194: Chapter 194 Stephen Chow's Tea Ceremony!

Shen Zhou could always maintain respect when facing Stephen Chow, and he could also keep the overall atmosphere harmonious.

However, Zhao Pengju would be joining the project team as the producer, and since he was representing Shen Zhou's interests, there was no need to be overly polite when it was time to assert authority.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Stephen Chow immediately explained with a solemn expression:

"Mr. Shen, Mr. Zhao, Director Cameron absolutely does not mean any disrespect to the two of you."

"It's just that the preliminary preparation work for this project is extremely complex, and we also have to build a real Noahs Ark."

"So, the two of us have a clear division of labor. He is currently in the USA, relying on his previous Titanic project, recruiting professionals in the USA while also trying his best to find staff members who participated in the original Titanic project."

"However, I guarantee that he will be able to appear before both of you within three days."

Stephen Chow also understood that in front of the film crew's absolute biggest financial backer, it was definitely impolite for Director Cameron not to appear.

Therefore, he immediately and solemnly stated his position, even apologizing multiple times without hesitation.

"Alright, Director Zhou, this matter is completely unimportant."

"Sino-foreign co-productions are never easy. I'll say it again: you are the only one I value. If you feel that Director Cameron's presence has a negative impact on your film, then whatever decision you make, I will support it one hundred percent."

As the sole investor of the project, Shen Zhou stood on Stephen Chow's side without hesitation, his stance clear.

It is no exaggeration to say that regardless of how much real talent Director Cameron actually has, Shen Zhou would never value that guy.

Major film companies in the USA value him because they hope to gain sufficiently high profits.

But Shen Zhou has thousands of ways to generate profits; he certainly doesn't lack the path involving Director Cameron.

"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Shen. I will not let your investment lose money."

"Besides building a real Noahs Ark at a one-to-one scale, both my and Director Cameron's reputations can also attract a large number of moviegoers to the theaters."

"Moreover, the gimmick of the most expensive film investment in the world can also attract a lot of attention."

"We have even specifically formulated all the slogans for the promotional process, such as 'the world's number one sci-fi film' and the like..."

With Shen Zhou's support, Stephen Chow became increasingly confident and began to continuously describe his plans regarding the film project.

This guy usually speaks very little, but this was the first time he had spoken continuously for nearly an hour.

Of course, this was enough to show just how difficult it had been for him to raise investment during this period.

After all, many of the domestic blockbuster films could reach nearly a billion in total box office, or even higher.

And that was already enough for many investors to make a fortune.

But this historical first sci-fi film, with Stephen Chow as director and Director Cameron as a collaborator, had already easily exceeded one billion USD in total investment at the start of the project.

If they wanted to recoup costs in the Chinese film industry, they would need to sell at least ten billion in box office receipts.

In the current environment, that was simply impossible to achieve.

Even with the gimmick of Stephen Chow and Director Cameron, it would be very difficult to achieve.

If it weren't for Shen Zhou having spare money and the help of the System, he wouldn't have been willing to rashly participate in this kind of film project.

"Director Zhou, regarding the investment, I'll say this one last time: I will be responsible for all the funds for this project. Of course, the capital injection will be handled through my investment company."

"As for other investors, you don't need to contact them."

Shen Zhou waved his hand grandly and said with great extravagance.

In the end, he suddenly added, "If it is to make the film perfect, and the budget is suddenly exceeded during the filming process, as long as you can give me a reasonable justification, I am willing to inject more capital."

At this moment, Shen Zhou looked as if he didn't care about money at all.

This left Stephen Chow, who was on the side, with eyes shining, but he didn't know how to respond.

Zhao Pengju, who was on the side, became anxious.

However, just as he was about to speak, he was interrupted by a wave of Shen Zhou's hand.

Shen Zhou certainly wasn't doing this because he was foolish and wealthy; it was because the more he spent, the more returns he would get.

Even if others looked at him differently, as long as he could get enough benefits, what did it matter?

"Maria, draft the contract."

Shen Zhou said to Maria, who was on the side.

Maria revealed a faint smile and immediately began drafting the corresponding contract with the lawyers from Stephen Chow's studio.

Stephen Chow's studio was quite famous, as he was a very sentimental person who generally didn't like to change his staff.

Of course, it was also mainly because staff members who could endure his explosive temper year after year were very rare.

While the other staff members were busy drafting the contract, Stephen Chow, who was on the side, took out the Chinese Fuzhou white tea he had carefully prepared.

"Mr. Shen, and Mr. Zhao, in order to welcome your arrival, I have specially learned some tea ceremony skills."

"Of course, my skills are not yet refined, so I hope you two will be understanding."

Stephen Chow personally placed the tea leaves into two tea cups just like that.

Then, with a tea cup in each hand, he shook them gently, letting the boiling water he had just added rotate slowly along the rim of the cups.

Next, he simultaneously tossed both tea cups a meter into the air, and then very precisely caught them in the palms of his hands.

Finally, after the next step, he inverted the cups directly and removed the lids, allowing the aroma of the tea leaves, after the first infusion, to waft freely before Shen Zhou and the other person.

"The two of you are now witnessing the tea presentation process."

Stephen Chow didn't care at all that his fingers had been slightly scalded red; instead, he excitedly began the next step.

In the end, he personally used the edge of the cup lid to slowly wipe away the tea residue and placed it respectfully in front of Shen Zhou.

He then smoothly pushed the other cup of tea toward Zhao Pengju.

"Try my white tea. This is the first time I have demonstrated my tea ceremony skills to the outside world."

Stephen Chow let out a hearty laugh, then finally leaned back, resting his body against the chair.

The tea ceremony performance just now had greatly exhausted his energy.

If it weren't to prove his welcome and respect for Shen Zhou and his companion, how could he possibly risk scalding his fingers to perform the tea ceremony?

Zhao Pengju's back was straight as a board at this moment; he lifted the tea cup in front of him with both hands and took a gentle sip.

But he didn't rush to praise it; whenever there was an opportunity to speak, it had to be his boss, Shen Zhou, who took the lead.

And in any case, Stephen Chow personally demonstrating the tea ceremony for him was enough to give him plenty of face.