"How are the negotiations progressing between Tianjin and Shenzhen?"
"Everything is going smoothly. They've visited the factory in Yanjing several times and are very satisfied and interested in the benefits we're offering and the tax revenue we'll bring to Yanjing."
"I've also visited both places and had in-depth discussions with their leadership."
"How did it feel?"
"They're very enthusiastic. The overall business environment is better than here, mainly because local governments are willing to offer greater incentives in terms of labor, utilities, taxes, and land costs and policies."
"Both sides want to invite you over and hope we can establish our presence there as soon as possible."
"However, boss, you didn't inform them about your visit this time. If you want to go take a look, we can contact them now."
"Okay, I plan to stay in Yanjing for two days, then go to Tianjin, then Shenzhen, and finally return to the United States from there."
The factory in Yanjing was ultimately too small. Even though the new plant area was partially completed and put into operation, the output and capacity were still insufficient.
The reason why the first stop was set here was that political factors far outweighed economic factors.
Especially after Eric took over Hasbro, it was time for many orders originally assigned to domestic factories in the United States to find a new environment.
The cost of producing one toy there was enough to produce three or more here in China. The difference in labor and raw material prices was too great. If you were the boss, what would you choose?
Coupled with the rise of Marvel, although only a few superhero merchandise like Iron Man, Captain America, and Spider-Man are selling well now.
However, in at most two years, it will quickly advance to a period of widespread success.
Just The Avengers alone has a huge number of heroes, and Eric also plans to develop a new trilogy: X-Men: First Class, Days of Future Past, and Apocalypse.
All of these will bring terrifying merchandise sales.
In addition, there is the acquisition of Warner Bros. Once successful, DC's major projects will naturally be launched.
Popular characters like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash will also generate huge merchandising benefits.
One factory in Yanjing simply couldn't meet such a large demand. If it weren't for the inconvenient transportation and other infrastructure now, he would really like to learn from Foxconn and put the factory directly in Zhengzhou.
Unfortunately, the subprime mortgage crisis had not yet occurred, and China had not yet entered the era of large-scale infrastructure construction. Conditions were not yet sufficient, and coastal cities were still popular.
As they spoke, the car stopped at a private estate. Inside, a waiter opened the door.
Seeing Eric, everyone in Room immediately stood up.
"Welcome, welcome! It's been a long time, I've missed you dearly."
Old Han led the way, and the two, being old acquaintances, immediately embraced.
Besides Han Sanping, Zhou Xiaopeng, and Chen Ou, what surprised Eric was that Jackie Chan was also present.
He could be said to be the number one Chinese movie star in the world today, or even the number one yellow-skinned, yellow-faced movie star in the world, it would not be an exaggeration.
However, since the two had no previous collaborations, their acquaintance was limited to a nod.
"Eric, you must know Jackie Chan, but I still have to introduce him. Actually, his real surname is Fang, and his name is Fang Shilong. Of course, you can also call him Chan Kong-sang."
Jackie Chan laughed heartily and said familiarly, "No need for you to introduce, we've known each other for a long time. We even met at the Oscar not long ago."
"I'm currently filming The Myth in China. I was in Yanjing for business and heard that the great director Eric Cooper was coming, so I thought of putting together a gathering."
Jackie Chan positioned Eric's title as a director, especially adding 'great,' which sounded pleasant to hear. Everyone in Hollywood knew he wanted that Best Director trophy.
The two smiled and shook hands. Jackie Chan led Eric to sit next to Old Han.
"Jackie, why do you have two names? And different surnames?" Chen Xing asked curiously.
Knowing that he was Eric's confidant and now responsible for MGM's overall business in China, Jackie Chan dared not neglect him.
"The story is complicated. It was in the last century, before the founding of our country."
"In short, my family tree indeed shows my surname as Fang, and I'm from Anhui. My father's real name was Fang Daolong."
"Later, due to work reasons, he used the alias Chen Pingan, then went from the mainland to live in Hong Kong, and lived there using his alias."
"So I was naturally surnamed Chen when I was born. At that time, I was called Chan Kong-sang, meaning 'born in Hong Kong'."
"The purpose of this name was to make it easier for me to get by in Hong Kong, as mainlanders were discriminated against there. It wasn't until I grew up that I learned my family tree always listed me as Fang Shilong."
"Anyway, it doesn't matter. Whatever I'm called, it's still me."
Eric nodded: "You're right. With Jackie's face, no matter where he goes in the world, everyone recognizes him. The name is not important."
Old Han looked at him: "You are all big stars and busy people. I originally thought you would bring those four The Voice singers over during the Spring Festival Gala, just like Michael Jackson last time."
"I didn't expect you to never show up. It's been over a year since we last met, hasn't it?"
Eric thought for a moment, it seemed his last visit to China was indeed for the Spring Festival Gala last year.
He sighed: "Things are too busy. Haven't you heard about what happened in Hollywood?"
"We know. The more we know, the more we admire you. One person against six of them, and you won. How did you do it?"
"To be honest, I was especially worried this year, just worried that MGM would be crushed."
"If you fall, Oriental MGM will also suffer."
"Especially with the big scandal between you and Gal Gadot, where criminal charges were pursued."
"I was afraid whether the meg could still be filmed? Even if it was filmed, could it still be released? Now I'm completely relieved."
"Come, we've been talking for a long time. Let's all raise our glasses. The first three drinks must be for Eric, for his great victory!"
Everyone present, except Jackie Chan, had more or less entangled interests with Eric. This drink was a must.
"By the way, how far along is your movie the meg?" Chen Ou asked.
"Filming finished a long time ago. We've been working on post-production and it's basically ready for release."
"One of Eric's purposes for coming this time is to review the film. Why don't you join us tomorrow?"
Chen Ou nodded: "Anyway, it will eventually be placed on the desk of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television. This project is a key one, so early involvement is good."
"Such a good project, you should have informed me at the time," Jackie Chan said, half-joking and half-complaining.
"Jackie, a co-production definitely involves a mix of actors from both sides. The male lead was decided from the beginning. We couldn't possibly ask you to play a supporting role, could we?"
"A supporting role or a cameo is fine. Actually, I've played many supporting roles."
"You played supporting roles before you became famous. Once you became famous, you didn't play them anymore. I remember your few Hollywood films also treated you as a lead, while Jet Li started from playing villains."
"No, I just played a supporting role last year."
Zhou Xiaopeng tapped the table: "I saw it. Was it that movie The Twins Effect, with your son as the male lead?"
"Yes, to help that brat."
Eric suddenly understood a little. Brother, you wouldn't be trying to get your son into Hollywood, would you?
If that's really the idea, then don't joke around.
Not to mention his bad habits, even just looking at his appearance and physique, he's like a scrawny, sickly monkey, what a joke. At least someone like Daniel Wu would be more appropriate.
If he weren't your son, based on his basic conditions, he wouldn't even qualify to enter this circle.
After three rounds of drinks and five courses of food, Eric drank relatively little, while each of them had already consumed over a pound of liquor.
"Eric, the meg was filmed exactly according to your script and requirements. Your vision is definitely not a problem."
"But once this project succeeds, what will we film next?"
"The movie hasn't been released yet, don't rush."
"Of course he thinks a lot. Those are tangible political achievements. Only with achievements can one go higher and make progress."
"Bullshit, this is called passion, understand?"
"Passion and progress don't conflict. It's about loving your work, right?"
Hahahahaha
A light suddenly flashed in Eric's mind, and he pointed at Jackie Chan: "The next one is easy to say. If Jackie wants to participate, let him be the protagonist."
"Me?"
"Yes, but not just you. Bring Jet Li over too. I don't think you two have ever collaborated, have you?"
"You are the two most famous kung fu masters in the world cinema. The news of your collaboration will definitely create a huge buzz. Countless movie fans have been looking forward to this day."
Frankly speaking, Eric certainly wouldn't trust Jackie Chan to carry the box office alone.
He didn't know how much his previous film Around the World in 80 Days grossed, only that it caused Disney to lose a lot, although indirectly it also contributed to MGM.
It was also after Around the World in 80 Days that Jackie Chan could no longer get quality resources in Hollywood, except for his guaranteed film Rush Hour 3.
Although The Karate Kid later grossed over $300 million worldwide, making a huge profit, Hollywood still didn't trust his ability to carry the box office.
Because this movie was a remake of an old work, it had a certain foundation in North America, and North America box office alone accounted for half of the total box office.
The Foreigner was brilliant, but unfortunately, it came too late, when Jackie Chan was already in his twilight years.
If the timing of these two films were moved to the turn of the century, then Jackie Chan's status in Hollywood would definitely be A-list.
A genuine A-list, not an A-list in name only.
So, Eric dared not take the risk of investing in an A-level big production for him.
But if Jet Li was also added, and a movie like the forbidden kingdom was made, that would be different.
The original the forbidden kingdom certainly wouldn't work. The story was fragmented, completely a plot concocted by an American screenwriter, pointlessly wasting their only collaboration.
The global box office was only around 120 million US dollars, which, compared to the publicly announced cost of 70 million US dollars, definitely made it a money-loser.
Moreover, at that time, DVDs were almost exiting the historical stage, leading to not much gain in the disc market either.
If a good story was written, instead of rigidly applying legends like Journey to the West and the Eight Immortals, avoiding the pitfalls of failure, this project actually has a lot of potential.
After hearing Eric's suggestion, Old Han slapped his forehead: "You're right! Two kung fu emperors right in front of me, how could I have overlooked them?"
Jackie Chan naturally also wanted to regain his status, and immediately patted his chest, guaranteeing: "As long as you can get Jet Li, I have no problem."
More than two hours later, everyone had had a bit too much to drink.
In the United States, Eric could control it, but here, the drinking culture was different; they really knew how to persuade.
Seeing Jackie Chan looking like he had something to say but was holding back, the other party probably really wanted to recommend his disappointing son, so Eric quickly excused himself and returned to the hotel.
When he got back to Room, he immediately saw Judy lying on the bed watching TV.
Eric took a few steps back and checked Room number. Yes, it was his room.
"Why are you in my room? No, how did you get in?"
"I'm with you, so the attendant naturally opened the door for me. You reek of alcohol, it's wafting into my nose. Go take a shower!"
"Huh? Wait, I still don't understand, why are you in my room?"
Judy pointed at the screen: "I'm watching TV, are you blind?"
"Why aren't you watching in your own room?"
"It's broken! Go take a shower, I can't stand your alcohol smell anymore."
Eric shook his head and felt much clearer after taking a shower.
"If the TV was broken, couldn't you just switch rooms? Why…"
"You talk too much! I'll be wherever I want to be, got a problem?"
Eric spread his hands: "You've been at the hotel since you woke up?"
"No, I went out for a walk. Oh, Gadot said there are many fun places in Yanjing. You should come with me."
"I'm here for work, big sister. I have to go to the company and the factory tomorrow, and I'm leaving tomorrow night. I'll find a local to take you around."
"No, you have to come with me. How can I communicate with a local if there's a language barrier?"
"Besides, it's rare to come to China. I might not have another chance for years or even decades. What's wrong with staying a few more days?"
"But there are really a lot of things waiting for me to deal with."
"Yes or no? Just one word, yes or no?"
Seeing Judy suddenly put her hands on her hips and glare at him, Eric sighed: "Alright, alright, I give up."
"But only two days at most. I have a ton of things waiting for me in the US, and you also have a lot of work, don't forget."
Smack!
Judy kissed Eric on the cheek: "Thank you! I'll work overtime when we get back, don't worry."
"Sigh! I should have brought Gadot too, so you two could go have fun together."
"The two of us? Aren't you afraid of what I might do to her?"
Eric chuckled: "She told me everything. That time you went on vacation, you just chatted, didn't do anything."
Judy sneered: "If she did, would she dare tell you? Are you sure Gadot didn't lie to you?"
"Uh… Anyway, it's just the two of us here, so why don't we chat too."
"You've been acting strange lately, a bit abnormal."
"What's abnormal?"
"Little girl, you just kissed me, which is very abnormal! What's going on? Is it because of Bar Refaeli? Are you feeling uncomfortable?"
Judy shook her head: "I don't want to mention that bitch anymore, and we're in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, remember?"
Eric was stunned for a moment. It seemed that was true; he had accompanied Judy home just before Christmas.
"So what's wrong with me kissing my own boyfriend? Let alone kissing you, even if I wanted to sleep with you, it would be normal, wouldn't it?"
"Don't be like that, buddy, I'm a little scared."
"Scared of what! You even pursued me in college, remember?"
"That's because I didn't know you were a lesbian."
"What if I'm not anymore?"
"Huh?"