Back to 17, My Brother is the Cult Leader

It took Fang Yuan's enthusiasm over the course of one night to temporarily dispel Chen Xia's initial feelings of inferiority.

The next morning, Fang Yuan met with Ellie at the hotel's business center.

"Where's Xia? Still not up?" Ellie's eyes were a little teasing.

"Yes, she's not feeling well." Fang Yuan said somewhat awkwardly.

"Alright, this isn't your country, there's nothing to be embarrassed about."

"Has the release schedule for 'Saw' been finalized?" Fang Yuan asked.

Ellie took a document out of her bag and spread it on the table.

Lionsgate has confirmed that the film will be released on May 18th.

The promotional materials are ready, and James Wan is overseeing the process.

"Has the revenue sharing ratio in the issuance contract been confirmed?"

"It's confirmed. The studio, as the production company, retains the copyright and sequel rights."

Lionsgate handled the North American distribution. Overseas, they sold to a dozen or so small countries—not a large market, but enough to cover distribution costs.

Fang Yuan nodded. "Just keep an eye on things. Send any documents that need my signature to my email address."

"We can't let our guard down this year's publishing plans; the Hunger Games series has just as much potential as Twilight."

"The other few are the same as those from the previous two years; they can be published and distributed, but word-of-mouth needs a long time to build up."

"Okay, no problem, the contract is signed, proceed as planned."

Ellie closed the folder. "When are you going back?"

"the day after tomorrow."

"Looks like you're not going to Focus Company's party tonight either?"

"Yes, thank you for your hard work, Ellie."

"There's nothing much to do this afternoon. You can go out and have some fun, or take a break."

At the same time, on the other side of the ocean.

Huang Xiaoming looked at Fang Yuan's photo and the award-winning news headline on Sina's website.

"Central Academy of Drama junior wins Oscar"; "Fang Yuan wins another major award"

The accompanying picture shows Fang Yuan holding an Oscar statuette on the podium.

The other photo is from the red carpet, with two beautiful women in the background: one blonde with blue eyes, and the other with bright eyes and sharp teeth.

"Awesome, bro! What can I say?" Huang Xiaoming exclaimed in admiration.

The phone rang. "Hello, Danchen, who is this? I don't know anyone here."

"Nonsense! Zeng Li said you knew! Confess!"

Huang Xiaoming inwardly groaned, "Brother, what am I supposed to say? My childhood sweetheart? Or my girlfriend from across the ocean?"

Elsewhere, Han Sanping looked at the news online, his feelings complicated.

Fang Yuan returned to the room, where Chen Xia was still fast asleep.

I sat on the sofa and started checking and replying to the messages one by one.

Almost everyone I knew sent me a congratulatory message: colleagues, friends, classmates, teachers, and even President Han sent me a message.

Several close friends were very interested in the two beautiful women behind them.

He replied to Huang Xiaoming with "Get lost".

He put away his phone, sat on the edge of the bed, and looked at Chen Xia's face.

Seemingly sensing something, Chen Xia woke up and was stunned to find Fang Yuan beside her.

Once she realized what was happening, she quickly covered her head with the blanket.

"Why are you still embarrassed?" Fang Yuan smiled and leaned down.

"Get out of here!" Chen Xia shouted.

"You've got some nerve, telling who to get out of here?"

"Ah, Fang Yuan, you're bullying me!!"

After a long time, Fang Yuan leaned against the headboard and continued to scroll through the messages on his phone.

Chen Xia got up and went to the bathroom to wash up. When she came back, she poured Fang Yuan a glass of water, then got into bed and leaned against him.

"There's something I'd like you to do me a favor for," Fang Yuan said, glancing at Chen Xia.

"What is it?" Chen Xia asked without looking up.

"I need your help with something," Fang Yuan said.

I plan to continue investing in the US stock market.

I want to invest another sum of money in the second half of the year, but I need someone to help me research and track stocks.

You know the US market better than I do, so could you compile a list of US stocks suitable for long-term holding?

Not too many, around fifteen, covering sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, and consumer goods.

I'll tell you the investment amount and timeframe, and you'll help me with fundamental analysis and technical screening.

Chen Xia looked up. "Are you serious?"

"Of course, there's a lot of money involved."

"Is now a good time to invest? The internet bubble has just burst; isn't it a bit too early to get in?"

"I plan to enter the market in the second half of the year. I'll come to New York to see you during the summer vacation. You can prepare the shortlist in advance, and we can discuss it together before making a decision."

"Technology stocks are preferred. Additionally, consumer stocks with stable cash flow are also being considered. We don't want concept stocks; we want companies with actual business operations to support them."

"There's no need to rush. You can do it when you're less busy with classes."

"Okay, my aunt also wants me to take the exam for a literary agent qualification. She wants to transfer your book publishing business to me."

"Ellie told me. There's no conflict."

"You can be my literary agent and financial advisor. That way, Ellie won't have to travel back and forth between New York and Los Angeles."

Chen Xia lowered her head and leaned against Fang Yuan. "Does this count as you supporting me?"

"How do I calculate this? You're doing this for me, so I consider you your boss."

"Hmph, I knew you had bad intentions all along."

"Where? You said you'd take care of me back then!"

Chen Xia was immediately embarrassed. "Nonsense, where would I be?"

"What? You don't want to admit what you said?" Fang Yuan said, putting down his phone.

"There wasn't one to begin with."

"You still dare to deny it?"

.............

"Fang Yuan, to tell you the truth, I don't want to get married."

"Huh? Why?"

"You know, neither my maternal grandmother nor my mother were happy in their previous marriages."

"I really resist it too."

"So if you have a girl you like, go for it, get married and have children."

"I'm a staunch advocate of remaining single, just like my aunt."

"Let's talk about this later. We're both still young, and I don't want to get married so early."

"I don't believe it. With so many beautiful girls around you, didn't you ever have a crush on one?"

How should Fang Yuan respond at this moment?

The answer must be a firm denial.

Chen Xia pursed her lips and didn't ask any further questions.

"I'm serious, you need to know that, don't say I'm holding you back."

Fang Yuan was speechless.

A few days later, Fang Yuan returned to Beijing.

Director Shen called me to his office, and we admired the Oscar statuette together and took photos before I was released.

In mid-April in Beijing, the new leaves of the sycamore trees were a vibrant green.

Fang Yuan finished processing several documents at the company in the morning and had no plans for the afternoon. He was just about to read a book when his assistant, Xiao Mei, knocked on the door and came in to say that there were guests.

"Mr. Li Minghao from the 'Sprout' magazine has arrived, and he brought a guest with him."

Xiaomei said, "In the reception room."

Fang Yuan put down the documents in his hand but did not get up immediately.

Li Minghao was one of the first editors Fang Yuan met.

In 1996, Fang Yuan was still in high school when he wrote a story called "The Bottom-Tier Hot Girl" and submitted it to "Mengya" magazine.

He sat at the table, tapped his fingers lightly on the surface twice, pondered for a moment, and then stood up and walked out.