Chapter 148: Buying the Casket and Returning the Pearl

Liu Xiao and An Kang both had a hangover, only Boss Lu, who had been tested by alcohol, got up full of energy.

He was practicing the "Eight-Section Golden Body Exercises" in the villa courtyard.

This is a set of Daoist health exercises passed down in later generations.

The efficacy is unknown, but using it as morning exercise like the Ten-Section Brocade or the Five Animals Play is harmless.

It's just that this set of health exercises originates from the Quanzhen Longmen sect, so for him, a little Daoist priest from the Zhengyi ancestral court, it counts as a betrayal of the sect.

"Seeing Lu Kuan, what are you practicing?"

Liu Yifei finished her morning exercises, took a shower, and saw Seeing Lu Kuan alone in the courtyard, gesturing wildly on the second-floor terrace.

"Daoist secret arts, don't peek."

Before long, Hu Zi also came out. He had fought his way out of underground boxing rings in Xiangjiang and had always looked down on this kind of soft kung fu.

However, when he really started practicing along with Seeing Lu Kuan, he could indeed feel his meridians and bones clearing, and his internal organs' Qi flowing smoothly.

This generous employer added a few more layers of mystery in his eyes.

Immediately, he thought of the people Boss Lu had sent out to find his relatives but had no news at all. Should he ask the boss to calculate it for him?

"Hey, what are you daydreaming about? Pack your things, we're leaving."

Boss Lu laughingly patted the cold-faced Hu Zi on the shoulder; he rarely saw him distracted.

"Ah? You're leaving today?"

Liu Yifei walked from the second floor into the courtyard.

"We have an appointment with a buyer from Lionsgate, we have to finish talking quickly, and we still have to rush to Berlin."

*Blind Shaft* couldn't be released in theaters, but it successfully entered the Berlin Film Festival in February 2003, and the major investor, Boss Lu, was preparing to go "collect the rice."

It wasn't that he was worried about Li Yang's lack of professionalism in copyright negotiations; after all, he was a high-achieving graduate from the Cologne Film Academy and still had some connections in Germany.

It was because Jiang Zhiqiang and Zhang Yimou would also be bringing *Hero* to participate in the exhibition, and knowing he was abroad, they specifically invited him to travel together.

Liu Yifei was a bit reluctant to part: "Alright, then drive slowly on the road."

"Okay, don't see us off."

"Siwei, you and Xiao Liu need to prepare to release the EP as soon as you go back, coordinating with the broadcast of *The Story of a Noble Family*."

"I've already mentioned the joint promotion to Director Li Dawei, you go directly to coordinate."

Yang Siwei respectfully accepted the order.

"Oh, right."

Seeing Lu Kuan deliberated on how to say it.

"A friend of mine from Guangdong province said yesterday that there is an influenza epidemic in the southern coastal areas and the Xiangjiang region, and it's quite serious."

"Tell your relatives and friends to be more careful, including when you go to Xiangjiang to find Sister Mei."

"Wear masks well."

Liu Yifei and Yang Siwei were confused, not knowing what he meant, but just responded casually.

Yang Siwei looked at the girl's dazed eyes and teased: "Stop looking, Xixi, you can't even see Boss Lu's license plate anymore."

Liu Yifei had become familiar with her, and the two often bickered, but she had no leisure time right now.

"Sister Siwei, you say your Boss Lu..."

Yang Siwei didn't understand her hesitation: "What?"

"They all say Seeing Lu Kuan is a little immortal, can tell fortunes, can predict good and bad luck, do you think it's true?"

Yang Siwei was stunned: "How would I know, but Boss Lu is quite divine."

Quite divine, quite divine...

Liu Yifei suddenly remembered that at Sundance, he had casually drawn a talisman and could point out Emil's privacy.

But maybe that was just the result of him having targeted this person and investigated in advance?

Really can't understand.

There are many people who can't understand Seeing Lu Kuan.

It's just that those close to him, such as Mei Yanfang, Liu Yifei, and others, all held an indifferent attitude toward this matter.

In any case, he is a friend, not an enemy. Besides, Seeing Lu Kuan's halo in the commercial and directorial fields is dazzling enough; who cares if he's a little immortal or not?

But some people were like sitting on pins and needles.

For example, the "Young Master Liu" who regarded him as a thorn in his side; it's just that the other party had the protection of authoritarian power and couldn't be bothered to pay attention to the rumors of Seeing Lu Kuan's strange powers and chaotic gods.

If you dare to promote it extensively and act under the name of a charlatan, that would be exactly what he wants.

For example, Zhao Wei, who had a direct conflict with Boss Lu, but the latter also actively attended the celebration banquet for *Whiplash*, which was considered a repair of the rift on the surface.

There are also Xie Tingfeng, Chen Guanxi, Zhang Jianting, and others from Emperor Entertainment; they are now in a somewhat awkward position.

Xiangjiang, Emperor Entertainment, Huo Wenxi's office.

"Sister Mani, why did the boss suddenly transfer you to the Beiping office? Are you not going to manage me anymore?"

Huo Wenxi was tidying up her sundries; she also had some anxiety about her uncertain future.

"The boss has arranged direct agents for all of you. If there's anything, they will report to me. It will definitely be handled well, don't worry."

Not to mention Xie Tingfeng's confusion, Huo Wenxi herself didn't know the reason.

Before the New Year, Seeing Lu Kuan led the *Whiplash* crew to Xiangjiang for a roadshow, and Li Shoucheng came forward to invite him to a banquet at his mansion.

It seemed that not many days after that, Vice President Wu of the company began to gradually hand over her work and make adjustments.

It wasn't until after the Spring Festival that Li Shoucheng asked her to replace Zhang Jianting and take full charge of the northern affairs.

Put aside the duties of an agent for now, just do a good job of overall management.

Xie Tingfeng let out a long sigh; Huo Wenxi had been his agent since she was a teenager, and she was no different from an older sister in his heart.

"Alright, then I'll see you off."

"No need, I'm going to the boss's office; he has things to arrange before I leave."

Li Shoucheng stood still in front of the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking Victoria Harbour, turned his head, and glanced at Huo Wenxi, who pushed the door and entered.

"Come here and sit, bask in the sun, it's good for your health."

Huo Wenxi naturally had no objections.

"Boss, do you have instructions?"

"Do you know what to do when you go north?"

"Make friends with excellent directors in the mainland, run the Emperor Performing Arts School in central and northern China well, and handle the guest relations with university professors in Beiping and leaders of the cultural departments."

Li Shoucheng didn't commit himself, and solemnly arranged the last thing for his subordinate.

"Make more friends with Seeing Lu Kuan. I heard that he will shoot a sci-fi film after this film finishes; it must be a big production."

"No matter what method you use, Emperor must participate in it!"

Huo Wenxi looked at the boss in great surprise.

Sci-fi film? Participate at any cost?

Boss, you seem to be acting in a sci-fi film yourself.

Not only for the mainland, but even in Xiangjiang and Taiwan, sci-fi films are recognized by everyone as a project that will definitely flop.

Li Shoucheng didn't want to explain anything more to her, or rather, he didn't know how to explain it himself.

Should I say that Uncle Chen returned to Qingcheng Mountain and spent another forty-nine days painstakingly casting a hexagram for him?

And concluded that this genius director who appeared out of nowhere might have a noble fate that is one in ten thousand?

Zi-Wu double wrapping, Green Dragon crouching, White Tiger holding power, Vermilion Bird riding the wind, Black Tortoise in power...

Uncle Chen didn't write any prophecy like "The Golden Scale is not a thing in the pool; it will turn into a dragon once it meets the wind and clouds" in the letter.

He only judged that Seeing Lu Kuan's fate was strange and unpredictable, the most bizarre thing he had encountered in his sixty years of "practice."

From Seeing Lu Kuan, he saw the shadows of many people, the fate of many people!

Li Shoucheng flipped through a pile of materials on Seeing Lu Kuan that he had sent people to secretly investigate from Maoshan, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, from his office drawer.

And Uncle Chen's handwritten letter.

"This child's forehead and chin are flat, but he changes his fate with a pair of wise eyes, creating the Five Sacred Mountains and Four Rivers, becoming a fate that is rare in a thousand years and blessed by the East Sea. He should be your noble person. You should associate with him, do not have obstacles, distinguish it! Be cautious!"

Li Shoucheng let out a long sigh, recalling his own experiences with Uncle Chen over the past few decades.

Many pointers, never a slip of the tongue.

Why not believe him one more time!

February 3, 2003, Santa Monica, California, Lionsgate headquarters building.

The front desk guided Seeing Lu Kuan and Emil into the conference room, where Quentin and a white man were talking loudly.

"Oh! Lu is here."

The two hugged ritualistically; Quentin was busy with the post-production of *Kill Bill*, and the film would premiere in Hollywood this September.

"Jason, this is the Golden Lion Award-winning director Seeing Lu Kuan I mentioned. That animation segment of O-Ren Ishii was his idea!"

"Hello, I'm Jason Constantine from Lionsgate."

Seeing Lu Kuan also smiled and stepped forward to shake hands; he had heard of this person.

He was the main buyer for the purchase and marketing of films like *Saw* and *Crash*, and in later generations, he was promoted to Lionsgate's President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions in 2008.

"Both of you, this is my friend, Emil from USC."

Emil and Quentin were of similar build, both tall, fat white men. The two shook hands and smelled the faint scent of women's perfume on each other.

Quentin raised his eyebrows knowingly.

Seeing Lu Kuan smiled as he watched the eye contact between the two lechers. Quentin was a Hollywood-certified rogue and a veteran foot fetishist. In later generations, there was news that he had spent $10,000 to hire a stripper just to "mouth" her feet.

People in Hollywood are relatively pragmatic, so Seeing Lu Kuan didn't talk nonsense and directly took out a script and a DVD.

The script was *Hard Candy*, and the DVD was the rough cut of *Paranormal Activity*.

Boss Lu came to Lionsgate today for three things: to sell the *Hard Candy* script and to find Lionsgate to distribute *Paranormal Activity*.

And one more thing...

Was to let Quentin take him to a strip club to play around!

Let him properly criticize the decadence of capitalism!

Lionsgate's buyer had already read the script, and the rough cut of *Paranormal Activity* had also been transmitted via the internet for Jason to make a preliminary assessment.

Today was just to talk about the price under Quentin's introduction.

"Alright, guest from afar, talk about your thoughts?"

Lionsgate's buyer threw the question to the other party first; he had heard the name of this Golden Lion Award winner, but didn't know him at all.

For Hollywood, except for the Golden Globes and the Oscars, and at most film festivals like Sundance or Toronto, everything else is treated as second-tier.

Second-tier in terms of box office revenue.

Boss Lu played it straight: "Jason, what do you think of this *Hard Candy*?"

Jason was secretly happy; since the seller took the initiative to ask, he could grasp the initiative.

"Not a bad work, but the plot is too linear, without many ups and downs."

"This is just a 'cool' film; the audience doesn't need to bring too much brain," Seeing Lu Kuan laughed.

He then commented: "The subject matter should be politically correct in the US market."

*Hard Candy* is a drama film about a woman bravely fighting back against a pedophile, making him eat his own bitter fruit.

In a country like the US, which is so free that it's dirty and where pedophilia is frequent, it is undoubtedly very topical.

This is not only a "counterpart" work Seeing Lu Kuan copied for Lionsgate, but also a "folk prescription" prescribed to the Lionsgate boss to treat the symptoms!

As a "cheater," he knows that Lionsgate is now in great need of this uniquely themed film.

Jason's expression paused upon hearing this; did he see through his thoughts?

No, no, no, the topic cannot continue like this, otherwise he would be led by the nose by this Oriental.

"The acting level and story plot of this film are not very outstanding; we are still more interested in *Paranormal Activity*."

Seeing Lu Kuan acted as if he didn't know.

"Oh? Is that so? Then fine, let's not talk about *Hard Candy*, let's just talk about the distribution of *Paranormal Activity* today!"

Jason's expression remained normal, but he cursed the Chinese for being cunning in his heart!

As cunning as the damn Jews!

He didn't know that sitting next to the Chinese person opposite him was a Jew, and Jews are matrilineal.

Jason's words had already been spoken; going back on them now would undoubtedly expose his true purpose.

He could only bite the bullet and talk to Seeing Lu Kuan about the distribution of *Paranormal Activity*.

Lionsgate had previously made low-budget thrillers like *The Blair Witch Project*, so they were no strangers to such subject matter, and it fit the tone of their independent film company very well.

What tone?

The *Saw* series, *The Haunting in Connecticut*, *The Cabin in the Woods*, *The Hunger Games* series...

It's just that the film had already been produced, so for Lionsgate, no matter how optimistic they were, the cake they could eat was just the distribution channel.

Jason's ambition, however, did not stop there. If it weren't for the investigation that the script and the film had already been filed by the other party, he almost had the idea of seizing it by force.

"Two plans."

"First, Lionsgate pays $1 million to buy the full copyright of *Paranormal Activity*, as well as the rights to additional derivatives."

He paused, seemingly wanting to get some expected feedback from Seeing Lu Kuan's face, but unfortunately, the latter still looked at him without changing his expression, obviously not interested in this plan.

"The second plan: the cost of this film of yours cannot exceed $100,000, so there is no box office risk at all. Lionsgate now has more than 1,000 screens, and our relationship with several independent theater chains is also good. We want a top-tier 50% distribution commission! And distribution expenses must be deducted!"

Emil's filming of this movie, from beginning to end, even including the cost of registering the company, was no more than $120,000.

Except for someone like the "cheater" Seeing Lu Kuan, nine out of ten people would probably be happy to sell it for $1 million.

But he felt like cursing right now; do these Hollywood ghosts really think he's a sucker or a layman?

He and Emil exchanged a calm look and said slowly: "I don't know if this is Mr. Jason's meaning, or Mr. Gusta's instruction?"

"Is there a difference?"

"If it's your meaning, I think maybe you should call Mr. Gusta to ask for instructions before he takes his lunch break."

"If it's Mr. Gusta's meaning, I think there's no need to talk anymore."

Jason remained unmoved: "Please go ahead."

Seeing Lu Kuan signaled to Quentin and took Emil to turn around and leave without a trace of reluctance.

Emil:???

What about the promised retention? What about the promised "retreat to advance"?

"Lu, this..."

Seeing Lu Kuan signaled him to drive first; Jason, that turtle grandson, must be watching them from upstairs.

"Don't worry, he won't give up. Maybe they really don't like *Paranormal Activity*, but Lionsgate will definitely want *Hard Candy*!"

Jason left the window and returned to his seat.

"Quentin, this Chinese friend of yours is really unusual."

Quentin laughed: "Jason, I advise you not to try to take advantage of him; even Harvey is no match for him."

"Oh? He's only in his early twenties, can he be so familiar with Hollywood's trading rules?"

"No, no, no!"

Quentin contemptuously shook his index finger and took out his phone.

"Look, Daoist magic talisman!"

Jason leaned over in a daze, looking at the "Daoist spirit talisman" written in water on the phone screen.

It was the "masterpiece" Seeing Lu Kuan used to fool Harvey in Venice.

"What is it? Is that Harvey next to it?"

"Bingo! This Lu is a descendant of Chinese mysterious religion; he can predict many things; you can understand him as a wizard."

Jason was speechless, but Quentin had always been so superstitious, so he was used to it; he was just a crazy foot fetishist.

Thinking of Seeing Lu Kuan's departure without a trace of hesitation just now, he tapped the table with his index finger.

"You'll see him again tonight, right?"

"That's right, at Star Garden."

Alright, I'll just have to bite the bullet and create a chance encounter...

6:00 PM, Figueroa Boulevard, Los Angeles.

This is the paradise of the Lighthouse Country's porn industry.

It's just that today is a real-person challenge, and there are no vehicles.

Seeing Lu Kuan admired the dazzling array of abundant breasts and fat buttocks in front of him, occasionally taking out banknotes and stuffing them into the showgirls' bras, having a great time!

Making friends should be like Quentin! Very loyal!

It's just that the three lechers hadn't had enough fun yet when they were interrupted by uninvited guests.

Jason held his wine glass without pretending to be surprised by the encounter; everyone knew what was going on.

"Quentin, you and Emil play; I'll go have two drinks with Jason."

The two tall and fat white men didn't even turn their heads, just waved at him in unison.

The two got straight to the point in the booth.

"Lu, you're a smart man. We want the copyright to *Hard Candy*. Name your price."

As mentioned earlier, this film was a "divine move" Seeing Lu Kuan "tailored" and "prescribed" for Lionsgate, which involved an old scandal of Lionsgate boss Gusta.

Lionsgate has always been an independent film company that pioneered the trend.

Founder Gusta attacked everywhere at the beginning of its establishment, participating in the production of several low-budget art films such as *Buffalo '66* and *Affliction*, but unfortunately, the results were not good.

After losing nearly $400,000 in the first year, Gusta learned from his mistakes and decided not to make films honestly anymore, but to use some highly topical and controversial subject matter to attract the market and the audience's attention.

In the open American culture at that time, sex was no longer a very explosive film subject.

Gusta had a sudden inspiration in 1997 and won the distribution rights for *Lolita*, preparing to make a fortune from the money of perverted pornographers.

But because the scale of the film was too large, it was boycotted by some women's and children's protection organizations and feminist groups, and was accused of suspected indulgence in pedophilia.

In the end, it didn't even make it to theaters and could only be broadcast on media like DVDs, and Lionsgate suffered another heavy blow.

Along with Gusta's own reputation, it plummeted. If it were placed in the later generation where LGBT is prevalent, he would probably be hammered to death by feminists directly.

Lionsgate later put enough effort into B-movies and finally turned losses into profits step by step.

But the poor reputation of Gusta and Lionsgate regarding pedophilia has always been attacked by the outside world, becoming a label that is criticized.

And this *Hard Candy* is exactly a "cool" film that fights back against pedophilia, very suitable for Lionsgate to find someone to shoot, operate to win awards, and then have both box office and reputation fly together.

As well as clearing the name for Gusta himself.

"$5 million."

Jason wanted to laugh out loud; is this a madman?

Seeing Lu Kuan is not a madman, but he didn't think about talking to him about this film first at all.

His core demand is to let Lionsgate distribute *Paranormal Activity* for him with the least distribution fee.

This *Hard Candy* is completely used to induce Jason to "buy the casket and return the pearl."

Let's do a simple calculation:

*Paranormal Activity* was distributed by Paramount in 2009, with a global (mostly North American) box office of $197 million.

If Lionsgate takes even 1 point less in distribution fees, that's a price difference of nearly $2 million. Why would Seeing Lu Kuan bother to entangle with him on another script?

The information gap between the two is that Lionsgate thinks *Hard Candy* is very important and valuable;

But Seeing Lu Kuan knows that what is truly valuable is *Paranormal Activity*; that's a box office revenue of nearly $200 million!

Of course, distribution expenses and costs must also be deducted; it's not that the "Inquiry Realm" (US) company can directly eat $197 million.

"Jason, I'll make a suggestion. Let's talk about the distribution of *Paranormal Activity* first. If I'm satisfied, it's not impossible to lower the price for *Hard Candy*."

With the copyright in the hands of others, Jason could only swallow his pride, but he wouldn't show weakness first.

"Lu, I already told you Lionsgate's conditions this morning. Now please tell me your thoughts."

The conditions Jason previously offered were:

$1 million buyout or a top-tier 50% distribution fee.

Hollywood distributors generally give the film side a distribution fee of 30%-50%, with distribution expenses calculated separately.

"We only accept Lionsgate participating in distribution, and distribution expenses cannot be deducted. A 30% fee ratio is our bottom line!"

Jason shook his head: "Impossible, Mr. Gusta will not agree."

30% might be given to Quentin, but a newcomer like Seeing Lu Kuan who has never proven his box office ability in the North American market is just daydreaming.

Boss Lu sighed: "Then I'll give you another plan. If it still doesn't work, I'll have to apologize today."

Jason paused in his heart, knowing the meat of the matter was coming.

Everything before was pulling, and the price offered now was the true intent.

"Please speak."

"We can cooperate to distribute the DVD first, and gamble with Lionsgate based on sales."

"If *Paranormal Activity*'s DVD distribution in North America exceeds 500,000 sets within half a year, Lionsgate can only collect a 30% distribution commission for our full-channel distribution, and distribution expenses will not be additionally deducted."

Jason estimated the number 500,000 in his heart. With the average family population in North America, 500,000 sets would be at least 3 million viewers.

If such a film, which could almost be called crudely made, could really sell such a volume, then the subsequent theaters wouldn't have to worry about the box office.

The "full channel" Seeing Lu Kuan mentioned here includes not only DVDs and theaters, but also home theater, pay-per-view TV, internet TV, etc.

"What if it can't be done?"

"Then follow what you said, 50% split, and we bear the distribution expenses!"

In fact, this condition is not a loss for Lionsgate.

As Seeing Lu Kuan said, the distribution expenses for this kind of low-budget film will not be as high as big films.

Even if the box office is not satisfactory, Lionsgate will at most hover between a small loss and a small profit, and there will be no major risk.

Not to mention that the other party is testing the water by distributing DVDs first.

It's just that a qualified negotiator will never agree to the conditions offered by the other party at once, no matter how superior or how considerate the conditions seem to be for their own side.

Jason didn't forget his core demand: "What about *Hard Candy*?"

"$2.5 million, one price!"

Seeing Lu Kuan saw Jason frowning and hesitating, and pressed on: "I have already made concessions on the distribution of *Paranormal Activity*. Shouldn't your side also show some sincerity?"

Lionsgate's buyer put down his wine glass: "Wait a moment, I need to ask Mr. Gusta for instructions."

Not long after, Jason, who had been fooled, returned to the booth and smiled, extending his hand to Seeing Lu Kuan.

"Lu, congratulations on gaining Lionsgate's friendship. Mr. Gusta asked me to say hello to you on his behalf!"

(End of this chapter) ===== CHAPTER 149 =====