Chapter 227: Either Start the Machine or Open the Skull (Vote for Monthly Tickets)
Before going to the Kuiba crew, Qi Hao sought out Feng Bufan.
Feng Bufan hadn't returned to his hometown yet.
After Uncle finished filming, he lost his job.
He's been looking for work for the past few days.
Unfortunately, he has no education or "proper" work experience. On top of that, with a lame leg, blind eye, and a scarred face, he hasn't found a job that would allow him to settle in the capital after searching for more than ten days.
He's got some insight into action directing now, but no crew is willing to take him.
The competition among martial artists is really fierce.
The ones truly in demand are top-tier martial artists — those who either have their own network or are part of an organization, like the Cheng Family Class or the Hong Family Class.
Tang Chuan recommended he try a security company, and he gave it a shot.
However, he couldn't even get a chance for someone to evaluate his skills.
He couldn't just beat up the receptionist, then the security guard, and fight his way in, could he?
Helpless, he said goodbye to Tang Chuan.
He planned to return home first and would join the crew once Qi Hao had a job available.
He only hoped Tang Chuan would mention him more in front of Qi Hao so Qi Hao wouldn't forget him.
Since serving as a deputy action director in Uncle, Feng Bufan's arrogance diminished significantly. Although those people didn't have much real martial arts skill, they were professional, and the actions they designed were full of imagination.
He, on the other hand, due to his high skill level, often found himself restricted by "logic".
He didn't expect Tang Chuan to tell him the boss planned to hire him as a bodyguard.
Feng Bufan almost burst with joy.
Being a bodyguard for celebrities and tycoons is one of the highest-paid positions in the guard industry, but their requirements are also high.
Usually, retired veterans are preferred.
Someone like him, with no military experience, lame leg, blind eye, and a burnt face, truly no one would dare to hire.
"Your salary is calculated as 5,000 yuan a month, we'll pay five social insurances and one housing fund for you. You'll be entitled to quarterly and annual company bonuses, plus meal, phone, transportation, and travel subsidies. After a year, you can surely earn 100,000 yuan. Moreover, there'll be extra rewards for outstanding performance..."
Qi Hao briefly explained the treatment to him.
Feng Bufan nodded fervently, like a chicken pecking at rice. He's seen big scenes and big money, but since returning home, he's been so numb from setbacks.
Now hearing such great treatment, he was moved to tears.
Currently, the capital is the city with the highest wage nationwide. The average monthly salary is only 3,726 yuan, and everyone knows what average salary means, with a large number of people earning less than the average.
Qi Hao's offer is at least double the average salary.
Plus, he's just starting, he even has no experience in this area, so it'll definitely increase in the future.
In just a year's time, Tang Chuan's monthly salary rose from the initial 5,000 yuan to the current 6,500 yuan, and it'll rise again before the Spring Festival in a couple of months.
"Also, I originally planned to cultivate you as an action director..."
Qi Hao was quite satisfied with Feng Bufan's level in action directing, thinking that with gradual cultivation, he'll be able to handle things independently in the future.
"No worries, no worries, I can do anything."
Feng Bufan also felt a bit regretful. Li Zhongzhi could earn hundreds of thousands for one film, which was truly enviable. Although it couldn't match the income of mercenaries, directing was safe, while being a mercenary was life-threatening.
Moreover, being a mercenary was expensive.
The injuries Feng Bufan sustained saved his life, but a lot of money was spent.
That's why he thought about returning to settle down and start a family.
Unfortunately, he was sincerely devoted, yet others treated him like a fat sheep to slaughter.
"Keep researching action directing. As soon as there's a demand from the crew here, you'll take the job. Besides your bodyguard salary, you can also earn an action director's fee."
Exploitation of workers and horses must be done to the fullest.
Adults make no choices; they want both bodyguard and action director.
"Ah, thank you, boss!"
Feng Bufan was overjoyed; this wasn't a pie falling from the sky, it was a pie rain from the sky.
"Additionally, if you have someone very suitable, you can recommend them here as a bodyguard. Their level should be about the same, but their character must be impeccable."
Qi Hao didn't want to hire a bodyguard only to be kidnapped by them.
Feng Bufan immediately took his position and, along with Tang Chuan, escorted Qi Hao to the Kuiba crew.
The car was a Rolls-Royce Phantom; the Santana 2000 was sent for maintenance.
Taking the opportunity to update and upgrade it.
For instance, swapping safety tires, bulletproof glass, and aviation seats...
The metaphysical effects of the system are bound to this car, and it doesn't care whether the car undergoes modifications.
After the modifications, the money Qi Hao spent on this car could be enough to buy over a dozen new cars.
Feng Bufan could also drive; Qi Hao let him try.
It was quite stable.
Seems like he won't need to drive himself in the future.
Of course, driving occasionally is also a form of recreation, and when he has more money later, Qi Hao plans to order a luxury sports car, something that's globally limited to one unit, a private custom kind.
But for now, forget it.
Qi Hao's current status probably can't even get into the top 500 of the Huaxia's rich list.
Better not to waste time.
The destination was at the West Fourth Ring, not far from Qi Hao's company.
Qi Hao arrived there quickly with two bodyguards; Li Xiaomeng had already arranged some gifts and sent them to the company's underground parking lot.
Shortly after Qi Hao arrived, An Feng also arrived at the parking lot with two people.
"Where's Fei?"
An Feng didn't see Gao Fei's Bentley Arnage.
Gao Fei had invited her, saying she's now a shareholder of Feiyang Media and that it's best to inspect the projects the company invested in on-site.
"Well, Fei is just too busy now. I heard Let the Bullets Fly finally confirmed its start time, so she went south to participate in the preparations for the launch."
Qi Hao looked regretful and guilty.
It was his fault; that's why Gao Fei had to personally run around.
"Is it that urgent?"
Yesterday, there wasn't even talk about anything worse, and today they're gone.
"No choice, Jiang Wen mentioned starting in August, then September, and now finally insisted on November. Fei has to go over and keep a close watch. Jiang Wen will either start or crack his head open..."
Qi Hao gritted his teeth.
He pushed Jiang Wen to swear not to overspend but forgot to make him swear not to delay.
No one knows if the movie "Let the Bullets Fly" will even release in two to three years.
"Haha~ Crack his head open!"
An Feng was amused by Qi Hao's words. In reality, she's not aloof; privately, she loves to laugh and sometimes can be a bit crazy.
"Let's go in."
Qi Hao didn't say much to her, exchanging quick pleasantries before heading inside first.
An Feng walked beside him.
The others... they went to carry the gifts.
"Welcome, welcome!"
Wang Chuan greeted Qi Hao and his group at the company entrance.
This is a god of wealth!
"No need to be formal. We were just curious about how animated movies are made, and today we're grateful to President Wang for satisfying our curiosity."
Animated movies are different from other types; their filming location is the studio.
The production company for "Kuiba" is Qingqing Tree.
The company isn't large, and the work environment felt a bit cramped.
Uh, kind of like Zhonghao Entertainment now.
However, Qi Hao's side is due to the company constantly expanding, which causes crowding as more employees join, while Qingqing Tree is simply because of lack of funds.
This company's main business is movies, with side businesses like animated ads and educational supplements.
No choice, it's impossible to survive relying solely on the main business.
Animated movies indeed differ greatly from regular films.
Qi Hao and An Feng checked each stage, while Wang Chuan offered explanations from the side.
He talked until his mouth dried out but still didn't forget to play the poverty card.
Finally, they encountered a generous investor willing to invest in animated films, oh no, a financial backer—he definitely had to seize the opportunity.
"Kuiba" isn't just one movie; if possible, he doesn't want to only make "Kuiba."
Moreover, Wang Chuan was genuinely grateful to Qi Hao.
He didn't perceive Qi Hao as a fool for paying.
"Have some water, President Wang."
After the tour, Qi Hao went to their meeting room.
Actually, they were supposed to go to Wang Chuan's office, but Wang Chuan didn't have an office because the rented space was too small.
"You all have a drink; the facilities here are basic, please bear with us."
Wang Chuan promptly offered purified water.
The bosses elsewhere typically use a variety of teas; he has a set of fine tea utensils, but unfortunately, he never gets to use them because his own workspace is given to the modelers for drawing.
"President Wang, you're too polite. We're all grassroots entrepreneurs; I completely understand you."
Qi Hao came today specifically to take a look at Qingqing Tree.
If this were an extravagant company with no prospects for profit, then there's no point in future discussions.
Qi Hao has money now, but he's not foolish.
Even when considering supporting animated films, he needs to find the right target, and that's primarily the Ministry of Culture's responsibility. Qi Hao's still in it for the profit.
"President Qi, we've been eagerly awaiting your guidance for a long time; feel free to instruct us in any way."
Wang Chuan adopted a humble stance.
"President Wang, you don't have to say that. What can I guide? I didn't expect animation production to be this complex; it truly is like crossing into an unfamiliar territory."
Qi Hao had no intention of meddling in the project.
Investments suffer most when outsiders try to direct internal operations.
Some people haven't tasted a single mushroom, yet show all the symptoms, and with a little power, they become directionless fools, causing trouble for no reason.
When things work out, they claim all the credit; when they fail, they blame others.
"No, no, I truly wish President Qi and President An could offer some guidance and suggestions. Given the current state of the animation movie market, we are just feeling our way forward."
Wang Chuan had his calculations.
If Qi Hao simply invested without participating, then he likely wouldn't have much attachment to "Kuiba."
However, if Qi Hao could provide some input or even do a voice-over, it would significantly increase the likelihood of securing investment for the next production, potentially establishing a long-term cooperative relationship.
"In that case, I'll share my personal views from the audience perspective. I think that animated movies, whether for children or adults, should primarily ensure that the audience can understand them. And President Wang, the script you showed me seems overly complex, with too many ideas you wish to convey…"
Since they insisted on criticism, Qi Hao no longer held back.
Furthermore, as an investor, he didn't need to hide his opinions.
"It would be great if the story could be a bit more humorous, with some moments that can make people laugh occasionally. Also, it's not closely connected to the audience; I believe that whether a tragedy or comedy, it should resonate with the audience."
An Feng thought for a moment and also provided some suggestions.
She had read the script, found the story good, and had just seen some sketches, witnessing the effort from the production team.
But having no visible box office potential was obvious.
That's the main reason Wang Chuan struggled to secure investments.
Wang Chuan was somewhat surprised; he sincerely sought suggestions but didn't hope for meaningful advice.
Unexpectedly, not only could Qi Hao give sharp insights, but even An Feng was reasonable and made valid points.