Chapter Seventy-Seven: Little Zhu

Zhu Yangyang stood at the entrance of the police station, holding the household registration book he had stolen from home, his face full of hesitation.

Was he really going to change his name?

From now on, Brother Yangyang would become Brother Jingjing?

That wasn’t such a big deal, but the real question was, after becoming Brother Jingjing, would the film ever get made?

Zhu Yangyang felt indignant.

Wang Jing was known for absurd comedy, and his luck was as fat as a pig’s head. Zhu himself was into absurd comedy, but he didn’t even have a single pig hair’s worth of luck.

Was it just because Wang Jing had three suns in his name, and he only had two?

Was the gap between two and three suns really that huge?

He had completed the script for "Ghost Catcher Inventor" back in college, refining it over and over for years.

Sometimes he’d even dream of scenes from the film.

He’d already mapped out the fragments, decided which camera angles to use, how to storyboard, and how to direct the actors.

He knew exactly how to posture when throwing a tantrum! And how to turn a few words at the wrap party into a long-winded, stinky speech!

He was ready in every way, so why hadn’t the money come?

The project had been up for funding for nearly six months, but still sat at a pitiful ten percent.

Truth be told, Zhu Yangyang didn’t even have ten percent of the funds—just a small apartment worth 450,000.

If things got really critical, he could bite the bullet and use it.

Should he change his name?

If he did, he’d have three suns in his name, more than Wang Jing!

He’d be the top of the top on QQ, shining brighter than Pigsy’s head!

Through the glass door, the policewoman had already glanced at him three times, suspicion in her eyes—was she wondering if he was scoping out the station?

He prayed she wouldn’t overthink it. He was just a nobody, an obscure small-time director.

Zhu Yangyang gritted his teeth, stomped his foot, steeled himself, and was about to stride inside.

Suddenly, his phone rang.

He froze, then hesitated before answering.

"Hello, is this Director Zhu Yangyang?"

---

Zhu paused, wary, "Who are you?"

He decided to check the caller’s identity first. If it was a debt collector, he’d hang up and vanish for forty-eight hours.

"My name is Liu Shanshan, I’m the personal secretary to Mr. Gao Ning. Mr. Gao saw your funding report and is interested in your submitted script, 'Ghost Catcher Inventor.' I wonder if Mr. Zhu has time to come over for a chat?

Mr. Gao would like to meet you!"

Zhu’s lips trembled, "G-G-Gao Ning? An independent investor?"

"Director Zhu, you could say so."

Zhu jumped three feet high, shouting, "Yes, absolutely, I have time! Miss Liu, give me an address and I’ll come right away. Rest assured, I have all the documents with me!

As long as Mr. Gao invests, anything he’s not satisfied with, I’ll change on the spot, guaranteed to please!"

Liu Shanshan seemed unsurprised by Zhu’s enthusiasm, calmly reciting the address and setting a meeting time.

An hour later, in a business suite at the five-star Wharton Hotel, Liu Shanshan led Zhu to meet Gao Ning, who was sipping tea.

Gao, dressed casually, lounged on the sofa. On the coffee table, a laptop played a film analysis video.

"Mr. Gao, this is Director Zhu," Liu Shanshan introduced.

As Gao Ning turned his gaze, Zhu rushed over, beaming, grabbing Gao’s hand and shaking it vigorously.

"Mr. Gao, it’s an honor to meet you! I’m Zhu Yangyang, just call me Zhu!"

"Hello, please, sit," Gao said, pulling his hand back with some effort, a peculiar look in his eyes.

Was this guy really a director?

In just one hour, Zhu had groomed himself from head to toe.

Clearly hoping to leave an artistic impression on the investor, he’d somehow acquired a traditional robe and donned a half-gray wig.

On a celebrity, this outfit would exude immortal charm, but on an ordinary, chubby man, it was just comical.

Especially when Zhu had rushed over—his wig slipped, the fringe now askew.

Noticing Gao’s gaze, Zhu smiled awkwardly and pulled off the wig.

"Well, I just wanted to soak up some artistic atmosphere!"

Gao Ning stifled a laugh, nodding repeatedly, "I understand, I understand."

He gestured to Liu Shanshan, who nodded and stepped out. Two waiters then wheeled in a food cart.

---

Zhu didn’t understand, but didn’t dwell on it, and asked, "May I ask which film company Mr. Gao is affiliated with?"

"None at the moment. But if your film turns out well, that might change."

Zhu was shocked—so this really was an independent investor?

He had thought some mid-level executive from a film company was moonlighting.

Investors with only money and no resources had far less impact on a film's success.

Zhu’s previously smooth smile stiffened.

Gao Ning lifted his hand.

Liu Shanshan stepped forward and opened two cases on the cart, revealing rows of red bills.

Zhu’s eyes widened.

"Don’t misunderstand, I’m just showing my sincerity. Each case holds two million, four million in total.

If you can basically satisfy me, I’ll give you the money upfront. During filming, I won’t interfere at all.

Except for a three-person financial team, I won’t meddle in anything else.

If any trouble arises during shooting, and the reason is justified, I can help you resolve it!

If the budget falls short, I can even add more investment.

But I have only one requirement: this film must be released, and after release, it must be made freely available online!"

Zhu was stunned, "Free? What’s in it for you? I mean, I have faith in my script, but after integration, it’s hard to say how much support the cinemas will give. Whether four and a half million can recoup costs is uncertain.

Of course, I’ll do my utmost to ensure your investment isn’t wasted, but you know, the world’s unpredictable—anything could happen.

So with free distribution, isn’t that a bit..."

Gao waved his hand, "Don’t worry about that. Just make the film. If it perfectly meets my requirements, I’ll consider investing in your next project."

Zhu was overjoyed, immediately pulling out the script and presenting it with both hands, patting his chest, "Mr. Gao, from now on, you’re my true boss.

Whatever you say goes. Here’s the script, take a look—anything you don’t like, we’ll change right here.

Rest assured, you can see from my face I’m honest—I won’t disappoint you. After this investment, watch my performance, and I guarantee you’ll be satisfied."