Car-hailing Driver: Rewards from Complaints

Chapter 358 - 188: Bride’s Side Has 100 Tables, Groom’s Side Can’t Fill 2 — What Should We Do?

Chen Xing, 26 years old, married a 55-year-old rich woman?

That’s like skipping thirty years of struggle!

Bro, you’ve got it figured out!

Driver Zhang He: "I often regret my decisions because I overthink things. Back then, I also had a chance to skip thirty years of struggle, but I didn’t seize it."

Driver Wang Jun: "Brother, we said we’d grind together; what’s this about? Why’d you choose a shortcut? Waking up to servants bringing bird’s nest drink, having meals provided, clothes brought for you—does your life still have meaning?"

Driver Ge Dongqiang: "Bro, you’ve chosen well. After your honeymoon, your wife will turn 55 and can retire. Then you both can enjoy life."

Driver Liu Hu: "Bro, any single ’sugar-mommies’ in your wife’s circle you can introduce to me? I’d love to skip thirty years of struggle too."

Yang Chen almost laughed out loud while reading everyone’s comments.

But honestly, Chen Xing managed to find a wealthy wife, and he’s sharing the joy with everyone. We should be congratulating him.

Driver Yang Chen @Driver Chen Xing: "Bro, congrats! Where are you hosting the wedding banquet? I’ll definitely show up to support you."

Driver Chen Xing: "Haha... Thanks, Brother Chen. We’re planning to have the banquet at the Haiyalantis Hotel. I was just about to mention it; I hope all the brothers can come. My hometown is too far from here, so only my parents and some close relatives will be here; no one else. I should gather at least a couple of tables of friends, otherwise, it’d be too sad. Appreciate it, everyone."

Yang Chen guessed that since the bride’s side is strong, Chen Xing would feel a bit inferior about the groom’s side being weaker.

However, these folks aren’t the type to take advantage; who goes to a wedding banquet without giving a red envelope?

But since the bride is wealthy and the banquet’s at the exclusive Haiyalantis Hotel, these ride-share drivers felt a bit insecure.

Giving too much would be reluctant, and their relations aren’t close enough to warrant a few thousand dollars or more.

Giving too little would be embarrassing, considering it’s a seven-star hotel, and the rich family and friends from the bride’s side might scoff at them.

Having considered it, the drivers who often chat with Chen Xing in the group had to answer ambiguously.

"If I can free up some time, I’ll definitely come."

"Exactly! It’s a happy occasion; we’ll come if we can."

"I’ve never dined at the Haiyalantis Hotel in my life; I might as well take this opportunity to see it."

...

Chen Xing assumed everyone would come, so he replied: "Thank you, brothers. October 10th, I welcome you all to the wedding. No need to send invitations one by one; just mention you’re the groom’s friend at the door."

Actually, it wasn’t that Chen Xing didn’t want to send invitations, but he was worried some might not want to go, and delivering an invitation might embarrass them.

Better to let everyone decide voluntarily without morally obligating them.

Early in the morning, Yu Shishi made breakfast for Yang Chen and set off to Haisang Financial Mansion to meet with Ju Yiyi’s company boss.

The two sides had an intense discussion regarding the cooperation on "The Array of Zhu Xian."

Eventually, both parties reached a consensus.

The total project investment is 50 million, and production will follow theater standards.

Star Entertainment Company under Yang Chen invests 40 million, holding 80% equity.

Dalfa Media Culture Co., Ltd. where Ju Yiyi works invests 10 million, holding 20% equity.

Ju Yiyi will be the absolute female lead of this film, with her scenes occupying at least 80% of the total movie length.

Chen Yan Ni will be the second female lead and her scenes must be at least 80% of Ju Yiyi’s total scenes.

If the final movie length is 120 minutes, Ju Yiyi’s total screen time must be at least 96 minutes, then Chen Yan Ni’s total screen time cannot be lower than 76.8 minutes.

Compared to the original script, Ju Yiyi’s screen time is extended by about 10 minutes, but the second lead Chen Yan Ni’s screen time is extended by a full 30 minutes.

The main purpose of Yang Chen investing in this film was to leverage Ju Yiyi’s fame to boost Chen Yan Ni, so of course, he’d heavily increase Chen Yan Ni’s supporting role screen time.

Producing according to theater standards also means the film will have the opportunity for theater release in the future.

If it grosses 100-200 million at the box office, it’ll be a big profit. They can further earn from online platform member pay-per-views, and major platforms will continue paying royalties over time. Investing 50 million in this movie won’t lose money, it’s just a matter of timing for when the profit comes.

Yu Shishi reported the situation to Yang Chen.

Yang Chen was silent for a long while before saying, "Shishi, start hiring a professional CEO from the entertainment industry. Have them quickly form our own filming team, so we can produce our own content and not rely on cooperating with others."

Yu Shishi: "Okay, I’ll get right on it."

Currently, Star Entertainment Company is essentially an empty shell, and for now, it can only invest in projects from other companies under this company’s name.

But this isn’t the situation Yang Chen desires; he wants to be capable of film and television production himself.

He had spent considerable money buying the rights to dozens of popular novels, of course planning to adapt them into films and TV shows.

A while later, the current CEO of Haiyalantis Hotel, Huang Lvxie, called Yang Chen.

Huang Lvxie: "Mr. Yang, welcome to Haiyalantis Hotel. When are you available for a meal? May I invite you?"

Smart move, knowing to flatter the new major shareholder.

Yang Chen replied with a laugh, "I’ve been really busy these days. No time to visit. The 10th then, we can meet and chat then."