Becoming a Movie Star, System Only Finished Loading After Ten Years

"From 72 to 28, losing two or three hundred million in a year, don't you feel anything?"

Gao Yuanyuan was shocked.

She knew the ups and downs of playing the stock market were thrilling, but she didn't expect there'd be someone contemplating life on the rooftop right beside her.

"No feelings at all," Qi, who once struggled with whether to head to the rooftop, bluffing in a calm manner, said, "I've prepared for long-term investment, short-term fluctuations don't bother me."

Ask how much sorrow one can have, it's like being fully invested in oil stocks.

Qi Hao explained some stock trading jargon in ways they could understand, like calling dating "market research," getting engaged "entering the market," getting married "closing a deal," and a first marriage "initial public offering."

Divorcing after marriage and losing a lot of money is "cutting losses."

A loveless marriage is "missing out."

A dull, resigned marriage is being "trapped in a position."

Finally getting divorced is "getting out of a position."

Emotional ups and downs a few years after marriage is "range-bound market."

Suddenly, many things that weren't quite clear became clear.

"If I want to buy, do you have any recommendations?"

Li Xiaoran seemed to have made up her mind about something.

"I don't recommend beginners to trade stocks, but if you must buy, I recommend Apple and Maotai."

Qi Hao derived this conclusion from a systematic approach.

Giving Mrs. Hua stocks was to boost Qi Hao's confidence in the entertainment industry, as Mrs. Hua's prowess was undeniable.

However, strength and potential are two different things.

Qi Hao doesn't hold much hope for Mrs. Hua's future, as insiders know Mrs. Hua is declining in celebrity management.

Fan Xuexue founded her own studio, and the likes of Zhou Xun, Li Xue'xue, Huang Xiaoming, and even Deng Zhao are likely to leave Mrs. Hua.

Could Mrs. Hua not cultivate a new top star?

Most likely not.

Since the early 2000s until now, many new-generation celebrities have emerged in the mainland, thanks to the mainland's economic and cultural development, as well as the decline of Xiangjiang and Taiwan, and other regions covered by Chinese culture.

They haven't had a new generation breakout star in a while.

And now all the top positions in the mainland have been taken. As long as these stars don't fall, the upcoming ones will find it hard to make a place for themselves.

Of course, it doesn't mean no one can rise.

After all, as the market expands, veteran stars can also falter.

In this situation, dreaming of Mrs. Hua's past glory is daydreaming.

Furthermore, with a growing market, stronger capitals come in for profit, any force hindering their earning will be crushed, be it pirated movies or Mrs. Hua, decline is inevitable.

Moreover, Qi Hao knows that Mrs. Hua's slate isn't clean.

He heard it when drinking with Gao Qunshu, who got drunk and talked nonsense, saying "Wind Sound" almost signed two different contracts.

One yin, one yang.

Gao Qunshu was afraid of being implicated, resolutely refused, otherwise Qi Hao might also be facing two different contracts.

For Pete's sake, regular people's wages are taxed before they even get them, while those who earn millions casually play tricks to evade taxes.

If Qi Hao weren't so timid, he might have reported them.

As long as no one troubles Mrs. Hua, but once someone does, they could be doomed.

Thus, he doesn't recommend his friends buy Mrs. Hua's stocks.

Same goes for Penguin stocks.

Penguin is also venturing into the entertainment industry, owning those stocks might help Qi Hao establish himself in showbiz.

However, Maotai and Apple have nothing to do with the entertainment industry.

The fact that Tongzi recommended these stocks suggests they're good investments.

"Both these stocks aren't cheap, right?"

Li Xiaoran hesitated a bit.

Ordinary folks have a stereotype about stocks—that the growth potential is related to the stock price.

A one-dollar stock can easily double, but a hundred-dollar stock finds it hard to double.

"You can use a small portion of your savings, the kind you wouldn't miss if it were all lost. Buy as much as you can, and after buying, don't pay attention to it."

Qi Hao gave his suggestion.

It's best to act within one's means when it comes to stocks; he's no stock expert. Given a plan, he'd surely propose something conservative.

Even if these women lose in the future, they wouldn't be coming after him.

"Ah, I'd feel bad for losing a hundred bucks."

Gao Yuanyuan was conflicted, she also wanted to buy, especially with Qi Hao as a successful example ahead.

In the entertainment circle, attractive women and men are never short of wealthy admirers.

Rumors say some get played with to the point where they can't control their bodily functions, even defecating on sofas at home and smelling like poop during shoots.

Exchanging favors for resources, having a sugar daddy for backing...

Unless you become wealthier than them.

Now presented with such an opportunity, Gao Yuanyuan wants a bit more confidence.

"Then I'll buy some too. If I make money, I'll treat you to a meal."

Li Xiaoran was quick in making decisions; she'd been doing three or four films a year and endorsing full throttle, indeed, saving quite a bit.

"What if you lose?" Qi Hao sneered, "You'd only treat me if you make money, you cheapskate."

Of course, that was just a joke.

The relationships are deep, Qi Hao even helped Li Xiaoran a great deal. If it were just a superficial friendship, Qi Hao wouldn't bother with trivial matters.

"If I lose, you just have to take care of me."

Li Xiaoran said playfully.

"Pfft, go find someone else to take care of you. At most, I'll provide you with three meals of big buns a day." Qi Hao felt Li Xiaoran's words were a bit suggestive.

In today's setting, Qi Hao didn't want to crack such slightly risqué jokes.

"Xiaoran isn't short on big buns, right?"

Gao Yuanyuan quietly added, making Li Xiaoran so angry she wanted to bury her in a tree pit.

"An Feng, do you buy stocks?" Zhou Xun asked An Feng.

She also plans to buy, following Qi Hao's suggestion, taking out thirty million, half to buy Maotai, half to buy Apple, planning for a long-term hold.

"She probably needs to go home to ask her mom first."

Qi Hao spoke before An Feng could answer.

He regretted it as soon as he spoke.

Though what he said was the truth, saying it directly to a young girl can indeed be a bit hurtful.

An Feng paused for a moment, then said, "If I'm buying a lot, definitely need to discuss with my mom."

She wasn't really upset by Qi Hao's words; having experienced a lot, Qi Hao's teasing felt insignificant.

Just a bit puzzled in her heart.

Does Qi Hao have some conflict with her mom? She's heard Qi Hao make similar remarks multiple times.

Clearly, Qi Hao doesn't have a good impression of her mom.

"Definitely need to discuss with family. I also need to discuss with my family. We aren't as wealthy as you."

Zhou Xun was extremely envious.

Unexpectedly, Qi Hao has become the richest star in Inner Entertainment.

Li Lianjie doesn't count as he's not from Inner Entertainment.

"I... didn't mean to single you out, indeed need to discuss with family. Actually, I don't have confidence with stocks either; you can explain the pros and cons to Auntie."

When meeting again in the capital, Qi Hao apologized to An Feng.

"It's alright, how many came to audition today?"

An Feng has already discussed with her mom.

Her mom has always been keen on money making money; with a "professional" leading the way this time, they won't miss the chance. They're planning to invest twenty million in the stocks Qi Hao suggested.

"Today is mostly auditioning for the second male lead; about five or six people are participating."

This movie will still be directed by Qi Hao.

His current directing skills are as good as some ordinary directors in the entertainment industry.

After all, he often trains in the space with Jiang Wen and Zhou Xingxing to learn how to direct, plus his extensive experience with 'Steel Piano.'

Hence, Qi Hao didn't seek a Producer this time.

Without a Producer, many tasks need to be done by Qi Hao himself, such as the main actors' auditions.

An Feng doesn't have much going on recently, and she has invested in this movie, so she's here for the auditions.

In fact, Qi Hao and An Feng's collaboration in a youth romance film is already widely known in the industry.

It's not guaranteed to be a hit, but at least it won't be mediocre.

Moreover, there's the support of a 2.4 million script.

After announcing the auditions, many young actors are trying their best to join this crew.

Qi Hao has set Wan Qian as the second female lead.

Qin Hailu was invited for the female teacher role, Tian Yu for the male principal role.

The female lead's friend is played by An Feng's classmate Wang Jia.

Most other roles have been filled.

Now, the focus is mainly on the second male lead, Tuo.

"Playing a high schooler... do you have anyone in mind?" An Feng asked.

Actually, if there were suitable candidates, direct invitations would be better. Both Qi Hao and An Feng have been in the industry for a while, so they have quite a few suitable candidates in mind.

"Have to leave some roles for auditions; if everything's decided internally it doesn't look good."

Qi Hao considered Hu Ge or Yuan Hong.

However, cooperating with Sugarman wasn't very pleasant, especially since An Feng has a bad relationship with Sugarman, so he dismissed the idea.

The two waited for a while, and then a young man came in.

"Li Jiahang, right? From Shanghai Theatre Academy?"

Qi Hao glanced at the resume and then at the person himself; the first to audition at least looked decent.

"Yes, currently in third year, played Shao Zhongtian in 'Golden Armor Warrior'..."

"Never heard of it." Qi Hao didn't mince his words.

Being professionally trained doesn't impress him; his existence proves professional training isn't all-powerful.

"It's a children's sci-fi TV series." Li Jiahang was very honest.

"Did you date in high school?"

Qi Hao wasn't interested in what this person has acted in.

For newcomers, don't expect amazing acting skills; the best case is playing themselves.

"I dated, was a crush on, and had a crush myself..."

"Haha, quite a rich emotional experience."