Chapter 292: Acquisition of Marvel
He Zhongqiu and Yang Xue entered the venue, which was already full of movie fans and many Hong Kong stars who had entered earlier.

The time was almost up and everyone sat down according to their assigned seats.

He Zhongqiu and Yang Xue sat in the front row, with Long Wu and his wife on their left and Zou Wenhuai and his daughter on their right.

At this time, backstage, Zheng Yuling's face was livid and she was very angry.

Just now, the organizing committee made a temporary decision to replace her as the host of the previous Academy Awards with He Chaoyi.

"This is too bullying! Is there anyone who bullies people this way?"

She just couldn't understand why the Academy Awards Organizing Committee would bow to Wolverine? Could Wolverine still ban the Academy Awards?

But she still didn't dare to get angry because she still wanted to be the host of the Academy Awards in the future.

However, the committee members of the Academy Awards were very disappointed in her and would not let her be the emcee again.

The reason why the committee specially invited He Zhongqiu, even changed the date, and awarded him the Best Supporting Actor award was that they hoped to leverage He Zhongqiu's world-class influence to gain more attention in the world for the Academy Awards, whose influence is declining.

But what He Zhongqiu said on the red carpet just now made their plans fail.

Yang Xue suddenly remembered something and said to He Zhongqiu, "Sanjin, someone from the Radio and Television Bureau said the day before yesterday that there is no major problem with the approval of the assembly number, but there is a small problem that would be better to be corrected."

"What's the problem?" He Zhongqiu asked.

Yang Xue said: "There is a plot where the company the protagonist belongs to is abandoned by the superiors when assigning a mission, and this intention is concealed from the company. This should not be in line with the discipline and tradition of our army, and it is suspected of smearing."

"What does Feng Xiaogang mean? Artistic processing can't be like this, right? Why doesn't he process it in a good direction?" He Zhongqiu frowned.

"I haven't talked to him yet. I plan to let Wang Fang talk to him first." Yang Xue said.

He Zhongqiu thought for a moment and said, "The entertainment industry cannot do without Zhengzhi. If he is not the same kind of person as us, Sister Xue, forget it. We can still use him."

"Okay, let's see the results of the discussion." Yang Xue nodded.

A cold light flashed in her eyes. If they couldn't become partners, and Feng Xiaogang had a close relationship with Huayi and invested in Huayi, then they would be rivals.

Then she continued, “By the way, Brother Xiao Ming contacted me. His contract with Deng Chao is about to expire, and he wanted to come over.

The two of them had dinner with me once before, and maybe they had this idea at the time, but when I asked them, they didn't tell me.

I find it a bit strange. Now that Huayi and Yinghuang are cooperating, the situation is better than it was then. Why bring it up now? "

“Is the situation better now?”

He Zhongqiu shook his head and said, "Since Zhou Xun and we founded the company, Huayi's situation has probably become worse than before."

When Yang Xue heard this, her eyes lit up.

She said: "He said it was a pity this time. If the contract had not ended, he would have auditioned for the role of Tang Seng. He wanted to play this role."

"Has the contract been signed?" He Zhongqiu asked.

"Some actors have signed, some have not, and the schedules of several actors have not been discussed yet, so they may need to be replaced."

Yang Xue explained and asked, "Chen Kun hasn't signed yet. Why, do you want to switch to Huang Xiaoming? His contract is still in Huayi. If we give it to him, our ban would be a slap in the face."

"No."

He Zhongqiu shook his head and said, "Brother Jing called me the day before yesterday and said that Zhao Wenzhuo contacted him. They are alumni and want to sign with our company. I want to give it to him."

"Has Zhao Wenzhuo's contract expired? During the last All-Star Martial Arts Performance, I asked Lin Xue to check and she said that he had an agency." Yang Xue asked.

"Brother Jing said that the contract has expired. The company has not given Zhao Wenzhuo any resources in the past two years. He has not filmed any movies, just one TV series. He wants to change our company." He Zhongqiu said.

"Okay, I'll let Lin Xue contact him. But as a martial arts actor, can he play the role of Tang Monk?" Yang Xue said with some doubt.

He Zhongqiu said: "I've thought about it. Zhao Wenzhuo's temperament is upright and chivalrous, like an honest man who has studied... I think it's not impossible for him to play Tang Monk."

"Elegant?" Yang Xue said.

"That's about right. Let him try it out. If it doesn't work out, we'll talk later."

He Zhongqiu said this with a smile, "The Tang Monk in the Bone Realm is not the Tang Monk in the TV series Journey to the West. He knows some magic. Maybe Zhao Wenzhuo is more suitable. I always feel that Chen Kun has too much yin energy."

Without saying anything, Yang Xue took out her phone and contacted Lin Xue, asking him to contact Zhao Wenzhuo immediately, sign him into the company first, and then audition. She then said:
"Also, Manager Lin, Tang Seng has been replaced. Please notify Chen Kun's company."

"Boss Yang, Chen Kun and Zhou Xun have a very good relationship. Do you really want to change them?"

"Change."

Yang Xue said without hesitation: "For an investment of 8000 million US dollars, no one's connections can help, let alone Zhou Xun's."

Besides, can the relationship between Chen Kun and Zhou Xun be better than that between her and Sanjin?
The last time we talked about Chen Kun playing Tang Monk, Sanjin was not very willing and seemed to be defending Xixi. At that time, I felt a little... otherwise I would have changed it long ago.

At this time, Wang Jin came over and said with a smile: "He Sheng, Mr. Yang, hello."

"Hello, Director Wang."

The two of them immediately stood up and greeted him.

Wang Jin was very emotional. Yang Xue, who was just a third-tier actor two years ago, has now transformed into Mr. Yang, who has a great influence on the Chinese entertainment industry. Life is unpredictable!
He Zhongqiu is even more amazing. In three years, he went from being a small martial artist with no roles to a gorgeous transformation.

He already knew what had just happened. Zhou Yunfa and Xie Tingfeng were completely finished.

Thinking back, the cause of this incident was still within his crew, which made him feel very sad.

Then the time came and two emcees came out from backstage.

"Hey, why did you change people so suddenly?"

"He Chaoyi, where is Cheng Yuling?"

"You may not know, but just now on the red carpet, Zheng Yuling gave Wolverine a cold shoulder, and Wolverine confronted her in person."

When the stars saw that the emcee had been replaced, they immediately started talking about it.

Not long after, the Best Supporting Actor award was presented by the organizing committee, who arranged for director Xu Ke and Wang Zuxian, who just retired last year, to present the award.

When the two walked out from the backstage, Wang Zuxian seemed to be in a very good mood, smiling. After coming to the emcee desk, his eyes swept across He Zhongqiu's face from time to time.

Xu Ke asked curiously, "Xiao Xian, after you retired from the film industry last year, you stopped participating in all activities. Why did you accept the invitation from the organizing committee this time?"

Wang Zuxian smiled and said, "Because my idol is here today, I came."

Xu Ke was startled for a moment, but he seemed to understand immediately and quickly asked, "So who is your idol among the people here?"

Wang Zuxian pointed in the direction of He Zhongqiu and said, "Wolverine He Zhongqiu, the most powerful basketball player in China, the most powerful super center in the world. I even think he is the most powerful basketball player in the world. I admire him very much."

"Clap, clap, clap..." Applause broke out at the scene.

He Zhongqiu was startled, then quickly waved to Wang Zuxian with a smile.

At this time, Xu Ke said: "Okay, next please watch the movies nominated for the best supporting actor, which are Liang Jiafei's..."

Next, footage of several selected films flashed on the screen one by one, and then the award-presenting duo opened the winner's envelope.

Wang Zuxian opened the envelope and took out the letter. He didn't seem to have any intention of giving it to Xu Ke, and directly read out: "Best Supporting Actor, congratulations... Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!"

"Clap, clap, clap..." Applause broke out again.

Yuan Hua, Liang Chaofei and others who had competed with He Zhongqiu for the award were surprised but not surprised to see that they lost to him.

When He Zhongqiu went on stage to receive the award, Chenglong turned to Yuan Hua who was sitting behind him and said, "Don't think there is any inside information. He played Qin Shi Huang very realistically! Really, I didn't lie."

Liang Chaofei, who was two seats behind Yuan Hua, asked curiously, "Brother, what's the real method?"

"That's right, oh, it's true..."

Chenglong racked his brains and thought about it, then said, "It's that kind of momentum, so domineering! When he looks at you, you feel weak in the knees.

Compared to that, the Qin Shi Huang played by Chen Daoming in the movie Hero is much more domineering. You will know it when you see the movie. "

Liang Chaofei was stunned. Is Wolverine's acting so good? Then it's okay to lose to him!

In fact, Chenglong and Liang Chaowei didn't know that when He Zhongqiu played the role of Qin Shihuang, his qi and blood at the level of more than 100 were running at full power, and his momentum exploded, with a powerful aura. Anyone who was nearby, as long as their qi and blood were weaker than him, would be affected and suppressed.

He Zhongqiu strode to the emcee desk, shook hands with Director Xu Ke, then hugged Wang Zuxian and said with a smile:

"Miss Zuxian, let's play together if we have a chance."

"It's a deal." Wang Zuxian nodded quickly and said with a smile.

He Zhongqiu took the Best Supporting Actor trophy from Wang Zuxian, raised the microphone which was a little low, leaned forward slightly and said:
“I’m glad to be here at the Academy Awards and I’m glad to win the award, it’s been a good trip.

I hope to have more cooperation with the Hong Kong film industry in the future, and to have pleasant cooperation to jointly develop our Chinese film industry."

After a few polite words, he shook hands with Xu Wang and the other man again, then left the stage.

"They like you, but not me."

When He Zhongqiu came down to receive the award, Chenglong complained.

"I suggest you make an art film, a tragedy, and kill yourself. I think it will be no problem for you to win the Best Actor award," said He Zhongqiu.

Chenglong's old face fell. I would rather not win an Academy Award in my life than make a movie like that.

"Ha ha……"

Liang Jiafei and others around him were laughing so hard that their stomachs were churning.

At this year's Academy Awards, "Kung Fu" became the biggest winner, winning the Best Film award.

But the Best Director award was not given to Stephen Chow, but to Derek Yee for "One Nite in Mongkok".

Another winner was Wong Ka Wai's 2046, with Leung Chiu Wai and Cheung Tzu Yi taking the Best Actor and Best Actress awards respectively.

The Legend of the Dragon was nominated for Best Film, but Dragon himself did not receive any nominations, just like in previous years.

After the ceremony, Chenglong invited a large group of celebrities to the party.

It was already three o'clock in the morning after the party. He Zhongqiu took a short rest and slept for a while, then took the 9 o'clock flight to New York.

"Brother Xun, I don't know who has taken my role. Can you help me find out?"

"You haven't signed the contract yet?"

"There are some issues with the schedule, and we are preparing to adjust it, so we haven't signed the contract yet. We just received a notice that the role has been changed."

"Oh, let me ask."

At this time, Zhou Xun learned from Chen Kun that his role had been changed.

Surprised, he called Lin Xue, the manager of the artist department, and Lin Xue said, "Xun brother, after repeated consideration, the crew feels that Chen Kun's temperament is a bit too feminine and does not fit the setting of Tang Monk.

Our company has such a huge investment in this drama, so we have to be cautious. We hope that every character is perfect. I hope you understand, Brother Xun."

Zhou Xun had no choice. Changing roles was a common occurrence. Not to mention those who had not signed a contract, even those who had signed a contract would be replaced as well.

Besides, the investment in this play is really huge, 600 to 700 million RMB, and the roles may be changed in the future.

Now she and several other female protagonists including Liu Yifei are practicing martial arts. The Sword Witch is good at swordsmanship, so the crew has arranged a professional swordsmanship coach to teach her how to practice sword skills, and also arranged a drama master to teach them how to practice body movements.

Chen Kun's replacement made her more alert. If she didn't practice well, she might be replaced. Zhongqiu Film and Television Company would definitely not care about the liquidated damages.

……

Thirteen hours later, when He Zhongqiu arrived in New York, it was 23 a.m. on the 8rd, New York time, time for breakfast.

He and Philip found a restaurant to have breakfast, and then went to see the newly purchased villa on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

The training hall has been built and the decoration facilities are ready, but there is still some paint smell.

"Boss, after a few years, this mansion will definitely appreciate in value." Philip said enviously.

"I want to sell the villa I live in now, and I don't want to pay more property taxes," said He Zhongqiu.

"Buying a house can be reasonably tax-exempt, but you have to pay taxes when you sell the property," said Philip.

"That's more cost-effective than paying property tax every year," said He Zhongqiu.

Philip didn't say anything else. He certainly knew that people like Wolverine would definitely engage in various legal tax evasion methods.

For rich people, there are too many ways to avoid taxes, such as investment, charity, foundation, etc., because American laws are made by rich people.

"Boss, Walt Disney has acquired Marvel for $3.7 billion in cash. The announcement is coming soon."

As soon as he got home, He Zhongqiu received a call from Ross Lewis.

"The capital behind Marvel you mentioned is Disney?" he asked.

Lewis said: "Not only Disney, but also Universal and New Line Studios wanted to acquire Marvel, but Disney succeeded."

"Disney is so optimistic about Marvel?" he asked.

Ross Lewis explained: “Marvel has sold many Marvel characters to other companies and studios before, and now they are slowly expiring, and these characters will return to Marvel.

For example, this year, Marvel has taken back the character of Black Panther, and this year it will also take back the copyright of Iron Man from New Line Cinema.

Next year, we can recover the copyright of Thor from Sony, the copyright of Black Widow from Lionsgate, and then the copyright of Hulk from Universal Pictures.

Other Marvel characters, such as Daredevil, Spider-Man, etc., will return to the Marvel world.

By the way, Blade Warrior in the hands of New Line Cinema is also a character that Marvel can take back. The box office of Blade 3, which grossed over million U.S. dollars, activated Marvel. "

He Zhongqiu didn't know any of this. It turned out that the copyrights of these characters had been sold by Marvel.

That is to say, even if the copyrights of his superheroes are sold, they cannot be sold out all at once. Like Marvel, he must only sell the copyrights for a few years and take them back when the expiration date comes.

Lewis continued: "In the next few years, the value of Marvel has continued to return, so Disney is willing to spend $3.7 billion to acquire it."

"Ross, will Disney continue to talk to us about the role of King He?" he asked.

Lewis said: "Disney is eager to spend a lot of money to acquire Marvel, I think it's not just Marvel
The potential of those characters.

I think that you, Boss, are an important opportunity for Disney to acquire Marvel. Disney wants to harvest the potential market you bring, realize your influence, and use your superhero attributes to activate the Marvel market. "

"is it?"

He Zhongqiu was a little skeptical, did he have such influence?
Ross Lewis said excitedly at this time: "Boss, I even have a movie idea, all the Marvel heroes are sealed, except you.

You are the only living superhero in the Marvel world, and you personally awaken all the Marvel heroes. If this can be filmed, it must be really great!"

"Haha, then you go find a screenwriter to write the script, and we'll shoot it during the next offseason." He Zhongqiu said with a smile.

"OK!"

Ross Lewis excitedly agreed.

He Zhongqiu thought it over and said, "Ross, let's just wait until the Iron Eagle King is released before negotiating with Disney. Whether it will succeed or not depends on our own strength."

"it is good."

Ross Lewis agreed with He Zhongqiu's idea. If Iron Eagle King was a big hit at the box office, they would have more confidence in negotiating with Disney and would be able to maximize their profits.

Of course, the risks are also great. If the box office fails or is average, the role of King He may die, and even Wolverine's value may drop significantly.

However, Wolverine has a better chance of being a box office hit since it is the first movie with Wolverine as the main character.

He Zhongqiu then called his accountant and asked about this year's tax filing. The accountant told him that everything had been settled and the tax bureau was reviewing it.

All his income from April last year to now has to be taxed. The NBA salary income has been withheld, as well as the income from advertising endorsements, commercial activities, income from an MMA match and a boxing match, film remuneration, etc. He has $800 million to pay in taxes.

He does not have a green card in the United States, so he does not need to report the MMA match in Tokyo in the United States, but he has to report taxes in Japan.

He can save a lot of money through various reasonable tax avoidance methods, but he still has to pay nearly $200 million in personal income tax.

He had already prepared the money, and had not touched any of his previous advertising endorsement income.

At 2005 a.m. on April 4, 24, the NBA officially announced a number of individual honors for the regular season on its official website.

He Zhongqiu retained the scoring title and won the blocked shot title.

Nash retained his assist title, Garnett retained his rebound title, and Larry Hughes won the steal title.

The best sixth man award was won by Jamal Crawford of the Knicks, the best rookie award was won by Emeka Okafor, the DPOY award was won by Ben Wallace, and the best coach award was retained by Rick Carlisle.

In addition, the league announced that it will announce the MVP winner after the first round and the best lineup after the second round.

(End of this chapter)