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Chapter 67 - Chapter 67: Securing a Large Investment

Having confirmed that Fontaine was a competitor trying to steal the investment, Michael no longer held back.

"Director Fontaine, you claim to be an Arab brother, one of the Arabs. Don't you feel ashamed?" he angrily reprimanded. "Profiting from the suffering and sorrow of your compatriots to satisfy the Western world's desire to defame Arabs—how can you call yourself a brother to the Arabs?"

Salih glared at Fontaine with anger in his eyes. This man's intentions were despicable!

Mansour's gaze towards Fontaine was also hostile.

"You're talking nonsense!" Fontaine retorted.

Michael, however, didn't engage further and continued, "By defaming your compatriots, you make the Westerners see your people as inferior. Directors like you are utterly reprehensible and should be eliminated!"

He turned to Mansour and said, "Minister, as long as there are traitors like this damaging the Arab image, it will be difficult for the world to have a proper understanding of Arabs."

Mansour first nodded lightly at Michael, then looked sharply at Fontaine.

If "Arabian Life" were to appear at one of the big three film festivals, wouldn't it harm Abu Dhabi's image? Wouldn't it affect his career?

Fontaine defended himself, "Minister, this is slander! This is..."

"Enough, you don't need to say anymore!" Mansour interrupted Fontaine and asked Salih, "What do you think?"

Salih immediately leaned in and whispered, "Mr. Davenport's words make a lot of sense. When I was in Los Angeles, I heard about some people making films to slander their compatriots to please Westerners. Mr. Davenport's friendship with us has been tested by time and a film project; he is trustworthy. This Frenchman... may have ulterior motives."

After a brief pause, he added, "I think this Frenchman harbours ill intentions. With your imminent promotion, it's not worth taking such a risk."

Mansour had his own judgment. While Michael Davenport's words might not have been entirely accurate, they were somewhat true.

Michael felt someone pull him lightly. He turned to see Robert discreetly giving him a thumbs up.

Just as with the first investment in Seashore Entertainment, Mansour was not indecisive. He immediately made a decision and said to the thin man behind him, "Book the earliest flight and send Mr. Fontaine out of the country."

Fontaine looked at Mansour in shock, "Minister..."

Mansour raised his hand to stop him, "That's it!"

The thin man immediately went over, inviting Fontaine to leave the meeting room. As they exited, two bodyguards accompanied Fontaine to collect his luggage and head to the airport.

In the meeting room, Mansour's expression improved significantly.

"Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Davenport." He forced a smile. Otherwise, I would have made a mistake."

Michael humbly said, "I was just doing what I should."

With one party removed, Mansour didn't intend to continue the meeting and directly said, "Regarding the investment in 'The Secret Agent,' I will urge the Investment Bureau to expedite the approval process. The funding will be over twenty million dollars. Even for me, certain procedures must be followed."

Michael was very patient, "There's no rush."

Mansour was the first to leave the meeting room. Salih approached Michael and said, "I was apprehensive just now."

Michael smiled, "That man had malicious intentions. It's not hard to see if you study the Western film award mechanisms."

Salih sighed, "Luckily, we have professionals like you."

Michael invited, "Can I buy you lunch?"

Salih shook his head, "I can't; I have a social engagement I can't cancel."

After a few words, Salih also quickly left the meeting room. Michael and Robert returned directly to the Sheikh's Grand Hotel.

"That was close," Robert sighed with relief.

Michael nodded, "Next time, we'll need a new target."

"Yes, let's change before the persona collapses." Robert marvelled, "Luckily, your response was timely."

Without Michael's accurate and deadly counterattack, it would have been hard to say if Seashore Entertainment could continue cooperating with the Abu Dhabi Investment Bureau.

Michael poured a glass of water and said before drinking, "Securing this twenty-five million dollar investment will make our subsequent plans much smoother."

Robert crossed his fingers, "Let's hope there are no surprises."

Fortunately, the flag did not have any adverse effects. The process went smoothly. Just a day later, the Abu Dhabi Investment Bureau approved the investment plan for "The Secret Agent." The next day, they officially signed the agreement with Michael, representing Seashore Entertainment, and the twenty-five million dollar investment was in place the same day.

In some ways, Abu Dhabi's current credit was quite good.

Trustworthy people should cooperate with those with high credibility, so Michael felt that reaching a deal was quite normal.

Thus, on this trip to Abu Dhabi, Seashore Entertainment raised fifteen million dollars in private funds for "Dead Man's List" and received twenty-five million dollars in investment from the Abu Dhabi Investment Bureau for "The Secret Agent."

With forty million dollars in hand, it felt like the world was theirs.

The trip to Abu Dhabi was concluded, and Michael bid farewell to his "Arab brothers," preparing to leave the UAE.

"This money came too fast."

In the airport's VIP lounge, George Clinton, who was visiting Abu Dhabi for the first time, hadn't calmed down from his excitement. He recklessly suggested, "Why don't we just make movies randomly and seek global investment?"

Mary glanced at him, "You're thinking too much."

Robert chuckled, "I thought the same way on my first visit."

"Finding investment is fine, but we can't just make movies randomly," Michael said, "Successful films are the foundation for raising funds. Without the success of 'The Purge,' could we have raised investment so smoothly this time?"

George sighed, nodding, "Michael, you're the clearest thinker."

Michael continued, "Building a large company is the foundation. Without a sufficiently large company to support us, we might end up being the lowest-level frauds."

"Right! Right!" Robert agreed, "We call it raising investment now. Without a real company and projects, that's called fraud."

Michael shifted the topic and assigned tasks: "Mary, handle the funds and accounts when we get back. 'Dead Man's List has a budget of twenty million dollars, and 'The Secret Agent' has a budget of ten million dollars. After deducting our four rewards, I will find a way to turn the remaining ten million into Seashore Entertainment's legal income."

He looked at the other two, "George, Robert, immediately set up the crew for 'The Secret Agent' when you return. Prepare the necessary materials, and stay in touch with me while I'm in Berlin. If you need anything, let me know right away. James Wong has almost finished preparing the materials for 'Dead Man's List,' so you can find him."

Then Michael solemnly said, "The most critical task is to make initial contact with Embassy Pictures, especially the major shareholders."

"Got it," they both agreed.

Michael concluded, "If everything goes well in Germany, I should return to Los Angeles after the New Year. Stay in touch if anything comes up."

Leaving Abu Dhabi, Mary, George, and Robert returned directly to Los Angeles, while Michael flew straight to Berlin, Germany.

This trip to Berlin was partly to meet Helen Koch, a relative of the late Mrs. Davenport, and partly for the two projects, "Dead Man's List" and "The Secret Agent."

Upon arrival in Berlin, Michael didn't go directly to see Helen. Instead, he first went to a law firm that often collaborated with Hollywood and found Lawyer Mueller, who specialized in relevant business, to consult about specific laws and regulations.

Although he had studied many cases in Los Angeles, practical implementation still required professional assistance.

This law firm acted as an intermediary agent, and Michael needed them to help contact German film companies.

After a detailed discussion with Lawyer Mueller, Michael headed to West Berlin to meet Helen Koch.

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