Chapter 47: Money is Supreme

  Just as the two unlucky guys, Dennis and Ed, were gearing up for Blair Witch 2, the high-flying Jeff received a call from Mr. Gusta of Lions Gate Films, saying he wanted to talk to him about something.

  Mr. Guste was both surprised and delighted during this period. The joy is that the box office of "The Blair Witch" is like a broken bamboo, rolling in US dollars in North America and overseas markets, and the reputation of Lionsgate is also greatly improved as previously said by Yi Feiyang, and even MGM and Paramount, those old-brand companies, have to take a serious look at this "little brother". What surprised Guste was that the box office had indeed exceeded 200 million, which meant that his agreement with Yi Feiyang about exceeding 200 million in box office and reaching a share of 30% began to take effect.

  This was a very embarrassing thing for Gusta, who came from a banking background. It wasn't that Gusta was heartbroken over the money, but rather his own judgment had been wrong and he had lost to this young Chinese man, which was absolutely unbearable.

  However, Gu was after all the big boss, and after some deliberation, he still called Yi Feiyang to come over and discuss the contract.

  When Yifei Yang arrived at Gusta's presidential office, Gusta had just hung up a phone call, gesturing for Yifei Yang to sit down casually, then got up and walked to his wine cabinet, taking out a bottle of French Bordeaux champagne.

  "Dear Yi, come on, let's celebrate properly." Gusta handed a glass of champagne to Yifei.

  "The success of this film, you've seen it for yourself, just as you predicted earlier, the North American box office and overseas box office have just exceeded $200 million. If things continue like this, I estimate that the total box office could reach $260 million. Our company, Lionsgate, and the major theater chains have a standard 40-60 split, which means we'll get 40% of that $260 million, or around $100 million; after deducting copy costs, promotional expenses, and government taxes, we'll be left with about $80 million; and as per our agreement, if the box office exceeds $100 million, you'll take a 15% share of the profits, and if it exceeds $200 million, you'll take a 30% share. Well, congratulations to you, China Yi, you're going to become a multimillionaire soon! You've won, and you can get 30% of that $80 million, which is $24 million!"

  Gustave raised his champagne glass and lightly clinked it against Yifei's.

  Yi Feiyang didn't think it was as simple as Gusta thought, and asked: "This 24 million is probably just an IOU, when can I get my hands on it?"

  This sentence is the key, I'm really short of money, but you only mention the amount. You don't mention payment, isn't this a scam? The money is in my own hands, this is the hard truth!

  Gustav smiled and said, "Dear Yi, I understand your eagerness to get the share as soon as possible, but things need to be done step by step. The North American box office has been counted, but the overseas box office is still unknown, plus the theater distribution and government taxes that need to be handled later, all these require some time, don't they?"

  "I can wait for time, but how long do I need to wait?"

  "What's wrong, dear Yi? Do you need money badly? If you do, just speak up and I can help pay for a bit of it first. After all, as friends, we should be helping each other out, right?"

  "Thanks, Mr. Gusta, thanks for your kindness, but I just want to get my money as soon as possible! Just be straightforward, how much longer do I need to wait?" Yifei Yang wasn't having any of that.

  "Hehe, don't worry, dear Yi. Our company may not be big, but our work efficiency is still very high... It's now October, and at the latest, I will let you receive this payment by Christmas."

  "In other words, I still need to wait for another two or three months?"

  "Yes, that's right. Please believe me, I come from a banking background and am most particular about accounts. If it were another company, I reckon we'd still have to wait half a year!"

  Gustave didn't say anything wrong, as a banker by origin, he pursued the efficiency of fund circulation. The slow return of box office revenue was also a headache for him. However, Gustave knew even more clearly that no matter how much money it was, it had to be kept in his own hands for a period of time first, because this money could generate a lot of interest.

  For example, this time, the actual North American box office revenue has been settled, and the overseas box office will also be settled in about half a month. However, Gusta still plans to delay settlement with Yi Feiyang for one or two months, because the $24 million will bring him tens of thousands of dollars in interest during this period!

  Money begets money, an eternal and unchanging truth!

  As a banker, Gusta had known this truth since he was urinating on his own stove.

  Yi Feiyang had no idea what the lion was thinking, and even if he did, there was nothing he could do about it. After all, many Hollywood film companies were like this, delaying payment was a necessary trick to alleviate the tight funding chain.

  "What's up, Yi? If you really need money, I can lend it to you privately..."

  Gustave kindly offered to lend some money to Yifeiyang again, but Yifeiyang refused again, "Thanks, Mr. Gustave. I think I'll just wait for two more months, after all, it's always better to spend one's own money, isn't it?"

  "Alright, dear Yi, since you're so insistent, I won't force you either. But if you have any situation, just tell me, after all, we are good partners and I'll try my best to help you." Gusta seemed very affectionate and concerned about Yifei Yang. However, he suddenly changed the subject and said: "Also, there's another thing, dear Yi, I want to talk to you about it."

  Yi Feiyang looked at the other person's somewhat strange expression and suddenly felt a sense of unease.

  "You know, dear Yi, Hollywood has some bad apples who like to follow the trend. Whenever a movie becomes popular, they'll make a big fuss about making a sequel. To prevent this from happening now, I think our Lion's Gate Films should take the lead and film the sequel of 'The Blair Witch' first, don't you?" Gusta pulled out a cigar and handed it to Yi Feiyang, who shook his head, indicating that he wasn't too fond of cigars.

  Gustave lit a cigar and took a puff, saying: "Hmm, how to put it, it was very pleasant working with you this time. I just wonder if you have any plans to start filming the sequel?"

  "Shooting a sequel? Oh sorry, I haven't thought about it yet." Yì Fēi Yáng said frankly.

  "No problem, it just so happens I have two friends I want to introduce you to." Gusta smiled and clapped his hands together, "Let them in!"

  As Gusta's applause faded away, Yifeiyang's "old friends" Dennis and Edyardo walked in.

  "Great to see you, dear Chinaman... Oh no, I mean the great director who's made a fortune!" Denis said with sarcasm.

  Mr. Gusta was clearly displeased with Dennis's tone, "Would you mind not speaking to me in that anticipatory and affectionate way? I hope you two will be friends, not enemies."

  Dennis shrugged, neither confirming nor denying it.

  "Ah, yes, friend, we can be friends and work together on the sequel to 'The Witch', but this time that guy won't get away with it!"

  Gustav looked back at Yifeyang with a hint of helplessness and said, "Now you should understand what I mean, right?"

  Yi Feiyang took a deep breath, "So, the mysterious company that's planning to invite these two to film the sequel of 'The Witch' is actually Lionsgate?"

  "Yes, we are that so-called mysterious company... In the contract we signed, it should be very clear that the copyright of 'The Witch' already belongs to our Liongate at the time of signing. Therefore, I hope you can understand that I cannot let another company shoot the sequel to 'The Witch'! "Gustav said firmly," This is like a lion's prey, it cannot be shared with other companies. I want to continue to develop the 'Witch' brand, yes, maintain box office and reputation, our Liongate will continue to rise!"

  This time, Lionsgate reaped the biggest benefits with "The Blair Witch", and Gusta's ambition began to swell. He hoped to open Hollywood as quickly as possible and let his company rise rapidly.

  "I understand your feelings, Mr. Gusta. So now, what do you want me to do?" Yifeng said, pointing at Dennis and the two of them, "Play clowns with them, cooperate?"

  "Oh no, specifically speaking, you have experience in promotion, while they have experience in filming. If you can assist them, I think the sequel to 'The Witch' will be twice as effective!"

  Yi Feiyang smiled, "What did you say? Let me go assist them?"

  Two unlucky guys puffed out their chests and bellies, "How about it, you're not willing? Don't forget, it was you who stole our work, we were the ones who should have made a name for ourselves, not you!"

  "Hahaha!" Yì Fēi Yáng laughed loudly, "If even buying is considered stealing, then the whole of America is a paradise for thieves! However, up until now, I still have my doubts about your IQ..."

  "Damn it!"

  "How despicable!"

  ……

  "Alright! Alright! Stop arguing!" Gusta interrupted, "I don't care what grudges you have, I hope from now on you can just wipe the slate clean! Yes, wipe it clean! Put all your thoughts into filming the sequel to this play. I want to see the finished work in the shortest time possible! Do you understand, dear friends?" Gusta discarded his previous gentle expression and spoke in a commanding tone.

  Dennis and Edyardo, who were originally very close, now looked very awkward and didn't speak.

  Only Yifei Yang smiled and said, "Sorry, Mr. Gusta, I've always liked to work alone, don't like to cooperate with people, especially with such a person, idiot..."

  "What the hell did you just say?"

  "Who's crazy now, what did you say?!"

  ……

  Gustav had a headache. He was always in control of everything, but this Yifeng Yang made him feel for the first time what it was like to be out of control.

  "Alright, dear Yi, I've understood your meaning. However, I still hope you won't regret it. After all, the first play also had a lot to do with you. I hope we can create another miracle together!"

  Yi Feiyang smiled, "Thank you for your kind intentions, Mr. Gusta. But I will never cooperate with these guys!"

  "Damn it, we should be the ones who don't cooperate with you!"

  "Who do you think you are, damn Chinese! If you hadn't cheated us, you wouldn't be so arrogant!"

  ……

  "You've seen it, Mr. Gusta, we both have animosity towards each other, and can't cooperate. Maybe next time." Yì Fēi Yáng turned around to leave.

  "Dear Yi, I hope you won't regret it!" said Gusta behind him.

  Yi Feiyang's body slightly paused, understanding the meaning of Gusta's words. In Hollywood, there is no friendship, only interests.

  Yi Feiyang took a deep breath and then stepped out.

  Looking at his back, Gusta sighed and then turned around to say deeply to Dennis and Edy: "I don't want to say anything else, I just want to tell you that if you really want to step on someone's foot, this time, you must win, do you understand?!"

  ……

  Yi Feiyang walked out of Gusta's CEO office and met his "old acquaintance" - Director Mike on the corridor.

  Mike's boss was humiliated by Yi Fei Yang last time and couldn't lift his head. He had no good feelings towards this damned Chinese guy. If anyone in the world wanted Yi Fei Yang to be hit by a car and die, Mike's boss would undoubtedly be the first one.

  Look at Yi Feiyang, Director Mike pretended to be enthusiastic and said: "Wow, look at this guy, isn't he that trillion-dollar director? Oh right, I remember now, it seems like someone else directed that movie, and he's just a lowly second-hand dealer! Haha, America is really amazing nowadays, anyone can make it big, even by selling second-hand movies they can earn tens of millions!"

  In response to Mike's sarcastic remarks, Yifei Yang was too lazy to respond and wanted to walk away from him. But Mike came over again and said: "Are you surprised that those two fools who were deceived by you are here? Let me tell you, I invited them, yes, it's me! I just want to see if this authentic sequel to 'The Witch' can defeat you, a fake one! How about it, now that you've lost the copyright of The Witch, are you interested in starting a new play and competing with us? Let's see who is the real billionaire director and screenwriter!"

  Mike sneered, with Mr. Gusta's support, this sequel to "The Witch" will definitely be a huge success, as for that damn Chinese, just go back home and eat shit!

  Looking at Mike's manager with a sinister and cunning face, the small-minded person got his way, and Yi Feiyang couldn't help but laugh. He leaned in close to him and said: "Do you know what makes you the most annoying?"

  It wasn't Mike's boss who answered, but rather Yi Feiyang, who punched him in the gut, "It's your face and your belly!"

  "Ow!" Mike's boss yelped, clutching his stomach and doubling over.

  "Who would have thought there's still such an idiot in this world!" Yi Feiyang shook his head and left.

  Mike yelled from behind, "You damn Chinese bastard! Go to hell, ahh! You're killing me!"