184: Chapter 184 Maria's Efficiency!
Maria took a deep breath and asked with sparkling eyes, "Boss, you aren't secretly dating Ms. Monica, are you?"
After speaking, Maria stared intently at Shen Zhou's eyes, seemingly prepared to use her knowledge of psychology to determine if Shen Zhou would lie next.
"As for dating, it hasn't reached that point yet, but our relationship is indeed quite good."
"Besides, I went to see a movie with Monica tonight, though this information likely won't easily appear in the news media."
Shen Zhou was well aware of this.
After all, Monica represented the face of the Ancient Roman Royal Family.
And the career Monica was currently engaged in was also very important.
Such speculative matters that neither party had admitted to would absolutely not be reported casually.
Even if a tabloid reporter had been lucky enough to snap a picture of him and Monica watching a movie.
It is estimated that once sent back to the newspaper office, no one would dare to report it.
Although the Ancient Roman Royal Family did not have much autonomy in military matters.
Their influence throughout Europe was not weak in the slightest.
"Right, Maria, I actually do have something to discuss with you."
Shen Zhou took a gentle sip of the black tea that Vicente had specially had a maid bring up.
"Boss, please give your orders."
Maria immediately put away her gossip-loving expression and became serious.
"I am planning to start a company specifically for investment, though the first phase's goal is to invest in various large-scale film projects. What do you think about this?"
Shen Zhou wanted to hear Maria's thoughts.
After all, Maria had once managed financial portfolios for multiple top wealthy individuals.
Whether in terms of work capability or breadth of thinking, Maria far exceeded him.
"Boss, the current development trend of the global entertainment industry is very good."
"Also, I have some experience in the early preparation work for films; I have previously followed several large-scale film projects as an investor representative."
Maria seriously recounted her resume again.
Of course, this time she focused on her film-related resume.
This immediately made Shen Zhou feel quite pleasantly surprised.
"That's great, then I will leave this matter to you for the time being."
"I hope you can find good film projects, and of course, if you need any help, you can contact me at any time."
Shen Zhou breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
He was not a professional in the film industry, so naturally, he did not want to easily interfere with work in that field.
And he had long ago used a loyalty card on Maria.
Therefore, there was naturally no need to worry about Maria's loyalty.
Moreover, with her loyalty maxed out, if Maria truly lacked relevant work experience in the film industry, she would absolutely not have boasted in front of Shen Zhou.
Sure enough, a few days later, after completing some preliminary preparatory work, Maria came to Shen Zhou again to report on her work.
"Boss, I have found a very suitable investment target; that person is Chinese, named Zhao Pengju."
"This Zhao Pengju once studied abroad in the USA, and his major was completely relevant to the film and television industry."
"Furthermore, after this Mr. Zhao Pengju graduated with his master's degree, he worked at several large entertainment groups."
"Later, after accumulating connections, he opened his own investment company in China, and currently, his company is seeking Series A financing."
Maria had found a very suitable investment target.
And this target's level of professionalism in the field of film investment was even higher than hers.
This was also the most satisfactory answer she had delivered to Shen Zhou within these few days.
As she spoke, Maria also handed over the relevant information on Zhao Pengju.
At this time, Shen Zhou began to examine it carefully.
Looking closely, Mr. Zhao Pengju's work experience went without saying, and his educational background was also very prestigious.
"Boss, it is actually not easy for us to start a suitable investment company in a rush at the moment."
"Moreover, the relevant professionals capable of operating in the investment field all have their own territories."
"Therefore, we must find a suitable investment candidate, and this Zhao Pengju is a very good target."
"However, this gentleman is always proud and arrogant; if I were to approach him, I am afraid he might not be very satisfied. It would be best if you could go see him in person."
Maria carefully made the suggestion once again.
After thinking for a moment, Shen Zhou ultimately made the decision on the spot.
"Let's go; after all, this is a talent, and it is worth me going to see him in person."
"It just so happens it's time for me to return to the country; you will come with me this time."
Shen Zhou immediately asked Maria to book first-class tickets, and took the two women, Xue Shuangshuang and Juliana, back to the country together.
After returning to the country, Xue Shuangshuang continued to carry out international flight missions, and after staying in China for two days, Juliana returned to Hollywood to continue filming.
On the other side, Shen Zhou simply had a detective investigate Zhao Pengju's background, and finally, through a professional international headhunter, the two parties quickly arranged to meet at a coffee shop.
Before Shen Zhou arrived, Zhao Pengju was already waiting at the agreed-upon location.
Zhao Pengju was not old, only in his thirties.
And at this moment, he was dressed in a suit and leather shoes, looking calm and composed, making one feel, upon meeting him, that he was a trustworthy guy.
It is worth mentioning that he deliberately wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses.
But his long-term, rich experience left him with absolutely no air of being a refined scumbag.
Instead, it made this guy look more like a true businessman.
Shen Zhou walked towards him with Maria.
After carefully scrutinizing them, Zhao Pengju quickly stood up and respectfully extended his right hand.
"You must be Mr. Shen, I am Zhao Pengju. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to meet."
Zhao Pengju spoke very politely.
In fact, a high-level talent like him did not really need to be so servile in front of Shen Zhou.
But this guy cherished every opportunity he encountered.
Moreover, he had long since learned through background checks about Shen Zhou's major maneuvers in Europe.
Therefore, he did not doubt for a second whether Shen Zhou could provide enough capital to invest in him.
When treating a financial backer, his attitude was always very respectful.
"Mr. Zhao, you are too polite; this meeting is an opportunity for both of us."
Maria pulled out a chair for Shen Zhou, and Shen Zhou sat down with a smile.
Then, Maria followed suit and sat down next to Shen Zhou.
This Zhao Pengju had been extremely respectful upon first meeting, but after sitting down, he instantly switched to a confident demeanor.
"Mr. Shen, this must be Ms. Maria. I have heard that Ms. Maria is one of the executives at the Swiss Bank."
Zhao Pengju was also flattering Maria.