The Sharp-Tongued Patron

According to Henry's memories before his time travel, at this point in time, 20th Century Fox should have already reached an agreement with Paramount to jointly fund the Titanic.

But James Cameron was the undisputed leader of this project. Without his approval, nothing could move forward.

The fact that this renowned director would take the initiative to approach Stark Studios was not only due to Henry's previous hints, but also to the film company's technical capabilities, which gave him a glimmer of hope.

What If...? were to collaborate with Paramount, he would still need to find someone else to support him with computer-generated special effects. So it would be better to go straight to Stark Studios, which has the technology in this area.

Although Stark Studios hasn't made such a large investment for a very long time, its parent company is still Stark Industries, a military-industrial giant, and the film studio has a new CEO. Perhaps the newcomer will bring a fresh perspective.

It's common knowledge that young people and greenhorns are more likely to succumb to impulse and take a gamble. James Cameron, a veteran of Hollywood, was hoping that this youthful impulsiveness would help him succeed.

But no one would believe that at this point in time, Henry was probably the most confident person in the world about the Titanic. Today, James Cameron had delivered himself to their doorstep, so there was no Reason to turn him down.

Henry feigned a troubled expression and said, "Director Cameron, from my personal standpoint, I am certainly willing to support you. However, Mr. Tony Stark has given us an annual budget of only ten million dollars for producing a film."

"If it exceeds this amount, I'll have to apply to him. But even if he doesn't agree to provide the money, I personally have that amount in funds. However, if I want to invest in movies through Stark Studios, Mr. Tony Stark still needs to be informed. You understand, right?"

James Cameron said hesitantly, "Of course, I understand. But when would you be able to ask Mr. Stark for his opinion?"

Henry didn't keep anyone in suspense and said directly, "Well then, please have a seat for a moment. I'll make a call to Mr. Stark. The coffee seems to have gone cold; would you like me to get you a hot one?"

"No need, this is just right for me. It's more important that you make the call."

Henry smiled, stood up, and said, "Please wait a moment." He then returned to his desk and dialed the number. After dialing, Henry switched to speakerphone and put down the receiver.

James Cameron also heard the telephone ringing from the speaker, and his surprise was matched by the rhythm of each ring.

The call was finally answered. A clear, feminine voice came from the other end. "This is Mr. Tony Stark's private line. I'm Mr. Stark's secretary. May I ask where you are?"

Henry said, "Hello, I'm Henry Brown. Stark Studios has a large investment we'd like to discuss with Mr. Stark. Please tell him this; it's quite a challenge."

"Okay, Mr. Brown, please hold." The call then went to a waiting list.

A moment later, the call was answered again. It was that arrogant voice on the other end, saying, "Walter! Loser! You finally want to surrender? I'll allow you to bow down to me over the phone; you don't need to come to me in person."

Henry resisted the urge to smash that dog's head on the East Coast and said, "What am I surrendering to? It's director James Cameron on my side, hoping to get investment for his movie."

"At the same time, we intend to use computer rendering to create certain special scenes in the film. This requires a sufficiently good physics engine and sufficiently good equipment."

"We already have the equipment; we just lack a department for design and maintenance, a physics engine, and funding. We're asking if you want to invest and agree to the company adding this department."

Tony Stark, true to his annoying nature, immediately retorted sarcastically, "James Cameron? Oh, you're not referring to that doomed ship, are you?"

"Although I don't follow Hollywood news closely, I've heard it's not looking good. What If...? you want to develop that physics engine, then hire someone to do it. There's no need to invest in a movie."

Henry laughed and said, "We need a platform to show people that we can do it. What If...? you think the risk is too high, I also have the compensation I got from Sony."

"We'd like to get your permission to invest in a film through Stark Studios. However, the Japan haven't transferred the full payment yet, so we'd like to ask you for a loan. Is that alright?"

Tony didn't say yes or no, but turned and asked, "How much funding do we need?"

"20th Century Fox has already invested $135 million in the initial stages. Director Cameron said that with just another $60 million, the film could be completed."

"What If...? you're so confident and willing to gamble with your own money, why go through the film industry?"

Henry frankly stated, "This investment is already close to a third of the total investment, and I don't want to be a fool who throws money at others like those idiots on Wall Street."

"I want to negotiate with 20th Century Fox through the film industry to acquire distribution rights or other videotape and VCD rights. This will ensure that even if the box office is not ideal, we will have other channels to slowly recoup our costs and reduce losses."

"It's not that poor box office results in us losing everything and getting nothing back. The truth is, do you want me to teach you a lesson about the shady accounting practices within the Hollywood industry?"

Tony Stark said, "Here's what we'll do. Give him 65 million dollars, that'll make a total of 200 million dollars in investment. You go and tell the Volkswagen people, I want the North America distribution rights."

"I know very well that film studios don't have the ability to distribute films overseas right now. Selling videotapes, VCDs, and other related merchandise takes too long, and I don't want to wait."

"If Volkswagen agrees, great; if not, forget it. Of the 65 million, Sony has already paid 10 million in compensation. Consider that as your investment and include it directly in the calculation. The rest is mine."

"If we make a profit, you'll take a share proportionally. If we lose money, I'll cover the losses first. Is that okay? Oh, and as for any subsequent additions, you can decide for yourself."

Henry laughed, "You agreed so readily. I thought it would all be on me."

Tony Stark said, "I'm just curious, how come you, who have never been interested in investing in movies, would suddenly make such a big investment that nobody thinks is going to succeed?"

"There must be something interesting here that you noticed, something others missed. I don't know much about movies, I just know you're not that stupid."

Henry feigned surprise and said, "Wow, young master, you trust my judgment so much? I'm truly flattered."

Tony Stark's menacing voice came through the phone. "No, I'd like you to do something stupid. That way I'll have a reason to strangle you."

"In that case, you'll have to develop a punch press with enough power first. I'm afraid that when your weak arms choke me, it'll just look like you're caressing me. That would be disgusting."

"Fuck!" Tony Stark slammed the phone down, nearly knocking the flimsy receiver stand of the antique phone askew.

What If...? anyone could see Tony Stark's surroundings, they would find him in an 18th- or 19th-century style study that seemed out of place with his personality.

Moreover, everything around him felt like the ground, so Tony Stark was standing on the ceiling, seemingly oblivious to gravity...

Back at Stark Studios, listening to the dial tone from the phone speaker, Henry smiled awkwardly at James Cameron, who was sitting on the sofa and looking quite concerned.

He then walked up to the renowned director and said, "It seems we've taken care of the most troublesome guy. Now, who should I talk to at 20th Century Fox?"