sinovels Chapter 9 Billionaire
Chapter 9 Billionaire
Ernst's judgment was correct; the overseas release of The Hunger Games indeed achieved unprecedented success.
Selling 88 copies in just five days is an absolute phenomenon for a book.
In North America, the continuous stream of reports about Ernst acted as a powerful boost, leading to a sustained increase in sales of "The Hunger Games".
As of July 11th, exactly three weeks after its release in North America, The Hunger Games had sold over 2.8 million copies.
Even the media praised the book highly. Although they were still sarcastic about Ernst's takeover of MGM, no media outlet denied his talent in writing.
"It's settled. No other collateral is needed. Wells Fargo is willing to lend $100 million just for the full-genre rights to the three Hunger Games films."
Ernst, who was pouring water, was stunned for a moment. Living in America, he preferred to believe in God rather than believe that a free lunch would fall from the sky.
Wenger burst into laughter, pointing at Ernst and saying, "You need to understand, your status and position are completely different now. In America, a country that gathers half of the world's richest people, every billionaire wields considerable influence."
"There are many rich people in America, but how many billionaires are there? They're extremely rare. Besides, you're not just any ordinary billionaire; you're a genius writer and about to become the head of MGM, this Hollywood giant."
Ernst suddenly realized something, as if he understood: "They're trying to win me over."
"That's right," Wenger nodded in agreement. "Wells Fargo's rapid growth over the years is not without reason. Every emerging billionaire is a valuable resource that they are vying for."
In the 90s, although Wells Fargo ranked among the top three in California, it still lagged far behind the big capital institutions on Wall Street.
This year, Wells Fargo acquired First Intercontinental Bank, marking a significant step in its nationwide expansion and demonstrating considerable influence across the United States.
How much money can an ordinary person have? Besides, the United States is a country that advocates advance consumption.
To further expand its scale, Wells Fargo must acquire more high-net-worth clients.
"What are the conditions?" Ernst knew all too well that there was no such thing as a free lunch.
"They want MGM's funds to be held in Wells Fargo's accounts, and also in your personal account."
A personal account doesn't matter; after all, it's just a matter of getting a card. Who says I have to deposit money and use your bank for cash flow?
But corporate accounts are different; you can't open one for money laundering, can you?
MGM's accounts are of paramount importance. Whether it's project investment or employee salaries, Wells Fargo can use this opportunity to attract a large number of customers.
In Hollywood, or indeed in any established entertainment industry worldwide, investors use different accounts for every investment they make.
If someone is clearly an investor but keeps switching accounts, who would believe there's nothing fishy going on?
Don't think the entertainment industry isn't dirty; it's even darker than the financial industry.
Knowing exactly what you're up to, I'll just push up costs and cut corners.
Foreign investors want to launder their money and still make money? Dream on!
This is why most movies don't make money, yet large sums of money still flock to them.
These investors don't need to make money; they need to minimize their losses.
Once MGM agrees to the other party's request, and Wells Fargo opens a channel for these investors, then these funds will circulate within Wells Fargo.
"I never expected that Fuguo would think so highly of me."
If you don't have confidence in yourself, you wouldn't make such a big bet.
This is no investment; it's a high-stakes gamble.
With the MGM name on the gambling table, the bookmakers were betting that Ernst, this dark horse, could lead the established giant to a comeback, or at least avoid bankruptcy.
"They also need to expand their customer base, and even a weakened giant is still bigger than a horse. MGM is still one of the Big Seven; this Hollywood giant has a deep foundation, with its rich film and television copyright library, top-notch production team, and extensive international influence—these are its core strengths."
Picking up his coffee cup, Wenger smiled and said, "And you, a writer now universally recognized as a genius in America. You provide excellent scripts, and you have a powerful behind-the-scenes team and publicity. That in itself is very imaginative."
"No matter how much the media denigrates you, they cannot deny that your takeover of MGM has been helpful to this giant. The real concern is that you, an outsider, are giving unsolicited advice and creating chaos and disorder at MGM."
Ernst glanced at Wenger and pursed his lips. "If you want to preach, then preach. Don't try to lecture me with these random methods."
Isn't it just that they're worried they're just animals who think with their lower bodies?
"The fact that you can say something like that shows that you've really grown up. You used to be very self-centered."
"Taking over MGM is undoubtedly a huge leap in social class. If Garlins were still around, he would be very pleased and would probably invite me for a good night's drink."
For the first time, Ernst felt a warmth in his heart. In Hollywood, a place saturated with the stench of money and fame, and in America, a society where capitalism reigns supreme, such sincerity was rarer than winning the lottery.
He got up and went to the study. When he came out, he was holding the novel "The Hunger Games" in one hand and an envelope in the other.
"This is for Leo, the world's first copy of 'The Hunger Games' personally signed by me, exclusively certified."
Then he placed the envelope on the table. "There's a thousand dollars inside. It's for Lilia."
Seeing that Wenger was about to speak, Ernst quickly waved his hand to stop him.
"I promised her I'd take her to Disneyland after she graduated from elementary school, and now look what I've done wrong. I'll tell her this is my way of making up for breaking my promise, and I'll remember Disneyland for her."
Wenger was very strict with his children, both his sons and daughters, and the core of his education was the principle of equivalent exchange.
The two siblings had to put in corresponding effort to earn any pocket money they received.
Lilia has always wanted to go to Disneyland, but Wenger said she would have to earn money by doing housework to buy tickets.
Ernst and Garlins saw it when they visited; he had promised the little girl that he would take her to Disneyland once she graduated.
"But that's too much. I think two hundred dollars is a good number."
Anaheim is located in California, home to the world's first Disneyland. A ticket and transportation fee of $200 should be enough.
"No, this isn't a promise, but a punishment for breaking one's word. Isn't this also teaching her a lesson: to be true to your word, or the consequences will be severe?"
Wenger was both amused and exasperated. "You truly are a genius writer. Even I, your lawyer, have been convinced by your sophistry."
"Okay, then I'll accept it. I thank you on behalf of Leo and Lilia."
"I should be thanking you. I know that without your intervention, even a wealthy country like the United States would not have been able to approve such a large loan for me."
Ernst was aware of this; even if a wealthy country valued him as a billionaire, it would never give him such a high valuation.
Such a loan assessment is completely against the bank's internal rules and must be a special case requiring special approval.
All of this was achieved through Wenger's connections.