I'm really good at this.

"So, the budget for this show is currently 5.42 million?"

At a seat by the floor-to-ceiling window in the coffee shop, Zhang Hong paused slightly as he stirred his coffee: "Why are there both whole and odd amounts?"

"It's probably all money saved up by my grandparents," Lin Muqing said, taking a sip of coffee.

She didn't suggest returning the money.

First, she is not Zhang Hong and has no right to act as a good Samaritan on Zhang Hong's behalf.

If it's returned, does that mean Zhang Hong has to pay for the auction himself?

She was willing to pay, but she was afraid that Zhang Hong's artsy and intellectual nature wouldn't accept it.

Secondly, this will put the grandparents at ease.

They are all supported by state welfare and don't really need the money.

This was their gesture of goodwill, and Zhang Hong didn't refuse it at the time because of this.

In fact, this is true gentleness.

As the one who understands Zhang Hong best, Lin Muqing also possesses her own gentleness.

Zhang Hong thought for a moment and asked, "Is this money... enough?"

I spent 13 million on my first movie.

The actors were practically working for free, the production team used other people's equipment so they didn't pay for it, and the publicity and distribution were all handled by the website.

I heard that Director Liu's film cost over 100 million yuan.

Then Zhang Hong spent nearly a billion yuan on his second film.

It's likely that not only is there no one like him before, but it will also be difficult for anyone to follow in the future.

This film now... costs over five million...

Even if Zhang Hong had no intention of making money from this film, it still didn't seem like enough.

Lin Muqing took out a notebook and began to write and draw.

"According to your script, there will actually only be two major battles throughout the entire story. The early and middle stages mostly focus on daily life in the village, and even when you encounter enemies, it will be sporadic."

"If we want to add more details in the mid-game, then we need to make sure that when they go out to scout, they encounter more and more enemies, and that their uniforms are also different."

"If you want the final battles to show the cruelty of war and the helplessness of the people, as well as the madness of the enemy in your script, you need a lot of extras, and the lead actors should be actors with certain acting skills."

"Moreover, since it is a war, fighter jets and warships are indispensable, and both special effects production and physical objects are costly."

"A large amount of explosives is also essential, as is a large filming location that is close to the beach and also requires a snow scene."

"And the actors too. Let's not even talk about the main actors. Those dozen or so seventeen or eighteen-year-old boys... it's very difficult to find actors with suitable acting skills and appearances."

Miss Lin's black hair fell onto her arms.

She quickly filled a sheet of paper and pushed it in front of Zhang Hong: "This is about all I need."

Looking at the long string of numbers on the paper, Zhang Hong felt a chill run down his spine.

He clutched his head and said weakly, "I'm a little dizzy. Could you please help me see how many zeros there are in total?"

Lin Muqing flicked a strand of hair: "Close to one hundred million, and that's a conservative estimate."

Zhang Hong: "..."

One hundred million?!

Let's just kill him! Let's see if we can raise a hundred million by selling all his spare parts!

Leaning back on the sofa, Zhang Hong's eyes were lifeless: "But it's only a little over five million..."

Lin Muqing took a sip of coffee, her movements very elegant: "So sometimes a script is a good script, but whether it can be filmed is another matter."

She glanced sideways at Zhang Hong with her almond-shaped eyes: "You're just too idealistic."

Although... I don't dislike it.

"I understand..."

Zhang Hong was extremely helpless.

Although he was an outsider, he understood.

For example, his previous life's work, Liu Cixin's "The Three-Body Problem".

The script has already been sold, but no one dares to film it.

Why?

The technology and funding are both lacking.

If you can't achieve the effects the script wants, then even the best script is useless.

Lin Muqing tilted her head slightly: "Should we change the script?"

Although she asked the question that way, she had already guessed Zhang Hong's answer.

"No way!" Zhang Hong gritted his teeth. "I finally managed to write a decent story, and if I just give up like this... I'm really not willing to accept it!"

Miss Lin smiled slightly.

Sure enough, it was exactly as she thought.

"Then we'll have to cut costs and increase revenue." She twirled a designer fountain pen between her slender fingers, next to an open notebook filled with writing. "Let's think of a way."

She wrote two strings of numbers on the blank page next to her: "I currently have three million in available funds, and Lin Chuan can contribute ten million. But that's probably all we have."

That would amount to over eighteen million.

Zhang Hong slumped onto the table, his expression turning serious: "I can't guarantee I'll break even."

Strictly speaking, the motivation behind this series is similar to that of "Mobile Suit Gundam".

The show wasn't sold for profit; instead, the remaining production costs were simply used to make money.

This kind is actually quite uncommon.

How do film and television production crews typically make money?

That depends on who invested in it.

A fixed salary is definitely included, and then regardless of who the product is sold to, the revenue and net profit are split according to a fixed percentage.

Of course, there are also claims that it could be related to technology as equity.

For example, "Clouds Fall into the Mortal World" and "Blood-Red Youth" both follow this path.

However, since Zhang Hong is now the head of the studio, he doesn't pay himself a salary.

This untitled TV series is following the same path as "Mobile Suit Gundam".

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!

Zhang Hong's statement was actually conservative.

This show isn't actually "not guaranteed to break even," but rather "definitely won't break even."

Did Mobile Suit recoup its costs?

How do we calculate it this way?

This TV series alone would never recoup its 1 billion yuan investment.

However, if it's treated as a gay porn film, then the subsequent profits are another matter.

Moreover, they can open a model shop and make money later—but Zhang Hong holds a portion of the copyright and has also registered patents for Gundam and other models before.

If he actually opens a store, he can receive a steady stream of dividends.

But this matter hasn't been mentioned yet.

Moreover, the greatest purpose of "Mobile Suit Gundam" has already been achieved.

Huaxia Heavy Industry is financially powerful and doesn't care about the billion yuan. Zhang Hong can even save more than five million yuan from the cost and keep it in his pocket.

But this show is different.

Sell ​​it for money?

Zhang Hong hadn't considered it.

This is more like a gay porn film.

The client makes demands and pays money.

The second party produces the film and then delivers it to the other party.

End.

Lin Muqing's investment... was really unnecessary.

Moreover, this doesn't even qualify as an investment; it's just an excuse to send money to Zhang Hong.

"It's alright." Lin Mu rested her cheek on her hand, casually showing off the Patek Philippe on her arm. "We're not short of food or clothing anyway, so there's no point in having so much money."

She was actually trying to reassure Zhang Hong.

Zhang Hong would only accept the money if it wouldn't affect their lives.

As she expected, things went exactly as she predicted.

Zhang Hong nodded: "Then I won't stand on ceremony with you."

Poor Zhang Hong, he was completely manipulated by this woman with long, straight black hair.

"But it's still far from good enough."

Frustrated, Zhang Hong took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth.

But it didn't catch fire.

Lin Muqing glanced at him but didn't tell him to take it off.

Zhang Hong was going through a fierce internal struggle.

He rubbed his hair, looked up and said, "Let's go back first. I need to ask them something when we get back."

The answer to his question determined whether or not he would do it.

Lin Muqing nodded.

That evening, the two returned to Los Angeles.

It took forty minutes to get from the airport to the two-story building, where the various leaders of the mountain stronghold, who had already received the news, were already waiting.

They heard that Zhang Hong was going to hold a meeting for them.

In the conference room, Zhang Hong sat at the head of the table, his hands clasped together under his chin, his eyes scanning back and forth.

Once everyone was ready, he decided to take a roundabout approach: "Has any company tried to head over to you guys lately?"

The leaders looked at each other in bewilderment.

In ancient times, if a leader of a tribal group wanted to switch sides, he would be subjected to three cuts and nine holes.

However, this is modern times after all, and the "fake leader" is not a real fake leader.

"Yes," Luo Yun admitted first. This handsome young man has always been very honest. "Directors and producers have contacted me wanting to cast me in TV dramas, and agencies have also approached me wanting to sign me."

Bai Xueye nodded, "I'm in the same situation."

Neither of them said whether they accepted or rejected the offer.

Because the facts are right here—if they accepted that, then the two of them could no longer appear here.

They are both quite simple-minded people.

Zhang Hong brought them into the industry and made them famous, so naturally they wouldn't leave.

Of course, there are also practical reasons.

Luo Yun is a rich second-generation heir with no shortage of money. So as long as she can make a name for herself in the entertainment industry, she might as well follow Brother Hong. At least Brother Hong is talented and has no airs.

Bai Xueye understands her own personality; she knows she'll suffer if she goes out into the world. Besides, she doesn't want to become a tool for her agency to make money.

Besides, with Brother Hong, even playing a supporting role can make you famous, and you'll always make money in the future.

Zhang Hong then looked at the others.

Since someone started, everyone can speak freely. Besides, we're all on the same side as Brother Hong, so there's nothing we can't say.

Wang Ye handles all sorts of odd jobs and acts as a lubricant in the team.

He is actually quite important.

However, people outside don't seem to have much of an impression of him.

Others have been contacted by companies or directors to varying degrees.

Indeed, their previous professions were all quite unusual, and they all seemed to be laymen.

But after all, he already has two top-quality TV series in a row. This industry doesn't value academic qualifications; it values ​​skill.

Once you've proven yourself, those quirky past professions have become topics of conversation.

Despite various reasons, the final result is that everyone is still holed up in this second-floor office.

Well, there's not much more to say.

Zhang Hong frowned, staring intently at everyone, and said in a low voice, "Since everyone is still here, I have one last thing I'd like to ask you."

Seeing that everyone's attention was focused, Zhang Hong continued, "I have a script to shoot right now, and this film might be a complete loss. The company will be in a tough spot for a while. Are you all still willing to work with me? Don't worry, if you want to leave, I won't stop you."

Without a second thought, Luo Yun, Bai Xueye, and Wang Ye replied, "Brother Hong, you decide what to film. We'll all work for you!"

The others did not agree directly.

Li Shanqi and Huang Xicheng exchanged a glance, both understanding each other's meaning.

So Li Shanqi asked, "Brother Hong, you have to show us the doujinshi first, right? How can we agree to your request if we don't see it?"

Well, actually they didn't intend to leave.

Ideally, working with Zhang Hong is very interesting, and it allows them to realize their dreams.

Realistically speaking, in their eyes, Zhang Hong is talented and young. He is the future of the entertainment industry, so with him following him, there's no worry about not being able to produce good dramas.

At that time, you will have the confidence to both maintain your status and demand higher prices.

Adults may be realistic, but they also have ideals.

Lin Muqing distributed a printed copy of the script to everyone.

The meeting room was very quiet, with only the sound of papers being turned over.

Twenty minutes later, everyone put down their scripts.

Wang Ye took off his glasses, wiped his reddened eyes with the back of his hand, and then put his glasses back on.

He looked at Zhang Hong and said earnestly, "Brother Hong, let's take the picture."

Zhang Hong looked at the others.

No one spoke.

But their gazes are the same.

Zhang Hong nodded, and the idea in his heart finally became firm.

At that moment, Lin Chuan suddenly pushed the door open and came in.

He quickly found a seat and apologized, "Sorry, sorry, traffic jam, traffic jam."

Zhang Hong smiled slightly: "What kind of car do you drive that gets stuck in traffic?"

Lin Chuan, confused, asked, "Uh... Rolls-Royce? What's wrong, Brother Hong?"

"..." Zhang Hong forced a smile. "It's nothing. I just want to thank you for being willing to 'invest' ten million in our next drama."

Lin Chuan was stunned for a moment, then looked abruptly at his younger sister.

Lin Muqing twirled a pen in her hand, a half-smile playing on her lips.

Lin Chuan's face turned deathly pale.

Ignoring the dramatic comment, Zhang Hong stood up and announced his decision: "I will invest all 5.8 million yuan I earned from 'Mobile Suit Gundam' into this series. I'll leave the next few months to you all!"

He bowed deeply.

Yes, that was his decision.

Let's postpone buying the house.

He firmly believed that he had talent.

If you can earn five million once, you can definitely earn it a second time!

He couldn't bring himself to sacrifice himself like a saint to save others.

But if it doesn't have a significant impact on himself or those around him... he's willing to show more kindness to the world.

So even though this show was a complete money-loser, he still had to make it!

I thought back to Grandma Lu Yingzi's decades of waiting.

Thinking back, those grandfathers who were nearly ninety years old had more than four million yuan in their bank accounts, some in whole amounts and some in small amounts.

Thinking back to the old man Jia Shen lying in his hospital bed, his military medals that he had kept locked away all his life, and his unwavering convictions...

Zhang Hong smiled, as if he had unloaded a burden.

Man, that's it.

Even if you know there's nothing good about doing something, you'll still do it with all your might.

PS: 3900 words, bonus chapter for the leader of the "Prosperous but Unseen Alliance".

The two normal chapters are in the evening and at night.

?(^?^*)

I like it, I'm really good at it, I'm really good at it.