On this gloomy morning, the passengers boarded the train bound for New York, each with their own reasons. There was a fund manager who had recently divorced his wife and considered work more important than family, taking his child to see his wife; in the same compartment, there was a boxer about to become a father, taking his pregnant wife to New York; and then there were Rong Guo, a college baseball player, and Zhen Xi, the cheerleading captain.
As the train pulled out of the station, they were unaware that extremely terrifying acts of violence were taking place across the city. Authorities were desperately trying to whitewash the truth about the rampant zombie outbreak, but even the oblivious train passengers would soon fall into the depths of terror and despair due to the arrival of uninvited guests...
“Clap clap clap…”
A round of enthusiastic applause erupted in the screening room. Though the audience was small, their enthusiasm was palpable.
“Jason, you've made another great movie. This is truly a fantastic film. We want to buy it outright... though I guess you won't agree. Let's sign the contract based on the last distribution deal.” Tom, brimming with enthusiasm, expressed his desire.
Zheng Bai Cheng smiled and said, “Of course, Tom, we're friends. I have two requests: increase the share to 45% and the payment should be fast. My time is precious, time is money. I'll have the New York City Bank handle the collection for me.”
“Oh, Jason, you have to believe us, we're Americans, we value integrity and uphold contractual obligations…” Tom boasted about his high moral standards, while Zheng Bai Cheng silently muttered to himself, 'That's because the profit isn't enough. If it were, you'd probably sell your father and mother too.'
With a ready-made template, the contract signing went smoothly. Only the share increased from the original 40% to 45%; everything else remained the same.
This zombie train film was Zheng Bai Cheng's latest project, completed in a month. Naturally, he didn't go through the union. Word got around, and the union expressed their displeasure, but they couldn't do anything about it.
Just like this time, he hadn't reached out to the Actor's Guild, the Writer's Guild, the Producer's Guild… he avoided them all, all for the sake of saving money.
After signing the contract, Tom asked, “Did you actually film this train on that railroad?”
Zheng Bai Cheng chuckled, “No, I built it myself. I even customized a few carriages.”
He recounted some of the hardships they faced during filming: “We poured a lot of money into this film, reaching five million dollars. The carriages alone cost one million dollars, and another three million went into the props. Did you see that apocalyptic cityscape? That was built to scale, and it took a lot of manpower. That overhead shot, I paid a hefty price for it…”
Just like when Tom was bragging earlier, Zheng Bai Cheng was looking at him with the same skeptical gaze that Tom was currently using to observe him; the present was mirroring the past.
‘This kid has gone bad. Hollywood is truly a melting pot. What a brilliant writer, now he's become such a braggart. Indeed, in the face of capital… oh, no, in the face of profit, even a novelist like Mr. Jason becomes deceitful. He's gotten good at fudging costs.’ Tom secretly admired Zheng Bai Cheng a little more.
In the eyes of Americans, lying through your teeth is a basic skill. Not only must it be loud, but also with an air of righteousness. And of course, there must be no sign of guilt, you have to be confident.
Even if you're farting, they'll find it fragrant.
As they parted ways, Tom turned to Zheng Bai Cheng and said, “Jason, you’re the best kid I’ve ever met, progressing very quickly. Have you considered developing in Hollywood? You will become the best producer, and your company will grow faster. Maybe one day your company will be the eighth largest in Hollywood, who knows.”
“Tom, thank you. If I get the chance in the future, I'll come here to develop. The American dollar is very tempting, isn’t it?”
Leaving Warner Bros. with the contract and a copy of the film, Zheng Bai Cheng didn’t rush to leave. Instead, he went to the New York City Bank to meet the bank representative.
“Oh, it’s a pleasure to see you again so soon, Jason. Did you bring some good news?” The bank representative was so enthusiastic and articulate. He was the manager here, now serving as Zheng Bai Cheng's dedicated customer service representative.
Zheng Bai Cheng smiled, “I reached another agreement with Warner Bros. I’ll be leaving North America around New Year’s Eve to go back home for the Chinese New Year. Warner Bros. will release a new movie then, and I’m asking you to collect the film’s box office share for me again.”
“It’s our honor, New York City Bank. We will provide you with the same free service as last time. Do you have any other requests?”
Zheng Bai Cheng took out a copy of the New York X newspaper, pointing at the bestseller list, “These six novels are all mine. I want to adapt them into comics. I need a comics company, MARVCO. Can you help me negotiate the acquisition? I’m willing to pay a service fee.”
“Oh~ this is a big deal, Mr. Jason. What price are you looking to acquire at?”
“My psychological price point is ten million dollars. If they’re willing to sell, as long as it’s reasonable, we can discuss it.”
This is MARV, the future home of the Punisher, a company that will sweep across the globe. For the sake of the film, he had specifically researched the company’s history. In 1968, less than a year from now, it would be sold for $15 million. Buying it now to create comics for his novels would be a good choice.
“OK, Mr. Jason, you truly are a visionary. We will support you wholeheartedly.”
“One more thing. I already own 1% of Hathaway Inc.’s shares. I want to buy more. Can you help me buy more shares?” Zheng Bai Cheng, following the principle of not bothering with multiple tasks, continued to make requests.
Banks, especially American banks, would provide all sorts of services to wealthy clients. No matter how unreasonable the request, they would complete it. Of course, you had to be able to provide sufficient funds, and Zheng Bai Cheng was someone who could.
“Of course, serving you is our duty.”
“I’m planning to buy another million dollars worth of Hathaway shares.”
By the time Zheng Bai Cheng left the New York City Bank, he had spent one million dollars.
On the way back to the train, Amanda said, “You’ve become a millionaire. Shouldn’t you settle my salary?”
“We’re going back to Hong Kong soon. I’ll definitely settle it for you,” Zheng Bai Cheng chuckled, “And I’ll give you all a big bonus.”