"I've just developed an interest recently and learned a bit more," Ye Zhi said calmly. "Chairman Su, you own the nation's top cinema chain. You must know that people's desire to watch movies will only increase, and the film industry has great prospects and infinite potential. If you're worried about the risks in the film industry, why don't we collaborate?"
"Collaborate?" Su Ming's expression flickered.
"Yes, a joint venture between the Su Corporation and Taoxun to establish a film company," Ye Zhi continued. "We could start with low-budget comedies. With people's lives becoming more stressful, lighthearted and enjoyable comedy films are more popular in the market. Chairman Su, you have industry connections, resources, and a cinema chain. It won't be difficult to recoup costs for films you produce. If they become a surprise hit, that would be a bonus. What do you think?"
Su Ming frowned. He genuinely felt Ye Zhi had a point. Even if low-budget films were to fail, it wouldn't significantly impact the Su Corporation.
Wait! Something felt off.
Suddenly, Su Ming thought of something and couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Ms. Ye, now I understand why both my sons are so devoted to you. You've really calculated this well! The connections are mine, the resources are mine, the cinema chain is mine, and even the investment money comes from me. Tell me, what reason do I have to collaborate with you?"
With his bluntness, even the usually composed Ye Zhi couldn't help but blush. In truth, connections and resources could be solved with money. But Su Ming possessed the cinema chain! Ye Zhi was truly coveting his cinema chain, because as long as the film's quality was decent, having a cinema chain meant guaranteed screenings, and guaranteed screenings meant money!
Ye Zhi had previously considered establishing a film company and producing low-budget comedies, but the biggest obstacle wasn't the production itself, but the film's distribution. She hadn't acted before because Taoxun and Qianbai were competitors, and she was unsure of Su Ming's stance. Now that Su Ming had come to her, it signified a thawing of their relationship and a possibility for collaboration!
"Chairman Su, I dare to make this calculation because I have something unique to offer: my vision." Ye Zhi said calmly. "Or, we could switch to a different mode of cooperation. Taoxun produces the films, and we both handle the distribution?"
Su Ming: ... Ms. Ye, is your true intention finally showing? However, this made him think even more highly of Ye Zhi.
"Ms. Ye, I truly regret not visiting you earlier," Su Ming said with a smile. "Our Su Corporation isn't lacking in funds, and I personally have great faith in your vision. Let's go with the first proposal: a joint venture to establish a film company. Taoxun will be responsible for the specific projects, and the Su Corporation will provide resources and handle distribution."
Ye Zhi was quite surprised. Her primary goal was indeed Su Corporation's cinema chain. However, with Su Ming willing to invest, their interests would be more closely aligned, and she had no objections!
"Chairman Su, I won't disappoint you," Ye Zhi smiled calmly.
"Excellent! It's settled then!" Su Ming readily agreed.
Afterward, Su Ming rose to leave, and Ye Zhi personally saw him out. But once in the car, Su Ming froze. This wasn't right! What was the purpose of his visit today? Wasn't he here to help his nephew connect with Ye Zhi? How did it end up with a collaboration with Taoxun?
... Never mind! His Su Corporation wasn't losing out anyway. As for his nephew, he should find another target. Talking business with Ye Zhi was pleasant, but as for romance, he should forget it. Ye Zhi practically radiated an aura that repelled potential suitors!
***
On the weekend, Ye Zhi and Qi Xuan headed to the appointed restaurant together. When they arrived at the private room, Ye Zhi pushed open the door to find Zhan Ruofeng and Zhan Ruoqing already there.
"Ye Zhi, you're finally here..." Zhan Ruoqing greeted with a smile, but her expression turned confused when she saw Qi Xuan beside Ye Zhi.
The two of them were wearing loose grey hooded sweatshirts over white base shirts. Their matching styles made them look like a couple at first glance. She glanced down at herself, then turned to Zhan Ruofeng. Weren't they dressed a bit too formally?
Zhan Ruofeng looked at her with a pained expression. Why hadn't his good sister told him Qi Xuan would be attending? Although he didn't have any particular feelings for Ye Zhi at the moment, seeing Qi Xuan present made things somewhat awkward.
Zhan Ruoqing guiltily turned her head. She just wanted to watch the drama unfold. What bad intentions could she possibly have?
The two sat down opposite them. Ye Zhi asked with a faint smile, "Have you ordered? Do you have any recommendations?"
"This is the recommended menu," Zhan Ruoqing handed over the menu and asked curiously, "Why are you two wearing this?"
Ye Zhi replied with confusion, "It's gotten colder, so of course we need to wear thicker clothes."
"No, I mean you're dressed the same!" Zhan Ruoqing said.
"Uncle Steward picked them out for me. He said it's convenient to wear these when going out," Ye Zhi glanced down. "Besides, isn't this a pretty ordinary outfit? It seems normal, right?"
"Yes, very normal," Qi Xuan chimed in.
Zhan Ruoqing: ... Could she not see through Qi Xuan's little game? She could only say that Uncle Steward had really gone to great lengths for the two of them.
"Mr. Zhan, we meet again," Qi Xuan greeted with a smile.
"Mmm..." Zhan Ruofeng replied reluctantly. "I didn't expect to see you today. It seems you have a lot of free time, Mr. Qi!"
"So-so. Mr. Zhan, are you still single?" Qi Xuan's eyes flickered. He asked with concern, "You're not getting any younger, and your family must be urging you. By coincidence, I have a few cousins who are also single and are a good match for the Zhan family. Shall I introduce you?"
Zhan Ruofeng: ... This green tea boy! He just made a sarcastic remark, and Qi Xuan couldn't stand to lose face!
"No need!" Zhan Ruofeng refused with a dark expression. "Mr. Qi, aren't you single too? Coincidentally, I also know a few single, high-quality women. Shall I introduce them to you?"
Qi Xuan feigned realization, "So Mr. Zhan, you have good social connections and already have suitable women around you. It seems I was being presumptuous. How about I pay for tonight's meal? Consider it an apology for my earlier rudeness."
"Let me pay," Zhan Ruofeng said unhappily. "My sister suggested this, so of course I should be the host."
Wait! Zhan Ruofeng suddenly paused, realizing something was wrong. By saying that, wasn't he indirectly admitting he had a woman by his side? He'd fallen for it!
Zhan Ruoqing's eyes sparkled. Yes, yes, this was exactly how it should be! Let them fight! The more heated the fight, the better, she loved it!
"That's enough, you two!" Ye Zhi said, closing the menu angrily.
Zhan Ruoqing's face lit up with anticipation. Had Ye Zhi suddenly opened her eyes and was about to explode?
"I'm paying tonight, and no one is allowed to argue with me!" Ye Zhi declared, puffing out her chest in a forceful manner.