Hearing Chen Yan's words, Xu Zhaorong didn't feel there was any issue at all.

He smiled and said, "It's all about business, after all. Everything starts with benefit. It's nothing to get cold feet over."

"If Director Zhang needs my help, then I'll provide it."

"But I also feel that Chairman Chen is more worthy of investment, so I turned to Chairman Chen."

"It's just that I don't know if Chairman Chen would be willing to give me this opportunity to curry favor."

Hearing Xu Zhaorong's evasive talk, Chen Yan shook his head, clearly disagreeing.

Because he knew Xu Zhaorong definitely had ulterior motives.

It was just... unknown what those motives were.

Chen Yan still remembered how Xu Zhaorong had once made the lengthy journey to Qin Island to meet with him.

He hadn't made any demands, nor had he spoken of any conditions.

Instead, he had outright sold out his own brother, Director Zhang, and everyone else who followed him, clean and clear.

Chen Yan certainly didn't think he possessed a king-like quality that could compel instant reverence.

Thus, this indicated that Xu Zhaorong was willing to give up so much because there must be an unspeakable secret.

The more goodwill Xu Zhaorong showed, the more Chen Yan felt uneasy.

After all, where there's something abnormal, there must be a demon at work; Xu Zhaorong's willingness to pay such a high price assuredly hinted at significant plans.

Thinking this, Chen Yan tentatively asked, "President Xu's actions must be aimed at something, right?"

"You've been showing kindness to me before, and now again, there must be something you want."

"Speak up. If you say it, I'll consider it."

Hearing Chen Yan's words, Xu Zhaorong laughed and replied, "You've misunderstood me, Chairman Chen."

He spoke with a hint of emotion, "To be honest, I too was an idealist in the past."

"Back then, I saw the film and television industry flourishing abroad, while our domestic industry was like a desert."

"That's why I threw myself into this industry."

"Over the years, following the industry's development, I've seen too many people, too many things."

"I think our country's film and television industry has gone astray."

"I want to give our country's film and television industry a chance to start over."

"I can't stand those companies that monopolize resources, those who bully others using their power, or those celebrities who command sky-high fees without having much business ability."

"It's just that my power is too minimal."

"I've always wanted to change the industry's status quo, but I haven't been able to."

"And at this time, Chairman Chen, you emerged. Your Chenlu Film Company, your Sunrise project, gave me hope for change."

"And in the several contacts we had, I became deeply convinced that you have the determination to change this industry too."

"So, my wish to help you is also to help myself fulfill this ideal."

Hearing Xu Zhaorong's resounding speech, Chen Yan was so startled he was almost at a loss for words.

Putting other things aside, truly, as one of the Xu brothers, the "dragon," his eloquence was impressive.

And his words were logical, full of sentiment and insight.

For a moment, Chen Yan was somewhat unable to discern whether Xu Zhaorong's words were true or false.

Could this man actually be a "loyal official"? An idealist?

Was he sincerely seeking to ally himself with Chen Yan?

You need to know that last time Chen Yan had used "Inner Headphones" to listen to his inner voice.

This guy's heart truly only harbored the desire to help Chen Yan!

This made Chen Yan waver for a moment.

However, Chen Yan was not someone who easily trusted others, especially in the case of such an old fox.

Thus, with a mind racing, Chen Yan continued to probe, "But just now, among those people and behaviors you mentioned, there were members of your own Xu family."

Xu Zhaorong let out a "haha" and laughed loudly, saying, "Indeed. That's why I said I'm useless. I couldn't even change my own company."

"This industry is too rotten."

"It's like a big dyeing vat, everyone who gets in it gets stained."

Chen Yan frowned slightly and asked, "But if the industry standards were to be rebuilt, your Xu family could very well collapse."

Xu Zhaorong said indifferently, "If it collapses, it collapses."

"A tree planted crooked should be cut down; it's fate."

Chen Yan frowned deeper, "What about your brother Xu Zhaoqing and Director Zhang? I can't let them off."

This time, Xu Zhaorong was silent for a few seconds.

After a moment, he said in a low voice, "What they've done these past few years, I've been very disappointed in."

"I've given them many chances. But they didn't seize them."

"So... it's their fate to face this misfortune."

"However, I'm not too worried about them. The money we made in the first half of our lives is enough for them to live without worries."

Hearing Xu Zhaorong's words, Chen Yan had a sharp sensation, as if he had caught on to something.

But when he tried to grasp at that fleeting inspiration, he couldn't quite catch it.

He thought hard, thought and thought, but it always felt like he was just a bit off, just a little bit...

So, in the end, he could only ask, "So if I accept you, what are you planning to do afterwards? Continue in the film industry? Start a new company from scratch?"

Xu Zhaorong said slightly dejectedly, "I myself don't have the heart to start another company."

"I just hope the industry could be a bit better."

"Perhaps, I'll retire in seclusion, then go out traveling, do some gardening, raise a dog."

As he spoke, he switched gears, "Of course, if Chairman Chen values me, and during the process of restructuring the film industry order, you appreciate my abilities, then I hope to join Chairman Chen's company and contribute my strength to Chairman Chen's film empire."

Chen Yan's eyes lit up, as if he had vaguely found the direction.

He pretended to hesitate for a moment, then said, "I can accept you. But my arrangements in the film industry are nearly complete, so what can you do?"

Xu Zhaorong replied, "I understand."

"Under Chairman Chen, there are three generals: Yang Rou, Song Chuang, Wang Meili."

"One is responsible for film production, another for film distribution, and another for artist management."

"They practically cover 80% of the industry's subfields."

"I'm aware of their status in Chairman Chen's heart, and I've never thought about competing with them."

"However, I do have an idea. Chairman Chen's companies are all self-operating."

"But in an industry, even when one company dominates, there will definitely be other medium and small-sized companies."

"Especially when there's an industry reshuffle, there will surely be more opportunities for more people to get involved."

"So if Chairman Chen trusts me, I could independently establish a subsidiary to invest in film and television. Invest in films, in celebrities."

"Chairman Chen's insight is well-known in the circle, with your guidance, I believe this company will surely develop."

Hearing Xu Zhaorong, Chen Yan silently laughed.

Because he understood, he finally understood.

He realized why Xu Zhaorong was "sincerely" seeking to align himself with Chen Yan and understood what Xu Zhaorong was truly up to.

When all answers were laid out before him, Chen Yan suddenly found Xu Zhaorong to be somewhat pitiful, pathetic, and laughable.

He shook his head, then engaged in empty pleasantries with Xu Zhaorong for a few more moments.

After settling on considering his offer and giving Xu Zhaorong a response later, Chen Yan hung up the phone.

After hanging up, Chen Yan tossed his phone onto the table and went to the safe in the corner of the room.

The sky had gradually darkened, with fiery red clouds spreading across the horizon...

Chen Yan opened the safe, took out a document, and then started to read it at the table.

This document had originally been given to Chen Yan by Yang Rou, containing information about the Xu brothers and also being... the most important trump card in Chen Yan's hand. (Chapter 234)

Initially, Chen Yan and Yang Rou had planned to use this trump card in a linked plan, to first shut down the Xu brothers and then, when the Xu brothers made a move, to play this card.

Who would have thought that in the linked plan, the appearance of the "Sunrise" project caused the Xu brothers to immediately back down, which meant this trump card remained unplayed until now.

After all, in a game of cards, nobody starts off by throwing out four twos and then a pair of jokers.

But now, looking at the document, Chen Yan recalled the content of his chat with Xu Zhaorong and also figured out why Xu Zhaorong wanted to side with him and shake up the industry.

Everything was because... the Xu brothers, under Xu Zhaorong's leadership, had now become externally strong but internally weak.

Xu Zhaorong had indeed once led the Xu brothers to the top of the entertainment circle.

At their most dominant, the Xu brothers had once occupied a third of the domestic movie box office, and their ranks were filled with A-list celebrities and top directors.

It could be said they could make the entire entertainment circle shake with just a cough.

But as capital entered the entertainment circle, the heartbeats of the Xu brothers changed. Particularly, Xu Zhaorong's mindset changed.

He found out... that the hard work he put into making movies all year long actually didn't earn as much money as a few percentage points in the capital market.

He discovered the magic of capital: it could anticipate future earnings.

Thus, following the Zhao Family, and other tycoons, he gradually started getting involved in capital operations.

Under his maneuvers, the Xu brothers, as the domestic entertainment circle's first share, successfully entered the A-share market, and he, his brother, and Director Zhang successfully achieved financial freedom.

But here, Xu Zhaorong was not satisfied yet. Because he found that although the entertainment industry as a whole was small, it had fame disproportionate to its size.

Celebrities' fame could influence the capital market and the choices of stock market investors.

And, since the value of celebrities is subjective, there was much room for manipulation in this area.

Thus, he started to issue targeted additional shares to his own celebrities, tying celebrities to his chariot, then hyping it up to stimulate stock prices before cashing out at high prices.

If these actions barely fell within permissible rules, gradually, he became more insane. For the sake of quick cashing in, he directly collaborated with celebrities.

Celebrities would set up a shell company with just a few million in capital, then he'd issue more shares on the market, spending billions to buy them out.

Anyway, the money came from stock investors; whether lost or gained, it had nothing to do with him.

All he had to do was split the money with the Celebrity afterwards.

As for facing regulation, he would present a legal and reasonable contingency contract: the contract stipulated that the Celebrity, whose shell company was acquired, must achieve certain performances within a few years, or compensate proportionally if they failed to do so.

These contracts and the betting methods were all legal and reasonable, leaving regulatory authorities unable to find fault.

That might have been all, but as the stakes grew higher, Xu Zhaorong started to pledge shares, cashing out.

Or, forge yin-yang contracts with Celebrities.

And the cash siphoned off was used not only to invest in films, but also to make connections across various fields, expanding into other industries.

Although they still released quite a few critically acclaimed and box-office hit films over the years, their heart had long since left the entertainment industry.

Therefore, by the time Yang Rou provided the information to Chen Yan, the Xu brothers were practically left with just a shell; despite a market value of two to three hundred billion, the cash had all been diverted.

This was the real reason Xu Zhaorong dared to follow Chen Yan and overturn the entertainment industry: he had already run away from it and didn't care about its fate at all.

Moreover… perhaps, he was indeed as loyal to Chen Yan as he had expressed, looking forward to a reshuffling of the entertainment industry.

Because if that happened, he could rerun his old scheme and make a killing again.

Or… perhaps he wanted to make a killing and even take Chen Yan down with him.

Chen Yan gently tapped the file in his hand as he pondered this.

Xu Zhaorong wanting to work with him likely knew that Chen Yan had money and insight, the perfect "partner" for his schemes.

He didn't even have to do anything illegal to continue his adept capital operations.

For example, after gaining Chen Yan's trust, he could easily find another top Celebrity outside the Chen Group.

Then, with a billion or two, use a contingency contract to acquire that Celebrity's company and cash out.

Previously, when the Xu brothers did this, after cashing out, they could only default and write it off as bad debt.

But with Chen Yan, there was no need to worry.

With the group's internal resources, the Sunrise project, and Chen Yan's insight, just pushing that Celebrity into a few projects could probably earn the money back.

It seemed to not cause Chen Yan's side any loss.

But… what if he inflated the valuation of that Celebrity a bit?

As mentioned before, pricing of Celebrities is subjective; a difference between 120 million and 150 million can hardly be criticized.

Plus, don't forget, the resources he provided to those Celebrities were from Chen Yan's internal company.

If those resources were deployed on the group's own people, Chen Yan's gains would be greater.

If used on outsiders, without profiting or losing, for Chen Yan, it was a loss.

This very subtle capital operation method might have indeed fooled Chen Yan if Yang Rou hadn't given him the information beforehand.

The more he thought about it, the more Chen Yan felt Xu Zhaorong's wolfish ambition, laying traps for him in the shadows.

This also made Chen Yan want to bring down the Xu brothers even more, making Xu Zhaorong and Xu Zhaoqing, along with Director Zhang pay the price for their years of operations.

They loved money, didn't they?

Then Chen Yan would make them go bankrupt and penniless!

The first step was to use "Wandering Planet" to utterly defeat Director Zhang's new film and expose the Xu brothers' false prosperity.

To let the entertainment industry and the capital market both understand that the Xu brothers' reign was irrevocably over!

To make the Xu brothers' stock prices plummet, trigger their margin call and drive them into a dead end!

After sorting things out, Chen Yan put the materials back into the safe, and then he decided to talk with Yang Rou.

As the Xu brothers' longtime adversary, Yang Rou knew them best.

Perhaps telling her Xu Zhaorong's current situation would yield some new leads and information.

Thinking this, Chen Yan stood up, took the elevator, and headed to the 17th floor's film company.

Greeting the youthful film company girls along the way, Chen Yan arrived at Yang Rou's office.

He knocked on the door and heard Yang Rou's chilly voice from inside, "Come in."

Chen Yan pushed the door open.

Yang Rou was sitting behind the boss' desk, dressed in a light gray suit, looking at some documents.

She wore her hair in a bun today, adding a touch of youth and playfulness to her mature appearance.

Her face, pale and calm, looked somewhat cold and aloof.

But Chen Yan couldn't help but recall the night they had spent in the bathroom.

Yang Rou was so enchanting and irresistible that night…

However, it was just that one night.

Afterward, Yang Rou always seemed to avoid facing Chen Yan.

Although she always claimed to face Chen Yan with openness and integrity, Chen Yan could easily detect her slight panic.

Like this time…

At first, she busied herself with work, and when she saw the person coming in without speaking, she couldn't help but glance up.

The moment she realized it was Chen Yan, she panicked almost to the point of tearing up the papers.

Still, she managed to greet him with a slightly trembling voice, "Good morning, President Chen."

Chen Yan responded with a "hmm," "Good evening, Sister Rou."

Hearing Chen Yan's response, Yang Rou looked out the window in surprise.

Then she realized she was overly flustered and even greeted him incorrectly.

She avoided Chen Yan's gaze and pretended to casually take a sip of water.

Seeing Yang Rou like this, Chen Yan couldn't help but smile.

For some reason, he really liked this "different" Yang Rou.

Compared to the always masked, unfathomable Yang Rou of the past, the current Yang Rou seemed much more genuine and human.

As he thought this, Chen Yan looked at Yang Rou tenderly and said, "Sister Rou, do you plan to keep avoiding me like this?"

After the initial panic subsided, Yang Rou gradually regained her strong woman demeanor.

She looked up at Chen Yan and with a slight smile, said, "Not at all, President Chen."

"I was just too busy just now, so I accidentally misspoke."

"Don't take it to heart."

Seeing Yang Rou like this, Chen Yan sighed.

He thought: to untie the bell, the person who tied it is needed; perhaps only after breaking through Yang Rou's "defenses" again would she stop being so contradictory.

However, at least for now, Chen Yan did not have a good opportunity.

Maybe talking a bit more tonight would create one?

With that thought, Chen Yan gradually formed an idea.

He said to Yang Rou, "Sister Rou, if you're not busy, let's go out to eat; I have some things I want to talk to you about."

When Chen Yan said this, Yang Rou glanced at the work in her hands, then hesitated for a moment and replied, "Give me two minutes."

Chen Yan uttered a "hmm" and sat down on the sofa, waiting patiently.

With other women, two minutes might mean half an hour, but when Yang Rou said two minutes, it definitely meant two minutes.

After two minutes were up, Yang Rou tidied up the documents on her desk and said, "Let's go."

Chen Yan had just taken his phone out and glanced at it.

Hearing Yang Rou's words, he pocketed it again.

The two of them left together for the Twin Towers Hotel.

In a private room reserved for Chen Yan, the two had dinner while discussing Xu Zhaorong's affair.

With more clues this time compared to the previous lack of leads, Yang Rou immediately guessed Xu Zhaorong's motives.

Her opinion matched Chen Yan's; she too felt that Xu Zhaorong's loyalty was fake, and his true intention was to make a comeback.

Moreover, maybe because she understood Xu Zhaorong better, she also felt that the Xu brothers must now be on the verge of exploding, or Xu Zhaorong wouldn't be so desperate to abandon this ticking bomb.

After hearing this, Chen Yan agreed as well.

After exchanging their views on Xu Zhaorong, they talked about the production and distribution of "Wandering Planet."

Perhaps because it had been so long since their last chat, they kept talking until after 10 p.m., somewhat reluctantly ending the conversation.

After settling the bill, Chen Yan and Yang Rou went downstairs.

In front of the hotel, Chen Yan looked up at the bright moon, then turned to Yang Rou and asked, "Sister Rou, do you have any plans after this?"

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As promised, Yang Rou's extra story is published... Rave reviews and absolutely explosive.

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If other women say two minutes, it might actually mean half an hour, but when Yang Rou says two minutes, it definitely means two minutes.

After two minutes, Yang Rou arranged her documents on the table, then said, "Let's go."

Chen Yan had just taken his phone out to look at it.

Hearing Yang Rou's words, he pocketed it again.

The two of them left together for the Twin Towers Hotel.

In a private room reserved for Chen Yan, they had dinner while discussing Xu Zhaorong's affair.

With more clues this time compared to the previous lack of leads, Yang Rou immediately guessed Xu Zhaorong's motives.

Her opinion matched Chen Yan's; she too felt that Xu Zhaorong's loyalty was fake, and his true intention was to make a comeback.

Moreover, maybe because she understood Xu Zhaorong better, she also felt that the Xu brothers must now be on the verge of exploding, or Xu Zhaorong wouldn't be so desperate to abandon this ticking bomb.

After hearing this, Chen Yan agreed as well.

After exchanging their views on Xu Zhaorong, they talked about the production and distribution of "Wandering Planet."

Perhaps because it had been so long since their last chat, they talked until after 10 p.m., somewhat reluctantly ending their conversation.

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