Laughter echoed through the office of Seagull Entertainment, the dark clouds that had loomed over the small production company seemed to have completely dispersed.
"I really should have gone with you to Abu Dhabi!"
After hearing Robert Lee's exaggerated recount of events, George Clinton lamented, "This experience is legendary! It could be made into a movie."
Robert Lee nodded, "Yeah, I still can't believe it. It feels like a dream."
Mary smiled, "I haven't had a good night's sleep since the end of the fundraising event."
George Clinton took a sip of his water and said, "If I could secure an eleven-million-dollar investment, I wouldn't be able to sleep either."
Mary shook her head, "Robert and I did limited work."
"That's true," Robert Lee admitted, "Of the eleven million dollars, Michael secured 890 thousand himself."
George Clinton nodded, "We underestimated Michael. Initially, I thought we were just grasping at straws, but Michael's plan not only succeeded but did so spectacularly. Eleven million dollars! How long would it take Seagull Entertainment to earn that much?"
The others fell silent, sharing the same thoughts.
Mary softly said, "Michael has changed."
George nodded.
Robert added, "Michael was always smart and talented. Now, he has shed his illusions and impulsiveness and has become mature."
George Clinton suddenly laughed, "The last project's failure may not have been a bad thing. Seagull Entertainment might be entering a new era."
The three of them laughed together.
A few minutes later, Michael walked into the company, seeing the remaining three employees chatting happily. He put down his briefcase and asked, "What's making you all so happy? Share with me."
"Talking about our experiences in Abu Dhabi," Mary replied.
Michael walked over, "It's a very beautiful city."
"A city that makes people happy," Robert added, "I will never forget it."
George Clinton interjected, "I regret staying in Los Angeles."
Michael pulled up a chair and sat with the three of them. "George, without your support back here, we couldn't have succeeded."
While they were in Abu Dhabi, some North American media had kept an eye on "The Purge," with George Clinton playing a significant role.
Mary then shifted the topic. "Michael, you should buy a car. Taking the bus every day wastes too much time."
Young Davenport had once owned a luxury Lincoln, which he sold to pay employee wages. Since Michael arrived, he either hitched a ride with Mary or took the bus.
"I'll buy one soon," Michael clapped his hands. "Alright, let's talk business."
The three of them immediately became serious. Unknowingly, they had developed a sense of respect for Michael.
Michael quickly said, "Our trip to Abu Dhabi has solved our financing problem. At least for the next three years, we don't have to worry about funding. Now, it's time to get the company back on track."
Before assigning tasks, Michael first fulfilled a promise. "This successful fundraising couldn't have happened without your support. As I mentioned before, successful fundraising would come with rewards."
Mary, George, and Robert all smiled, looking particularly pleased.
Michael knew that in a mature commercial society, even the most loyal employees have material needs.
Sometimes, no matter what you say, financial rewards are the most effective.
Moreover, from the start of the plan, he had promised each of them a one-percent reward.
Having made such an encouraging promise, it had to be fulfilled. Michael said directly, "Each of us will receive a bonus of 11 thousand dollars!"
George looked ecstatic, "Lyle will have no complaints now."
Michael knew that Lyle was George's wife, who had always had strong objections to him staying with Seagull Entertainment. George had four children, and the financial burden was significant.
Middle-aged people often find their choices constrained by their responsibilities. How many people with families dare to just take off on a whim?
Robert declared, "We'll create a new future together!"
Mary didn't say anything, but her support for Michael was unquestionable.
Without the support of these three, Michael couldn't have executed the Abu Dhabi fundraising plan so perfectly. The eleven million dollars would not be entirely invested in the film; some would be used elsewhere.
Doing so would also tie the three completely to this venture.
Having gained benefits, they would naturally share the risks.
"Next, we need to get the company back on track," Michael transitioned into business, "and officially start preparing for 'The Purge' project."
Mary was cautious, "We have to answer to the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority since they invested in us."
Michael nodded, "Robert, you'll post job ads and hire for key company positions. George, you'll start recruiting directors and the production team for 'The Purge.' Mary, you'll manage the funds and daily administration. Once we have the right people, you'll focus on the finances."
The three agreed.
Michael then discussed numerous details with them before returning to his office.
Mary followed Michael into the office.
After closing the door, Mary asked, "How much do you plan to invest in 'The Purge'?"
Michael needed Mary's cooperation, so he was straightforward. "No more than two million dollars, depending on the director and actors we can hire." He added, "I plan to allocate four million dollars for filming and debt repayment."
"The rest of the funds?" Mary thought she might have overestimated Michael's conscience.
"The stock market," Michael said slowly. "I plan to invest in the stock market."
Mary was shocked. "Michael, that's too risky!" She reminded him, "That violates the contract and could have legal repercussions."
Michael shook his head lightly. "The Arabs won't know. 'The Purge' will have a public production budget of eleven million dollars. The actual expenses of Hollywood films are always a secret, especially to the Arabs."
Mary fell silent. Without third-party guarantees or professional oversight, it would be impossible for the Arabs in the Middle East to control Seagull Entertainment.
In reality, how many Hollywood films had actual expenses matching their public announcements? The discrepancies were endless, with numerous tricks and schemes.
"Even if the Arabs find out, it's okay," Michael had already considered the worst-case scenario. "International lawsuits are cumbersome. We can drag it out. After two years, none of this will be an issue."
"The stock market is very risky," Mary continued to advise.
Michael thought for a moment. "Wasn't our trip to Abu Dhabi risky? But we succeeded. This isn't impulsive. Investing this money in the film industry would be riskier than the current stock market. Without sufficient funds, we can't grow Seagull Entertainment."
Considering the booming stock market, the high risk of the film industry, and the miraculous trip to Abu Dhabi, Mary finally nodded. "Okay, I'll support you."
She suggested, "You should set aside some funds for the company's daily operations."
Michael nodded. "I know." He smiled, "We're about to start working on 'The Purge.' All company expenses will be included in the project budget."
"That works," Mary had no objections.
Independent film companies in Hollywood often did this.
Some unscrupulous independent producers even covered their entire family's expenses through the film crew if they had a project.
Hollywood's mainstream commercial films were well-regulated, but the independent film circle was chaotic in many aspects.
Michael's office phone rang. It was Judith from the bank.
"Mr. Davenport, Seagull Entertainment's mortgage loan is due in a month. If it's overdue..."
Hearing her voice, Michael frowned slightly and said, "I'll go to the bank tomorrow to handle the repayment. That's all."
He hung up and told Mary, "Prepare for tomorrow. We'll go to the bank first, then to Merrill Lynch's Los Angeles branch."