dkrc Chapter 142 A Lively Scene
Chapter 142 A Lively Scene
Chapter 142 A Lively Scene
The two little ones in the dessert section were eating with increasing gusto.
Nicholas stuffed a piece of strawberry cake covered in cream into his mouth, his cheeks puffed out like a hamster's. Lisa Marie, holding a small sterling silver spoon, laughed heartily, staring at the young man in front of her who was eating so wildly.
The little boy rubbed his fingers on his suit pants, then picked up a macaron and handed it to Lisa.
The little princess hesitated for a moment, but couldn't resist the temptation of the sweets. She reached out her little hand and took it, a sweet smile blooming on her lips.
Looking at this innocent scene of childhood friends, Qin Han shook his head, trying not to laugh.
In his past life, Nicolas Cage had an almost pathological fanatical adoration for Elvis Presley.
This infatuation ultimately led him to pursue and marry Elvis Presley's only daughter, Lisa Marie, shortly after the turn of the millennium.
However, both of these celebrity offspring, who grew up in the spotlight and in an extremely self-centered environment, have fiery tempers.
The sensational marriage lasted a pitiful four months before breaking down amidst endless arguments.
The most famous of these was the "pigeon egg incident," which made global entertainment headlines:
On a private yacht off the coast of Hawaii, the two had a heated argument over a trivial matter.
Enraged, Lisa Marie ripped off the engagement ring Nicholas had placed on her ring finger—a priceless, top-quality yellow diamond weighing over six carats!
Without hesitation, she threw the lotus into the Pacific Ocean like a worthless stone.
Millions of dollars vanished completely into the vast ocean.
Afterwards, Nicolas Cage, filled with regret, hired a professional deep-sea diving salvage team to conduct a thorough search of the area. They searched diligently for more than half a month, but still returned empty-handed.
This incredibly dramatic history has become a perennial source of amusement in Hollywood.
He glanced at Elvis Presley, who was chatting and laughing with Coppola on the other side of the hall: in this timeline, Elvis Presley had broken free from Colonel Parker's control.
In her past life, Lisa lost her father when she was nine years old. Her stubbornness and lack of security were important reasons for her unhappy marriage later on.
This time, with the "father-in-law" personally overseeing things, if these two little ones get together again in the future—
A hint of anticipation flickered in Qin Han's eyes: If Nicholas dares to argue with Lisa on the yacht again, he should think twice.
Just then, the clock in the hall chimed a long, drawn-out thud, its hands pointing to eight o'clock in the evening.
The melodious jazz music gradually softened, and the guests who had gathered in twos and threes stopped talking and turned their attention to the podium at the front of the hall.
The ceremony officially began.
Michael Ovitz straightened his suit and strode confidently onto the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening."
"I am Michael Ovitz, Executive Director of Hans Films. It is a great honor to have so many Hollywood pioneers with us on Sunset Boulevard tonight to witness the beginning of a new chapter."
"In this magical place, we have always used film to depict those fictional legendary stories."
"Tonight, here, we are about to create a legend that belongs to this era."
He turned to the side and made an elegant invitation to the audience: "Now, please allow me to hand over the time to the helmsman of this brand-new warship, Han's—Mr. Qin Han."
Thunderous applause erupted in the hall.
Amidst countless gazes filled with inquiry, curiosity, and scrutiny, Qin Han stepped steadily onto the podium.
He didn't bring a speech, but stood quietly in front of the microphone until the applause from the audience subsided.
Qin Han's deep gaze, almost tangible, slowly swept over the familiar faces in the front row: Ted Ashley, Sidney Sinberg, Card Walker, Francis Coppola—and other veteran writers such as Dalton Trumbo sitting further away.
"This is an era that needs heroes."
"Just days ago, this city experienced a nightmare. Someone tried to destroy the cultural foundation that Hollywood is proud of with violence and fear."
The atmosphere in the hall instantly became somewhat solemn, and many people gripped their wine glasses tightly.
The shadow of death that night still lingers in the hearts of many.
"People are lost; they don't trust the press releases in the newspapers, they don't trust the speeches on television, and they long to grasp something in the darkness."
What can we give them?
"Han's Films' answer is—power. A power that can penetrate the screen and strike the soul."
"We don't exploit actors with long-term contracts, nor do we stifle directors' talent with cumbersome administrative approvals. The sole purpose of Han's is to find the most incisive scripts in the world, match them with the purest creators, and then—"
"We've packaged these stories that can inspire courage and passion and placed them on your desks."
"We don't produce movies; that's the job of everyone here," Qin Han smiled slightly. "We're just facilitators of talent."
After a brief silence, Charlie Chaplin led the applause.
Immediately afterwards, thunderous applause swept through the entire hall once again.
Whether they genuinely agreed or were merely going along with it, at that moment, everyone admitted that the young Chinese man's idea was indeed very appealing.
As the applause subsided, Qin Han pointed to the audience and announced, "Next up is the first contract Han's will be signing today: Please welcome the greatest voice of our time, Mr. Elvis Presley!"
The entire audience erupted in uproar!
Elvis straightened his turtleneck jacket and, with a rhythmic gait, walked onto the stage amidst countless gasps.
He put his right hand on Qin Han's shoulder, grabbed the microphone, and displayed the unbridled arrogance typical of a rock star: "Good evening, Hollywood! To be honest, I was planning to retire and go fishing, but this amazing guy Qin woke me up on the beach in Hawaii."
A burst of laughter erupted from the audience.
"He told me that my singing shouldn't just remain in the past records." Elvis's expression turned serious. "So, I decided to hand over all the business operations to Hans's to manage."
Michael Ovitz stepped onto the stage at the opportune moment, holding two beautifully bound contracts and a Montblanc pen.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, and in front of reporters frantically pressing their shutters, Elvis Presley signed his name with a flourish.
The industry giants in the audience applauded and exchanged glances: Hans Films had actually brought an icon of the American music industry under its wing!
Qin Han accepted the contract and shook hands with Elvis Presley.
The reason for releasing this explosive news tonight is to generate long-tail buzz for Hans's opening.
Therefore, when he decided to put the sign on, he called Elvis Presley, who was in Hawaii, and Elvis readily agreed.
"Thank you for Elvis's trust." Qin Han stepped back into the microphone. "Since Han's mission is to create the most exceptional stories, then I think it's time to show you our 'ammunition depot' for the next year."
He snapped his fingers, and several waiters pushed a whiteboard up.
"First, there's 'Fist of Fury,' which is currently sweeping the box office across the United States. I believe this film has shown you just how terrifying the chemical reaction can be when real emotions are combined with film production."
The theater representatives below nodded in agreement; they knew all too well how fast this movie was printing money these past few days.
"Following closely behind is 'Way of the Dragon,' directed and starring Bruce Lee. We will showcase the ultimate clash between true Chinese Kung Fu and Western martial arts in the ancient Roman Colosseum!"
"Next up is the blockbuster film that has already finished filming and is currently in post-production—'Enter the Dragon'!"
"This film, co-funded by Warner Bros. and directed by Ridley Scott, will redefine the visual standards of action movies."
Ted Ashley sat in the audience, chin slightly raised, receiving envious glances from his peers.
"After these three kung fu films, Han's focus will turn to more profound themes."
"A project in development—Rocky. An epic about an underdog's despair and rebellion against fate. Warner Bros. has the checks ready; it will inject a powerful boost into American society next fall!"
"And—" Qin Han pointed to a gaping maw covered in fangs on the whiteboard: "The A-level thriller blockbuster in preparation—'Jaws'."
"This project will be directed by Steven Spielberg. Here, I must especially thank Universal Pictures and Mr. Sidney." Qin Han's face showed an extremely sincere smile, and he bowed slightly in thanks.
"His generosity in this project, and his absolute respect for creators, made Hans Pictures feel the highest level of collaboration."
The executive, beaming, raised his glass, gesturing frequently to those around him, clearly delighted.
To receive such praise at an event that brings together half of Hollywood's elite is a tremendous boost to his personal prestige and global reputation.
Qin Han's gaze remained fixed on Sidney, his smile widening: "Therefore, in return for this generosity—"
A tall, thin young man wearing thick-rimmed black glasses walked onto the podium.
His forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat, and his hands were nervously rubbing together at his sides.
For a struggling writer who had spent most of his life in rural Maine and couldn't even keep a teaching job, being suddenly exposed to the Hollywood spotlight was suffocating.
"You may not be familiar with this gentleman." Qin Han walked over to Stephen King, patted his stiff back, and offered him some reassurance.
"This is Mr. Stephen King. Hans Films just bought the rights to his latest novel."
Upon hearing this, the bigwigs in the audience narrowed their eyes and sized up the seemingly dull young man.
Qin Han gripped the microphone again: "This is the story of a girl named Carrie. A marginal figure in high school. She wears conservative, old clothes, endures her mother's morbid religious torment, and is endlessly bullied and ridiculed by her classmates every day."
"Finally, at the prom—I can't spoil it any longer, but believe me, this will be another classic story."
Is this a horror-suspense genre that combines school bullying with supernatural forces?
The tycoons in the audience exchanged glances, their gazes becoming increasingly curious as they looked at Stephen King.
As the atmosphere in the hall grew warmer, Qin Han dropped another bombshell for the evening: "In order to live up to this breathtaking story, Han's Films has officially invited Hollywood's most respected master of words—"
"Mr. Dalton Trumbo. He will personally write the script for 'Carrie'!"
"Boom!" The entire hall was plunged into another uncontrollable commotion.
Who is that?
A legendary figure who won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay twice for "Roman Holiday" and "The Brave Ones," and was subsequently blacklisted for decades!
A cutting-edge horror story with the potential to become a blockbuster, written by an extremely seasoned Oscar-caliber screenwriter!
With such a perfect combination, the quality of the script is absolutely beyond doubt!
Almost all the studio executives were restless at that moment, their breathing becoming heavy.
Paramount Pictures CEO Frank Albranz sat next to Sidney.
He turned to the side and nudged Sidney's arm lightly with his elbow, a forced smile on his face.
"Sidney, you're truly a lucky guy. Having secured such a perfect combination in advance, it looks like Universal's financial report is going to take off again next year."
Sidney Sinberg held a glass of champagne, maintaining a perfect smile, and even politely raised his glass to his colleagues who were casting envious glances around him.
However, he was inwardly cursing the cunning kid.
Screw priorities! Screw generous rewards!
In this public setting where all competitors gathered, Qin Han painted such an enticing picture of "Carrie" and then loudly proclaimed that "Universal is the first choice."
This isn't giving him face; it's putting him on the hot seat!
The implication couldn't be clearer: I've already presented it; everyone has seen how good it is. I've given you the global premiere rights. But—
If the profit-sharing offered by Global at the negotiating table is not satisfactory to Hans, then...
Then Qin Han could legitimately turn to Paramount, Disney, or any production company willing to pay a high price!
By then, the whole of Hollywood will know that it wasn't that Hans was untrustworthy, but that Universal Pictures was "too stingy" to handle this mega-project.
This is an open extortion attempt!
Qin Han stood on the podium, looking at Sidney whose facial muscles were slightly stiff. The smile on Qin Han's lips made Sidney feel increasingly treacherous.
Feeling the menacing gazes around him, especially the provocative look from the Paramount CEO, Sidney took a deep breath and forced down his frustration.
He raised his champagne glass high: "Thank you for your trust, Qin!"
"Rest assured, Han's Pictures, Universal Pictures possesses the most substantial financial reserves in Hollywood! The returns we offer will absolutely justify the top-tier script Han's provides!"