The Female CEO Falls in Love with Me

"Simply put, this is a private membership club. Non-member guests must be accompanied by a member to enter. Just now, my car was in front, and from the license plate, they already knew my membership information."

"Today is to give you a taste, but not about the environment or high expenses, I'm not that bored," Wen Qianyi led Li Yan inside, seeming afraid he'd misunderstand, she smiled and softly explained, also mentioning their purpose, "We'll meet a lot of people later."

"Really meeting clients?" Li Yan followed her into the elevator, his eyes didn't miss those uniformed front-desk staff who greeted them with half-bows and smiles, speaking softly. Although Wen Qianyi beside him was even more outstandingly beautiful, it wasn't convenient to stare, so it was a waste not to look at the staff here.

"It's a party-like informal, small-scale presentation meeting," Wen Qianyi's voice lowered even more as they entered the elevator, and there were no other guests but there was an elevator attendant dressed like a flight attendant.

After Wen Qianyi mentioned the floor, the elevator attendant gently agreed, pressed the button for them, and maintained a polite smile on her face.

Li Yan was a bit speechless, talking and pressing, what can it save? Even specially arranging someone to press the elevator! Although redundant, it does create a job. But who knows if these elevator attendants might get harassed by male guests?

Stepping out of the elevator, Li Yan observed the surroundings and asked, "Is this promotional meeting grand? Am I dressed too casually?"

Wen Qianyi chuckled softly, "It's fine, they're promoting to us. As representatives from the investment side here to inspect, even if you're in flip-flops and shorts, as long as you're in, they wouldn't dare take you lightly."

"Investment side?"

"Of course! Last time during your interview with me, didn't you mention a couple of film investment questions? I found it interesting, so I brought you to have a look. Maybe we can plan a film investment project. Later, some producers will introduce their projects to us. They might even bring directors, stars, or whatever. You're old enough not to get all fan-crazy, right?" Wen Qianyi winked at him.

Only then did Li Yan understand why she didn't feel the need to remind him more, probably thinking he had some expertise in this.

"Well... let me clarify, last time I was just making things up on the spot. I don't know anything about investing in films."

"Why are you hurry to shirk responsibility? You don't need to pay or sign anything now," Wen Qianyi gave him a look and then arrived at a private room, where the doorman immediately opened the door for them.

Li Yan thought she was right. With her there, the company wouldn't suffer any loss. Even if he wanted to mess around, it'd be limited.

Upon entering, four smiling uniformed assistants at the door greeted them in voices soft enough not to disturb others, yet respectful enough to make you feel honored.

Wen Qianyi ignored them and proceeded inside directly. Li Yan, being a colleague and not a male companion, kept pace but not too close.

This was a very large space, a multifunctional banquet hall. There were already quite a few guests inside, either sitting or standing, talking in low voices in small groups.

When the two entered, aside from the uniformed staff greeting them in, quite a few guests' eyes turned their way.

The staff here were specially selected and had to wear carefully applied makeup. With the support of their uniforms, they could be counted as beauties among regular folks. Among the guests, there was no shortage of beauties, including a few female stars. However, Wen Qianyi's aura was formidable; her graceful entrance dimmed the luster of other beauties.

Beauty and temperament are visible, but recognition depends on how many people in the circle know you. After observing them, no one seemed to recognize who Wen Qianyi was. Thus, some shifted their gaze to the somewhat ordinary-looking man beside her, perhaps the handsome guy brought by her, but after checking him out, they were still puzzled. They hadn't seen this man before either.

A director engaged in a discussion furrowed his brows, called over a uniformed staff, and quietly asked her to check if the two people had walked into the wrong place. However, the majority wouldn't do this; perhaps some CEO brought them anyway.

The staff felt a bit troubled; anyone entering with a member surely wouldn't just wander in randomly, so they wouldn't casually question guests' identities. Nevertheless, it was noticeable that most people didn't seem to recognize the duo.

After casually scanning the room, Wen Qianyi motioned for Li Yan to sit on an unoccupied sofa, asking the nearby service staff to bring drinks. Li Yan requested a glass of plain water.

"Besides producers, some directors and planners are here. Those stars were invited to add flair. Frankly, they're just here to accompany the guests, usually vying for roles in new films," Wen Qianyi casually swept her hair back and looked indifferently at those moderately famous movie figures.

"All a bunch of third-rate individuals, I don't recognize any of them." Li Yan took the water from the uniformed staff with a smile and gently thanked her, "Thank you. Has anyone ever told you your hands are quite fair and beautiful?"

"No, thank you," the staff smiled politely and retreated.

Noticing his attempt to chat up, Wen Qianyi raised an eyebrow, "Third-rate? Which ones do you consider first-rate?"

"At least Zhang Yimou or Feng Xiaogang, right?"

"Isn't that obvious? They're the most commercially successful two; releasing any movie naturally attracts a bunch of companies vying for product placements and sponsorships. Do they even need to seek investment this way? Those seeking investment here are ones with fame but no box office appeal or those lacking reputation, dreaming of making blockbusters."

Li Yan didn't entirely agree, knowing only a bit about famous movie stars, and even less about directors. He knew some names but not what they looked like. As for the producers present today, he could only deem them nameless folks; saying third-rate was already polite.

"Any new directors?"

"Of course, new directors find it hardest to attract investment, and have to find ways to promote themselves. Such events, if there's any connection, they'll surely come hoping for a chance encounter. However, they're often quite naive; I doubt many investors would fancy them," Wen Qianyi took a sip of her drink, sharing some industry knowledge.

"Aren't new directors supposed to be full of fresh ideas and creativity? Passionate and cheap, why..." Li Yan was surprised to hear them described as naive; even if new directors pursued artistic dreams, that was a harsh judgment.

"Huayi's Mr. Wang once said a new director sought his investment, convinced of their creativity and potential. When asked about the production budget, the director humbly replied: 'Our film doesn't require much, just 35 million.' Wouldn't you think they're naive too?" Wen Qianyi smiled as she asked.

Li Yan, having had some understanding of such topics, realized this was indeed a bit excessive.

"A 35 million production cost, with additional 15 million for distribution and marketing, totaling over 50 million. And don't scoff, internationally, marketing expenses match production budgets. Over 100 million yuan in box office just to break even; how many new directors can achieve that? For domestic films, exceeding 10 million is already a medium investment.

One must know that 'Crazy Stone,' the first low-budget box office miracle with a ten-to-one output ratio, received only a 2 million investment from Liu Dehua for Ning Hao, along with his own small bank-breaking contribution. Despite being a miracle, the box office was reportedly only 20 million. Aspiring directors who don't understand industry data and fall for promotional exaggerations and media hyperbole, really think any blockbuster costs hundreds of million yuan or tens of millions of dollars nowadays? Do investors have money to burn?"

Li Yan wasn't focused on her comments but more intrigued by her attitude. He softly chuckled and praised, "No wonder you dare claim top-notch business skills, you always have a capitalist mindset! If someone approaches for art film investment later, would you sarcastically send them off?"

"Are you teasing me?" Wen Qianyi gave him a glance and then said seriously, "You're my partner, and tonight it's not about having fun. Pay attention and learn! A qualified business developer must always prioritize the company's profit! As the tide rises, so will your commission and rewards if you prove valuable."

Li Yan didn't mind, not needing commissions for high earnings. But seeing Wen Qianyi so earnest, he could only put on a compliant appearance.

At this moment, he noticed Wen Qianyi's alluring smile and partly closed eyes, followed by hearing a voice behind him.

(Praying for the earthquake disaster area...)