Chapter 539: Chapter 534: You Want to Invest in Us?
Big Head has been in this industry for over ten years, and he considers himself somewhat perceptive.
Instead of forcing Li Tao to fulfill the contract from eight years ago, why not probe into Ji Ning’s background?
There were rumors before that the Xingyu Group collaborated with the studio opened by Ji Ning, which is why Ye Tong caught Director Lin’s eye and became one of the female protagonists, despite her role being small.
Latterly, there were whispers that because Ye Tong was preparing for the art exam, Director Lin arranged for her to finish filming her parts earlier, even postponing the group variety show shooting after the wrap, waiting for Ye Tong to finish her exams before filming.
Who in the film base doesn’t know about Ye Tong’s background as an extra, and the only person who could make Director Lin compromise like this could only be her biggest supporter, Ji Ning.
But when he tried to investigate Ji Ning, he couldn’t find any information about her. Especially within the entertainment circle, apart from being labeled as a stunt consultant and opening a small studio, she seemed to have no industry background.
Moreover, this small studio has only signed two actors, Ye Tong and Lin Qing, both with a background in extra roles and not much fame, currently with only two presentable works, "Gone with the Wind" and "War God."
Now that both series have wrapped, the studio hasn’t arranged any other commercial performances for them.
He was unsure about Ji Ning’s identity.
When he suddenly saw her today, he was intrigued, using this fantasy drama as a bait to probe her background.
"Miss Ji, what have you been busy with recently? I haven’t seen you around here."
Big Head invited Ji Ning to sit down offering to make tea for her.
Ji Ning glanced around his office, compared to Li Tao, he seemed to pay more attention to outward appearances, as the office appeared quite business-like.
With redwood furniture and leather sofa seating, the floor was also laminated.
After Ji Ning sat down, she replied, "I have been on a business trip to the Outer Continent, just got back recently."
Big Head paused slightly, his gaze brightening, "Miss Ji, you must be doing big business, is there a good international project?"
"Yes, I just concluded several billion-dollar deals." Ji Ning clasped her hands on the table, speaking casually.
Upon hearing this, Big Head became even more intrigued.
He vaguely speculated that Ji Ning might be the heir of a noble family and running a small studio in the entertainment industry might just be a side hobby, which is why she doesn’t care about earning from commercial performances since she herself is a low-key major capital.
If he collaborated with her, he’d never have to worry about funding in the future.
"Miss Ji, please have some tea, it’s new this year, give it a try."
With a broad smile almost obscuring his eyes, Big Head placed a teacup in front of Ji Ning with a hint of eagerness.
Ji Ning maintained a calm expression, lifted the teacup, and took a light sip.
"Let’s discuss that fantasy drama."
"There’s no rush for that drama, I have a project here, not sure if Miss Ji would be interested?"
Big Head took out a stack of documents from his desk and pushed them towards Ji Ning.
His implication was clear—he wanted a resource exchange. He could help Ye Tong secure a role in the fantasy drama, but Ji Ning needed to provide him with equivalent resources, either funds or actors.
Ji Ning flipped through the projects he pushed over, somewhat surprised asked, "You want to invest in a movie?"
Big Head rubbed his hands, his eyes brimming with ambition to make big money, "Miss Ji, this movie is a big production, see if you are interested. We can collaborate and make money together."
"Has the project been approved?"
"It has, currently looking for investors. If you want to invest, we can let Xiao Tong be the lead—it’s easier to gain fame on the big screen compared to TV dramas."
Ji Ning put the documents back on the table, leaned back, and smiled, "How many people have you said this to?"
Big Head’s smile was somewhat awkward, but he still insisted on pulling in investment, "Isn’t this how it is in the circle? Investors arranging a role in the production is quite easy."
"How much more funding do you need?"
"Fifty million." Big Head held up one hand, "Miss Ji, it may seem like a lot, but with a strong script and director, plus Xiao Tong’s good acting skills, I have a hunch this movie will definitely blow up, and you’ll make not just a few billions."
"How much are you planning to invest? Who else has invested in this movie?"
Seeing Ji Ning wasn’t just another naive outsider with money, but rather quite shrewd, Big Head gradually set aside his tactics to fool outsiders and conservatively said, "We’re expecting to invest 100 million, a few friends and I pooled some funds, but there’s still a shortfall of 50 million."
Ji Ning caressed the rim of the teacup, lightly asking, "So there’s no major capital backing your script?"
Big Head’s smile completely vanished, revealing a bit of helplessness, "Not really, just that they think the film’s theme is niche, with significant upfront investment and no historical data to support it, fearing it won’t sell well, but Miss Ji, this script is truly exceptional. From my over ten years of industry experience, if it gets produced, it’s bound to make money."
Ji Ning glanced down again and flipped through the project files—a sci-fi disaster movie.
The story primarily revolves around a protagonist who works at a space agency and during a routine assignment inadvertently contacts extraterrestrial life, thus exposing the coordinates of the protagonist’s planet, causing an advanced civilization to plan a hunt in this lower civilization. Upon discovering the plot, the protagonist and friends start to find ways to save themselves...
The project book outlined only the synopsis of the movie without detailing specifics, but the concept was indeed intriguing.
Thinking of the Beizhou and the out-of-world information, Ji Ning lightly tapped the table with her fingers and didn’t outright refuse, "Send me the detailed information for the entire project and details of the shooting crew."
Originally, Big Head assumed Ji Ning would be like other investors, refusing after listening, but he didn’t expect a turn in events.
"Are you going to invest in us?" Big Head’s voice carried a hint of excitement.
Ji Ning closed the documents, stood up, and stated calmly, "I’ll decide once I’ve reviewed all the project information. Also, you should mentally prepare yourself if I intend to invest. Your current setup won’t cut it..."
Big Head’s body paused, this was one of the things he most feared.
Attracting investment for a film is utmost frightening about two things: one is no one invests, delaying the project, and the other is someone invests yet possesses an overbearing disposition, squeezing out other small shareholders, maybe even getting kicked out.
Ji Ning immediately perceived his thoughts, adding another line before leaving, "Don’t worry, if you conduct business properly, what’s due to you won’t be less."
With a forced grin, Big Head felt a tinge of unease, slightly regretting involving Ji Ning in the investment.
As he hesitated, realizing he hadn’t asked for Ji Ning’s contact information.
Just as he intended to chase out, his phone emitted a "ding—"
Lowering his head, he saw Ji Ning’s request to add as a friend.
Did he give Ji Ning his contact information?
He glanced again at the project information on the desk, finally breathing a sigh of relief.
Apparently, the project information had his contact details written on it.
That scared him...
He immediately accepted Ji Ning’s friend request, sending a smiley face emoji.
[Ji Ning: Send the information to this account.]
Big Head gave a snort, habitually accessing her account profile.
[Name: Ji Ning]
[Gender: Female]
[Age: 141 years]
[Identity Verification: Anhe Middle School student, Huazhou Security Department S-level Detective]
