Drama Queen Reborn as a Top Student!
Chapter 71 - 047 All Are the Boss’s Younger Brothers (Second Update)

Chapter 71: 047 All Are the Boss’s Younger Brothers (Second Update)

"What did you say? Tianlu Bank?"

Zhao Heng’s voice shot up an octave, unbearably harsh.

"That’s right. Director Cen and I went to the Film Venture Center under Tianlu Bank and met Mr. Huo. He’s very interested in the film, talked with Director Cen for quite a while, and ultimately decided on an initial investment of five hundred million. He said they’ll consider additional funding depending on the situation. The contract was signed on the spot."

Five hundred million! When Ru Caiying heard Mr. Huo mention that figure, she thought she must have misheard.

You see, the film industry is capital-intensive, highly reliant on investment but equally fraught with risk. To manage that risk, investors typically won’t put all their eggs in one basket. A single film often has multiple investors to spread the burden, diluting each party’s share.

This particular film has five investors. Collectively, the other four contribute just 60% of the funding, with Zhao Mingtian’s investment company holding the largest share at 40%. As the primary investor, Zhao Mingtian had the leverage to threaten Cen Shu with withdrawing funding.

Ru Caiying didn’t know the exact total investment for this film, but she was certain it wouldn’t exceed 400 million.

And yet Tianlu Bank came in with 500 million right off the bat. Truly a world-class financial institution—throwing money around without so much as blinking.

"Moreover, Mr. Huo promised Director Cen that he wouldn’t interfere with casting decisions. He vowed to let Director Cen choose actors entirely based on his creative vision and even included this stipulation in the contract."

Ru Caiying was utterly floored today. No wonder Tianlu Bank has seen such explosive growth globally—their keen investment sense is accompanied by an expansive, visionary approach. Respecting directors, respecting creativity.

This is the hallmark of a mature capitalist.

Zhao Heng felt numb.

He lowered his head, pulling out his phone to send a message to Shen You’an.

[Boss, are Chairman Lan and you involved somehow? Or is Huo Lin one of your lackeys?]

A minute later, Shen You’an replied with an emoji.

A little cartoon figure, resting its chin on one hand, with a circle of question marks above its head.

Hmph. Playing dumb, still pretending. Zhao Heng didn’t buy it for a second.

"President Zhao, I’m genuinely curious to see the spectacular expression on Zhao Mingtian’s face once he hears about this. What a satisfying sight it will be."

Though Ru Caiying wasn’t the vindictive sort, to her, film was sacred—and it should never be destroyed at the hands of incompetent individuals.

"Looks like what Antwei said was spot on: Director Cen mustn’t yield to the investors. The only solution is to replace them."

Talk about a prophet.

But Ru Caiying figured Shen You’an simply happened to hit the mark. It had to be mere coincidence; she never once thought a bodyguard could have any role in this.

If there was any connection, it was likely Zhao Heng pulling the strings behind the scenes.

~

The casting for the film was nearly finalized, and the production team maintained airtight secrecy, leaving the outside world completely in the dark.

Unable to sit still, Liang Ruofan called Yu Jiarui for updates.

Yu Jiarui was equally exasperated. Zhao Mingtian had tried to threaten Cen Shu by threatening to pull out his investment, but days had passed, and Cen Shu remained unmoved.

It wasn’t until news of the film’s stealthy commencement broke that Yu Jiarui and Liang Ruofan grasped the situation. By then, it was far too late.

"Who has the audacity to intervene? Clearly, someone is out to challenge the Zhao family directly!"

Enraged, Zhao Mingtian kicked over the stool by his feet.

"Find out who’s behind this—I want names."

Zhang Kui, having botched the task, stayed silent, not daring to make a sound.

At that moment, the secretary walked in and said, "President Zhao, Tianxing Real Estate is holding its shareholders’ meeting today. To avoid getting stuck in traffic, you can leave now."

Zhao Mingtian slapped his forehead. "Almost forgot about such an important event."

Today was Tianxing Real Estate’s monthly shareholders’ meeting, chaired by Zhao Haotian, where they discussed the corporation’s future strategies and introduced key projects.

The meeting wrapped up close to noon.

Right as Zhao Mingtian was about to slip away unnoticed, Zhao Haotian’s voice rang out behind him.

"Stop right there."

Zhao Mingtian turned with a sycophantic grin. "Big brother..."

"You were completely distracted during the meeting. Can’t you focus on the company’s priorities? Always off chasing frivolous things."

Zhao Mingtian stiffened his neck and retorted, "Big brother, how can you say I’m chasing frivolous things? My film investment company has earned quite a lot, enough to make a name for itself in the industry."

Zhao Haotian let out a cold laugh. "Film investment company? It’s just a cover for you to promote starlets, isn’t it? That’s the extent of your ambition."

Under his breath, Zhao Mingtian muttered, "Of course, I can’t compare to big brother—after all, you’re now the chairman of Xie Group, huh? Wonder when it’ll change its name to Zhao Group."

Zhao Haotian was thoroughly fed up with his antics. But with their uncle passing away early, he couldn’t simply wash his hands of everything.