Chapter 31

"Have you already negotiated it?" Shen Zhenghui asked.

"Of course, everything has been prepared for a long time," Fukuda Ayumi replied, "Although it's our first collaboration, the profit-sharing ratio is a bit low, and the terms are somewhat harsh, but at least the number of screens for the release is widespread. Now, it mainly depends on the promotion." She glanced at Shen Zhenghui, "By the way, if the number of viewers is too low, the number of screens might be reduced early."

"That's to be expected," Shen Zhenghui nodded.

"By the way, when did you change your name to Shen Yu?" Fukuda Ayumi asked, glancing sideways at Shen Zhenghui, "I didn't even know when I changed the lead actor."

"Stage name," Shen Zhenghui answered casually, "Don't Japanese people in the entertainment industry always change their names?"

"Ha? Are you shooting that kind of film?"

"Hmm? Only those who shoot that kind of film change their names?"

"Forget it," Fukuda Ayumi shook her head, "Anyway..."

She mumbled something that Shen Zhenghui didn't hear clearly.

"What did you say?" Shen Zhenghui asked, puzzled.

Fukuda Ayumi pursed her lips, "If you didn't hear it, forget it." Then she put on a serious face, "Since you have some free time now, pay more attention to GONZO. 'Blue 6' is a big hit, and Murahama Masashi is very interested in your 'Battle Fairy Snow Wind' project. He's eager to release the animated film next year!"

"He's that eager?" Shen Zhenghui perked up upon hearing the news.

"Good news, your Chinese employees are doing a great job and have been recognized by GONZO. Murahama Masashi hopes to increase the number of workers."

"Oh? Is that so? That's great news." Shen Zhenghui rubbed his chin.

"So, hurry back and get to work. Why do you always leave everything to us women?"

"This is to change Japan and help create a female prime minister sooner!" Shen Zhenghui answered seriously.

"What's so fun about being a prime minister?" Fukuda Ayumi retorted, expressionless.

"Is that so? How is your communication with the prime minister's daughter going?"

"You always think about these things," Fukuda Ayumi seemed a bit angry, "I work so hard, and you don't even comfort me first, just push me to give you the results."

"Uh..." Shen Zhenghui felt a bit embarrassed by the accusation.

"Forget it, I know you're like that." Fukuda Ayumi deflated, "Prime Minister Ouchi has already sent a diplomatic note to China, and the other side has agreed in principle."

"Then what are the topics?"

"Mr. Shen..." Fukuda Ayumi smiled with an unclear meaning, "Do you think your compatriots won't consider you a traitor for this?"

"You must be joking," Shen Zhenghui answered seriously, "I'm clearly working hard for the strength of my country."

"People who see the topics don't think so."

"Although it's mutually beneficial for China and Japan, in the long run, it benefits China more."

"Is that so? Why?"

"Because China is in a rising phase, while Japan is in a maintenance phase. It's obvious who benefits more."

Fukuda Ayumi decided to end this politically charged topic, "Do you want to visit Hong Kong or Taiwan?"

"Hmm? Why?" Shen Zhenghui was a bit puzzled.

"Our film will also be released in these places," Fukuda Ayumi said, "And in Southeast Asia, we are still negotiating."

"You're really impressive!" Shen Zhenghui genuinely gave Fukuda Ayumi a thumbs up, "Can we enter their market?"

"Who do you think is behind Japan? Taiwan and Hong Kong were the first to be negotiated. I thought you might be interested in investigating these two places. Taiwan is a good market, and Hong Kong has a lot of talent."

Shen Zhenghui rubbed his nose, "I value the market of 1.3 billion people the most, but we can't enter it."

Fukuda Ayumi pursed her lips, "Even Americans find it hard to enter, let alone the Japanese." She lowered her head, "So, it's even more important to visit Hong Kong. You know, Hong Kong has already returned to China, right?"

"You have a great perspective," Shen Zhenghui praised.

"Thanks to you."

"No, no, too modest," Shen Zhenghui wagged his finger, "Sometimes knowing is one thing, doing is another. Who are you planning to collaborate with in Hong Kong?"

"There are many options: Jiahe, Emperor Entertainment, and China Star. Which one do you think is best?"

Shen Zhenghui licked his lips, "What do you think?"

"Whichever accepts our investment is the best," Fukuda Ayumi said.

"Then I think we can rule out China Star. What do you think?"

"Of course, because it's your investment, not mine." Fukuda Ayumi shrugged.

"Thank you for considering the market of 1.3 billion people for me. Thank you." Shen Zhenghui shook his head, "But I don't have the money right now."

"No problem, we're all in this together." Fukuda Ayumi smiled, "If you need money, just let me know!"

At that moment, the office door was knocked on, and Liu Xin walked in.

"Finally finished shooting?" Liu Xin sneered, "There are still many things waiting for you!"

"You should thank me for letting you take charge," Shen Zhenghui rolled his eyes, "Oh, we were just talking about the animation business. Have you contacted Yan Kai about GONZO increasing the number of people?"

Liu Xin looked suspiciously at Shen Zhenghui and Fukuda Ayumi, "I did. Yan Kai said he can send forty more people."

"Is that enough?"

"If we had the money, it would never be enough." Liu Xin pursed her lips, "After 'Blue 6' was released, President Murahama was eager to start the Snow Wind project. He remade the script according to your requirements. Because there's too much content, they are still in the stage of gathering information and making models."

"There's no need to rush. It's not being released until next year. Rushing might not be good." Shen Zhenghui looked thoughtfully at Fukuda Ayumi, "It will be released after the prime minister's visit to China, right?"

"You're absolutely right."

"What are you talking about? What does this have to do with the Japanese prime minister's visit to China?" Liu Xin asked impatiently, "Now, President Murahama talks about money every day. Do you know how much we spend every day? Computer animation production is a money pit, and it's so slow."

"Once the settings are done, the formal production will be faster. Don't worry, preparation is key." Shen Zhenghui comforted her.

"What did you mean by the prime minister's visit to China?" Liu Xin was still curious.

"It's a big deal!" Fukuda Ayumi smiled, "'Snow Wind' might even be released in China."

"Really?" Liu Xin's eyes widened. As a girl, she didn't understand the romantic appeal of plane battles, so she was tired of the tedious daily management tasks.

"It's just a possibility, don't get your hopes up too high." Shen Zhenghui shook his head, "But speaking of which, the markets in Taiwan and Hong Kong are worth cultivating."

"Xin, are you interested in going to Hong Kong?" Fukuda Ayumi asked.

"Hmm?" Liu Xin's gaze moved back and forth between Shen Zhenghui and Fukuda Ayumi, "Is there something going on?"

"To make some preparations and let you go home to visit."

"That's... great." Liu Xin couldn't hide her excitement.

"Remember to come back for the premiere!" Fukuda Ayumi smiled.

"Is there even such a thing as a premiere?" Shen Zhenghui's eyes widened.

"Of course, otherwise why would we pay for Nakai Masahiro to act?"

"I thought he was there to support me."

"To be honest," Liu Xin said from the side, "Just looking at the appearance, I think it should be the opposite."

Shen Zhenghui pursed his lips.

"Congratulations, no matter what, you'll become a Japanese star!" Fukuda Ayumi said.

"I've never expected that," Shen Zhenghui rolled his eyes, "I've never expected to be a star in Japan or Korea."

"Then what do you expect?" Liu Xin asked curiously.

"I think it's better to aspire to a status like Miyazaki Hayao and Kurosawa Akira rather than to become a star." Shen Zhenghui said seriously.

"Kurosawa Akira?" Fukuda Ayumi squinted, "You have big ambitions!"

"Thank you for not calling me arrogant." Shen Zhenghui blinked.

"When can we go to Hong Kong and then to Pengcheng?"

"I'll prepare, it will take about a week," Fukuda Ayumi said.

"During this time, I should also go back to GONZO to check things out," Shen Zhenghui shrugged, "As the boss, I should care about my subordinates."

"Only now you think of it?" Liu Xin pouted.

"You're also a boss. You can care about things normally, and I'll step in at critical moments."

"What do you mean by 'critical moments'?" Liu Xin pouted.

"Success with 'Blue 6'. If we can follow up with another popular work, the company's status will immediately rise." Shen Zhenghui waved his hand, "This will give us a good start. You know, the competition in Japanese animation is fierce."

"Tch," Liu Xin mumbled, "They're all other people's companies."

"Don't say that. What's the most valuable in the 21st century? — Talent!" Shen Zhenghui said seriously, "GONZO is helping us cultivate talent. It's acceptable to take a loss in the early stages."

"Hmph!"

"Right, contact Yan Kai quickly. We need to take more of these losses and get more people over."

"It's already being prepared, but the visas are hard to arrange," Liu Xin replied.

Shen Zhenghui looked at Fukuda Ayumi, "You need to figure this out. Can't you set up some kind of headquarters training program?"

"You're really a heartless capitalist!"

"Too much praise, too much praise." Shen Zhenghui answered shamelessly.

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