My Life with Narration

Chapter 682: Chapter 673: The Movie Is Pulled, Jiang Guimei Apologizes

Time flew by, and two more days passed. It was the day Wandering Earth was taken off the shelves. After a half-month extension, the box office totaled 5.12 billion, which could be considered a great success.

Online platforms were flooded with this astonishing box office figure. The last time we saw such high box office numbers was with Wolf Warrior 2. The most crucial thing is, this is a sci-fi movie, and everyone feels the door to domestic sci-fi films has been kicked open.

It is known that the sci-fi movie genre has always been a shortcoming domestically compared to abroad. Finally, there’s a capable domestic movie. How could it not receive high praise?

Not to mention, this was adapted from a novel of the same name, and the author is one of the top sci-fi writers internationally. With the combined efforts of the director, screenwriter, and the entire crew, plus the director’s precision in casting and the actors’ performances, the film looks like a hexagon warrior at first glance, with almost no shortcomings.

Add to that an exciting plot, grand scenes, and impressive special effects, how could it not deserve high ratings?

If we must point out any flaw, it’s that some of the props look a bit shabby. I heard some space suits were borrowed from the neighboring crew.

But this doesn’t affect people’s viewing experience at all and might even be a bonus.

Director Wang also called.

In Shen Yi’s office, Su Qing turned on the speakerphone.

"Brother, you really did me a huge favor this time!" Wang Fan was grinning from ear to ear.

Yesterday, it just went off the screens, and today Wandering Earth was already on online video platforms, although you need a membership to watch it.

This instantly drew many new members to those platforms. It was quite the effort. However, Wang Fan and the investors decided to go for revenue sharing, so the money won’t come in immediately.

"Oh, come on. Thanks to you, I’ve also made quite a bit this time!" Su Qing said with a smile.

He wasn’t lying. After he and Shen Yi did a rough calculation, this time the box office shares amounted to more than 300 million. After deducting the 80 million principal, there’s still a pure profit of at least 260 million. It’s an absolute windfall.

Though it’s not as violent and rapid as the stock market, such opportunities might only come once in years in the stock market, whereas there are several breakout films every year, and it’s not rare to earn money from them.

With this experience, this is his new direction for making money.

"Hahaha, indeed, you’ve struck it rich this time, earning far more than me, so you must treat me!"

"Of course, how could I skip an excuse to treat you?"

"Alright then, I’ll hold you to that. Also, don’t forget the investment for the second film!"

"No problem. Once the money comes in, let’s find a time to meet. I’ll transfer the money to you first. I really got a great deal this time!"

"You’re awesome. By the way, how are the three movies you invested in some time ago going? I only know No One in Sight has started, but there’s nothing on the others!" Wang Fan asked.

Even though it was through his recommendation, Wang Fan hasn’t been idle. With all the attention, social events have been one after another. Discussing online rights kept him busy for a while, and just when that wrapped up, the second film’s matters piled up.

Even if he’s been dragging things, hoping for some rest, it’s not going to be possible. In no more than two months, he’ll have to dive in. They’ve already started recruiting and working on the script.

"Tang Nan has people watching over them, apart from No One in Sight, the other two are moving along smoothly. One-third of Life-changing Matters is already filmed," Su Qing replied with a smile.

Despite being in Jiang City for a while, it doesn’t mean he’s unaware of everything. With Tang Nan and Hu Xiaoling occasionally visiting various crews, he’s not sure about the specifics, but he’s got a general idea.

Since Tang Nan spoke with him last, Su Qing understood that as the boss, he’s only concerned with the results, not the process. That’s not something he needs to consider.

"Alright, I’ll deposit the money into your company’s account in the next few days. Let’s drink together when there’s time!" Wang Fan said.

He made the call partly to share the good news of the film’s box office and partly to check in on his investment. Though decided long ago with Su Qing, he’s developed such habits over his career, always handling investments cautiously due to past hardships. Thirdly, making a call helps maintain relationships.

Favor may not only be sought when needed, lest the relationship deteriorates over time.

"Sure, I’ll be waiting for your news!"

The two men chatted for over half an hour before hanging up.

"Wow, that’s a lot of money, you’re really capable, much more than me. Look at me, working hard every day and still earning much less than you. You better take care of me in the future, you know, like a sugar mama!"

Just after hanging up, Shen Yi approached, sweet-talking and massaging his shoulders.

She wasn’t concerned with the money, but she was genuinely happy for Su Qing. Just look at her vision; her businesses were thriving, and she even found an outstanding partner.

Though not as wealthy as Wen Nanqing, Shen Yi confidently declared that she made the best choice when it came to picking a man.

"You’re just realizing today that I’m capable?" Su Qing replied with a smile.

Shen Yi’s face blushed, now no longer the same as in her earlier, naïve days. She understood some of the steamy words now: "You, it’s broad daylight in the office; you can’t just say whatever. Be careful if someone hears!"

"Hey, wasn’t it a certain aunt who brought it up first in this office? I certainly didn’t!"

"You ..."

After some fooling around, they finally got down to business.

"Once the box office shares come in a few days, are you planning to continue investing in films?" Shen Yi asked.

Su Qing shook his head: "Not so fast. Let’s see how these three projects perform first. I need to recuperate funds and build a reputation. Most importantly, what if we incur losses? If that happens, I’ll need to think carefully about my next steps."

Hearing this, Shen Yi nodded with satisfaction. When successful at a young age, she sometimes feared Su Qing would get carried away. After all, by putting herself in his shoes, she surely would have been if she had achieved such feats at his age.

Seeing Su Qing remain humble despite his great achievements reassured Shen Yi of her good guidance. After all, she’d had more life experience, not in vain.

"I’m glad you’re sensible. You know what you’re doing. I’m just going to enjoy the good life by your side.

By the way, how about coming with me to my hometown for Labor Day?" Shen Yi suggested.

Su Qing’s eyes widened upon hearing that: "You mean..."

"Oh come on, just say whether you’ll go!" Shen Yi blushed as she retorted.

"Of course, I’ll go. Who wouldn’t? But how about you come visit my place first sometime?" Su Qing asked enthusiastically.

Seeing this, Shen Yi’s smile grew brighter. Just the thought of possibly getting married this year excited her, something she’d never considered before.

"Alright, sometime in April, let me prepare a bit," Shen Yi whispered.

Su Qing felt a surge of happiness overcoming him.

Meanwhile, Jiang Guimei’s detention ended, and she was released. But her first action wasn’t heading home—Han Bin dragged her to apologize in front of the media.

Online

’I’m sorry, I apologize to everyone. It was a moment of recklessness, I misspoke. I hope you can forgive my mistake.

I view this as my personal action, nothing to do with the company, and hope you can spare our family businesses.’

In the video, Jiang Guimei, looking disheveled, apologized, choking back sobs, never daring to face the camera.

This was all Han Bin could do now—get his wife to apologize promptly, hoping to minimize losses.

...