193: Chapter 193 Zhou Xingxing's Big Project!
In fact, after Shen Zhou decided to invest in Zhao Pengju's investment company, the firm made several moves in the film industry.
This sparked considerable discussion within the industry.
However, Zhao Pengju had been hesitant to invest in Stephen Chow's new project, especially since the required funding was so massive.
Even Maria had heard about it.
But she didn't expect that Shen Zhou, who was currently in Dubai, would make such a quick decision upon hearing about it.
As it turned out, within half an hour of Maria reaching out, Shen Zhou received a phone call from Stephen Chow.
"Mr. Shen, thank you very much for your trust in me. However, out of responsibility for your investment, I would still like to personally introduce this project to you."
On the other end of the line, Stephen Chow's Mandarin wasn't standard, but he was doing his best to slow down his speech to show his respect for Shen Zhou.
Shen Zhou smiled and did not interrupt.
Once Stephen Chow finished introducing his project again, Shen Zhou felt even more satisfied.
It was clear that the current Director Zhou was still the same Stephen Chow as before; he hadn't completely lost himself in the film industry.
Just as the rumors said, many of his demanding habits were all for the sake of making his movies better.
"Mr. Shen, your appearance has truly saved me from a dire situation!"
"In the last couple of years, too many domestic sci-fi movies have flopped. Many investors don't even dare to touch this field."
"Of course, this is also because the funding required for this project is so massive, and no one has ever dared to invest so heavily in a single film."
In the end, Stephen Chow still spoke very bluntly about the film's issues and the attitude many industry insiders had toward it.
Although he was desperate for Shen Zhou's investment, Stephen Chow was very upright; he didn't want to waste an investor's money recklessly.
"Director Zhou, you really are the person I remember."
"Then I'll be blunt. The reason I'm investing so much is primarily because I think very highly of you personally."
"Of course, I've also looked into this project carefully, and I'm equally looking forward to its prospects."
"And finally, the most important thing is that I really want to see domestic sci-fi films continue to move forward."
Shen Zhou laughed it off; he certainly wouldn't reveal his true motives.
But these few sincere points alone were enough to move Stephen Chow on the other end of the line to tears.
Out of all the reasons Shen Zhou gave, he only took one to heart: that Shen Zhou trusted him implicitly.
"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Shen. All I can say is that Director Cameron and I will give it our all and won't let you down."
Stephen Chow replied with extreme solemnity from the other end of the line.
"Let's leave it at that then, Director Zhou. Let's find a time to discuss this in detail."
Shen Zhou immediately proposed.
After all, for such a major project, they naturally had to meet in person to discuss the details.
Many of the details would also need to be negotiated slowly.
"Of course, Mr. Shen. I'm available anytime; it just depends on when it's convenient for you."
Stephen Chow's attitude was very clear.
After all, Shen Zhou had already revealed over the phone that he could fully fund the entire project by himself.
"Then how about in two days? I'll come find you, Director Zhou. I also happen to want to see your daily working environment."
A sudden surge of curiosity rose within Shen Zhou; he was indeed looking forward to seeing the filmmaking process.
Even though he had interacted with Chen Xiaoran many times, she had previously filmed TV dramas, and there should be a difference between filming dramas and movies.
Not to mention, Stephen Chow's project was different from others.
According to media reports, everyone said Stephen Chow was a true tyrant on set.
"It's a pity the project hasn't been finalized yet, so I probably won't be able to verify that just yet, but I can still go to Hong Kong to broaden my horizons."
Thinking of this, Shen Zhou became even more expectant.
Having agreed on a time, Zhao Pengju met Shen Zhou at the Capital Airport.
Then, the two of them traveled together to Hong Kong.
In the first-class cabin of the plane, Zhao Pengju sat next to Shen Zhou and couldn't help but advise:
"Boss, I know you aren't short on money, but the prospects for this project are really quite uncertain."
"I suggest you wait and see a bit longer, or perhaps invest a little less."
Zhao Pengju wasn't worried about Shen Zhou wasting money; he was only worried that if they followed Shen Zhou's wishes and injected capital into that film project through the investment company...
If the film project lost money, the development of the entire investment company could be at risk.
"Don't worry, this project isn't as bad as you think."
"Besides, in the film industry, even if the box office isn't great, as long as you have enough connections and relationships, it's impossible for this project to lose money."
A meaningful smile appeared on Shen Zhou's face.
Of course, this was just an excuse he used to brush off Zhao Pengju.
This way, he wouldn't have to deal with this guy being paranoid every day, worrying about the future development of the investment company.
"Is that how it works?"
Zhao Pengju was suddenly a bit uncertain.
Although he had begun to deal with the entertainment industry, he was, after all, just a newcomer who had only recently dived in.
He hadn't come into contact with many of the industry's inside secrets at all.
Furthermore, at his level, he still needed time to gradually accumulate experience.
Soon, the two arrived in Hong Kong. Just as they got off the plane, they saw Stephen Chow personally leading his staff to welcome them at the exit.
"Mr. Shen, I've finally met you. Thank you so much for your trust in me."
Stephen Chow stepped forward to greet them and gave Shen Zhou a firm handshake.
His eyes were full of gratitude and excitement.
Over the past few days, he had also inquired about Shen Zhou's information and had learned about his background and even his history of spending money like water.
So, he never doubted whether Shen Zhou had enough funds to invest in his project.
And for a true tycoon to remain so firm in his investment when faced with a movie that industry insiders were skeptical about...
Because of this, Stephen Chow never doubted that Shen Zhou was a genuine fan of his.
"Director Zhou, I've watched every movie you've ever made. To have the honor of participating in your new project now is truly my pleasure."
The group arrived at Stephen Chow's studio, and Shen Zhou spoke with a similarly solemn expression.
By this time, Stephen Chow's hair had long since turned grey, but he still insisted on wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses.
Although his figure appeared somewhat thinner and slightly hunched, those eyes still remained very bright.
"Director Zhou, is Director Cameron not here?"
After everyone was seated, Zhao Pengju couldn't help but frown and ask.