Chapter 77: Financing

In the top-floor general manager’s office of Fenghua Holdings, Liu Dongming and Tang Tian sat at attention, both rising to their feet in unison as Xiao Kaitian and Guo Lei entered.

“Hello,” came the brief greeting. After quick introductions, the four settled into the guest lounge. Tang Tian’s gaze met Guo Lei’s, a spark flickering between them before they both looked away, feigning indifference and quickly shifting into work mode.

Liu Dongming glanced at Tang Tian. Fenghua Holdings was the Tang family’s enterprise, and the young woman before him was essentially its heiress. She was capable, but lacked some worldly experience. His role was to mentor her, as had been arranged.

“We’ve come today with a project proposal, hoping to discuss it with you, President Liu,” Xiao Kaitian began directly, a gentle smile on his lips. “I hope Fenghua Holdings will give it careful consideration.”

Liu Dongming chuckled quietly. He’d heard of Xiao Kaitian—his Tilted Tang Empire project in Haidu had caused quite a stir. Industry insiders, however, saw through the scale: the so-called Future Century Project was a dead end, and any funds invested would be hard to recover. “You flatter us, President Xiao. Everyone knows the scale of your projects. I’m afraid Fenghua Holdings may not be able to keep up.”

“I’m not talking about the Future Century Project,” Xiao Kaitian replied, taking the Yellow Crane Tower cigarette Liu Dongming offered but merely rolling it between his fingers without lighting it. “This is a new project I’m preparing.”

“A new one?” Liu Dongming was taken aback. Xiao Kaitian’s funding chain was already broken—what else could he possibly attempt? His glance slid to Tang Tian, who also looked puzzled.

“I’m planning to collaborate with Chen Jingming and Ling Xuan on a new film—a science fiction movie,” Xiao Kaitian explained, lighting his cigarette and signaling to Guo Lei. She handed over a folder of documents with both hands. “Here is the relevant information.”

“A film?” Liu Dongming smiled wryly. Xiao Kaitian was always stirring things up; his real estate ventures weren’t settled, and now he wanted to dabble in film? Out of courtesy, Liu Dongming took the documents, but his brow furrowed as he read. “A science fiction film, President Xiao? Domestic sci-fi movies haven’t exactly been popular.”

Xiao Kaitian tapped the ash from his cigarette. “That’s true. It’s nothing like Bollywood, but the data is clear. There have been successful domestic sci-fi productions—you must be familiar with them.”

Liu Dongming smiled—this argument failed to move him.

“But the film isn’t my main point,” Xiao Kaitian continued, understanding Liu Dongming’s lack of interest. “What matters are the spin-off products the film could generate.”

“Oh?” Now Liu Dongming was intrigued. The market and significance of film-related merchandise were in a different league; a successful film’s spin-offs could even become an industry unto themselves. He picked up the documents, reading more intently, his expression growing increasingly serious.

“I need an investment of one billion. I believe that’s not too much for Fenghua Holdings,” Xiao Kaitian said with confidence, watching Liu Dongming study the documents. He felt he’d seized the upper hand in these negotiations. “But I require the full amount up front, with interest-only payments for five years, and the principal due at maturity.”

“As for Fenghua Holdings’ profit, besides the interest, if the box office exceeds two billion, you’ll receive eight percent of the gross. That alone would secure handsome returns, I believe.”

Liu Dongming licked his lips, his mouth suddenly dry. He shifted in his seat, striving for composure. Xiao Kaitian’s offer was reasonable, but the uncertainties surrounding him were significant—he would need to think carefully. After all, a one-billion investment was no small matter.

In truth, Liu Dongming was less interested in the film’s profits than in the development of the spin-off products outlined in Xiao Kaitian’s materials. He handed the dossier to Tang Tian, wanting the Tang family’s involvement. “President Xiao, what really interests me is the spin-off products—”

“That’s precisely why I’m seeking a billion in financing,” Xiao Kaitian revealed his ambition. “The film’s budget won’t exceed half a billion. But, to be honest, the spin-off project is only in the conceptual stage. As you know, even if it succeeds, the risks will be enormous, just as the market potential is. For that part, I’d prefer Fenghua Holdings not to be involved.”

He spoke plainly. Liu Dongming sighed in slight disappointment. “But the amount you’re asking for, President Xiao...”

“The Tilted Tang Empire project can’t be used as collateral,” Xiao Kaitian anticipated Liu Dongming’s concern—he worried the money might evaporate. Xiao offered another tidbit: “Have you heard of the protective gloves that are all the rage in Japan, now poised to enter Western markets?”

Of course Liu Dongming had heard of them. These gloves had revolutionized personal safety gear; demand was so high they had to be reserved in advance. At Xiao Kaitian’s words, even Tang Tian looked up in surprise.

“I invented those gloves. The intellectual property belongs to me,” Xiao Kaitian dropped his bombshell.

If Liu Dongming had had any lingering doubts, most vanished now. Those gloves were a sensation in Japan, and raising a billion through them would be easy.

What’s more, most of Xiao Kaitian’s funding was earmarked for developing new products. If successful, the established structure of Hantang could be upended. Years in investment had sharpened Liu Dongming’s instincts—he saw the key immediately.

It was a pity, though: his hope of leveraging the financing rights, or even forgoing some profits for a stake in product development, was dashed—Xiao Kaitian wanted exclusive control.

The balance between both sides was soon reached, but the sum was so large that Liu Dongming needed the Tang family’s approval. He turned to Tang Tian.

Tang Tian, a standout in Haidu Transportation University’s business school, lacked practical experience but was sharp-minded. Holding the documents, her face had gone pale—she never expected Guo Lei to work for Xiao Kaitian. This Xiao Kaitian was proving far from simple.

Meeting Liu Dongming’s eyes, she understood. “I’ll make a call.”

The discussion paused. Liu Dongming chatted with Xiao Kaitian about other topics. He had expected Xiao Kaitian to be a typical playboy, but the man’s grasp of economics and unique insights on stocks were surprising.

About ten minutes later, Tang Tian returned. Under Liu Dongming’s watchful gaze, she gave a slight nod.

Relief washed over Xiao Kaitian. What he needed most now was capital—there weren’t many firms that could support his ventures.

With the Tang family’s approval, Liu Dongming’s task became easier. He stood to make a call—financing on this scale would require a separate contract.

Tang Tian turned to Xiao Kaitian. “President Xiao, if I may ask, why did you come to Fenghua Holdings? Of course, I’m not questioning our capabilities.”

“Your Tang family is backed by my maternal family, the Jiang clan,” Xiao Kaitian replied with a wry smile. “That’s a factor to consider, isn’t it?”

“It is,” Tang Tian gritted her teeth—the man was meticulous indeed. “Also, I’ll be the lead on this financing project, President Xiao, President Guo. I look forward to working with you.” With that, she extended her right hand.