CHAPTER 199: CHAPTER 199: PETTY MEN TRIUMPHANT

Choose? What is there to choose?!

Tian Xiang was speechless, turned over in bed, and didn’t want to pay him any mind.

Meng Cheng’an snuggled up and hugged her, "What’s wrong? Don’t you want to return to work? Isn’t this gift I’m giving you good enough?"

Tian Xiang: "If you handed the money directly to me, I’d be happy."

Right now, it’s too difficult.

Meng Cheng’an: "I just don’t want you to be envious of others."

Especially those who used to be beneath her.

Tian Xiang vaguely knew who he was referring to. He saw her watching Chang Wan’s TV series that one time.

She felt a bit melancholic and he noticed it.

Tian Xiang: "Where did this money come from?"

His magazine made some money, but it couldn’t possibly be this much.

Meng Cheng’an felt a bit embarrassed mentioning it, having tapped into family assets.

Tian Xiang: "If you won’t tell me, I’ll ask Grandpa."

This was such a big thing, and he definitely discussed it with the old man without telling her.

Meng Cheng’an: "Bought a couple of antiques."

Tian Xiang, upon hearing this, felt angry again.

Is he already on the path of a spendthrift?

Inevitably affecting her, she couldn’t say much.

Tian Xiang: "Let’s sleep first, I need to think it over."

She needed to sort it out thoroughly.

She was the protagonist, had to find a way to turn things around.

Meng Cheng’an felt a little anxious.

"You’re not happy?"

With this huge pressure, how could I be happy?

Tian Xiang: "Can those investments bring the money back?"

Meng Cheng’an chuckled, "No."

Tian Xiang sighed silently, then embraced his neck and kissed him on the lips, "Thank you, I’m so thrilled."

The grand journey paved with money awaits me.

Meng Cheng’an breathed a sigh of relief and hugged his wife tightly.

"Xiangxiang, as long as you’re happy, nothing else matters."

Alright, a man with a ’spoiled wife’ label really is this irrational.

Tian Xiang patted his shoulder, "Sleep."

...

The next day, Meng Cheng’an handed Tian Xiang the investment documents for the film studio. Though it was his money, it was in Tian Xiang’s name.

Along with a few deposit slips, totaling over five million.

Most of this money was stored in external banks under Meng Zhi’s name.

Because Meng Zhi has her own gallery outside, it’s easier for deposits and conversions.

Meng Cheng’an’s intention was for her to select some actors she liked, prepare first, and he would find someone to negotiate, eventually bringing in both director and actors for her comeback show.

Before having kids, Tian Xiang intended to return to work early and regain that old feeling.

But now, she no longer felt that way.

Tian Xiang flipped through a few novels she had read during pregnancy again and put them aside, then asked Meng Cheng’an to invite Liu Jun and Director Li from the studio for a visit, as she wanted to understand the current situation better.

Given that Tian Xiang was now the biggest shareholder of the studio, once she called, both Liu Jun and Director Li dropped their work to come over.

After understanding the current situation, Tian Xiang sighed deeply.

Much worse than she imagined.

No wonder they resorted to attracting foreign investment; it seemed it was really struggling.

Even though Liu Jun was quite a known director within the country these years, having won awards and made decent films, compared to the currently popular Hong Kong films, it’s just a dud.

Let alone the depth or artistry of his works, they’re not even watched, regardless of quality, failing to spread.

The market had evolved into such a state, yet Liu Jun didn’t realize change was needed, stubbornly stuck to old methods, causing his works to increasingly lack viewers.

Tian Xiang told Liu Jun to halt production and go out to learn.

Liu Jun was somewhat unwilling, claiming that those works are too entertaining, merely pleasing people, with no real significance.

Tian Xiang wanted to say, didn’t you pick pretty faces for strong viewing appeal back when you acted?

The man just didn’t want to admit defeat.

Anyway, given the studio’s major events were under Tian Xiang’s control, he had to go whether he liked it or not.

Tian Xiang: "I’ll have someone help connect with film companies over there; you prepare, and we’ll notify you when there’s news."

Liu Jun nodded sullenly.

Leaving the Meng Family house, Director Li noticed Liu Jun looking unhappy and advised him, "Rare is Tian Xiang willing to give you an opportunity, you should be thankful, don’t waste it!"

Liu Jun looked at Director Li, puzzled.

Director Li smiled and stopped hiding from him, revealing Meng Cheng’an’s prior investment in their side.

More than a million in investments wasn’t given for free; Meng Cheng’an proposed multiple conditions, one being to switch directors, appointing one externally.

The studio was still state-owned, so Liu Jun wouldn’t lose his job, but future development spaces were definitely limited.

Liu Jun stood dumbfounded.

To think he liked and regarded Meng Cheng’an highly, yet Meng Cheng’an showed no mercy, even wanting him replaced.

Liu Jun felt a bit heartbroken.

Director Li patted his shoulder again, "They spent so much money, naturally unwilling to waste it. However, Tian Xiang intends to cultivate you well, so don’t disappoint her."

Liu Jun didn’t know quite what to say, still immersed in sadness without the ability to snap out.

At this moment, a car pulled up before them.

Chang Wan rolled down the window to greet the two, "Director Liu, Director Li."

Since that incident where Chang Wan grabbed the lead role from Pang Meiqi, cooperation between her and Liu Jun had ceased. After graduation, Chang Wan went to work at another film studio. But in the same industry, it’s inevitable to hear about each other, especially when they’re so familiar.

Chang Wan had been doing pretty well these two years. Although her studio also faced impacts, its fast response catered to the market, emulating Hong Kong with action or supernatural mystery films and shows.

Though the quality couldn’t match theirs, enough to gather some audience.

This practically made Chang Wan’s influence increasingly greater domestically.

Recently, Chang Wan was very much in the spotlight, already a key actress at her studio. Though her pay hadn’t increased much, her temper certainly had, holding sway in the office, unmatched in her industry.

Chang Wan, proud, Liu Jun desolate.

Upon this encounter, Chang Wan was inevitably going to actively greet them, letting those who once looked down on her see her now glorious self.

Director Liu and Director Li chuckled awkwardly, their expressions subtle.

Having achieved her goal, Chang Wan quickly signaled Lu Feng to drive off.

As she left, Director Liu and Director Li exchanged glances, unable to speak, merely silent.

Director Li patted Liu Jun’s shoulder again, "The world’s unfeeling. Cherish this opportunity to learn."

Meanwhile, Lu Feng parked the car at the Chang’s residence but didn’t rush to get out, telling Chang Wan: "Actually, no need for all that earlier; showing concern only appears petty."

Though Lu Feng wanted to say ’small-minded,’ it offended him too; he didn’t dare.