OBS Chapter 5: Kung Fu is like water, and so is negotiation.
Chapter 5: Kung Fu is like water, and so is negotiation.
The morning sunlight pierced into the dim room, and Qin Han sat up from the somewhat sagging spring bed.
Today's intelligence has been updated.
Peter Benchley completed the outline for a novel last night and finalized its title.
Peter Benchley? That name sounds familiar.
Qin Han slapped his forehead and recalled for a moment, then suddenly widened his eyes and jumped out of bed.
This is a real "deep-sea giant shark"!
Next year, this novel, titled "Jaws," will sell 900 million copies upon publication.
After Universal Pictures accidentally obtained the outline of the novel, they immediately bought the rights and handed it over to a young director named Steven Spielberg.
This genius immediately began filming the movie and brought it to the big screen in the summer of 1975.
This not only launched Hollywood's "summer movie season" concept, but also became the first monster movie in film history to gross over $100 million.
Without even washing up, he quickly pulled out a notebook, solemnly wrote down the name and date, and drew a five-pointed star next to it in red pen.
Now, I'm more confident in my plans.
As I closed the notebook, the thrill of controlling the future gradually faded, and the sense of unease about reality took over my mind again.
I have to go out, and I can only do so on foot.
Ted Ashley, that old fox, will never give up easily, because in the course of history, what truly prompted Warner Bros. to make the decision to invest heavily was the success of another film.
A month later, Warner Bros. will tentatively introduce Shaw Brothers' production, "The Fist Within Four Walls".
This poorly made kung fu film unexpectedly topped the North American box office that week and ultimately brought Warner Bros. more than $10 million in box office revenue with a production cost of less than $1000.
A return on investment of over 100 times!
Afterwards, National Universal Pictures snatched the distribution rights to "The Big Boss" and "Fist of Fury" from Warner Bros., and also made a fortune.
Warner Bros. sensed the crisis, which led to the official launch of "Enter the Dragon".
If that's the case, why not speed up the process?
If Ashley wants to play coy, then put some pressure on him.
Universal Pictures, Warner Bros.' long-time rival, is now eager to find new sources of box office growth.
And the woman whose car he lost—Lorna Barrett—was a regular guest of the Vice President of Universal.
And then there's that newly published novel outline...
Qin Han quickened his pace.
……
Dragon Gate Hotel, penthouse suite.
When Qin Han pushed open the door, Bruce Lee was shirtless, doing a two-finger push-up with one hand.
"Ninety-eight...ninety-nine...one hundred."
As he uttered the last number, he sprang to his feet, grabbed a towel to wipe his body, and continued to breathe steadily.
"Ah Han, why are you all sweaty? Didn't you drive here?" Noticing his apprentice's appearance, Bruce Lee handed him a glass of ice water with concern.
Qin Han took the water cup and drank it all in one gulp: "Master, I have a plan I'd like to discuss with you."
He will use Lorna's network of connections to send signals through Universal Pictures, thereby forcing Warner Bros. to reveal the full extent of their plan to sign her.
"Create a sense of crisis for Warner, let them know that Bruce Lee doesn't have to do with them."
Bruce Lee listened attentively, nodding slightly from time to time.
"That 'using the opponent's force against them' tactic was quite good, very much in the style of Jeet Kune Do. I never imagined you could apply the concept of 'the power of water' to negotiations. Is that female reporter reliable?"
"She's Hollywood's most incisive journalist and has a very close relationship with Universal. However, in exchange, she wants an exclusive interview with you."
Qin Han touched his nose somewhat awkwardly: "Also... I have to give her an explanation, after all, I messed up her car."
"An exclusive interview?" Bruce Lee laughed and spread his hands: "Of course, no problem! I'd love for more influential people to come and learn about real Chinese Kung Fu and Jeet Kune Do."
His eyes gleamed with an almost preacher-like light: "Americans have a deep misunderstanding of kung fu, thinking it's just a kind of acrobatic gymnastics."
"I want to tell them that this is a philosophy, an art of living. As long as it helps more people understand Chinese culture, I'd do anything, not just one interview, but ten!"
"However, you have to make sure that the article is published after I return to Hong Kong, otherwise... I'm afraid I'll be mobbed by reporters as soon as I get off the plane."
"Don't worry! Let's meet at the hotel's executive lounge!" Qin Han had anticipated this and had already drawn a line when he first negotiated with Luo Na.
With his master's approval, he immediately dialed Rona's number using the hotel phone.
Less than forty minutes later, a beautiful figure appeared at the entrance of the lounge.
She was dressed in a beige business suit, her short blonde hair was meticulously styled, and she was carrying a recording equipment bag.
Luo Na, wearing high heels and exuding a fragrant aroma, quickly walked up to Qin Han.
"Qin, you better not be lying to me." The female reporter took off her sunglasses, her bright blue eyes staring directly at Qin Han. "Bruce is really in there?"
Qin Han turned to the side and made a "please" gesture: "Of course."
"But before we go in, Lorna, I have two pieces of news, one good and one bad. Which do you want to hear first?"
Lorna was amused by his appearance:
"According to the formula of Hollywood scripts, the bad news is usually the highlight. But I'm in a good mood today, so let's hear the good news first."
"The good news is that Mr. Bruce Lee not only agreed to the interview, but also revealed to me that he was also very interested in Universal Pictures."
Luo Na's eyes lit up instantly. As a veteran media professional, she had already sensed the value behind this exclusive news—the competition between two major film studios for a kung fu superstar.
Once it's published, it will definitely bring her a lot of attention.
"That's certainly good news. And the bad news?"
Qin Han maintained his charming smile: "The bad news is, your Cadillac... has been seized by the Chinatown gang."
Lorna slowly turned her head and stared at Qin Han with an incredulous look, making him feel as if he were being watched by a lioness on her hunt.
"What did you say?" Her voice was soft, yet it sent cold sweat down Qin Han's forehead. "That's a limited edition I just got less than a month ago! There are only three in all of Los Angeles!"
"Don't worry, it's just temporarily detained. I'll get it back for you." He quickly pulled the female reporter and pushed open the lounge door.
Luo Na stared intently at Qin Han, her full breasts heaving violently, as if considering whether to conduct the interview first or call the police first.
Ultimately, the desire for exclusive news prevailed.
"Very well, Qin Han," she said through gritted teeth, "You better pray this interview wins me the Pulitzer Prize!"
"I'll settle this score with you properly after this is over!" With that, she turned abruptly and walked into the lounge.
Bruce Lee was sitting alone by the window, waving enthusiastically at Lorna.
In an instant, the anger on her face vanished, replaced by an intellectual, elegant, and respectful professional smile.
Looking at her retreating figure, Qin Han couldn't help but sigh, "This is a true acting talent."