"I'm sorry I couldn't pick you up at the airport."
In the hotel suite, Salih opened his arms to hug Michael Davenport and said, "Something came up unexpectedly."
Michael separated from Salih and smiled, "No problem." He stepped back and looked Salih up and down, jokingly saying, "You look like a man of great power."
Salih chuckled and replied, "Not at all; it's all thanks to you."
Michael shook his head, "Don't say that; it's because of your hard work."
"A prince willing to work can always gain some power as long as he doesn't cause trouble," Michael thought.
"The film is about to premiere, and it's a visible achievement," Salih said seriously. "We watched the copy you sent over, and it's really good. It represents a revolutionary change compared to past Hollywood depictions of Arabs."
Michael looked at Salih and said, "This film shows that not everyone in America or North America is as hostile to Arabs as some Jews are."
Salih nodded repeatedly, "Yes, I've seen American media reports, and many people agree with the film's theme and perspective."
"This film's reaction has exceeded expectations," Michael continued. "I think it's time for an Arab character to be the main protagonist in a movie."
Salih asked, "Do you have a plan?"
Michael took out a prepared script and plan and said, "This is a truly mainstream movie, the most popular genre worldwide—an action film called 'Kingsman.'"
Salih glanced through it, nodding in approval. "Arabs are saving the world, finally," he thought.
"Do you need support from the Investment Bureau?" Salih asked.
"This is a major production with a $20-30 million budget," Michael said earnestly. "While filming 'The Purge,' I deeply felt the resistance from Hollywood. Some forces even prompted the Producers Guild and the U.S. Children's Welfare Bureau to trouble our crew. Without the support of the Investment Bureau, 'The Purge' wouldn't have been completed."
Salih nodded lightly. He had heard this from Michael in phone calls and had read about it in American news. The young actor on the crew also mentioned the Children's Welfare Bureau in an interview.
Who was behind these troubles? Indeed those damned Jews.
Michael continued, "Lionsgate, a new Canadian-funded company with limited influence from Hollywood's traditional forces, distributed the film in North America. However, its distribution capacity is limited, or more people would have seen the film."
Adding a bit of fiction to the truth, Michael said, "The overseas rights were sold to Sony Columbia, heavily influenced by Japanese capital."
Salih felt deeply sympathetic, "It wasn't easy, Michael. You achieved what we couldn't for decades."
Michael smiled, "The firm support from the Investment Bureau helped me the most. Without it, I would be isolated in Hollywood."
"Michael, I will support you!" Salih declared.
Michael nodded, "I believe you."
They discussed other matters before Salih left, taking the script and plan with him. "I don't have much power yet, but I'll get these to my brother Mansour. He's in Saudi Arabia and will be back for the premiere."
Michael wasn't in a hurry. Financing millions of dollars couldn't be rushed.
"One more thing," Michael mentioned. "I have another project, a horror film, needing financing."
He sighed, "I couldn't find a suitable director initially. Many established white directors demanded script changes to 'The Purge.' I refused to compromise until I found James Wong. To keep him, I signed a 1+1 director contract to finance his next horror film after 'The Purge.'"
Salih nodded lightly. Having stayed in Los Angeles and encountered Hollywood's coldness, he knew such situations were common.
Michael continued, "I plan to hold another financing meeting to raise funds for this film."
"No problem," Salih said. "I'll have someone assist you with the necessary procedures. Michael, if you need help, just ask."
In Salih's eyes, Michael's friendship with Abu Dhabi had withstood Hollywood's Jewish powers, proving trustworthy.
After Salih forwarded the script and plan to Mansour, Abu Dhabi's Investment Bureau sent a team to assist Michael's financing efforts.
Michael had a comprehensive plan and brought extensive materials for the financing meeting, which was scheduled after the premiere in the same hall as last time.
Simultaneously, Michael asked Robert to contact the investors in "The Purge" to prepare their returns.
With Salih's help, Abu Dhabi's media would report promptly.
Although the initial agreement was for three years, Michael planned for the worst. With the project progressing smoothly, attracting more investment was crucial, and investor returns were the best bait.
At the entrance of the Royal Hotel, Hassan got out of his car and saw his friend Hussein.
"Late again?" Hussein greeted him.
Hassan adjusted his headscarf and said, "Adni and Alisha were upset today. Having too many wives is troublesome. Two are enough; don't marry four, or you'll have constant headaches."
Hussein looked at Hassan's thinning frame and said, "I don't plan to marry more. Making money is more important."
Hassan agreed, "Abu Dhabi is developing fast. If we don't find new ways to make money, we'll fall into poverty."
Hussein checked his watch and pointed to the elevator, "Let's go up."
As they waited for the elevator, Hussein asked, "Did Robert from Seashore Entertainment call you? The investment contract is for three years, but we're getting profits now?"
Hassan stroked his beard, "I checked with a friend in the Investment Bureau. Seashore is settling the investment and profits, so it should be finalized soon." His eyes gleamed, "Seashore raised $11 million in Abu Dhabi, returned all the costs, and brought $9 million in profit!"
Hussein exclaimed, "Nearly doubling the investment! Better than oil! Is Michael Davenport that capable?"
Hassan nodded, "I asked an American partner; the film sold well, hence the high profit."
"If I knew, I'd have invested more," Hussein regretted. "How long would it take us to double $300,000 in business?"
The elevator arrived, and they went up. Hassan said, "Don't mention it. At least we profited, unlike those who didn't invest."
Hussein sighed, "I just wish I'd invested more."
An Investment Bureau representative led them to a meeting room where they saw Michael working busily.
"Hello, Mr. Davenport, we meet again," Hassan greeted first, and Hussein shook hands with Michael.
Michael's memory was sharp. He smiled, "Mr. Hassan, Mr. Hussein, nice to see you again." He got straight to the point, "Thank you for investing in my film. Now that the project's income is settled, I'm ready to fulfill the contract. But if you prefer the three-year term, I can wait."
Only a fool would wait longer. Hassan and Hussein both said, "Let's settle now."
Michael personally handed over the bilingual financial report, saying, "Here's the income, expenses, and net profit details. Each entry is annotated. If you have questions, we can answer them, or you can consult a professional."
Hassan, skilled in finance, reviewed it, asked a few questions, and had it faxed to his lawyer and accountant.
The report was meticulously prepared and within legal standards. Even professionals would find little fault.
Soon, Hassan and Hussein signed, and over $500,000 was transferred to their accounts.