Chapter 116: A New Idea

He’s plotting against someone again!

Watching Yang Changfeng sit there in a daze, ignoring the snacks, Ma Siwei felt a wave of frustration. Sitting before him was a goddess to countless people, a beauty whose face ranked among the best in the entertainment industry—a world teeming with beauties—and whose figure left those South Korean sex symbols in the dust. Could he at least show a little interest?

"Accidentally" bumping the small stove, Ma Siwei made a sound, hoping to prompt Yang Changfeng to show some basic respect.

She was indeed exceptionally beautiful. In an industry flooded with V-shaped chins, her round face had managed to edge out the vast majority of competitors in just a few short years, firmly securing her status as the most beautiful star. It was no wonder so many people went mad, revering her as a goddess.

However, Yang Changfeng had developed an immunity to beauties. Even Chen Aijia, who was every bit as stunning—if not more so—hadn’t stripped him of his reason even when she was wearing nothing but lingerie. How could Ma Siwei, dressed so conservatively and hiding her fine figure so thoroughly, hope to faze him?

Glancing up at Ma Siwei, Yang Changfeng decided that this matter would end here for today.

He would keep the USB drive safe for now, not taking it out unless absolutely necessary. The company’s transition period needed to be determined by its actual development and future market positioning; he didn't want to disrupt the original rhythm of progress because of his own actions.

Still, he disliked owing favors.

Ma Siwei had handed him something that could potentially save his life; that was trust. That trust was enough for them to become friends and exchange contact information, but this favor had to be repaid.

Yang Changfeng began devouring the snacks like a whirlwind. The sudden display of hunger startled Ma Siwei so much that she nearly grabbed the small stove to use as a shield.

"I trust that this item carries significant weight. Tell you what—whenever you lack funding for a film project, I’ll help you out. Consider it a return for your favor, as well as a contribution to the development of the cultural industry," Yang Changfeng said casually.

Ma Siwei had initially been annoyed. She hadn't meant anything by it; she simply felt that the USB drive should be given to someone useful who had the capability to handle it. Why had Yang Changfeng turned it into a business transaction?

Yet, the moment her anger flared, a new thought crossed her mind.

Currently, she was signed to her agency entirely as an individual. It worked out perfectly: after helping the company film that movie next month, she would have the choice to renew her contract or strike out on her own. Ma Siwei wanted to open a studio and affiliate it with the Northern International Film and Television Group, bypassing the agency entirely.

"Alright! I was just thinking of starting a studio, and I need a trusted friend to invest in thirty-nine percent of the shares," Ma Siwei said with a smile. "My plan is to hold fifty-one percent myself—I must maintain control over my studio. As for the remaining ten percent, I want to gift it to a few friends." Here, she looked a bit troubled, shaking her head slightly. "This industry is a 'jianghu' that runs on favors. Without them, there's no one to help you. Plus, there are a few staff members who have been with me from the start; I want to save some shares for them, too."

"How much money do you need?" Yang Changfeng asked.

Ma Siwei burst into a stifled laugh.

Could you be a bit more normal when talking about money?

Yang Changfeng was currently stuffing his mouth with pastries, his eyes wide and alert, his body poised to bolt as if someone were about to snatch money from his pockets. It was truly speechless behavior—what kind of person was this?

He could give away a thirty-million villa without blinking, but was he really the type to treat money like his own ancestors?

"Not much. I didn't plan on building it that big to begin with. Ten million total is more than enough," Ma Siwei said, carefully pouring tea.

Yang Changfeng muttered to himself. He had over a billion in his own accounts, but unfortunately, he couldn't touch it right now.

Though he wasn't familiar with the operational nuances of the entertainment industry, Yang Changfeng knew that whether it was a studio or a company, the most important things were the works and the people. Ma Siwei was famous enough that everyone in the country knew her name, but she hadn't reached the peak of her career; she still needed to grow. If she started a studio and signed new artists, would she be affected?

And could she even manage to sign anyone to her own studio?

"That’s not a problem," Ma Siwei explained. "Actually, I wouldn't sign those who are already somewhat famous. I know a few screenwriters. If I can establish the studio or company, I'll sign them first. Once we have scripts, we can cultivate our own talent. My only worry is that there won't be enough investment when the time comes."

Chen Aijia had so much cash on hand that she didn't know where to invest it; he had heard her mention considering the establishment of an investment firm. If it were possible, she could invest in the entertainment sector. It didn't have to yield massive profits, but at the very least, it could be profitable and provide a new project for the Group—that would be a great thing, right?

Yang Changfeng felt this was a very promising idea.

"How about this? I’ll ask around. If it’s viable and we set up the company, I don't think funding for future productions will be an issue. But I can't make this decision alone. I'll give you an answer by this afternoon. If it’s a go, you can bring your proposal to the office and chat with the 'Big Boss' Chen. How does that sound? Don't worry, I’ll convince her not to interfere too much with your vision. Since this opportunity for cooperative development has presented itself, it’s not a bad thing, right?" With that, Yang Changfeng polished off the remaining snacks, downed a cup of tea in one gulp, clapped his hands, and prepared to head back to the company.

Since they could cooperate and grow together, it was better to settle it sooner rather than later.

It was a win-win situation. Ma Siwei’s fame combined with Chen Aijia’s capital could create a greater positive impact. It was worth exploring, and he needed to go back and ask for Chen Aijia’s opinion first.

Ma Siwei was naturally delighted. As long as there was something to discuss, there was no fear of losing out. The opportunity was excellent after all. She had met President Chen before; a very beautiful girl. Negotiating with a female boss was much better than dealing with men.

Just then, a voice rang out from the shore: "Little Ma, have you finished your talk? I’m afraid I’ll have to intrude on your leisure now."

The two turned to look. Yang Changfeng saw a woman in a professional suit walking slowly toward them. Her tone was courteous, but in reality, the woman radiated such dominance that she left no room for refusal.

She must have been in her thirties, yet wearing that white suit, she didn't look like she was trying to act young at all.

"It's Princess Ye," Ma Siwei quickly stood up, whispering a warning to Yang Changfeng to keep him from acting out and provoking a woman whom most people dared not offend.

Could Princess Ye really be this young?