271: Chapter 271 Boss, please don't be merciful to me tonight.

Director Teng Huatao fell into deep thought.

Three million would not only solve his immediate financial crisis but also leave a sum of money for post-production promotion expenses. However, it also meant giving up a larger share.

He hesitated for a moment but still made a decision.

Compared to future share profits, current funding was the most important thing.

He looked up at Chen Fan. "If you invest three million, I can give you a 20% share."

"20% is too little. 30%," Chen Fan said.

"Mr. Chen, 30% is too much. I also have to take care of the shares for other investors. At most 22%."

"Let's make it 25%. If it works, great; if not, forget it," Chen Fan said as he leaned back on the sofa, his tone flat.

Director Teng Huatao fell silent for a few seconds, seemingly doing some quick math in his head, and then nodded. "Alright, 25% it is. I agree."

"Then prepare the contract," Chen Fan said.

Director Teng Huatao said no more and turned directly toward the door to call out, "Xiao Zhou, print another copy of the contract and bring it in. Change the amount to three million and the share to 25%."

In less than ten minutes, the girl named Xiao Zhou walked back in with two new copies of the contract.

Chen Fan opened them and read through carefully. After confirming there were no issues, he signed his name. Director Teng Huatao also signed and stamped them with the company seal.

Once everything was done, Director Teng Huatao stood up. "Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Chen."

"Pleasure doing business with you," Chen Fan said, not rushing to stand up. "By the way, Director Teng, I have a small favor to ask."

"Mr. Chen, please go ahead."

"I wonder if you have any minor female roles available that you could arrange for a friend of mine?"

"The friend you're referring to wouldn't happen to be Miss Qiao, would it?" Director Teng Huatao glanced at Qiao Linlin beside them.

Chen Fan shook his head. "Linlin is my assistant. I'm talking about another friend of mine."

"I see," Director Teng Huatao thought for a moment. "How old is your friend? Is she an acting student? Do you have a photo?"

Chen Fan pulled out his phone, scrolled to a photo of Naza, and handed it over.

Director Teng Huatao took the phone, and when he saw the photo on the screen, his eyes instantly lit up.

"Mr. Chen, this girl has excellent potential. I happen to have a role that suits her, and we haven't filmed that character's scenes yet."

"Really? Director Teng, there's no need to force it."

"No, no, no, Mr. Chen, I'm not forcing it at all." Director Teng Huatao said, his eyes still fixed on the phone. "This girl's qualities perfectly fit the role—no, she actually exceeds the requirements for this character. If she joins the cast, our movie will actually be the one benefiting."

Chen Fan nodded. "Alright, then send me the requirements for the role, and I'll have her come give it a try."

"Alright, Mr. Chen."

"Okay, that's all for today then. I won't disturb you any longer, Director Teng." Chen Fan stood up.

Director Teng Huatao stood up as well. "Mr. Chen, it's still early. Why don't I treat you and Assistant Qiao to a meal? There's a nice restaurant nearby that serves very authentic food."

"You're too kind, Director Teng. Let's do it next time. I still have some matters to handle today," Chen Fan politely declined.

"Alright, then let me see you both out."

The two of them walked out of the meeting room one after the other, heading toward the exit.

Arriving at the elevator, Chen Fan waved his hand. "Alright, Director Teng, this is far enough."

"Alright, take care, Mr. Chen."

...

After leaving Director Teng Huatao's company, the two stepped into the elevator. The doors closed, and the floor numbers began to count down.

Standing next to Chen Fan, Qiao Linlin remained silent for a few seconds before speaking up, her tone laced with jealousy. "Boss, you're really nice to that little starlet named Naza, even taking the initiative to help her find a role."

Chen Fan glanced sideways at her. "Jealous?"

"No way," Qiao Linlin's gaze fell upon the gap between the elevator doors. "How would a lowly assistant like me dare to be jealous of the boss?"

The jealousy in her words was already so obvious, yet she still stubbornly denied it.

A smile played on the corner of Chen Fan's mouth, but he didn't call her out. When the elevator doors opened, they walked out of the lobby into the bright sunlight. Walking in front, he casually added, "Alright, I have a gift for you too."

Qiao Linlin paused for a split second before quickly catching up. "Really? Boss, what gift?"

"I've bought the apartment you're currently living in. I'll transfer the title to your name once we return to Chang'an."

Qiao Linlin froze for a moment, and then her eyes lit up with excitement.

She hadn't expected Chen Fan to give her an apartment, and one worth millions at that.

She stood on her tiptoes, lightly rested her hands on his shoulders, and kissed him.

After the kiss, Qiao Linlin said passionately, "Boss, I love you so much."

"Alright, we're still outside in broad daylight. Tone it down a bit."

"I was just so moved!"

...

Chen Fan didn't reply. He pulled her a few steps toward the roadside and hailed a taxi.

The two of them sat in the back seat. Qiao Linlin held his arm, her eyes filled with sweetness.

Although his business was finished, Chen Fan planned to stay in Beijing for a day.

Since he had made the trip all the way here, how could he not look around? He could watch the flag-raising ceremony and visit the Forbidden City before heading back tomorrow. One day wouldn't make a difference.

The taxi drove through several streets and pulled up in front of a hotel not far from Tiananmen.

After Chen Fan checked in, they went to their room and put down their things. He glanced at the time; it was already one o'clock in the afternoon.

"Let's go grab some food first," Chen Fan said.

They went to Quanjude and ordered a roast duck. The chef wheeled a cart over to carve the duck, his knife skills swift and precise as he separated the skin from the meat and arranged them neatly on the plate.

Qiao Linlin picked up a piece of duck skin, dipped it in white sugar, and popped it into her mouth. After chewing a couple of times, her eyes lit up. "This is delicious."

Chen Fan rolled up a thin pancake with duck meat, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce. Taking a bite, the flavor was indeed excellent, better than any roast duck he had eaten in Chang'an.

After finishing their meal, they went to stroll around Wangfujing.

They wandered around until it grew dark, then found a restaurant for dinner. It wasn't a major establishment, just a small eatery near the entrance of a hutong that looked like it had been open for many years, but the food tasted quite good.

When they stepped outside after dinner, the streetlights were already on, bathing the entire street in a warm yellow glow.

It was already past nine in the evening when they returned to the hotel. Qiao Linlin immediately went to take a shower, while Chen Fan lay on the bed browsing his phone.

More than half an hour later, the bathroom door opened. She walked out wearing a black lace slip nightgown, her legs clad in black stockings, and her feet in high heels. She looked incredibly seductive.

She walked over to the bed, turned slightly to face him, and fixed her eyes on him. Her voice was soft and gentle. "Boss, please don't spare me tonight."

Chen Fan was no Liu Xiaohui; how could he possibly have no reaction to such a scene?

He sat up, pulled her into his arms with a sudden tug, and then kissed her gorgeous red lips.