Chapter 429: Wan Jia Film and Television
Chapter 429: Wan Jia Film and Television
News of Wan Ting Film and Television's sale to Lu Jiaxin spread quickly, and soon, Tian Pengyu approached Lan Yinggu. With her contract with Wireless set to expire in April, Lan Yinggu was still undecided about her next move. Learning that Wan Ting Film and Television had changed ownership and that the new major shareholder was the generous Miss Lu, she breathed a sigh of relief.
Tian Pengyu located Lu Jiaxin and said, "Boss, Miss Lan is willing to sign with Wan Ting Film and Television, but she has two conditions."
"What conditions?" Lu Jiaxin asked.
Lan Yinggu had three conditions. First, she would only sign for three years. Second, she must be guaranteed to star in at least three movies a year, and the quality of the films could not be too far below 'Legal Lady'. She didn't insist on being the lead role, as a well-developed second female lead would also suffice. And third, she must not be restricted from filming commercials and attending events.
Lu Jiaxin found these conditions reasonable and agreed without hesitation.
"Boss, the first and third conditions are no problem," Tian Pengyu said. "With the success of our current film, her asking price for the next one will definitely increase. Given her current popularity, getting her to sign with the most relaxed contract terms won't be an issue. It's just that second condition—even at our best, Wan Ting Film and Television has only produced three movies in a year."
Lu Jiaxin gave him a sidelong glance. "Miss Zheng, Liu Ren, and Guan Meiren are all signed to other film companies, yet they still star in our movies."
Her implication was clear: even if Wan Ting Film and Television couldn't produce three movies a year, it wouldn't be an issue as long as the company recommended and facilitated their participation in important roles.
Tian Pengyu nodded in agreement. "I'll communicate this to Miss Lan later in the day."
"What about Miss Wang?" Lu Jiaxin inquired.
Tian Pengyu regretfully shook his head. "Unfortunately, Miss Wang has already signed with another film company. I was too late."
Lu Jiaxin shrugged, unbothered. "It would've been nice to sign her, but if we can't, there are always other talented individuals to recruit." She paused, then added, "Also, I think we should change the name of the company. Wan Ting Film and Television doesn't sound very appealing. How about Wan Jia Film and Television? 'Wan' from billionaire, and 'Jia' from exceptional beauty."
Tian Pengyu liked the new name and immediately agreed.
Lu Jiaxin continued, explaining that the company couldn't continue operating as it had in the past. She outlined two key changes: first, they needed to seek out good scripts from external sources, as a strong screenplay was the foundation of a successful film; and second, they needed to cultivate their own actors. If they couldn't find suitable talent, they should recruit and train actors from outside or even poach them from other companies.
Of course, Tian Pengyu wanted the company to thrive, but he knew that Lu Jiaxin's suggestions would require significant financial investment.
Lu Jiaxin was reluctant to keep funneling her personal funds into the company, but she understood that money was necessary for its development. As a compromise, she promised to leave all the box office earnings from 'Legal Lady' with the company.
Tian Pengyu happily agreed to this proposal.
Nie Zhan was out of the country, inspecting markets overseas. On Sunday, Su Heyuan invited Lu Jiaxin out for a meal, once again choosing the Japanese restaurant.
Lu Jiaxin couldn't understand his obsession with Japanese cuisine, but she kept her thoughts to herself, only complaining about it privately.
During the meal, Su Heyuan brought up a piece of news. "Jiaxin, I heard that the owner of Royal Mansion is looking to sell the property. I thought you might be interested."
Royal Mansion was worth over ten billion, but Su Heyuan didn't know Lu Jiaxin's financial situation, so he couldn't be sure if she could afford it. He didn't want her to miss out on the opportunity if she had the means.
Lu Jiaxin's interest was piqued. Royal Mansion was located on Hennessy Road in Causeway Bay, close to Victoria Park—an excellent location.
"Is that building worth over ten billion?" she asked.
Su Heyuan nodded. "You can pay a 20% down payment and mortgage the rest. If you can come up with the down payment, it's a great investment. The building is in a prime location for rentals. With Hong Kong's real estate market booming, buying it is a sure profit."
He didn't have the cash flow to take on such a project himself, or he would have snapped it up. Real estate companies often held onto the best commercial properties and didn't sell them off.
Lu Jiaxin replied with a hint of regret, "I've made several major investments recently and don't have the funds to afford it."
It was already April, and in another six months, the stock market would crash. She vaguely recalled the Plaza Accord and the resulting depreciation of the greenback, but the upcoming stock market crash was a different story. She not only remembered the date of the market crash but also the exact extent of the first-day drop. This time, she was determined to make a big move.
Su Heyuan smiled and said, "Don't worry, there are plenty of prime properties in Hong Kong. If it doesn't work out this time, there will be other opportunities."
He didn't inquire about Lu Jiaxin's recent major investments, perhaps because he trusted that no significant event would slip past his notice. As long as there were good opportunities, he would surely be in the loop.
Lu Jiaxin chuckled and said, "Of course. By the way, have you and Miss Bai set a new date for your engagement?"
Initially, the couple had planned to get engaged in September and marry in December. Unfortunately, Miss Bai's grandmother suddenly passed away, and according to custom, happy occasions like weddings and engagements were not to be held in the same year as a death in the family. As a result, both the engagement and wedding plans were canceled.
Su Heyuan shook his head. "No, my father was supposed to choose a new date after the New Year, but he twisted his ankle and it has been delayed until now."
"Oh..." Lu Jiaxin couldn't help but find the situation amusing. "Your path to marriage is full of twists and turns, huh, Yuan Ge?"
She then joked, "Why don't you consult a fortune teller to see if there's some kind of obstacle blocking your path? If there is, the fortune teller can help remove it."
Su Heyuan thought her suggestion made sense and planned to ask someone to arrange a meeting with a well-known fortune teller he knew.
Lu Jiaxin burst out laughing. "I was just teasing you, and here you are taking it seriously! These things are just coincidences. As long as you truly love Miss Bai, it doesn't matter if you marry a little later."
However, Su Heyuan took her playful suggestion to heart and made arrangements to meet with the fortune teller. A few days later, he paid a visit to the renowned soothsayer.
After his meeting with the fortune teller, Su Heyuan returned home deep in thought. Soon after, he traveled to Pengcheng. Seeing his furrowed brows, Su Heming asked, "Big brother, did something happen at the company?"
Su Heyuan, knowing that his brother was concerned, replied with a gentle smile, "The company is doing fine. I need to discuss something with Aunt. Please leave us alone for a moment."
Su Heming pouted, wondering why there were things that he couldn't be privy to. He didn't press the issue but brought up another matter. "Big brother, I called Aunt Li yesterday. She said that Aunt has a fever, and that old witch from the second branch of the Xie family showed up with her niece again. After all these years, she still hasn't given up."
The anger was evident in his voice as he continued, "Big brother, in the past years, that old witch has caused Aunt a lot of trouble. Knowing that Aunt has a weak constitution, she has always wanted her niece to take Aunt's place. First, it was the older niece, and now she's trying again with the younger one. Big brother, we were young and powerless back then, so we had to endure it. But do we still have to put up with this now?"
Although it was unthinkable for their uncle to marry the old witch's niece, the constant pestering was infuriating, and it had been going on for years. There was only so much one could take.
Su Heyuan's expression turned grim as he said, "We'll make a trip back to Si Jiu City tomorrow. As for the second branch of the Xie family, we can't make a move on them, or Aunt will be upset."
Su Heming's voice rose in frustration. "Then when can we stop putting up with this?"
Su Heyuan gave him a sidelong glance and said coolly, "I only said we can't touch the second branch of the Xie family. I didn't say anything about the old witch's family."
Su Heming's expression eased slightly. He felt that it was about time they showed that old hag some colors. It was not right for her to keep pestering them as if they had no backbone.
(End of Chapter)
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