Chapter 1395 724: Mixing Public and Private Affairs

The two women, Sun and Wu, didn't return until about nine o'clock in the evening, which made Chen Feng, the boss, feel a bit guilty.

After all, he spent the day enjoying himself while they were working tirelessly in the office for him.

So, when they came back, Chen Feng sincerely said to them, "You don't have to work so hard. Try not to work overtime in the future."

Wu Mengting smiled and said, "Today, the new project just got initiated, so there's a lot to do, which is why we worked late. Under normal circumstances, we wouldn't work overtime."

Chen Feng asked, "What about the next few days? Will you still have to work overtime?"

Wu Mengting said, "We'll definitely need to work overtime for a few more days until the new project is officially established and the framework of the crew is successfully set up. Only then can we relax."

Chen Feng said somewhat reluctantly, "There's no need to rush like this, right? We don't need to hurry."

Wu Mengting smiled and said, "It's not about rushing or not. At the beginning, it's essential for us to steer the direction properly. As the producer, I need to sort out and arrange specific tasks, and plan the division of work. This can't be done slowly. If I'm slow, everyone else's work will slow down too."

Chen Feng shook his head and said, "I just fear you are too tired, not coming back for lunch, and still working late into the evening."

"Thank you, boss, for your concern."

Chen Feng's words were indeed warm-hearted, which Wu Mengting appreciated. She smiled and said, "After I sort out and arrange all tasks in the next few days, it will be more relaxed. Besides, this work is not very tiring for me."

Chen Feng nodded slightly and said, "As long as you know what you're doing, if you can't keep up, you can hire an assistant to help."

"No need for that. After all, I'm the initiator and producer of this new project. Some things must be done personally by me, and for other tasks, Little Rui and my secretary are enough to assist."

Chen Feng nodded and then changed the topic, saying, "Qipeng Media wants to participate in the investment for this project. I've agreed, and they will invest ten million."

"Qipeng Media?" Wu Mengting slightly frowned, "Isn't that Tang Xinyi's company?"

Chen Feng nodded, "Yes. She has a good relationship with Tao Yaoyang, and knows me too, so I need to give her some face. Besides, who else should we give the investment to, if not her?"

Wu Mengting said, "Star Media wants to invest forty million, thanks to Tao Yaoyang's connections. It seems Tao Yaoyang has significant influence."

Chen Feng laughed, "He certainly does, but Star Media is only willing to invest at most fifteen million. This is based on our previous cooperation. No need to ask for more. You can decide on the other investment shares. Of course, our company needs to be the major shareholder and lead."

Wu Mengting smiled slightly and said, "What about your personal assistant? Last time, she invested five million and made a double profit. Hasn't she approached you this time?"

She was referring to Jin Xinyan, who invested five million in 'Green Jade Case.' After it was sold, she not only recovered her initial investment but made more than two million.

Once 'Green Jade Case' was popular, she sold the second round of broadcasting rights and earned a lot, making her one of the investors who doubled her profit.

But this time, for 'Flowers in the Spring,' Jin Xinyan didn't approach Chen Feng for investment. Chen Feng was puzzled but decided against allowing her to invest again.

Otherwise, not only would Wu Mengting have opinions, but Lu Sijia would too, as it would seem like simply giving money to Jin Xinyan personally, which is unclear between public and private interests.

Moreover, now that Jin Xinyan is his personal assistant, her participating in company projects as a private person seems inappropriate.

Besides, regarding women, you can't just satisfy them once. If you always accommodate them, it becomes hard to manage, and might make them greedier.

Therefore, Chen Feng simply said, "This time, we won't consider her. Even if she asks, I won't agree."

This answer satisfied Wu Mengting, and she nodded with a smile, "Then it's settled. I'm planning to offer the remaining shares to some companies with potential cast members, otherwise we might not be able to hire those skilled actors."

"That shouldn't be the case. 'Green Jade Case' is so popular now; I believe few actors in the country could refuse to star in your second TV series."

"The thing is, I can't simply give away the most important roles. So, hiring skilled actors outside these companies, at most for significant supporting roles, would require us to suppress their salaries, which they might not agree to. That's why investment shares are needed as leverage to get the respective companies to agree."

"Who are you considering for the male lead? Our company currently has three male actors, none seem quite suitable."

Chen Feng had already read the script for 'Flowers in the Spring' where the male lead is a handsome uncle in his thirties, a middle-aged scholar.

First of all, He Hongpeng, the male lead of 'Green Jade Case,' is unsuitable—not only because he just starred in 'Green Jade Case,' but also because his tall, masculine appearance doesn't fit the scholarly role, and his age isn't quite right.

As for Gong Yi and Zhang Hang, both are young idols, unsuitable in age and lacking the scholarly aura and the carefree and resolute temperament of the male lead.

Wu Mengting said, "The male lead is basically designed according to Qi Jie's model, but Qi Jie has already collaborated with Yang Ziyin on two TV series, doing another wouldn't be appropriate. Moreover, his current salary is much higher than Yang Ziyin's, making it not cost-effective to hire him.

Our company currently has three signed male artists, none of whom are suitable for this role. However, we can't just give away the male lead role; I think it would be better to follow the 'Green Jade Case' casting approach and conduct an open recruitment."

"Isn't that more time-consuming?"

"Spending some time is necessary. Like He Hongpeng, after signing with us, he skyrocketed. Before starring in 'Green Jade Case,' he was at most a minor role, having no fame. But now, he's barely stepping into the second tier, has signed three commercial endorsements, and made a lot of money for our company."

"Alright, you make the decision."

"Then I'll release the information tomorrow; there should be many actors coming for the audition. Would you like to be there to help with the interviews?"

"I won't go. I trust your judgment."

Chen Feng currently has little interest in work, let alone choosing a male lead. Besides, he's even less motivated since it's not the female lead.