Chapter 21 Withdrawal and Negotiation

Jiang Heng was mature beyond his age and was not scared at all. Seeing that the "script case" was about to go to trial, various companies informed the others and raised their bids for distribution rights.

The highest bid came from Disney, which offered $12 million.

In their opinion, even Jackie Chan's films can be bought at this price.

But Jiang Heng remained unmoved and showed full confidence.

This made major Hollywood companies believe that Jiang Heng must have evidence that could win the lawsuit.

At the China office of Hua Na Company, Vice President Silver, Chief Attorney Petroche, the Wozhuski brothers, and Office Manager Zhao Yan gathered together to discuss the litigation strategy after the trial.

At this time, the cell phone of chief lawyer Petroche rang.

"Hey!"

"I found out, Mr. Petroche!"

"what's the situation?"

Pietroche's face was gloomy, and everyone in the meeting room held their breath, afraid of hearing some bad news.

As a result, the investigators sent out made long speeches, as if they were trying to take credit for it.

"I found out that on January 97, 1, Jiang Heng sent his father's ashes back to his hometown in Northeast China in the name of returning home to bury his father. He then traveled to various provinces and finally arrived in Sichuan, where he registered the copyright of the script with the Press and Publication Bureau on February 19."

Hearing this, everyone in the conference room felt their heads buzzing. Damn yellow monkey, how could he be so cunning?

If it had been registered directly in Hong Kong, Hua Na Company would not have made such a big deal out of this matter!

Silver didn't give up, so he snatched the phone and said, "Are you sure he registered the script of The Matrix and not something else?"

"Well, Mr. President, I'm sure. The staff there was very impressed by this. A Hong Kong native went to the Sichuan Press and Publication Bureau to register copyright for a seemingly bizarre virtual world story. They discussed it for a long time. They all felt that the country should strengthen its censorship, otherwise any messed-up stuff could be made into a movie, which would be a bad thing...!"

Silver was almost furious after hearing this. What the hell was going on?

Petroche said, "I don't care what method you use, you must get the relevant registration materials?"

"Well, okay, don't worry, I will definitely do it!"

After the call ended, Silver asked, "Did you take it and destroy it?"

Petroche smiled bitterly and shook his head. "Of course not. He went through so much trouble to register in the mainland, so he must have evidence in his hands. Besides, there are so many witnesses, it would be difficult for us to bribe them all."

Silver nodded, he was also angry and confused.

The "script case" has developed into more than just a simple commercial case. Who knows what the attitude of the mainland officials will be and whether they will take action at a critical moment.

You have to know that this was during the Asian financial crisis. International hot money launched two attacks on the Hong Kong dollar in October 97 and January 10. One can imagine the official attitudes of the mainland and Hong Kong.

"Take it back to headquarters, at least it's an explanation!" said Petroche.

Silver was unwilling to accept this, "Are you just going to drop the lawsuit just like that?"

Petroche asked back, "Otherwise, if we continue to pester them, it will only bring further discredit to the company. This should be a lesson for us!"

"No, our losses are too great. Jiang Heng must give us the global distribution rights of The Matrix!"

Seeing Petroche looking at him like an idiot, Silver said, "I mean, sell the distribution rights to us, and we will be responsible for the distribution outside of China. I think the movie he made is okay, and it may make 200 to 300 million US dollars at the box office!" Petroche nodded slightly, "Is it completely feasible?"

Seeing this, Silver asked, "Do you think so too?"

Petroche smiled and said, "You are talking about normal business behavior. I think we can definitely fight for it!"

Seeing that he was about to back down, Silver said hurriedly, "We are trying to recover the company's losses. As the chief lawyer, you have a heavy task!"

Petroche had no choice but to call Jiang Heng and expressed his willingness to have a final negotiation before the trial.

In a cafe near Victoria Harbour, Jiang Heng, Silver, Petroche and others sat opposite each other.

"Mr. Jiang Heng, your actions have caused Hua Na Brothers to suffer heavy losses. We originally planned to fight the lawsuit to the end to protect the interests of the company. However, considering that you are an excellent director and the film is also very good, we are considering whether there are other ways to solve our problems."

Jiang Heng smiled. "I don't think so. I think it's you who have always been cunning and plundering that have caused us to suffer heavy losses. Look at what Soros has done to the Asian people. Don't you feel ashamed?"

"Mr. Jiang, the essence of this world is plunder. Fairness and justice are only for the weak. There is nothing wrong with Mr. Soros using his wisdom to reap wealth. Only the strong have the right to avoid being plundered and have the qualifications to negotiate fairly!"

Jiang Heng smiled and said, "So you guys recognize me, or recognize that The Matrix has the potential to be a big hit at the box office, so you come to negotiate with me?"

Silver's face froze, and his smile was a bit forced. "I guess so, but I think if the lawsuit goes on, it will affect overseas distribution, and both sides will suffer. No one will make any money!"

"Oh, then I wonder what kind of conditions you are prepared to offer?"

"I will pay 10 million US dollars to buy out the copyright of "The Matrix" and the distribution rights outside of China. All the box office shares you earn in Hong Kong and the mainland will be yours, and there will be another 10 million US dollars, which is enough for you to spend for a lifetime!" Silver persuaded him patiently.

Jiang Heng laughed, "Ten million US dollars, Hua Na is really generous!"

Silver and Petroche looked at each other, and the latter said, "Mr. Jiang Heng, I have to give you a piece of advice. This is already the maximum concession that Hua Na Company has made. If you take the money, you will become a rich man in an instant. Otherwise, you may end up with nothing."

Jiang Heng sneered, "Don't you know that Disney has already offered 12 million US dollars?"

"what?"

"Damn it!"

Silver and Petroche spoke at the same time, one was shocked, the other cursed. Hollywood's competitors are really good at destroying others!

"Impossible! This price is too risky. Their boss won't agree to it!"

Jiang Heng nodded, "Actually, I think so too?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, box office share!"

"This is impossible, absolutely impossible. Whoever dares to do this is the enemy of our Hua Na Company!" Silver said angrily, pounding the table.

Jiang Heng looked calm, "Really? I'll have to wait and see! Among the Hollywood giants, who has the guts to do this business?"

Silver was almost furious, his face gloomy, "Jiang Heng, you are trampling on our bottom line, you will pay a heavy price, do you understand?"

"Well, how big is it?"

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(End of this chapter)