My Life with Narration

Chapter 653: Chapter 644: Three Movies

He was Party A, the one providing the funds, naturally holding the initiative, so how could anyone mind?

The negotiation went incredibly smoothly. All three received contracts, but of course, they didn’t sign them on the spot. After all, Su Qing’s company procedures hadn’t been finalized yet, not to mention his financial resources were somewhat limited, just waiting for people from Wen’s side to come over.

After all, unless forced to a certain extent, anyone who gets such a contract would be cautious, at least taking it back to check for any hidden traps.

Not everyone was like Wang Fan back then, driven to desperation, signing the contract on the spot.

Su Qing wasn’t annoyed by their caution, as it’s only human nature.

The investment terms here were quite favorable compared to other investors—ample funding, easy negotiations without any so-called difficulties, and most importantly, no interference in their crew’s filming.

Especially the last point, currently, investors in domestic film crews have significant say, and only a few directors can attract investments willingly and gain control.

Su Qing’s relinquishing control was a great fortune for the directors and others. He doesn’t meddle with the actresses, doesn’t add people to the crew, and doesn’t demand script changes. They’ve never encountered such a quality investor over the years.

Of course, this was Su Qing’s intentional strategy. Besides making money, he aimed to build and promote his own and his company’s reputation and characteristics through such means.

As long as these three films become hits, other directors in the circle will know about a hassle-free investor with ample funds here, and he won’t have to worry about new projects in the future.

This time, the reason so many script projects landed was due to Wang Fan’s efforts. By himself, even with Tang Nan’s support, it would never have achieved this effect.

After all, even if you have money, who knows your situation? Many people don’t even know your company’s existence.

But with this success, the following things will be easier for him.

"You’re so optimistic about ’This Killer Is Not Very Calm’? There’s no ’Teng factor’ in it, though?" After dinner, after Wang Fan left with the three directors, the two of them returned home, and Tang Nan couldn’t help but ask, holding a script.

Hearing this, Su Qing smiled. Of course, he knew what the so-called ’Teng factor’ meant; after all, he was an internet surfer.

Currently, how many investors would blindly invest based solely on the director? However, the influence of actors cannot be underestimated either.

Some actors can attract a large wave of investment based on their influence alone, and the Military Arts School’s heartthrob is definitely one of them.

Let alone, his achievements in comedy over the years have been evident for all to see, from initial skits to now theatrical movies, his accumulated box office ranking among the top for all domestic actors.

A few years ago, a movie merely featured a poster of this Military Arts School heartthrob, and during promotion, he was touted as the lead, which netizens called a ’scam’, giving rise to the term ’Teng factor’.

This movie features actors from Happy Mahua but lacks the presence of Brother Teng, which is likely why they’re missing a chunk of investment.

If not, investors would have long come knocking for collaboration, no need to seek investment externally.

’Teng factor’ is the best trademark; there’d never be a shortage of investors.

"Can’t a comedy movie be good with zero ’Teng factor’? Besides, the cast isn’t bad; even without us, they could eventually find investment. You read the script too; even if it’s a remake, it’s excellent enough, filled with humorous scenes. A comedy movie that isn’t funny—now that’d be too ironic," Su Qing said nonchalantly.

It’s just an investment; as long as there’s profit, it’s fine. He’s merely a behind-the-scenes investor, not needing to face the public directly, which gives him much convenience, reducing some social media impact.

Listening to him, Tang Nan nodded and then smiled, "Probably he didn’t expect you to have such a big appetite. I’m sure initially he thought securing half of the investment from you would be a success. Didn’t expect you to take the whole round, a hundred million, a small goal, not something ordinary people can pull out."

"That’s why I asked Brother Wen to join me. We each take half, and I’ll borrow a bit from Shen Yi, that’ll be enough," Su Qing laughed.

Ever since his wealth surged in the stock market last time, he has been in a spending spree: first partnering with Wen Jingqi with half his fortune, then investing eighty million in ’Wandering Earth’, later buying the apartment from the landlord lady, spending several million more.

Now he has less than eighty million left. ’An Unknown Incident’ and ’Life-changing Matters’ took another forty million, leaving insufficient funds for this final investment.

So he had Wen come over, repaying a favor and gaining a profit for himself.

Once the box office share from ’Wandering Earth’ comes in, his funds will ease up.

Hearing this, Tang Nan shook her head with a smile, "You’re the first investor I’ve seen not leaving a way out for yourself. Aren’t you afraid of losses?"

"What’s there to fear? Excluding Brother Wen’s fifty million, I’ve only invested nine thousand this time. Last time with ’Wandering Earth’, I dared to put out eighty million. Now that it’s profitable, why would I be afraid? Plus, Brother Wen has a guaranteed profit deal, I won’t starve."

It might seem he spends lavishly, even borrowing to invest. In reality, he’s always leaving a retreat for himself. Even with narrative cues, he’s constantly trying to keep things under control, preparing for the worst.

Even when borrowing from Shen Yi to trade stocks, he had a plan. If he lost, he’d use his video accounts to earn back the money, whether by milking supporters or live streaming sales, confident he could repay.

"True, why should I worry about you? Anyway, you have money now; even if you lose, you won’t starve. But since you’re short, why not let me lend you, a co-investment, saving you from bothering Shen Yi?" Tang Nan said with a cheerful grin.

In response, Su Qing gave her a surprised look, smiling, "What’s the trouble? If I tell Shen Yi, she’ll give it to me. Besides, it’s her company too. If we lose, we’re in a relationship; if we profit, it stays within the family."

"Hmph, stingy, after all the help I’ve given you; seems someone thinks of me as an outsider. I’m leaving, hurt my self-esteem!" Hearing this, Tang Nan pouted, preparing to leave.

Seeing her, Su Qing quickly chuckled, "Alright, alright, stop teasing. How about this, this is my first major investment round, I’ll pave the way first. If profitable, join in the second round. Then if you like any script roles, you can negotiate yourself. Don’t say I didn’t think of you!"

Upon hearing this, Tang Nan smiled, "At least you have a bit of conscience. In that case, while you’re away from the capital, I’ll take extra care, managing your company, saving you from claiming I take benefits for nothing!"

"That’d be great, thanks, Brother Nan!"

"Stop joking, alright, I’m leaving before Shen Yi calls to check on you, bye-bye!"

After Tang Nan departed, Su Qing rubbed his slightly throbbing head, looking at the scripts on the table as a narrative hint echoed in his mind.

[Total investment of 300 million, box office of 2.7 billion, both critical and commercial success, a very lucrative deal, but no possibility for future cooperation.]

Hearing this, Su Qing squinted, whether Wang Fan or Yang Jia or Wang Jiang, after reaching cooperation, he received hints of future collaborations, at least a favor left.

But this was the only one without, simply a one-time deal.

As for why he didn’t delve much further, the narrative gave no hint, but he could guess some reasons.

Including Wang Fan, there were four directors. Wang Fan was a lifesaver in a crisis, Yang Jia was a helping hand, and Wang Jiang was skilled in social dealings, plus he wasn’t particularly famous, leaving a bit of networking.

But Deng Wenxiong was different. He had his own connections, as mentioned. Even without this investment, he could find other sources, and if successful, investors would flock, making him less critical.

Still, Su Qing wasn’t too concerned with these since he wasn’t short on opportunities.

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