Chapter 2291: "Bodyguards and Assassins"

With a new secretary, Zhao Fusheng's life hadn't really changed much.

Recently, he simply didn't feel like going out.

So he just worked from home.

To be fair, Chen Qiuyan, the new secretary, was very diligent. She sent a pile of company briefings to Zhao Fusheng every day. Though a novice, she was quite capable.

The key was that she was very smart, with a knack for drawing inferences.

Zhao Fusheng wasn't sexist, but his secretary's job was tough with many tasks, so he had been a bit worried.

But now, it seemed Chen Qiuyan was doing well.

"Chairman, this is a report from Future Films."

Chen Qiuyan placed a report on Zhao Fusheng's desk and said, "Future Films plans to invest in a movie with a high budget."

"How high?"

Zhao Fusheng asked casually with a smile.

"The budget is 150 million."

Chen Qiuyan replied.

How much?

Zhao Fusheng was stunned.

150 million?

He picked up the document and read it. After just a few lines, his expression turned grim.

"Prepare the car. We're going to Future Films."

Zhao Fusheng instructed Chen Qiuyan.

Seeing his serious expression, Chen Qiuyan dared not delay and went out to prepare the car.

Soon, Zhao Fusheng got into the car.

"Drive faster."

After giving the order, Zhao Fusheng picked up the document and read it.

"This project was initiated in 2004. At that time, the cast included actors like Chow Yun-fat, Leon Lai, Donnie Yen, and Jacky Cheung, as well as some Korean stars like Kwon Sang-woo and Ji Jin-hee. The investment cost was about 150 million. It was almost ready then, with actors like Aaron Kwok, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Andy Lau, and Eason Chan confirmed, but unfortunately, the幕后 big boss Zeng Xianji committed suicide, causing insufficient funds, and the project was shelved."

Chen Qiuyan quickly briefed Zhao Fusheng on what she knew.

"Last year, Chen Kexin announced the establishment of Renren Films and collaborated with Bona's Yu Dong. Later, they approached Future Films. General Manager Ye was very interested in this project and recently got it approved in the company, planning to invest jointly with Bona."

Clearly, that was all she knew.

Chen Kexin?

Zhao Fusheng frowned even deeper at the name.

His strongest impression of this famous director was that his films in the mainland almost always lost money.

In other words, he used mainland investors' money to make films he wanted, took his share of profits and fees without missing a penny, and didn't care whether the box office made money or not.

This director was notorious for making award-winning films.

Many people thought he was great, really great.

But don't forget, behind the awards was a dismal box office!

"The Warlords" gathered three top actors—Jet Li, Andy Lau, and Takeshi Kaneshiro—with a budget of $40 million, which was at least 300 million RMB.

And the result?

Total box office: 350 million.

The investors lost their shirts!

But Director Chen didn't lose money; he got everything he was due.

And he still won awards.

Partner with someone like that?

Are you kidding?

Zhao Fusheng now wanted to grab Ye Jing by the neck and ask him if his brain was full of crap.

Or did he think that since Future Films was listed, even if they lost money, it didn't matter as long as the positive news from such a big film pushed the stock price up?

With that thought, Zhao Fusheng took a deep breath to calm himself.

"Call Jiang Wen and Ye Jing. Tell them to wait for me at the company."

Zhao Fusheng instructed Chen Qiuyan.

Chen Qiuyan immediately started making calls.

...

...

By the time Zhao Fusheng arrived at Future Films' headquarters, Jiang Wen and Ye Jing were already waiting with a group of senior executives.

"Chairman."

"Chairman."

Seeing Zhao Fusheng get out of the car, they quickly greeted him.

Since they were outside, Old Jiang didn't act too familiar, maintaining a more formal superior-subordinate demeanor.

"Let's go inside and talk."

The half-hour drive had somewhat cooled Zhao Fusheng's anger. His initial fury had dissipated considerably.

He gave Ye Jing and Jiang Wen a cold glance, said nothing more, and walked straight ahead.

The two exchanged bewildered looks, completely clueless about what was happening.

What was going on?

Clearly, Zhao Fusheng, who rarely got angry, was very displeased this time.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have rushed to the company so urgently and embarrassed them in front of so many subordinates.

Even Old Jiang was confused.

After all, Zhao Fusheng rarely got this upset.

Or rather, he rarely lost his composure in front of subordinates.

Filled with doubts, Jiang Wen and the others followed Zhao Fusheng into Future Films.

Zhao Fusheng headed straight for the conference room.

Once seated in the conference room, Zhao Fusheng said, "Call in the planning and investment departments."

Then he tossed out a report: "And bring me the person who drafted this investment plan."

Ye Jing and Jiang Wen exchanged glances. Jiang Wen picked up the report, read it, and then looked at Ye Jing with a strange expression.

Seeing his expression, Ye Jing knew something was wrong!

He quickly told his secretary to summon the staff.

Soon, the conference room was filled with people.

These were, naturally, the mid-to-senior management of Future Films.

"Hello, Chairman."

"Chairman."

"Chairman."

Those who had met Zhao Fusheng before came over to greet him.

Of course, ordinary middle managers wouldn't have the chance to appear before Zhao Fusheng; those who greeted him were all company veterans.

Zhao Fusheng looked amiable, waving for them to take their seats.

Soon, a middle-aged man with glasses stood in front of the big screen and began explaining to Zhao Fusheng.

"The 'Bodyguards and Assassins' project was initiated after careful consideration and research."

The man with glasses began introducing the project's history.

Of course, it was all the same spiel Zhao Fusheng already knew.

"What's his name?"

Zhao Fusheng glanced at the man and asked Jiang Wen beside him.

"Li Zhiyuan, deputy director of the planning department. He previously worked at a film company in Hong Kong and is very capable..."

Jiang Wen introduced.

Zhao Fusheng nodded and continued listening to Li Zhiyuan's presentation.

Soon, Li Zhiyuan got to the point.

"According to our estimates, if the budget for this film is 150 million, the domestic box office won't be less than 500 million. In Hong Kong and globally, the total box office won't be less than 50 million. Overall, we can achieve 100% profitability."

Looking at the man's earnest expression, Zhao Fusheng couldn't help but sneer.