thefictionvixens Chapter 68 Pulling and Negotiation
Chapter 68 Pulling and Negotiation
Mr. Wang tried to smooth things over, saying, "Director Lin, you're being too modest. How many people in the industry can match your screenwriting skills, directing abilities, and market sensitivity? When we collaborated on 'The Beginning,' your attention to detail amazed us."
Li Zhaohui nodded in agreement: "Mr. Wang is right. The film and television industry today doesn't lack capital, but it lacks people who can consistently produce good content. What you make has both sentiment and market appeal, which is very rare."
"What we want to do is not a simple investment, but a deep collaboration. The combination of Tencent's platform and resources with your creative abilities can create even greater sparks."
Lin Feng picked up his coffee, his fingertips lightly tracing the rim of the cup. He knew Tencent's strength; its platform traffic, promotional resources, and financial reserves were all things Fengrui currently needed.
But he was well aware that there is no such thing as a free lunch, and that Tencent's investment would inevitably come with intervention in the company's decision-making power.
"Mr. Li, you flatter me." He neither immediately agreed nor refused. "However, this is a big matter, I need to think about it carefully."
Li Zhaohui wasn't in a hurry, and said with a smile, "Of course, we have plenty of time. Director Lin can take his time to consider it; our sincerity is more than enough."
The negotiations in the office were still ongoing. Just as Li Zhaohui finished explaining the investment plan, Lin Feng's phone rang.
The name "Old Yang" appeared on the screen. He glanced at Li Zhaohui and President Wang, and smiled apologetically: "Excuse me, I need to take this call."
"Hey, Lao Yang." He pressed the answer button, deliberately turning up the volume so his voice came through clearly, "What's up?"
"President Lin, Kiwifruit just contacted us, saying they're very interested in our company and would like to schedule a meeting tomorrow to discuss investment." Old Yang's voice carried a deliberate hint of excitement.
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow, his tone calm yet undeniably firm: "Okay, let's set it for 10 a.m. tomorrow. Have them bring the proposal over."
"Okay!"
After hanging up the phone, he looked at Li Zhaohui and President Wang, spread his hands and smiled, "You see, we've been getting a lot of calls like this lately. I hope you two won't laugh at me."
Li Zhaohui's smile faded slightly as he tapped his fingers lightly on his knee. Kiwifruit was Penguin's old rival on video platforms, and if they came to steal its market share, things wouldn't be so simple.
Mr. Wang then smoothed things over, saying, "This shows that Director Lin's company is currently in high demand, and we've come at the right time."
"Mr. Li just said that he's investing 100 million yuan for a 20% stake?" Lin Feng cut straight to the point without beating around the bush.
"Yes," Li Zhaohui nodded, "and we promise not to interfere with the company's decisions. We will provide full support in eight dimensions, from funding and IP to publicity and data. Our main focus is on win-win cooperation."
"The offer is indeed tempting." Lin Feng stroked his chin, but his tone was hesitant. "But I can't agree immediately."
"Oh? Why?" Li Zhaohui pressed.
"First, there's the shareholding," Lin Feng said, looking directly at him. "20% is too much. I need to keep at least 70% control for myself, and also leave some for others."
"Others?" Mr. Wang was taken aback. "I haven't heard that Fengrui has any other investors."
"It will be available soon," Lin Feng smiled. "My school is interested and will take a portion of the shares."
Li Zhaohui and President Wang exchanged a glance. The Beijing Film Academy's reputation, combined with Lin Feng's creative abilities, truly made it a golden brand.
"Therefore, the maximum allowance for Penguin is 15%," Lin Feng stated, setting a bottom line.
Li Zhaohui hesitated for a moment: "I need to go back and discuss it with the team. I'll give you an answer tomorrow."
"No problem," Lin Feng stood up. "Anyway, I have to meet with people from Kiwifruit tomorrow morning, so there's no rush." He emphasized the words "Kiwifruit."
After the atmosphere eased slightly, Lin Feng changed the subject: "Since the investment can't be finalized for the time being, Mr. Wang, how about we talk about the next drama?"
"Oh? Director Lin already has a new project?" President Wang's eyes lit up.
Lin Feng took out a script outline from the drawer and handed it over: "This is adapted from a novel called 'The Best of Us,' which tells a story about high school."
Mr. Wang quickly flipped through the pages, becoming more and more excited with each reading: "This is great! Youth-themed stories will always have a market, and the details you wrote are so realistic!"
"Director Lin, we're investing in this project!" President Wang made the decision. "How we collaborate is up to you!"
"The script isn't finished yet," Lin Feng said, retracting the outline. "Once we're confirmed to start, I'll contact you first."
"It's a deal!"
When Li Zhaohui and President Wang saw them off, President Wang held Lin Feng's hand and said, "Regarding the investment, I'll put in a good word for you with President Li. 15% shouldn't be a problem."
"Thank you, Mr. Wang." Lin Feng nodded with a smile.
Back in the office, Lao Yang immediately rushed in: "Boss, how did it go? Did Tencent agree?"
"They wanted to invest 100 million for a 20% stake, but I didn't agree. I'll only give them 15% at most," Lin Feng said, pouring himself a glass of water. "They went back to discuss it."
"15% is no small amount," Old Yang clicked his tongue. "One hundred million! Our company is now valued at five hundred million?"
"More or less," Lin Feng nodded. "The combined revenue from 'The Beginning' and the movie has already exceeded one hundred million." He paused, "By the way, is the Strange Fruit really coming tomorrow?"
"Yeah," Old Yang scratched his head, "They called right after I hung up the phone, saying they heard that Tencent was talking about investment, and they wanted to get involved too."
"Interesting." Lin Feng laughed. "Come on, the more the merrier. Go and call Li Yi over."
When Li Yi came in, she was holding a promotional report in her hand: "Boss, you were looking for me?"
"You should release some information to the public," Lin Feng said, "saying that Tencent is interested in investing 100 million yuan in our company, for a 10% stake."
"10%?" Li Yi was taken aback. "Is our company really that valuable?"
"To exaggerate a little," Lin Feng raised an eyebrow, "to get all the hesitant capital to move."
"Understood!" Li Yi's eyes lit up. "I'll go arrange it right away."
At four o'clock in the afternoon, Tian Xiwei sat upright in the training room. When the teacher was explaining the "dress code for celebrities," she actually raised her hand and asked, "Teacher, is it impolite to wear sportswear to a film festival?"
Liu Haochun nudged her secretly: "Why are you so serious today?"
"Of course," Tian Xi lowered her voice slightly, "I want both the grassland tour and the feast."
Lin Feng stood at the door for a while, and couldn't help but smile. He turned around and went to the supermarket, pushing a shopping cart around the fresh food section. He bought beef brisket for soup, braised duck with konjac, stir-fried lean pork with green peppers and shredded pork, and some cucumbers and other green vegetables.
When he got back to his lodgings, he put on his apron and got busy. He stewed beef brisket in a clay pot, blanched duck pieces, and soaked konjac in water.
At five o'clock, the braised konjac duck was put into the pot. The ginger slices were sautéed in hot oil until fragrant. The duck meat was then added and stir-fried until golden brown. Doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste) and spices were added and simmered. The kitchen was instantly filled with the aroma of soy sauce.
He took a picture of the bubbling duck pot and posted it in the group chat: "@LittleLittleGuyCorporal, dinner is being prepared."
Soon, Tian Xiwei replied: "Received, General! Coming right away!"