The collaboration between them was a stage of mutual adaptation and also a stage of mutual competition.
Ke Fei treated other new partnering artists the same way.
Sheng Tang was so resolute, Ke Fei would not oppose her. If this film turned out to be a failure, Sheng Tang would definitely be more willing to listen to him in the future.
If the film could win an award, it would help Sheng Tang in securing better roles, indicating that she had a unique eye for picking projects, and Ke Fei would value her opinion more.
In their first collaboration, Ke Fei conceded.
"This proposal hasn’t received any investments yet. Is President Gu willing to invest?"
"I’ll talk to him," Sheng Tang said.
In Sheng Tang’s romantic contract with Gu Jiahui, she had quite a bit of authority, such as being able to demand money from Gu Jiahui, not exceeding five million a year, for her expenses in the entertainment industry.
This film was a small-budget production, they managed to cut it down to three million before, so this time wouldn’t be any different?
After agreeing with Ke Fei, Sheng Tang went to find Gu Jiahui.
She wanted Gu Jiahui to invest in the film.
"Five million will be enough. The producer will likely find some other investments," Sheng Tang said. "You remember our contract, right? You didn’t give any money last year, I need this year’s money for this purpose."
Gu Jiahui: "..."
He picked up the proposal again and glanced at it.
"You have poor judgment," he said, "This kind of subject matter is hard to succeed."
"I’m willing to try," Sheng Tang said, "Invest in this for me."
Gu Jiahui hesitated for a long time, and finally said, "I can’t invest through the company’s accounts; I’ll do it in my personal capacity."
This meant that he acknowledged that this was a payment for the romantic contract, not a normal investment by the company, just something he was paying to please Sheng Tang.
With this, he didn’t need to consult with the other senior management or explain to them.
A film with no return on investment, Gu Jiahui couldn’t even explain it.
"Alright," Sheng Tang said.
She recalled that in her previous life, the film was also funded by a wealthy second generation who was convinced by the producer.
It seemed that it could still happen.
Sheng Tang smiled slightly.
Seeing her happy, Gu Jiahui let out a sigh of relief.
Alright then, five million thrown into the water without a sound, just to make a beauty smile.
"You want to play the female lead?"
"No, the female lead’s sister."
Gu Jiahui: "..."
So, he’s spending five million on a returnless film to secure a supporting role for his woman.
This is sheer stupidity.
Gu Jiahui said weakly, "You’re more adorable when you are clever. You’re so stupid now that it makes me want to strangle you."
Sheng Tang: "..."
Despite what he said, Gu Jiahui wouldn’t make an unprofitable deal.
He immediately had his secretary contact the producer of "The Path to Ascend," Luo Yishan, to discuss the investment details.
This small-budget film had no more than twelve minor roles combined, and the story mainly revolved around the male lead, female lead, and the second female lead.
There was also a male antagonist with a significant role.
Gu Jiahui negotiated with the producer: "Our company has actors for the male lead, female lead, and the second female lead. You can choose from them."
He intended to fill all three roles at once.
If it were a notable producer or a big director, the investor wouldn’t be so arrogant, at most they’d insert a third female or male role, and others would be open for casting to maximize potential box office returns.
In fact, major producers would negotiate with popular actors first before taking the proposal to investors, who would consider the actors’ box office appeal before investing.
For such a low-budget film, with a not well-known producer, they had virtually no say.
"Alright, alright." He nodded and bowed to Gu Jiahui.