My teacher is Bruce Lee, who dominated Hollywood.

Chapter 18: A Gift for You

Peter Benchley knew that this statement was somewhat offensive.

If the other party is genuinely sincere in their desire to cooperate, my nitpicking might ruin a tremendous opportunity.

However, it is precisely because he cares so much that he is extremely cautious.

After all, he had never seen a Chinese person occupy a place in a company like Universal.

Qin Han was not angered by these words; instead, he gestured towards Peter with his hand:

"Mr. Benchley, why don't you take a look at yourself?"

"As an elite who once wrote speeches for the president, he now sits in a corner of the forum, ignored by everyone."

"But do you feel your brain is worthless because of your current situation?"

These words struck a nerve with Peter's sensitive pride.

Silence spread among the three, with only the buzzing of the air conditioner in the lounge.

After a long while, Peter's tense shoulders relaxed, and he sighed, "No, of course not."

"Give me a pen, and I can still write words that will make Washington tremble."

"That's right." Qin Han spread his hands: "For a true strongman, material possessions are always just material possessions."

Andrew Morgan, who had been sitting to the side playing the role of a "cool and aloof elite," opportunely stepped into the conversation:

"Mr. Benchley, Mr. Qin has just been appointed as a special advisor to Golden Harvest Films."

"As you can see, all his funds have been invested in the grand plan that is about to begin, and personal enjoyment has been temporarily relegated to a secondary position."

"As for whether we have the capability to cooperate..."

Andrew took a stack of documents from his briefcase and pushed them in front of Peter:

"These are the box office figures for three films produced by Golden Harvest in Asia, and..."

He flipped to the last page of the Universal contract copy, revealing the official seal of Universal Pictures' legal department.

"And the contract that Mr. Qin, representing Golden Harvest, personally finalized with Mr. Sidney Sinberg, Vice President of Universal."

Peter Benchley's gaze darted back and forth between several documents; as someone who had worked in the White House for many years, he was all too familiar with the smell of these legal papers.

The texture of the paper, the format of the terms... none of these can be faked.

Especially that name—Sidney Sinberg.

That Jew would never sign a contract with a swindler.

Peter picked up the lemonade in front of him and took a big gulp; the icy feeling calmed his restless heartbeat slightly.

"Okay, I take back what I just said. If you had said earlier that Bruce Lee was an actor from your company, I wouldn't have been so conflicted."

The down-on-his-luck writer closed the folder, his attitude undergoing a complete 180-degree turn:

"I've seen his portrayal of Sato, and that raw, powerful energy is truly awe-inspiring."

"If what you say is true, my novel could be adapted into a film by Golden Harvest and Universal..."

As he said this, a hint of struggle flashed in his eyes.

Every creator treats their work like their own child.

"Mr. Qin," Peter said hesitantly, "I must be careful about the copyright. This book is my chance to turn my career around, and I can't..."

"I understand." Qin Han showed no displeasure; instead, he nodded in agreement.

"After all, this is the first time we've met. If I were you, I wouldn't easily hand over my own child to a stranger."

"Trust is the cornerstone of business cooperation, and the cornerstone needs time to be laid."

Qin Han glanced at the perpetual calendar hanging on the wall of the executive lounge—it was January 24, 1973.

He took a pen out of his pocket and began to write on a piece of white paper:

"Since we are going to cooperate, why don't I give you a 'gift' first?"

He turned the white paper face down on the table and pushed it in front of Peter. Qin Han's dark eyes looked mysterious, as if they could see through the mists of time and space.

"Mr. Benchley, you have connections in both the media and politics. I think nothing demonstrates your worth more than an explosive political news story."

Peter looked at the blank sheet of paper with some confusion: "Current affairs news?"

"You can start brainstorming and polishing your drafts now, and then submit them to The New York Times or The Washington Post under tight deadlines."

Qin Han gently tapped the white paper on the table:

"January 27th, which is the day after tomorrow."

"Henry Kissinger, who has already traveled to Paris, will represent the U.S. government in formally signing an agreement to end the Vietnam War and restore peace."

"Boom!" It was as if a thunderclap exploded in Peter's ears.

His eyes widened suddenly, and his mouth gaped open in disbelief: "What???"

As a former member of the White House inner circle, he knew all too well the significance of this matter.

Is the Vietnam War, the nightmare that mired the United States in a quagmire for a decade, the wound that tore apart the entire American society, finally coming to an end?

Kissinger's trip to Paris was ostensibly for peace talks.

But what about signing a ceasefire agreement directly?

How could this young man from the East possibly know such precise information?

"This...this is impossible!" Peter's voice trembled. "How could you possibly know about this level of secrecy? You are...you are the KGB???"

"Everyone has their own channels." Qin Han's expression was inscrutable.

"Mr. Benchley, all you need to know is that I am your friend and would never intentionally harm you."

"Let's make a gentleman's agreement."

At this moment, Qin Han looks like a devil tempting mortals to sign a contract:

"If this news is proven false in three days, just pretend you've never met us."

"But if..." he emphasized, "if it's true, then you'll sell the film and television adaptation rights to the novel in your head to Golden Harvest."

"Of course, I promise that Golden Harvest will definitely offer you a copyright fee that will satisfy you, and we will join forces with Universal Pictures to make it the highest-grossing film in Hollywood history."

Peter stared into Qin Han's eyes, trying to find even the slightest evidence to prove that the young man in front of him was a charlatan.

But he failed.

Qin Han's eyes were so resolute, as if he had already witnessed this pivotal moment in history.

Peter felt the blood in his body begin to boil.

If this news is true, selling the copyright would be worth it!

The fact that he was among the first to announce the armistice agreement was enough to make Peter Benchley's name go down in history!

"Okay!" He held out his right hand. "Deal!"

Their hands clasped tightly together in mid-air.

"How can I contact you? Through Universal Pictures?" Peter asked.

"Just contact Lorna Barrett directly." Qin Han withdrew his hand and straightened his collar.

"She is now my 'exclusive spokesperson,' and also my liaison between you and me."

Peter's gaze swept over Qin Han's shabby attire again, and he couldn't help but shake his head, making a joke:

"Qin, to be honest, although you have an extraordinary demeanor, you don't look like a tycoon with hundreds of millions in your hands at all."

Qin Han stood up, patted Peter on the shoulder, and whispered in the writer's ear:

"Mr. Benchley, you should know that in this world...every normal man carries around several hundred million dollars, doesn't he?"

Peter was taken aback at first, then realized what was happening and burst into unrestrained laughter.

"Hahaha! You're such a funny guy! I hope we can really work together well!"

……

After seeing Peter Benchley off, Qin Han told Andrew to go back to his room to rest, and then went to Lorna's room.

As soon as you enter, a strong smell of mint smoke hits you.

Lorna Barrett was pacing back and forth in the room when she saw Qin Han return. She immediately stubbed out her cigarette.

"How's it going? Did you catch your shark?"