[Chapter 298: Rumble in the Bronx]
Afterwards, Clinsman came in again.
"Boss, the other day, Golden Harvest in Hong Kong sent a collaboration proposal. Should we respond?" He handed Linton a project plan.
"What's the collaboration about?"
"Well, it's because recently, we heavily promoted Jackie Chan's and Jet Li's movies. Now, martial arts have really caught on in North America, and Jackie Chan has gained some recognition here. They want to seize the opportunity to shoot an action film starring Jackie Chan, set in the US, aiming to really break Jackie into Hollywood."
"Good idea, tell me more."
"They have a script ready called Rumble in the Bronx. They hope to co-produce with us and get our help to distribute it in North America. I looked it over. The script is set in New York, pretty straightforward and simple, not that brilliant but with the selling point of martial arts, combined with Jackie Chan's current popularity, I think it's worth investing in. And the budget's not high, just around $10 million total."
Linton recalled Rumble in the Bronx -- that was Jackie Chan's first breakthrough film in the American mainstream. He remembered that movie did pretty well, both in market and reputation, really helping Jackie establish himself.
He opened the file and skimmed the script.
...
Hong Kong cop Ma Hon Keung comes to New York for his uncle Bill's wedding. Uncle Bill once partnered with Hon's late father running a supermarket.
Due to harassment by thugs, they're selling the supermarket cheaply. Ma Hon Keung, unaware of the situation, warmly welcomes the buyer, Elaine, which kicks off a series of troubles.
After Elaine opens the supermarket, it suffers constant disturbances by Tony's gang, homeless in Chinatown, who steal food, bully employees.
Ma Hon Keung who loves to fight injustice steps in, helping Elaine drive the thugs away.
One night, Hon hears a girl calling for help, rushes over, but it turns out to be Tony's trap. He's beaten severely.
A neighbor boy Danny, who is disabled, finds him and calls his sister Nancy.
Nancy, who faked the call for help, dresses Hon's wounds.
Hon and the siblings become friends, Nancy grows fond of Hon.
However, during a mafia and thug clash, Danny's wheelchair gets used to hide stolen goods, making them targets of mafia and police.
Later, Tony's gang repents after lessons from Hon's fists and words.
Hon cooperates with police to infiltrate the mafia den, rescuing hostages Nancy and Danny.
...
Linton confirmed that was the movie he remembered. He had watched it, with great action scenes and lots of car destruction.
"So, did they mention any specific collaboration details?"
"Yes, they want us to invest 30–50%. They handle production, we handle North American distribution."
"What about other regions?"
"No specifics mentioned; I think they plan to distribute on their own."
"Alright, have them come for detailed talks."
"Okay, I'll contact them."
...
Unexpectedly, Linton received calls from Michelle Reis and Vivian Chow that night, happily saying they'd come to LA with their team tomorrow.
Linton was very welcoming, although feeling guilty.
He recalled spending wonderful nights with them last time in Hong Kong and promising to give them some resources.
But since October last year, he hadn't kept in touch, first due to farm holidays, then trips to India -- no contact at all. So, no resources, no thoughts about them.
Now that Raymond Chow was coming over for talks, bringing Michelle and Vivian too, it showed their importance and intent to use charm tactics on Linton again.
Unbeknownst to him, they had cursed him as a big fraud for disappearing without a word, not owning up.
They even tried to forget him, but those brief three days together felt like a spell -- impossible to get over.
Trying to date others just didn't work; their bodies even rebelled.
The past six months felt like an eternity.
Hearing he was okay and coming to meet them sparked immense joy.
...
The next day, Raymond Chow's party arrived at Linton's office.
Besides Jackie Chan, Vivian Chow, and Michelle Reis, there was a middle-aged man.
"Mr. Anderson, thank you, your promotion pushed Jackie Chan's tapes well in the US, and he's gaining popularity," Raymond hugged Linton warmly.
Jackie Chan, the biggest beneficiary, hugged Linton back excitedly.
Vivian Chow and Michelle Reis were dashing, catching Linton's eye.
But they kept it classy, just brief hugs then sat, gazing fondly at Linton.
The middle-aged man was Stanley Tong, a Hong Kong director who worked with Jackie Chan before, including Police Story 3: Super Cop, and they planned to have him direct Rumble in the Bronx.
...
After coffee was served, Raymond got straight to business.
"Mr. Anderson, you said in Hong Kong you favored Jackie's old films promotion here to build his name, then bring his new movies to North American theaters -- can we count on that?"
"No problem, we're advancing step by step."
"Great, with your work, Jackie now has a name here. Let's start the next step -- making a movie for US theaters."
"Is that Rumble in the Bronx?"
"Yes, set in New York, should resonate better with American audiences."
"The script is good; at the quality of Police Story 3, the market should be solid with theatrical release doable."
"Good! So, our cooperation?"
"No problem, but is the film shot all in English?"
"No, Jackie's main market remains Asia, so mostly Mandarin. English parts for American roles; the North American version will be dubbed in English."
"Other regions?"
"Main targets are North America and Asia. Golden Harvest handles Asia with established channels. For North America, we need your help; other regions, we'll market at European film festivals."
"The script shows grand scenes and many props, but $10 million with $1.5M actors' pay, $500K staff, $8M production -- sure you can manage?"
"We've done detailed calculations; won't overspend," Stanley Tong assured.
"Where will you shoot?"
"Though set in NYC, for cost-saving, we'll shoot mainly in Canada, some scenes in NYC."
"Good, a practical way to cut costs."
"About our collaboration?"
"I have two proposals -- choose one."
"Tell me."
"First: we only do North American distribution, sign distribution contract upfront; you produce; when ready, I distribute here, profits shared per contract. Second: I invest $5M, get North American rights; you keep other territories."
"Great! I pick the second," Raymond was thrilled, way beyond expectations.
"But I have two conditions."
"Go ahead," Raymond and team tensed.
"First: during production, we want a producer from our side to monitor, making sure you follow the script."
"No problem, what's the second?"
"Second: you arrange all roles, but Nancy's role goes to us."
"No problem, though Nancy's an American-born Chinese -- do you have a fitting actress?"
"No, you have."
Raymond confused.
"Our pick is Michelle Reis. She came all the way here; I won't let her come for nothing."
"Yes, yes, Michelle Reis is perfect for Nancy."
Raymond was ecstatic, realizing charm worked wonders.
Bringing Vivian Chow and Michelle Reis together was the right move.
They secured better conditions and got an important female role back in their company.
Linton was blunt to give a prime role directly to Michelle Reis in front of Vivian Chow -- this might cause friction; need to compensate Vivian Chow well afterwards.
Michelle Reis was overwhelmed, kissing Linton openly on the spot.
This was Hong Kong's biggest investment blockbuster aimed at the international market, and now with North American distribution solved, competition for roles was intense.
Michelle Reis knew her own popularity and skills made her unlikely to get the role otherwise.
Linton still cared for her; she vowed to outshine Vivian Chow tonight, hoping to deepen her place in Linton's heart.
After the deal, Linton quickly called Robert and a lawyer.
They signed the Rumble in the Bronx co-production deal with Golden Harvest on site.
...
That night at the Hilton's revolving restaurant, Linton hosted a banquet for Raymond and his team.
Vivian Chow and Michelle Reis sat on either side of Linton, attentively helping him with food and drink, even drinking in his stead during toasts.
Jackie Chan was so happy the deal was done, toasting Linton three big glasses of red wine, but Vivian Chow and Michelle Reis split drinks to keep him sober.
Others watched enviously.
Raymond was pleased; Vivian Chow and Michelle Reis knew how to behave. Michelle Reis's behavior was understandable given the big reward. But Vivian Chow didn't get anything and wasn't even jealous -- good, he need to provide proper compensation to her later.
And Linton looked obviously very satisfied with the two of them. It seems that he had to protect them both well when he goes back, and not let those messy people with bad intentions get close to them.
...
Afterward, Linton left Robert and Clinsman to accompany Raymond to drinks.
He took Vivian Chow and Michelle Reis to the presidential suite his assistant prepared.
As soon as they entered the room, the three of them no longer had any reservations. Linton held one in each hand and kissed them.
Soon, strange sounds and sweet, joyful singing filled the room.
...
Two hours later, the battle paused; Vivian Chow and Michelle Reis lay on either side of him.
"Honey, we lost contact for over half a year. Your assistant Meena didn't tell us where you were; no news at all. We were so worried, fearing the worst."
"Sweethearts, you know I'm a director, songwriter, and an author. I traveled alone around the world incognito, seeking inspiration. Just came back last week. I didn't bring any communication tools with me, so no one could contact me -- sorry to have worried you."
"Next time you travel, take me with you. I'll accompany you."
"Me too. I want to travel the world with you."
"Thanks, if such chances arise, I'll let you know."
"Muah, then it's a deal, you can't go back on your word. You don't know how we've been through the past six months." The two of them kissed Linton from the left and right.
"What's this, you've fallen for me?"
"Yes, those three days showed me I can't live without you, I could no longer have feelings for other men. You have to be responsible," Vivian Chow said softly.
"Same here, don't ignore us," Michelle Reis agreed.
"Think it through -- I won't marry."
"You're so amazing; It's like I'm under your spell, can't imagine anyone else."
"Alright, tomorrow you come back to my estate; it'll be your home in America. I'll introduce other sisters too."
"Other sisters?" Vivian Chow and Michelle Reis exchanged uneasy glances.
"Don't think I only have two girlfriends. It's not too late to back out."
"No, no backing out," they both hesitated but ultimately agreed, knowing their alliance needed to be solid.
"Good, we're family now. Have you rested well now?"
"Yes, but this time we want to be on top."
"Top? Planning to ride me?"
"Yes, I want to be the rider. Who told you not to contact us for half a year?"
*****
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