Damn… where did all these eccentric people come from?

While Li Yan was observing, Chu Yi and Qiao Pan kept the atmosphere warm with enthusiastic introductions.

When Qiao Pan introduced those three people, he was a bit more attentive, as they should all be industry insiders.

"I was originally in G City today, with these friends, but as soon as I heard Brother Chu mention that Brother Li invited us, I rushed back. Let me introduce these friends to you, everyone is eager to meet you."

Li Yan was very clear; it wasn't him they wanted to meet, but rather the Paradise Group connections he represented.

Pointing to the bearded man holding a pipe, Qiao Pan said, "This gentleman, doesn't he have an artist's aura? Doesn't he look like a director? Haha, actually, he's not a director; he's a writer and screenwriter, pen name Smoked Tobacco!"

Li Yan mischievously misheard it as 'writer-cum-screenwriter', "Hello, hello."

During the handshakes, he distributed his business card, which now bore the title of "General Manager of Heaven Film Investment Co., Ltd.", to everyone, as a promotion for Heavenly Film.

After introducing Smoked Tobacco, Qiao Pan pointed to another slightly uneasy young man and said, "Haha, this is Zhou Yuan. He looks like a genteel scoundrel, which seems more like a writer and screenwriter, doesn't he? But he is, in fact, a bona fide director!"

After receiving Li Yan's business card, Zhou Yuan shook hands with a bit of restraint, "Producer Qiao is too kind; actually, I mostly direct commercials and MVs and have only done one movie, haha... a low-budget movie that never had a chance to hit the theaters. I hope President Li will look after me in the future!"

He must have rehearsed this in his mind long ago; although he was nervous, he didn't miss the opportunity to pitch himself, hurriedly rummaging through his bag to hand Li Yan a disc, presumably the low-budget movie he mentioned.

Like those female friends, Zhou Yuan also yearned for opportunities. They longed for acting and screen time, which wasn't so hard to achieve—there are always supporting roles or extras besides the lead actress. As a director, he yearned for opportunities to direct films, which was akin to holding the reins of a movie—naturally more challenging, and the only things he could offer to attract investors were his perceived abilities and talents.

Li Yan accepted it sincerely; he could feel Zhou Yuan's yearning. Surely, his bag held more of the same discs, cautiously offered to every investor, distributor, or director he met, hoping one day he'd be recognized and given a chance, even if just a chance for collaboration.

Qiao Pan continued by introducing the third man wearing glasses, "This is Mr. Mo Yan, also my important partner!"

Li Yan reached out warmly, "Oh, so it's the famous writer! I've heard of you. I didn't expect you to be so young…"

He was speaking when he noticed both Qiao Pan and the ostentatiously charming Mo Yan looking awkward. He quickly corrected himself, saying, "Oh yes, even though I'm not that cultured and haven't read it, I've heard of it, right?"

"Haha, I'm not that famous writer; in fact, I'm just aspiring to invest in films. President Li, you're quite the jokester!" Mo Yan, though momentarily embarrassed, didn't mind and laughed it off.

After a few drinks, they began to praise Paradise Group's strength, subtly probing the scale of Paradise Group's recent actions. Since no one in the industry had heard anything, it was clear that, for Paradise Group, this wasn't a major project. Were they just testing the waters for now?

No matter the scale of Heavenly Film, having such a major group as a backer was something they were eager to associate with.

Actually, Li Yan himself didn't know how much Zhang Yurong had invested in this subsidiary. It was his first day on the job, and financial matters were something to ask Zhang Yurong or Jiang Xueyin about. However, facing outsiders now, he fully displayed his general manager demeanor. Without disclosing a concrete plan or how big they intended to go, he simply indicated that back when he was preparing film projects in the business department, the headquarters had no such plans, and now, without any trial, they'd already established a film company, showcasing the company's determination, emphasizing that this was a new subsidiary deeply valued by the president of Paradise Group.

Although they only got some generic statements, it reassured others. Being valued by a listed large corporation meant that even a newly established company had limitless prospects for future development. Those present today might all benefit in the future, creating a mutually beneficial situation. They also felt that Paradise Group's strategy was not to alert other big companies in the industry but to keep a low profile and gradually lay out their plans.

Everyone had their own calculations. Verbally, Zhou Yuan, Smoked Tobacco, Qiao Pan, and the girls all politely expressed that they hoped for future care and a piece of the pie. Chu Yi and Mo Yan also promised to fully support and closely cooperate, declaring everyone as brothers!

...

The drinker's intention lies not in the wine.

Neither the host, Chu Yi, nor the other guests, including the accompanying female participants, truly focused on the eating and drinking. The lively atmosphere, with everyone enjoying themselves amidst harmonious vibes, allowed everyone to gather the information they wanted and express their goodwill. The basic objectives were achieved, while further detailed collaboration was, of course, not suitable to discuss at the dining table.

Li Yan also achieved his goal. Checking the time, it was still early; but he guessed that Yurong might have returned home from the hospital, so he wanted to leave. As everyone was about done with eating and drinking, he suggested paying the bill and wrapping up.

This surprised everyone a bit. It was still quite early, around dinner's prime time, and too early to hit nightclubs or KTVs. The group should continue drinking and chatting, spending more time.

"I've already settled the bill, and I've booked a room at the nightclub upstairs. Let's change places, have some drinks, and sing some songs!"

Everyone responded enthusiastically, making Li Yan feel a bit awkward. It seemed that Chu Yi and the others misunderstood him. He, somewhat embarrassed, said, "I won't be going to the nightclub; I genuinely need to head home. Have fun, and let's stay in touch!"

Everyone thought Li Yan wasn't used to going out or was just shy. Except for the young director Zhou Yuan, the others were smiling and persuading him.

Chu Yi, having observed him closely, realized he truly didn't want to go to the nightclub and thought for a moment, having made up his mind.

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