46: The future of the online drama market!

As the red light on the camera went out and the interview ended, Li Yang smiled and bid farewell to Chen Le.

"Thank you for sharing, Director Chen!"

Chen Le left the cafe and returned to the company.

He had just arrived at the office.

When Zhang Li found Chen Le.

"What is it, Manager Zhang?" Chen Le asked, looking at Zhang Li in confusion.

"Mr. Chen, the box office profit-sharing report for 'lost on journey' is out."

"It's out? How much money is it?" Chen Le immediately asked.

"It's like this; here is the box office sharing report. Let me give you a brief overview. The box office for 'lost on journey' was seventy million. After sharing with the theaters... and deducting various costs and taxes, our final share comes to 25.77 million."

After listening to Zhang Li's explanation, Chen Le nodded.

Although a large portion went to the theaters, he was very satisfied to still have over twenty-five million in hand.

After all, his initial investment was only five million, and now it had increased fivefold.

If his next movie also had a high rate of return and this money quadrupled or quintupled again, becoming a billionaire would be just around the corner.

Speaking of copying movies, Chen Le suddenly remembered many hit web dramas from his past life.

The money-making potential of those web dramas was far greater than movies; as long as they were produced, they would be huge hits.

It was only 2010 now, and the copyrights for many hit dramas from his past life were currently worth very little.

For instance, works like Ghost Blows Out the Light, The Grave Robbers' Chronicles, The Journey of Flower, Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, and so on—the film and television adaptation rights for these novel-based dramas aren't worth much yet. If he went to buy them, he could get them for a modest price.

Thinking of this, Chen Le looked at Zhang Li.

Seeing this, Zhang Li was stunned for a moment, and then she heard Chen Le speak.

"Manager Zhang, I have something I need you to do."

"What is it, Mr. Chen?" Zhang Li asked.

"I'll give you a list of novels in a moment. Go and acquire the copyrights for the titles on this list. Buy them outright if possible; if not, at least secure the film and television adaptation rights." Chen Le instructed Zhang Li carefully, telling her she must remember this.

After hearing Chen Le's instructions, Zhang Li nodded with a serious expression.

Although she didn't know why Chen Le wanted to buy novel copyrights, as an employee, she just did whatever the boss said.

Afterward, Chen Le returned to his office, tried his best to recall which web dramas were hits in his past life, organized the ones he needed to buy into a document, and sent it to Zhang Li.

After arranging the copyright purchases, Chen Le thought of Yang Mi.

Then he called Yang Mi.

After all, Yang Mi had a share in the profits from 'lost on journey'.

Although Yang Mi hadn't asked for it, he couldn't act as if it didn't exist.

Once the call connected, Chen Le chatted with Yang Mi about daily life and asked how she had been lately.

"Mi Mi, how have you been lately?"

"Mhm, pretty good. Old Chen, how about you?" Yang Mi asked with a smile.

"I just did an interview today for the 'Film Art' journal," Chen Le said truthfully.

Yang Mi's eyes lit up when she heard that Chen Le had been interviewed by 'Film Art'.

She knew about this journal; it was very famous in the industry. So, she asked curiously, "Old Chen, you're amazing! How did they interview you? Tell me about it."

"They just asked me some questions. Let me tell you..." As he spoke, Chen Le briefly recounted the interview process to Yang Mi.

"Old Chen, that's too funny. Wasn't your original intention just to make money?" Yang Mi rolled her eyes; she didn't believe for a second that Chen Le's goal was to bring everyone happiness.

"By the way, the box office profit-sharing data for 'lost on journey' is out. After taxes and various costs, 25.77 million will be credited to the account." Chen Le changed the subject and mentioned the arrival of the box office share.

Yang Mi was stunned for a moment after hearing Chen Le's words.

"How much? 25.77 million? Old Chen, is this for real?" Yang Mi's voice carried a hint of unbelievable pleasant surprise.

Chen Le smiled and nodded, saying, "Yeah, we really made a lot this time."

Yang Mi said with emotion, "Old Chen, you're truly amazing!"

Afterward, Chen Le asked about Yang Mi's financial situation.

Although Yang Mi's family was well-off, they weren't the type who could just pull out a million yuan on a whim.

The million she gave last year was likely most of the money she had.

Thinking this, he asked with concern, "Are you short on money lately? Do you want me to transfer some to you?"

Yang Mi laughed upon hearing this and said, "No need, no need, Old Chen. I'm not short on money right now. I want to keep my money with you and let you help me make it grow.

It's been less than a year, and our initial two million has already increased tenfold. If we leave it for another year, do you think it could increase tenfold again?"

"It's hard to say. Maybe it can, maybe it'll be even more, or of course, maybe we'll lose it all, haha," Chen Le laughed.

"Hmph, if you lose it, then you'll have to give yourself to me," Yang Mi snorted playfully, pretending to be fierce.

After chatting with Yang Mi, Chen Le went to book a private room at a restaurant.

Then he called Baoqiang, Teacher Songwen, and Gang Zi, inviting them to dinner.

After all, the movie's success was also thanks to their contributions.

"Hello, Teacher Songwen, are you free tonight? I'm treating you, Baoqiang, and the others to dinner." Chen Le's voice carried a hint of a smile.

Zhang Songwen was taken aback for a moment, then laughed, "Oh, Director Chen is treating? Then I'm definitely free!"

Next, Chen Le called Gang Zi and Wang Baoqiang. Upon hearing Chen Le's invitation, they both readily agreed.

That evening, the group arrived at the agreed-upon restaurant.

The restaurant's decor was very luxurious, with soft and warm lighting.

Chen Le led everyone into the private room.

After taking their seats, he said with a smile, "Everyone, order whatever you want and eat your fill. It's on me today."

At that moment, Gang Zi said with a laugh, "Quick, order some dishes. It's rare for Old Chen to treat, so I'm going to empty his wallet this time."

Gang Zi's words immediately livened up the atmosphere, and any lingering sense of restraint vanished.

Everyone ordered a table full of dishes together.

At the table, everyone raised their glasses in a toast, and the atmosphere was very lively.

Chen Le picked up his glass, looked at Gang Zi and the others with a smile, and said, "The success of this movie is inseparable from everyone's joint efforts. I toast to you all!"

Afterward, Zhang Songwen, Baoqiang, and the others also raised their glasses and drained them in one gulp.

"Baoqiang, haven't you been participating in a lot of variety shows lately? How does it feel?"

Chen Le looked at Wang Baoqiang and asked about his recent situation.

Wang Baoqiang smiled and said, "Boss, I feel pretty good. There are even quite a few people wanting to cast me in movies lately."

Chen Le nodded and said, "Good. Now is exactly the time when you need more exposure. Higher popularity will lead to better roles."

Chen Le didn't tie Wang Baoqiang down too tightly; if he could get roles, it would be good for him to act and improve himself.

Then, Chen Le looked at Zhang Songwen.

Seeing this, Zhang Songwen also said with a smile, "There are quite a few scripts coming my way lately. I'm in the process of choosing."