would be born from Universal's hands.

And in this situation, regarding the subsequent merchandising revenue module, Warner Bros. and Universal would inevitably have disputes.

Because such things have long been commonplace in Hollywood — just like the series of issues derived from the King Kong IP rights, Universal and Warner Bros. have fought countless lawsuits over them!

Therefore, Lin Nan's proposal to split Crystal Pictures and sell it piece by piece could truly be called quite vicious — after all, the various modules would inevitably influence one another.

Seeing the cold expressions on every face, Lin Nan immediately burst out laughing:

"Of course, Tang Mu and I are both the type who are very afraid of trouble. So, naturally, the two of us hope Crystal Pictures can preferably be sold as a whole — this way it's also simple and convenient, isn't it?

Besides, I'm even more clear that the first time we sit down to talk, it's certainly impossible to finalize this transaction of several billion dollars in one go, immediately.

So, you can take my quotation sheet back and hold a high-level board meeting, then we'll negotiate one company at a time — still highest bidder wins…

Finally, I want to emphasize one thing: I have always believed that if I split Crystal Pictures and sell it, the number of buyers will definitely surge — not just everyone present here."

"Lin, you must be very clear that the number you're asking for is unattainable." Paul stood up, looked at Lin Nan and Tang Mu, and reminded them in a measured tone.

"Business is haggling, and I never expected you to give me my number in one go. But isn't this an auction? Highest bidder wins!" Lin Nan, looking at the other party as well, replied seriously.

"6 billion dollars, and you want it after tax? And you want the buyer to handle the tax issue themselves? You guys really are… heh."

"Lin, we all know this has never been a fair transaction. Why bother embarrassing yourself?" Several people in a row stood up, snarking and even laughing contemptuously.

"Crystal Pictures is already a big company — we don't dare to hope for the same price as Universal, but one-tenth is still fitting.

This quote is also our respect for ourselves — no watering down, no inflated figures!" Tang Mu said with sharp words, in a solemn and righteous tone.

This was the first time Lin Nan had seen Tang Mu so formal, so solemn — tone resolute, yielding not an inch, incomparably firm.

To Tang Mu's words, no one actually rebutted, and two or three even nodded.

"Then let's negotiate individually from here on." The Warner Bros. representative nodded, also glanced at the competitors beside him, then walked straight out of the conference room with the quotation materials.

……

In less than two minutes, only Lin Nan and Tang Mu remained in the conference room.

"They will absolutely never give that much, because this indeed isn't a fair transaction — it's one where we're forced."

"I know, but they also most likely won't collude with each other. From the moment we threw out that quote, there will no longer be any possibility of cooperation between them. The tacit, coordinated suppression and coercion against us like before — that can no longer happen.

They know I'm doing this on purpose, but they'll still compete with each other under their own agendas… after all, a whole big cake is right in front of them—how could they possibly allow anyone else to lay a finger on it? Lin Nan spoke quietly, his mood low.

"Lin, tell me, what price do you think we'll end up getting?"

"I don't know. But if their highest offer is below four billion… Tang Mu, you can go public with the announcement."

"Notify all film and entertainment capital from around the world within Hollywood, or any other global capital interested in entering the film industry: Crystal Cinema will be split into several modules and sold separately! Of course, if they can afford it, they can also swallow Crystal Cinema whole."

To be fair, if it weren't for the final step, Lin Nan didn't want to do this.

Because once he did, the consequences might be unpredictable. At least several giants would fly into a rage—possibly even resort to deadly or underhanded tactics.

After all, it was their doing that pushed Crystal Cinema to this point—how could they allow others to reap the rewards? They wouldn't allow Crystal Cinema to do this either!

Clearly, Tang Mu understood the consequences well. He grinned wryly for a moment, trying to lighten their moods:

"You'll have to stay holed up in Beverly Hills for now—best to stick between your villa and the company, and ramp up security."

"And most importantly, don't interact with any members of the opposite sex these days—don't give them an opening to sue you… you know, haha."

"I know your damn uncle!" Lin Nan burst out laughing and cursing—he wasn't face-blind.

…

As Hollywood's sky darkened, the morning sun rose over the eastern eighth time zone.

Today's main event was undoubtedly the Golden Horse Awards nomination reception, and Liu Liu Feiren had to accompany the entire team of I Am Not a Pharmacist.

Because though she came alone, she represented two people—especially Lin Nan, the director of the nominated film.

"Miss Liu, hello."

"I haven't congratulated you yet—nominated for Best Supporting Actress." Liu Liu Feiren, dressed in a black women's suit, nodded and smiled at Zhang Zhang Zifeng.

"It'll stop here—no chance of making it to the end." Zhang Zhang Zifeng smiled with a knowing glint in her eyes. After all, she wasn't from Taiwan—she wouldn't be given such favors.

"Still, that's great—you're only just seventeen."

After a brief chat, Zhang Zhang Zifeng wisely slipped away, as others had come over to greet Producer Liu.

Another ten minutes passed; after receiving her nomination certificate, Zhou Xun approached.

"I just saw you chatting with Zhang Zhang Zifeng—she played supporting roles in Hello, Zhihua. She portrayed both my younger self and my daughter. Very good."

"I heard it premiered on the 9th this month alongside Venom: Let There Be Carnage. Though it got trampled, it still held its ground and had standout moments—ended at eighty million box office."

Liu Liu Feiren chuckled teasingly. For an art film, this box office was actually quite impressive. One had to admit, Japanese directors and screenwriters were indeed skilled in the art film genre.

"You praise me, but you just had to add 'got trampled'—so annoying." Zhou Xun rolled her eyes.

"Sorry, sorry—I've just been corrupted by Lin Nan. They always describe competing films this way when comparing box office—haha."

Liu Liu Feiren's laughter suddenly cut off; she gazed past Zhang Zhang Zifeng's retreating figure.

"What's wrong?" Zhou Xun asked, puzzled.

"I just remembered Lin Nan's film plan for next year. I heard Director Jiang mention once—it needs a girl around seventeen or eighteen to star as a high school student."

"What genre?" Instantly, Zhou Xun's eyes lit up terrifyingly, like glowing green fire.

"I didn't ask for details—something realistic, I think? Hey hey hey, stop! You can't be this greedy—seeing something good, you immediately want to drag it into your own lap!"

"Hehe. As an independent actor, we've got to grab our own resources."

"Unlike some people who can slack off whenever they want or shoot whenever they feel like it—thanks to their bed partner pulling the best resources for them, even custom-making them if needed…"

"Go away, I don't want to talk to you." Producer Liu's face dropped, clearly disgusted, shooing her off.

"Don't go! Remember to find out for me later…" Zhou Xun clung to Producer Liu's arm, grinning as she climbed the pole. The two walked straight toward the photo zone, where the media were waiting.

…

"…The red carpet starts tomorrow at 4 p. m., ends around 7 p. m.; awards begin at 8:30 p. m., conclude at 10 p. m., followed by the closing banquet…"

Li An held his wine glass, chatting with Zhang Zhang Yimou, Han Han Sanping, and others about the finalized schedule confirmed that morning—it would be sent to all guests and crews by afternoon.

The main disruption came from Lin Nan's absence as a key guest.

Originally, Lin Nan was scheduled for interviews and speeches during both the red carpet and award ceremony—each segment lengthy—and he also had a solo red carpet walk.

Now that he's suddenly absent, they must urgently adjust the appearance times of certain crews and guests, extending their red carpet stays to fill the gap left by Lin Nan;

And they must also coordinate with the "team leaders" of I Am Not a Pharmacist to determine who will replace Lin Nan onstage to speak.

Why was it already confirmed Lin Nan would speak? Those who understand, understand—what could Lin Da's speech possibly be at the awards ceremony? Besides a winner's acceptance speech, what else?!

"We're flying out the next day—no need to stay longer." Han Han Sanping politely declined Li An's invitation; there was nothing left for him to linger for here.

"By the way, the Shanghai International Film Festival is opening submissions soon—I hope Director Li can reserve June for it and come over."

Ren Da, ever forward-thinking, immediately invited guests for next year's Shanghai International Film Festival.

"Of course."

"Director Zhang, the Shanghai International Film Festival…" Seeing Li An happily agree, Ren Ren Zhonglun turned to Zhang Zhang Yimou.

The latter naturally understood Ren Da's intent and shook his head directly: "Ren Dong, I'm truly sorry—I've already committed to Berlin. I'll bring A Second to the Berlin International Film Festival…"

"Oh, that's really unfortunate." Ren Ren Zhonglun showed no irritation or embarrassment—only regret.

But this scene, seen from afar by Ning Hao and others, looked entirely different.

"Ren Dong's probably spinning all kinds of stories about Director Zhang right now! As one of the top three directors in China, he won't even give face to our own Category A film festival—always chasing foreign festivals; hasn't won an international award in years, and now he's trying again—so desperately…"

Ning Hao lowered his voice, mimicking Ren Da's tone, sneering sarcastically.

"Can't be that petty, can he?" Xu Zheng couldn't help laughing.

"Maybe not before—but who else but Lin Da made the Shanghai International Film Festival look good last year? Now there's a comparison!" Dong Ping chuckled, picking up the thread.

"I'm not on the level of those top directors, so when Ren Dong asked, I happily agreed to chair the Asia New Talent section for next year's Shanghai International Film Festival."

"Heh, I think you're showing off!" Xu Zheng immediately teased, eyeing Ning Hao's smug expression.

"Huh?" Suddenly, Dong Ping let out an exclamation, cutting off Ning Hao and Xu Zheng's banter.

"What's wrong?"

Almost simultaneously, the entire Golden Horse Awards nomination reception erupted into chaos, voices rising in confusion.

More than a few people's gazes were furtively searching for Liu Liu Yifei's figure, but they all magically discovered that the Big Producer Liu, who had just been on-site, had already vanished without a trace.

The media were equally restless, searching for this "Hua Mulan."

"News just came in from Hollywood — Crystal Pictures really is negotiating a sale with several giants!"

"Holy crap, it's actually true?"

"That's the only piece of info? Didn't they say which stage the talks are at?"

"Which giant snapped it up? What's the closing price?"

"That has to be at least a few billion bucks, right?"

……

While everyone at the cocktail party was chattering away in curiosity, Liu Liu Yifei had already returned to the hotel.

The moment she received Lin Nan's text, she slipped away to avoid being harassed by the media and industry insiders.

All because someone on the Hollywood side deliberately leaked a few scraps of information to the outside. Although she didn't know exactly who did it, it had to be one of those rogue bosses. Most likely to create the established fact that the buyers would only be a few giants, and also to warn off other companies!

(End of chapter)