Chapter 619: Additional Investment

The sleek black Hummer navigated the bustling streets, finally coming to a halt in a bold diagonal stance opposite the iconic Warner Studio. The man who emerged, Wu Maoting, cast an evaluative glance towards the quaint three-story structure across the way, its facade proudly bearing the "Davis Film and Television Studio" nameplate.

With a wistful sigh, Maoting couldn't help but affirm silently, "Martin Davis truly stands apart in reliability."

Reflecting on the financial venture from earlier in the year, Maoting marveled at the swift and profitable return. A mere investment of $5 million into a whimsical romantic comedy had blossomed into an $8 million sale. Even after Davis Studio's cut for management and commissions, the profit margins were impressively good.

This success was a stark contrast to Maoting's previous gamble on Warner Pictures' "Terminator 2018", which had nearly resulted in a total loss equal to the investment. "Martin's foresight and execution eclipse those at Warner Bros," he mused, making up his mind to deepen ties with Martin Davis.

Striding into the studio, Maoting was promptly recognized and escorted upstairs to Martin's office. Their greeting was warm, the handshake firm. "Here's to another successful collaboration," Maoting beamed.

Martin, ever modest, attributed the success to luck, revealing a freshly inked deal with Netflix for "Romantic Trouble" that promised not just cost recovery but a tidy profit. Maoting, buoyed by this news, lavished praise on Martin's business acumen, fully confident in his projects from start to finish.

Martin, while appreciative, tempered expectations with realism. "There are still negotiations to wrap up with Netflix, and the financials will take a bit to settle, but rest assured, it'll be within the month," he explained, grounding their success in the meticulous detail and timing that defined Davis Studio's approach.

The conversation turned strategic when Martin queried Maoting's plans for the incoming funds—whether they'd be pocketed or reinvested. The mention of a new project immediately piqued Maoting's interest.

Martin revealed plans for a comedy centered around Napoleon's escapades across Europe, cheekily titled "Napoleon Beauty", with a budget echoing "Romantic Trouble". Without hesitation, Maoting opted to reinvest his returns into this intriguing venture.

Yet, Maoting, ever the visionary, proposed amplifying the project's scale—and budget—significantly. Martin, cautious yet open to the idea, acknowledged the potential for a grander, more detailed production, albeit with heightened risks.

In Los Angeles, a city where dreams and schemes intertwine, Maoting's courage wasn't in chasing financial gains but in navigating the delicate dance of trust and ambition within the glittering Hollywood landscape.

He declared boldly, "I'm ready to embrace the risks."

Martin's expression lit up with determination. "Let's dive in. I'll touch base with our creative team first, and once the budget's in place, you'll be the first to know."

Wu Maoting, gripping the project plan, inquired, "Mind if I borrow this?"

Martin grinned, gesturing for him to take it. "By all means."

With the plan in hand, Wu Maoting bid farewell and exited the room. Martin escorted him to the door, checking his watch as he waited.

Soon after, Alexandrovich burst in, his energy infectious. Spotting Martin, he rushed over, echoing Mene's tone, "Boss, I'm here!"

Motioning upstairs, Martin beckoned, "Follow me."

As they entered the office, Jessica served tea. Alexandrovich wasted no time in placing it beside Martin, eager to impress.

Curiosity flickered in Jessica's eyes, but she held her tongue, discreetly leaving the room.

Offering sugar and milk, Alexandrovich asked, "Care for any?"

Martin declined, indicating a seat beside him. "Have a seat."

Taking his place, Alexandrovich sat up straight, resembling a junior officer awaiting orders.

Martin inquired, "Settling in alright?"

"Everything's great," Alexandrovich replied. "Thanks to WMA, Marius and I are all set up. We're ready to dive into our work."

Their aspirations for America fueled their enthusiasm. Their gratitude extended to Martin, their conduit to Hollywood.

Alexandrovich pledged, "We'll work day and night to deliver on the script revisions."

Impressed, Martin nodded. "You've done well. But there's been a change of plans."

Fear crept into Alexandrovich's voice. "Does that mean the project's on hold or cancelled?"

Martin reassured with a smile, "Not at all. Originally, I thought we could manage with $3-5 million."

Relief washed over Alexandrovich, but concern lingered. "Three million would suffice."

Martin disagreed firmly. "No, it's too little. We need more to ensure quality."

Highlighting the investment boost, Martin made Alexandrovich feel valued. "I've been pondering your project and even sent folks to Ukraine. You're both talented and deserve a bigger investment."

Alexandrovich's worry dissolved into gratitude. Standing tall, he vowed, "Boss, you won't regret this!"

Martin outlined his vision, "I want a top-tier comedy, the kind that shines, with a $15 million budget."

The figure left Alexandrovich elated yet daunted by the responsibility.

But as a future star, he steadied himself. "Boss, Marius and I will give it our all, we'll even put our lives on the line."

Martin dismissed the pressure. "I want your talent, not your lives."

Alexandrovich nodded solemnly. "Understood. I'll get back to work right away."

Martin's response was swift, "Alright."

Alexandrovich dashed off, descending the stairs, and swiftly made his way to his residence and studio. Upon his return, he serendipitously bumped into Marius, who was preparing to head out for lunch.

Seizing Marius by the arm, Alexandrovich steered him back, declaring, "I've sent Olena out to fetch food. From now on, we're bunkering down in the studio until we nail this script."

Marius's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you out of your mind?"

"No, I'm just incredibly driven and feeling the heat," Alexandrovich replied, filling Marius in on the budget news he'd shared with Martin.

Marius fell silent, his face a canvas of mixed emotions. After a moment of contemplation, he sighed heavily and ran his hands over his face.

Finally, he spoke, his tone resolute, "We'll never get a chance like this again. Let's do it!"

With a shout, Alexandrovich called his fiancée Olena to fetch lunch. Then, locking onto Marius, they retreated to the study, ready to immerse themselves in rewriting the script.

---

Meanwhile, during lunch, Martin's phone buzzed with a call from Ari Emmanuel, prompting him to make a special trip to WMA in the afternoon.

Stepping into the reception room, Martin's gaze fell upon Natalie Portman. Compared to their last encounter, she appeared slightly fuller, a hint of a baby bump visible beneath her hand.

Covering her belly, Natalie beamed with joy. "Four months," she announced.

"Congratulations, Nat. Motherhood suits you," Martin replied warmly.

Natalie's smile widened. "And it's all thanks to you."

Martin's eyebrows shot up. "Does your boyfriend know?"

Natalie nodded, her expression radiant. "We're planning to announce our engagement in January."

Ali interjected, "Our plan is set, inspired by your insights. But I wanted your opinion, Martin."

Natalie chimed in, "You're a genius, Martin."

Taking the plan from Ari, Martin perused it carefully before declaring, "It's comprehensive. I have nothing to add."

Ari cut to the chase, "Your influence and that of your friends..."

Martin, having joined the Academy along with Mene, knew what was implied.

Last time, Ari had leveraged both company resources and personal connections for Oscar consideration. Martin couldn't refuse, "I'll ensure Nat takes the lead in the Best Actress vote."

Natalie's gratitude was effusive. "Thank you, Martin."

Martin smiled warmly, "You're welcome, my friend."

With business concluded, Martin sought out Thomas to inquire about the Russian actresses, especially Marina.