Chapter 1551: Tan Kaixuan's Intentions

Dong Chenxi moved quickly. She led the Future Investment team straight to the United States across the ocean to formally begin negotiations with Marvel.

Zhao Fusheng did not go. In his view, it was not yet time for him to appear in person.

But clearly, he was wrong.

Soon, Zhao Fusheng received a call from Dong Chenxi.

"You need to come."

"Why?"

"Because Marvel's head says he will only negotiate with you."

Dong Chenxi's answer surprised Zhao Fusheng.

Marvel's head?

Zhao Fusheng asked in surprise, "Who is it?"

"Kevin Feige," Dong Chenxi said. "He used to work under producer Lauren Shuler Donner and was a producer on the old X-Men series."

She paused and continued, "Now this guy is Marvel's CEO. His job is to package and sell off copyrights all day long—Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Man-Thing. They've probably sold everything except Stan Lee himself..."

Stan Lee was the creator of these superheroes. The fact that Dong Chenxi could say this showed how tough things were for Marvel.

In the original timeline, when Kevin Feige first took charge at Marvel, DC's Batman series was at its peak.

Feige, however, sought out Jon Favreau—the low-budget director who had worked with him on Daredevil (yes, the one starring Ben Affleck that left countless superhero fans traumatized with its awfulness)—to make another film called Iron Man.

And Jon Favreau was no pushover either. Not only did he direct Iron Man, but he also made a cameo as Stark's bodyguard.

That's right, the big fat guy!

The one taken down by Black Widow in one move!

Now Kevin Feige had directly requested a meeting with him, which left Zhao Fusheng somewhat puzzled.

But after careful consideration, he decided to agree.

"Alright, tell him I'll come as soon as possible," Zhao Fusheng said to Dong Chenxi after thinking it over.

Regardless, since Kevin Feige wanted to meet before discussing cooperation, Zhao Fusheng felt that at least the other party wasn't opposed to Future Investment's acquisition plan.

This was important. If Feige rejected the cooperation, Zhao Fusheng really had no good way to convince him.

Turning around, Zhao Fusheng informed Zhou Jianmin and Xue Yuanfang of the news. Though somewhat surprised, they both agreed that since the other party wanted to meet with Zhao Fusheng, the big boss, in person, he should indeed go and see Kevin Feige.

"Go ahead without worry. If anything comes up at the company, we'll notify you immediately."

Standing at the entrance of Beijing Capital International Airport, Xue Yuanfang said to Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng rolled his eyes. This guy was getting more and more boring, completely irresponsible. Not only had he handed over all the PR department work to his deputy, but he was even bored enough to think about going to the US with him.

If not for Zheng Yao throwing a fit, he might have actually gone.

But even so, he was still reluctant to part and really wanted to go with Zhao Fusheng.

"Alright, let's go."

At that moment, Tan Kaixuan, standing beside Zhao Fusheng, spoke up.

That's right, upon hearing that Zhao Fusheng was going to the US to negotiate the acquisition of Marvel, this guy decisively declared he wanted in on it too.

Zhao Fusheng didn't refuse.

After all, going alone would be boring, so he might as well go with Tan Kaixuan.

The two said goodbye to Zhou Jianmin and Xue Yuanfang and walked into the airport.

...

...

By plane, Zhao Fusheng and Tan Kaixuan arrived smoothly in New York.

Dong Chenxi picked them up in person. She was also surprised by Tan Kaixuan's appearance.

"Why are you here?"

"Why can't I be here?"

"Bored!"

Their conversation was as dull as ever. Dong Chenxi bluntly said to Tan Kaixuan, "Why aren't you in Beijing with your little girlfriend?"

Tan Kaixuan looked a bit embarrassed, gave a wry smile, and shook his head: "Can we not talk about that?"

"Fine then, why are you here?"

Dong Chenxi pressed on.

Tan Kaixuan was speechless. He looked at Zhao Fusheng and said, "When did she become like this?"

Zhao Fusheng laughed: "I'm actually curious too. Why did you suddenly insist on coming with me?"

With a wink, Tan Kaixuan decisively chose to shut up.

"Let's go, get in the car first. We'll talk when we get back," Dong Chenxi said with a helpless shake of her head, and they all headed outside.

Once in the car, Dong Chenxi said to Zhao Fusheng, "Kevin Feige is very interested in you. He said he'll only agree to negotiations if you come."

Zhao Fusheng frowned: "Why?"

"Not sure."

Dong Chenxi shook her head seriously: "But Marvel is really in a tough spot right now. I don't know what he's planning."

Tan Kaixuan suddenly spoke up from the side: "What else could he be planning? He's definitely holding out for a better offer."

"What?"

Dong Chenxi and Zhao Fusheng both looked at him, puzzled.

Tan Kaixuan shrugged: "It's obvious. He knows about your reputation here, Old Zhao, so he wants to talk to you."

Zhao Fusheng frowned: "You mean he plans to use our funds?"

Tan Kaixuan nodded: "Of course."

"How do you know?"

Zhao Fusheng and Dong Chenxi suddenly realized something and asked Tan Kaixuan together.

Clearly, this guy couldn't know so much detail for no reason. He must have gotten some information beforehand.

"Get it now?"

Tan Kaixuan smiled and asked Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng nodded helplessly: "Spill it. What's going on?"

Tan Kaixuan spread his hands and explained: "I was planning to accompany Yaya on set, but then I got word from our US headquarters that Marvel is actively seeking investment from venture capital. They seem to have some new plan."

"New plan?"

Dong Chenxi was a bit surprised, clearly not understanding what Tan Kaixuan meant.

But Zhao Fusheng had already figured it out. It seemed Kevin Feige had finally realized that selling superhero copyrights wasn't going to keep Marvel afloat.

Iron Man was about to be born!

"Yeah, I don't know the specifics either. The US side urged me to come back, so I just came back with Old Zhao," Tan Kaixuan explained to Dong Chenxi.

Then he said to Zhao Fusheng, "I wasn't trying to hide it from you. I actually have an idea. If Kevin Feige insists on seeking cooperation here in the US, maybe we could join forces..."

"Join forces?"

Dong Chenxi frowned slightly, clearly not pleased with Tan Kaixuan's words.

In her view, Tan Kaixuan was clearly trying to reap the benefits.

Zhao Fusheng said nothing, lost in thought.

Tan Kaixuan smiled. Though Dong Chenxi didn't understand, he believed Zhao Fusheng would get his meaning.