Huayu: A master director who debuted as a singer

Chapter 94 Investment Agreement Reached

The next morning, Zheng Hui slowly opened his eyes. He turned his head and saw that Fan Binbin was still fast asleep beside him. The exhaustion and indulgence of the previous night had made her sleep very soundly.

Zheng Hui carefully lifted the covers and got out of bed, picked up the phone in the room, and dialed Lin Dashan's room.

"Brother Dashan, are you awake? Go to the restaurant and bring me two breakfasts, one Chinese and one Western, plus two cups of hot milk."

He rarely eats at the hotel restaurant anymore.

After the Spring Festival Gala, the popularity of "Me and My Motherland" has remained strong, and it has almost become the official background music for this year's theme of Macao's return to the motherland.

The TV station would broadcast it every few days, which meant that he was constantly being shown to the people of the whole country.

Especially in places like the VIP Lou Hotel, it is the preferred accommodation for overseas Chinese and compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan when they come to Beijing.

Many of them have spent years away from home, and their feelings for their motherland are naturally stronger than those of ordinary people. Zheng Hui's gentle, narrative song touched the softest part of their hearts.

Here, Zheng Hui was even more well-known than on the main street. The older overseas Chinese looked at him as if he were their own grandson.

A few days ago, he just went to a restaurant for breakfast and was surrounded by a group of excited overseas Chinese. The autographs and photos were minor matters; the key was that everyone held his hand, their eyes filled with tears, and expressed their homesickness and love for the song.

The scene was so bad that he didn't even get to eat properly, and in the end, he practically fled in panic.

Zheng Hui understood their feelings, but as someone who just wanted to have a proper breakfast, this intense emotional resonance and social obligations were exhausting.

To avoid these, you have to wear a hat, glasses, or even makeup to change your image.

Too much trouble.

Why not just have Lin Dashan deliver the meals to the room every day?

Zheng Hui also considered buying a house in Beijing to avoid the hassle of staying in hotels.

He is a Macao resident, and according to current policies, he can only purchase foreign-sale properties specifically designated for overseas residents.

During his exam preparation period, he took some time to visit several properties with a real estate agent.

What were considered high-end apartments in Beijing in the late 1990s were, in the eyes of this reborn individual, nothing special. Apartment design,

The materials used in the decoration were rustic and limited, far less comfortable and human-centered than those used in later residences.

As for the traditional courtyard houses, which are more characteristic of Beijing, he looked down on them even more.

On the one hand, eight out of ten courtyard houses currently listed for sale have property rights issues, with various historical disputes remaining unclear.

Properties with compliant property rights and the ability to be sold to foreign buyers are extremely rare, and their prices are outrageously high.

On the other hand, many courtyard houses are listed as protected buildings and are not allowed to be significantly altered.

Once you buy it, you have to endure the inconveniences of no heating in winter, lots of mosquitoes in summer, and having to use public toilets.

He wasn't a northern kid who grew up in a hutong (traditional alleyway), so he didn't have any sentimentality or longing for this kind of down-to-earth life.

If he really wanted to live in a courtyard house, he would prefer to go back to Quanzhou, use a fraction of the money to acquire a plot of land, and build a magnificent traditional Minnan house.

Upturned eaves, red bricks and white stones—that was the aesthetic ingrained in his bones. He never really felt anything for the traditional courtyard houses of the North.

As for appreciation, reborn individuals don't lack the appreciation brought by houses. Moreover, in later generations, courtyard houses do have a price, but they are difficult to sell, and it's not easy to sell if you urgently need money.

After looking at several properties without finding one he liked, Zheng Hui temporarily gave up on the idea. He planned to take a closer look when he came back in June to take the joint entrance exam, and perhaps then he could consider looking at villa developments.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Lin Dashan walked in carrying several lunch boxes.

Zheng Hui set out breakfast on the coffee table, then went into the bedroom and gently patted Fan Binbin, who was still fast asleep.

"Binbin, get up and have breakfast."

Fan Binbin opened her eyes groggily, saw Zheng Hui, her eyes still a little sleepy, and hummed in response before slowly sitting up from the bed.

After finishing breakfast, Fan Binbin prepared to go back to her room. Before she left, Zheng Hui stopped her: "Don't go anywhere today. Just stay in your room and wait for my news. If the deal is done, I need you to show up."

Fan Binbin's eyes lit up. It seemed that the resources Zheng Hui had promised to show her earlier should finally be coming to fruition today. She nodded, turned around, and walked out of Zheng Hui's suite.

Not long after she left, Li Zongming knocked on the door and came in. He got straight to the point: "Boss, Chen Yong has arrived in Beijing. I arranged to meet him at 9:30."

Zheng Hui nodded; he had already discussed the entire plan with Li Zongming.

This investment will be negotiated entirely by Li Zongming on behalf of the soon-to-be-established new company; Zheng Hui himself will not appear.

It's just a small investment; there's no need to drag him into it.

Once Li Zongming has finalized the deal and the roles are settled, it would be more logical for Fan Binbin to simply make a formal appearance.

If the deal falls through, Fan Binbin's intervention now would seem too hasty and would put him at a disadvantage.

Chen Yong was sitting on the sofa in the lobby of the VIP Building Hotel, feeling both nervous and excited.

After receiving a call from President Wang last night, he immediately had his assistant book the earliest flight to Beijing.

The investors personally introduced by President Wang carry immense weight. This signifies not only funding but also the extensive network of connections behind them.

He sat upright, glancing at his watch every now and then, waiting for his meeting with Mr. Li.

Soon, a middle-aged man wearing gold-rimmed glasses walked towards him.

"Is this Mr. Chen Yong from Hong Kong, Mr. Chen?"

Chen Yong quickly stood up and extended his hands: "Hello, hello, I am Chen Yong, may I ask who you are—"

"My name is Li Zongming. President Wang should have mentioned me to you. Let's not stand here anymore. I have a suite upstairs. Let's go upstairs and sit down to talk."

Li Zongming did not take Chen Yong to Zheng Hui's suite, but instead booked a separate business suite specifically for discussing business.

After entering the room and taking their seats, Li Zongming personally brewed Chen Yong a cup of tea.

"Old Wang and I have been classmates for many years."

Li Zongming put down the teapot and casually said, "I talked to him on the phone a few days ago, and he mentioned the recent developments in the film and television industry in Guangzhou. He also mentioned you, President Chen, in passing."

Chen Yong adopted a posture of listening attentively.

"President Wang spoke highly of your resume, Mr. Chen, saying that you are a senior filmmaker in Hong Kong with rich experience. He also said that the script for 'Young Justice Bao' that you brought this time has a very novel idea and he is very optimistic about it."

Chen Yong felt a surge of excitement, but remained humble and said, "President Wang, you flatter me. I've only been working in the Hong Kong film industry for a few years, so I can't really call myself a senior."

As for this script, a lot of effort was put into it, and I wanted to do something different in the mainland market.

Li Zongming nodded and finally got to the point: "To be honest, I recently left the media industry and started a brokerage company with a friend. We happen to have some idle funds and want to find a good project to invest in."

After hearing what President Wang said, I became interested.

He looked at Chen Yong and said, "I won't beat around the bush, Mr. Chen. We're planning to invest in your project. Just tell me the truth, how big is the funding gap?"

Chen Yong suppressed his inner elation. He had come prepared for a protracted battle, but he did not expect the other party to be so direct and express their intention to invest right away.

Chen Yong quickly calculated in his mind that the overall budget for this film would be about six million RMB.

Before coming to Beijing, he had exhausted all his efforts, smiling and flattering everyone, and only managed to secure a little over a million yuan in investment. In other words, he still had a funding gap of nearly five million yuan.

However, if he tells Li Zongming the truth now, he is still short of nearly five million.

As a major investor, Li Zongming would inevitably demand absolute control over the production team, and might even extend his reach into the team's daily management, casting, and script revisions.

If a producer loses his voice in his own production team, he becomes nothing more than a high-level employee, which Chen Yong absolutely cannot tolerate. He must maintain his absolute control over the production.

Thinking of this, Chen Yong put on a confident expression and smiled slightly: "President Li is straightforward, so I won't hold back either."

I have 100% confidence in my project. In fact, I've already secured over a million yuan in investment, and all the preparatory work is complete.

He observed Li Zongming's expression and continued, "Actually, the funding gap for this show is already very small. My original plan was to use these two million to start filming and produce two high-quality episodes."

Once the finished product is released, we'll show it to the TV stations and investors, and the subsequent funding will naturally come in like snowflakes.

Chen Yong's words were half true and half false. Filming two episodes as a sample to attract investment is a common and desperate measure in the Hong Kong film and television industry when funding breaks down, but he packaged it as a confident business strategy.

"However, since President Wang strongly recommends President Li, I also hope to make friends with President Li."

Chen Yong offered his terms: "I already have over a million in hand. If you really think it's a good investment, Mr. Li, why not invest another million to make it over two million? Then we can start filming immediately."

What is your opinion, Mr. Li?

A project with a total investment of six million, only one million is being distributed? Is this how you treat a beggar?

Li Zongming's smile faded, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes: "President Chen, if you flew all the way from Guangzhou just to play this kind of joke on me, then we're probably wasting each other's time."

Chen Yong's smile faltered: "Mr. Li, what do you mean? I came here with the utmost sincerity."

"Sincerity?" Li Zongming sneered. "President Chen, as I just said, our company plans to enter the film and television industry, and we are not short of money."

Your entire production budget is only six million. And now you're only willing to give me one million?

Less than 20%?

Li Zongming stared at Chen Yong: "Our company either doesn't invest, or if we do, we must be the main investor."

One million? That's child's play. At the very least, we'll have to invest three million and take half the market share of your film.

Chen Yong's heart pounded when he heard the number three million. With this three million, plus the more than one million he had, the production crew could get up and running immediately, and they wouldn't have to endure the hardship of filming two episodes and then having to stop to find money.

However, half the share! This means that Li Zongming will have power equal to his, or even surpass him!

Chen Yong's expression shifted, and he pleaded with a troubled look, "President Li, three million is really too much. It's really inconvenient to give you such a large share."

To be honest, I still have several investors in Guangzhou and Zhejiang that I'm in contact with.

To increase his chances, Chen Yong braced himself and began to fabricate a story: "They actually think highly of this film, but everyone is being cautious and wants to see the final cut after filming begins. We've already agreed that if the result is good, they'll pay the remaining amount on the spot."

I've already verbally promised to reserve those shares for them. Business is about integrity; I can't just kick them all out now, can I?

Li Zongming remained unmoved by Chen Yong's stubborn demeanor. He had long since thoroughly investigated Chen Yong's background. There were no investors waiting to see the finished product; they were all just smokescreens used by Chen Yong to cover up his guilty conscience.

However, he didn't really want control. Zheng Hui's task was to win over the female lead, not to actually take over the entire crew.

Li Zongming deliberately remained silent for a full minute, tormenting Chen Yong in his agony, before finally letting him speak.

"Alright, since Mr. Chen has put it this way, I, Li, am not an unreasonable person. I have to leave you some leeway to deal with your other friends."

"Two million. We'll put in two million in real money, which is 33 percent of the film, or 33% of the share."

"Mr. Chen, you can't haggle over this condition anymore, can you?"

Upon hearing the figure, Chen Yong finally felt relieved. Two million, a 33% stake, solved his immediate problem without completely stripping him of his absolute control.

He was overjoyed inside, but he still forced a pained and conflicted expression on his face.

"This—two million—" Chen Yong frowned, seemingly engaged in a fierce internal struggle.

Li Zongming was too lazy to watch him continue his act. He was tired of watching a grown man pretend to be in a difficult position, so he said directly, "Don't worry, President Chen. Although our company accounts for 33% of the market share, we know the rules."

Leave the professional tasks to the professionals. We will absolutely not interfere with the preparation, filming, and daily management of the production team; it's all up to Mr. Chen to make the decisions.

Li Zongming gave Chen Yong plenty of face, but then quickly changed the subject: "Of course, it's not unreasonable for us to offer two million to the production team for a role, is it?"

Hearing this, Chen Yong was completely relieved.

In the film and television industry, it's common practice for investors to send actors to the production team—a perfectly normal, unspoken rule. As long as the other party doesn't interfere with the filming rights and just wants a role, it's a very profitable deal.

"Not at all! Absolutely not at all!" Chen Yong nodded repeatedly, his smile finally becoming more genuine. "I wonder what kind of role Mr. Li would like to assign?"

Li Zongming said, "We just need a female lead."

Although "Young Justice Bao" is a male-dominated drama with the male lead having the most screen time, the female lead is also a central character throughout the entire series.

"Mr. Li, the female lead has quite a few scenes, and it requires both acting skills and a good image. I wonder which actress your company would like to recommend?" Chen Yong asked tentatively.

Li Zongming said casually, "Mr. Chen, have you seen 'My Fair Princess'?"

Chen Yong said, "How could I not have seen it! It's the most popular show in all of China right now, it's playing everywhere."

"Our company recently signed the actress who played Jin Suo in 'My Fair Princess'."

Her name is Fan Binbin, and our company's focus going forward is to fully promote her. We want to give her this leading role.

Jin Suo? Fan Binbin?

Chen Yong certainly knew! Although she was just a maid in this hit drama, the drama was so popular that the maid's fame was even higher than that of many second-tier actresses today.

Her appearance is impeccable, bright and beautiful, and highly recognizable.

He originally had another female lead in mind, a mainland actress named Li Lianhua, but her fame was incomparable to that of Jin Suo.

The investors put up a huge sum of two million, and not only did they not try to take control of the production team, they also recommended a popular actress who already had a lot of fame.

This is like a windfall! With Jin Suo joining the cast, the show will have an extra promotional gimmick when it's sold to TV stations after filming!

Chen Yong's inner turmoil vanished instantly. In the face of profit, what's a change of leading lady? Even if the original leading lady had already signed a letter of intent, he could find a reason to kick her out without batting an eye.

But he maintained the composure of a producer, pretending to ponder for a moment.

"Mr. Li, I certainly know Jin Suo's reputation; her image is indeed quite good. However, the character's setup is somewhat unique—"

Chen Yong put on a troubled expression.

Li Zongming was getting annoyed by Chen Yong's behavior. Were all people from Hong Kong so greedy and petty?

He said coldly, "Mr. Chen, we have an investment of two million, plus a well-known actress. If you can't even give us this much face, then we probably can't drink this tea."

Chen Yong finally decided to stop while he was ahead, putting on a smiling face: "President Li, you've misunderstood! I just wanted to say that Miss Fan playing this role is absolutely perfect! It's settled then! The lead role goes to Miss Fan!"

Li Zongming then smiled and said, "As I said before, our company will absolutely not interfere with the creative process of the production team."

However, since Fan Binbin joined the cast as the female lead, her scenes absolutely cannot be cut or altered in any way.

Every highlight moment is essential. Mr. Chen, isn't that the proper thing to do?

"Absolutely! Absolutely!" Chen Yong patted his chest and assured her, "Don't worry, Mr. Li, once the script is finished, we'll definitely send a copy to Ms. Fan for her review. The female lead's scenes will only be added, absolutely not cut!"

Once all the core conditions were agreed upon, the atmosphere in the room instantly became harmonious.

Li Zongming took out a pre-prepared standard investment contract from his briefcase and handed it to Chen Yong.

"Mr. Chen, the investment of two million will be transferred to the production team's account in three installments."

Li Zongming pointed to each clause in the contract and explained: "On the day the contract was signed, we paid 500,000 yuan to the production team as preliminary preparation expenses."

We'll pay another 500,000 on the day the production team officially holds the opening ceremony.

The final million was transferred in full after one-third of the filming was completed. Mr. Chen, do you think this payment schedule is reasonable?

Chen Yong nodded repeatedly. This method of making payments according to the progress is very standard in the industry. It is to prevent the production company from running away with the money or squandering it all after receiving it.

With 500,000 as start-up capital, plus the more than one million he had on hand, it was enough to last until the machine was put into operation.

"There's one last clause." Li Zongming pointed to the last paragraph of the contract with his pen: "As the investors, we have the right to designate the female lead."

At the same time, since real money has been invested, we have the right to send a financial staff member appointed by us to the production team to supervise the production team's accounting expenditures throughout the entire process.

He doesn't have the authority to sign off on anything, nor does he interfere with what kind of meals you buy or what equipment you rent, but he has the right to audit the accounts; every expenditure must be clearly recorded. Mr. Chen, you don't have any objections to this, do you?

"No problem, it's perfectly reasonable." Although Chen Yong was a little disappointed that he couldn't manipulate the accounts, compared to getting two million in investment, this loss was negligible.

After confirming that everything was correct, Chen Yong took out a pen, signed his name on the contract, and affixed the official seal of Oriental Pearl Company.

Li Zongming also signed and stamped the document. With the exchange of the two contracts, this deal concerning Fan Binbin was officially finalized.

Li Zongming stood up and extended his hand, saying, "President Chen, it's a pleasure doing business with you."

"It's a pleasure to cooperate! Thank you for your support, Mr. Li!" Chen Yong shook hands with Li Zongming, his face beaming.