The Guofeng Animation Studio, a name tinged with pride and self-importance, was uttered by the lean, middle-aged man, Zhao Hongxi.
However, neither Wang Yu nor Wu Lingling showed any reaction, as if undisturbed.
This immediately made Zhao Hongxi’s expression turn slightly unpleasant.
“Wang Yu, what’s the background of Guofeng Animation Studio? You know I’ve been living overseas as an overseas Chinese and I’m not very familiar with these things domestically.”
Wu Lingling, sensing the awkward atmosphere, turned to Wang Yu to ease the tension.
“Oh, I forgot you didn’t know. I only heard about it from Li Mo’s call earlier, and I was also quite surprised.”
Wang Yu smiled and then directly explained to Wu Lingling,
“Guofeng Animation Studio, simply put, is the strongest leader in our country’s animation field! Once upon a time, it was renowned worldwide for its unique Guofeng animation productions, earning the admiration and respect of countless animation masters from all over the world!”
Wang Yu’s words carried unreserved admiration. The adjective "strongest" is not easily bestowed!
It’s not enough to just claim you’re good; you need achievements to back it up! Achievements that convince others!
Take Zhao Hongxi here, for instance. Wang Yu had heard of him.
This chief designer of Guofeng Animation Studio, despite his unassuming appearance, possessed boundless imagination and produced highly artistic animated works that practically defined the childhoods of the youth of that era.
But… it was limited to the youth of that era!
Decades ago, some twenty years back, they were inundated with awards and accolades overseas.
Works like puppet animation, ink wash animation, and origami animation, all imbued with distinct national characteristics and artistic beauty, deeply impressed countless overseas art and animation masters.
Even the legendary figures in the animation industry of neighboring countries would come to observe, learn, and humbly seek guidance. They couldn’t even fathom how these magnificent works, rich in artistic appeal and educational value, were produced!
Then… there was no then. After the peak came decline.
The glory of the past had faded. The old generation of artists had passed away, and Guofeng Animation Studio was now facing a severe economic crisis and the threat of bankruptcy!
After all, art is a costly endeavor!
Not to mention the spirit of striving for perfection among those master artists, which required repeated refinement and meticulous selection, consuming an immeasurable amount of time!
In this era of market economy, such practices were naturally bound to be phased out!
Listening to Wang Yu’s introduction of Guofeng Animation Studio, Wu Lingling was astonished. Such a powerful entity existed?
She had always thought that animated films were just for children, mere entertainment.
Who knew there were such complex intricacies involved!
Wang Yu shook his head, a sense of melancholy and helplessness washing over him.
Truthfully, he was very fond of the works of Guofeng Animation Studio, both in his past life and this one. While he didn't understand art much, the aesthetic appeal and beauty were undeniable, not to mention the profound impact of their storytelling.
For example, in one of their works, a character with immense strength was defeated by magical treasures of wealth; one impervious to blades and spears fell to a pair of ill-fitting shoes; another spewing fire ended up with half-cooked rice by burning the communal pot…
Even thirty years later, these scenes resonated deeply with him!
It was a pity that they couldn't adapt to the current times.
“Wang Yu, my dear friend,” Li Mo said from the side.
“I met Mr. Zhao Hongxi during my lecture tour in Shuanglong Province. The moment I met him, I was struck by their inherent dedication to art. Upon hearing that their Guofeng Animation Studio was on the verge of bankruptcy due to unpaid wages, I immediately donated 200,000 yuan to them.”
Without realizing it, Li Mo launched into his usual lengthy discourse. It seemed impossible to stop him at this point.
“Of course, this 200,000 yuan was all my savings. But duty calls, and I naturally did not hesitate. However, for them, it was but a drop in the ocean, not even enough to cover their vast debts.
Then I thought of you, my dear friend. I believe you will gladly contribute generously for the sake of art and dedication, and help them overcome their difficulties!”
Hearing Li Mo’s words, Wang Yu was speechless.
Gladly contribute generously? What nonsense!
Emotionally, he supported them, no doubt, but he also had a responsibility to the many employees under him and the related subsidiary factories!
Did he think everyone was like Li Mo, making a fortune with just words and no capital?
Well, something felt off there, but it didn’t matter.
Ignoring Li Mo, Wang Yu turned his gaze to Mr. Zhao Hongxi.
“Mr. Zhao, please forgive my bluntness, but I’d like to ask, how much external debt does your studio currently owe?”
“The external debt is estimated to be over 9 million yuan, and factory wages have also been delayed for over half a year and cannot be paid.”
Hearing Wang Yu’s question, Zhao Hongxi shook his head helplessly. “The remaining people in the factory are veteran craftsmen dedicated to pursuing art, but conviction doesn't put food on the table.
No television stations are willing to broadcast our works, and no publishers are willing to release our books. They all deem the themes old-fashioned and unsuitable for the market, unable to make money.
Our factory staff have elderly parents and young children. Out of necessity, we are forced to take this step.
But… no one is willing to invest in or aid our Guofeng Animation Studio. I don’t know what we did wrong, to be abandoned by the times like this.”
Wang Yu could only shake his head at Zhao Hongxi’s words. How to put it?
He could only say that he was indeed a pure artist, laying bare everything so honestly from the start, telling everyone that his factory was not profitable and was a bad investment. Who would want to be the one to take over?
After all, no one’s money comes from the wind! At the very least, you should talk about how glorious your factory was in the past, and how with financial support, it could quickly regain its former glory and make a lot of money, something to entice investment, right?
Wang Yu smacked his lips. Over 9 million in external debt plus half a year’s wages, likely amounting to a total debt of 10 million. No wonder that scoundrel Li Mo was so vague on the phone and insisted on meeting in person.
Seeing Wang Yu remain silent for a long time, Zhao Hongxi sighed in despair. It was as he expected.
He had anticipated this outcome before coming, but he couldn’t resist Li Mo’s enthusiasm, who insisted on bringing him along, saying that Wang Yu was generous and righteous and would definitely help.
But in this day and age, who could casually produce tens of millions? He had indeed been too naive!
“I apologize, I was presumptuous,” Zhao Hongxi was about to apologize and end the conversation when he saw Wang Yu slam the table abruptly.
“This project, I, Wang Yu, will invest!”