"Sorry for not being able to pick you up at the airport," Saleh apologized as he opened his arms to embrace Rohan in the hotel suite. "There was some last-minute business to attend to."
Rohan stepped back from the embrace and smiled. "No worries," he said, taking a moment to appraise Saleh. "Seems like you've been quite busy."
Saleh chuckled. "Busy, indeed. But it's all thanks to your efforts."
Rohan shook his head. "Don't say that. Your hard work has paid off."
"Your film is about to premiere, and it's a visible success," Saleh said earnestly. "We've all watched the copies you sent over, and they're truly impressive. The portrayal of Arab characters in Hollywood has changed dramatically compared to previous films."
Rohan glanced at Saleh. "This film proves something - not everyone in America, or even in all of North America, views Arabs with hostility."
Saleh nodded in agreement. "Yes, I've seen media reports from the U.S. Many people agree with the film's themes and viewpoints."
"The response to this film has exceeded expectations," Rohan continued. "I believe it's time for Arab characters to become protagonists in movies."
"Do you have a plan?" Saleh inquired.
Rohan retrieved a script and a proposal he had prepared in advance. "This is a true mainstream film, the type that has the largest audience worldwide - an action movie called 'Ace Agent.'"
Saleh perused the material, nodding in approval after reading the story and character descriptions. It seemed that Arab people could also have their day to save the world.
Before leaving, Saleh made one more inquiry. "Do you need support from the Investment Bureau?"
"This is a major production with a budget ranging from $20 to $30 million," Rohan said sincerely. "During the production of 'Human Purge,' I keenly felt the resistance from Hollywood. Under the influence of certain forces, both the Producers Guild and the American Academy of Pediatrics approached our crew for trouble. Without the support of the Investment Bureau, 'Human Purge' would not have been completed."
Saleh nodded understandingly. He had heard Rohan mention this during their previous conversations, and news from the U.S. had indicated that even child actors in the crew had mentioned run-ins with the Academy of Pediatrics in interviews.
"These organizations causing trouble for the crew, who's behind them?" Saleh muttered. "They're probably those damn Jews."
Rohan continued, "North American distribution of the film is handled by Lion's Gate Entertainment, a newly established Canadian-backed small film company with limited influence from traditional Hollywood powers. Otherwise, more people would have seen this film."
Adding a touch of falsehood to the truth made it more believable. "The international distribution rights have been sold to Sony Columbia Pictures, a film company heavily influenced by RB capital," Rohan continued.
Saleh empathized, "It's not easy, Rohan. You've achieved something we haven't been able to in decades."
Rohan smiled, "The steadfast support of the Investment Bureau has been the greatest help to me." He sighed lightly. "Without their support, I'd be isolated in Hollywood with this new project."
"Rohan, I'll support you, for sure!" Saleh assured him.
"I believe you will," Rohan said with a nod.
The two then discussed other matters before Saleh departed, taking the script and proposal Rohan had given him. "I don't have enough authority yet. I'll have these sent to my brother Mansour, who's currently in Saudi Arabia. He'll be back in time for the premiere."
Rohan wasn't in a hurry. When it came to financing a project involving tens of millions of dollars, haste was of no use.
"Oh, there's one more thing," Rohan mentioned. "While I was in Los Angeles, I kept in touch with Robert from Sahara Entertainment. I have another film project, a horror film that needs financing."
He sighed, "I couldn't find a suitable director initially. The famous white directors I approached all demanded changes to the 'Human Purge' script. I refused to compromise, but fortunately, I found the current director, James Wong. In order to retain him, I had to sign a 1+1 director contract with him. After 'Human Purge,' I'll invest in his another horror film."
Saleh offered his assistance. "No problem. I'll have someone help you with the relevant procedures. Rohan, feel free to ask for help wherever you need it."
In Saleh's eyes, Rohan, their friendship, and their ties to Abu Dhabi had been through severe tests from Hollywood's Jewish forces and were worthy of trust.
After Saleh passed the script and proposal to Mansour, it seemed that the project had impressed the sheikh. A three-person team from the Abu Dhabi Investment Bureau came to the Grand Hotel to assist Rohan's team with the official procedures for the financing meeting.
This time, Rohan had a comprehensive plan and brought plenty of materials. The financing meeting would be held after the premiere, in the same hall as last time.
Meanwhile, Rohan instructed Robert to contact the investors of 'Human Purge' and prepare appropriate returns for them.
With Saleh's assistance, Abu Dhabi's media would also issue timely reports.
Although the initial investment agreement was for three years, Rohan had planned for the most challenging scenario. With the project progressing smoothly now, he aimed to attract more investments, and the returns for these investors would undoubtedly be the best bait.
...
Outside the Grand Hotel, Hassan, with his beard, got out of the car. As soon as he entered the hotel, he spotted his friend Hussein.
"Coming so late?" Hussein greeted him.
Hassan adjusted his headscarf and said, "Adeni and Alisa were in a mood today. Ah, having too many wives is troublesome." He spoke with the air of someone who had been there before. "Just two wives are enough. Never marry four; it's a headache, and your back hurts too."
Hussein glanced at Hassan, who had been steadily losing weight over the past few years, and said, "I don't plan on remarrying. It's more important to earn more money."
Hassan nodded in agreement. "Abu Dhabi has developed very quickly in recent years. If we don't find new channels to make money, we'll all end up in the lower class."
Hussein looked at his watch and gestured towards the elevator. "Let's go up."
As they walked into the elevator lobby, Hussein got to the point. "Did you also receive a call from Robert at Sand Sea Entertainment? The investment contract was signed for three years, and it's been less than a year, and we're already making a profit?"
Hassan stroked his beard and said, "It shouldn't be wrong. I've checked with friends at the Investment Bureau, and Sand Sea Entertainment is preparing to settle the investment and profit accounts with the Investment Bureau. It's estimated that it'll be cleared soon." His eyes gleamed. "Sand Sea Entertainment raised $11 million in Abu Dhabi. Not only did they recover all costs, but they also brought in a profit of up to $9 million!"
Hussein exclaimed, "Almost double the profit, it's a windfall! Even more profitable than oil! Is that young man, Rohan Anderson, so capable?"
Hassan nodded. "I specifically asked our American partners, and the film was a huge success at the box office, so the profit was high."
"I wish we had invested more money earlier," Hussein regretted, "We did business with $300,000. How long will it take to double our profit?"
The elevator arrived, and as the two got in, Hassan added, "Let's not dwell on it. The opportunity has passed. At the very least, we made more money than those who were unwilling to invest."
Hussein sighed, "I just feel that such a good opportunity should have been invested more in."
Exiting the elevator, they were led by representatives from the Investment Bureau into a conference room, where they immediately spotted the busy young man.
"Hello, Mr. Anderson, nice to see you again," Hassan greeted first, and Hussein shook hands with Rohan.
Rohan had an excellent memory. He smiled and said, "Mr. Hassan, Mr. Hussein, good to see you again. Thank you for your investment in supporting my film. Now that the film project's income has been settled, I'm ready to fulfill the contract. Of course, if you insist on the three-year term, I can wait a bit longer."
Only a fool would continue to wait. Hassan and Hussein both said, "Let's settle now."
Rohan personally brought financial statements in both English and Arabic, handing them to the two. He said, "These are detailed statements of the film's income, expenses, and net profits, with annotations for each item. If you have any questions, we can answer them, or you can consult a professional lawyer."
Hassan was good at finances himself. After flipping through it, he asked a few questions, and after Rohan answered them one by one, he faxed a copy to the lawyer and accountant.
The statements were not only well-presented but also carefully planned, with all items within the legal regulations. Even a professional would hardly find any flaws.
Before long, Hassan and Hussein signed, and over $500,000 was transferred to their accounts.