The Entertainment Industry in Turmoil: Young Actresses All Want to Rise to the Top

In early autumn of 2011, the air in Shanghai still retained the humid heat of late summer.

Following the address, Shen Mo found the 50-square-meter office located in the Science and Technology Innovation Center.

The door was ajar; he knocked, then pushed it open.

A pungent smell, a mixture of instant noodles, coffee, and the heat from electronic devices, wafted over.

In the cramped space, several simple desks were pushed together, piled with computer towers, monitors, graphics tablets, and some scattered snack wrappers.

The walls are covered with all kinds of anime and manga character posters, from classic Japanese manga to some slightly immature original concept art.

Several young people were gathered around a computer, discussing something with furrowed brows.

Upon hearing the door open, everyone turned around at the same time.

The leader, Cai Haoyu, wore black-rimmed glasses and had somewhat disheveled hair, but his eyes were bright.

He stood up and spoke somewhat uncertainly.

"Hello, who are you looking for?"

Shen Mo's gaze quickly swept across the entire space, taking in the simplicity of the place, the imaginative posters on the walls, and the exquisite game graphics running on the screen.

He didn't show any scrutiny or judgment on his face, but simply smiled calmly and introduced himself.

"Hello, this is Shen Mo from Mohen Capital. We contacted each other via email before about 'Fly Me 2 the Moon' and your team."

"Ah! Mr. Shen! Hello, hello!"

Cai Haoyu realized what was happening and immediately stepped forward, somewhat flustered, trying to shake hands. Then, realizing he was still holding half a steamed bun, he quickly turned his hands behind his back, a blush of embarrassment spreading across his face.

The others also stood up, appearing somewhat reserved.

To them, Shen Mo, dressed in a suit and exuding an air of elegance, was completely out of place in this messy little studio, and the sense of oppression he brought was far greater than that of any previous visitor.

"Don't be shy, make yourself at home."

Shen Mo took the initiative to extend his hand and shake hands with Cai Haoyu, his grip firm and steady.

His gaze fell on a lit screen next to him, which displayed the game interface of "Fly Me 2 the Moon," with a fresh and cute style.

"This is the game you just launched? The art style is exquisite."

When games were mentioned, Cai Haoyu's eyes lit up immediately, and his earlier restraint dissipated considerably.

"Yes, Mr. Shen! This is our first independently developed commercial game, and we've poured a lot of effort into it..."

He then began his introduction, speaking quickly with the focus and enthusiasm characteristic of a technologist, and gesturing with his hands to explain the key operational logic.

Shen Mo listened quietly, leaning forward slightly, his eyes following Cai Haoyu's explanation, nodding occasionally, and occasionally asking one or two very specific and to-the-point questions.

For example, their views on user acquisition costs, platform promotion difficulties, and current market feedback.

His question initially surprised Cai Haoyu and the others, but then they felt as if they had found a kindred spirit, and their desire to confide in him intensified.

"Could you show me the sales data for the game since its launch?" Shen Mo asked Cai Haoyu, taking the lead in the conversation.

"To be honest, Mr. Shen."

Cai Haoyu pushed up his glasses, his tone becoming somewhat heavy.

"It's been almost a month since it went online, and sales... are indeed not ideal. Many people think the price of 18 yuan is too expensive."

He smiled wryly and pointed out the window.

"Now when we walk down the street and mention anime and manga, people think we're abnormal. We...we sometimes doubt ourselves whether we've taken the wrong path."

A team member quietly handed me an iPad, which displayed a dismal sales data curve.

Shen Mo took the iPad, his fingertips slowly sliding across the screen. Looking at the meager download count and scattered reviews, he remained silent for a moment.

The silence made Cai Haoyu and the others hold their breath; the air seemed to freeze.

However, when Shen Mo raised his head, his gaze towards them showed no contempt or denial, but rather a certain confidence that foresaw the future.

He didn't look at the dismal data, but instead pointed to the original concept art full of inspiration on the wall and the game world on the screen, which, although immature, was full of beauty.

"Data is cold, but creation is hot."

Shen Mo's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

"What I value isn't these few download numbers. What I see is your... "

He looked around the small room, which was filled with dreams.

"...In this field that many people consider 'crazy,' they have demonstrated technical execution, a unique aesthetic sense, and most importantly—that pure passion."

He put down the iPad and looked sharply at Cai Haoyu.

"I ask you, if we disregard the market and the current difficulties, do you yourselves believe in the future of anime and manga culture?"

"Do you believe you can use technology to transform these fantastical worlds in your minds into products that can immerse countless people?"

Cai Haoyu was stunned, and so were the team members behind him.

A few seconds later, Cai Haoyu and his team members looked at each other, then nodded vigorously, his cheeks slightly flushed with excitement, and he answered almost decisively.

"Believe! Why wouldn't we believe! It's because we believe that we're gathered together, that we're willing to stay here eating steamed buns and instant noodles!"

"That's enough."

Shen Mo's lips finally curved into a clear smile, a calm expression of having made a decision.

"Inkmark Capital is willing to bet on this 'belief' and the potential you have demonstrated."

Under the incredulous gazes of Cai Haoyu and the others, Shen Mo took out a pre-prepared letter of intent from his briefcase and gently placed it on the cluttered table, his movements steady and powerful.

"100 million RMB, angel round. 15% stake."

His tone was calm, as if he were talking about a trivial matter, but every word struck the hearts of the founders like a heavy hammer.

"The funds will be injected in two phases. The first phase of 50 will be credited to your account immediately after the signing of the contract, solving your survival problem."

"The remaining 50 will be paid after you present your next product demo and demonstrate its user growth potential."

"I hope this will help you grow!"

He paused, leaning forward slightly to create a posture that was both imposing and reassuring, his gaze sweeping over every young and excited face.

"Our requirements are simple: survive, maintain your extreme pursuit of content and technology, and then turn these paintings on your walls into products that will make players scream with excitement."

"As for the market not understanding it..."

He chuckled softly, a hint of arrogance in his voice.

That's because they're not moving fast enough or far enough ahead.

"And Ink Trace is willing to accompany you all the way to see the farthest scenery."

Cai Haoyu looked at the letter of intent on the table, then at his equally excited and speechless partner, and finally his gaze returned to Shen Mo's deep and determined eyes.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his trembling hands, and nodded heavily, his voice choked with emotion but incredibly firm.

"Mr. Shen...we will absolutely not let you down!"