Start by Spending One Billion [Entertainment Industry]

Wan Bao actually slept quite soundly that night.

Perhaps it was because it was his first time dining at such an expensive restaurant, so he spent the whole time busy eating and drinking, or maybe it was because he was the only one who got genuinely drunk.

He slept straight through till morning, and when he sat up in bed, he was momentarily dazed. His first thought was: Could this all have been a dream?

After all, being invited to a meal, barely saying two words the entire time, and then walking away with a two-million investment—it all sounded like the delusions of someone desperate for money.

But now, with President Sheng as his powerful backer, he no longer had to fantasize about wealth!

Still groggy from the night of heavy drinking, Wan Bao was lost in thought when the assistant director, spotting him through the window, rushed in with an excited outburst:

"You’re finally awake! You actually secured another two million in investment last night! How did you pull that off?! What did you do to make someone willing to invest that much in us?!"

The assistant director’s shouting jolted Wan Bao awake. "Oh, right! Mr. Wang really invested two million in us!"

"Of course it’s real! After you got back last night, you dragged every single one of us up to look at the contract. If I hadn’t stopped you, you would’ve run down the mountain to show it to Big Yellow. I didn’t even know you two were that close."

Indeed, Big Yellow was a dog owned by a family at the foot of the mountain.

In the film *The Road of Life*, there was a scene involving a dog, and the crew had borrowed Big Yellow for a few days of shooting.

Wan Bao was horrified. "Did I do anything else embarrassing last night?"

The assistant director winced. "Well… nothing too extreme. You just kept shouting ‘President Sheng, I love you!’ at her, and no one could shut you up. Supervisor Yu’s face turned black with anger, so I had to drag you back to your room before you finally settled down."

Wan Bao: "…I—I shouted ‘I love you’ at President Sheng??"

The assistant director softened his tone, trying to sound comforting. "Look, President Sheng is kind, good-looking—it’s normal to like her. But… different people have different tastes. You know she prefers attractive people, and, well… no offense, but objectively speaking, you’re not exactly her type. Not that you’re ugly! Just… a little unattractive."

"Anyway, how exactly did you land that investment?"

Wan Bao stared blankly. "President Sheng invited me to dinner, and at the table, Mr. Wang wanted to befriend her. He said any project she invests in, he’d follow, so he gave us the money."

The assistant director: "…"

Wan Bao: "Any thoughts?"

The assistant director: "I want to tell President Sheng ‘I love you’ too."

Unfortunately, the two didn’t get the chance to express their adoration, because once Mr. Wang sobered up, he eagerly visited the set under the guise of "checking in."

True, he did bring a truckload of food and supplies, but from the moment he arrived, he stuck to President Sheng like glue, showering her with overt and subtle flattery.

The saying "old foxes are cunning" clearly held weight—Mr. Wang’s skills in delivering compliments were masterful, and he had no qualms about abandoning any pretense of dignity, openly praising President Sheng in front of everyone.

Zhou Zhi was stunned. "How is he better at sucking up than me? President Sheng’s laughed at his jokes several times already."

Lin Aike, meanwhile, muttered sourly, "If this Mr. Wang were a few decades younger, we’d all be out of a job."

Before this, President Sheng had always sat with her during lunch, and in the afternoons when Lin Aike wasn’t filming, the two would gossip and exchange beauty tips.

Being the only women on set, Zhou Zhi and Wang Zheng had never enjoyed these privileges.

Now, with President Sheng’s attention entirely captured by Mr. Wang, Lin Aike was practically fuming with jealousy.

Zhou Zhi nodded emphatically. "Yeah, seriously! Who even is this guy? Where’d he come from?"

As the two grumbled, Wang Zheng squinted at Mr. Wang for a long moment before hesitantly saying, "I think… he might be the Mr. Wang who owns 10% of Yushuo Media."

While the name "Mr. Wang" meant nothing to them, "Yushuo Media" rang loud and clear—it was a major entertainment company, one with considerable prestige in the industry.

This man, who had been shamelessly buttering up President Sheng, was a shareholder of Yushuo Media?!

And not just any shareholder—10% was a significant stake.

Zhou Zhi’s jaw nearly hit the floor. "Are you serious? Is it really him?"

"I’m sure," Wang Zheng confirmed. "Remember, I’m signed under Yushuo Media, and his name is really similar to mine. That’s why I remember—it’s definitely him."

Lin Aike’s eyes widened in realization. "If this Mr. Wang really is *that* Mr. Wang, then how influential must President Sheng be for him to grovel like this…"

Zhou Zhi abruptly stood up, startling the other two. "What are you doing?!"

Zhou Zhi straightened his expression. "I’m going to work out."

Wang Zheng blinked. "But didn’t you just say you were exhausted and wanted to nap this afternoon?"

Zhou Zhi remained solemn. "I’m an actor. Staying fit is essential. I can’t slack off just because I’m tired."

Lin Aike saw right through him. "Oh, please. President Sheng once said his physique was pleasing to the eye. He’s just trying to impress her even more."

The group, all relatively new to the industry, had no real rivalry—their roles didn’t clash, and Lin Aike, the most experienced among them, was easygoing. Having weathered the near-collapse of their production together, they’d grown genuinely close, so teasing came naturally.

Zhou Zhi didn’t deny it. "Like you’re any better. You’ve been reading novels nonstop just to have more to talk about with President Sheng."

Lin Aike pulled out her phone. "You’re right. I should keep reading. Tonight, I’ll go with President Sheng for a spa session. Can you two compete with that?"

Wang Zheng, overwhelmed by their scheming, suddenly felt left behind. "What about me? Should I be doing something too?"

Zhou Zhi and Lin Aike turned to him, then immediately scowled in envy at his unfairly beautiful face.

Lin Aike groaned. "Ugh, it’s so unfair that a guy is prettier than me."

Zhou Zhi sighed. "You don’t have to do anything. As long as that face of yours exists, President Sheng’s attention will always drift your way."

Wang Zheng’s eyes lit up in understanding, making the other two even more exasperated.

They were encountering such a prime opportunity to cozy up to a powerful figure for the first time. Although it was clear that Sheng Quan was drawn to their looks, she didn’t engage in any shady dealings with them or spout cringey lines. At most, she’d sip her boba tea while cheerfully watching them work out or film scenes. At first, the group had been apprehensive, but after a few days of interaction, they realized Sheng Quan was quite approachable—soon enough, they were all vying for her attention with increasing enthusiasm.

Of course, their eagerness was also fueled by their agencies and managers whispering in their ears. Lin Aike, who had been in the entertainment industry for a while, didn’t need her manager’s prompting—she already knew how to play the game.

Zhou Zhi, on the other hand, was a bit shy at first, but after his manager drilled into him, *“Are you seriously going to ignore this golden opportunity right in front of you? Do you want to stay a nobody forever?”*—and considering he genuinely liked Sheng Quan, who always watched his workouts with a smile—somehow, the situation escalated into a rivalry between him and Lin Aike over who could impress her more.

As for Wang Zheng, whose looks alone outshone both of them… Well, neither Zhou Zhi nor Lin Aike had anything to say about that.

Unbeknownst to Sheng Quan, the lead actors were all putting their best foot forward to catch her eye. Right now, she was thoroughly enjoying herself—Mr. Wang, a seasoned veteran in the entertainment industry, was dropping one insider tip after another.

Not only was Sheng Quan absorbing every word like a sponge, but even Yu Xiangwan was quietly committing the information to memory. Though knowledgeable, Yu had never held a high-ranking position before, so he was still lacking when it came to the unspoken rules known only to upper management.

Mr. Wang didn’t mind sharing his wisdom with Sheng Quan. Now that they had established a connection, her success would inevitably benefit him as well. When he heard her company was recruiting for executive roles, his eyes lit up—this was the perfect chance to score some goodwill!

He immediately combed through his mental Rolodex and, lo and behold, came up with a name:

*“Gu Zhao—have you heard of him, President Sheng?”*

Sheng Quan had a vague recollection but couldn’t quite place him. Still, she was certain that while she’d been researching the entertainment industry since arriving here, his name hadn’t come up—meaning he was probably from the novel *Starlight*.

She leaned in, all ears. Mr. Wang, delighted to have a receptive audience, happily spilled the tea: *“Gu Zhao was the former COO of Wan Sheng. He helped build the company from the ground up, only to get booted out once they made it big. It caused quite a stir in our circles back then.”*

Sheng Quan honed in on the key point: *“So his skills are top-notch?”*

*“Absolutely,”* Mr. Wang said with a knowing nod. *“Wan Sheng wouldn’t be where it is today without him. My former company, Yu Shuo, even took a hit from him once.”*

Sheng Quan understood why Mr. Wang would recommend someone he’d previously clashed with—for one, if Gu Zhao was as capable as claimed, both he and Sheng Quan would owe Mr. Wang a favor if things worked out.

Secondly, the conflict between Yu Shuo and Gu Zhao wasn’t personal—it was business. Given the publicized rivalry between Yu Shuo and Wan Sheng, Mr. Wang, as a Yu Shuo shareholder, would naturally love to see Wan Sheng’s former executive—now their enemy—rise again.

*Tsk tsk, what a sly old fox. Killing multiple birds with one stone, and his little schemes are so transparent.*

But Sheng Quan didn’t mind. If Gu Zhao truly was a rare talent, she’d gladly take the favor.

Seeing her interest, Mr. Wang quickly added a caveat: *“That said, while Gu Zhao’s skills are undeniable, I should warn you—he’s infamous for being ruthless. Cold, calculating, profit-driven, almost like a machine. And he holds grudges.”*

Glancing around to ensure no outsiders were listening, he leaned in closer, performing the quintessential *“I’m about to drop some juicy gossip”* prelude:

*“On the surface, Wan Sheng kicked him out, but only a handful know—before leaving, Gu Zhao dealt them a massive blow. The specifics are murky, but the damage he caused was at least this much.”*

Mr. Wang flashed a cryptic hand gesture. *“He gutted Wan Sheng’s foundation before they even made their move. No hesitation, just pure retaliation. Now that’s what I call ruthless.”*

Rather than repelled, Sheng Quan’s eyes gleamed with admiration. *“Now that’s talent—turning the tables on Wan Sheng like that.”*

She’d done something similar in the past, though not as masterfully. But she, too, had made sure a former employer regretted trying to exploit her after she’d outlived her usefulness.

Mr. Wang, however, viewed things from a different perspective—that of a wary executive: *“He’s talented, sure, but his vindictiveness scared off other companies. If you can’t control him, he might turn on you too.”*

Sheng Quan took his words seriously and nodded. *“Got it. Anyway, could you arrange a meeting? I’d like to assess him myself.”*

Mr. Wang agreed immediately: *“No problem. Since you’re heading back to Shanghai soon, how about I host a tea meeting there? You two can sit down and see if it’s a good fit.”*

With practiced diplomacy, Sheng Quan replied warmly, *“Perfect. I really appreciate your help, Mr. Wang—solving such a big problem for me. I won’t forget this.”*

*“Hey, what are friends for? When it comes to me, there are just two words: loyal and reliable!”*

Mr. Wang wasn’t stupid—this was a golden opportunity to strengthen ties with a rising powerhouse. If Sheng Quan weren’t a young woman (making prolonged one-on-one networking awkward), he’d have stuck to her like glue for the next month.

*President Sheng has one building today, ten tomorrow—best to nurture this connection while she’s still climbing.*

Though his body was aging, Mr. Wang’s mind remained sharp and energetic. Seizing the moment, he launched into another round of industry gossip—after all, nothing bonds people faster than shared secrets.

And so, Sheng Quan was treated to a flood of insider scoops:

*“So-and-so is a total scammer—never trust him.”*

*“Such-and-such is a great investor but has questionable ethics.”*

*“That famous XX? Total introvert, hates crowds.”*

*“This director is steady, but that company? A hollow shell waiting for some poor sucker to take the bait.”*

Sheng Quan listened with rapt attention. Gossip was undeniably entertaining, but the sheer variety of scandals also highlighted just how cutthroat this industry was.

She *really* needed a top-tier COO—someone capable of holding down the fort while she navigated these treacherous waters.

As for doing it herself? She wasn’t even trained in this profession. One should stick to what they’re good at, and Sheng Quan wasn’t so blindly arrogant as to think she could outperform the professionals who’d clawed their way up in this industry.

Besides, the Chief Operating Officer, also known as the President, might sound impressive, but unlike in novels, real-life presidents aren’t idle enough to spend their days drowning in romance.

At their core, presidents are still employees working under the board chairman. Though they usually get company shares, a true president in a growing company is swamped with work!

Even if they appear to be doing nothing, their minds are always occupied with critical matters. Every president Sheng Quan had met was indeed impressive, but they all shared the "Three Lacks": lack of sleep, lack of time, and lack of hair.

That’s just how it is when you’re burdened with endless responsibilities.

So, Sheng Quan had never once considered becoming a president herself. She wasn’t insane—she had money and leisure now, so why not enjoy life instead of grinding away at work?

After affirming this thought, Sheng Quan happily went for a spa session with Lin Aike. She didn’t even have to pay—Mr. Wang, who claimed he also needed some pampering, eagerly footed the bill.

Of course, they were in separate rooms. Mr. Wang always knew his boundaries, striking the perfect balance in his interactions. If Sheng Quan hadn’t been returning to Shanghai the next day, he might’ve even signed her up for a membership and loaded it with tens of thousands of yuan.

In the end, he didn’t get one for Sheng Quan, but he did for Lin Aike.

With a beaming smile, he said, “Since President Sheng is heading back to Shanghai, I won’t get you a membership. But Aike, when you’re not busy filming, come here often. Proper maintenance ensures you’re in top shape for your scenes.”

Lin Aike was flustered by the unexpected gesture and hesitated to accept.

Even she could tell Mr. Wang was only doing this to curry favor with Sheng Quan. Unsure, she glanced at Sheng Quan for guidance.

Sheng Quan thought, *What a sly fox.* He even extended his courtesy to Lin Aike, whom she was close to, with such a convincing excuse. Had she been a naive newcomer, she’d have been completely won over by his tactics.

Smiling, she said, “It’s Mr. Wang’s kind gesture. Just accept it, Aike. Don’t feel burdened—Mr. Wang is also an investor in the production. Doing your best on set is all the thanks he needs.”

Only then did Lin Aike carefully accept the gift, her face lighting up with delight. Her salary wasn’t high—after agency cuts, personal upkeep, and paying her assistant (out of her own pocket), there wasn’t much left.

A membership worth fifty thousand yuan was beyond her means.

Her eyes sparkled as she smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Mr. Wang~”

Mr. Wang, who hadn’t paid Lin Aike any attention earlier (too busy fawning over Sheng Quan), suddenly noticed how strikingly beautiful she was when she thanked him.

Lin Aike wasn’t a rookie—the moment Mr. Wang’s gaze shifted, she sensed the change and tensed up, instinctively moving closer to Sheng Quan.

Sheng Quan smoothly stepped forward, shielding Lin Aike behind her, her tone cooling. “Shouldn’t you be heading back to rest?”

Every bit of her body language screamed one message: if Mr. Wang dared to make a move on Lin Aike, she wouldn’t hesitate to turn hostile.

Snapped out of his daze by her icy demeanor, Mr. Wang broke into a nervous sweat. “Ah! Look at me—old folks like me get drowsy easily at this hour. Not like you youngsters, we’re from different generations, after all. President Sheng, Ms. Lin, you should rest early too. I’ll take my leave.”

Mr. Wang inwardly cursed himself. Sure, he liked pretty women—working in the entertainment industry, with no marriage tying him down, no one batted an eye if he changed girlfriends monthly. It was all consensual, transactional fun.

But he hadn’t actually planned anything just now! He’d only glanced at her. Maybe his face just naturally looked sleazy, making it seem like he had ulterior motives.

*Does President Sheng think I’m some kind of predator who forces himself on women?* And to make things worse, he’d just given Lin Aike a spa membership—now it really looked like he was plotting something.

*Heaven knows my only goal was buttering up President Sheng!* That glance had been pure reflex. Blame the spa for melting his brain into mush.

Regret gnawed at him so fiercely he could’ve slapped himself, but that didn’t stop him from scurrying away like his life depended on it.

From start to finish, he didn’t dare glance at Lin Aike again, terrified of giving Sheng Quan the wrong idea.

Seeing his reaction, Lin Aike relaxed slightly, but her heart still raced, her body trembling faintly.

It wasn’t that she was overly timid—working in this industry, she’d heard and seen too much.

Only when Sheng Quan took her hand did she slowly calm down, belatedly regretting her earlier reaction. “I’m sorry, President Sheng… Did I ruin your business rapport?”

Had she overreacted? Mr. Wang had only looked at her.

“Not at all. Your reaction was completely normal.” Sheng Quan’s tone was indignant. “I’d be pissed too in your shoes. Next time something like this happens and I’m not around, call me immediately.”

Hearing her fierce tone, Lin Aike instantly felt reassured.

Of course—President Sheng was a woman too. She understood. She wouldn’t dismiss her fears or accuse her of being too sensitive, unlike others.

Her fear evaporated, replaced by a bright, determined nod. “Mm! I’ll remember. Thank you, President Sheng. Love you!”

Sheng Quan was utterly charmed by her radiant smile. “Alright! Let’s grab some late-night snacks to calm your nerves. Time to indulge!”

The two happily feasted on snacks, while Mr. Wang spent the night tossing and turning, terrified Sheng Quan now held a grudge. The next day, he frantically followed her back to Shanghai, hinting on the plane that he truly had no ill intentions—his heart belonged only to money, nothing else, blah blah blah.

Desperate to salvage his standing, the moment they landed, Mr. Wang rushed to contact Gu Zhao, hoping to redeem himself by facilitating a connection.

When Sheng Quan arrived at the teahouse, her gaze immediately landed on the man seated inside.

He radiated an aura of icy detachment, dressed in a crisp suit reminiscent of Yu Xiangwan’s style, but with an added layer of frostiness.

When he lifted his head, his pale gray eyes coolly met hers. Sheng Quan’s inner voice screamed:

*Holy crap.*

*Since when do presidents look this good?*

Her eyes involuntarily drifted upward. But the real shocker was…

—*He even had a full head of hair.*