Ernst’s judgment was correct; the overseas distribution of The Hunger Games indeed achieved unprecedented success.
Selling 880,000 copies in five days, this is absolutely the data performance of a phenomenal book.
And here in North America, as Ernst’s related reports continuously emerged, like a powerful booster, they also caused the sales of The Hunger Games to continue to climb and grow.
As of July 11th, the day before yesterday, The Hunger Games had been released in North America for exactly three weeks, and sales had already exceeded 2.8 million copies.
Even the media praised this book highly; although they were still sarcastic about Ernst’s taking over MGM, no media denied his talent in writing.
“It’s settled.
No other collateral is needed.
Wells Fargo Bank is willing to loan one hundred million dollars based solely on the full-category rights for the three The Hunger Games books.” Ernst, who was pouring water, paused.
In America, he would rather believe in God than in pie falling from the sky.
Wenger, on the other hand, burst out laughing, pointing at Ernst and saying, “You must know that your identity and status are no longer what they used to be.
A billionaire, in America, a country that gathers half of the world’s billionaires, every billionaire has significant influence.” “There are many rich people in America, but how many billionaires are there?
A rarity.
Moreover, you are not just an ordinary billionaire; you are a Genius Writer and are about to become the helmsman of MGM, a Hollywood giant.” Ernst suddenly realized, as if understanding something, “They want to win me over.” “Exactly,” Wenger nodded in agreement.
“Wells Fargo Bank’s rapid development over the years is not without reason; every emerging billionaire is a valuable resource they strive to acquire.” Just this year, in one of the biggest bank mergers in U.S.
history, Wells Fargo acquired First Interstate Bancorp in a deal valued at over $11 billion.
This acquisition not only further expanded Wells Fargo’s scale but also began to demonstrate considerable influence across America.
The deal was completed in April 1996.
How much money can ordinary people have?
Moreover, America is a country that advocates spending in advance.
To further expand its scale, Wells Fargo Bank must acquire more wealthy clients.
“What are the conditions?” Ernst knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.
“They hope that MGM’s capital account will be with Wells Fargo, and also your personal account.” A personal account is irrelevant; after all, it’s just about getting a card.
Who says I have to deposit money and use your bank for capital turnover?
But a corporate account is different; you can’t just open a bunch—is that money laundering?
MGM’s account is the top priority.
Whether it’s project investments or employee expenses, Wells Fargo can seize the opportunity to attract a large number of customers.
In Hollywood, or rather, in all established entertainment circles worldwide, every investment made by investors uses different accounts.
It’s clearly one investor, yet they constantly change accounts.
Who would believe there’s no trickery involved?
Don’t think the entertainment industry isn’t dirty; it’s even darker than the financial industry.
Knowing what you want to do, I’ll just push up costs and make no profit.
Foreign investors still want to launder money and make a profit?
Dreaming?
This is also why most movies don’t make money, yet large numbers of investors still flock to them.
These investors don’t need to make money; what they need is to minimize losses.
Once MGM agrees to their terms, and Wells Fargo opens a loophole for these investors, then these funds will form a circulating cycle within Wells Fargo Bank.
“I really didn’t expect Wells Fargo to be so optimistic about me.” If they weren’t optimistic about him, they wouldn’t place such a big bet.
This isn’t an investment; it’s clearly a high-stakes gamble.
MGM’s golden signboard is on the table, and the dealer is betting that Ernst, this dark horse, can lead this old giant to turn the tide against adversity, at least not to go bankrupt.
“They also need to expand new clients, and a lean camel is still bigger than a horse.
MGM is still one of the Big Seven, after all.
This Hollywood giant possesses profound heritage, its rich library of film and television rights, top-tier production teams, and extensive international influence—these are all its foundations.” Picking up his coffee cup, Wenger smiled and said, “And you, a Genius Writer now recognized across America.
One provides quality scripts, the other has a powerful behind-the-scenes team and distribution; this itself is very imaginative.” “No matter how much the media disparages you, they cannot deny that your taking over MGM is beneficial to this giant.
The real concern is simply that you, an outsider, will guide insiders, and administratively turn MGM into a mess.” Ernst glanced at Wenger, pouting, “If you want to lecture, just lecture; don’t use these convoluted ways to hint at me.” Isn’t he just worried that I’m merely an animal who thinks with his lower body?
“The fact that you can say such things shows that you have truly grown up.
The old you was always very self-centered.” “Taking over MGM is undoubtedly a big step up in class.
If Garrins were still here, he would surely be very relieved; he’d probably want to get drunk with me.” For the first time, Ernst felt a warmth in his heart.
In Hollywood, this arena of fame and fortune reeking of money, and in America, this society where capital reigns supreme, such genuine sentiment is rarer than winning the lottery.
He got up and went to the study, returning with a copy of The Hunger Games novel in one hand and an envelope in the other.
“This is for Leo, the first signed copy of The Hunger Games by me in the world, exclusively certified.” Then he placed the envelope on the table.
“Inside is a thousand dollars, for Lilia.” Seeing Wenger about to speak, Ernst quickly waved his hand to stop him.
“I promised her that I would take her to Disney after she graduated from elementary school, but now it seems I’ve broken my word.
Tell her this is my compensation for breaking my word, and I’ll keep Disney in mind for her.” Wenger had very strict parenting, both for his son and daughter; the core of his education was quid pro quo.
Any pocket money the two siblings received had to be earned through corresponding effort.
Lilia had always wanted to visit Disney, but Wenger said she needed to earn money by doing chores at home to buy her own ticket.
Ernst had seen this when he and Garrins visited; he had once promised the little girl that he would take her to Disney after she graduated.
“But this is too much.
I think two hundred dollars is a good number.” Anaheim is in California, home to the world’s first Disneyland.
In 1996, a single-day adult admission to Disneyland cost $34, and a child’s ticket was $26.
Two hundred dollars, including tickets and transportation, would be more than enough.
A thousand dollars is far too generous.
“No, this isn’t a promise, but a punishment for a promise-breaker.
Isn’t this also teaching her?
To be true to your word, otherwise the consequences are severe.” Wenger was torn between laughter and tears.
“As expected of a Genius Writer; even I, a lawyer, have been convinced by your sophistry.” “Alright, then I’ll accept it.
I thank you on behalf of Leo and Lilia.” “I should be thanking you.
I know that without your mediation, even Wells Fargo wouldn’t have approved such a large loan for me.” Ernst still had that much self-awareness.
Even if Wells Fargo valued him as a billionaire, they couldn’t have given such a high valuation.
Such a loan assessment simply didn’t conform to internal bank rules; it must have been a special case, specially approved.
And all of this was accomplished using Wenger’s connections.