The younger generation, starting from where the wind blows...

Chapter 274 Xia Fenghua's Advance: From Ugly Duckling to Swan

After lunch, we returned to the hotel.

As soon as Yang Muye entered the room, he received a call from Xie Zhiyao.

The mentor timed it perfectly.

When the call connected, Xie Zhiyao's voice came from the other end of the line first.

"Back in Yanjing?"

Yang Muye got straight to the point:
"I happen to need to talk to you about something. Should you go first or should I?"

Such a coincidence?
Xie Zhiyao on the other end of the phone was stunned for a moment.

"Let me start. We have some good news: Yuanfudao has secured angel round investment!"

"Congratulations."

"Is this the end?"

Xie Zhiyao on the other end of the phone sounded indignant: "Your attitude is too perfunctory, aren't you? At least show some concern about who invested in us."

"New Dream or New Oriental? The latter didn't react as quickly, so it must be New Dream."

Yang Muye's words stunned Xie Zhiyao on the other end of the phone once again.

Holy crap, it hit the bullseye!
"You didn't secretly have someone investigate us, did you?"

"I even sent an undercover agent among the three founders. Guess who it is?"

"I won't guess!"

Xie Zhiyao knew without guessing that the person Yang Muye was talking about was himself.

Yang Muye held his phone and shrugged.

"There's no way around it, this is business warfare. My approach is to strategically despise the opponent while tactically respecting them."

"You might as well say you're betting on both sides!" Xie Zhiyao said irritably.

Yang Muye countered with a question:
"Shouldn't New Dream be the one betting on both ends?"

Xie Zhiyao then realized that Yang Muye had guessed that New Dream was the one that had invested in their angel round based on this.

"You don't mind this?"

"I'm actually more concerned about where your seed round money came from than where the angel round money came from."

You can't just buy lottery tickets like I do, can you?
Seed funding, also known as the first pot of gold for a startup, usually requires the entrepreneur to come up with the money themselves.

Otherwise, we can only seek sponsorship from 3F.

—Family, Friend, Fool.

Given Xie Wanghe's family situation—his father was ill, and the family was in debt—he certainly couldn't afford the money.

Na Jun's investment is based on her technical expertise; she doesn't need to contribute any money.

Xie Zhiyao was the only one left who could come up with this money.

"I borrowed 200,000 from my father."

"so much?"

Yang Muye clicked his tongue in amazement.

I don't recall Xie Siping being that generous.

“At first, my father disagreed, but when he heard that you helped come up with the names of our products, he agreed without saying a word.”

Xie Zhiyao made no attempt to hide the fact that he had used Yang Muye's name as a shield.

"So how are you going to thank me?"

"Tonight we're celebrating the official launch of Yuanfudao. It's basically just everyone inviting their friends over for a get-together. I don't think it's too late for me to extend an invitation to you, right?"

"It's too late," Yang Muye sighed.

"What, you have plans?" Xie Zhiyao wasn't particularly surprised by this.

"The celebration party for 'Old Boys' is also scheduled for tonight, and I was originally planning to invite you."

Xie Zhiyao, on the other end of the phone, began to struggle.

He is not only a good friend of Yang Muye, but more importantly, "Old Boys" was the first investment project he handled.

Although he only "pretended" to participate as Yang Deyuan's investment representative.

Now that "Old Boys" is having a celebration party, if I don't go...

It's not just that I can't explain this to Yang Muyi.

It's also difficult to explain to Yang Deyuan.

Just as they were struggling with this, Yang Muye's voice rang out first.

What time does it start where you are?

"We'll have dinner at 7, and then go to karaoke."

“Then I’ll go to your side for the first half, and you can come with me for the second half of the ‘Old Boys’ celebration party.”

"Going to karaoke too?"

"The bar was booked out; it's the bar right next to our school."

"Okay, it's a deal then."

Just as Yang Muye was about to hang up, Xie Zhiyao suddenly changed his mind.

"Wait a moment?"

"Anything else?"

"That's what I should be asking you."

"What do you mean?"

"You specifically canceled the first half of the 'Old Boys' celebration party to attend the founding party of a competitor's company. When did I become so important?"

"What, are you flattered by my sudden favor?"

"roll!"

Xie Zhiyao cursed, then immediately pressed Yang Muye for details about his "schemes".

Let's talk when we meet.

Yang Muyi's statement can be seen as a tacit admission.

Xie Zhiyao had not yet realized the seriousness of the problem and readily agreed.

At 6 p.m., Yang Muyi took a taxi to the restaurant.

Xie Zhiyao had been waiting by the roadside for a long time. As soon as the car came to a stop, he immediately went over to help open the car door.

After getting out of the car, Yang Muye joked with Xie Zhiyao.

Unsolicited kindness is either a sign of ulterior motives or theft!

Xie Zhiyao was very depressed.

I haven't even said that you, like a weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken, have ulterior motives!

"Now that we've met, what brings you here?"

"What, is there someone at the dinner table I don't recognize?"

"Na Jun called his brother, sister-in-law, and his sister-in-law's brother."

"Oh, they're all acquaintances!"

This time, Xie Zhiyao was genuinely surprised.

"Do you know them?"

“My brother Jun and his wife got married, and the wedding banquet was held at the hotel where I was staying. They went to check out the venue then, and we met briefly.”

"How could you-"

"Na Jun's sister-in-law is named Shen Lin, and her younger brother is named Shen Lei. Coincidentally, our class's study committee member also has that name. Isn't that a coincidence?"

Xie Zhiyao's mouth was wide open, and he couldn't close it for a long time.

Yang Muye patted Xie Zhiyao on the shoulder.

"Let's go in and say hello."

As soon as the two entered the private room, everyone's eyes immediately turned to them.

Yang Muye looked around and saw that everyone there was someone he knew.

He first smiled and nodded at Shen Lei, as if to say hello.

Then he nodded to Yao Wei, who had two empty seats next to him.

Finally, their gaze fell upon Xia Fenghua, Ma Siyi, and Zhou Haikuo.

The three of them stood up together.

"Hello, Mr. Yang!"

Xie Wanghe, who was sitting next to Zhou Haikuo, also stood up.

Although there was a hint of reluctance in his eyes, he knew that Yang Muye was indeed a "great benefactor" of ApeTutor.

Xie Zhiyao was able to get 200,000 yuan from his family, and New Dream was willing to be an angel investor, all thanks to Yang Muye.

"Why is someone missing?" "Xingchi is at work today, and we couldn't find a replacement, so he can't come over," Zhou Haikuo explained quickly.

"Is that so?" Yang Muye smiled noncommittally.

He didn't see Shao Xingchi when he left the hotel today.

Seeing Xie Wanghe's slightly embarrassed expression, Yang Muyi immediately understood everything.

I am afraid that my brother will have a hard time, and I am also afraid that my brother will drive a Land Rover.

Xie Wanghe starts his second business venture, Zhou Haikuo officially joins the newly independent Zuoyebang company, Ma Siyi is about to start her live streaming career, and even Xia Fenghua is promoted to store manager of Cainiao Station.

Of all the young men from Huajie who came to Yanjing to make their way in the world, Shao Xingchi fared the worst.

It's understandable that they would hide and not show their faces.

Xie Zhiyao gestured for Yang Muye to sit down in the empty seat next to Yao Wei, and while the dishes were being served, she turned her head and whispered to Yang Muye:

"What do you want from me? You can tell me now, right?"

"Are you sure you want to tell me now? I'm afraid you'll get too excited and won't be able to eat later."

"Alright, stop keeping me in suspense."

As soon as he finished speaking, Yao Wei looked over in their direction.

"What are you two boys whispering about here?"

Xie Zhiyao was about to explain when Yang Muye spoke first:
“Ah Yao has some good news to announce to everyone, but he’s too shy to say it himself, so he insisted that I say it for him.”

Xie Zhiyao stared at Yang Muye in shock.

What good news? How come he didn't know?
Seeing that everyone was looking in their direction, Yang Muyi cleared his throat.

Xie Zhiyao suddenly had a bad feeling, but it was too late to shut Yang Muye up.

"Everyone has seen 'Old Boys,' right? The sequel to this movie has officially started production, and Ayao will be playing the second male lead."

As soon as he said this, all eyes in the room turned to Xie Zhiyao.

There was surprise, envy, and even more doubt.

Xie Zhiyao turned his head.

"When did I agree to play the second male lead?"

Yang Muye calmly took a sip of tea.

"Don't be shy, you're still pretending."

Xie Zhiyao looked very serious.

“We may be familiar with each other, but you need to explain this to me clearly.”

"What, are you worried I'll trick you?"

Aren't you just trying to scam me?
Xie Zhiyao thought to himself.

“Fine, even if our childhood friendship isn’t enough to convince you to play this role for free, I’ll at least give Yuanfudao a free product placement in the movie, okay?” Yang Muye continued to push the offer.

Xie Zhiyao's eyes widened in surprise.

Are you using this to test veteran cadres?
Yang Muyi then asked, "Do you remember the red-canned Wanglaoji herbal tea from 'Old Boys'?"

Xie Zhiyao's lips moved, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

When he ordered his food, he specifically requested a red can of Wanglaoji herbal tea, but the owner told him that the store was out of stock.

Two tables of customers specifically requested red-can Wanglaoji this morning, which used up all the stock in the store.

The replacement stock won't arrive until tomorrow.

According to the shop owner, more than one table of customers requested red-can Wanglaoji tonight, and he had to explain it to them several times.

The advertising effect of "Old Boys" is terrifying!
Yang Muye's voice continued: "The advertising fee for the red can of Wanglaoji in 'Old Boys' was one million yuan, and the price will be at least five times higher in the sequel."

This only applies to the movie portion; the sponsorship fees for the online broadcast and live stream of "The Voice of China" are separate.

At least ten million is required; otherwise, it's out of the question.

If Yuanfudao wanted to insert an advertisement into "Goodbye Mr. Loser", even at a friendly price, it would cost over one million yuan.

And there's no room for bargaining.

Xie Wanghe did not immediately express his opinion, but Na Jun had already looked at Xie Zhiyao impatiently.

What are you waiting for? Just agree!
Xie Zhiyao was about to speak when Yao Wei's voice rang out first.

"Yuanfudao places ads in movies, so what about Zuoyebang?"

Xie Zhiyao nodded vigorously beside him.

He was also thinking of asking that question.

There's no reason to ignore your own son and go and take care of someone else's child, right?

Yang Muye briefly explained to the people sitting there that Liu Wenjing, Su Mingyu, and Su Daqiang were planning to start a live broadcast.

But that's not even the main event.

The real highlight is "The Voice of China," with Zuoyebang becoming a co-sponsor of the show.

With multiple approaches combined, are you afraid of Yuanfudao's shrewdness?
Under immense pressure, Xie Zhiyao immediately expressed his stance:
"Okay, I'll act!"

Let alone playing the second male lead, he could even play the male villain without any problem.

Yang Muye smiled.

You know what, this time you really played the male villain.

Yang Muye didn't reveal the plot details to Xie Zhiyao for the time being, but just told him to practice "Yi Jian Mei" when he had time.

In the movie "Goodbye Mr. Loser", all the other songs can be changed, but this background music by Yuan Hua cannot be changed.

Xie Zhiyao will definitely be "grateful" to himself for the rest of his life.

Yang Muye put his arm around Xie Zhiyao's shoulder and comforted him:

"Don't look so sad, like you've suffered a huge loss. If you become famous by acting in movies, you're indirectly advertising your company and products. If you don't believe me, we can make a bet that more and more internet giants will personally become online celebrities and do marketing in the future."

Leaving aside CEO Lei and the Red-Clothed Cult Leader, even Dongzi personally delivered takeout.

It is evident that this track will have multiple rolls in the future.

Everyone present was actually very interested in the sequel to "Old Boys," but because they weren't that close to Yang Muye, they didn't feel comfortable asking.

Xia Fenghua and Ma Siyi, who were close to each other, dared not say much, so Yao Wei volunteered to be everyone's "mouth substitute".

"Is Xie Zhiyao playing the second male lead, and is Cheng Feng still the male lead?"

"Correct."

"Where's the female lead? Is she the school beauty from 'Old Boy'?"

Yang Muye shrugged: "The school beauty is the second female lead this time, and the actress has been changed. The female lead is here, so you can ask her any questions you have."

Upon hearing this, everyone present turned their gaze to Ma Siyi.

Ma Siyi quickly waved her hand.

"It wasn't me, it was Feng Hua."

what?
Everyone was surprised.

Xie Wanghe and Zhou Haikuo's eyes almost popped out of their sockets.

Xia Fenghua plays the female lead?
Shen Lin was the first to react and congratulated Xia Fenghua.

Others also offered their congratulations.

Xie Wanghe, however, remained silent.

Although Yang Muye had just revealed limited information, Xie Wanghe could still roughly guess what the female protagonist, Xia Fenghua, was all about.

It's nothing more than the ugly duckling turning into a swan story.

Xie Wanghe had seen Xia Fenghua's "tomboy" appearance in high school, so he wasn't too worried about whether Xia Fenghua could play the role of the ugly duckling well.

His concern was that if Xia Fenghua became really popular after playing this role, and it turned out to be a real-life ugly duckling turning into a swan, then the last bit of his superiority over Xia Fenghua would be gone.

Xie Wanghe had rejected Xia Fenghua before, but deep down he was still quite proud that Xia Fenghua liked him.

The fact that Xie Wanghe was most proud of his childhood friends on Flower Street—the girls secretly liked him, and the boys implicitly regarded him as their leader—was always his greatest source of pride.

But everything changed after I arrived in Yanjing.

Zhou Haikuo joined a competitor's company.

Shao Xingchi drifted further and further away from himself.

Even Ma Siyi, whom I've always liked, has chosen to keep her distance from me.

Now, only Xia Fenghua's attitude towards him hasn't changed.

Xia Fenghua is now set to play the female lead in the sequel to "Old Boys," in case the movie becomes a hit—

There's no need to worry about "what ifs." Given the current popularity of "Old Boys," it's quite difficult for a sequel starring the original cast to flop.

Xie Wanghe suddenly understood Shao Xingchi a little.

You feel sad when your friend fails.

You feel even sadder when your friends succeed.

The joy of Yuanfudao's official establishment and the acquisition of angel investment has vanished.

(End of this chapter)