Ten million dollars...
That's no small amount of money — even in 2024, it's still a massive sum.
Sure, to some people, it's not even "a minor goal." But for Luke right now, it was an astronomical figure — one that could crush every dream he'd ever had.
"So, if we can't get the money... we'll just have to give up?" Luke asked quietly.
"Don't worry about that," Director Cohen said as he handed Luke a bank card. "We'll find a way to cover it."
"We?" Luke asked, puzzled.
"There's five million dollars on that card. Three million is my savings. The other two came from Vin and Paul after I told them what's going on."
"This is just the first installment — we'll use it to get the production started. Once the bank loan comes through, I'll front the rest."
Hearing this, Luke felt a heavy wave of emotion wash over him.
What had he ever done to deserve such support?
Vin Diesel wasn't technically family, but he'd been his father's best friend — honoring a promise made on his father's deathbed to look after Luke. That, at least, made sense.
But Paul Walker?
They'd only really gotten to know each other after Luke risked his life filming that crazy stunt in The Fast and the Furious. So why would Paul put up his own money to help him?
No matter the country or era, if someone is willing to lend you a large sum of money, that person is a friend you should cherish for life.
And as for Director Cohen — he'd been running himself ragged for Luke these past few days.
When Luke didn't take the card, Cohen thought he was still hesitant and reassured him:
"Don't worry about paying it back if things go south. This isn't a loan; it's an investment. If we lose it, you don't owe us a dime."
Luke stared at the card, and his eyes stung.
He wasn't taking on a financial debt tonight — he was taking on something far heavier: a debt of gratitude.
And that's the kind you can never repay with money — only with a lifetime of loyalty and friendship.
But still, Luke gently pushed the card back across the table.
"Director, I'm deeply grateful for everything you've done. But this is my problem. I can't let you risk all your savings just to help me."
"Luke—"
"Please, let me finish. I'm not refusing because I'm giving up. Actually, I've already anticipated this funding issue — and I have a plan."
"Oh really? And what plan is that? If it's not reliable, you're taking this card," Cohen said firmly.
"I'm meeting with Mr. Eisen tonight. You know who he is. He's going to solve my financing problem."
"Eisen Miller? That old fox?" Cohen frowned. "He's rich, sure, but he's not easy to deal with — especially these days. You really think you can convince him?"
"He agreed to meet with me, didn't he? That means I'm already halfway there. Trust me, Director — wait for my good news."
Cohen sighed. "Alright, but keep me posted the moment you have results."
"I will. And thank you, really."
"Goodbye, Luke . And you, Miss Yuffie — you're the most beautiful woman of the East I've ever seen."
With that, Cohen left the café.
Luke stayed behind, waiting for Mr. Eisen Miller to arrive.
Eisen, now 63, had started out running a small bakery before becoming one of Hollywood's most legendary investors.
He owned a company managing over $10 billion, focused entirely on the film industry — from production to distribution and beyond.
For thirty years, he'd backed some of the biggest blockbusters ever made: Star Wars, Planet of the Apes, The Terminator, True Lies...
But in recent years, he'd stopped investing in movies altogether.
No project had impressed him — not even when James Cameron came knocking for Titanic.
Hollywood had long since given up on getting him involved again.
So how on earth was Luke going to win him over tonight?
He couldn't just rely on being good-looking... could he?
A few minutes later, an elegantly dressed older man stepped into the café and sat down across from Luke.
Mr. Eisen looked like an old-school gentleman straight out of a movie — perfectly combed silver hair, a tailored suit that fit like it was made for him, and a face lined with years of authority.
He didn't greet Luke, didn't introduce himself — just stared at him in silence.
His cold, sharp eyes scanned Luke from head to toe, like a wolf assessing its prey.
The air around them seemed to drop several degrees. Even Yuffie, sitting beside Luke, felt the tension and grew anxious.
What was with that attitude?
Was he hostile toward Luke?
Being a actor in Hollywood was already an uphill battle — if a man like Eisen decided to blacklist him, he'd be finished.
But Luke didn't flinch. He met Eisen's gaze calmly, eyes clear and steady, without a hint of aggression.
The two of them locked eyes for what felt like forever, neither saying a word.
Then, without warning, Eisen stood up — as if ready to leave.
Just as Yuffie thought the meeting was a total disaster, Eisen finally spoke.
"How much do you need?"
"Fifteen million dollars."
Without another word, Eisen pulled out his checkbook, scribbled his signature, and handed the check to Luke.
Then he turned and walked out.
Yuffie stared in disbelief.
"That's it? It's... done?"
"Yeah," Luke said casually. "Didn't you see?"
"But—that was fifteen million dollars! He just gave it to you?" She felt like the whole world had gone insane.
"I used witchcraft," Luke said with a grin. "Put a curse on him. His mind's under my control now."
"Yeah, right! If you had that kind of power, you'd be ruling the world, not shooting action movies," she shot back, rolling her eyes.
"Want to know the real reason?"
"Of course!"
"Promise me one thing first."
"It can't break any laws or morals," she said quickly.
"Deal. My request is—next time we meet, wear white stockings."
"Ugh, you guys are unbelievable..." she said, blushing. "Now tell me how you actually convinced him."
Luke smiled. "Because I gave him the one thing an old man wants most—youth."
At that, Yuffie looked even more suspicious.