April 1, 2003, today is April Fool's Day, and also Eric's fourth day in China.
For four days, he had visited many attractions in Yanjing, with no crowds, allowing him to shout freely, a feeling he thoroughly enjoyed.
But early this morning, some rather regrettable news arrived.
Online and in newspapers, headlines were dominated by news of the suicide of Hong Kong superstar Leslie Cheung.
Eric then remembered that today was the day Leslie Cheung passed away. When he was a child and heard the news, he didn't feel much about it.
Although he had watched classic films like "A Better Tomorrow," "Ashes of Time," and "Once a Thief," at that time, he only focused on whether they were exciting. Besides a few stars like Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Stephen Chow, and Madonna, he couldn't remember any other names.
He remembered Madonna because his father liked her, so Eric heard her name often enough to remember.
It wasn't until he grew up and learned about Leslie Cheung that he realized how tragic the suicide of such a star was.
Public opinion, in any era, is an invisible weapon that can kill.
Chen Xing, however, showed no reaction. He didn't even know who Leslie Cheung was. After a quick glance, he continued to feast. Only Peter O'Toole's death would probably make him lose himself for a few minutes.
Eric, though, ate only a little, sighing with some regret.
After breakfast, Susan arrived, and the three of them drove to Yanjing City.
Inspections at government agencies were very strict, and the three underwent rigorous checks before successfully entering the office building.
In the lobby on the first floor, Han Sanping and Zhou Xiaopeng were already waiting.
After the last dinner party, especially after MGM started transferring funds, the two indeed went all out, pausing all non-essential work. For four consecutive days, they ran back and forth, finally completing the communication work.
Eric was here today to meet with relevant departments of the Yanjing Municipal Government to formally discuss cooperation matters.
Seeing the three enter, Han Sanping and Zhou Xiaopeng hurried over, and the latter said, "The Secretary is waiting upstairs in the conference room. Please follow me quickly."
Walking to the elevator, Han Sanping said, "Eric, today's negotiation is a two-in-one. Not only is Secretary Li here, but Director Wang from our bureau is also present. It's best if we settle both projects at once."
"Your leaders are also here?"
Eric asked with a smile, indicating that the more importance the other party attached, the greater the likelihood of success.
"Not the top leader, but our Deputy Director in charge of business. The top leader is not in Yanjing, but he knows about this matter and has expressed his support."
Eric nodded: "As long as they can represent, it's the same no matter who I talk to. But for the final decision, can it be done without your top leader's signature?"
"Don't worry about that. He will be back in a few days. I have already reported that you will stay in Yanjing for a maximum of one week, so he will definitely make it."
As Han Sanping finished speaking, the elevator door opened. As the group entered the corridor, they saw several middle-aged men in cadre uniforms waiting there, with several others behind them, some carrying bags, some filming and taking photos.
This was Eric's first time, and he was about to say something to greet them when the leading Secretary took his hand first.
"Hello, Mr. Cooper, a very warm welcome."
The other leaders also shook hands one by one, all important figures who could decide the livelihoods of millions.
Then everyone entered the conference room and took their seats, with a nameplate placed in front of each person.
Han Sanping, who could command influence in the entertainment industry, and Zhou Xiaopeng, who held significant power in the Yanjing media system, could only sit at the outermost edges of the table.
Because they were the direct project initiators, they were granted special permission to be at the table. The nameplates in front of them did not bear their personal names, but rather the names of their respective units.
But the most special was Susan; everyone else had Chinese nameplates, only hers was in English. She didn't understand Chinese, so she brought a dedicated translator for this meeting.
"Mr. Cooper, it's our first meeting. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, it would be truly hard to believe that the Vice President of a multi-billion dollar company could be so young. In our Chinese saying, this is called 'a formidable young talent'!".
Eric smiled: "Many things just happen to be at that corner, and then those things happen. Fortunately, MGM is doing well now. Although it has not yet restored its former glory, I believe it will in the future."
"This is like China. Ancient China was the world's economic and cultural center, profoundly influencing the entire world. I believe that future China will also restore its former glory and become one of the world's most important economic and entertainment cultural centers."
"It seems Mr. Cooper understands China very well."
"Yes, at least I consider myself to be. Otherwise, I wouldn't have persuaded my father to establish a branch company in China, because I can see the immense potential contained in this market."
Everyone was praising him, and the cameras clicked continuously. After a few pleasantries, the meeting began to get down to business.
Director Wang said, "Let me first talk about the establishment of the joint venture company. Han Sanping reported this matter more than half a month ago. The idea is very good, and in principle, we agree."
"A few days ago, I also met with Ms. Susan for a detailed discussion. We have also internally discussed the preliminary draft of the plan, and in principle, we also agree."
"It's just that in some areas, we hope to obtain more favorable terms."
Having conditions is normal; negotiations are inherently a process of offer and counter-offer, as long as it's not excessive.
"Please speak!"
"Firstly, there's the issue of technology, which is what Chinese cinema currently lacks most. I believe the cooperation model in the proposal is still too conservative, and the scale can be appropriately expanded."
"I suggest increasing the number of directors who go to MGM for exchange and study each year from 2 to 5, and at the same time, adding professionals in various fields such as management, 3D technology, and screenwriting. Only by learning as much as possible can Chinese cinema rise sooner."
"Additionally, there's the issue of film distribution. I'll say something that might make everyone laugh: we've actually been exploring global distribution, hoping to find a suitable path, but unfortunately, we haven't succeeded."
"Current Chinese cinema, if it wants to go global and expand its cultural influence, can only rely on foreign companies, but living under others' scrutiny is ultimately not easy."
"So, Mr. Eric, my second idea is to hope that MGM can help China gradually establish a distribution network, starting with North America."
Director Wang's two suggestions were indeed for the future of Chinese cinema, and everyone present understood that.
Moreover, if everything developed on track, this talent cultivation program was indeed launched approximately ten years later.
For example, Guo Fan, Chen Sicheng, Xiao Yang, Yu Baimei, and others were all Hollywood students back then. After returning, they each submitted their own answers. As for whether the audience is satisfied, that's a matter of personal taste.
However, the idea is good, but it's too simplistic.
Taking a sip of water, Eric organized his thoughts: "Director Wang, your first suggestion is not a problem. MGM can even help you contact more major Hollywood companies."
"If you want to learn animation production, I can help you contact DreamWorks. For special effects, I can help you contact Weta Digital. They are top-tier in their respective fields."
"The number of people is also not an issue, after all, you are paying tuition, not getting something for nothing."
A light chuckle immediately filled the venue.
"However, regarding the establishment of a distribution network, I'll be frank, it's very difficult. Too many factors are involved."
"Cultural differences, varying laws in different countries, diverse box office sharing methods, various distribution channels, and inconsistent film quality."
"I hope to approach this matter with a more responsible attitude, rather than simply agreeing and then perfunctorily handling it."
"In my experience, the most likely outcome of this matter is that China will spend a lot of human, material, and financial resources, but the film's distribution will ultimately only circulate within Chinese communities."
"So, this can be done, and MGM is willing to help you connect, but it's best not to have overly high expectations. Do you understand what I mean?"
Eric said this to make things clear upfront, so there would be no blame if it didn't work out later, as if he hadn't put in effort.
To his surprise, Director Wang did not show any dissatisfaction; instead, he accepted it very sincerely.
"Mr. Eric, we Chinese have an old saying: where there's a will, there's a way. Even the worst outcome is better than doing nothing at all. Roads are walked one step at a time, wouldn't you agree?"
Since Director Wang had expressed his stance, Eric didn't mind; after all, he wasn't working for free.
If he helped China expand its market in North America, China would naturally give MGM the green light, a mutually beneficial arrangement.
"Alright then, these two points will be added to the contract."
Beside him, Han Sanping's suspended heart finally settled. Although he hadn't said a word, his attention was highly focused.
With the joint venture company a success, he would have a tangible achievement. If he pushed a little more with the leaders, he might even be officially promoted this year.
Director Wang's face also instantly broke into a smile: "Mr. Eric, then I wish us a pleasant cooperation in advance. Secretary Li, I'm done here, please talk about your matters."
Secretary Li's face was also beaming. A good start is half the battle.
Although it was their first meeting, this young man gave him a feeling of being capable and pragmatic, unlike some of the boastful and deceptive people he had encountered before.
When discussing, they would boast more than anyone else, but when it came time to pay, it was always one excuse after another, procrastinating and dragging their feet.
"Mr. Cooper, regarding your investment in building a factory, I, on behalf of the Yanjing Municipal Committee and Municipal Government, express our welcome. I won't say any unnecessary words. Let's directly look at the map. These are three relatively suitable industrial land plots around Yanjing. You can pick one first."
The lights in the conference room were turned off, and in front of everyone, the projector slowly descended, displaying a planning map of the Yanjing area before Eric.
The Director of the Land and Resources Bureau walked to the side, holding a laser pointer, and the red dot landed on a plot of land as he began to introduce the situation.
After more than ten minutes, having heard the pros and cons analysis, Eric had a rough decision in mind.
"Secretary Li, MGM's primary purpose for investing in building a factory this time is to serve future production of various merchandise."
"China's labor, material, and other costs are far more favorable than in the United States, so in the future, I intend to transfer production lines here."
"Although the first phase of land is not much, only 500 mu, and the investment is only 50 million US dollars, it will definitely expand with development."
"I expect the factory to at least double, or even triple, within two years, so reserving land is my key concern. Plot 3 is good, but I need your extra attention in this regard."
Secretary Li nodded: "This aspect is not a problem. Our current policy is to encourage investment. Mr. Cooper only needs to ensure the funds are in place as soon as possible, and the government will handle all other administrative matters for you."
"Thank you then. The money will definitely arrive very soon. Susan will register the company these days, and as soon as the account is opened, MGM's initial funds will come in."
"However, I certainly can't stay in Yanjing long-term. After I leave, Susan will be fully responsible for the business here. At that time, I ask the Municipal Committee and Municipal Government for their continued support."
"No problem. Whichever department is needed for cooperation will definitely cooperate fully. Whichever leader is needed for coordination will definitely step forward. All preferential policies you should enjoy will not be missed. If difficulties still cannot be resolved, Ms. Susan can call me directly."
"Hahahaha, with your words, I am reassured."
They discussed many more details, for over two hours, and the essential matters were basically settled.
Secretary Li said, "Since matters are basically decided, let's finalize the contract in the next few days and sign it before Mr. Cooper leaves. Then, we'll hold a joint press conference. What do you think?"
"I have no objections. I'll follow Secretary Li's arrangements."
Secretary Li then burst into laughter: "Mr. Cooper, when we first met, I said you were a formidable young talent, but that was our Chinese tradition, a polite compliment to a guest."
"However, through this exchange, I must genuinely reiterate that statement. I see no trace of the awkwardness of a young man in his twenties in you. When I was your age, I was still a village party secretary."
"Let alone a 50 million dollar investment, even if I had to approve a 5,000 RMB slip, I would have to consider it for ten days to half a month, fearing I'd make a mistake and feel uneasy."
"Young people truly have courage, daring to think and act."
Director Wang looked at the time: "Alright, Secretary Li, save the compliments for dinner. We put in a lot of effort to bring MGM here this time."
"If Han Sanping hadn't maintained communication with them and given you guys the good news first, this project might have gone to Tianjin."
"Although Yanjing is a central city, you don't have a seaport, and MGM's products will definitely be sold worldwide. So, you'll have to drink three cups later."
Laughter immediately filled the conference room.
Eric naturally understood what Director Wang was saying. In the future, MGM would inevitably establish more factories in China. The first one in Yanjing was for political and policy considerations; later, it would be Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other places.
The world's factory, huge demographic dividend, exaggerated cost compression—soon, this place would become a magnet for businesses worldwide.