The Tianli Sect's choice matched Qin Feng's expectations.
Li Yun chose to retreat, not because her allies had been killed and she had clashed directly with the Bai He Gate.
This meant she had come up short—she still believed the Bai He Gate to be her enemy.
Isabella held Qin Feng's arm as they walked along the streets near Beiyin, and had they not wanted to catch a glimpse of Zhou Muzi, they would have returned to Zhongyuan Province long ago.
Suddenly, a slender man wearing a floral headscarf leapt out from one side, speaking in a voice reminiscent of a mallard duck: "Madam, have you ever considered making a film? Allow me to introduce myself—I'm a talent scout at Huayao Cultural & Media Company. I'm particularly impressed by your appearance. We've produced several major films recently, and we're currently looking for a female lead. I believe you'd be an excellent fit!"
"The man's words were directed straight at Isabella. The beautiful instructor nearly kicked him off his feet—she detested such pests. She hadn't done so because Qin Feng had given her a subtle signal earlier. "The name 'Huiyao Cultural & Media' sounds quite impressive," said Qin, the young magnate. "Indeed," the slim man said, puffing out his chest, "everyone in the industry knows that our company has always been grounded and practical. We've always prioritized launching new talents, so don't worry about being overlooked when you join. This beautiful woman's figure and appearance perfectly match the female lead we're casting for our next series. Oh, and this handsome man is also quite promising—would you be interested in taking on a supporting role? If the director is pleased, he might even promote you to the third lead!"
Good heavens, you've even overlooked me. Your company truly is practical—does it really mean you're so financially strapped that you can't afford to hire actors?
He pulled out his phone and dialed Zhou Xiaoniu's number: "Sisi, we've arrived at the door. By the way, I have a question—there's a guy who claims to be a talent scout from Huayao Cultural Media..."
At the other end of the line, Zhou Muzhi immediately replied, "That's a terrible film company. Since its founding, they've produced seven or eight films, half of which were so bad they couldn't even make it into theaters. The owner and investors have been left reeling. How can they still be recruiting talent? They're already so broke they can't afford even third-tier stars!"
Qin Shao hung up and looked at the so-called talent scout with a strangely attentive gaze.
"Are either of you interested?" the slim man maintained his cheerful expression.
"Interested, but not in acting—rather, in your company," Qin Feng said, speaking clearly and deliberately. "Listen carefully—my understanding of your company's current situation is quite clear. Go back and tell your boss that I'm willing to buy the company. If he's interested, just give me a call!"
He handed the thin man a sticky note with his phone number. Only after they had walked a good distance did the thin man realize and immediately called his boss: "Bro, we're saved! I've finally found this buyer after countless efforts—definitely make sure you give me a commission!"
He smiled and said, "Of course, we'll buy the company and then invite you to be the female lead!"
"What?" Zhou Xiaoniu widened her eyes.
Qin Shao had his own reasons: "I've asked about the process of setting up a new company—it's quite cumbersome. Buying an established one is much more efficient. That way, we can immediately start operations. As for the reputation, it doesn't matter much—once the company is under our management, it's completely disconnected from its past. All we need to do is launch a major film production, and then who would still look at the company through the lens of its previous history?"
Zhou Xiaoniu thought for a moment and said, "That's indeed a solid plan. By the way, regarding our first film—should we focus on action films or something more refined and aesthetic? And should I be the lead, or should Qingzi take the lead?"
"As for that, I haven't decided yet."
"Qin, after thinking for a moment, said, 'Performance-based services are more profitable, while artistic ones receive better reviews. As for these matters, we'll discuss them once the company has a solid structure in place!' His phone rang—no need to guess, it was definitely the CEO of Huiyao Media. Indeed, the other side requested four million. While that's not an exorbitant amount, for a company that hasn't yet achieved any milestones and currently lacks even full-time employees or signed actors, it's certainly a premium price. Strictly speaking, Qin only wanted the company's business license—nothing else. Therefore, he had to negotiate hard, and negotiate aggressively, since he wasn't familiar with the industry and had to rely on Zhou Xiaoniu for support. In the end, he successfully reduced the price to 1.2 million, and both parties reached an agreement."
Zhou Musi looked at him with admiration and said, "Your husband is truly amazing—how could he reduce the four million down to just one million two hundred thousand? It's hard to believe that such a modest amount could buy an entire film and television company!"
Qin, the young man, was taken aback and replied, "Didn't you just ask me to cut the price to that amount just now? I didn't expect the other party to agree—this is all thanks to you!"
"My contribution," Zhou Xiaoniu didn't understand the meaning behind his words.
He added, "Didn't you keep extending two fingers in front of me during the price negotiation?"
Zhou Musi's eyes widened even further: "My husband, I specifically asked you to cut the price to two million—when did I ever say one million two hundred thousand? In fact, setting up a new company involves various expenses that may easily exceed that amount. Buying it for two million is already a good deal—let alone one million two hundred thousand!"
Isabella chuckled beside them, saying, "You really got off easy! I think the other party was eager to act, so they willingly agreed to this price. I must say, you've quite worn them out!" Qin Feng kissed Zhou Xiaoniu gently on the cheek, saying, "I always thought you were negotiating for 1.2 million. It wasn't me being a shrewd businessman—it was the other side who couldn't wait. So, let's go!" "Where to?" Zhou Xiaoniu assumed he was now leaving Beijing, so she stayed seated, refusing to get up. "Of course, we go to sign the contract. Otherwise, if we delay too long, they'll regret it!" "Oh."