My Life with Narration

Chapter 643: Chapter 634: Plans for the Sequel

"In short, it’s not that I don’t want to work with them, but I really don’t see any promise in their project. It feels unreliable. Otherwise, as you said, since this is our first meeting, plus having a connection with you, Nan Ge, if I didn’t truly think it wouldn’t work and it might make me lose money, how could I not give you face?"

After Director Teng and his companion left, the three of them chatted in the private room. Su Qing went over the potential issues in the other party’s project, explaining that he wasn’t just annoyed with them but genuinely believed their project was unfeasible.

Hearing this, Tang Nan furrowed her delicate brows. As much as she didn’t want to believe it, Su Qing made a lot of sense, and even Wang Fan nodded in agreement beside her. But to believe it? Well, you’re just an outsider pointing out flaws in the insiders’ work; it feels kind of off.

"Really?"

"Of course it’s true. You can’t expect me to say the project is great against my conscience, invest money, and then watch myself lose it all, right?" Su Qing spread his hands, looking very innocent.

Among the three, he was the businessman. What do businessmen prioritize? Profit. Without profit, what am I discussing with you?

As for Wang Fan, he’s just a director. He seeks investment, makes movies, and if the movie hits, he earns, and if it doesn’t, he doesn’t lose, and he even likely gains.

Instances like this, where a director gambles with their own car and house, are quite rare. Generally, directors treat this as a job rather than an investment unless they are extremely confident in their work or, as in this case, have no choice but to put in their own money.

Then there’s Tang Nan, who’s an artist, a celebrity, an actor.

Actors usually earn appearance fees. Does a project’s success or failure affect their earnings? Of course not. It might impact their reputation, but that’s independent of any profit-sharing agreement.

Simply put, actors have a guaranteed win, even if they’re in a flop—they receive their full fee without any deductions.

Looking at it this way, isn’t he, the investor, the purest businessman among the three?

"Something’s odd. Last time with Director Wang’s project, I watched from the sidelines, and before Director Wang said anything, you decided to invest. How do you explain that?"

Just as Tang Nan began to believe it, she suddenly had a moment of clarity and posed a soul-searching question, catching Su Qing off guard.

Indeed, at the time, Wang Fan only casually mentioned the project, and he immediately agreed to invest without the thorough consideration seen this time. This contrast clearly shows how much of a double standard Su Qing held for the two instances.

Su Qing felt awkward, but wasn’t it obvious? Previously, the narrator directly hinted that the movie would be a hit and profitable, so he naturally rushed to invest. It was like finding a stock about to skyrocket—hesitating in such a situation would be disrespectful to money, right?

But this time, the narrator gave a warning, with the outcome turning out to be the complete opposite—a trap. Would he still rush into a stock destined for a steep loss?

Even Wang Fan was now curiously looking at him, wanting to know the reason.

To this, Su Qing thought for a moment and shamelessly answered, "Even if I explained, you wouldn’t get it. It’s just a feeling; investing in movies and playing stocks is essentially the same; they’re both futures trading.

Whether you profit or not depends on the future rise and fall of the asset. I play stocks well enough to be called ’Stock God.’ Do you think that’s an undeserved reputation?

Combined with the issues within his project, it just makes me pessimistic about it. Sure, it might become a major success and make money, but it doesn’t affect me much, considering I’m not desperate to earn this particular profit."

Since no explanation suffices, why not bring them into his field of expertise and use his extensive experience to defeat them?

Where does he have authority? In stocks, obviously. Without question, thanks to his Stock God reputation, Tang Nan has earned quite a bit. Whether she believes it or not, she has to.

Listening to him, Tang Nan rubbed her chin and instinctively nodded, "Seems... reasonable, so you’re saying Director Teng’s stock—oops, project—will lose money?"

"Isn’t it obvious? If I thought it would make money, wouldn’t I have co-invested? Who would pass up money?"

If it were anything else, Tang Nan might still doubt it, but stocks? She really respected that. The key point is, in her heart, she greatly admires Su Qing’s foresight.

Just like with ’Wandering Earth,’ at the dining table, among so many people, Su Qing was the only one who immediately spotted the project’s potential and decided to invest. He even wanted to invite others to join his investment, but they all declined.

Since the New Year, Tang Nan has occasionally received messages from those dining table friends, regretting not having invested.

In contrast, Wang Fan, although aware of the ’Stock God’ reputation, hadn’t experienced it firsthand, so he wasn’t as stunned as Tang Nan.

"Brother, since it’s just us now, let’s talk business. The box office revenue will take a bit more time to share, and the derivative income can only be discussed after taken-down. But don’t worry, your share won’t be missing.

Then there’s the shooting plan for the second part. Although I haven’t written the script yet, it will definitely be filmed, and when we do, we’ll need brother’s help with the investment again," Wang Fan said with a smile.

[Wandering Earth Part Two, with ample funding, features an even grander spectacle and even more renowned actors. It’s another blockbuster film, with a box office that rivals this one and higher ratings, even more awe-inspiring]

If the first film was Su Qing helping him, then the next one would be his way of repaying the favor. Lately, countless people want to invest in the sequel; a few million to tens of million is not within his consideration anymore.

At least tens of million are needed to participate, most investments are in the hundreds of million.

Besides the few investors this time, he might choose one or two more capable ones. Of course, Su Qing is definitely in, that’s beyond doubt.

"No problem. When the time comes, how much investment do you need, and see how much share I have, just say the word. If I’m not in the capital, go find Nan. She will sort it out for me. Besides, I have set up a studio on her side specifically for investing in films." Su Qing laughed.

When someone offers money, he naturally wouldn’t refuse. Listening to the voiceover in his head, Su Qing agreed with a smile.

Indeed, Director Wang is another turning point in his destiny.

You could say, the people named Wang around him are all talented, including a famous director, a professional photography and editing expert, a captain of the anti-drug squad, and a sycophant. The least impressive one is an everyday talent who insists on domestic violence against his wife for two minutes daily.

Then Su Qing spoke again: "But there’s one more thing I need your help with, old brother. After all, I’m an outsider and don’t know many directors, so..."

Before he finished, Wang Fan waved his hand: "Such a simple matter, you mentioned it to me ages ago. Rest assured, I’ve already reached out to a lot of colleagues. Nowadays, directors who make films are abundant, but those who pay are rare."

Upon hearing this, Su Qing smiled and nodded, but then he spoke: "Although it’s a trouble to ask you to let them know, I don’t invest in every project. At least the script needs to pass muster, and then I’ll meet the person myself. If it’s okay, we’ll confirm it on-site. If not, it’s just business; let’s not hurt our harmony."

"Listen to what you’re saying; of course, we understand this logic. If we invested in everything, we’d be squandering money. Besides, we people face rejection when pulling investments, it’s common practice. Don’t worry, everyone is a rule-abiding person. You’re merely offering them an additional option." Wang Fan laughed.

Su Qing’s founding of this film investment company, and letting him act as an informant, are not without benefits for him. At least it expands his networking; it’s a mutually beneficial arrangement.

"Thank you, old brother!"

"No need for formalities, cheers to that!"

On this side, everything was harmonious, but on the other side, Teng Hua and Wang Tao, who were rejected, didn’t see it that way.

Just then, a loud crash was heard as a cup shattered to pieces.

"Damn it, this is pushing it too far!" Teng Hua roared in anger.

On the side, Wang Tao cautiously spoke: "Brother Teng, what should we do now?"

"What to do? Find others! I refuse to believe he’s the only one who can invest in us. Nowadays, many people want to invest in sci-fi films—won’t miss him." Director Teng roared in anger, then spoke again:

"How’s our crew’s preparation going?"

"Actors are all in place, and the filming site is complete. Everything’s ready for shooting. If we catch up with the progress, it can be released by midyear for the summer break." Wang Tao said.

A movie can’t possibly start preparing only now. The process of constructing a filming site alone isn’t a one-day affair. But Director Teng wanted to add more chips after seeing the success of ’Wandering Earth.’

"Alright, so let’s head back tomorrow and start shooting as soon as possible. Missing this investment doesn’t matter. Once I loosen my stance, plenty of investments will come knocking; I don’t need it. I refuse to believe I can’t make a good sci-fi movie without them. Book the tickets!"

Director Teng said in a deep tone, feeling angry and frustrated. Even though Tang Nan had already apologized, it still hadn’t settled his mood.

"About Little Tang..."

"It’s alright, I’ll talk to Little Tang at that time. Speaking of which, this was done through her connection; even failing shouldn’t blame her. What’s with the high-and-mighty attitude? Regarding film quality, I indeed don’t have confidence in surpassing ’Wandering Earth,’ but with these actors, I refuse to believe it’ll lose money."

He clearly understands his capabilities but, he’s never intended to make a sci-fi movie better than ’Wandering Earth.’ What he cares about is making money—it’s always the priority. He’s a typical commercial film director.

"Got it, Brother Teng, I’ll go book the tickets right away!"

...