America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

The black Hummer drove through the intersection and stopped across from Warner Bros. Studios. Wu Maoting got out of the vehicle and stood in front of a three-story office building, looking up at the "Davis Film Studio" sign.

He sighed silently to himself, "Martin Davis is indeed reliable!"

The funds he had invested in the first half of the year had returned in just over six months, and even yielded a profit.

A romantic comedy project, with an investment of 5 million US Dollars, had been sold for 8 million US Dollars; even after Davis Studio deducted the management fees and their cut, the profit was quite substantial.

Then Wu Maoting thought of the previous investment in Warner Bros.' "Terminator 2018," which had lost almost as much as he invested.

By comparison, Martin was much more reliable than Warner Bros.

Wu Maoting decided to continue cooperating with Martin Davis and walked straight into the studio.

The receptionist recognized him and immediately took him upstairs to Martin's office.

Upon seeing Martin, Wu Maoting greeted him enthusiastically, "We have completed another successful collaboration."

Martin always had a way with words, "We were lucky this time. I have officially reached an agreement with Netflix. 'The Trouble with Romance' has not only recovered its costs but also generated a bit of profit."

Wu Maoting said with a smile, "Martin, your projects always have good commercial prospects. I have believed in you from the very beginning."

"Davis Studio will not disappoint the trust of any client," Martin said in a courteous manner, then switched to something more practical, "There are still some details to be finalized in the negotiations with Netflix, and the funds will take some time to flow back, but it will not be later than this month at the latest."

Wu Maoting said, "Everything can proceed according to the studio's procedures and pace; there's no rush on my end."

Martin directly asked, "Do you want the funds transferred back to you once they arrive, or do you want to continue to invest in other projects with Davis Studio?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Maoting immediately asked, "Is the studio preparing a new project?"

Martin took Alexandrovich's project plan and handed it to Wu Maoting, "A comedy project about Napoleon conquering Europe. The investment amount is close to that of 'The Trouble with Romance,' with the specific budget yet to be determined."

Taking the project plan, Wu Maoting glanced only at the name "Napoleon's Aphrodite" and then said, "Let's not transfer the dividends and principal from the last project back yet. Just roll it into this new one."

Martin responded, "No problem."

"Isn't an investment of a few million dollars a bit too small?" Wu Maoting wasn't fully satisfied with the amount of investment; they had already experienced a project of a few million, and this time it ought to reach tens of millions.

He tentatively suggested, "Is there any possibility to further enlarge this project? Can we make it a ten-million-dollar-level project?"

Although Martin wouldn't swindle an investor's money, he wouldn't turn down proactive investment either. With tens of millions of dollars, the film could be made even more exquisite in aspects such as costumes and sets.

Even if the film didn't make it to theaters, Netflix would be there as a safety net.

Martin said, "Our initial plan was to make a low-budget comedy. If we increase the investment, the film can indeed be more refined, but the risk will also increase accordingly."

Wu Maoting was not afraid of the investment risk; what he feared was deception. In Los Angeles, many companies in Hollywood were too shrewd.

Without hesitation, he stated, "I'm prepared to take on the risks."

Martin nodded, "Alright then, I'll communicate with the main creative team first. Once they have worked out the budget, I will contact you immediately."

Wu Maoting picked up the project plan and asked, "May I take this with me?"

Martin replied, "Of course."

Wu Maoting carefully stored the project plan and took his leave.

Martin escorted him to the first floor and, checking the time, waited for a little while.

It wasn't too long before Alexandrovich hurried in from outside. Seeing Martin, he quickly ran over and, imitating Mene's mannerism, said with a laugh, "Boss, I'm here."

Martin headed upstairs, "Come with me."

Alexandrovich followed Martin into the office. Jessica brought tea over, which he immediately took and placed on the table beside Martin.

Jessica thought to herself, who is this guy? She didn't ask more and left the office.

Alexandrovich asked, "Boss, would you like some sugar or milk in your tea?"

"No need," Martin pointed to a seat beside him, "Sit and let's talk."

Alexandrovich faced Martin and sat down, taking up most of the seat, much like a junior official awaiting instructions from a superior.

Martin asked, "Are you getting used to it here?"

"Everything's great." Alexandrovich had signed with WMA after arriving, and the agency helped sort out accommodation and many basic necessities for daily life, enabling them to quickly get to work.

These people, who longed for America, had some savings to start with and were renting in a high-quality, upper-middle-class neighborhood, witnessing the very best of America.

His satisfaction and excitement mentally naturally translated into his work, and he was full of gratitude towards Martin, who had brought them into America and Hollywood, at this stage.

Alexandrovich said, "Life here is even better than I imagined. Marius and I throw ourselves into our work every day, working fifteen hours to finish the script revisions as quickly as possible."

"You are doing well," Martin commented lightly, "But there has been a change in plans."

Alexandrovich felt a jolt in his heart and his voice trembled slightly, "Is this project going to be paused or canceled?"

Martin laughed, "Of course not. I originally thought that with 3 to 5 million US Dollars, this film could be completed."

Alexandrovich, worried about the high investment leading to an accident, said, "3 million US Dollars should be enough."

Martin flatly rejected, "No, 3 million US Dollars is too little, it can only ensure the film is completed, but it's hard to guarantee the quality of the work."

Since Wu Maoting wanted to increase the investment, he simply made Alexandrovich feel the importance he attached to the project, "I've been considering your project during this period and even had someone go to Ukraine specifically to inquire about you and Marius. You all are talented people, what you lack is a shining opportunity, so I've decided to increase the investment."

Alexandrovich's concerns turned into surprise, he keenly felt Martin's emphasis and stood up, saying, "Boss, I definitely won't let you down!"

Martin said, "I want a premium comedy, the best kind, 15 million US Dollars of investment, to produce the best comedy film."

Hearing this number, Alexandrovich was thrilled. Such a single investment was unimaginable in his past performance career.

But after the surprise came mountainous pressure.

This was 15 million US Dollars, after all!

Alexandrovich found it difficult to breathe for a moment, but as the future protagonist of the world, he had very strong mental quality and enough resilience to quickly recover, saying, "Boss, I assure you, Marius and I will dedicate ourselves to this project!"

Martin waved his hand, "I want your talent and the film that comes from it, not your lives."

Alexandrovich nodded heavily and simultaneously said, "Boss, I'm going back to work right now."

Martin replied, "That's fine."

Alexandrovich hurriedly left, went downstairs, got into his car, and drove straight to his residence and studio. When he arrived, he happened to run into Marius getting ready to go out for lunch.

He grabbed Marius and walked back, "I've told Orlina to go out and buy food. From now on, I won't leave the studio until the screenplay is finished."

Marius was perplexed, "Have you lost your mind?"

"No, I'm full of motivation now, and the pressure is immense!" Alexandrovich explained the situation with Martin's additional budget.

Marius suddenly fell silent, rubbing his face continuously and gasping heavily.

He didn't know how to describe this feeling, all his emotions condensed into one sentence: "We will never encounter such a great opportunity again, let's do it!"

Alexandrovich called out to his fiancée Orlina to go and buy meals and followed Marius into the study to begin revising the screenplay.

......

During lunchtime, Martin received a phone call from Ari Emanuel and specifically went to WMA in the afternoon.

As soon as Martin entered the reception room, he saw Natalie Portman.

Compared to the last time they met, Natalie looked slightly heavier, with a little bump on her belly as if she were pregnant.

Natalie, with one hand covering her stomach and a radiant smile of happiness, said, "It's been four months now."

Martin said, "Congratulations, Nat, soon to be a mother."

Natalie said, "And thank you, you made it possible for me to become a mother sooner rather than later."

The way she said it was as if the child was Martin's.

Martin quickly said, "Does your boyfriend know?"

Natalie nodded, "We plan to get engaged in January."

January was a crucial time for Oscar voting. The visibly pregnant Natalie getting engaged to her boyfriend would surely draw a lot of attention.

Ari then said, "Our plan has been formulated, and the initial idea came from you. We asked you to come today to see if our plan has any shortcomings?"

Natalie said, "Martin, you're a genius."

Martin took the plan document that Ari handed over and went through it carefully, then said to Ari, "You know me, I'm better at coming up with ideas and concepts, but when it comes to implementation, I'm not as good as the professionals. This plan is very well done; I don't have anything to add."

Ari cut straight to the chase, "Your and your friends' votes... "

Martin had already joined the Academy and even Mene had joined last year, possessing Oscar voting rights.
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If Natalie had brought it up, Martin would have just brushed it off.

But the last time Martin fought for the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, Ari not only utilized company resources but also leveraged his extensive personal network.

Martin couldn't possibly refuse Ari, "Within my sphere of influence, the first choice for Best Actress votes will all go to Nat."

Natalie immediately thanked him, "Thank you, Martin."

Martin said graciously, "Don't mention it, we're friends after all."

After wrapping up here, Martin went to Thomas's office, wanting to inquire about the situation of the two Russian actresses, especially Marina.