It seems things have gotten a bit out of hand.

But at this point, Ronald can't back out, because he still hasn't secured the investment.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is helping him organize the fundraising event and assisting with publicity, but they've never discussed investing in "The Purge" with him.

Ronald isn't anxious; a hunter must have patience.

And compared to the behemoth that is the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, he'd much rather persuade those small and medium investors at the fundraising event.

That way, there would be fewer problems down the line.

Of course, if the Investment Authority threw a few million dollars his way, he wouldn't refuse.

On February 25, 1998, the three-day film investment and fundraising event kicked off at the Abu Dhabi Grand Hotel.

Chapter 8: Attracting Investment

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After the investment event began, Ronald kept his composure and didn't rush to talk about money. For the first two days, he focused on introducing the basics of Hollywood, the history and productions of Sahara Entertainment, the generally negative portrayal of Arabs in Hollywood films, and so on.

All the materials about Sahara Entertainment, as well as information related to "The Purge," were distributed to every attendee.

People in Abu Dhabi don't care much about money, but you can't treat them like fools. If you want someone to invest, you first have to earn their trust.

Ronald did his homework: most of the attendees were real businesspeople, not lazy bumpkins waiting for handouts.

Compared to those closed-off Middle Eastern countries, the UAE's policies are relatively open. Many people have access to the Western world, and quite a few wealthy individuals are involved in North American import and export businesses.

Allowing some time gives potential investors the chance to check out Sahara Entertainment's situation in Los Angeles through their own channels.

If you start desperately seeking investment right from the beginning, it might backfire.

Arabs may have a lot of money, but they're not fools.

If you want to scam money... no, attract investment, the highest level is to make sure everything you've prepared can stand up to scrutiny and is all real.

On that basis, you can then paint a bigger picture.

All the information Ronald provided was completely authentic and reliable—except for the budget of "The Purge."

In this era, Hollywood movie budgets had a lot of wiggle room. Even many insiders couldn't figure them out, let alone outsiders.

During the first two days, Ronald also observed carefully. Out of the more than a hundred people who came by, quite a few were interested.

Some members of the Abu Dhabi royal family even stopped by the venue.

Even though people naturally fear and reject things they don't understand, under Ronald's careful planning, there were still plenty of people interested in investing.

"Harrison, what did your friend in Los Angeles find out?"

Two Arabs in white robes walked into the venue. The younger one lowered his voice and asked the bearded man, "Is there any problem with this project?"

The bearded man glared at him and warned, "Watch what you say, Howard Senn! This is a project brought in by the Investment Authority."

"It's not that I don't trust the Investment Authority." Howard Senn walked over to the exhibition area covered in posters and said, "We can't compare to the Investment Authority. Our money is hard-earned from business."

Harrison picked up a copy of the Los Angeles Times from the display case and handed it to Howard Senn: "This is one of America's three major newspapers."

Howard Senn looked at the article about "The Purge" in the newspaper and said, "I've already read it." He put down the paper, picked up a few posters and sketches, and handed them to the attendant behind him. "Very well made. The kids will like them."

Harrison also had his attendant take a few copies, then said, "My business partner helped me check. This company is located in Burbank, Los Angeles, has been established for over ten years, and recently held a press conference for this film at the Hilton Hotel. You can still see related reports in American newspapers and magazines... Hmm, Ronald Anderson is having cash flow problems, otherwise he wouldn't be seeking outside investment."

Howard Senn lowered his voice, "So there's no problem with the project?"

Harrison stroked his big beard. "From the information we've got, this company is even more reliable than the American export company I work with."

"True." Howard Senn put down his luggage, picked up an introduction to Sahara Entertainment, and flipped through it as he spoke. "That young man with glasses looks honest. For the first two days, he specifically introduced the basics of Hollywood and the risks of investing in the film industry. Would a scammer talk about the risks of the film industry? He would have made wild promises from the start."

Harrison pointed to a spot in the conference hall. "I'm going to talk to him. Are you coming?"

Howard Senn asked, "Have you decided to invest?"

Harrison replied as he walked, "I'll start with a small amount and see how it goes. Didn't he say it himself? In the future, he wants to establish a long-term partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority to prevent Sahara Entertainment's films from being influenced by those damned Jewish funds!"

Howard Senn followed along. "Those American Jews have always been smearing us!" He recalled the synopsis he'd read and said, "Not everyone in Hollywood is a jerk. There are good people too."

Ronald had just seen off someone inquiring about investment when he saw two men in white robes and headscarves walking over.

"Good morning," Ronald greeted them in Arabic, a phrase he'd just learned.

Harrison and Howard Senn both spoke English, so after greeting him, they introduced themselves.

Ronald adjusted his non-prescription glasses, his face full of a sincere smile. "Gentlemen, please have a seat."

"I'd like to ask about the investment," Harrison got straight to the point. "What's the minimum amount you'll accept?"