Chapter 1701
, Part 2
Zhang Yuan stared intently at the legal documents, scrutinizing them repeatedly.
Yang Siwei, standing to the side, didn't dare to breathe.
I hadn't drunk any water the whole way and was very thirsty, but I didn't dare ask for a glass of water or go get some myself.
They dared not move an inch.
Because the matter is very serious.
Stephen Chow's last film, "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons," brought the company a box office record of over a billion yuan and hundreds of millions of yuan in box office dividends.
The books look fantastic!
The boss secured this role despite opposition from many others.
After overcoming numerous objections once again, they barely managed to offer enough profit sharing to get the other party to sign a new film contract.
She could tell that it was for the company's IPO preparation and planning, which was very important.
But the other party suddenly changed their mind!
Without giving prior notice, they start with a lawyer's letter.
Moreover, the lawyer's letter doesn't inform you of the contract termination; it directly informs you that I'm already in court.
This is too much...
"As expected of him." Zhang Yuan stared at the document for a long time before finally putting it down.
A deep sense of weariness welled up in his heart.
It was so obvious that even Yang Siwei could see it at a glance.
"Oh dear, I forgot."
"Auntie, the assistants have all taken a break, and no one is serving you tea."
He got up from his chair.
It was a bit strenuous; this fatigue had manifested in my body through my mind.
In addition, I had been dieting while filming "American Dreams in China," so my body wasn't in its best condition to begin with.
I had to brace myself against the chair armrests to stand up.
"You've worked so late, you must be tired."
Have you had dinner yet?
"are you hungry?"
"I'm a little hungry, do you have any water?" The other person answered readily without hesitation.
"Yes, there are still a lot of snacks at home, which are New Year's goods prepared for the holiday. I'll give you some to tide you over."
They brought some food, and the two of them ate and drank, relaxing a little.
"Was Mr. Zhou Xingchi like this before?" Yang Siwei asked.
"Heh." Zhang Yuan laughed.
"You're not familiar with it, so you don't know."
"He's a very special person."
Some say he doesn't understand the rules, others say he lacks humanity.
"It's not that simple. He just doesn't treat other people as human beings."
Yang Siwei: ...
Isn't that even more serious?
"If a person feels that the world they are facing is one where everyone uses them and then throws them away."
"Then he'll use someone and then throw them away, regardless of whether the world is like that or not. The key is how he views the world."
Just as Su Shi and Foyin said.
If you have Buddha in your heart, you will see everyone as Buddha; if you have shit in your heart, you will see everyone as shit.
"Stephen Chow is like an operating system; his underlying code is different from that of a normal person."
"So you can't look at him from a normal person's perspective; you have to look at the problem from his perspective to understand it."
Zhang Yuan also tried eating snacks, but just like at dinner, he didn't have a good appetite.
I only ate one piece of candy and then lost interest.
He chuckled softly, looking down, realizing that he, too, could feel unwell under pressure.
It seems like for many years, I haven't treated myself like a human being, and have been using myself like a machine.
"What do you think?" Zhang Yuan looked up at the plump woman and asked softly, "Why would Stephen Chow sue us at that time?"
"I thought about it on my way here," the other person replied without hesitation.
"Because we're going public!"
Zhang Yuan nodded slightly.
The company is scheduled to have its IPO (Initial Public Offering) after the new year.
Once the IPO is successful, the path to listing is more than halfway complete!
The next few months proceeded smoothly, and as long as no major problems arose, the IPO was a sure thing.
The quality of an IPO will also determine the stock price after listing, and this step is very important.
And the other party did this right before I was about to take this step.
Zhang Yuan found it laughable.
Since Wang Wei's ex-wife also filed a lawsuit during Tudou's IPO, it's unknown whether Stephen Chow or his lawyers learned from this "successful experience".
Major legal issues or public opinion crises that arise during a company's IPO process can affect the progress of the project.
The public and investors have lost confidence in your company.
The stock market is essentially a game of confidence. Which A-share investor doesn't make grand pronouncements when entering the market, and then spout nonsense when they're trapped?
Seeing a green grassland, I comforted myself that it was just a technical adjustment.
Stephen Chow's move was clearly targeted.
Moreover, he acted without warning, and his first move was to go to court without any buffer time, which is very much in line with his personality.
Zhang Yuan wasn't surprised at all.
He doesn't even treat others like human beings, so why should he consider your feelings?
He only cared that this would achieve his goal and demonstrate his attitude and determination.
Your feelings are outside his calculations.
The underlying code is written this way, and it can't be changed.
The so-called right to retain the information to the public is simply an escalation of the issue.
It's a legal issue now, but there will also be public opinion issues.
Do you still want to IPO?
If you want, let's resolve this discreetly.
I can withdraw the lawsuit if I don't make a scene, but you'll have to terminate the contract.
Zhang Yuan guessed that the other party probably thought the same thing.
Moreover, it was determined that he had no intention of returning the extra profit he received from the previous film.
They want the money, but they don't want to do the work.
And given Stephen Chow's personality, he wouldn't feel guilty; on the contrary, he would think that he deserved it all.
My decision not to cooperate with you is also my personal choice, no problem.
Just like what actor Hou Tianlai said, when playing a villain, you must not think of yourself as a bad person.
Because truly bad people have their own independent set of logic and don't think they have any problems.
Stephen Chow can't be called a bad person, but his logic is indeed different from that of ordinary people.
But that's not all!
"You're half right. What's the rest?" Zhang Yuan asked with a smile.
Yang Siwei admired his boss for being able to laugh at this moment.
"besides?"
"Hmm, why did he suddenly launch his attack now, instead of earlier or later?"
"You only explained why he didn't do it later, but you didn't explain why he didn't do it earlier."
Yang Siwei put down the food in his hand, clapped his hands, and thought carefully.
After a long while, still unable to figure it out, he shook his head in confusion.
"You won't act any later in order to use the IPO timeline as leverage."
Only now did Zhang Yuan's expression show a hint of anger.
It wasn't for myself.
"He didn't do it sooner because Lao Han hadn't retired yet!"
"People leave and things cool down..." he sighed.
Back then, he was being chased and attacked by the Xiang family and abandoned by the entire Hong Kong entertainment circle. It was Lao Han who stepped in to protect him.
It wasn't just behind their backs; it was an open expression of support.
That's how he managed to make it this far in mainland China.
Now that Old Han has just passed away, he has completely disregarded the kindness shown to him over the years.
That's really reality.
This only shows that he's not stupid, but quite intelligent; he just doesn't care about social niceties at all.
The concepts of social etiquette and worldly wisdom are meaningless to him.
Yang Siwei was shocked when he heard this.
His eyes flickered as he thought for a moment, and he deeply agreed.
It turned out to be the case.
He can be the boss, and I can be his employee.
"So what should we do now?"
"Now..." Zhang Yuan was about to answer when his phone rang.
Zhang Yuan frowned, his ears aching from the noise.
I've been using this ringtone for a long time, but this is the first time I've found it so jarring.
"Hey?"
It was Zeng Jia who called him.
"Boss, I received a lawyer's letter," the other party said anxiously.
"I understand, it was sent by Stephen Chow, right?" he replied weakly.
"Stephen Chow?"
"Did Stephen Chow send us a lawyer's letter too?" Zeng Jia asked blankly.
"Huh?" Zhang Yuan sat up straight. "Not him?"
"No, it was sent from overseas..."
"Bring the documents to my house immediately," Zhang Yuan ordered after hearing the gist of the conversation.
Is Jia Shikai working overtime in the office?
"I'll go check it out." Zeng Jia threw down the phone and ran outside.
They came back a short while later.
"He's here."
"Tell him to come to my house right now, and put down all his other work."
Yang Siwei noticed his unusually serious tone and knew that the matter was serious.
About half an hour later, the two arrived, looking travel-worn. "Siwei, could you please act as my secretary and get them some water?"
After everyone was seated, Zhang Yuan took the time to pour water and looked at the printed English letter before handing it to the three of them.
"Study English properly, otherwise you won't even be able to understand a lawyer's letter." He complained when he saw the three of them struggling to read it.
"How could this be?" After watching for a while, Yang Siwei looked up and asked.
"Human greed is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant; you all know what white people are like, right?"
"So don't have unrealistic expectations of anyone."
"Especially foreigners."
This lawyer's letter originated from North America.
The sender is Universal Pictures!
The other party filed a lawsuit on the grounds that its illegal operations affected the North American film market.
They explicitly stated that they are considering filing a lawsuit against Zhang Yuan in federal court.
Stephen Chow sued the company, while Universal sued him personally.
The world is full of goodwill, and the world is all good.
There aren't that many personal grudges; it's all about money.
Stephen Chow was dissatisfied with his share of the profits and wanted to break the contract.
Universal, on the other hand, wanted to use his illegal actions to reclaim the copyright to "Fast & Furious".
The so-called irregular operation was his sale of the profits from a movie that hadn't even been filmed yet, in exchange for cash.
There's no such thing as something completely legal or reasonable; they're all just underhanded tactics.
If we're going to take this seriously, Wall Street might as well quit.
Just like Liu Xianglian's comments on Ningguo Mansion in "Dream of the Red Chamber": "In your East Mansion, apart from those two stone lions, which are clean, I'm afraid even the cats and dogs are not clean."
Only the Charging Bull on Wall Street is clean; every other crack and crevice is teeming with the world's dirtiest things.
Some things may not weigh much on a scale, but once they are, they can weigh a ton.
The other party is planning to weigh themselves after I have repeatedly refused to concede any of their own interests!
Just like Queen Victoria back then, if you don't buy opium, we'll punish you!
They all share the same ancestor; they're just inherently scoundrels.
However, if the other party files a lawsuit like this, I will face significant legal risks.
If you stay in China and don't go abroad, it's fine, but once you go to North America, you may be summoned, or even forcibly summoned.
Let alone North America, as long as the profits are high enough, they can also exercise extraterritorial jurisdiction in Europe and take things away from you.
In that case, for my safety, I can't go abroad!
Otherwise, once you're detained, they'll strip you bare. Given the Americans' nature, do they think they'll let you go?
They can fabricate evidence even if there's none, and a lawsuit can drag on for ten or eight years. You'll just have to wait it out.
The $5000 million that Universal is asking for may not be enough to cover the legal fees.
That's what the opponent was thinking, which is why they resorted to such unethical tactics.
If I, as the largest shareholder of the company, am embroiled in overseas lawsuits, can the IPO still proceed smoothly?
College students only realize after entering society that there is no such thing as the Five Stresses and Four Beauties, or benevolence and morality.
Everyone was kicking the cripple's good leg the most!
However, unlike Stephen Chow, Universal only said they would sue, just to scare them.
If you do business with us and give up some benefits, we will still be like brothers from different fathers and mothers!
Big companies are ultimately not suited to Stephen Chow's personality.
They also incur costs by filing lawsuits, which can damage their interests in the Chinese market.
They put on an act of being kind and willing to reconcile with you.
“You are important managers in the company, and you are aware of the situation.”
Zhang Yuan rubbed his temples vigorously.
I feel a little dizzy.
"There are two things now."
"These are two major legal risk events."
"One is aimed at the company, and the other is aimed at me."
"The first thing you need to do now is not to panic," Zhang Yuan reassured him.
The three of them were incredibly nervous!
Having never experienced an IPO before, I was already nervous.
I've been working almost 007 lately, putting in tons of overtime, afraid that if I let my guard down, it will affect the company's big plans.
The more nervous you are, the more trouble you cause.
Is it possible for the world to be peaceful just because you work hard?
Sometimes, the more you try to do something, the more chaotic things become, like Emperor Chongzhen.
"We understand the situation, so let's not spread it yet."
"Suppress the news to avoid causing internal panic."
"If panic breaks out internally, it can spread to the outside world, which would be bad."
"Don't tell anyone, understand?" Zhang Yuan instructed.
"As for how to handle the matter..." Zhang Yuan pressed his acupoint between his thumb and index finger.
"I'm a bit confused right now, I haven't thought it through yet."
"Go home and rest first. Come to the company on time tomorrow and don't do anything unusual."
"Just pretend nothing happened."
"Please follow my further handling plan before taking any action."
He summoned his three trusted confidants to tighten the reins.
At this time, the worst thing is to panic and try anything desperate, and then you'll be the one who panics first!
You must remain calm and composed.
Especially him.
I'm the leader, and if I panic, everything will be over!
"Which company doesn't encounter some problems? These are all minor issues."
"I'm tired, you should all rest too."
They dismissed everyone and saw them off one by one at the gate.
Instead of returning to his bedroom, he went back to his study.
He spread the two letters on the table and propped his head up with his hand to look at them repeatedly.
He was also muttering incantations to himself.
"It's fine."
"It's fine."
“I can handle it.”
"I'm sure I can handle this..."
Boost your own morale.
My mind was a complete blank, and that feeling of helplessness grew stronger in my heart.
……
"What happened?"
"I agreed to take a phone call and be right back."
"I've been asleep for a while now, and it's already dawn, but I still haven't seen anyone?"
Cheng Hao got up, muttering to herself.
She turned over in her sleep and woke up when she found no one beside her.
I really need someone to take care of me and comfort me, where did that dead man go?
Did they go out to play while I was asleep?
I think you're not planning to marry someone else if you're not going to marry me!
He was still sulking, even dreaming about slapping Zhang Yuan across the face.
I put on my coat and then draped a blanket over myself before leaving the bedroom.
There's only a little bit of light now; it's still quite dark.
So when she turned her head, she found that the study light was on.
Knowing that he wasn't taking the opportunity to go out and have fun made me feel a little better.
Even when you're busy with work, you can't skip sleep.
She stepped out of the door and entered the room.
First, cover your nose, afraid of the smell of smoke.
Only after finding nothing did I come to the desk.
Judging from his back, Zhang Yuan was leaning against his office chair, motionless.
"What is it?"
"It's so urgent, we need to deal with it overnight."
"Are you done with your work?"
"How about I get you something to eat?"
She spoke as she stepped forward.
"No need," Zhang Yuan replied in a slightly hoarse voice.
What time is it?
"It's almost dawn."
Cheng Hao looked at him with a slightly reproachful gaze.
"I was thinking about something, I was a little confused, and I lost track of time."
"You... cough cough cough."
"It's cold in this room, you should go back to your bedroom," Zhang Yuan said, coughing a few times.
"Why are you coughing again? Did you catch a cold?" The kind older sister turned around and came to him.
"With my physique... cough cough cough, I... cough cough cough, catching a cold... impossible!"
"I can still study, no, I can still work."
"It's about dealing with the movie, no, the company's business."
"Hey, can you get me some Tiger Balm to rub on my temples? It's too stuffy in here, I'm feeling a bit dizzy."
Are you really sick?
Don't overwork yourself.
“Then let me ask you!” Zhang Yuan stubbornly replied, “Are you a man or a woman?”
"If you're a woman, then let me ask you... How could a woman possibly understand men? Let me ask you that."
Cheng Hao noticed that his words were incoherent.
Normally, it's the quickest to open its mouth, but now its head is almost pointy.
He quickly reached out his hand.
"what!"
"Why is it so hot?!"
She placed her palm on the other person's forehead; it was burning hot, so hot it hurt her to the touch!
"What's wrong?" The kind older sister patted his cheek.
Only then did Zhang Yuan feel a sense of relief, and he slid to the ground... (End of Chapter)