Chapter 31 1/2

Xu Man was in desperate need of money.

Despite producing a decent film during her school days and receiving a positive response to the three films she made after graduation, establishing herself as a rising director, she still faced financial difficulties. She had enough investors willing to contribute millions, or even tens of millions, to her projects.

However, she was still short of funds.

This was because she planned to shoot a fantasy martial arts film, a genre that required substantial investment, burning money recklessly.

Setting aside other aspects, just Xu Man’s envisioned “at least 70% real-location shooting” would cost a fortune. Moreover, real-location shooting didn’t mean there wouldn’t be a need for special effects; in fact, for a fantasy martial arts film, more special effects were required.

Despite Xu Man’s excellent track record, the number of investors who believed in her was limited, and those with substantial funds were skeptical.

In this world, Chinese fantasy martial arts have declined, especially in the film market. Even during its peak, it was more associated with television dramas than films. Investors were risk-averse, leaning towards safe options rather than taking chances.

“If I were making a comedy or a thriller, or even something I’m good at like horror, a large investment would be acceptable. But for fantasy martial arts? Isn’t that like trying to build a skyscraper on a flat surface?” Xu Man expressed her frustration. “I’m not only good at horror and thrillers; I’m good at many things. I just happened to have made two films in this genre before.”

Despite her carefree appearance, Xu Man was, after all, a director. Just like Wan Bao, she aimed for improvement in her work. She was unwilling to compromise.

To raise funds, Xu Man had experienced a lot of hardships. Although it might seem like nothing at the time, when she looked back, it was bitter.

“I stood while others ate; I had to smile even if they ignored me. I drank until I vomited. And that’s not all; there was this idiot who wanted to take advantage of me. He said if I slept with him, he’d invest. I spat at him! Look at his arrogant face!”

After venting her grievances about the tough times she had faced, Xu Man hugged the wine bottle and cried out loud:

“I don’t want to settle for this! It should be grander and more shocking! As long as it’s done well, the whole country—no, the entire world—will know how good our Chinese fantasy martial arts can be!”

Sheng Quan knew that her vision was not impossible.

In the original text, Xu Man, due to insufficient funds, had to compromise on various aspects of the movie. Despite its explosive success and acclaim upon release, even overseas, some media latched onto the poor special effects, cheap costumes, and props, portraying Chinese films as backward.

This incident became a thorn in Xu Man’s heart.

She knew that the movie could have surpassed foreign films in various aspects, but due to the lack of funds, it ended up being somewhat mediocre.

Xu Man vowed to make a globally stunning film to prove that Chinese cinema could produce outstanding works.

Unfortunately, before she could fulfill her ambitions, she tragically passed away.

Now, Xu Man, still alive and flushed from drinking, with a moist and shiny face, stared straight at Sheng Quan, clutching his hand after several attempts.

“Do you believe me? Did you invest because of my looks? Or maybe because we are friends? Oh my, I can’t believe I have such a rich friend. I wouldn’t even dare to dream about it.”

The intoxicated beauty, holding his hand with sticky hands, was calculating with her fingers. Sheng Quan, admiring the beauty openly, kept his business mind intact.

“I believe you. Just focus on filming, and don’t worry about the money.”

Xu Man, with a sense of unreality, said, “Are you sure? It’s going to cost at least a hundred million, and that’s a minimum. Are you really sure?”

Seeing her intoxicated state and her busy calculations, Sheng Quan had to support her, saying, “Sure, I’m sure. You can rest assured.”

“All right, no more drinking. Let’s go to sleep. We have to sign the contract tomorrow.”

Xu Man opened her eyes in confusion the next day, looking at unfamiliar surroundings.

A hotel?

She sat up abruptly on the bed, and her first reaction was to check her body.

“Awake?”

In the living room, Sheng Quan, who was playing games, heard the movement and came over to greet, “Hurry up and get up. We need to sign the contract today.”

Seeing Sheng Quan, Xu Man finally reacted. She breathed a sigh of relief and then was puzzled: “Sign a contract? What contract?”

“The contract for investing in your fantasy martial arts movie. Did you forget after drinking so much?”

Xu Man widened her eyes. “One billion?”

Sheng Quan replied, “Yes, starting with one billion.”

Xu Man wondered why such a large amount could be mentioned so casually, sounding like buying a cabbage.

Then she suddenly remembered that Sheng Quan had recently invested $1 billion in a singer.

He really had that kind of money!

In hindsight, Xu Man finally realized: She, she, she, she had hugged a super big thigh!

—

【Bound Sponsored Person: Xu Man】

006 was no longer the system that had just come into existence, knowing nothing. It had learned a lot, including the time needed for film production. [Host, the filming cycle for a movie is quite long.] Binding Xu Man, the feedback on career progress will take a while.

【So, I need to make a big move.】