Hollywood Immortal

[Chapter 370: Jiaru's New Project, Cousin's Choice]

Rumble in the Bronx had a blockbuster run at the North American box office, much to Raymond Chow's delight. He and director Stanley Tong flew to Los Angeles specifically to thank Linton in person. They also brought with them a new project called Police Story 4: First Strike.

The new film would be directed again by Stanley, starring Jackie Chan. The story revolves around Kevin being tasked by the CIA to keep an eye on a female spy named Natasha heading into Ukraine. When Natasha is captured by a local SWAT team, Kevin decides to follow and unexpectedly gets caught in an international spy organization's nuclear warhead conflict...

The movie promised many thrilling scenes: ice lake escapes, Chinatown chase sequences, intense underwater battles -- the very pinnacle of Hong Kong action cinema.

With Jackie Chan's popularity at its peak, as long as the film maintained decent quality, the market returns would be very rewarding. Riding on the solid partnership from Rumble in the Bronx, the two sides quickly finalized a new collaboration.

---

The terms for Police Story 4: First Strike were largely the same as Rumble in the Bronx. The investment budget remained $10 million, with an English-language version provided. Linton's film company would invest $5 million and secure all North American rights.

Golden Harvest would still handle production, with Linton's company placing a producer on set. But this time, Linton insisted that Vivian Chow play the female lead. Filming was scheduled for August, which perfectly aligned with the completion of the first season of ER -- allowing Vivian Chow to transition seamlessly.

Linton had seen the reality clearly: whether it was Vivian Chow, Michelle Reis, Sakai Izumi, Noriko Sakai, or Akina Nakamori, Hollywood offered them limited ceilings. Their main markets were still in Asia, but Hollywood's prestige could greatly accelerate their careers there.

Most importantly, the Asian market was vast, with a huge population base easily generating immense star power -- exactly what Linton needed to cultivate his abilities. Quality resources like Jackie Chan's movies were not to be missed.

---

Raymond Chow was thrilled to see Linton agree so readily. In truth, the actual production cost was only about $6 million. By investing $5 million, Linton had effectively solved most of the financing.

This meant Golden Harvest's real outlay was just $1 million, yet they retained all rights outside North America -- a massive profit. Linton was an ideal partner. It was clear Vivian Chow and Michelle Reis held a special place in his heart, and they could expect preferential treatment going forward.

---

Linton also recognized that First Strike's budget was a bit inflated compared to Rumble in the Bronx.

But here's the thing: when Rumble in the Bronx wrapped, everyone in the production office was amazed the movie was made for just $10 million. If it had been made in Hollywood, it would have easily cost $20 million or more.

Robert, Kenneth, Frank, Blake, and Bob all pressed Sullivan -- the producer sent by the company to the Rumble in the Bronx set -- on what kind of magic the Hong Kong crew used to create such grand scenes on a shoestring budget.

Sullivan's response left everyone baffled. The Hong Kong approach couldn't be duplicated.

In Hong Kong, every crew member, including the director, lead actors, and extras, received pay far below Hollywood's -- often less than one-quarter. Production cuts extended to nearly everything -- even safety measures on dangerous stunts were minimal or nonexistent, with insurance barely purchased, if at all.

Crew were not provided with endless drinks or meals, and only two trailers were available -- for the director and Jackie Chan himself. Everyone else rested in makeup rooms.

They were workaholics, routinely working over 12 hours a day without overtime pay.

No way could Hollywood replicate that. It wasn't just about money; unions would see anything like that as a red flag and could shut down production altogether.

Not to mention, with Rumble in the Bronx's success and Jackie Chan's rise, the next movie's paycheck would skyrocket. Jackie alone could command $5 million or more.

So realistically, producing First Strike in Hollywood would likely cost far more than $20 million.

Now, Linton secured North American rights for only $5 million, with little hassle, and managed to land the female lead for Vivian Chow. What more could he want? Everyone walked away happy.

After hearing the news, Vivian Chow took a night off from filming ER to return home and thank Linton with a bold gesture.

---

Meanwhile, cousin Judy had finished high school. Her grades were mostly As, and she scored 1100 on the SAT -- a score that barely qualified her for an Ivy League school.

But Judy dreamed of Stanford, which was a stretch for her scores.

When Linton heard about her results, he immediately took charge, asking Aunt Kelly to bring Judy to Los Angeles.

He promised to find someone with clout to write a recommendation letter, no problem.

If Judy wanted to attend USC or other film-related schools, Linton alone writing a recommender would be enough. No school would deny her.

Stanford, however, was pure STEM and unrelated to his industry. His recommendation wouldn't hold as much weight.

No need to worry -- among his investors were Silicon Valley elites. If he couldn't do it, Chambers and Clark certainly could.

---

Aunt Kelly wasn't exactly thrilled about Jeff and Judy getting too close to Linton. She worried about his wild lifestyle corrupting them.

But when her daughter's chance to get into a top school arrived, her reservations had to take a back seat. So she, Jeff, and Judy came to Los Angeles.

She also came to report this year's charity plans under Linton's foundation, which would exceed $20 million.

She'd found a deep sense of fulfillment overseeing projects back in South Columbia -- schools opening to smiling children, roads being built that transformed communities.

Charity in the U.S. had become commercialized -- more about tax breaks and profits than pure giving.

In the U.S., you needed to make at least 40% return on a $10 million donation, factoring all expenses, just to call it worthwhile.

But in Columbia, though some corruption existed, most money truly went to the cause, with her supervision.

She hoped Linton would agree to increase their donation to $8 million this year and expand efforts across the entire Puelenje Township.

To avoid Jeff and Judy falling under Linton's rough influence, the family opted not to stay at the estate but at a nearby hotel instead.

Linton agreed and hosted Aunt Kelly and company at Casio Restaurant with Winnie on their first night.

---

Seeing Judy in person, Linton realized she'd grown into a young woman without even noticing.

Judy had the classic bombshell figure common among young American girls: perfect curves, just the right height at 5'7", with a shapely bust and long legs. Not stunningly beautiful but definitely above average.

With that appearance and Linton as a powerful champion, her entertainment prospects looked bright.

Too bad her ambition was to become a computer science elite instead.

At their meeting, Linton gifted her the latest Louis Vuitton bag; Winnie gave an Omega ladies' watch.

Aunt Kelly was uneasy seeing such expensive gifts but held her tongue.

Judy was ecstatic, embracing both warmly and linking arms with Winnie, whispering as they sat close.

With Winnie and Judy hitting it off so well, things were looking up.

"Judy, do you know about Netscape Communications?"

"Of course! That's my browser when I go online."

"Tomorrow, you'll go with Winnie to meet Netscape's CEO, Mr. Clark. She'll get him to write you a recommendation letter for Stanford."

"You mean I'll really meet him?" Judy could hardly believe it.

"Of course. Winnie is a major shareholder at Netscape."

"Wow, Winnie, you're amazing! I totally admire you now."

Not just Judy was impressed; Kelly and Jeff exchanged surprised glances, seeing Winnie in a new light. She was truly a power player.

"Don't get too excited, Judy. You're brilliant too. After you get into Stanford, you'll have a great future," Winnie comforted as she gently patted Judy's arm.

---

Before the meal finished, Judy had become Winnie's biggest fan.

And securing Jim Clark's recommendation was no problem.

With that letter and Judy's solid grades, Stanford's doors swung wide open for her.

Not just that, seeing Judy's keen interest in Netscape, Winnie arranged for her to intern there.

This gave Judy a chance to experience the cutting-edge tech world of Silicon Valley early, broadening her horizons -- paid, of course -- which would be a huge plus for her future at Stanford.

As for Aunt Kelly's proposal to boost donations in South Columbia, Linton agreed without hesitation.

They arranged to visit together in late July.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.