Chapter 371 - The Depressed Genius

This was something Yao Yingxia hadn't expected. If she could not only complete the tasks assigned to her from above but also bring back a foreign exchange investment this time, it would greatly enhance her qualifications. So she was a bit excited.

"We welcome all kinds of investments. Do you have a specific area of interest, and how much are you looking to invest?" Yao Yingxia inquired.

Laila thought for a moment. "As you know, I'm in the film industry, and my expertise lies mainly in films. So, I plan to establish a set of advanced cinemas with top-notch equipment and a premium viewing experience in the East. The initial investment would be around two to three hundred million, with additional investments later on."

Yao Yingxia gasped inwardly. She knew Laila was referring to these numbers in terms of US dollars. While two to three hundred million might not be the largest sum she had seen, the key was the "later on" she mentioned. According to what she said, expanding this venture would not be a small undertaking, and all of this would be the most shining achievement on her resume!

"Laila, this is not a small amount of money. I will report this, and higher-level leaders will contact you in due time. Rest assured, I will strive to secure all possible preferential measures for you. You won't regret making this decision," Yao Yingxia assured her.

Laila extended her hand with a smile. "I'm looking forward to my trip to China."

Yao Yingxia warmly shook her hand.

The remaining time belonged to Wu Mo, as he discussed matters related to the Spring Festival Gala with Laila. In reality, Laila knew that discussing the Spring Festival Gala at this time was just an excuse. It was only July, and preparations for the Spring Festival Gala had not officially begun. Running over to talk about it now was too early. Clearly, the intention behind Director Yao's visit was different.

She didn't mind the convoluted process, though. Despite the added complexity, the benefits she was gaining were remarkable.

In the end, they agreed that there would be a trip to the East later in the year. It would serve both as an opportunity to exchange ideas about the film industry and as Laila's reconnaissance for future investments.

The main reason for delaying her excitement and pushing back the timing was that the shooting of "Pirates of the Caribbean" still had some loose ends to tie up. Additionally, the special effects company required her to be present frequently.

However, Laila did allocate some time to show Director Yao and her companions a taste of capitalism. She took them on a tour of the company and the theme park, even taking them to see the hidden set of the pirate ship.

One can imagine the awe when the enormous pirate ship appeared before their eyes. It was a real ship that could sail on the ocean. Although it currently floated alone in a large water tank, in the near future, it would become a magical prop sailing on the high seas in the dreams of countless children when the movie was released.

"Amazing! Just this ship must cost tens of millions, right?" Zhao Ze muttered to himself, cursing the corruption of capitalism in his heart.

Yao Yingxia couldn't help but be amazed. "Xiao Zhao, we have to admit that Hollywood has firmly secured its position at the pinnacle of filmmaking. Their technology is something we urgently need to learn. Why would they spend millions of dollars just to build a ship? Because they know that effort will yield rewards."

"Someday, we will also hold Oscars and Golden Globes in our hands!" Zhao Ze, a bit of a young radical, couldn't help but mumble to himself.

But those foreigners were just too rich. They could casually spend millions on a ship for a movie and invest millions on the other side of the Earth. Wasn't she worried that the investment money would go down the drain? Yet, when he thought of Laila's grandfather, with his wealth in the hundreds of millions, losing a few million in play wouldn't matter much.

"The evils of capitalism!" This was the phrase that little translator Zhao Ze said the most while in the United States.

As Laila prepared for her trip to the East, she spent more time than usual with her film crew. She knew that it was too early to discuss the Spring Festival Gala at this time, and their visit was merely an excuse. Indeed, it was only July, and the formal preparations for the Spring Festival Gala had not yet begun. She could tell that Director Yao's visit had a different purpose.

She didn't mind the convoluted process; despite the added trouble, the benefits she was gaining were astonishing.

Finally, it was time to celebrate the completion of the film's shooting with her crew members. Roy ran into an unexpected person at the bar.

"Robert! You're out?"

It was none other than the future Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr.

"Hey, buddy." Robert Downey Jr. embraced him. "Yeah, I'm finally out. I owe you a favor from last time, so I'm here to buy you a drink."

"Aren't we friends? Why mention those things?" Roy ordered two bottles of beer from the bar. "Let's drink! Today, it's our boss treating us, so let's enjoy!"

Robert Downey Jr. glanced around and quickly figured out the situation. "Have you finished shooting the movie?"

"We're done." Roy chugged down his beer in one go. The cold beer slid down his throat, dissipating the summer heat that had built up over the past half a year.

Robert Downey Jr. tried to follow suit, but for some reason, he choked halfway through, nearly choking himself to death.

Roy patted his back. "Take it easy, we have enough alcohol for today. Even if you drink all the alcohol in this bar, it won't be a problem."

Robert Downey Jr. wiped the beer stains off his face embarrassingly and then laughed heartily. "Isn't your boss your girlfriend? Aren't you afraid I'll drink it all and she won't be able to pay?"

But even before Roy could respond, he smacked his forehead and laughed at himself. "Look at my memory. Your girlfriend is the most money-making director in Hollywood."

Roy furrowed his brows, feeling that something was off with Robert's attitude today. "Robert, what's going on? Did something happen?"

This guy used to be a bit of a jerk, but ever since they became friends, he hadn't seen this kind of depressed demeanor from him.

Robert Downey Jr. took a sip of his beer and then buried his head in his arms. "Deborah and I are separated. She won't let me see my son. She says she doesn't want our son to have too much contact with a jailbird like me."

Roy couldn't say much to this. If he were in the same position, he wouldn't want his son to be too close to such a jerk either. Addictions, violence, almost no self-control, and a prison record—how could a man like that be a good role model for a child?