CHAPTER 170: CHAPTER 170: MATTERS SOLVABLE WITH MONEY ARE NOT PROBLEMS

Li Jing was a bit surprised, not expecting the two to treat this low-budget movie as next year’s dark horse, hoping to break through among many films.

However, he thought it over and realized it wasn’t impossible.

The success of a film isn’t directly related to its budget; some commercial films claim investments of billions but ultimately fail to attract audiences.

After all, what audiences want to see is the story itself, not star power or fancy effects, which can only embellish rather than save a film.

Moreover, Wen Lan and Wei Jia are both professionals, and with their confidence, Li Jing also had more expectations for the film’s future.

Furthermore, the system’s task goal is for his character to leave a deep impression on the audience.

If the film flopped, not only would it fail to leave a deep impression, but hardly any audience would watch it, and his billion-dollar bonus would likely go down the drain.

With the system’s incentive, Li Jing now has even stronger expectations for the film’s success than Wei Jia and Wen Lan.

Thinking this, Li Jing looked again at Wen Lan and Wei Jia, and finally expressed his stance: "Since Director Wen said Dai Weiwei’s acting as the second female lead has such a significant impact on the film’s quality, to increase the chances of this film’s success, I choose to replace her."

"Wise choice, President Li!"

As soon as he spoke, Wen Lan’s eyes lit up, not expecting Li Jing’s final choice to be the same as hers.

At that moment, Li Jing’s status and likability instantly increased in her mind.

Wei Jia, meanwhile, raised her delicate and sharp eyebrows, looking at Li Jing’s somewhat handsome face, feeling increasingly displeased and annoyed.

She even felt the other was deliberately opposing her, as she thought Wen Lan’s idea was too idealistic and lacked consideration for practical factors, Li Jing supporting Wen Lan despite knowing this made her very dissatisfied.

Just as Wei Jia was about to retort, Li Jing reached out and stopped her, saying, "Hold on, let me speak first."

"First, there’s no need to talk about the necessity of replacing someone; Director Wen has already made it clear."

Li Jing raised his hand, attempting to calm Wei Jia’s little volcano that was about to erupt, and explained: "Now, let’s talk about the troubles that may arise from replacing someone. I’ll share my views.

From your answer to my second question earlier, I’ll summarize quickly: there are four points—breach of contract, public opinion, publicity, and the new selection."

Li Jing extended a finger, looked at Wei Jia, and said seriously: "Let’s start with the first point, breach of contract. You mentioned it was over a million earlier, right?

The crew couldn’t cover it because this expenditure wasn’t considered in the budget; now I can provide additional investment to fill this gap."

"You’re going to provide additional investment?"

Both Wei Jia and Wen Lan were surprised, not expecting Li Jing’s solution to involve him personally covering the cost.

"As for public opinion and publicity, it boils down to one point: advertising for the film."

Li Jing spread his hands wide: "Replacing Dai Weiwei might displease her fans, but she’s not a top-tier star, spending some money to suppress public opinion should be enough, and directing traffic, advertising also boils down to spending money."

"Indeed, money can solve these problems."

Wen Lan furrowed her brows slightly. Though Li Jing supported her choice, she couldn’t understand his way of solving problems: "These are unforeseen circumstances, we didn’t prepare this extra publicity expense in the early budget."

"Director Wen, isn’t there a saying? Problems that can be solved with money are not really problems. I don’t care if others agree with this, but it’s a fact for me."

Li Jing confidently smiled, extended his right hand and opened five fingers: "Regarding the three issues mentioned earlier, I’ll invest an additional five million in total. What do you think, is it sufficient?"

"Five million more??"

Wen Lan’s eyes widened, her face full of disbelief.

In contrast, a peculiar glint flickered in Wei Jia’s eyes as she looked at Li Jing, her gaze constantly changing, pondering something.

After regaining her composure, unable to contain herself, Wen Lan stood up excitedly and spoke: "President Li, is what you’re saying true? If that’s the case, this problem can be solved immediately, and we can also readjust the percentage of your future share; I believe no one will have other opinions."

"Of course, it’s true."

Li Jing said with a smile: "If it’s convenient for you, I can transfer the money to you right now."

"No, no, I need to contact colleagues to prepare new contracts and procedures, but rest assured, I can have everything ready by tomorrow."

Wen Lan appeared exceptionally excited, her gaze towards Li Jing increasingly satisfied and appreciative.

It wasn’t entirely about money; Li Jing was willing to spend five million supporting her idea, which made her feel she’d found a kindred spirit in Li Jing.

Previously, she thought Li Jing’s penchant for wearing designer brands, driving luxury cars, and casually flirting with women was overly flashy and superficial. Now, she found her previous judgment completely wrong—Li Jing was simply a high-minded person who rose above the mundane, understood art but wasn’t restricted by its superficial aspects.

Seeing Wen Lan’s joyful and grateful expression, Wei Jia furrowed her brows, continually sizing up Li Jing.

This guy really knows how to win a woman’s heart. If he had invested a whole ten million initially, Wen Lan might not have felt much gratitude.

But at this crucial moment, adding five million to solve the problem, even though it totals ten million, is far more effective than an upfront investment of ten million.

Wei Jia narrowed her eyes, intensely staring at Li Jing’s face, seemingly wanting to decipher whether Li Jing truly wanted to support Wen Lan or was using this method to flirt.

She couldn’t understand why Li Jing would add more investment, as Li Jing never even knew of this film’s existence previously, nor had he ever been involved in this industry.

She couldn’t quite grasp how he suddenly changed; not only was he very keen on the film but also willing to invest millions more.

This guy... really is increasingly incomprehensible...

Wei Jia stared into Li Jing’s eyes but couldn’t see through his intentions.

However, rather than discouraging Wei Jia, it aroused a stronger sense of competition in her, increasingly wanting to understand and see through the man in front of her.

Li Jing’s financial capability also broadened Wei Jia’s understanding.

An easy ten million decided over two dinner meetings made Li Jing’s status in Wei Jia’s mind increasingly elevated.

This guy... he really is quite mysterious.

But I like it.

Feeling Wei Jia’s gaze, Li Jing glanced at her, playfully mimicked her earlier tone, teasing: "What, lost in staring at your big brother?"

Hearing this, Wei Jia’s expression slightly changed, but not because of embarrassment from being exposed; she simply chuckled aloud: "Can’t I look? Are you allowed to look at me, but I’m not allowed to look at you?"

"Not at all, you’re very welcome to look at me." Li Jing’s lips curved: "Although I suggest you sit beside me to watch, it’ll be more thorough."

Wei Jia wasn’t one to back down: "Really, I’m not one to accommodate others. Maybe you can sit beside me so I can take a good look..."

"Cough cough cough."

At this moment, Wen Lan interrupted the two again.

If it weren’t for these two’s special status, Wen Lan, constantly faced with such situations, would have stormed off by now, yet she could only appease the two bosses now.

"Alright, alright, the two of you can discuss this after dinner."

Wen Lan said helplessly, then looked at Li Jing: "President Li, the first three issues are resolved, now the last issue of the new selection—do you have any suggestions? If not, I’ll contact the deputy director to quickly find a capable actor."

"No need."

Upon hearing this question, Li Jing smiled slightly: "Regarding the second female lead, I already have a very suitable candidate in mind."