It's just that they have money.

Fang Chen could tell that Wang Zengping was unhappy.

Giving up the producer's position to someone else's masterpiece is something no one would be comfortable with. But business is business, and you have to accept it even if you're not happy about it.

I will draft a framework agreement this week.

"it is good."

Fang Chen stood up and extended his hand.

Wang Zengping gripped his hand tightly.

Zhao Xiaole sat to the side without saying a word.

He stood up only when the two shook hands, his face bearing an indescribable expression.

I feel a mix of admiration, envy, and indescribable complex emotions.

The second generation felt a mix of emotions when they saw someone stronger than themselves based on merit.

The three sat for a while longer, discussing project details. Fang Chen asked many questions, from the filming schedule to the publicity plan, from the actors' schedules to theatrical releases.

Wang Zengping could answer some questions, but he couldn't answer others.

"I haven't found a suitable partner for publicity and distribution yet," Wang Zengping said honestly. "I talked to two companies before, but the terms weren't ideal."

Fang Chen nodded without saying anything more.

He didn't say he'd help you find it, nor did he say he had any resources.

Because he doesn't actually have either of those things right now.

But he knew in his heart that this producer's identity was the key for him to open the door to the film and television industry.

It was almost dark when I came out of the office building.

Zhao Xiaole followed behind Fang Chen, remaining silent for a while before finally speaking.

"Brother Chen, were all those things you just said planned in advance?"

"Um."

"Awesome."

The two got into the car, Fang Chen started the engine, and the car drove out of the parking lot.

On the way, Zhao Xiaole leaned against the passenger seat and suddenly spoke.

"Brother Chen, do you know why Uncle Wang agreed to your request?"

"Because he had no choice."

"That's right," Zhao Xiaole said. "He didn't have a choice, but you're different; you did. If you chose him, he'll be grateful, but what if you chose someone else?"

Fang Chen glanced at him: "Then he should thank you for making the connection."

Zhao Xiaole continued, "That's how this circle is. If you have money, you have choices; if they don't have money, they don't have choices. If you choose Uncle Wang today, Uncle Wang will be grateful to you. If you choose someone else tomorrow, that person will also be grateful to you. Over time, you'll be the boss in this circle."

Fang Chen did not respond.

With his current amount of money, he's still a long way from being a big shot in the film and television industry.

Moreover, there are plenty of wealthy people in the film and television industry, but those who truly have influence in this circle are not the rich, but those who can help others solve problems.

Wang Zengping was short of money, so he gave him money.

Wang Zengping lacked publicity and promotion resources, and he promised to coordinate such resources.

If these two things are accomplished, Wang Zengping will owe him a favor.

Once word of this favor spreads within the circle, another Wang Zengping will come knocking on your door.

The former is easier to do, but the latter requires Fang Chen to put in more effort.

After sending Zhao Xiaole back to the hotel, Fang Chen also booked a room and told Xu Wen about the general situation, asking her to draft an agreement.

"Received," Xu Wen replied. "Also, there's been progress on the film and television company matter. A reputable company is willing to negotiate, offering ten million. I'm still negotiating."

"Let's set a time, and I'll go talk to you in person."

The next morning, Fang Chen received a call from Wang Zengping while having breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

"Mr. Fang, I thought about it carefully last night." Wang Zengping's voice was hoarser than yesterday, but his tone was more steady. "I approve of the framework of the proposal you put forward yesterday. We can discuss the specific details at a later time."

"Okay. You can set a time."

"Next Wednesday, I'll reorganize the project's financial data in the next couple of days and show it to you then."

"OK."

Having achieved his purpose, Fang Chen saw no need to stay any longer.

The most urgent task now is to finalize the publicity before Wang Zengping's film is completed.

So, not two days after Fang Chen returned to Jiangcheng, he took Xu Wen to Hengdian.

The nights in Hengdian are more lively than I imagined.

The shops on both sides of the main road were brightly lit, with barbecue stalls, milk tea shops, and small hotels, their signs lined up one after another.

Extras dressed in theatrical costumes can be seen everywhere on the street. Some are squatting by the roadside eating boxed lunches, while others are chatting in groups of three or five.

Fang Chen looked out the window of his hotel room and suddenly felt that this place had a peculiar atmosphere.

Everyone thinks they will be the next Baoqiang.

The company that Xuwen contacted is called Firefly Pictures. They have produced several web dramas, all of which were low-budget and received only so-so reviews, but the team is still relatively complete.

The company's most valuable asset is the adaptation rights to several IPs. They are not large, but each IP has a group of die-hard fans in its respective niche.

The current owner of Firefly Pictures is Zhou Yaoguang, who is in his early forties. He wears square-framed glasses, loose clothing, and has somewhat long hair. He doesn't look like a businessman, but rather like a creator.

The three agreed to meet in Zhou Yaoguang's office.

"Mr. Fang? I've heard so much about you."

"You're too kind, Mr. Zhou."

The two sat down. Xu Wen sat next to Fang Chen and opened his laptop.

Zhou Yaoguang's office is not large. The bookshelves are filled with various film and television-related books and DVDs, and there are several movie posters on the wall, all of which are relatively niche art films.

Fang Chen glanced at it and got a sense of what was going on.

This person is in the content-driven business, not purely a capital operation.

"Mr. Fang, Assistant Xu roughly told me your intentions over the phone: you want to acquire it outright?"

"right."

"Mr. Fang, let me be frank. My company isn't big, with an annual turnover of around ten million yuan and low profits, but it's enough to support a dozen or so people. The reason I'm willing to sell isn't because it's failing, but because I want to do something bigger."

"What's bigger?"

"Some of my personal ideals," Zhou Yaoguang said.

Fang Chen couldn't help but smile.

In the past two years, short dramas have flourished, making it even more difficult for online dramas, which already had limited room for survival, to survive.

If it's true that supporting a dozen or so people in the past wasn't a problem and the company didn't go out of business, then the company's finances can't sustain itself for much longer.

Selling the company would be more profitable for the boss.

Fang Chen did not expose him.

What Zhou Yaoguang thinks is not important; what matters is whether the company is worth the price he paid.

"Mr. Zhou, I don't like beating around the bush when it comes to business." Fang Chen leaned back in his chair, his tone unhurried. "I've seen your company. The team is good, the intellectual property is solid, and the accounts are clean. These are what I need."

Zhou Yaoguang nodded, waiting for him to continue.

"You want to sell, I want to buy. The problem now is the price."

"Ten million," Zhou Yaoguang said. "That price isn't high in Hengdian."

Fang Chen looked at Xu Wen, gesturing for her to speak.

Xu Wen said calmly, "Mr. Zhou, we've done a preliminary assessment of the five IPs you have. Their combined market value is no more than three million. The offer of ten million is too high a premium."

Zhou Yaoguang's expression changed, worried that Fang Chen would push the price down to below 500 million.

Then he heard Fang Chen's voice: "Eight million, a full acquisition. All the company's assets, IP, and personnel will be transferred to me. You will withdraw personally, retaining no shares or position. Okay, we'll sign the letter of intent today. If not, I'll go look at another one tomorrow."