Breaking the Game: IMDB!

Los Angeles is the second-largest city in North America and the largest city in the western region.

Although it has the beautiful nickname "City of Angels," its public safety environment is truly not commendable.

After leaving the Universal Studios headquarters, Lin Yuan and the two directors drove to Beverly Hills, a place known as the dream destination for the world's wealthy, with the reputation of "the most prestigious residential area in the world."

As the most famous self-contained city within Los Angeles, Beverly Hills boasts the world's most high-end commercial street.

It gathers all the top luxury brands globally, with each store sparing no expense in decorating its facade, making the shops look magnificent and resplendent.

The marble statues found everywhere on the street, combined with the luxurious brass gates and arched fountains, make the street instantly appear even more imposing.

"No matter how many times I come here, I can't help but be captivated by this sight," said Director Johnston.

"This is the decadent yet charming scent of capitalism, truly pure," Lin Yuan quipped with a smile.

Director Cohen, who was driving, asked, "Are we almost there? Turn right ahead?"

"Yes, Mr. Eisen's address is right there," Lin Yuan confirmed, looking at the address in his hand.

Lin Yuan certainly couldn't afford a mansion in Beverly Hills, but Mr. Eisen had lent him one to stay in temporarily, so they would be staying there tonight.

The vehicle followed the street forward, arriving at a small estate covering an area of 6,000 square meters, and drove in.

A familiar Hummer SUV was already parked there. Lin Yuan jumped out of the car and walked towards the sturdy figure.

"Uncle, sorry to have kept you waiting."

"I heard you guys made a big bet today, tell me about it," Vin Diesel gave Lin Yuan a hug and then asked.

Strictly speaking, the bet with Director Sommers today did not involve Vin Diesel.

However, if they truly lost the bet, and both directors and Lin Yuan had to pack up and leave Hollywood, Vin Diesel would also be deeply affected and in a very difficult position.

So, Lin Yuan said with some guilt, "I've dragged you into this, but don't worry, we won't lose."

Vin Diesel: "Dragged me into this? I'm not worried about that. I'm worried that your career, which is just about to take off, will be set back."

Hearing his words, Lin Yuan couldn't help but feel a wave of warmth: He's worried about me, but shouldn't he be more worried about himself?

Vin Diesel's acting career was actually quite bumpy.

Born in 1967, Vin Diesel made his first film appearance in 1990 at the age of 23.

After that, he continued to play bit parts and minor roles.

It wasn't until 1997, when he participated in Saving Private Ryan, that he was still only able to play a small supporting role.

After toiling in Hollywood for a full decade, he finally landed a male second lead role in The Fast and the Furious, which could only be considered a mid-to-low budget production.

His career, which had only just started to show some progress after so much effort, was now at risk of being affected because of Lin Yuan.

Yet, Vin Diesel harbored no resentment, and his first reaction was to worry about Lin Yuan. How could this not move him?

So Lin Yuan said, "We won't lose."

"Is The Mummy Returns that bad? You're so confident?" Vin Diesel asked.

Lin Yuan shook his head: "It's not just not bad; it can even be called a classic fantasy film, with excellent quality."

He would not disparage a competitor's excellent work just because of his adversarial relationship with Director Sommers.

"Then you don't have high expectations for The Mummy Returns's box office? You think it'll be critically acclaimed but not a commercial success?" Director Johnston chimed in.

"If there are no unforeseen circumstances, the North American box office should reach $280 million, and the global box office will exceed $600 million."

In his previous life, The Mummy Returns achieved a North American box office of $202 million and a global box office of $430 million, performing exceptionally well both domestically and internationally.

In this life, The Mummy Returns received more promotional resources, so Lin Yuan adjusted his estimate.

If Lin Yuan's estimate was correct, with this performance, The Mummy Returns would very likely win the box office championship for the year.

Comparing it to the 2000 global box office champion, Mission: Impossible 2, which grossed $546 million.

"F*ck!" Director Cohen cursed.

"Are you kidding me! How are we supposed to win?" Director Johnston exclaimed.

"Can we start packing our bags to leave now?" Vin Diesel said with a wry smile.

"Pay attention to my premise: if there are no unforeseen circumstances!"

"Unforeseen circumstances? Lin Yuan, can you predict the future?" Director Cohen asked curiously.

"Mysterious Eastern divination?" Director Johnston inquired.

"The unforeseen circumstances you're talking about, you don't mean taking out Director Sommers with a surprise attack, do you?" Vin Diesel's imagination ran wilder.

"What are you talking about! You're all more unreliable than the next," Lin Yuan shook his head. "We have an ancient saying in China: timing, location, and human harmony determine success or failure."

"Damn it! I hate it the most when you Chinese people say there's an ancient saying..." Vin Diesel recalled the fear of being dominated.

"If you interrupt me again, I won't say it," Lin Yuan replied.

"Hurry up and say it, we'll all shut up," Director Cohen urged.

"Timing means choosing the right moment, which is the film's release date."

"Location means occupying an advantageous position, which is having the initiative in terms of film scheduling."

"Harmony means winning people's hearts. He who has the Way will have many helpers. It means gaining the favor and support of more people."

"I understand every word you're saying, Lin Yuan, but I don't understand what you're trying to do when you put them together," Director Johnston complained.

"Your Eastern indirectness really gives me a headache," Director Cohen agreed, nodding.

"'Favorable Earth' refers to our joint promotion plan. As long as we execute it well, bundling the two films for sale will yield good returns," Lin Yuan began to explain.

"I can understand that, but what about 'Favorable Heaven' and 'Harmony'?" Director Cohen pressed on.

"'Harmony' means we need to learn to use modern methods to gain the favor of as many quality users as possible."

"Still don't get it."

"May I ask what age group is the most valuable audience for movies?"

"Naturally, it's young people. They are the main consumers. They watch movies in groups, and if they like them, they'll watch them a second or even a third time," Director Johnston replied.

"And how do we win over these young people?" Lin Yuan asked further.

"Advertising through media like television, radio, magazines, and newspapers?" Director Cohen asked, not too confidently.

Lin Yuan rolled his eyes internally. Old man, times have changed.

The internet age had arrived, quietly demonstrating its immense influence, especially its dominance over young people.

It was time to showcase the true power of the internet. Lin Yuan was ready to blow everyone's minds.

"Have you heard of a website called IMDB? Mr. Eisen invested in that company after I persuaded him."

"No."

"I don't go online much, so I'm not familiar with it."

"Go take a look, and you'll gain a whole new perspective. We are now major shareholders with actual influence in IMDB, holding the power to define whether a movie is good or bad!"

Lin Yuan continued with a smile, "Favorable Heaven, Favorable Earth, and Harmony are all on our side. While 'The Mummy Returns' is strong, it's nothing more than a castle on the beach."

"Right, you still haven't told us about 'Favorable Heaven.' How will we utilize it?" Director Cohen asked.

"I'll keep that a secret for now. Two monsters will join forces and teach Director Sommers a lesson."