The Tyrant Billionaire

Then Hardy thanked Julie London, while Johnny Fontane was talking to Michael nearby. A godfather's real son and a godson, their relationship was extraordinary.

Robin stood aside, smiling, but he seemed a bit stiff, and his eyes were particularly nervous.

He knew Johnny Fontane's situation, and then he figured out Michael's identity, and thought of the people from last night.

He knew who he had offended. Well, these people wanting to kill him, they really wouldn't have any reservations.

Now he stood here with fear in his heart, only hoping that his performance today would satisfy these people and that they would spare him afterwards.

Michael introduced Johnny Fontane to Hardy.

"Johnny Fontane, my father's godson."

"Jon Hardy, my partner."

Hardy and Fontane shook hands.

Johnny Fontane said, "Hardy, I sincerely request this of you, I really want to get into the entertainment industry, especially to make movies. If there's an opportunity, please consider me, even for a supporting role."

Hardy knew, that today's scene must have been orchestrated by the old godfather, otherwise, Johnny Fontane, Judy Garland, and the others wouldn't have come.

Hardy thought about it seriously, after all, he received their favor today and will have to repay it later.

Also, those influential figures who came to watch the performance should also have come for the godfather's sake, and this is another favor he will have to repay.

...

The next day, The New York Daily specially published a news article: "The Wild Bunch" crew comes to New York to promote the new movie. Judy Garland, Julie London, Johnny Fontane, and others performed on stage. The movie will be released soon, giving the new movie another wave of publicity.

With things in New York settled, Hardy prepared to return to Los Angeles. Before leaving, he made a special trip to "Léon: The Professional" crew to bid farewell to little Taylor.

Little Taylor was particularly reluctant to part.

Accompanying Hardy back to Los Angeles this time were the TV factory team sent by Michael, including one manager and three supervisors. They would acquire a TV production company in Los Angeles and set up the 'N.Y.T' TV Los Angeles branch.

Edward and Andy came to the airport together to pick them up. Edward would be in charge of the film team, and Andy would be in charge of the TV team. Andy would help them acquire the TV factory together.

Just as Hardy returned home, he received a call from Meyer. "I heard you're back. The promotion in New York went very well."

Meyer heard from the publicity director about what happened in New York. Robin, who originally wanted to manipulate the crew, was scared into apologizing by a call from Hardy the next day. He even invited a group of big stars to help out.

Meyer also heard that Hardy had set up a company in New York with someone else, investing millions. Meyer hadn't expected Hardy to develop to this extent in such a short time.

"Not bad, inviting a few people to help out, and the newspapers have given another wave of publicity," Hardy said with a smile.

"The promotion is over, and the movie is ready to be released. The film prints have been distributed everywhere. When do you plan to start?" Meyer asked.

"This is a big deal. It's better to choose a week with no competition," Hardy suggested.

"Okay, let me know when you decide."

After hanging up, Hardy drove to the auction house.

Elena was surprised to see Hardy coming in. "You're back from New York?"

"Did you miss me?" Hardy joked.

Elena gave Hardy a white glance, ignoring his teasing. "So, are you here to see what artwork we've received? These days, we've only received a few dozen pieces of paintings. But we've contacted a Frenchman who claims to have a batch of artworks that were taken away by the Germans from his family years ago and left them later when they retreated. He wants to find a big buyer to sell them off."

"Artworks like those of Van Gogh and Picasso, as well as other large quantities of art, If this thing goes well, we can acquire a large number of collections."

A large number of artworks? Inheriting family heritage.

"Elena, be careful when dealing with such people. There might be scammers. Remember to verify the authenticity of things before paying," Hardy reminded.

"I will," Elena replied.

Later that day.

Hardy called Meyer and told him about the chosen date. Meyer also thought the 30th was good, so it was decided.

Hardy chatted with Elena for a while, checked the new artwork received in the warehouse, and said before leaving, "My first investment movie is about to be released. Would you like to go to the cinema to see it?"

Elena hesitated. She wasn't as open minded as other Americans. She always felt that going to the movies together was something only couples did.

But thinking that this movie was invested in by Mr. Hardy, the meaning was different. "Okay, I'll go to the cinema to support your movie."

Hardy bid farewell and left.

Three days passed in a flash.

During these three days, posters of "The Wild Bunch" were put up in more than 300 cinemas across the United States. Many people were looking forward to the movie's release due to the previous extensive promotion.

Los Angeles Cinema.

Ava wore a simple dress. She held Hardy's arm as they walked into the cinema.

Today was the premiere of "The Wild Bunch."

The cinema was already full, and seeing the excellent ticket sales, Ava smiled at Hardy and said, "I believe our movie will be a big hit!"

Hardy nodded, "I'm confident in it too."

The movie started.

The opening animation was of two giant letters, HD, which almost occupied half of the screen.

The movie officially began, accompanied by a melodious whistle...

Overall, this film was well made, with a full story and constant conflicts. Many viewers found it very enjoyable.

When the closing credits rolled, Ava appeared and sang "Scarborough Fair." People who were about to leave all sat back down to enjoy the song. When the song finished, the audience applauded enthusiastically.

Five screenings were held on the first day. According to statistics, the attendance rate reached about 90%. The average attendance rate on the second and third days could also reach about 80%, which was already very high.

Meyer happily called Hardy.

"Congratulations, Hardy. Your movie is a success. Do you know how much the box office has sold in the past three days?"

"How much."

"$1.32 million, this is a very high number. According to past experience, in a month's screening period, as long as there is no accidental drop, the box office is expected to reach $6.5 million to $7 million."

"Last year, "Beyond the Dream" grossed $7.5 million and was the box office champion. Your movie is also expected to become the box office champion this year."

Hardy knew that "The Wild Bunch" in 1969 reached a box office of $14.5 million. Now the box office is expected to only be $7 million, which is half of the original. However, considering the difference of more than 20 years, Hardy can accept the box office of $7 million.

He did some mental calculations.

Excluding the theater chain share and publicity and promotion costs, there will be about $2 million in profit.

In fact, in Hardy's view, the film industry is not a very good industry.

The capital is large, the cycle is long, the future outlook is uncertain, and the failure rate is higher than the success rate. According to his memory of the future, any industry can make money faster and safer than the film.

The reason he entered the film industry was definitely not because of women.