Chapter 47: Repayment

Chapter 47: Chapter 47: Repayment

Time moved into early November, and a chill entered the Los Angeles air.

After Irene returned to Los Angeles and met with Chen Shiyu, she went back to the USC campus.

As she entered the familiar classroom with her books, the room went quiet for a moment, then erupted in louder discussion.

She picked an empty seat and sat down. A probing greeting came from beside her.

"Irene, I didn’t see you when school started. Is your new movie done?" Hanni Charles said, wearing careful makeup, her voice sweet.

Irene looked up and gave a polite but distant smile.

"Yes, we wrapped not long ago."

They’d been on decent terms once, but Hanni’s pushy behavior during Legally Blonde left a bad impression, so Irene kept her distance after.

"What’s this movie about? Give us a hint." Another boy leaned in, eager for inside news.

"A story about youth and choices," Irene answered, her tone official.

"For details, you’ll have to see it when it releases."

Hanni didn’t give up, leaning closer and lowering her voice.

"Free this Friday? Let’s get Vivian and hang out. We haven’t seen you in ages. Good chance to welcome you back."

"Sorry, I have plans Friday." Irene declined flatly.

She did have plans—meeting a bank manager. She intended to pay off her previous loan first, then prepare financing for her next film.

The next action movie would cost more. Though she had money left, she didn’t need to invest it all; she had other ventures.

Hanni hit a wall and couldn’t hide her displeasure. She’d boasted in class about her friendship with Irene, and now couldn’t even get her to dinner. How could she accept that?

She pouted, loud enough for others to hear: "Don’t bother Irene. She’s a famous director now, busy. Why would she eat with us?"

Irene didn’t react much to the barbed comment. It wasn’t worth it.

Smart people wouldn’t offend a director with potential, especially when they needed resources, and she had no reason to waste energy on jealousy.

Seeing Irene unmoved, the others dropped it and looked away.

Just then, the bell rang, and everyone returned to their seats.

After class, Irene didn’t linger. She’d arranged to meet Vivian at a coffee shop near school.

Sunlight fell through the window onto the wooden table, and Irene stirred her coffee, enjoying rare quiet.

"How’s class lately?" Irene asked, smiling, relaxed.

Vivian shrugged. "Same. Every time people talk about you, the room gets tense. Hanni didn’t get what she wanted from you earlier, so she’ll be upset all day."

Irene shook her head.

"She’s too transactional. That’s not wrong, I just don’t like it."

"After seeing Hollywood, how could she let go easily?"

"What do you mean?" Had something happened that Irene missed?

"Over summer break, she interned on a set as a director’s assistant. Bragged about it for a month when school started. If you’d been back earlier, you’d have heard her internship stories."

"So, while I don’t like it, some appreciate her ambition. But I’m curious, what kind of movie?" Irene’s eyes showed interest.

"Some action movie. I didn’t listen closely," Vivian said casually, but Irene caught a hint of envy.

"The timing wasn’t great; it started when school did, so asking for leave to get you on set wasn’t easy. Next time, I’ll save you a spot."

Vivian was one of the few friends she trusted at film school. She had her own views, and they got along. Hanni had been in that group, but narrowed her own path.

"I know." Vivian lifted her coffee, understanding.

"It’s not easy for you now, don’t feel bad. Also, you look thinner than earlier this year. Filming’s tiring, right?"

"Yes, tiring, but fulfilling. Seeing shots from my head become real is amazing. Everything’s moving forward." Irene leaned back, relaxed.

"That’s great." Vivian smiled.

On Friday, Irene went alone to the West Hollywood branch of Merrill Lynch in Los Angeles.

Account manager Morley Leonard, a sharp middle-aged banker with neat hair, waited at his office door.

"Director Irene, welcome. Please come in."

Morley stepped aside, inviting Irene into his office with a city view.

"Thank you, Mr. Leonard." Irene sat gracefully. After brief pleasantries, she got to the point.

"This is the $6 million principal, plus all interest per the contract. Please check." She took the prepared check from her bag and slid it to Morley.

Morley took it, checked the numbers and signature, and confirmed.

His smile grew more genuine, with clear appreciation.

"Director Irene, I must say, your repayment speed exceeded our expectations. This was a successful collaboration. Congratulations on your box office."

"Thank you." Irene kept an elegant smile.

"A successful collaboration should continue, which is my other reason for coming today."

"Oh, Director Irene, please tell me directly." Surprise flashed in Morley’s eyes, replaced by interest.

"I’d like to know, based on my proven profitability and clear future plan, what credit support Merrill Lynch can provide for my next projects?"

Morley hadn’t expected that right after paying off a huge loan, Irene would seek larger financing. That ambition and nerve were rare in a young director.

"That’s an exciting question, Director Irene." Morley chose words carefully.

"Theoretically, early repayment of a $6 million loan is strong proof of your credit and ability, and we can offer a higher line. The exact number depends on your next project’s details. You might also use studio equity or a portion of future project revenue as collateral."

Irene didn’t reply immediately.

He watched her reaction and continued:

"May I ask your next project’s budget?"

"For my next film, I plan an action movie, so cost should be $30-50 million. At a 30% investment share, I’d need about $12 million." She paused and offered her leverage:

"I can consider up to 10% equity in my personal studio as additional collateral. But I’d want the interest rate lowered by another 50 basis points from your initial estimate."

Morley’s mind worked fast. A $12 million request, plus studio equity—this exceeded his expectations.

The young director before him was confident, doubling the loan without hesitation.

"Director Irene, your proposal is attractive, but I can’t answer immediately. You’ll need to provide a detailed business plan, and we’ll need to evaluate, but I think securing a competitive rate is possible."

"Good. When I need the funds, I’ll have all materials ready. Let’s leave it there for now. Thank you for your time, Mr. Leonard." Irene stood and extended her hand.

Morley stood and shook it firmly.

"Looking forward to working with you again."