Huayu: You were supposed to be a top star, but you've become capital?

Lin Shen's words caused Mao Wenchao and Qu Fang to exchange a glance, both seeing the surprise in each other's eyes.

Their project just completed a multi-million dollar Series A funding round in June this year, invested by GSR Ventures and ZhenFund. The financial pressure has been temporarily relieved, and they are now focusing on refining their product and community.

When I received the invitation to meet with Shenzhen Investment, I thought it was some new fund casting a wide net, and I never expected that it was this top actor behind it.

"Mr. Lin has done research on community sharing?" Qu Fang asked tentatively.

"I wouldn't call it research, but I do have some of my own opinions." Lin Shen gestured for Xiao Yang to hand over the tablet. "I usually like to share things like fashion and lifestyle online. You saw my Weibo post yesterday, right?"

Mao Wenchao and Qu Fang both nodded. Last night's trending topics were something that most people who follow the internet had heard about.

"I run a clothing brand because I enjoy it," Lin Shen said frankly. "And I think your platform is a perfect fit. I really agree with the concept of sharing authentic lifestyle content and marking my life."

Lin Shen speaks slowly but clearly, and the key points he points out all hit the core of the Xiaohongshu model.

Mao Wenchao became serious: "Mr. Lin, to be honest, I'm a little curious... With your current reputation and resources, you should have many more seemingly safer investment options. Why are you interested in our project?"

This is a very direct and necessary question.

Lin Shen smiled and said, "Two reasons. First, I think Xiaohongshu's model has a future, and your team is very suitable for this. Second..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the two of them: "I myself am your target user. I like to share, and making clothes is my hobby. I think this platform is very suitable for supporting this lifestyle. Investing is not just about putting money in, but also about investing in what you believe in."

Qu Fang nodded thoughtfully: "So, Mr. Lin, what are your specific ideas for cooperation?"

"I want your shares," Lin Shen said directly. "Shenzhen Investment can participate in your next round of financing. In addition to funds, I can also provide resources."

I personally will join as a dedicated user, systematically providing content related to fashion and lifestyle. My clothing brand can also be among the first batch of merchants to join, providing actual products and transaction loop case studies.

Lin Shen added with a smile, "Of course, all of this is based on my confidence in the project itself. If you are willing, we can sign an investment intention agreement first."

The meeting room fell silent for a moment, and Mao Wenchao and Qu Fang exchanged a glance.

The terms are indeed attractive, not just in terms of money, but also in terms of endorsements from top-tier celebrities and access to real business resources. But…

"Mr. Lin, to be honest, we just completed our Series A funding round, so we're not in a rush for funds right now," Mao Wenchao said carefully. "And... quite a few investors are interested in us."

This is a euphemism, but the meaning is clear: they are not short of money and have the right to choose.

Lin Shen nodded, not surprised at all: "I understand, so my value lies not in providing help in times of need, but in adding to what is already good."

"To build a large community, you need to expand beyond your current circle and attract more diverse content and users. What I can bring is not just traffic, but a signal: this platform can attract top-tier content creators with discerning taste."

Lin Shen leaned forward slightly and looked at the two of them: "And as I said, I'm not just doing this for fun. I really believe in this platform and I will really use it."

Qu Fang pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Mr. Lin's Weibo post yesterday was actually setting the stage for today's meeting, wasn't it?"

"I guess so," Lin Shen readily admitted. "I need to show you what kind of content I can produce first, right?"

The atmosphere in the conference room relaxed a little, and Mao Wenchao smiled: "Mr. Lin, you really are quite different from the celebrities I imagined."

"Just call me Lin Shen." Lin Shen waved his hand. "And what do you two mean?"

Mao Wenchao took a deep breath and extended his hand: "We can talk in detail, but the specific terms and valuation may take some time."

"I understand." Lin Shen grasped his hand, then looked at Qu Fang. "It's a pleasure working with you."

"It's a pleasure working with you."

Just after 10:30, when the meeting ended, Xiao Yang immediately came up to him: "Brother Shen, how did the meeting go?"

"That's a good start." Lin Shen glanced at his watch. "What time is the magazine photoshoot this afternoon?"

"It starts at 2 PM, in the studio over at 798. We'll be there just in time," Xiao Yang replied quickly.

"Just now, Mr. Jia informed us that Esquire magazine would like to add a short interview after the photoshoot to discuss your understanding of fashion and brands... It seems that they adjusted the layout at the last minute because of what happened on Weibo yesterday."

"Okay." Lin Shen nodded and walked towards the elevator.

As the elevator descended, he took out his phone and browsed Weibo.

The hashtag #LinShenSellsClothes# is still trending in the top ten, but a few new topics have emerged:

#Lin Shen's Outfit Analysis#

#What is the actual level of fashion sense among top celebrities?#

Clicking in, you'll find that fashion bloggers have already thoroughly analyzed his nine photos from yesterday, from the shirt's cut to the pants' fabric, providing very detailed and insightful analyses.

The comments section is still lively:

"I have to say, it looks pretty good, much better than some people who force a fashionable persona [doge emoji]"

"So, is my brother really going to start a brand? Or is he just dabbling in it?"

"Passersby commented that this person's aesthetic sense is definitely on point."

Lin Shen looked at the comments, a slight smile playing on his lips, and drove his car toward the 798 Art District.

The sun was shining brightly outside the window, and the autumn sky over the capital was a clear, gray hue.

In the morning, I met with the founder of Xiaohongshu and discussed an investment that will be worth a fortune in the future. In the afternoon, I shot the cover of a top men's magazine. In the evening, I have to look at fabric samples from brands and the script of "The Lost Tomb"... The life of a top celebrity is so boring and tedious.

My phone vibrated; it was a WeChat message from Lao Jia:

"Qiyi has basically agreed to the 'Tomb Raider' project, offering additional investment in exchange for more say. They've also sent you the schedule adjustment plan for 'My Sunshine,' showing a lot of sincerity."

Lin Shen replied, "Received, we'll talk in detail later."

Not long after, a black Mercedes-Benz V-Class van drove into the 798 Art District and stopped in front of a film studio converted from an old factory building with red brick walls.

It wasn't even 1 p.m. yet, and a hundred or so people, almost all of them young girls, had already gathered at the entrance of the studio.

Banners, light boards, and long-lens cameras gleamed brightly in the afternoon sun, and several fan site admins, carrying their big lenses, had already secured the best spots.

As soon as the car turned in, those with sharp eyes recognized the license plate.

"Here it comes! It's Brother Shen's car!"

"Aaaaaah—!"

"The forest is deep! The forest is deep! The forest is deep!"

Cheers and screams erupted as the crowd surged forward, completely blocking the passage.

Several security guards quickly got out of their cars to maintain order, shouting, "Don't push! Move back a little!" But their shouts were completely drowned out by the fans' excitement.