After all of them were reborn, who would still be an actor?

Chapter 701 Li Mingyang: I am a man of my word
Late at night, at the InterContinental Carlton Cannes Hotel.

Li Meijin, Wang Changtian, and Boss Zhao were browsing the movies that Li Mingyang had purchased in the presidential suite.

At first, everyone was full of anticipation, but the more they watched, the more speechless they became.

There are tens of thousands of movies, mostly from Hollywood, and there are so many well-known Hollywood stars.

However, the film's quality is questionable; Hollywood produces plenty of bad movies...

Most importantly, these films are from a long time ago!
"It's a losing proposition no matter how you look at it!" said Boss Zhao.

“Where did he get so much money? 1.3 million US dollars is no small amount; he simply doesn’t have that much money,” Wang Changtian said.

Li Meijin said with a wry smile, "The first payment was made the day after the Cannes Film Festival closed, the second payment was made a month later, the third payment was made a month later... and the payment was settled in a little over two months."

“The PR Palm Award costs money, isn’t this just messing around?” Wang Changtian said, looking at Boss Zhao.

Why are you looking at me? I don't have any money.

Li Mingyang's unilateral decision left Boss Zhao quite frustrated, as he had spent 1.3 million US dollars on so much junk.

Forget about breaking even, Mr. Zhao feels like he's going to lose everything!
It sounds nice that FBTV has global streaming rights, but it can't really reach Europe and America.

"Where's Li Mingyang?" Wang Changtian was speechless; they weren't even calling him Director Li anymore.

“I was having a party with those middlemen at the bar downstairs,” Li Meijin said.

They spent so much money without even a word, and now they're throwing a party downstairs. The three of them were left speechless, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

After a final discussion, they went to find Zhang Wei, who was in charge of signing the contract.

The hotel was fully booked, so Zhang Wei stayed in Li Mingyang's presidential suite.

The three entered Li Mingyang's presidential suite and found that Zhang Wei was not as busy as they had imagined. Instead, she was sitting on the sofa, drinking tea and watching TV...

Seemingly knowing that the three would come looking for her, Zhang Wei calmly asked them to sit down and then explained Li Mingyang's plan.

Zhang Wei excels at using data to speak for itself. She first introduced FBTV's financial situation over the past six months, which has been basically losing money every month, with the deficit getting bigger and bigger. Last month, the loss exceeded 6 billion won.

"Six billion Korean won, which is about thirty million RMB. If this continues, won't we lose hundreds of millions a year?" Wang Changtian exclaimed in surprise.

"It's normal, don't make a fuss," said Boss Zhao.

"Director Li's idea is that since the stock market is beyond saving anyway, FBTV should just be allowed to make a profit on its own..."

Before she could finish speaking, Boss Zhao interrupted her, "Impossible. FBTV has about 300 million registered users and around 70 paying users. The number of paying users is too small. The revenue is basically brought in by shows like 'Empresses in the Palace,' 'Scarlet Heart,' 'Xuan-Yuan Sword,' and 'Running Man.' Only phenomenal variety shows or TV programs can generate revenue. The revenue can't even cover the traffic costs, so how can you talk about making a profit?"

"Therefore, we need to change the profit model."

"Purely free plus ads?" Wang Changtian said.

“This method won’t work; Korean advertisers only recognize TV stations,” Li Meijin said.

"Actually, we could offer some bundled packages and sell them together; that should be quite effective," said Mr. Zhao.

Zhang Wei shook her head and proposed an ad-free membership model, canceling the pay-per-view option for new dramas.

Lee Mi-jin immediately objected, because it would harm the interests of CJ Entertainment's cable television network.

Korean cable TV stations make their main profit from pay-per-view, and this is dismantling CJ's own station.

"While the traditional TV station model is profitable, it also limits development. FBTV will be revamped next week. Chairman Lee, if you disagree, we can make a bet."

Li Meijin lowered her head and thought for a while, then shook her head and said, "I don't want to talk about this now. Have Director Li come to see me. The film festival opens tomorrow, and he needs to make a decision!"

"Director Li has already told me his decision. He has chosen Hollywood, but he will only accept 10% of Spielberg's offer and $1 million!"

"Spielberg was only 50% sure, and I couldn't accept failure."

"Director Li said that if the Palme d'Or is a business, then he is the biggest buyer. Why should a bunch of poor people compete with me? I would rather give the money to those who flatter me than to those who extort me!"

Li Meijin, Wang Changtian, and Boss Zhao exchanged glances. They could tell from these words that Li Mingyang had said them.

Li Mingyang had no intention of kneeling!
He wants to go against all the major overseas capital groups!
"It's like throwing an egg against a rock..." Li Meijin got up and left, intending to have a proper talk with Li Mingyang and explain the pros and cons.

There's no point in fighting and not taking shortcuts.

Only if Lee Myung-yang wins the Palme d'Or will she have the leverage to stay in South Korea and take charge of the overall situation.

Lee Mi-kyung attempted to "mend the rift" with the Blue House by offering free advertising in its movie theaters in line with the government's "creative economy" policy.

She even renamed "CJ Venture Capital," which had previously invested in "The Rebel Alliance," to TIMEWISE Investment and handed it over to her best friend to produce a large number of patriotic films, but this did not stop the actions of the authorities.

Compromise and yielding only resulted in more escalation, but she had no choice but to tough it out.

Li Meijin could understand Li Mingyang's worries and doubts.

So she used her connections extensively, all to get a definite result.

From a South Korean perspective, disregarding the interests of their own filmmakers and going to great lengths to promote a director from Dongdaemun University is an extremely brainless and despicable act.

But Li Mingyang is different.

The South Korean public has an extremely high level of approval for him!
The fact that Seoul Spring Festival attracted over 2200 million visitors is the best proof of this.

Lee Mi-jin dreamed of breaking into the Dongdaemun market, and she spared no effort in cooperating to export Dongdaemun culture in South Korea.

After the election, she actually wanted to go to the University of Tokyo to rest.

However, to her surprise, this administration's idea was not just to make empty promises, but to truly unite China and South Korea!
All the actions she took were even better than she had originally envisioned.

Li Meijin no longer wanted to run away. She wanted to take advantage of this unexpectedly favorable situation to enter the Dongda Market!

Lee Myung-yang winning the Palme d'Or marks the pinnacle of Sino-Korean co-productions! A pinnacle of Sino-Korean cultural exchange!

Ten minutes later...

Li Meijin arrived at the bar and met Li Mingyang, who was playing Texas Hold'em at the poker table.

This hotel doesn't have a gambling license, so you can only gamble with crystal chips that look like Go stones.

It can only be used to exchange for alcohol.

"Director Li, let's have a chat," Li Meijin said with a kind smile and gentle tone.

"Nothing much to say," Li Mingyang said happily, his fingers tapping rapidly and rhythmically on the card table.

I've been lucky today, winning three games in a row.

Seeing Li Mingyang engrossed in playing cards, Li Meijin smiled faintly, walked around half of the curved table, and came to the dealer.

Li Meijin's entourage handed the croupier a 100-euro tip.

The dealer accepted the tip and gave his seat to Li Meijin.

The bar was full of people from the entertainment industry, and many of them knew Lee Mi-jin, the godmother of the Korean Wave.

Seeing that the atmosphere was not right, the other people at the table folded and left the table.

Just as Li Mingyang was about to complain, the noise in the bar suddenly subsided. He subconsciously turned around and saw a group of people walking into the bar.

Leading the way were DreamWorks founder Steven Spielberg and Cannes Film Festival art director Thierry Frémaux.

The two walked straight toward Li Mingyang, who stood up and greeted them.

Logically speaking, Li Mingyang, as a contestant shortlisted for the main competition, should avoid any appearance of impropriety with the two.

Even if you meet, it should be in private.

But the two of them came here in full view of everyone, without any intention of avoiding suspicion.

The others got used to it and continued drinking, discussing business, and networking.

Li Mingyang chatted with the two for a bit, and Spielberg and Thierry, who were very interested in Texas Hold'em, joined them at the table.

After playing a few hands of cards, Li Meijin gave up her position as the dealer and went to the table herself, sitting between Li Mingyang and Spielberg.

The group played cards casually, not mentioning the movie or awards at all, and only talking about everyday life and food.

The French are renowned for their love and expertise in food, with French cuisine ranking first among Western cuisines worldwide.

The world-renowned Michelin star rating system originated in France.

French cuisine is characterized by its wide selection of ingredients, meticulous processing, sophisticated cooking techniques, and a wide variety of flavors, ranging from strong to mild.

Its reputation worldwide surpasses that of Chinese cuisine.

It's delicious, really delicious.

Many of the ingredients can't be found on Chinese dining tables, so of course they taste delicious.

Why do foreign animal rights organizations frequently hold marches and protests? Because foreigners eat so much that even their own people can't stand it anymore!

Around 11 p.m., Li Meijin sent people to clear the area, and the party ended early.

Once only his own people were left, Spielberg took a sip of his cocktail and asked, "Lee, what's your decision?"

Li Mingyang pointed at Li Meijin, then at Spielberg, and laughed, "Weah family!"

Li Meijin smiled, her face glowing with happiness.

Spielberg nodded indifferently, seemingly satisfied with the answer.

Under normal circumstances, Li Mingyang would not be able to win the Palme d'Or, no matter how outstanding he is. Even with the strong support of Wall Street capital, it wouldn't be enough.

In the film industry, Wall Street has no right to interfere.

Li Mingyang wants to win the Palme d'Or, and he has to rely on him!
"So what are you going to do?" Spielberg said, glancing at the fifth community card and pushing all the chips in front of him out.

"I accept your terms." Without even seeing the two hole cards, Li Mingyang pushed out all his chips.

"What about ours?"

We are naturally referring to the conditions in Hollywood.

"Of course... I won't accept it."

"You should buy yourself insurance."

"There's a saying at Dongda University: 'Know when to stop.' It means that you should be mindful of your actions and stop when you've achieved your expected results to avoid losses caused by greed."

"Have you thought about what you'll face if you don't win the Palme d'Or? We don't ask for much, so you won't lose out."

Faced with Li Mingyang's resistance, Spielberg laughed instead, and his tone became more relaxed.

Li Mingyang picked up the cigar from the ashtray, flicked off the ash, took a deep drag, and after a while, said, "I have a lot of money, I have no interest in money, so I don't care about losing or not losing money."

“Li, I’ve always thought of you as a businessman. Don’t be so sentimental,” Spielberg said, frowning.

“Small businesses only care about money, medium-sized businesses need to consider the market, and big businesses are all about perspective, isn’t that right?” Li Mingyang countered.

“Now that we’re at the table, we should understand that business knows no borders… We warmly welcome you. The Palme d’Or is just the beginning. Don’t you want an Oscar? What does that mean?” Spielberg retorted.

"That's enough."

Spielberg laughed, a loud laugh. "Lee, I don't believe you... If you don't offer enough incentives, we have no reason to help you win the Palme d'Or."

"You took my money."

"All I can do is be fair."

The atmosphere suddenly became tense, and both sides fell silent.

At this moment, Thierry spoke up: "Lee, do you know why the New World was able to win the award?"

You talk as if you know everything.

Apart from the Palme d'Or, the other awards are not that important, and even the Jury Prize, which is the second most prestigious award, is not very important.

The selection of other awards doesn't involve such a big issue of political stance; it's mainly about dividing the spoils, alleviating poverty, and currying favor...

There has never been a single film that swept all the major awards at the Cannes Film Festival.

It's not uncommon for Best Actor and Best Actress awards to be shared among multiple winners.

The 59th Cannes Film Festival was the most extravagant, with 5 Best Actor and 6 Best Actress awards, meaning the two Palme d'Or leaves had to be shared by 11 people.

"I don't know," Li Mingyang said directly.

Thierry threw out all the chips in front of him. "We're on the same side. Cannes used to need your influence, now it needs your commercial value... We're all wolves, so stop pretending to be sheep."

Li Mingyang remained silent, waiting for what would happen next.

“FBTV is just an empty shell. You can make another one anytime. Let’s make a lot of money together! Let’s sell FBTV to Wall Street… You can’t get a good price, but I can. 50% of the shares for a gold palm, but you have to keep it a secret and cooperate.”

You are overdrawing my credit.

"Stop pretending, okay? You have absolutely no credibility. You're questioning our motives, but we're actually more afraid you'll back out!"

Li Mingyang gave Thierry a deep look, then looked at the silent Spielberg.

Finally, the gaze fell on Li Meijin, whose face was filled with worry.

The fact that these two old foxes came together... is very suspicious.

"You two are in cahoots? You want me to agree to both of your demands before you'll give me the Palme d'Or?"

Li Mingyang said.

“I’ve said before that I’m only 50% sure,” Spielberg said, revealing two hole cards. Combined with the five community cards on the table, the best hand was three 10s.

Then Thierry revealed his true colors, saying, "The other half is with me."

Now, not only Li Mingyang, but even Li Meijin couldn't sit still.

Li Meijin directly used profanity, accusing the two of going back on their word.

But the two old foxes, one talking about business and the other about friends, completely stifled Li Meijin.

They exemplified the principle of putting profit first to the extreme.

Li Mingyang could understand their thinking: to squeeze every last drop of value out of him.

Who told him to own FBTV? Who told him to be so rich? Who told him to be so eager to win the Palme d'Or?

Given the dire domestic and international situation, he was surrounded by various capital sources, and the Palme d'Or was the only way to break the deadlock.

also!

You only get one chance to extort money!
The Best Screenplay award is just a free treat; the Palme d'Or is the real appetizer Cannes has prepared!
If you want to eat, you have to pay the price—a price you'll bleed from!
Even so, this was all while he was making a film in South Korea, getting nominated as a Korean film, and indirectly winning an award.

If it were from the University of Tokyo... there wouldn't even be a chance to be extorted.

Zhang Yimou is fantasizing about winning the Palme d'Or and completing all three European Grand Slams... Doesn't he know how difficult that is?
I understand, of course I understand!
He understands better than anyone else, but that's his obsession—if there's even the slightest possibility, he'll go for it!
Cannes has given the University of Tokyo the Palme d'Or, the Jury Prize, and many other awards!

Furthermore, there isn't just one Palme d'Or; there can also be two!
Although the last time the Palme d'Or was awarded to a double yolk was in 1997, who knows if a double yolk will suddenly appear?

There have been quite a few double Palme d'Or winners in Cannes history.

Kai got the Palme d'Or double yolk.

Li Mingyang strongly suspected that these two old foxes had given him a double-yolk golden palm, but... that's fine too!
He never forced himself to be the only Palme d'Or winner.

“Actually… I am a man of my word. So, Mr. Thierry, I cannot grant your request.”

"Li, there's no need to rush to answer..."

"Director Spielberg, I hope you're a man of your word. I'll only bet half of what you have... I'm lucky, I'm sure I'll win."

As he spoke, Li Mingyang revealed his two trump cards.

The highest possible hand: three Jacks.

Three 10s greater than Spielberg's.

"See! I won!"

Spielberg shook his head and remained silent, seemingly unable to believe he had lost, or perhaps dissatisfied with the gains he had made.

Thierry, looking at the confident and arrogant Li Mingyang, really wanted to reveal his hand.

I'm Shunzi!

However, he did not reveal his cards in the end. Instead, he raised his glass and wished Li Mingyang all the best.

They then left the bar together with Spielberg.

The two got into a Maybach, and Thierry commented, "A cunning fraudster."

"No, he's a destroyer..."

……

The Cannes jury consists of seven members, three of whom are women. If one of them has a pair of almond-shaped eyes and catches all three of them at a glance, they will all succeed!

All we need to do is get Spielberg on board!
Li Mingyang found Spielberg's terms very acceptable.

What he couldn't accept was Hollywood's terms!
Hollywood has little credibility, even less than Wall Street. Who knows if Hollywood will try to raise prices arbitrarily?

It's like picking up a bride; they keep raising prices on the spot—there's a fee for getting out of the car, a fee for entering the house, and a fee for changing the bride's address. It's outrageous!
What Li Mingyang hates most is people raising prices on the spot!

However... he ultimately couldn't escape being pressured to raise prices.

Spielberg and Thierry colluded.

Li Mingyang returned to the presidential suite, where Wang Changtian and Boss Zhao were still waiting for him.

Zhang Wei sat opposite the two men, leaning against the sofa, her hand on her forehead, seemingly asleep.

"You haven't left yet," Li Mingyang said with a smile as he closed the door.

When Wang Changtian saw Li Mingyang return, he stood up, pulled Li Mingyang to the balcony, and said with a serious expression, "1.3 million US dollars, where did you get so much money?"

"It's enough that others think I have it," Li Mingyang said nonchalantly.

“You do have that much money, but it’s all in stocks! You don’t have much money in the accounts of your several companies. If you want to pledge your shares, I don’t agree.”

"Why shouldn't I agree? The shares are mine."

"My collateralization ratio has already exceeded 80%... If you continue to pledge collateral, who will help me liquidate my positions..."

(End of this chapter)