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According to Henry's memories from before his transmigration, by this point 20th Century Fox should already have reached an agreement with Paramount to co-finance this "big ship."
But this project had one undeniable core—
James Cameron himself.
Without his approval, nothing could move forward.
The reason this director had come personally to Stark Pictures wasn't just because of Henry's earlier hint—it was also because of Stark Pictures' technical capabilities.
If he worked with Paramount, he'd still need to find another partner for the CGI work.
So why not go straight to the source?
A studio that already had the technology.
---
Although Stark Pictures hadn't made any large-scale investments for quite some time, its parent company was still Stark Industries, a military-industrial giant.
And the studio now had a new CEO.
Maybe—
A newcomer would bring new possibilities.
After all, everyone knew:
Young people—and especially inexperienced newcomers—were far more likely to take risks on impulse.
That was exactly what Cameron was betting on.
---
But what no one knew was—
At this moment, Henry might very well be the person in the world most confident in Titanic's success.
And now that Cameron had delivered himself to his doorstep—
How could Henry possibly turn him away?
---
Putting on a conflicted expression, Henry said:
"Director Cameron, from a personal standpoint, I'd absolutely be willing to support you.
"But Mr. Tony Stark has set an annual film production budget for us—only $10 million.
"Anything beyond that requires his approval.
"Of course, even if he refuses, I personally have the funds. But if we're investing through Stark Pictures, we still need to inform him.
"You understand, right?"
---
Cameron nodded, somewhat uneasy.
"Of course. I understand.
"But… when would you be able to ask Mr. Stark?"
---
Henry didn't keep him waiting.
"How about this—you sit tight for a moment. I'll call him right now.
"Your coffee's gone cold. Want me to get you a fresh one?"
"No need," Cameron said quickly. "This is fine. The call is more important."
---
Henry smiled, stood up, and returned to his desk.
"Just a moment."
He dialed the number, switched to speaker mode, and set the receiver down.
Cameron listened as the ringing echoed through the office, his emotions rising and falling with each tone.
Finally—
The call connected.
A crisp female voice came through:
"This is Mr. Tony Stark's private line. I'm his secretary. May I ask who's calling?"
Henry replied:
"Hello, this is Henry Brown. Stark Pictures has a major investment proposal for Mr. Stark.
"Please tell him—it's quite a challenge."
"Understood, Mr. Brown. Please hold."
---
A moment later, the line picked up again.
A familiar, arrogant voice rang out:
"Walt! Loser! Finally calling to surrender?
"I'll allow you to kneel and worship me over the phone. No need to come in person."
---
Henry resisted the urge to fly to the East Coast and smash that smug face.
"What exactly am I surrendering for?
"It's Director James Cameron—he's here seeking investment for his film.
"He also wants to use computer rendering for certain scenes, which requires a solid physics engine and proper hardware.
"We've got the hardware.
"What we lack is a dedicated department to design and operate the physics engine—and funding.
"So I'm asking whether you're interested in investing, and whether you approve expanding the company."
---
Tony didn't miss a beat:
"James Cameron? Oh—you mean that ship that's destined to sink?
"I don't follow Hollywood much, but even I've heard it's a mess.
"If you want a physics engine, then hire people and build one. Why invest in the movie?"
---
Henry chuckled.
"We need a platform to prove that we can do it.
"If you think the risk is too high, I can always use the compensation money I got from Sony.
"I just wanted your approval to invest through Stark Pictures.
"Though Sony hasn't paid everything yet—so I might need a short-term loan from you."
---
Tony didn't answer directly.
"How much do you need?"
"Fox has already invested $135 million.
"Director Cameron says another $60 million will complete the film."
---
Tony scoffed.
"If you're so confident and willing to gamble your own money, why go through the studio?"
---
Henry replied frankly:
"This investment is nearly a third of the total budget.
"I'm not interested in being some idiot investor who just hands over cash like those fools on Wall Street.
"I want Stark Pictures to negotiate with Fox—for distribution rights, or home video rights like VHS and VCD.
"That way, even if the box office fails, we still have revenue streams to recover costs.
"Otherwise, we risk losing everything.
"And trust me—you want a lesson on Hollywood accounting tricks?"
---
Tony responded immediately:
"Alright. Here's the deal.
"Give him $65 million. Round the total budget up to $200 million.
"You go tell Fox—I want North American distribution rights.
"Let's be realistic—your studio doesn't have international distribution capacity yet.
"And home video takes too long. I'm not waiting.
"If Fox agrees, great. If not, forget it.
"Of the $65 million, $10 million comes from Sony's compensation—that counts as your personal investment.
"The rest is mine.
"If it profits, you get your share proportionally.
"If it loses money, my portion covers the losses first.
"Deal?
"Oh—and any additional funding later? That's on you."
---
Henry grinned.
"That was fast. I thought you'd dump the whole thing on me."
---
Tony replied coldly:
"I'm just curious.
"You've never cared about investing in films. So why jump straight into something this risky?
"There must be something you see that others don't.
"I don't understand movies.
"But I know you're not that stupid."
---
Henry feigned surprise.
"Wow. Trusting my judgment that much? I'm flattered, young master."
---
Tony's voice turned vicious:
"No. I actually hope you screw this up.
"So I finally have a reason to strangle you."
---
Henry shot back instantly:
"Then you'd better invent a press strong enough first.
"Otherwise, those weak arms of yours trying to strangle me will feel more like a gentle caress.
"And that would be disgusting."
---
"F*CK!"
Tony slammed the phone down so hard it nearly snapped the antique receiver stand.
---
If anyone could see where Tony Stark was at that moment—
They'd notice he was standing in a study decorated in 18th–19th century style.
Except—
Up, down, left, right…
All surfaces functioned as the floor.
Tony was standing on the ceiling, completely ignoring gravity.
---
Back at Stark Pictures—
Henry listened to the "beep-beep" of the disconnected call, then awkwardly smiled at Cameron, who had been watching anxiously the whole time.
He walked back over and said:
"Looks like we've dealt with the toughest guy involved.
"So—who should I talk to at 20th Century Fox?"
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