He shouted in spite of himself.
What terms? What appeals to reason and emotion? What explanations about how difficult it was to make a film? What insistence on choosing his own cast?
All of it.
Everything vanished in an instant before the figure of two million!
One had to understand that, at the time, film investments in China generally amounted to only several thousand or ten-odd thousand yuan. Even the most lavish productions cost no more than several hundred thousand—and only famous directors could get that kind of funding.
Because of Su Ning’s extravagant wealth, he had already done his best to raise his estimate of what she might be willing to pay. Even so, he had only dared hope for one hundred thousand… perhaps one hundred and fifty thousand at most.
Now the amount had multiplied twentyfold!
Film was, in fact, an industry that consumed a great deal of investment. Though the legend of achieving something huge with minimal resources was often celebrated, it was far more common for major investments to bring major returns.
Good sets, suitable actors, exquisite and realistic props, capable behind-the-scenes staff—and film stock, indispensable film stock.
Film stock was incredibly expensive.
Saving film was practically a required course for every director. Whenever Zhou Tian worked odd jobs on other film crews to gain experience, he would always see directors flying into a rage because an actor had wasted film, cursing them viciously.
They would curse the actor’s ancestors for eighteen generations, naming every generation one by one.
As for color-film technology, that too was closely tied to film stock.
A single successful shot on color film required three times as much film as a black-and-white shot.
The cost was self-evident.
Zhou Tian’s mind raced as he calculated. With two million—if he used the very best of everything else, there would still be enough left for him to indulge himself. He wouldn’t have to make do in order to save money. He could even use one reel of film and throw it away after a single take…
Of course, that was a joke. That would be far too wasteful.
He had never fought a battle with so much money behind him.
“That’s right.”
Even under Zhou Tian’s feverish gaze, Su Ning remained as calm and expressionless as ever.
She raised her eyes and looked at Zhou Tian.
“I’ve checked. So far, the largest investment ever made in a film was 3.8 million dollars. So, two million dollars is a fairly reasonable figure. But once you take my money, you have to produce a result that satisfies me.”
“And if I don’t?”
Zhou Tian had not even had time to celebrate the fact that the two million was in U.S. dollars before he stiffened at her second sentence.
Forcing a smile, he asked, “What will you do?”
Su Ning gave a soft laugh.
It seemed as though she had said everything, yet also nothing at all.
“Ding! The host has been detected acting as a heartless capitalist. Level-three plot character Zhou Tian is terrified. Reward: 200,000 in funds.”
See? She had already made some of her money back.
Su Ning felt a little worried again. Zhou Tian really was somewhat disappointing. His role was minor, his character positioning was poor, and his popularity was low. But why was he only a level-three plot character? The reward pool attached to him was far too shallow.
If the film turned out badly, she might actually lose money.
At that thought, Su Ning looked up and earnestly encouraged him:
“Do your best, all right?”
“I-I understand.”
……………
Zhou Tian returned to the place where he was staying with unsteady steps and a pale face. When the others saw him like that, they exchanged glances, each of them arriving at the same conclusion.
His uncle, Professor Zhou, thought much the same.
Naturally, he was worried about his nephew.
But that concern was soon followed by happiness. After carefully choosing his words, he consoled him:
“What is it? Did it fall through? There’s always a silver lining. This is also a good thing for you. When it comes to recognizing talent, who can compare with Miss Su? After trying this once, you should give up on making films.”
The other students also tried to persuade him.
“That’s right. At least you’ve met Miss Su. Compared with the others, you have a better chance of being recruited by the penicillin factory.”
“It’s not too late to turn back now.”
“There’s no turning back.”
Zhou Tian finally broke down, choking back sobs. Dreams were wonderful, but they were not worth risking his life for. Besides, he had other opportunities to realize his dream.
But—
“Two million! A full two million dollars! What if the movie loses money? I don’t want that much money… But Miss Su won’t listen. Waaaaah! Uncle, I regret coming to Beiping! My benefactor is terrifying! I’m afraid I won’t be able to do it!”
And then his benefactor would skin him alive and strip him down to repay the debt.
Professor Zhou: …?
The others: …?
Why couldn’t they suddenly understand him? Was he showing off, or was he showing off?
……………
No one understood Zhou Tian’s suffering.
However, after the news that Zhou Tian was going abroad to make a film once again splashed across the front pages of all the major newspapers, many people began suffering right alongside him.
At first, hardly anyone believed it.
How could Su Ning abandon something as important as penicillin to go make a film?
Impossible.
It had to be a rumor.
But soon, the news was confirmed as true. She had even found a director, and the investment was two million—U.S. dollars at that!
Everyone was speechless.
Once they learned that the so-called “director” had never made a proper film in his life and had only entered the industry halfway through his career, they were practically laughing with anger.
Even the excuse she had come up with was so perfunctory.
“…What do you think she’s doing?” In a certain mountainous region, a dusty figure asked Xing Qiu with a frown, clearly baffled. “Is she trying to keep people on tenterhooks so she can sell it for a higher price?”
Xing Qiu had cut his hair short. His clothes and appearance were no longer what they had once been, but his spirit was excellent.
After thinking for a while, he shook his head with a bitter smile.
“I can’t give you an answer. Miss Su is someone whose thoughts are extremely difficult to guess. Perhaps she simply acted on a whim. Or perhaps there’s some hidden reason we don’t know about.”
“Maybe she really wants to make money by making films.”
“How could that be?”
The others laughed, finding the possibility far too unlikely.
“So far, the most profitable film in China has only earned a little over one hundred thousand silver dollars. Films made abroad certainly do much better, but none have earned more than a million U.S. dollars. The initial investment in penicillin may be extremely high, but once it goes on sale, the profits will be unimaginable.”
He spoke with absolute certainty.
There was no other reason for it.
Anyone who had personally witnessed the effects of penicillin would be just as certain as he was—
Xing Qiu had brought a batch of penicillin with him.
At that thought, he shook his head.
“But you’re right about one thing. This famous Miss Su really is impossible to figure out. I do have a theory, though. Penicillin is certainly an excellent medicine, but something that’s too good is bound to attract covetous eyes. It’s hard to guarantee that no one will take desperate measures. On top of that, the Japanese hate her to the bone. Leaving China at a time like this may actually be a good choice for her.”
Quite a few people shared his opinion.
They believed Su Ning was avoiding danger.
Making money by making a film?
That was definitely just an excuse!
Su Ning was extremely displeased and said to Lin Sen, “What a bunch of narrow-minded fools. Why can’t making films make money? I have complete faith in Zhou Tian.”
Lin Sen thought back to it.
He felt that the newly minted Director Zhou probably did not want this vote of confidence.
But never mind.
Su Ning quickly calmed down.
In any case, her primary purpose in going to the United States really was not to make money and fill up her little treasury—
It was to spend money. To spend money like crazy. To spend money with all her might.
To drain her balance thoroughly.
At the same time, news of her impending arrival reached the United States, where it caused an uproar as well.
