Chapter 90: This Is the Responsibility of All Filmmakers!

Compared to filming, participating in variety shows was much more relaxed. In the blink of an eye, more than half a month had passed. During this time, apart from recording for the show, Su Mu spent most of his days resting at the hotel. He knew that this period was crucial for conserving his energy, as the end of the year would undoubtedly bring a whirlwind of activity.

Meanwhile, Zhao Zhouming and Yu Hong remained persistent about collaborating with him next year. After all, he had only reached an agreement in principle with Zheng Quan, without a formal contract signed. Every day, Su Mu would receive messages from Zhao Zhouming and Yu Hong.

[Zhao Zhouming: Su Mu, I really think you should consider our Oil Depot. The variety show went so smoothly this time; why not strike while the iron is hot and keep working together? Here’s our flagship online movie for next year—a historical piece I think is perfect for you. Take a look at the script: “Zhao Yun of the Three Kingdoms.” We can definitely discuss your fee.]

…

[Yu Hong: Su Mu, Qiyiguo isn’t quite suitable for you. Honestly, I think we should continue our partnership and rekindle our bond! This year you and our Penguin Video have been a resounding success. Next year, why not ride the momentum and crush the competition completely? Here’s a historical drama we’re preparing in response to the Ministry of Culture’s call: “Heroes of Western Chu.” Your fee will remain the same as before.]

…

Faced with their relentless pursuit, Su Mu chose to keep his options open. He neither agreed nor refused, playing the field skillfully. It’s always the unattainable that stirs the most desire. Who knows—if one of them got carried away and offered him a fee in the hundreds of millions, he’d just have to apologize to the other two backups. Of course, that was just the ideal scenario. Even if all three wanted him, none would be foolish enough to pay such a price unless Su Mu could guarantee them even greater returns. After all, everyone was looking out for their own interests, and only mutual benefit could sustain long-term cooperation.

…

Late October.

The variety show’s recording was nearing its end, and Su Mu finally met Zheng Quan, who had come to the capital city to see him. Originally, they had agreed to meet after Su Mu finished the show, with Su Mu and Qian Jida personally flying to Qiyiguo’s headquarters. But somehow, Zheng Quan had gotten wind of Zhao Zhouming and Yu Hong’s continued efforts—they hadn’t given up, and were even starting to quote prices for next year’s new projects.

Knowing this, Zheng Quan couldn’t sit still. He wasn’t about to let a cooked duck fly away. So he simply brought his editorial team to the capital city to meet Su Mu directly.

Qian Jida rented a conference room on the hotel’s business floor. The two sides met soon after. Zheng Quan’s appearance was quite different from his personality—gentle and scholarly, with glasses, yet when it came to spending money, he was bold and straightforward. Truly, appearances can be deceiving.

Zheng Quan entered the conference room with several colleagues. Upon seeing Su Mu, he warmly shook hands and didn’t jump straight into business. Instead, he talked at length about Qiyiguo’s future development.

“Su Mu,” Zheng Quan began, “with your keen insight, you can surely see that Qiyiguo is not just a simple video platform—it’s backed by immense capital. Penguin and Oil Depot may be worth billions, but Zhao Zhouming and Yu Hong have their limits when it comes to funding. I’m different. We’re backed by corporate capital; as long as it’s good content, good people, we spare no effort—including financially. Qiyiguo’s current direction is to become number one nationwide, then truly expand globally, establishing our own biggest IP content platform. Especially in the film and television sector, we expect to surpass foreign content within ten years, and in fifteen to twenty years, our industrial investment will catch up.”

Zheng Quan spoke with passion and ambition. Yet, to Su Mu, these words sounded quite familiar. Yes, Yu Hong and Zhang Huaimo had said similar things before—about developing the film industry and surpassing the West, and so on.

Su Mu could tell Zheng Quan was a skilled negotiator. Meeting face-to-face, he didn’t discuss the present or prices, but started painting a grand future. Wasn’t this just offering empty promises?

After Zheng Quan finished, Su Mu feigned excitement, his eyes filled with longing for the future.

“Mr. Zheng, I never expected Qiyiguo to be such an ambitious and responsible platform! I love it—this aligns perfectly with my own vision. Let me say a few words about this…”

Zheng Quan smiled, “Go ahead!”

Qian Jida: “…?”

Su Mu continued, “I, too, am full of ambition for the film industry. I see several important aspects… remuneration, right… Ultimately, it’s about funding… The key factor is… so I say… money needs to flow quickly… to promote development… money needs to flow quickly… when discussing cooperation… money needs to flow quickly! Those who understand, understand.”

[Speech proficiency +1]
[Expression proficiency +1]
[Emotion proficiency +1]
[Skill points +0.01+…]

When Su Mu finished, the room paused in stunned silence.

Upon reflection, the main issue was just funding. His summary boiled down to three sentences, all revolving around spending money.

But then, Zheng Quan slapped the table and cheered! “Excellent! Well said, Su Mu! I never realized you had such a straightforward, candid personality—it suits me perfectly! I appreciate sincere, open-hearted people.”

Qian Jida: “……”

Editorial team: “???”

Everyone was bewildered.

Wait, is language arts a required subject here? How did he interpret this as being frank and sincere? Wasn’t it just urging him to stop talking and spend the money?

Excited, Zheng Quan declared, “Su Mu, you know I’m a forthright person. Whether it’s investing or negotiating, I approach it the same way. The purpose of this meeting is to finalize our earlier agreement. If you’re willing, we can draft the contract right now; I even brought the team.”

Zheng Quan clearly didn’t want to delay. Qiyiguo had lost many users this year, and next year they needed a comeback.

Su Mu replied, “The script’s twenty-one million is fine, but for next year’s new drama at Qiyiguo, I’ll need to review the script in advance.”

Zheng Quan smiled, “I’ve brought it with me. We’ll be staying in the capital for a few days—you can take your time. The Ministry of Culture has set targets for major platforms, advocating positive, historical, and national themes.”

Su Mu asked, “Does the Ministry of Culture often give guidance?”

Zheng Quan shook his head. “Not really. It’s just that in recent years, those foreign blockbusters have impacted our market and culture. Young people, you know—they all love those sci-fi films with individual heroes. Meanwhile, our domestic industry is still lingering on the artistic fringe. But our ancestors’ culture lacks nothing in terms of content; it’s just that the filming hasn’t lived up to it. But even if it falls short, it still must be done. If no one films them, what will our young people watch in the future? Naturally, they’ll be influenced by foreign blockbusters. So, when the Ministry of Culture asks big platforms to promote positive themes, it’s a responsibility—to let the younger generation know our historical and cultural genres are also full of passion and vigor.

And one day, when our technology and skills truly catch up, the productions will amaze the world. Everyone—every platform—hopes to reach that day. So it’s not just about money, but also people. A good investment environment is needed, but even more so are good actors like you. So, take a good look at the script we’ve brought; I think you’ll like it. And the fee isn’t an issue—I’ll pay according to your current rate.”

With that, Zheng Quan handed over the script.

Su Mu glanced at it, and it felt oddly familiar.

The script: “Xin Qiji 1162”!

PS: Brothers, the Easter Egg chapter is delayed; remember to check back later!

(End of chapter)