Luo Zheng did not answer the reporters immediately.
Instead, he simply smiled, shook his head slowly, and let the suspense build.
The expression on his face was calm, almost unreadable, carrying that deliberate air of mystery that made everyone lean in.
"Ten million dollars?" he said at last, his tone light. "That was never the real goal."
The crowd instantly quieted.
Then Luo Zheng looked around at the packed group of reporters and added, almost casually,
"It seems everyone has forgotten about the DVD market."
For a second, there was silence.
Then the reporters reacted all at once.
That's right.
A film like The Man from Earth was practically made for the home-viewing market.
A low-budget, high-concept science-fiction thriller with strong word-of-mouth and repeat-watch value—this kind of film always performed exceptionally well in DVD sales, especially in the U.S. and Europe.
Once the audience who had already watched it in theaters started recommending it, the follow-up profits would be enormous.
And unlike the box office, DVD sales weren't limited to a few weeks.
They would continue bringing in revenue year after year.
The expressions on the reporters' faces changed immediately.
Shock.
Excitement.
Disbelief.
Then applause suddenly broke out from the crowd.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
The sound quickly spread.
This was their way of showing appreciation for such a cooperative interview subject.
Someone willing to speak clearly, answer directly, and give them explosive material was rare.
Luo Zheng gave them a slight bow.
"Thank you for your encouragement."
Naturally, he understood exactly what he was doing.
On one hand, this was excellent publicity for Marvel Entertainment and would help push the stock price upward once the news reached the United States.
On the other hand, it was meant to elevate Blue Whale Entertainment's reputation in the domestic industry.
He wanted one label attached firmly to his name—
someone who could make money.
Nothing was more convincing than profit.
"As for the production cost," Luo Zheng continued, "the fourteen thousand dollars reported earlier is correct for the filming budget itself."
He paused, then clarified,
"However, once you include promotion and distribution costs, Marvel's total investment was closer to one hundred thousand dollars."
The reporters quickly did the math.
Then one of them blurted out in disbelief,
"So that means…"
He stared at Luo Zheng as if afraid he had calculated wrong.
"This film made nearly two thousand times the return?"
The crowd erupted again.
Two thousand times.
And in U.S. dollars.
That number alone was enough to make people dizzy.
Luo Zheng smiled modestly.
"You could say that."
That single sentence was enough to completely ignite the crowd.
"My god…"
"Two thousand times return?"
"Is Hollywood really that profitable?"
"No wonder everyone is desperately trying to break into Hollywood!"
"Only Jackie Chan really made it there though…"
The discussions around him became increasingly chaotic.
Everywhere, people were talking about the same thing—
money.
A terrifying amount of money.
And a terrifying rate of return.
At that moment, Luo Zheng's image in the eyes of the domestic entertainment circle changed completely.
He was no longer just a lucky young heir.
He was now someone who had truly proven his value.
Someone who could turn one hundred thousand dollars into more than ten million.
The reporters immediately pressed forward again, hungry for more details.
Sensing the atmosphere reaching its peak, Luo Zheng decided to throw out another topic.
This one was even more explosive.
He raised his voice slightly.
"As for the matter everyone keeps asking about…"
He paused deliberately.
"The issue between Julie and me."
The crowd instantly went silent.
Every microphone stretched forward at once.
Even the onlookers held their breath.
Luo Zheng smiled faintly.
"We do admire each other."
The entire place practically froze.
Admire each other?
That one sentence alone was enough for tomorrow's headlines.
But before the reporters could go wild, he immediately followed up,
"However, her divorce has absolutely nothing to do with me."
He said it calmly and firmly.
"That was a decision made after careful consideration between her and her former spouse."
The reporters were visibly disappointed.
This was not the explosive scandal they wanted.
In their minds, the story had already become far more dramatic.
A Hollywood beauty.
A young genius director.
A passionate affair.
A secret child.
A divorce caused by forbidden love.
Compared to that, Luo Zheng's answer was far too rational.
Still, they refused to give up.
Several sharp questions came one after another, each trying to trap him.
But Luo Zheng handled every one of them smoothly, skillfully avoiding every pitfall.
By the time the police finally arrived to help control the crowd, the scene had already become chaotic.
Only under heavy escort was Luo Zheng able to return to the company.
But this was only the beginning.
The next morning, the newspapers exploded.
Every entertainment page carried headlines about Luo Zheng.
YOUNG DIRECTOR EARNS 20 MILLION DOLLARS IN HOLLYWOOD
100,000 INVESTMENT TURNS INTO A FORTUNE
2,000X RETURN SHOCKS THE INDUSTRY
Naturally, the numbers were exaggerated.
The actual amount he had currently received was just over 11 million dollars—
the five million advance plus more than six million in box office revenue share.
But the media had no interest in accuracy when a larger number sold better.
In an instant, both the mainland and Hong Kong entertainment circles were in an uproar.
His phone practically did not stop ringing.
The first call came from Liu Yifei.
"Cousin!"
Her excited voice came bursting through the receiver.
"Did you really make that much money?"
Luo Zheng leaned back in his chair and smiled.
"More or less."
He had no intention of explaining the exact amount.
Sometimes, letting people misunderstand was useful.
"Then how many snacks can you buy me?"
He laughed.
"All you ever think about is eating. Go practice your dance."
Before Liu Yifei could protest, Liu Xiaoli's scolding voice came from the background.
Soon, the phone was passed over.
"Xiao Zheng."
Her tone was much calmer.
"You shouldn't talk so much to the media about money."
Luo Zheng smiled.
"Auntie, Marvel is a listed company. Shareholders need confidence."
One sentence was enough to silence her.
After a short pause, Liu Xiaoli changed the topic.
"About what you mentioned before…"
"Xixi's nationality."
Luo Zheng's expression sharpened slightly.
"Yes?"
"I've thought it over."
Her voice became softer.
"You were right. I plan to have her change back to Chinese nationality."
For once, even Luo Zheng was a little surprised.
He had not expected her to agree so quickly.
"That's the right decision."
The two chatted a little longer before hanging up.
The moment he was about to set the phone aside, it rang again.
This time—
Han Sanping.
"Chairman Han."
Han Sanping laughed.
"First, congratulations."
Then, after a few pleasantries, he quickly moved to the real topic.
"What's the progress on Getting Home?"
Clearly, seeing Luo Zheng's Hollywood success had made him eager.
Luo Zheng immediately reassured him.
"The crew is already in preparation. We're planning to begin shooting by the end of next month."
"Good."
Han Sanping sounded pleased.
"Quality first."
"Of course."
Luo Zheng intentionally emphasized,
"This is an awards film."
That sentence was deliberate.
He didn't want Han Sanping expecting blockbuster box office numbers.
This was a realistic road drama, not a commercial spectacle.
Awards mattered more than ticket sales.
After hanging up, his mobile phone finally died.
Battery exhausted.
Luo Zheng let out a long breath.
Finally, some peace and quiet.
Then—
Ring.
The office landline suddenly rang.
He frowned.
"What now?"
Zhang Hui's cautious voice came through.
"Boss…"
"The secretary I arranged for you has arrived."
For a moment, Luo Zheng's expression changed completely.
All his fatigue disappeared.
He stood up immediately.
His interest was instantly piqued.
After all, Zhang Hui had personally guaranteed—
you definitely won't be disappointed.
Now even Luo Zheng was curious.
Just what kind of woman could make Zhang Hui speak with such confidence?