Chapter 120: One Should Equip Themselves with a Dumb Down System

The company account now had about six hundred thousand, which was untouchable.

There was nearly four hundred thousand left in Jiang Xu's own account.

Most of it was set aside for renovation.

However, as he and Fu Yanjie were close, it was okay if he paid a bit late.

There was also going to be around four million from the film's revenue cut.

He currently had three houses under his name, so if he used them as collateral for a loan from a bank, he might be able to procure two to three million.

Adding the million that Zhang Xiaohui promised, it was only around eight million, far from enough.

It was likely that his parents didn't have much money left.

They had already given him four hundred thousand when he bought the shop-house.

Perhaps Jiang Xiaoyan could help.

But deep inside, Jiang Xu really didn't want to be too entangled with her.

Of course, if he approached Fu Xinghan and disclosed some "inside information", he might be willing to invest.

However, he would then have to share a large part of the profits.

Once the news of the subway construction was leaked, the unfinished building price would easily double- a conservative estimate.

And after the Global Athlete Gathering came to a close, the country's housing prices would begin to surge.

A large piece of succulent meat was right in front of him, there was no reason not to eat it.

Jiang Xu had a rough plan in mind.

Since time was enough, it would be about a month away before the subway construction news was made public.

He could slowly collect the funds.

When he returned home, he contacted Liu Yue: "Liu sis, are you in Jiang City?"

Liu Yue replied, "No, I'm shooting in Deep City, what's up?"

She had a good impression of Jiang Xu.

"Um, here's the thing, I've finished writing the fourth novel, but I haven't published it yet.

I can guarantee that this novel is beyond the previous three.

As such, Liu sis, you were the first person I thought of."

This piqued Liu Yue's interest.

But she wasn't a fool.

For Jiang Xu to actively seek her out, he must have had an agenda.

She laughed lightheartedly: "Are you short of money?"

"Damn, why is everyone so sharp? I should've equipped myself with a Dumb Down System to outsmart people."

Jiang Xu muttered internally.

Jiang Xu laughed: "No, it's just that our previous collaborations were all pleasant.

If you're interested, shall we meet to discuss?"

Liu Yue thought for a moment before replying: "Sure, you can come anytime."

Jiang Xu: "Alright, I'll make my way over tomorrow, could you give me the address?"

After ending the call, Liu Yue shook her head slightly: "A smooth operator... he was never this formal before."

"Auntie, who called you?"

The question came from Zhou Qingyue, who just walked over.

She looked a little star-struck, with freshly braided hair and a milkmaid dress, her natural beauty on full display.

She even had her own personal assistant now.

Zhou Qingyue had already experienced the feeling of being somebody important.

After a moment of hesitation, Liu Yue informed her: "It was Jiang Xu. He finished his fourth novel and he'll come over tomorrow to discuss partnering."

Zhou Qingyue, who was originally smiling, looked expressionless at the mention of that name.

Soon, she forced a laugh: "You have to secure the copyright to his new book, Auntie Liu. He's very capable."

Liu Yue asked her, "Do you want to see him?"

Zhou Qingyue shook her head: "No, I should work on my acting skills."

Upon seeing Zhou's reaction, Liu Yue sighed.

What a shame, she thought, about those two.

...

Jiang Xu made a call to his class teacher to take a day off.

His reason was simple– he was too stressed from studying and needed a day to relax.

The class teacher readily agreed.

He then sent a text to An Nuonuo, apprising her of the situation.

He didn't want her to worry if she found his seat empty in class.

With everything settled, it was getting rather late.

Jiang Xu lay on his bed, pondering over an issue.

After the afternoon's event, he recognized a problem.

His influence was not substantial enough.

It wasn't enough to provoke any wariness in someone like Zhang Xiaohui.

If he hadn't been smart, he could've ended up with a broken leg.

The next day.

Jiang Xu took a taxi to the high-speed rail station and bought a ticket.

By eleven, he was in Deep City.

At this point in time, Deep City was as good as a gold mine.

However, Jiang Xu was currently short of capital, unable to flex his muscles.

Upon reaching Deep City, he gave Liu Yue a call to inform her and headed over.

By one in the afternoon, Jiang Xu was sitting in a private room in a tea restaurant, meeting Liu Yue.

She was quite decisive, too.

She had barely sat down when she demanded to see Jiang Xu's new book.

Jiang Xu took out his mobile phone and showed her the first several thousand words.

"'The Overbearing CEO Falls in Love with Me'..."

Liu Yue mumbled to herself, judging that the title was rather appealing.

Once she started reading, she was immediately engrossed.

For the well-read, it might be awkward and dumbing down.

But for first-time readers, especially girls, it could become quite addictive.

However, the lethal allure wasn't particularly strong for Liu Yue.

It was mainly targeted at ordinary girls who loved to fantasize.

Who wouldn't want to marry into a wealthy family and transform into a phoenix without any effort?

She quickly finished the opening chapters, which ended right at a critical juncture.

This left her feeling stranded and uncomfortable.

She couldn't help but glance at Jiang Xu: "Can you show me a bit more?"

Unconsciously, she let out a slight whimper, an aftertaste of being coy.

As she realized her behavior, her cheeks turned a bit red, embarrassed.

Jiang Xu didn't pay it any mind and asked: "Well Liu sis, will you buy this novel?"

"I will!" Liu Yue laughed. "You weren't boasting - the plot and emotional appeal of this novel surpass those of the previous ones.

So, what are your terms?"

Liu Yue thought it would be a similar collaboration model as before.

However, what Jiang Xu suggested was another approach.

"I could take just 10 percent of the TV and film copyright earnings of this novel, with two conditions.

The first is that the share of earnings from 'Those Bygone Years' comes to me first, four million.

The second, is for an advance payment of the share of earnings from this novel, five million will suffice."

This was the result of Jiang Xu's deep contemplation and calculation.

With these terms, he sacrificed some of his profits in reality.

Given that his share was just 10 percent.

Now, it was like using a portion of future earnings to gamble for a larger return.

"This..." Liu Yue started to hesitate.

This was her first time hearing about such a partnership model.

Her thought process expanded as she analyzed pros and cons.

Soon, she shook her head: "This... the risk is too great. Even if I agree, the other shareholders won't."

Prepaying five million was a substantial burden for a company not especially big like theirs.

Jiang Xu had foreseen this, hence he had prepared his arguments during the journey here.

However, before he could put his persuasive skills to work, there was a knock on the door.

Jiang Xu rose to answer the door.

Seeing the person standing at the door, he was taken aback.