Chapter 384 - 381: Rotten Wood Cannot Be Carved

"Cecilia, you really have to be careful when investing in this field. The film and television industry is the easiest place to throw money away without seeing a single ripple."

Monica Coleman’s analysis was nothing short of incisive. Everything she said was on point and highly professional.

Her analysis of the television series sector, in particular, was especially sharp. James Lockwood had indeed brought many other series to her seeking investment, but she had rejected them all.

’When those projects came across her desk, she had no memory of them whatsoever, which meant they must have flopped silently in her past life.’

’That’s why she only invested in the massive hits she remembered. For anyone else without this advantage, it would be incredibly easy to make a misstep in this industry.’

"I’m surprised, Miss Monica, you’re so knowledgeable about the film and television industry. The problems you’ve pointed out are indeed the plagues of the industry right now."

The moment Cecilia finished speaking, Shoshanna Perry’s proud, smug voice cut in. "Of course she is. The number of film company bosses bringing projects to my mom for investment could wear down the doorstep of Black Gold every year. If my mom didn’t understand all this, who knows how much money she’d have been swindled into investing."

It should have been a comment expressing sincere pride in her mother’s capabilities, but coming from her, it had a condescending, superior tone.

Monica Coleman glanced at her daughter before turning back to Cecilia. "In the early years, many people from this industry did approach me. I didn’t understand it at first, but regardless of the investment size, conducting due diligence on the industry beforehand is my guiding principle."

"After some investigation and speaking with a few professionals, I ultimately decided the industry had too much instability, so I never ventured into it rashly."

To put it plainly, Monica Coleman’s business philosophy came down to a single word—stability!

While she couldn’t guarantee every business venture would be profitable, she could accept failures caused by objective market factors. What she couldn’t accept was losing money due to her own negligence.

Cecilia could get a glimpse of her personality from the way she spoke.

"You’re right to remind me, Miss Monica. I also carefully select projects with potential to invest in, and I’ll be even more cautious in the future." At this, she smiled faintly and added, "Actually, my initial reason for investing in this industry was because my younger sister is an actress studying performance. I wanted to use my position as an investor to pave the way for her. Since you know this industry so well, Miss Monica, you must also know how difficult this path can be."

She delivered these last words calmly, but they struck a chord with the three elders at the table.

Jasmine Sterling looked at her daughter. As the eldest and most capable child in the family, she hadn’t forgotten to think of her younger sister while achieving her own success. As a mother, Jasmine felt both proud and deeply gratified.

Wendy Duncan also had an expression that said, ’So that’s why, how wonderful.’

Monica Coleman, however, showed a look of undisguised admiration and nodded lightly. "So that was your real reason. You truly are a good child, so responsible and loving."

Then she looked at Jasmine Sterling and exclaimed with a sigh, "Jasmine, you’ve raised your daughter so well!"

"Don’t say that, Monica. This was all Cecilia’s own idea. I haven’t helped her at all with her business or anything else."

But the more Jasmine Sterling said this, the more it highlighted just how outstanding her daughter was as an independent individual.

Monica Coleman looked at Cecilia, finding it hard to believe she was only twenty-one.

"Sigh." She suddenly sighed, and much of her previously stern aura dissipated. "If my son and daughter were half as capable and sensible as Cecilia, I’d be burning incense in thanks."

"Mom!"

Suddenly being used for comparison, Shoshanna Perry immediately protested in displeasure, "You guys can just talk. Why do you have to bring Quentin and me into it?"

She then muttered, "Praising others by putting us down..."

Her daughter’s reaction made Monica Coleman shake her head inwardly. She was clearly several years older than Cecilia, yet she acted like a child.

’She had none of Cecilia’s generous, composed, or intelligent qualities!’

’Instead, she was full of flaws and lacked refinement.’

"So I can’t even say it?"

Monica Coleman said irritably, "Can I count on either of you for anything? Forget counting on you, I’d be grateful if you just gave me some peace of mind."

"Cecilia." She suddenly turned to Cecilia mid-sentence and said softly, "Shoshanna may be a few years older than you, but there’s actually a lot she could learn from you. They say you are who you hang out with. People your age can influence each other if you spend more time together. Our children don’t listen to what we elders say anymore. When you have the chance, you should invite Shoshanna to hang out more. And Estelle, too. I like that child, Estelle, as well."