Hades, the Urban Legend

Chapter 301 - 249: Two Possible Outcomes

Chapter 301: Chapter 249: Two Possible Outcomes

After the incident in the gym, Lin Ruoxi didn't exchange a single word with Yang Chen over the entire weekend. Yang Chen, looking at Lin Ruoxi who seemed frozen over like a block of ice, couldn't help but sigh that the journey to "thawing" her was still a long road ahead.

At least for now, Lin Ruoxi still saw him as a pervert. Although legally he didn't qualify as one, her perception of such matters left him helpless.

On Monday, Yang Chen went to work as usual. After buying breakfast for the group of women in the Public Relations Department, he chatted casually with Zhao Hongyan and others for a while. When he saw that it was almost time, he left the Yulei headquarters and headed to the newly built office building across the street.

Taking the elevator up to the fiftieth floor, he stepped out and was greeted by the prominent stylized font of "Yulei Entertainment Culture Company" on the door.

At the front desk sat two young women with sweet and dignified appearances, looking to be around twenty-three or twenty-four, likely recent college graduates.

"Director Yang, you're here," Wang Jie, dressed in a light blue professional suit, smiled as always and was already standing at the door waiting for him. Beside her was Zhao Teng, who nodded politely to Yang Chen.

Yang Chen hadn't expected his two deputies to hold him in such high regard, standing at the company's door early in the morning waiting for him. Fortunately, he wasn't late and had arrived according to the agreed-upon time, otherwise it would have been unfair to these two diligent comrades who were wholeheartedly working for the company's future.

Seeing his subordinates show such respect, Yang Chen subconsciously made a decision. Although he wouldn't personally handle everything and give his all, he would still take things seriously. At the very least, he wouldn't hinder these two devoted comrades striving for the company's future.

"Have you had breakfast?" Yang Chen asked with a smile.

Wang Jie and Zhao Teng were momentarily surprised. They hadn't expected Yang Chen to greet them with such a question and with such a smiling and amiable demeanor, devoid of any bossy airs.

In their eyes, Yang Chen had risen to a high position at a young age and yet could remain so modest and calm. It was truly remarkable. Unconsciously, Yang Chen earned a few more points in their estimation.

They nodded, and Zhao Teng smiled, gesturing, "Director Yang, let me show you to your office. You were busy last week and couldn't come, so I'll also introduce you to our various departments."

Although Yang Chen wasn't particularly interested, he agreed and followed Zhao Teng and Wang Jie as they toured the company.

Because it was an entertainment culture company, in addition to administrative staff, there were also many entertainment professionals such as producers and various training rooms and artist studios.

Therefore, it was necessary for Yulei to purchase ten floors of the office building.

Despite his speed in reading, Yang Chen didn't fully grasp some of the technical aspects, but it didn't hinder him much. After reviewing approximately eight project proposals, Yang Chen furrowed his brow and asked, "For these projects—whether in films, TV dramas, commercial performances, or variety fashion programs—our company's current team will need to rely heavily on external talent to complete them, correct?"

"Yes, Director. For instance, low-budget films can still yield considerable profits with investments as low as two to three million," Wang Jie suggested. "I believe we can seek out good scripts, hire one or two top-tier actors, and keep production costs under ten million. This approach should yield a high profit margin."

Yang Chen smiled, "Let me ask you a question."

"Hmm?" Wang Jie was puzzled, "Please go ahead, Director."

"What is the total scale of Yulei Group?"

Wang Jie was unsure but replied, "Excluding liquid assets, it's nearly thirty billion in total assets."

"And what position does Yulei Group hold in the national business landscape?"

"It's undoubtedly a leader in the industry. With the upcoming investment in new materials, it will be one of the top fashion industry companies globally within a couple of years," Wang Jie said proudly.

Yang Chen nodded, "So, for a company like Yulei, with our brand reputation, if our first major investment and initiative is merely a small to medium-budget film—considering it from our perspective of what qualifies as such—how do you think the outside world will perceive us?"

Wang Jie and Zhao Teng frowned, pondering his words. "Director, are you suggesting..."

"Yes, there are two main possibilities. First, we lack determination, courage, and confidence; our leadership team's capabilities are insufficient. Employees and the external world will be disappointed, and while Yulei's board, despite ninety percent of shares being under Lin's control, may not directly express it, Lin herself would likely be disappointed. Second, our peers and the industry may perceive us as just dabbling, lacking the resolve for serious collaboration," Yang Chen explained.

Zhao Teng nodded in agreement, "The Director makes a valid point. Since it's our first major project, we indeed need to make a substantial impact. Even though European and American blockbusters may receive mixed reviews critically, their box office numbers often showcase their grand scale. Investing hundreds of millions is a powerful statement that can pique audience interest. Even if it doesn't yield enormous profits, it usually doesn't result in losses either. Importantly, it boosts the company's and the production team's reputations."

"However, our company is still in its initial stages. While Mr. Lin has provided ample funding, investing over a hundred million in one go could strain our financial resources temporarily, which would be detrimental to our operations. After all, we still need to sign on many renowned artists and teams," Wang Jie, as head of the marketing department, expressed her concerns.

Zhao Teng added, "Yes, Director Yang, aside from the investment itself, the fees just for signing top-tier teams and artists are not insignificant."

Yang Chen nodded understandingly. "You don't need to worry about that. I have a good relationship that I can leverage for collaborative investments. If things go well, we can establish long-term partnerships."

Wang Jie and Zhao Teng were momentarily stunned, surprised that Yang Chen already had potential partners for collaboration.