A day later, around nine in the morning on a bright, sunny day, Lin Chu and Hou Chengjin got in the same car, entered the highway, and headed straight for Yang City.

The moment Hou Chengjin got in the car and saw Lin Chu, he couldn’t help but laugh.

A flowery shirt, baggy shorts, flip-flops, and a string of Imperial Green Jadeite beads around his neck, exuding a carefree, unrestrained vibe.

"What’s with the getup?"

"Why are you dressed like that?"

He, on the other hand, was wearing a dress shirt and slacks, looking quite dapper. They were going to a business meeting today to discuss leasing a venue with the management of the 1978 Film Town. Formal attire was a sign of respect.

Lin Chu glanced at him, waved his hand, and smiled. "Been broke lately. Can’t afford new clothes."

Hou Chengjin: ...

His gaze fell on the string of beads. He clicked his tongue, suddenly not wanting to respond.

’This guy’s flexing is so clumsy.’

’That string of Imperial Green has to be worth tens of millions, right?’

As the car approached a service area, he told the driver he needed to use the restroom. He rummaged through his suitcase for a change of clothes, went into the bathroom, and came out a short while later, having changed his outfit.

A T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops.

Lin Chu glanced at him, and they shared a smile.

"I had to change. Otherwise, standing next to you, I’d look like your secretary."

Hou Chengjin explained jokingly.

Investment was investment, but in his heart, he was far from seeing Lin Chu as a "big brother." At most, he was a "little bro." They were equals. He just showed a bit more respect on account of Lin Chu being the "investor."

Lin Chu waved his hand dismissively, letting him be.

"Let’s talk business. Any thoughts on casting?"

Hou Chengjin asked, raising an eyebrow with a slightly suggestive look.

For this kind of thing, the unspoken rules were well-known. He didn’t even need to explain; he was sure Lin Chu would understand with just a look.

"Alright. I pick Liu Yifei."

Lin Chu said with a smile.

Hou Chengjin: ...

’Dude, tone it down. Don’t be so ridiculous.’

He looked at Lin Chu, slightly speechless. "Fine. You invest another hundred million, and I’ll have her here in minutes."

Isn’t this just a matter of money?

With enough money, anything is possible.

Of course, he was just joking.

"Don’t you have enough streamers at your company?"

Lin Chu asked casually.

He suddenly thought of that streamer named Miaomiao and was tempted to make a crack about arranging a bit part for her—something like handing out lunch boxes. But then he decided against it. There was no need for that kind of humiliation. Best to just let it go.

"Not enough. They all have their own things going on. They could make cameos, but we’ll definitely still need to hire some people. Of course, there’s no shortage of candidates. The acting requirements aren’t high; any D-list actress will do. To put it bluntly, anyone will work as long as they’re good-looking, have big boobs, a great body, and come cheap. That’s the real standard, not acting ability."

He had a very fundamental understanding of this.

Lin Chu pursed his lips. ’The world is just a slapdash production. Everything is turning into mindless entertainment. Damn it, I haven’t seen a good movie in ages. It’s all just those "This man is named Jack, and this woman is named Jill" voiceovers every day.’

"Go ahead and cast them. Let me think... save one or two spots for me. They don’t have to be for the female lead."

Lin Chu said nonchalantly. ’Might as well experience it, since I never have before.’

"Alright, it’s a deal. But I have two small requests. First, your picks have to be ready quickly. Once we’ve finalized things, we plan to start shooting within a week. Second, don’t pick any high-maintenance girls. They’re a waste of money. No divas with ’princess syndrome,’ please. I still have to be responsible for the results and the budget."

Lin Chu nodded and handed him a cigarette. ’Of course, I know that.’

As they neared Yang City, Hou Chengjin mentioned, "I’ve arranged to meet a friend in Yang City. Call it a welcome meal for us. She used to be an internet celebrity, but now she’s an MCN agency owner. She’s a beauty, but she plays hardball. Used to be with a big shot."

As soon as Lin Chu heard this, he lost interest.

"Was all this trouble necessary?"

"You’re really not picky, are you?"

Hou Chengjin sighed. "You’ll see when you meet her. The lady is great, an absolute breath of fresh air. She’s the person with the highest EQ and IQ I’ve ever met, puts a whole bunch of guys to shame. We’re true friends, good friends. An extremely pure friendship."

Hearing him put it that way, Lin Chu’s curiosity was piqued.

The "woman of valor" archetype did exist, after all.

But they were usually over thirty.

These were shrewd survivors who had seen it all, honed by endless trials, and rolled through the great mortal coil. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

’Lin Xiwan showed some signs of it, but her methods were lacking. Yang Huixian had more potential, but she wasn’t flexible enough, her bottom line wasn’t low enough... If such a person truly existed, I’d like to see her for myself.’

They got off the highway.

And headed straight for 1978 Film Town in Zeng City.

Looking at the vast surrounding area, which resembled the outskirts where city meets countryside, an idea popped into Lin Chu’s head. ’It might not be a bad idea for the orphanage to buy a plot of land here.’

’The urban area of Yang City is much larger than Peng City’s, and Zeng City is a low-price area for land. The average housing price is only around ten thousand yuan per square meter. You could get a plot of land for tens of millions.’

’Getting out and seeing things really broadens your horizons.’

Hou Chengjin called his friend. A short while later, they met at the entrance of the film town. At first glance, Lin Chu couldn’t help but smile.

She did indeed look like an "older sister" in her thirties. She had a gentle demeanor, dressed in a white suit and pointed leather shoes, giving off the air of a powerful career woman. Next to her was a "little puppy"—a well-behaved boy who looked like a high school student. He was tall with delicate features and a good physique.

’Frankly, he’s a little bit handsomer than me. Just a little bit.’

’See? The joys of the rich are always so simple and unadorned, regardless of gender.’

"Aiya, sorry to keep you waiting, Sister Zhao. I’ve missed you."

Hou Chengjin said with a warmth that seemed genuine. He gave her a light hug, and then they introduced each other.

"Zhao Rong, my dear sister from another mother."

"Lin Chu, my golden goose investor."

Lin Chu met her gaze, they shook hands casually, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then walked through the main gate together.

’I’m not really sensing this supposed high EQ.’

’But we did just meet, after all.’

"Baby, you go on to the car. We have business to discuss. Be good and book a restaurant for me."

Zhao Rong instructed her boyfriend, and the boy obediently smiled, politely excused himself, and left.

Lin Chu felt like smiling again. This woman... for some reason, he sensed a kindred spirit in her—a master of the romantic world.

For him, it had nothing to do with lust, of course. Lin Chu just found it a little interesting.

As the three of them walked inside, they casually looked around. The park’s main style was retro-industrial. There weren’t many people, and it seemed a bit deserted, but it still had a good number of the necessary scenes and settings.

Zhao Rong said with a smile, "This place is actually quite suitable for shooting mini-dramas right now. I came over early this morning to take a look around. A lot of companies have suspended operations and have signs up subletting their spaces. I also went to the leasing office and got the details from them. A four-story office building is only thirty thousand yuan a month. The cost is very low, and we can probably haggle it down even more."

"President Lin, do you have any dietary restrictions? If not, I’ll go ahead and make the arrangements."

’The way she weaves in information...’

A smile touched Lin Chu’s lips. He had to admit, he was starting to feel it now. She thought ahead, got straight to the point, and didn’t forget to pay attention to the people she was with.

’Of course, this is just basic competence. Good for a 60 out of 100, maybe. At least she’s passing.’

"Up to you."

"No drinking at lunch."

Lin Chu replied casually.

She nodded and said no more, continuing to introduce the town like a tour guide as they walked toward the leasing office.

...

...