Chapter 58: What? I

"Are you sure you want to withdraw?"

"Once you exit, new capital will immediately come in, very likely diluting your original investment. According to the contract, you'll lose not just your director's share, but also your producer's share, distribution share—you'll only hold diluted investment shares… Even if the box office breaks a hundred million, you won't earn much…"

"You've been involved throughout—you should know, 'Love Ferris Wheel' is now at its most critical moment, just two months away from release…"

"If you hold on for just two more months, until the film premieres, our company's subsequent systems will activate. At that point, you'll receive nominations for Best New Director from Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards, Hong Kong's Golden Bauhinia Awards, and mainland China's Golden Rooster Awards—our three major Chinese-language film awards…"

"This is a chance for a new director to enter the industry and be seen by more people!"

"The sixth generation of Chinese directors is currently in the fiercest competition. Our 【Tianyu】 is actively pushing forward new directors!"

"Once you receive a Best New Director nomination, our company will propel you into the position of a leading sixth-generation director…"

"Then, you'll stand in the brightest spotlight, watching countless investors from all directions rush to fund every film you want to make!"

"I know these past days, you've felt wronged…"

"But, Xiaoshi, the entertainment industry is sometimes this harsh. You know—over the years, how many actors, how many directors have strained every nerve to squeeze into our 【Tianyu】…"

"They've even sold their homes and cars, all desperate for a chance at fame. You've invested less than a million, yet already secured so many resources—you're already ahead of most people!"

"…"

On the set of 'Love Ferris Wheel'.

Zheng Yichen hurried into the office and saw An Xiaoshi quietly sitting in a chair, silently studying a contract.

His face suddenly softened into a gentle smile. He sat beside An Xiaoshi and patiently explained some things to her.

An Xiaoshi silently stared at the latest investment figures for 'Love Ferris Wheel'.

The originally planned 2 million investment in 'Love Ferris Wheel' had now received its fourth round of funding—yes, an additional 1 million.

The public ledger's details grew increasingly meticulous, even down to the exact ingredients inside a single prop hairpiece or a single needle used on set.

An Xiaoshi stared at every line in the ledger—and now, she realized she could no longer understand it.

"This ledger is unreasonable…"

"Xiaoshi, we all know this investment is unreasonable…" Zheng Yichen, seeing An Xiaoshi look up at him, showed no panic—instead, his expression grew steadily serious: "This industry is a marketplace of fame and profit. Everything you see here is about interest. We all know it. Yes, we all know—this film could've been made with just 1 million. But why has it ballooned so far? Have you ever wondered why?"

An Xiaoshi stared at Zheng Yichen without speaking.

After a brief silence, Zheng Yichen's gaze drifted to the distance, his voice deepening: "Everything in this world is a transaction. To gain something better, you must give up more. In fact, 【Tianyu】 isn't just backing 'Love Ferris Wheel'—we're also developing 'Water Margin: Hero's Nature,' a major Wu Xia IP, built by the original crew of the 'Qin' series, collaborating with new director Liu Zhiqiang. Their goal is also a Best New Director nomination…"

"I've secured a whole series of resources for our 'Love Ferris Wheel.' The cost we've paid is incalculable. Naturally, we must ensure many people receive their due share—only then will they genuinely help us make this film. Besides, some people on set are relatives of Golden Horse Award judges—I personally flew to Taiwan to invite them. Why did I insist on Chen Liang playing the tyrannical CEO instead of the one you picked, Zhou Yang? Because Chen Liang has both a Korean boy band background and a Taiwan connection—when the time comes, the Golden Horse judges will be more lenient…"

"…"

Under the lights.

Senior brother Zheng Yichen took a sip of tea, his voice slightly trembling with emotion.

This was the first time An Xiaoshi had ever seen Senior Brother so agitated.

She looked up at Zheng Yichen, dazed, then after a long while, lowered her head.

"Xiaoshi, if you feel pressured by this investment, I'll personally invest another 200,000…"

"…"

An Xiaoshi kept her head down, silently staring at the ledger, still saying nothing.

"Xiaoshi, you know this project has many people eagerly watching. If we opened up investment channels, we could attract far more funding. We've held off precisely to avoid diluting your shares. And Xiaoshi—you've already invested over a million. If you quit now…"

"I'm withdrawing my investment. I'm done with this film!"

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure, Senior Brother. I'm done. If there are other investors, go ahead and bring them in—cancel my share. Return all the money I invested."

"You… do you know what the cost of this will be? This means all your past efforts are wasted!"

"I'm withdrawing my investment!"

"You… really made up your mind?"

"I have!"

"Then fine. I'll consult with the rest of the crew…"

"…"

…

The entertainment industry is deep.

The entertainment industry is complex.

Before entering this circle, people had warned An Xiaoshi repeatedly.

But dreams are a strange thing.

They drive people like moths into blazing flames, unafraid of being burned to ashes.

For the dream of directing, she still charged into this industry, eager to prove her talent and ability through her work.

But only after actually directing a film did she truly realize—everywhere were traps.

"Since filming is at a critical stage, your withdrawal now would undermine the crew's morale, so your funds cannot be refunded at this time…"

After waiting a day…

The 'Love Ferris Wheel' crew gave her this reply.

She stared at the message, then consulted a lawyer.

The lawyer examined the contract repeatedly, then finally shook his head.

The supplementary agreement in 【Tianyu】's investment contract clearly stated: investment may be terminated mid-project, but funds cannot be refunded.

Of course, you'll still receive your share of box office revenue after release—but as Zheng Yichen said, once new investment comes in, your equity will be diluted, and so will your box office share…

You could sue!

But the agreement was signed clearly and unambiguously, and their operations had no legal flaws—merely possible misleading implications. Strictly speaking, it doesn't constitute fraud. If you sue, it'll become a protracted, endless legal battle.

【Tianyu Group】's legal disputes are already countless—even lawsuits from before the year 2000 are still piling up.

"I have already invested so much; this is my dream. I will not back down... If we really back down, everything we've done before will be in vain. Besides, you said the lawsuit would drag on for a very, very long time... We don't have that kind of patience..."

She called Zhang Jingya to tell her about this, hoping to warn Zhang Jingya.

However, although the always-rational Zhang Jingya knew it was all a trap, she ultimately gritted her teeth and rejected the idea of withdrawing at this moment; in fact, she even wanted to invest more money into it.

They had put too much effort into this film; unconsciously, far too many sunk costs had accumulated on their shoulders. Human weakness is loss aversion...

Since Zhang Jingya was like this, she stopped trying to persuade her.

August 8th.

【Beijing Law Firm】.

Just as An Xiaoshi was consulting the lawyer about some details regarding the next steps.

The lawyer received a phone call...

A moment later.

The lawyer's eyes widened.

"What? 【Tianyu】 sent a lawyer's letter to a small entertainment company named 【Xuan Shi Entertainment】... Not only did the other party not reflect and stop the infringement, but shamelessly they called in the media to accuse 【Tianyu】 of bullying behavior?"

"..."

Under An Xiaoshi's gaze...

The lawyer immediately turned on the television.

Then, on the 【1819】 program, that familiar figure appeared again.