Los Angeles was North America's second-largest city and the largest city on the West Coast.
Though it bore the beautiful name of the "City of Angels," its public safety was honestly nothing to brag about.
After leaving Universal Studios headquarters, Lin Yuan and the two directors drove to Beverly Hills, the world-famous dream destination of the global wealthy, renowned as "the most prestigious residential district in the world."
As the most famous city within a city in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills boasted the world's most upscale shopping streets.
Top luxury brands from around the world gathered here, each store sparing no expense in decorating its facade until it gleamed with gold and splendor.
Marble statues stood everywhere along the streets, complemented by lavish brass gates and arched fountains, making the entire avenue appear even more imposing.
"No matter how many times I come here, I can't help being captivated by the sight," Director Johnston said.
"This is the decadent yet alluring scent of capitalism. Absolutely authentic," Lin Yuan joked with a smile.
Director Cohen, who was driving, asked, "We're almost there. Right turn ahead?"
"Yes, the address Mr. Eisen gave us is right there." Lin Yuan checked the address in his hand and confirmed it.
Lin Yuan certainly could not afford a mansion in Beverly Hills, but Mr. Eisen had lent him one to stay in temporarily, so that was where they would be spending the night.
The vehicle continued down the street until it reached a small estate covering six thousand square meters, then drove inside.
A familiar Hummer SUV was already parked there. Lin Yuan jumped out of the car and headed toward the burly figure.
"Uncle, sorry to keep you waiting."
"I heard you made a huge bet today. Tell me all about it," Vin Diesel said, giving Lin Yuan a hug before asking.
Strictly speaking, Vin Diesel had not been involved in Lin Yuan's wager with Director Sommers today.
But if they truly lost the bet, the two directors and Lin Yuan would have to slink out of Hollywood with their tails between their legs. Vin Diesel would be implicated as well and suffer greatly.
So Lin Yuan said apologetically, "I dragged you into this. But don't worry, we won't lose."
"Dragged me into this? That's not what I'm worried about. I'm worried that your career, which is just about to take off, will suffer a setback."
Hearing that, Lin Yuan felt a wave of warmth. He's worried about me, but shouldn't he be more worried about himself?
Vin Diesel's path as an actor had actually been rather rough.
Born in 1967, Vin Diesel made his film debut in 1990, when he was twenty-three.
After that, he had spent years doing bit parts and playing minor roles.
Even in 1997, when he appeared in "Saving Private Ryan," he could only play a small supporting role.
Only after struggling in Hollywood for a full decade did he land the second male lead in "The Fast and the Furious," which could only be considered a low-to-mid-budget production.
After putting in so much effort, his career had only just begun to show signs of improvement, yet it was about to be affected because of Lin Yuan.
But Vin Diesel did not show the slightest resentment. His first reaction had been to worry about Lin Yuan. How could that not move him?
So Lin Yuan said, "We won't lose."
"Is 'The Mummy Returns' that bad? You sound so confident," Vin Diesel asked.
Lin Yuan shook his head. "Not only is it not bad, it can even be called a classic fantasy film. Its quality is excellent."
He would not disparage an opponent's outstanding work simply because he was hostile toward Director Sommers.
"Then you don't think 'The Mummy Returns' will do well at the box office? You think it'll be critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful?" Director Johnston stepped closer and asked.
"Unless something unexpected happens, its North American box office should reach 280 million dollars, and its worldwide box office should exceed 600 million."
In his previous life, "The Mummy Returns" had earned 202 million dollars in North America and a staggering 430 million dollars worldwide, flourishing both domestically and abroad.
But in this life, "The Mummy Returns" had received more promotional and distribution resources, so Lin Yuan revised his estimate upward.
If Lin Yuan's estimate was correct, then with those results, "The Mummy Returns" would very likely take the annual box office crown.
By comparison, the worldwide box office champion of 2000, "Mission: Impossible 2," had earned 546 million dollars.
"F*ck!" Director Cohen cursed.
"You've got to be kidding me! How are we supposed to win?" Director Johnston shouted as well.
"So we can start packing up and getting the hell out of here now?" Vin Diesel said with a bitter smile.
"Pay attention to my condition: unless something unexpected happens!"
"Unexpected? Lin Yuan, can you tell fortunes?" Director Cohen asked curiously.
"Some kind of mystical Eastern divination?" Director Johnston asked.
"Don't tell me your 'unexpected event' is throwing a knife and taking out Director Sommers?" Vin Diesel's imagination went even further.
"What are you talking about? Every one of you is more unreliable than the last." Lin Yuan shook his head. "We have an old saying in China: timing, location, and popular support determine success or failure."
"Damn it! What gives me the biggest headache is hearing you Chinese people say, 'We have an old saying...'" Vin Diesel recalled the fear of being dominated by that phrase.
"If you interrupt me again, I'm not telling you anything," Lin Yuan replied.
"Go on. We'll all shut up," Director Cohen said.
"Timing means choosing the right moment, which is the film's release date."
"Location means securing advantageous ground, which is having the initiative in theater scheduling."
"Popular support means winning people's hearts. Those who follow the right path gain more help. In other words, we need more people to like and support us."
"I understand every word you said, but once you put them into sentences, I still have no idea what you're trying to do," Director Johnston complained.
"You Easterners and your roundabout ways are such a headache," Director Cohen said, nodding in agreement.
"Location refers to our joint promotional and distribution plan. As long as we do it well and bundle the two films together, we can get good returns," Lin Yuan began explaining.
"I understand that, but what about timing and popular support?" Director Cohen pressed on.
"Popular support means learning to use the methods of the new era to win the favor of as many high-quality users as possible."
"Still don't understand."
"What age group makes up the highest-quality movie audience?"
"Of course it's young people. They're the main consumers. They go to movies in groups, and if they like a film, they'll watch it a second time or even more," Director Johnston answered.
"Then how do we win over those young people?" Lin Yuan asked further.
"Advertising through television, radio, magazines, newspapers, and other media?" Director Cohen answered uncertainly.
Lin Yuan rolled his eyes inwardly. Sir, the times have changed.
The internet age had arrived, quietly displaying tremendous influence—especially its dominance over young people.
It was time to show them the internet's true power. Lin Yuan was ready to make everyone open their eyes.
"Have you heard of a website called IMDB? At my urging, Mr. Eisen bought shares in that company some time ago."
"No."
"I rarely go online, so I'm not familiar with it."
"Go take a look. You'll gain an entirely new understanding. We're now major shareholders of IMDB with real influence, holding the power to define whether a movie is good or bad!"
Lin Yuan continued with a smile, "Timing, location, and popular support are all on our side. 'The Mummy Returns' may be strong, but it's nothing more than a castle on the beach."
"By the way, you still haven't explained timing. How are we going to use it?" Director Cohen asked.
"I'll keep that secret for now. Two monsters will join forces and teach Director Sommers a lesson."
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