Huayu: Returned Overseas Chinese

Lin Dan frowned as he looked at Chen Jingming, who was staring at him with an aggressive gaze, and heard what Chen Jingming said.

"Mr. Chen, you've changed a lot in the last six months," Lin Dan said with a touch of emotion. He had known Chen Jingming for five years and had known him for a long time in the last two years, but the changes in the other party in the last six months made him almost unrecognizable as the original Chen Jingming—the current Chen Jingming had become more domineering and his actions were more decisive and ruthless.

Seeing Lin Dan's puzzled expression, Chen Jingming's lips twitched slightly. If it weren't for his memories from his future life, he might have been unable to maintain his composure. Indeed, the closer someone is to you, the more they can notice subtle changes. He then said, "President Lin, people always have to grow."

Lin Dan thought about it and agreed. Over the past few years, one family member after another had passed away, and those remaining had their own agendas. He'd even been personally sent to prison by Chen Jingming. Some changes were to be expected. So he steered the conversation back on track, asking, "There are opportunities, but the risks are also great. Policies aren't static. Besides, with my qualifications, I could have risen to a high position in New York. What makes you think I'd go back to China with you?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Jingming breathed a sigh of relief. Lin Dan's words meant there was a possibility of returning; his real fear was that Lin Dan would block the way, which would be a loss for him. After all, high-level talent is rare, and those who are both reliable and trustworthy are even harder to find. Chen Jingming didn't possess any domineering air that could make people submit with just a few words.

"Mr. Lin, there's a glass ceiling for positions for Chinese Americans in New York, and even throughout the United States. You should be aware of that," Chen Jingming said after a moment's thought. Lin Dan nodded slightly. His Chinese heritage was an inescapable reality.

Seeing Lin Dan nod, Chen Jingming continued, "China has been applying to join the WTO for the past few years. Do you know what that means once the WTO approves it?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Dan fell into deep thought. After a long while, he raised his head and looked at Chen Jingming with a serious expression: "This means that once we join the WTO, the first sectors to align with international standards will be the film, television, culture, and entertainment markets. The industrial sector will still require competition in technology and patents, while the three sectors I mentioned have relatively lower barriers to entry and are easier to penetrate."

Chen Jingming nodded in satisfaction, then stood up, took out a cigarette, shook one out and tossed it to Lin Dan, lit one for himself, and said, "Yes, that's what I predicted too. That's why I plan to go back to China now to make arrangements. It's a huge market with 1.3 billion people, and we've only just opened a crack in the door. Opportunity always favors the prepared."

Upon hearing the phrase "a market with a population dividend of 1.3 billion," Lin Dan fell completely silent, leaning back on the sofa with a thoughtful expression on his face. Chen Jingming didn't disturb him, instead crossing his legs and leisurely smoking a cigarette.

Lin Dan's cigarette burned down to the very end, and a burning sensation came to his fingertips before he snapped out of his daze. He looked at Chen Jingming and asked, "You should have no problem with funding, but what about resources and policies? How are you going to handle that? Don't forget, we're all of Chinese descent, without mainland Chinese citizenship or any connections. If we rush in, we might just get stuck."

Chen Jingming smiled upon hearing this and explained, "I'll take care of the resources and policies. Overseas Chinese also have their advantages. Besides, I'll be studying at the Beijing Film Academy after I go back. Although it's not one of the three major departments—acting, directing, or cinematography—I'll still be a student there. The faculty and classmates will be a valuable network, and you can't deny that, can you?"

Lin Dan nodded. Chen Jingming was right. Schools are the best and cheapest places to build connections. You don't need to pay anything extra. With the halo of Beijing Film Academy, you naturally have a layer of factional ties.

Thinking of this, Lin Dan smiled and asked, "So, what about the compensation?"

Hearing this question, Chen Jingming felt completely relieved. He stood up, walked to the bookshelf, opened it, took out a document, handed it over, and said with a smile:

"I'll explain as you read. First, considering that the first two to three years are the preparation period, your base salary will be one million a year, plus 5% equity, which will be vested in five years, with 1% unlocked each year. Of course, this equity is subject to restrictions. If you leave the company midway, the equity can only be transferred to me. At that time, a professional agency will be found to evaluate it and take the middle price."

Secondly, there will be a one-time settlement allowance of one million yuan. If your sister-in-law and nephew want to return to China to study, the company will make arrangements for them, and you don't need to worry about their housing; the company will take care of that as well.

Third, you will serve as the group's CEO, responsible for the company's capital investment, strategic investment, cinema investment, as well as human resources and finance.

After speaking, Lin Dan closed the file, raised an eyebrow, and looked at Chen Jingming meaningfully: "What about the project decision-making authority?"

"President Lin, Brother Dan, I'm the chairman, I should have some power, right? If I hand it all over to you, what am I supposed to do? I can't just lie down as soon as I get back to the country, can I? I'm only eighteen years old." Chen Jingming said in a mocking manner.

Lin Dan didn't say anything more. For a company, the most crucial element is project decision-making power. Without it, whether it's capital investment or strategic investment, projects can't be established, and investment is out of the question. Chen Jingming just talked for a while, but in reality, he only entrusted himself with personnel and finance; everything else was just for show. It's best to just listen and forget about it.

For a top-tier business talent like Lin Dan, the salary and benefits wouldn't be bad. Chen Jingming's offer was basically on par with the US, with an increase of less than 10%. For people like them, what they truly value is position and power.

The position was given, but the real power was not. So Lin Dan shook his head at Chen Jingming: "Mr. Chen, I cannot agree to this condition."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jingming immediately dropped his playful expression and sighed softly, "President Lin, don't rush to refuse. I was just joking. The decision-making power for the project will still be yours, but it will need my approval. Is that unreasonable?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Dan smiled. He stood up and extended his hand. Chen Jingming also extended his hand, and the two clasped hands tightly.

"Mr. Chen, I'm ready to depart at any time, just in time for your notification."

Chen Jingming nodded, and only returned to the house after seeing Lin Dan off. He loosened his tie and breathed a slight sigh of relief—he had finally convinced Lin Dan.

The next day.

Chen Jingming arrived in Washington in a vehicle driven by security personnel and got out near the embassy. He straightened his clothes before slowly walking towards the gate.

After registering his name at the checkpoint and passing through security, Chen Jingming went straight into the embassy, ​​approached the commercial section window, and asked the staff member inside:

"Hello, I would like to inquire about matters related to investing in China."

The staff member looked up at Chen Jingming and asked softly, "In which field do you plan to invest? How much initial capital do you expect?"

"We're preparing to expand into the film and television industry, with an initial investment of 200 million US dollars," Chen Jingming said, as he took out documents and proof of funds from his briefcase and handed them through the window.

After carefully examining the documents, the staff member looked up and said, "Mr. Chen, please wait a moment. Your funds are substantial. I will inform the supervisor now. Please wait in the waiting area for a moment."

Chen Jingming nodded in agreement, put away the investment documents and proof of funds, and turned to walk towards the reception area.