Chapter 38: Investment Secured

After leaving the venue, Liu Wei, acting as the host, intended to take the two to a restaurant outside the school. To his surprise, Zhang Qianjun casually declined, suggesting they just eat at the school cafeteria and asking Liu Wei to recommend a good stall.

The three found a spot in the cafeteria and ordered. They enjoyed the meal thoroughly, noting it was quite good—better than the food at their own university. Zhang Qianjun's behavior didn't surprise Liu Wei; after all, even billionaires were known to eat street food. What did surprise him was that the beautiful girl accompanying him, who looked like she was dressed in very expensive attire, also gave the food high praise.

"This bibimbap is really good, much better than that Jinsha Hall place you took me to yesterday. It's supposed to be a famous restaurant, yet only the roast chicken was decent. Can we bring Mom and Dad to the capital later? I’m going to starve to death if we keep staying in Qiantang."

Zhang Qianjun felt a bit helpless. No matter the time, outsiders visiting Qiantang always complained about the food. "If you think it's bad, just hire a few chefs."

Seeing that the two were satisfied with the cafeteria, Liu Wei felt relieved. Noticing their easygoing nature, he asked, "Mr. Zhang, you mentioned you are an investor, though in a different field. I don't know if it's convenient to ask, but we do games, which is quite different from traditional projects."

Zhang Qianjun rinsed his mouth with some iced soda. "Calling me 'Mr. Zhang' sounds so stiff. You can just call me Qianjun. If that feels too informal, 'Boss Zhang' works too. I own a film company and invest in movies. I’m an actor myself—you can look me up on Baidu. I starred in *Brotherhood of Blades* and *Better Days*."

Liu Wei's heart sank upon hearing "actor." It sounded unreliable, but he did know *Brotherhood of Blades*; it was widely considered the best martial arts film in recent years. He wanted to check his phone but hesitated, fearing it would be rude.

Zhang Qianjun noticed his hesitation. "Go ahead and check your phone; no need to be embarrassed."

Liu Wei gave a sheepish smile and pulled out his phone. Wow, he was actually seeing a real celebrity, and he looked just like he did on screen. After a quick search, Liu Wei felt much more secure. This handsome guy probably had some money.

"Boss Zhang, are you interested in investing in our studio?"

"Yes."

Liu Wei hesitated slightly before saying, "To be honest, our studio really needs investment. As newcomers, we aren't in a position to be picky, but I still want to know why you are interested in us."

Zhang Qianjun answered without hesitation, "Because of what you said on stage earlier."

Liu Wei looked puzzled.

"You mentioned that your approach to game development is driven by IP, emphasizing cultural attributes and user experience. Many people talk about building IP, but very few actually implement it. Currently, it seems only Tencent Entertainment is well-known for focusing on this. Plus, you mentioned promoting traditional Chinese culture to extend the game's life cycle and reach. I'm curious—usually, when people see your visuals and titles, they think it leans towards a Japanese style. I want to know how you plan to achieve your goal."

Liu Wei nodded repeatedly, thinking this guy was worth talking to—not only did he know about Miku, but he also clearly understood the industry.

However, Zhang Qianjun’s next sentence left him speechless. "Your studio shouldn't be very big, right? Even if you're raising funds, your needs shouldn't be that high. It’s not much money anyway; I could earn that by acting for a few days."

Once said, not only Liu Wei, but even Kan Qingzi, who was eating her bibimbap, was rendered speechless. If you don't know how to talk, you really should just stay quiet.

Regardless, money was money. Liu Wei said he would discuss it with his team and invited Zhang Qianjun to visit their studio the next morning.

***

After the three parted ways, Kan Qingzi asked, "Why have you been thinking about investing lately?"

"I was inspired by Huayi Brothers yesterday. They invested in Zhangqu Technology, and the stock has been soaring. Zhangqu goes public next year, and they're going to make a fortune. I figured, if I can't afford to invest in big companies, I can at least try my hand at small workshops. Besides, in a couple of years, when I have more money, I plan to build a factory to produce mid-to-low-priced clothing. Back when I started college, I wanted to create a Chinese version of Uniqlo, so young people wouldn't keep paying 'IQ taxes' to foreign brands."

Kan Qingzi looked at her boyfriend with adoration; he was just so excellent! "Honey, since you always say foreign brands are an 'IQ tax,' why do you keep buying me luxury brands?"

Zhang Qianjun thought to himself, isn't it because you like them? "Actually, I think some luxury goods are an IQ tax, but even among luxury brands, the cosmetics and skincare products are quite good. Expensive, yes, but still better than buying a seventy-or-eighty-yuan domestic eyebrow pencil."

Bored in the afternoon, they decided to stroll along the Bund. Although Zhang Qianjun found the Bund quite dull, it gave his girlfriend something to do, so it was worth the memories.

Meanwhile, back at the studio, the three who had been holding down the fort rushed forward. "Da Wei, how did it go? Is Mr. Li interested in coming to the company?" studio head Cai Haoyu asked first.

Liu Wei shook his head. "Mr. Li isn't interested in us. He thinks our download numbers are too low. In his words, a daily download volume of less than a thousand doesn't have the potential for a breakout hit."

Disappointment was written on all their faces. Jin Zhicheng looked agitated. "We’ve graduated. The free office at the technology park expires in two months, and the one hundred thousand yuan from the 'Young Eagle Program' is about to run out. What are we going to do? My mom keeps calling to ask about my job prospects; I'm worried sick."

Cai Haoyu wanted to comfort his younger brother, but he didn't know where to start. The four of them had founded the studio with nothing but passion, yet as master's graduates from Jiaotong University, they were only earning four thousand yuan a month, barely making ends meet while working in this 50-square-meter office. They finally understood how hard it was to have only expenses and no income after graduation. No matter how much they saved, the money dwindled day by day.

Jin Zhicheng came from a difficult family background; his parents supported his education in the hope that he would earn money to help them after graduation. Seeing the current state of affairs, no matter how much he cut back, it wasn't enough. Watching his brother suffer while being unable to help as the eldest was a painful feeling.

Luo Yuhao, the core of the technical team, sat there without a word, lost in thought. Just as the atmosphere reached its lowest point, Liu Wei spoke up.

"Actually, it wasn't a total loss today. Someone is interested in investing in us, but I'm not sure about it. We need to decide together."

Luo Yuhao, who had been keeping his head down, looked up instantly. The agitated Jin Zhicheng became even more excited, and Cai Haoyu’s eyes widened like copper bells.

"What company is it? Or is it an independent investor?"

Jin Zhicheng said impatiently, "Who cares what company it is? As long as they leave us with 60% or more of the shares, we should take the money and get through this immediate crisis."

Luo Yuhao, though silent, nodded repeatedly, clearly agreeing that survival was the priority.

Liu Wei said calmly, "It's a movie star. Have you seen *Brotherhood of Blades*, which just released? The lead actor."

"Who has the heart to watch movies? At a time like this, all I think about is what to do next," said Luo Yuhao.

Cai Haoyu saw the looks on their faces and knew they were already tempted. He turned to Liu Wei. "Da Wei, what do you think of him? Is he reliable?"

Liu Wei thought for a moment. "The contact time was too short to say for sure, but he's very down-to-earth. He and his girlfriend ate bibimbap with me in the cafeteria at noon. And he has a certain understanding of ACG culture and IP."

He paused, then added with a bitter smile, "Most importantly, I suspect the money he's investing in us doesn't even amount to the cost of his girlfriend's outfit."

The office went dead silent, as if hit by a silence spell. Seconds later, it erupted with expletives.

"That's f***ing ridiculous. Nineteen years of schooling and a lifetime of work isn't as good as shooting a random TV show. Damn it!"

"Nineteen years? Even if you get a PhD and do a post-doc, you still won't be as well off as these people!"

"Damn, actors are ruining the country; it's doomed sooner or later."

After everyone had vented their emotions, Cai Haoyu made the call. "Stop complaining. Let's meet this Boss Zhang tomorrow morning. As long as the terms aren't too outrageous, we'll agree."

The next day, Zhang Qianjun brought his girlfriend to the small Mihoyo office and met the four bosses-cum-employees. After Liu Wei introduced everyone, Zhang Qianjun got straight to the point. "Alright, let's talk. What’s the valuation, and what are the terms?"

Cai Haoyu pondered for a moment and said cautiously, "Boss Zhang, we only ask that you don't interfere with the creative direction. We're fine with financial oversight and legal supervision. We just want to continue the company according to our original dream—to make it the top Chinese online game company with culture and ideals."

Zhang Qianjun nodded. "Okay, so what is the valuation, and how much money do you want?"

Cai Haoyu gritted his teeth. "A valuation of ten million. We'll give you 30% equity. We guarantee the original team will remain and we will work hard."

Zhang Qianjun felt it wasn't worth that much, but thinking of the legendary *Genshin Impact* of the future, he didn't really care. It was just a few more commercial gigs.

"Fine. I'll have my lawyer draft the contract. Once signed, the 3 million will be transferred. I'll hire an accounting firm in Shanghai for future audits. Anything else?"

The four studio members reacted with different expressions. Cai Haoyu was shocked—he had thrown out an inflated number, and this guy had agreed so casually. Luo Yuhao was ecstatic that he could finally pursue his passion. Jin Zhicheng, while excited, cursed inwardly at how easily the "dog actor" made money and how beautiful his girlfriend was—it was so unfair.

Only Liu Wei, while excited, felt this was unexpected yet somehow made sense. After all, this man was both wealthy and whimsical.