Chapter 179: The Worth of a 24-Year-Old Billionaire!

In April, both The Investiture of the Gods and The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng had been in production for over a month and were steadily progressing.

Yan Li went to the set of The Investiture of the Gods when he had scenes, visited The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng when he didn't, then handled his own work.

Hengdian, Yi'an Film & Television · Hengdian Production Center

This was Yan Li's imitation of Tang Ren's White Pavilion, a base he purchased and built in Hengdian, not far from the White Pavilion.

With a total area of about 20,000 square meters and an investment of millions, it includes multiple buildings: office areas, hotel-style dormitories, rehearsal halls, makeup rooms, prop and costume storage warehouses, equipment rooms, post-production studios, a restaurant, and entertainment zones.

It fulfills multiple functions and needs, becoming Yi'an Film & Television's major base in Hengdian.

Of course, this is the final vision—right now it's still under construction and renovation, and only the office area and warehouses are currently operational.

Yan Li hasn't stopped coming here during this period—it's both work and pleasure, watching his own base slowly take shape.

Although this is only a branch base, unlike the headquarters in Jingcheng which rents space, every blade of grass, every brick and tile here is his own.

That deep sense of satisfaction cannot be matched by renting any size of office space in a skyscraper.

When Yan Li one day has enough money to build or buy a Yi'an Tower, it might feel even better than this.

Yan Li also gave this base a name.

Tang Ren's White Pavilion is named for its white buildings.

Yan Li's base is larger and lacks any striking architectural feature, so he named it after the company: Yi'an Garden.

Say it quickly and it sounds like Yan Garden, homophonous with "actor"—plenty of room for interpretation.

Since it's called a garden, it must have trees; Yan Li plans to plant trees and flowers in selected spots once renovation is nearly complete, making the name more fitting.

The office area is two and a half stories tall, with a large terrace and pavilion on the second floor, serving as a rest and reception zone where employees can relax and, when weather permits, converse.

Yan Li's office is on the second floor, under twenty square meters, decorated even more luxuriously than his Jingcheng office.

After all, in Jingcheng he sometimes needs to appease investors, and there are many visitors—he doesn't want to draw too much attention.

This base is primarily for internal use, with few clients coming by, so Boss Yan naturally gets to enjoy himself.

Yan Li looked at the red glow on his computer screen, smiled faintly, and calmly brewed a pot of tea.

Although the predicted 2005 bull market hasn't arrived yet, there have already been two small rallies.

With Yan Li's capital scale, in good market conditions, he could make two or three Mercedes-Benz G-Class vehicles in a single day.

Of course, the stock market fluctuates.

Today he makes one G-Class, tomorrow he loses all four wheels, the day after he loses half the chassis, and the day after that he recovers the car plus adds two Santana sedans.

Half of Yan Li's steady mindset was forged by the stock market's constant shocks and wild swings.

Especially as his capital grows, earning millions one day and losing tens of thousands the next is intensely stimulating—a major test of one's composure.

Yan Li has even begun deliberately reducing his focus on the stock market.

Once accustomed to the stock market, one develops the bad habit of making quick money in finance, which dulls interest in hard work and affects his work ethic.

So Yan Li rarely discusses stocks with others, and even instructed his subordinates not to trade stocks—not even during a bull market.

This isn't something for ordinary people to touch; even with his system, Yan Li walks on eggshells.

Those under him who made money with him should just buy houses—returns are limited, but absolutely safe.

Entering the stock market might yield a small windfall, but more likely leaves one destitute, even in debt.

But regardless, riding the pre-bull market wave, Yan Li is currently thriving in the stock market.

Previously, Yan Li's goal was to accumulate 50 million RMB in capital before the bull market.

He surpassed that goal after the European Cup, and even has surplus funds to support other ventures.

Now his stock market capital is nearing 65 million RMB.

And this is even after accounting for his personal savings, real estate, investment ventures, and Yi'an Film & Television's working capital.

Especially Yi'an Film & Television: The Seven Fairies of Huan Tian Xi Di and The Legend of Sword and Fairy are still in their profit phase, generating continuous income.

Iron Road Guerrillas and The Survival of Migrant Workers have also begun distribution; though profit margins are low, money keeps flowing back.

Add other distribution projects, scattered earnings, and Yi'an Film & Television's revenue since the start of 2005 exceeds 15 million RMB.

Add the earnings from before the Spring Festival, especially the high-yield project The Seven Fairies of Huan Tian Xi Di, and Yi'an's current book capital is nearly 20 million RMB.

The reason it's so low is mainly due to investments in The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng, The Investiture of the Gods, and The Sword of Light.

Although Yan Li has used many tricks to get others to fund him, he still spent some of his own money—over 10 million RMB total.

Besides, seeing the company had no cash shortage, Yan Li took some "dividends" for himself.

Otherwise, how could he afford to give away G-Class cars and Jin Xin? As long as there's money in the stock market or company, Yan Li has to funnel some into his personal stash.

He shifts funds here and there, always keeping over 5 million RMB in cash; anything beyond that goes to buying property or other investments.

For example, Yan Li tested the waters by investing in two internet companies—angel rounds, so he invested little: 2 million RMB in one, 3 million in the other.

The 2-million-RMB company is basically dead—money down the drain; the 3-million-RMB one is barely holding on.

But Yan Li isn't discouraged; investing isn't about fearing losses, and his goal in investing in internet companies includes triggering related intelligence.

That failed 2-million-RMB internet company sacrificed one monthly intelligence item to Yan Li—

Tudou. com

Founded in April 2005, just a few years later, in 2009, its valuation reached 500 million U. S. dollars—converted to RMB, at least 3 to 4 billion.

In such a case, as long as the angel round isn't outrageously priced, it's guaranteed profit.

In terms of return rate, it's far more brutal than the stock market—Yi'an is left far behind.

So even though he lost money, Yan Li keeps digging deeper into the internet sector.

Cast a wide net, catch many fish; if he lands one golden carp, he'll recover everything—and make a massive profit.

Although Yan Li is in Hengdian, he's already sent people to investigate Tudou. com; with his system's help, he's confident he can break through its door.

He even feels he's being overly cautious.

He's invested in internet companies before and found their doors aren't nearly as hard to open as people think.

On the contrary, this is the era of rapid internet development, with no giants yet dominating the market; every day, groups of people start companies with ideas and scramble for investment everywhere.

The entire market is a mix of good and bad, with scammers far outnumbering entrepreneurs, and the few investment firms that exist are extremely cautious with their money.

As a result, many internet companies are desperate for cash, with countless ones going bankrupt from lack of funds.

For some internet companies, especially startups, they'll take any money offered—equity, resources, decision-making power—all negotiable, terrified the investor might walk away.

Moreover, Yan Li isn't without resources; film and entertainment assets are a major advantage for today's internet industry.

Especially for a content-focused platform like Tudou. com, if Yan Li brings in a few stars to lend their name and shoots some ads, the effect would be outstanding.

Furthermore, from the intelligence he's gathered, Yan Li can see that the future internet will greatly impact the film and entertainment industry.

Video platforms like Tudou. com are likely to become a vital segment of future cultural industries; regardless of investment returns, from a long-term strategic perspective, it's worth betting on.

Between stocks, company assets, personal savings, fixed assets, and other industries, Yan Li's net worth has already approached one hundred million.

Crucially, a significant portion of this is real, tangible capital, making Yan Li's status as a billionaire especially solid.

If you include all the inflated valuations and potential earnings, Yan Li's net worth would climb another level.

Yan Li, born in November 1980, is still nearly half a year away from his twenty-fifth birthday.

A billionaire who built his fortune from nothing at age twenty-four!

Yan Li seriously considered screenshotting his bank accounts and stock holdings and posting them on his blog, asking those netizens who mocked him: "If you were worth a hundred million at twenty-four, would you be arrogant too?"

He'd just date a few girls and, for publicity, trade a few barbs with Big Beard Zhang.

Arrogant?

Yan Li even felt he'd been influenced by the intelligence he'd gathered—he'd become overly modest.

In a normal scenario, he'd have a gang of shady friends, partying every night, indulging in luxury, cruising the Second Ring Road in a sports car.

【I'm such a good kid.】

Yan Li really wanted to post that line on his blog, but feared netizens would think he was drunk or hacked, and it didn't fit his image as a sharp, capable man.

Such private confessions must be shared curled up in bed with a woman, letting her soothe him.

Forget Fan Xiaopang—this woman's tongue is sharp!

Wang Ou is no better—mainly because his "doting father" persona is too solid; it'd be awkward.

So it has to be Dong Xuan and Qin Lan, especially Qin Lan, gentle as water.

Dong Xuan used to be fine, but now that she's "Teacher Dong," she unconsciously slips into teacher mode, making Yan Li easily slip into "rebellious student" mode.

After a moment of reflection and finishing his tea, Yan Li shifted into work mode.

He handled some stocks, then managed company affairs via email and phone calls, followed by two video conferences.

Yan Li authorized Hu Ya to use his official seal to stamp and approve certain non-priority documents, equivalent to his signature.

For important documents, Yan Li prints them out, signs and stamps them personally, then sends them back to the company via express delivery.

Through these measures, Yan Li can remain in Hengdian without hindering most company operations, ensuring smooth business continuity.

…

He worked until afternoon, then ended his day and returned to the hotel by car.

He'd planned to buy a house in Hengdian, but found almost nothing decent available—most were village homes or old dormitory buildings; decent housing required going into the city.

Otherwise, Yi'an Garden wouldn't have bothered setting up hotel-style accommodations—it could've just bought a few houses outright.

So he'd have to wait longer, or simply secure a dedicated room in Yi'an Garden—his own territory, safer than buying a house.

Back at the hotel, he saw Wang Ou, Wu Jiani, and several young male and female actors from the "Investiture of the Gods" crew heading out.

"Where are you going?"

"To karaoke."

The other young actors were somewhat reserved in front of Yan Li, the producer; Wang Ou, who knew him best, stepped forward to explain.

As previously mentioned, the cast films daily and needs recreation; private karaoke gatherings are common.

Not just these young actors—even veteran performers like Liu Dekai, and even producer Cheng Li, have participated in or organized such events.

"Oh, have fun."

Yan Li paid no mind and turned to leave, but Wang Ou grabbed his arm: "Director Yan, if you're free, come with us—it'll be lively. Last time Cheng organized it, you didn't come; everyone was disappointed."

Wang Ou led the plea, and several young actors chimed in.

Yan Li usually films only palace interior scenes, or works at the neighboring set or Yi'an Garden; many cast members have never interacted with him.

Whether Yan Li counts as a big shot in the industry is debatable, but among these young actors, he's unquestionably a major figure to flatter and court.

Private karaoke gatherings help build rapport; many ambitious actors are eager to spend time with Yan Li.

"Uh… alright. I'll go change clothes. Send me the address."

Yan Li realized he hadn't gone out to have fun in a while.

Receiving TV crews and investors doesn't count—that's still work.

In Hengdian for so many days, his only entertainment had been playing cards, gaming, watching movies, or teasing Fan Xiaopang and Wang Ou.

Hearing Yan Li was coming, Wang Ou and the others were delighted; someone even suggested upgrading the venue's档次 to avoid offending the big boss.

Unaware of this, Yan Li returned to his room to change clothes; just as he was about to leave, he remembered Fan Xiaopang and called her.

But Fan Xiaopang had a late-night shoot today—she's the female lead, with top-three screen time, sometimes even filming at neighboring sets; she truly had no time for leisure.

"Then keep working."

Yan Li had originally suspected Wang Ou was isolating Fan Xiaopang; now he saw that even if there was such intent, it was Fan Xiaopang herself who gave the opportunity.

Hanging up with Fan Xiaopang's plaintive tone, Yan Li headed to the karaoke bar using the address Wang Ou gave him.

He was familiar with the place—he'd been here several times, for gatherings and business dinners, making him a semi-regular.

"Welcome, Director Yan."

Inside the private room, Yan Li received a warm reception; Wang Ou pulled him to sit on the central sofa, taking the left side, while Wu Jiani sat quietly on the right, head bowed.

Yan Li glanced at Wang Ou—no wonder he had insisted on dragging him out to karaoke; he'd been waiting for this moment all along.

Earlier, Wang Ou had hinted at it, but Yan Li hadn't paid any attention.

Although Wu Jiani was quite charming, he was busy every day and had no time to flirt with young girls. Besides, Qin Lan was about to join the production crew, and there were still two of Dong Xuan's eyes and ears in *Legend of Lu Xiaofeng*. Playing around too wildly would easily backfire.

After that, Wang Ou never brought it up again, and no intel was triggered. Yan Li had thought he'd given up, but it turned out this little minx still hadn't given up.

Yan Li glared at her in annoyance—strict discipline produces dutiful daughters; Wang Ou had it coming.

Seeing this, Wang Ou wasn't afraid either.

Yan Li hadn't approved, but he hadn't firmly opposed it either.

This man was lazy, and his home never lacked food, so he found it troublesome to go hunt for his own meals. But if you put meat right up to his lips, he'd eat it more eagerly than anyone…

(End of chapter)