Looking at Mansour beside him, Michael Davenport smiled. "Please go ahead."
The money hadn't yet been transferred, so as long as the conditions weren't excessive, he would agree first and deal with the rest later.
Mansour spoke slowly. "The film must not contain any content praising Jewish people or defaming Arabs."
Michael responded immediately, "Rest assured, the Arabs will be the saviors of the Americans."
Mansour nodded. "The film must prominently feature the name of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority."
"No problem," Michael agreed. "It will be displayed at the beginning, alongside Seagull Entertainment's logo."
Mansour, familiar with Hollywood films, understood this meant significant visibility. "That works," he said. "You also need to ensure this film gets a theatrical release and not just a video release."
"Of course!" Michael said earnestly. "That's my goal and my father's wish. To grow Seagull Entertainment, releasing a major film in theaters is a necessity."
Mansour seemed very satisfied. "Lastly, the film's distribution in the Arab world must be handled by me."
Michael nodded lightly. "Agreed."
"Since there are no objections," Mansour, having made his decision, acted decisively. "We can sign the contract this afternoon."
For Michael, the sooner the better. He managed to contain his inner excitement and desire, responding calmly, "I need lawyer Ibrahim to be present. I'm not well-versed in legal matters."
Mansour had no objections to following proper procedures. "That's reasonable," he said. He then instructed his thin assistant, "Make the arrangements."
Following this, Mansour and Michael engaged in conversation, focusing on Western perceptions of Arabs. Though Michael wasn't well-versed in sociopolitical matters, he had insights beyond his time and maintained a stance critical of Jewish influence, making the discussion lively and engaging.
At noon, Mansour hosted Michael for lunch. Despite the cordiality, Michael kept the conversation light, steering clear of any mention of the film's financing structure unless prompted.
In the afternoon, the contract signing ceremony proceeded smoothly. With the lawyer's endorsement, Michael, representing Seagull Entertainment, and Mansour, representing the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, signed a three-year investment agreement for "The Purge."
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority would finance the project, while Seagull Entertainment would handle the planning and execution. After three years, the principal amount and calculated box office profits would be returned.
Back at the conference, it was almost closing time. Aside from Mary, Robert, and some local staff provided by Abu Dhabi, there were hardly any attendees left.
"How did it go?" Robert pulled Michael aside into a quiet corner of the conference hall. "Why were you gone all day?"
Mary also looked at Michael with concern. "Did you close the deal?"
Michael exhaled deeply, clenched his fist, and said, "This afternoon, I officially signed the investment agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority."
Robert couldn't wait to ask, "How much did they invest?"
The excitement on Michael's face flickered briefly as he maintained his composure and said, "Eight million dollars."
"What?" Mary instinctively rubbed her ears, doubting what she heard.
Robert's eyes widened. "Eight million dollars?"
Michael gestured towards the local staff in the conference hall and signaled for silence, prompting Robert to nod quickly. "I understand! I understand!"
"Eight million dollars..." Mary murmured, her breath quickening. "Michael, how did you manage this? That's eight million dollars!"
"Alright, you two," Michael, though excited, kept his cool. "Stay calm. The money will be transferred tomorrow morning. We need to remain composed."
Robert turned to face the corner, lowering his voice as much as possible. "Michael, it's like you're possessed by a higher power."
Michael shrugged. "This is Arabia; divine intervention might not be applicable."
Unable to contain himself, Robert chuckled. To avoid attracting attention, he bit his clothes, creating a strange sound.
"I need some air," Mary said, stepping outside.
She grasped the terrace railing, confirming that it was all real. Initially, she had little faith in Michael's rescue plan, but with Seagull Entertainment on the brink of bankruptcy, self-rescue was the only option. She didn't want to see the work of old Davenport go to waste.
Unexpectedly, Michael had matured quickly after a severe setback. Without rushing into action, he conducted thorough social and market research, engaged with the media, and learned about the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority before executing his plan.
Thorough preparation, combined with a bit of luck, had made their fundraising efforts remarkably successful.
After the press conference in Los Angeles and seeing the Arab interest, she thought they might raise a million dollars. After arriving in Abu Dhabi, she thought three to four million dollars was possible.
But Michael had secured an eight-million-dollar investment on his own!
"John, did you see that?"
Tears welled up in Mary's eyes. "Michael has grown up, matured, and he's going to be a remarkable genius."
Mary, who had been with the Davenports since the beginning, felt immensely gratified.
After gathering crucial documents and leaving the conference hall in the hands of the local staff, Michael, Mary, and Robert returned to their hotel room. After some time to calm down, they were more composed.
To discuss their plans, they ordered dinner to Michael's room rather than eating out.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, never short on funds and always hospitable, had arranged a luxurious presidential suite for Michael and covered all expenses.
Michael drank half a glass of water and asked, "What's the total amount of intended investments from the conference?"
Mary had just finished calculating and said, "Four hundred fifty thousand dollars."
"Not bad," Michael nodded lightly.
After the eight million dollar investment, this figure didn't excite him much.
Robert, now calm, said, "These are just intentions. The actual amount will be much lower."
Michael pondered for a moment. "Alright, once the investment funds are in place tomorrow, we'll negotiate with these potential investors. The media will likely report on the investment from the authority."
Robert understood immediately. "Even if the media doesn't report it, we can leak the news ourselves. Such information is bound to reach interested parties."
"Agreed," Michael concurred.
"How will we use these funds?" Mary asked. "Will it all go into the film?"
Michael evaded slightly, "We'll decide when we get back to Los Angeles."
Robert added, "Securing the money first is what matters. The rest will follow." He suddenly suggested, "Michael, why don't we consider going to India next?"
The commission of one percent from eight million dollars was a considerable sum. Compared to working hard for a living, this seemed effortless.
Michael, though tempted, managed his greed. It was best to be moderate.
"We won't go to India for now," he said. "With this much money, the Arabs might keep an eye on us. Let's focus on 'The Purge' and avoid complications for now."
Mary reminded, "Don't underestimate others. We've done extensive preparation."
Robert, no longer a young man, sighed. "You're right."
Michael looked at Robert and Mary, appreciating their self-control.
That night, Michael couldn't sleep, the prospect of eight million dollars keeping him awake. As he lay on the massive bed, visions of hundred-dollar bills and beautiful women danced in his mind.
The next day, the eight million dollar investment was successfully transferred, and the local media covered the news. Negotiations with the potential investors went smoothly, and they secured three hundred thousand dollars out of the initial four hundred fifty thousand dollars in intended investments.
The first step of the plan was a success.
Michael attended the investment authority's press conference, speaking about the friendship between the nations and earning the title of "America's Friend in Abu Dhabi" from the media.
Then, he returned to Los Angeles with an investment of eleven million dollars.
When the plane landed at Los Angeles, Michael finally breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that a promising future was within reach.