Donald Trump put away the business card, and out of the corner of his eye caught sight of Charles Grant. Suddenly, he noticed that Charles Grant’s gaze was also a bit puzzled: “A refined gangster? Why would he mail a gun?”

“This kind of look, what’s he doing being a gangster? He should be a model with me, making movies is so much better. Landladies and housewives love this type the most, the company will definitely promote him.”

Robert Bolton saw the tea was served, but asked, “I wonder if Mr. Brown has read the script. If you’re satisfied with it, do you have any filming slots available soon?”

Making a movie is a very complicated affair,

It needs to be arranged slowly,

Manpower, equipment, and so on.

But as much as possible,

Try to get things for free...

Donald Trump glanced down at his teacup, made sure there were no bullets in the tea, then drank a sip with relief and said, “Mr. Bolton, I’ve taken some time to read the script.”

“It’s very good.”

“The script as a whole is outstanding. The romance, the entanglements, the grudges between men are all very compelling, especially that one line…”

“I waited three years just for a chance. I want to fight for my dignity—not to prove I’m great, but to prove that what I lost, I will take back.” Robert Bolton continued.

Donald Trump shook his head: “Sir, I haven’t been a boss for a long time.”

“That line captures the whole flavor of the underworld years. Without it, the whole movie would feel soulless.”

Robert Bolton agreed, “Mr. Brown, you really are perfect for this film.”

Donald Trump gave a wry smile: “How much are you planning to pay me?”

What’s the fastest way for the Hong Kong triads to make money in the film industry? It’s not by seriously making a movie, but by hiring stars at rock-bottom prices to shoot trashy films, then slapping a famous name on them and selling them to theaters for quick cash.

Now, Hong Kong’s box office market grows every year, and the public’s craze for celebrities is intense, creating a trend. If you get Donald Trump or Andy Lau to star in a movie, theater companies won’t even look at the content—they’ll pay millions to buy it outright.

This is a bit like the capital frenzy in the mainland around 2015, madly hiring pretty boys and hyping up traffic. Even shoddy productions can make money, so who would bother making a serious film? The most common way for gangs to make money from movies is to squeeze down actors’ pay—making two or three times the profit in a month is no problem.

Although Robert Bolton was the first triad boss to get involved in the film industry, Donald Trump could already imagine him driving a hard bargain.

Unexpectedly, Robert Bolton raised a finger and named his price.

“One million?” Donald Trump was startled.

Not too low.

But too high!

TVB artists’ contracts are paid by the episode, and they usually get a meager living allowance. Some artists are shelved for years with no roles, even having to take odd jobs outside to support their families—utterly destitute. Donald Trump now has a senior artist contract with decent pay per episode and can take outside jobs, but still can’t make a million.

Now, Shaw Brothers wants to sign him to an exclusive contract, which is tough.

Wong Tin-lam only offered him 800,000 to star in “The Foolish Girl and the Big Silly Detective.” And besides fame, awards, and acting skills, there’s also inflation to consider—after all, it’s the 1980s, and Hong Kong dollars are worth a lot.

But Robert Bolton smacked his lips and raised another finger: “Sorry, only two hundred thousand.”

“Damn!” Donald Trump cursed inwardly. “Eight hundred thousand, and I’ll clear my schedule to shoot.”

“Three hundred thousand... I’m planning to hire the best director.”

In the 80s, movie production costs were high. The lack of digital filming technology meant everything had to be shot on film, which could only be imported. A single reel cost forty or fifty thousand, and just the film for a movie could run over a million. Not to mention the director’s fee, crew, props...

“Six hundred thousand, I really like this script.” Back then, Donald Trump fought to star in “A Better Tomorrow,” even slashing his fee for it, showing how much he liked the script—it really suited him.

“Four hundred thousand, I can’t go any higher…”

“Five hundred thousand! I can’t go any lower!!” Donald Trump was getting anxious.

“Bang.” Beside him, Wayne couldn’t just stand by. He leaned over and slammed his palm on the tea table, glaring at Donald Trump: “Frank! Is that how you talk to my boss?”

“My boss is giving you face by inviting you to act, and you dare not appreciate it?”

Chapter 008 Frank as the Lead

Donald Trump got anxious: “Four hundred thousand it is, not a penny more. If I ask for even one more cent, I, Donald Trump, will be your lackey!”

“Huh?” Robert Bolton closed his open mouth.

Charles Grant glanced sideways at Brother Frank.

Wayne put away his fierce look with a grunt, and Lawyer Clark broke into a smile...

“Good!”

“Mr. Brown, it’s a deal. Four hundred thousand for the lead role of Mark in ‘A Better Tomorrow’...” A triumphant smile appeared at the corner of Robert Bolton’s mouth.

This price was an absolute steal...

After his outburst, Donald Trump regained his composure, looking very regretful. He said with a bitter smile, “Mr. Bolton, you really screwed me over.”

“Acting in your film for four hundred thousand, I wonder what TVB will think of me.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll sign a confidentiality agreement.” Lawyer Clark handed over the contract.

Some things have to be struck while the iron is hot.