Chapter 1559: An Original Approach

Although he enjoyed resting, Zhao Fusheng knew that often people were driven forward by life, unable to help themselves.

Like himself now, even if he wanted to stop, he probably wouldn't have the chance.

Having been back in the capital for only a few days, Zhao Fusheng felt as if he had countless things to handle. Future Investment, Future Film, Future Advertising—almost all the subsidiaries were asking for his opinion.

That was the boss's prerogative. Even though Zhao Fusheng rarely participated in the company's management now, as chairman of the group, he still needed to know the situation of every subsidiary inside out.

Fortunately, there was Zheng Yao. She had a clear grasp of the entire group's situation and provided Zhao Fusheng with great help.

Moreover, because of Zhao Fusheng's influence over the company, he actually understood most of the overall situation of the Future Group.

The busy days didn't last long. After spending Christmas in the capital with his wife and daughter, Zhao Fusheng had originally planned to celebrate New Year's with them, but unfortunately, plans changed.

"So soon? The project has been greenlit?"

Zhao Fusheng held the phone, somewhat surprised, and asked Kevin Feige on the other end.

Kevin Feige chuckled: "Zhao, Marvel has been dormant for too long."

Hearing this, Zhao Fusheng was momentarily stunned, then understood what Kevin Feige meant.

He was speaking from the heart, uttering a complete truth.

In recent years, Marvel had been in trouble. Although the entire company was seeking a way to rise, every attempt ultimately ended in failure.

Under these circumstances, now that they suddenly had money, everyone from the CEO to the lowest-level employees was holding their breath.

They hoped to recreate the glory of the past!

Zhao Fusheng could understand Kevin Feige's feelings, and he even thought that without such emotions as motivation, he might not be able to make "Iron Man" well.

Of course, as an investor, Zhao Fusheng couldn't show his attitude too directly. So after thinking it over, he said to Kevin Feige: "Mr. Feige, I appreciate your work enthusiasm, but I hope you remember that this project is not being invested in just to revive Marvel Studios."

Although this was somewhat direct, Zhao Fusheng felt it was the best way to express himself.

He was in business, not running a charity.

Kevin Feige wasn't stupid; he naturally understood Zhao Fusheng's meaning. He nodded and said: "Zhao, you can rest assured. I swear on my reputation that this film will bring substantial returns to the investors!"

Zhao Fusheng nodded: "That's good."

To be honest, Zhao Fusheng didn't really care about Kevin Feige's words. Not because he knew from foresight that the film wouldn't lose money, but because he knew that such talk could be taken with a grain of salt; there was no need to take it to heart.

Whether it was the film director or the producer, what they said before and after filming were completely different.

Before filming, these people would swear their film would be a blockbuster. But once they actually started shooting, they themselves couldn't guarantee what they would produce.

Especially in Hollywood, the amount of investments that got screwed over every year could shock people.

The reason why few people independently invest in a film in Hollywood now is that investors have been burned too many times.

Even a big company like MGM could be driven to bankruptcy by such losses, let alone smaller investors.

This included Marvel's "Iron Man." Kevin Feige had to talk endlessly and still managed to rope in some small film investment companies, plus the funds Zhao Fusheng had previously injected, to get the film off the ground.

"If you don't mind, would you like to come to the US as a co-producer?"

As if to reassure Zhao Fusheng, Kevin Feige suddenly proposed to him.

Zhao Fusheng was taken aback, then laughed.

He had previously served as a producer on the set of "Crazy Racer," albeit in name only, but it had been quite interesting. Although the film wasn't finished yet, according to feedback from Ye Jing, Ning Hao had done a really good job with it.

And now, Kevin Feige was actually inviting him to be a co-producer for "Iron Man."

"Interesting!"

This thought flashed through his mind. Zhao Fusheng smiled: "Alright, I'll think it over and get back to you."

After hanging up, Zhao Fusheng thought for a long time, hesitated, but ultimately made up his mind.

No matter what, he couldn't refuse such an interesting opportunity.

In Zhao Fusheng's view, if he, a Chinese person, could be listed as a co-producer on a Marvel work, it would be a very gratifying thing.

Having lived a second life, Zhao Fusheng couldn't refuse things that made him happy.

...

...

He told Fan Baobao about Kevin Feige's invitation. Fan Baobao was overjoyed and hurriedly urged Zhao Fusheng to go to the US immediately.

"This is great!"

Fan Baobao said seriously to Zhao Fusheng: "No Chinese person has ever been a producer for a Hollywood film. If you can leave your mark in Hollywood, then in the future..."

Clearly, she was thinking more long-term.

"You're not thinking that if I become famous, I can help domestic artists develop in Hollywood, are you?" Zhao Fusheng said helplessly, looking at his wife.

Fan Baobao giggled, reached out and took Zhao Fusheng's arm: "Honey, you can do it!"

Helplessly rolling his eyes, Zhao Fusheng didn't take her words to heart. This woman was going crazy.

Since giving birth, Fan Baobao had been acting strangely all day, and Zhao Fusheng couldn't be bothered to complain about her.

But on second thought, Zhao Fusheng changed his mind.

The next morning, Zhao Fusheng had Wu Sijie drive him to Future Film.

"Why are you here?"

Looking at Zhao Fusheng with some surprise, Ye Jing was a bit puzzled.

Recently, there was nothing on his end that required Zhao Fusheng's involvement. The earlier issues with filming "Crazy Racer" had been resolved, and Zhao Fusheng's presence or absence as a nominal producer had no impact on the film's production.

As for other business, he could handle it all himself; there was no need for Zhao Fusheng.

If anything came up, he could just send an email to Zheng Yao.

"There's something I want to discuss with you."

Zhao Fusheng said to Ye Jing with a smile.

Ye Jing was taken aback but nodded: "Go ahead."

Zhao Fusheng nodded and laid out his ideas.

After a long while, Ye Jing stared at Zhao Fusheng in shock: "You, you're not joking, are you?"

Zhao Fusheng: "Do I look like someone who jokes?"

"But, you want me to be a Hollywood producer? How is that possible?" Ye Jing said helplessly, looking at Zhao Fusheng as if he were talking in his sleep.

Zhao Fusheng looked seriously at Ye Jing: "Why is it impossible? I'm now a major shareholder of Marvel. As the producer of Marvel's latest film, why can't I send you as my representative?"

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Fusheng added: "Moreover, I think we could have Future Film invest a portion and be a co-producer. What do you think?"

Ye Jing was about to refuse Zhao Fusheng, but the words caught in his throat, and he froze.

After a long pause, Ye Jing looked up at Zhao Fusheng and said: "This actually could work."

"Really?"

Zhao Fusheng was startled, then said excitedly: "So my idea isn't wrong."

"Not only is it not wrong, but if successful, it will be a very important opportunity for our company!"

Ye Jing said seriously, his face brimming with unprecedented confidence.