Chapter 639 - 630: Surrounded by Reporters

Chapter 639: Chapter 630: Surrounded by Reporters

Social connections and schmoozing, although he didn’t like this kind of thing, he had no choice. After all, in this society, unless you live reclusively in the mountains or are a complete homebody, interacting with people is inevitable, only a matter of degree.

As long as it wasn’t too uncomfortable for him, he could actually tolerate the rest. After all, networking, though invisible and intangible in daily life, proved to be very useful at critical times.

Sometimes it worked even better than money, like the problem recently with Zhang Chao’s family. If it weren’t for him asking Wen Jingqi to intervene, even with money, it wouldn’t have been that easy to solve.

Now, it’s the same situation with Tang Nan. Their world doesn’t consist of just a few friends, and there are times when it’s hard to refuse those you’re close to.

Tang Nan herself knew why her friends wanted her to connect them with Su Qing; it was nothing more than for their own ambitions.

Actors sought his resources. Not to mention, "Wandering Earth" is a blockbuster now, considered a milestone in domestic sci-fi films. It’s even said that "Wandering Earth" kicked open the door to domestic science fiction.

This is quite a high evaluation, and as the investor, Su Qing naturally had an extraordinary relationship with Director Wang. Furthermore, with recent online and offline promotion, Director Wang has praised him a lot, even joking about securing an 80 million RMB investment while drinking, a story that many enjoy discussing.

They say Director Wang is the kind of person who can secure investments over a meal; after all, even an 80 million RMB deal was made while eating.

On top of that, some have heard that Su Qing wants to establish a film investment company, so they’re naturally eager to connect, even if just to have a cameo in "Wandering Earth 2".

As for directors, they see the money Su Qing controls. With "Wandering Earth" as a jewel before them, everyone knows Su Qing made quite a profit.

Of course, some people are dismissive, thinking it’s just luck and that if he starts investing, he’ll certainly lose. If losses are certain, why not give the money to me? After all, taking advantage is better than nothing!

However, Tang Nan knew these things but found it hard to reject outright, as she hadn’t completely retired from the industry yet and there were people she had to diplomatically engage with, especially those who had helped her at the start of her career. Luckily, Su Qing gave her respect.

Of course, when it came to friends like actors, she wasn’t as concerned, especially her female friends. What kind of collaboration could they have with an investor?

So mostly, she politely declined, and if she couldn’t, she’d delay. Over time, they’d understand.

In the evening, Su Qing contacted Director Wang. Both of them were in good spirits due to the movie’s success and the news that it would be extended in cinemas, exchanging laughter as they spoke.

Finally, they agreed to meet the next afternoon. Su Qing mentioned there might be others joining, also directors.

Director Wang didn’t mind at all. After all, they were all peers, and such things didn’t matter.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the capital, a man just hung up his phone, his face showing delight.

"Brother Teng, what did Little Tang say?" a man in his thirties asked.

The man referred to as Brother Teng was in his forties or fifties, with a round face and an appearance suggesting affluence.

"Little Tang said they’ve agreed, and we’ll meet tomorrow night to discuss collaboration matters."

Hearing this, the middle-aged man was excited: "That’s great! If we can secure his investment, our box office is much more assured. But Brother Teng, do you think it will work out?"

"Of course, it will. You have to know, this is a film similar to ’Wandering Earth’, with such high interest, how can it not succeed? Moreover, securing his investment not only means money but also fame. It gives us more talking points during publicity, hitting two birds with one stone."

Indeed, although the total investment in "Wandering Earth" was over three billion RMB, Su Qing only put in 80 million, not exactly the major player. But everyone knows he’s the one who ’saved’ the film, and that’s the effect of celebrity endorsement.

"Don’t worry, with sci-fi films currently so popular, there are plenty of people looking to invest. No problem at all!"

"That’s good to hear, let’s hope it’s a success."

On the following day, Tang Nan took Su Qing and his sibling, Su He, around the capital for a tour, before sending her back to school in the afternoon.

Su He had accumulated plenty of material over the past couple of days and was ready to dive into work enthusiastically.

She had managed to benefit quite a bit from Tang Nan during these past days. In terms of riding the wave of popularity, she had a natural advantage over her brother.

At five in the afternoon, Su Qing drove Shen Yi’s car to the airport, while Tang Nan sorted out the dinner arrangements and contacted the others.

Soon, Director Wang’s silhouette appeared outside the airport, the main issue being, somehow, the information leaked, and suddenly, there were reporters and paparazzi surrounding them, taking photos of Director Wang.

Luckily, over the past month or so, Director Wang had become accustomed to such instances and didn’t panic too much.

However, seeing a group of reporters gathering around him seeking an interview, he was slightly annoyed. He had already taken numerous interviews with major media outlets; these reporters were just small-timers with no significant backgrounds, trying to corner him this way.

Previously, he would’ve been quite delighted, but in this past month, his status had undergone tremendous change, so he naturally wasn’t as concerned.

In an instant, the assistants accompanying him blocked the path, and they managed to make a way through.

"Bro!"

Right then, Su Qing shouted, making Director Wang lift his head, even though the voice was slightly muffled by a mask, he recognized it immediately.

He quickly ran forward a couple of steps: "President Su, long time no see!"

"It’s only been a bit over a month. Director Wang, you’ve become successful and distant, huh?" Su Qing joked.

Wang Fan reacted: "It’s just excitement, my bad!"

As the two conversed, joking and displaying camaraderie, it immediately caught the attention of nearby journalists and paparazzi.

For them, having reliable information was fundamental, and recognizing key people vital.

Very soon, someone recognized him.

Despite the mask covering, public figures often wore masks when traveling; identifying someone wearing one was basic for them. If they couldn’t, they might as well quit being paparazzi.

"It’s Su Qing, ’Wandering Earth’s’ investor!"

"Wow, for real?"

"He really is, hurry, hurry!"

Then, to Su Qing’s surprise, a crowd of journalists swarmed over, enclosing the two of them.

"Mr. Su, as the investor, are you meeting with Director Wang to discuss plans for ’Wandering Earth 2’?"

"Will you continue investing in the second installment?"

"Is your relationship with Tang Nan real? How many relationships have you had?"

"The box office has exceeded 4 billion; do you attribute this to your keen insight, or luck?"

"..."

For a time, the flash of cameras made his eyes hurt, with microphones almost shoved into his face.

Honestly, he had never experienced such a situation in his life, and the reporters shamelessly asked about his romantic life; after all, he wasn’t some celebrity!

As for the last one, that person wasn’t just low on emotional intelligence; he was deliberately provoking him, hoping Su Qing would curse at him, which would then get amplified and become a tool for riding the trend.

Fortunately, Director Wang, experienced as he was, pulled him away to run.

...