Chapter 722: Start-up Short of Money

“I had something going on the first two days, so I went on the third day, and since then, I’ve been around, but I haven’t seen you,” said Yi Qinghuan, always smiling with a pleasant attitude and tone that wasn’t the least bit off.

“I’ve talked to your agent and since you seem to have such a thorough understanding of the script, I didn’t contact you.

After all, there will be plenty of opportunities to discuss during filming.”

Chu Yao indeed had only gone for two days, having communicated everything necessary for her part; there wasn’t a need for her to return.

Everyone knew her temperament—when she sequestered herself to delve into the script, no one dared to disturb her.

She was never one to slap a smiling face, and on the field of professional benefits, she knew the surface pleasantries, responding with, “Pleasure working with you.”

“Pleasure working with you,” echoed Yi Qinghuan.

The director, who had been listening the entire time without interjecting, thought to himself that everyone said Chu Yao had a temper, but she never acted like a diva; as long as you didn’t cross her bottom line during filming, she was easy to work with.

“Xiao Yao, you start getting your makeup on.

I just thought, since you two hadn’t met, I’d introduce you.

By the way,” the director added casually, “Screenwriter Yi is also one of the investors.

Currently, the investments I’ve pulled in aren’t quite enough, but she’s been a huge help; the funds for the first set are more than sufficient now.”

Chu Yao’s eyes jumped, suppressing a laugh.

She’d worked with this director before, and he was “cunning as a fox”—managing to speak about finances with the lead actress without changing his expression was a talent unique to him.

“How much is still needed?” she asked.

The director perked up immediately, “I haven’t calculated it precisely; I have to check with finance.”

“Account number.”

“What?”

Chu Yao shook her phone, “If the big-shot benefactor is depositing money, you need an account number, right?

Director, what are you playing at?”

“I just, you know, didn’t want to trouble you,” he said bashfully.

Silently, the director pulled out a card and silently laid it on the makeup table, then silently slid it under Chu Yao’s eyes, chuckling, “Don’t send too much, don’t send too much…”

Chu Yao snapped a photo of the card and posted a message to her friends’ circle:

“Filming starts, short on cash.”

Within less than two minutes, one billion was deposited into the account.

Simultaneously, Yaen Chi publicly posted a Weibo message:

“Miss Chu’s filming starts off auspiciously, personal investment.

If it’s not enough, tell your brother.”

The director was numb all over, as the transfer information was sent directly to his phone.

Then, several more large sums of money thudded in.

Bo Yanching donated two billion and posted through Bo Corporation’s Weibo:

“Filming starts with good fortune, if it’s not enough, tell your brother.”

Mo Tingshen donated three billion, not using Shengjing’s Weibo, but his personal account:

“Filming starts with good fortune, I am here.”

Loo Jinyang and Huo Linxi each transferred eighty million and sent their congratulations on their personal Weibo.

Chu Yao scrolled through Weibo, reading each post, pausing for two seconds at Mo Tingshen’s words “I am here,” then nonchalantly shifted her gaze away.

The director was beaming, clutching his phone and trembling with laughter, looking at Chu Yao as if she were made of gold.

He thanked her profusely, his phone continuing to receive transactions.

Money wasn’t taken for nothing; proper procedures had to be followed, especially since Mo Tingshen and Bo Yanching were significant figures.

They donated billions all for the sake of Chu Yao, but the money was for the production, and formal contracts had to be signed on the record.

“So, I’ll go and talk to finance.

Xiao Yao, rest up after you’re done with hair and makeup.

There’s still an hour left.

Take your time, take your time.

Oh, and what kind of coffee would you like?

Any pastries you’re craving?” the director inquired, a man in his forties who was serious and strict during filming but ironically had a baby face, which became more appealing with age.

Yet, a forty-something-year-old man cajoling her with a bowed back made Chu Yao’s head throb with pain.