Huayu Chunqiu, starting from being adopted by a fairy mother

Chapter 442 The Little Lion's Overt Scheme
The little lion guessed wrong and underestimated his senior brother. His senior brother was not someone who indulged in low-level interests.

Today is the first day of filming, and as the producer, he will definitely be there unless there's something special going on.

There's plenty of time for shaved ice; a little extra effort won't make a difference.

The launch ceremony last night had a ripple effect, which spurred Jiang Wen on. He called early this morning, wanting a unique ceremony of his own.

Aside from that, we talked about "Let the Bullets Fly".

The start date was set more than half a month ago and will not be postponed any further; filming will begin on August 9th, with Liu Jing's scenes being filmed first. With one month left, Jiang Wen is somewhat dissatisfied with the costumes.

These aren't the main issues. Early this morning, Qianqian called, saying that Zhou Yi couldn't hold on any longer.

If a company runs into financial trouble, it can barely hold on if the employees stick together. Maybe a hit TV series will solve the problem.

But it is fragmented and beset by internal and external troubles. Unless a savior descends from heaven, it will only face defeat and destruction.

With funds at her disposal, Sister Li wasn't in a hurry to acquire Zhou Yi. Zhou Yi, however, was unwilling to give up and wanted to fight a desperate battle. But Sister Li could see that it was just a death throes, and the more he struggled, the deeper he would sink. In the end, it wouldn't just drown the company, but everyone else as well.

With the exposure of the "feeding scandal," internal strife has erupted within Zhouyi. Mr. Zhou is planning to leave with a large team, Jiang Xuerou is still sulking, and Sister Li is getting anxious.

There are many ways to acquire a well-run company. For example, you can report tax evasion or illegal business operations, and many companies are immune to investigation. Then, you can find someone to value the company at a low price, achieving significant results with minimal expenditure, sometimes even leveraging a listed company for tens of millions of dollars.

For a company like Zhouyi, which is short of funds, the solution is even simpler. Launch a large number of lawsuits, making things even worse for the other party, who will soon surrender on their own.

Sister Li wants a complete company, not an empty shell. The name Zhou Yi is only worth a few dollars; the team is the most valuable asset.

To borrow a line from Ge You in the movie "A World Without Thieves," what is the most precious thing in the 21st century? Talent!
She was impressed by the team behind Zhouyi, especially their production capabilities, which could complement Chunqiu's.

The main problem for Zhouyi right now is a lack of money. If money can solve the problem, then it's not a problem at all.

Sister Li plans to take 50 million yuan first to keep Zhou Yi'an in check.

Even without using Qin Shi's funds, it would be easy for her to get tens of millions.

Sisi volunteered, saying, "I'll take care of the money. You don't need to spend any money. I have money, your daughter."

These aren't the main points. The main point is that Xixi asked Liu Jing for money.

She called Liu Jing and said very nicely, "Hey, I'm a little short on cash, can I borrow your earnings? It's not much, just 20 million. This time there's collateral, Shu Chang, she's one of the four little actresses now, she can earn 20 million a year."

Liu Jing's salary for "Let the Bullets Fly" was 30 million yuan, plus 10% of the net profit.

Net income and net profit are not the same. Net profit is the revenue shared by the production company, minus production costs and marketing costs.

Net revenue is the production company's share of revenue minus the production cost, meaning that marketing and distribution costs are either not deducted or are included in the distributor's share of revenue.

As soon as he signed the agreement, the first payment arrived, adding 20 million to his bank account. Even after paying taxes and adding Liu Jing's other income, the amount in his account quietly exceeded 50 million.

This was after Xixi took tens of millions last year to build a manor; otherwise, his cash reserves would have exceeded 100 million.

With his wallet full, he feels very secure lately.

Liu Jing was naturally unhappy; he understood Qianqian's purpose. Yang Mi was preparing to open a studio, and he was worried that Liu Jing would secretly give her money.

Fortunately, Sisi didn't know the exact amount in his account, only that the first installment of the "Let the Bullets Fly" film's paycheck had arrived; otherwise, she wouldn't have dared to ask to borrow 50 million.

Liu Jing has many sources of income, including dividends from various companies, salaries for directors and actors, and various copyright fees.

“Your collateral is heavily indebted, probably owing 20 million a year.” Liu Jing was naturally unwilling to pay up, but Qianqian just couldn’t stand him having any money.

If he wants to spend money on other women, there are plenty of ways, and many of them are more effective than spending cash.

Just by casually introducing some resources, the other party can gain more than a few million.

But Sisi only had her eyes on his wallet, ignoring everything else.

“Are you really that clueless, or are you just pretending? Changchang is deliberately in debt. She gives me all the money she earns, except for the mortgage and car loan payments; she doesn't keep any money for herself. She paid back all the money I borrowed from her a long time ago. This time, for the acquisition of Zhouyi, she still wants to borrow, openly and honestly, and she's strongly insisting on signing an agreement,” Qianqian sighed.

"Isn't it just because of her biological father? Why go through all this trouble? It's pointless." Liu Jing knew the reason, of course.

Two or three years ago, shortly after Shu Chang severed ties with her relatives, her biological father came knocking on her door.

She cannot forgive herself for what she experienced as a child and the death of her mother.

Shu Chang maliciously believed that her biological father had only come to acknowledge her now that she was famous and making money. If she were penniless and homeless, her biological father would probably be living a carefree life somewhere.

The father said, "I won't spend a single penny of your money."

Shu Chang neither forgave nor refused to forgive, and from then on began her journey into debt.

They owe money to the bank, to Xixi, to Liu Jing—basically, they all owe money, and there's always evidence of it.

Owing money to a bank is a normal business practice, and the more money you owe a bank, the more capable you are.

Owing money to Qianqian is a normal thing between sisters. We both share a man, so what's wrong with owing a little money?

It's normal to owe Liu Jing money; we can just have more fun together.

Shu Chang felt relieved. If she wanted to spend a penny of my money, I would have to have it myself.

"Just give me 20 million, it's not a lot to borrow. Changchang is taking people to Hainan today. Oh, and I'll also lend you my little assistant."

Liu Jing looked at his assistant who was saying good morning, how could he dare not answer? He felt guilty.

By the time Liu Jing finished dealing with these matters and returned to the film crew, lunch had already been eaten.

"Good morning, brother."

"Good morning... um?"

"What morning? Are you still asleep?" Liu Jing frowned, glancing at the sun. This girl was actually joking.

Upon arriving at the film set, I ran into Liu Shishi. She wasn't wearing any fancy clothes; she was wearing a short-sleeved top, jeans, and carrying a bag, looking like a student.

He looked him up and down but didn't notice anything different.

Last night, my junior sister's favorability rating inexplicably increased by one point, and it's now at 98 points.

There must be a reason for this. I'm too busy now, I'll interrogate him properly tonight.

Liu Shishi looked at herself; she was dressed very appropriately, and nothing that shouldn't have been exposed was exposed.

She rolled her eyes at her senior brother, her expression full of disdain. "You only just got up now? It's morning."

She didn't dare to say it aloud, and glanced behind her senior brother, but Bai Bing was nowhere to be seen.

The sound of the Huangpu River flowing mightily could be heard on the wind.

The little lion suddenly blushed. "Take it easy. Bai Bing is a person too. She can't stand you playing like that."

Ha ha……

Liu Jing understood and looked at the little lion with a smile, "Shishi, where are we going? Do you want me to give you a ride?"

"My mom's here, I'm going to pick her up from the airport. If you're going to give me a ride, then I won't have to borrow Lao Hu's car." Little Lion pouted, "Is that expression your way of sending me on my way, or sending me to heaven?"
"Feel free to borrow Lao Hu's car, I won't mind driving it. Goodbye!" Liu Jing's smile froze. He was trying to avoid his mother, how could he possibly go? He didn't think that going to the airport to curry favor would change Shi's mother's impression of him. What a joke! He'd ruined someone's girl and made her a concubine. Any modern good mother would not tolerate that.

"Goodbye." The little lion waved his LV bag and left with a flourish.

She hadn't expected her mother to be so proactive. They'd only talked about Sugarman Group last night, and this morning her mother was already rushing to the airport, not even caring about the expensive ticket.

Thinking about last night, she felt it was all so surreal.

Little Lion chatted with Zhang Min for a while longer before saying goodbye. Although taxis in Shanghai are expensive, she had enough money left in her pocket to get back to the hotel.

Zhang Min didn't let her take a taxi; instead, she arranged for a driver to take her home.

Upon arriving at the hotel, the little lion didn't rush to wash up; she immediately contacted her mother. She and her mother had a very harmonious relationship, like best friends when Liu Jing wasn't mentioned. But once Liu Jing was brought up, they instantly became rivals.

They chatted for a few minutes about "Chinese Paladin 3," and then for a few minutes about the opening ceremony. She was worried about how to bring up the issue of shares with her mother, because she would inevitably have to mention her senior brother.

Little did Shi Ma know that Liu Jing would be the first to be mentioned, "That kid has a conscience, he knows to fight for roles for you. If you work with Fan Bingbing and Zhang Guoli, you'll definitely reach a higher level."

"Mom, that's right. You don't know, dozens of people were vying for this role. I even heard Fatty Bing talking about it today. Among them were her good friend Huo Siyan, the artistic goddess Jiang Yiyan, and the goddess Long Dongxuan. The director thought Jiang Yiyan was the most suitable, followed by Huo Siyan. My senior brother went to great lengths to convince the director to let me play this role." Little Lion took the opportunity to exaggerate the hardships involved, without mentioning that Yang Mi was the biggest competitor.

Shi Ma sneered, "Liu Shishi, do you think I'm stupid? Someone who doesn't know anything? Liu Jing is the producer and screenwriter of 'My Love from the Star,' and the investor is Chunqiu. Tell me properly, how much effort does he need to put in to convince the director?"

Oh no, the show's over!

The little lion stuck out its tongue, and when it had nothing to say in its defense, it didn't argue. "Anyway, it's not easy, and even if it were, it wouldn't be as easy as it is for your daughter."

"Alright, let's not talk about him anymore. You should get some rest. You have a script reading tomorrow. Do your best this time. My daughter's portrayal of Long Kui was really good; she even outshone Yang Mi." Shi's mother wouldn't hold a grudge against her daughter for such things.

How could I not mention him? I haven't finished speaking yet.

The little lion coughed twice. "Mom, there's something I need to tell you. Zhang Min also attended the ceremony tonight. She had a few drinks, so I drove her home."

"I've heard people say that Zhang Min is the person behind Fat Bing. Besides, this is a movie produced by Liu Jing, so it's normal for her to show up." Shi Ma wasn't surprised.

The little lion looked at me strangely. My dear mother, you only know one side of the story, not the other, the third, or the fourth...

Shi Ma suddenly sighed, her tone full of envy, "A woman who has achieved what Zhang Min has truly lived. It's not easy for an actress to work so hard all the way. If you ever have even a fraction of her success, I'll be laughing in my dreams."

“Mom, Zhang Min was so-and-so’s lover back then, that’s not honorable.” Liu Shishi’s heart skipped a beat. My situation seems to be somewhat similar to Zhang Min’s back then. I should first test my mother’s attitude.

"When you ascend to the altar, any dishonorable deeds will be defended by others. In this era, people laugh at poverty but not prostitution. How many wealthy people's first pot of gold was glamorous? The accumulation of capital is always bloody," Poetry Mom sighed.

"Mom, you want me to become the second Zhang Min, don't you think, since Shi... Liu Jing and I are like this?" Liu Shishi said slowly.

"Get lost, don't misunderstand me. I want you to become like her, that's hoping you'll succeed. I don't want you to be Liu Jing's mistress and degrade yourself." Shi Ma was furious, her expression wary. "Liu Shishi, what did you mean by taking Zhang Min home? Is she forcing you to be Liu Jing's mistress? Why doesn't she do it herself? If she dares to force you, I'll... I'll... I'll fight her to the death."

Haha, sorry, they've already done it.

If she really pushes me, what can you do? What can you use to fight her? Eggs?
There are countless ruthless things happening in the entertainment industry. If parents were ordinary people, they would have no choice but to swallow their anger.

Just because the lion cub didn't witness it doesn't mean it didn't hear about it. The circle is both large and small; it's all the same old stuff.

"Mom, what are you thinking? She gave me a share transfer agreement..."

"What agreement? You wouldn't be asking someone who's about to go bankrupt to be your legal representative and shareholder, would you?" Shi's mother quickly interrupted.

The little lion remained silent for a long time. His mother was truly experienced in the ways of the world; I had never imagined such a tactic.

Poetry Mom denied herself again, "No, with Liu Jing around, Zhang Min wouldn't do that. Although Liu Jing is morally corrupt, morally depraved, has low character, is shameless, and a beast in human clothing, he wouldn't do that to you."

"Mom, I thank you on his behalf." The little lion said quietly. When the senior brother heard this, he didn't know whether to be happy or sad, but he was probably gratified.

"..." Shi's mother was a little embarrassed to talk about someone like that behind their back.

"Don't make wild guesses. The roles I've played recently have been pretty good, so Zhang Min gave me three percent of the shares as a reward," Little Lion sighed.

She harbored ambitions to compete with Yang Mi for second place, and was determined to fight Liu Yifei to the very end. But when facing Zhang Min yesterday, she felt no competitive thoughts whatsoever.

It wasn't because Zhang Min was older, nor because the other party had a child. It was because Zhang Min had her own career; she didn't need to depend on Liu Jing, nor did she need to be at Liu Yifei's beck and call.

At this moment, the little lion had an epiphany, a flash of inspiration appeared in his mind, the future gradually became clear, and he was no longer confused.

If one day I become like Zhang Min, possessing billions in assets and building a business empire, why would I care about Liu Yifei?

The inspiration she received from Shu Chang three years ago sparked her ambition to pursue acting.

A conversation with her mother today has given her even greater ambitions in her career.

"Three percent of the shares, Liu Jing gave them, right?" Shi's mother was very smart; she understood what was going on with the claim that Zhang Min gave them to her.

"Mom, since you have a problem with him, I don't want the shares." The little lion understands his mother well; since she didn't object outright, it means she's interested.

"Don't try to trick me. I raised you; do you think I don't know you? Since he's offering it, just accept it. You've been with him for so long; he should reciprocate." Shi's mother's tone was complex, her feelings even more so. She did want to refuse, but why should she refuse?

"Mom, are you selling your daughter?" The little lion was in a relaxed mood and even had the mind to tease his mother.

“These are two different things. My daughter is priceless and cannot be measured by money.” Shi’s mother snorted coldly, then sighed, “What has Liu Jing done to deserve having a sister like Zhang Min? She’s really good to him.”

How could it not be good? The child is almost able to run.

The little lion silently complained that when she found out the two had a child, she couldn't calm down for a long time, unlike Yang Mi who accepted it instantly.

She never doubted that Liu Jing and Zhang Min were having an affair; they were from completely different generations.

The senior brother's already tarnished image was further dimmed.

"Mom, Minjie has prepared the agreement, all that's left is to sign it. I didn't sign it on the spot..."

Before the little lion could finish speaking, Shi Ma interrupted, "How foolish! Delay will only lead to complications. It's better to secure the deal now. This matter needs to be finalized on the spot."

“Sister Min said that since I’m a public figure, it’s best if I don’t own any shares or companies. If something happens to the company, it will affect me. If something happens to me, it will also affect the company. So after thinking it over, I’m thinking of putting the shares in your name. The agreement is in my hands. I’ll bring it back to Yanjing after I finish filming…”

"Don't bring it back, I'm going to Shanghai tomorrow," Shi's mother interrupted again.

"Mom, there's no need to rush. Plane tickets are expensive tomorrow." The little lion secretly gave a peace sign; her clever scheme had worked.

Mom certainly wouldn't refuse shares that are handed to her.

She doesn't plan to tell her mother that there are more shares to be had later.

As more and more shares were given away, her business empire expanded rapidly. By the time her mother realized what was happening, it was too late.

Perhaps by then, Mom will go from being a staunch opponent to a firm supporter.

This tactic should be called "boiling a frog in lukewarm water."

“It’s not like I’m making you pay for the plane ticket, so why are you so upset?” Shi’s mother replied.

"..."

Liu Shishi, you need to work harder!
(End of this chapter)