Chapter 13 On the Right Track

In the office of Sand Sea Entertainment, laughter filled the air, dispelling the dark clouds that had been looming over this small production company.

"I should have gone to Abu Dhabi with you guys!" George Clint exclaimed, marveling at Robert Lee's vivid storytelling. "This experience is nothing short of legendary! It could be made into a movie."

Robert Lee nodded vigorously. "Yeah, I still can't believe it. It feels like a dream."

Mary smiled and added, "I haven't had a good night's sleep since the fundraising event."

George Clint raised his water glass and took a sip before chiming in, "If I could pull in $11 million in investment, I wouldn't sleep either."

Mary shook her head. "Our contribution was limited."

"Indeed," Robert Lee admitted frankly. "Of the $11 million, $8.9 million was negotiated by Ronan."

George Clint nodded in agreement. "We underestimated Ronan. I initially thought it was a shot in the dark, but Ronan's plan not only succeeded but surpassed all expectations. $11 million! How long would it take Sand Sea Entertainment to earn that much money?"

The other two fell silent, as they had entertained similar thoughts.

Mary spoke softly, "Ronan has changed."

"Indeed," George agreed.

Robert chimed in, "Ronan was always smart and talented. Now he's matured, putting aside fantasies and impulsiveness."

Suddenly, George Clint laughed, "A failed project might not be a bad thing. Sand Sea Entertainment might usher in a new era."

The three laughed together.

A few minutes later, Ronan walked into the company, seeing the remaining three employees laughing and chatting. Setting down his briefcase, he asked, "What's going on? You seem so happy. Care to share?"

"We're talking about our experiences in Abu Dhabi," Mary replied.

Ronan approached. "It's a very beautiful city."

"It's a city that makes people happy," Robert added. "I'll never forget it."

George Clint chimed in, "I regret staying in Los Angeles."

Ronan pulled up a chair and joined them. "George, we couldn't have succeeded without your logistical support."

While they were in Abu Dhabi, some North American media outlets had been following "The Human Purge Plan." George Clint had played a crucial role.

Mary changed the subject, "Ronan, you should buy a car. Taking the bus every day wastes time."

Before coming here, Ronan had a luxury Lincoln, which he sold to pay the company's employees. Now, he either rode with Mary or took the bus.

"I'll buy one soon," Ronan clapped his hands. "Alright, let's talk business."

The three immediately became serious, their respect for Ronan evident.

Ronan quickly stated, "Our trip to Abu Dhabi resolved our financing issues. At least for the next three years, we won't have to worry about funds. Now it's time to get the company back on track."

Before assigning tasks, Ronan fulfilled his promise: "Our successful fundraising couldn't have happened without your support. As I've mentioned before, there will be rewards for successful fundraising."

Mary, George, and Robert all smiled, looking particularly pleased.

Ronan knew that even the most loyal employees often had material needs in this mature business society. Sometimes, monetary rewards were more effective than a thousand words of encouragement. Besides, he had promised each of them a one percent reward from the fundraising.

Promising incentives that stirred the heart, Ronan certainly had to deliver. He stated directly, "Each of us will receive a bonus of $110,000!"

George was excited. "Now Lyle won't have anything to say!"

Ronan knew that Lyle was George's wife, who had always opposed his staying at Sand Sea Entertainment. George had four children, and the burden of life was quite heavy.

As one approached middle age, many choices were often made involuntarily. People burdened with family responsibilities rarely dared to embark on impromptu journeys.

Robert declared, "Let's create a new situation together!"

Mary didn't say anything, her unwavering support for Ronan evident.

Without the assistance of these four people, Ronan couldn't have nearly perfectly executed the Abu Dhabi financing plan. This $11 million investment wouldn't all be invested in movies; some would be diverted for other uses. This move effectively bound the three people to this deceitful ship.

"Next, let's get the company back on track," Ronan shifted to the main topic. "And let's officially start planning 'The Human Purge Plan.'"

Mary sounded cautious, "We've accepted investment from Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and need to be accountable."

Ronan nodded, saying, "Robert, post a job advertisement and recruit urgently needed personnel for the company. George, you're in charge of officially recruiting a director and behind-the-scenes team for 'The Human Purge Plan.' Mary, you'll oversee funding and daily administrative tasks. Once we've found suitable candidates, you'll specifically handle financial matters."

All three agreed.

Then Ronan discussed numerous details with them before returning to his office.

However, Mary followed Ronan into the office.

After closing the door, Mary asked, "How much money do you plan to invest in 'The Human Purge Plan'?"

Ronan needed Mary's cooperation, so he said directly, "It won't exceed $2 million, depending on the level of director and actors we can hire." He went on, "I intend to allocate $4 million for filming and repaying debts."

"What about the other funds?" Mary felt she had overestimated Ronan's conscience.

"Stocks," Ronan said slowly. "I plan to invest in the stock market."

Mary exclaimed in surprise, "Ronan, this... this is too crazy!" She reminded, "This violates the contract and touches upon the law."

Ronan shook his head gently. "The Arabs won't know. The production budget for 'The Human Purge Plan' is publicly stated as $11 million, and the actual expenditure of Hollywood movies is kept secret, especially from outsiders and even more so from Arabs."

Mary fell silent instantly. Without third-party guarantees and professional supervision, it was impossible for the Arabs in the Middle East to control Sand Sea Entertainment.

In fact, how many Hollywood movies' actual expenditures were as publicly announced? There were too many tricks inside, too numerous to count, and the left hand often didn't know what the right hand was doing. 

"If the Arabs find out, it doesn't matter," Ronan had already considered the worst-case scenario. "International lawsuits are very troublesome. We'll just delay. As long as we drag it out for two years, none of these will be a problem anymore."

"The risk of stocks is too high," Mary still advised against it.

Ronan thought for a moment and said, "Was the risk in going to Abu Dhabi great? But we still made it. I'm not making impulsive investments. Will investing this money in the film industry be riskier

 than investing in the current stock market? Without enough funds, we can't possibly grow Sand Sea Entertainment."

Thinking of the booming stock market, the high risk of the film industry, and the miraculous trip to Abu Dhabi, Mary finally nodded slowly, "Okay, I'll cooperate with you."

She also suggested, "You'd better set aside some money for the company's daily expenses."

Ronan nodded. "I know." He smiled, "We're about to prepare for 'The Human Purge Plan,' and all the company's expenses will be included in the project."

"That's also a way," Mary had no objections.

Many small Hollywood companies that financed independent films often did such things.

In fact, some independent producers with no integrity could include all family expenses in the production budget as long as they had a project at hand.

Most of Hollywood's well-regulated and well-established systems were in mainstream commercial films. The independent film circle was not only chaotic in terms of relationships but also in many other aspects.

The phone on Ronan's desk rang, and he picked it up to hear from Judith at the bank.

"Mr. Anderson, Sand Sea Entertainment's mortgage loan is due in a month. If it's overdue..."

Hearing the woman's voice, Ronan frowned slightly and said directly, "I'll go to the bank to handle the repayment tomorrow. That's all."

He hung up the phone directly and said to Mary, "Get prepared. Tomorrow, we'll go to the bank first, then to the Los Angeles branch of Merrill Lynch Securities."