Chapter 141: Sir's Vision Has Expanded
Albert shook his head and said coldly, "This washed-up director got canned by Sunrise Group just last night, and now he's back? Bella, let's not waste our time with him."
Bella nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he's not even famous. What kind of big investment could he possibly bring in?"
The director, looking a bit shabby, leaned into the passenger side window, which was still partially open. Flashing a toothy grin, he shamelessly said, "Bella, I'm now a director at DreamForge Media Corporation. My script has been greenlit with a fifty-million-dollar investment! You'd be perfect to play a wealthy heiress in it. You'll be acting alongside big stars, and you'll become a sensation!"
Bella shook her head. "Sorry, just hearing the movie's name sounds too casual. It doesn't seem like a good film. I'm not interested."
Albert added, "Bruce, just leave. Stop bothering Bella with your trashy movie."
Bruce Jenkins, the director, was stunned. "Bella, you're so young and beautiful. How are you already married?"
He quickly deduced that David was probably just one of Bella's suitors from yesterday.
Bella said coldly, "We're leaving now. Please move aside and stop bothering me, or you'll regret it."
She was reminded of David. Yesterday, David had thrown Bruce into a trash can, and Bruce still had a scratch on his forehead from it. David didn't like her acting in movies or becoming a star.
But then Benedict got out of the car and smiled, "Director Bruce, can we talk for a moment?"
Albert was taken aback but had to wait for Benedict.
Bella, annoyed, said coldly, "Benedict, what are you doing?"
Bruce quickly realized that the real decision-maker was the man in the back of the Maybach. He immediately started fawning over Benedict, offering him a cigarette as they walked aside.
After a short while, Benedict lit the cigarette and smiled, "Tell me about your concept and the general plot of your script."
Bruce, showing his buck teeth, asked, "Sir, are you Bella's husband?"
"Yes, for now."
Bruce caught the implication and smiled. His voice was a bit raspy from the smoke, but he explained the movie script in detail.
Benedict, observing Bruce's expressions, said calmly, "You're not actually with DreamForge Media Corporation yet, are you?"
"Uh... well..." Bruce felt a sudden panic, wondering how Benedict knew.
Benedict smiled, "Your script is good. But you just want to use my wife to attract investment, get big stars, start filming, and hope to make a name for yourself, right?"
Bruce's eyes widened in shock, his mouth agape, unable to respond.
Benedict continued, "I support my wife pursuing a career in acting and showcasing her value. So..."
Bruce quickly interrupted, "Sir, yesterday afternoon, one of your wife's suitors said Bella shouldn't act and should just enjoy life..."
Benedict cut him off with a smile, "I'm aware of the situation. But Bella is my wife, not his. Understand?"
"Oh." Bruce nodded, smiling. "Got it. But that guy is from Sunrise Group..."
"No need to mention that. Bruce, you'll become famous, but you must keep our dealings confidential."
"Of course, sir! Whatever you say!" Bruce nodded excitedly.
"First, I'll fund the movie entirely. Second, I need to review the script for casting. Third, don't approach any media companies; a film company CEO will contact you. Refine the script, and we'll start shooting in a month."
"Uh, this..."
"Fifty million dollars, right?"
"Yes."
"No problem."
With that, Benedict handed him a business card and walked away.
Bruce stood there, stunned. He couldn't believe the turn of events. This man in the Maybach was so confident.
Looking at the card, it read "Benedict Capulet, Independent Investor."
"Independent investor, huh?" Bruce muttered to himself, watching the Maybach drive away. Determined, he clenched his jaw. At over forty, life had etched deep lines on his face. He desperately wanted success. Working on small projects as an assistant director at Sunrise Group had no future. If he had enough money, his script could really make it big.
Back in the car, Benedict simply said, "Albert, let's go."
"Yes, Benedict!" Albert nodded and quickly drove off.
Bella, sitting in the passenger seat, didn't want to talk to Benedict. She was already upset. What had Benedict discussed with that small-time director? As his wife, she felt she had the right to know. But the three-year gentleman's agreement between Benedict and David had already infuriated her, so she didn't bother asking.
Benedict, ignoring her, texted Daisy.
"Ms. Palmer, how's the land acquisition going?"
Soon, his tablet received an email. Daisy sounded excited:
"Mr. Capulet, you're amazing! Rosa, the owner of Economic Electronics Factory, called me yesterday morning, wanting to discuss the land and factory acquisition."
"I thought she'd demand a high price, but she asked for just seven million dollars. I agreed, and the deal was completed yesterday. Sorry for the delay in reporting due to the busy acquisition process."
"Next, we need to acquire the large plot of land behind Economic Electronics Factory, owned by the Torres family. Claire is asking for fifteen million dollars. Do you have any suggestions?"
Benedict was pleased. Elise had managed to handle Rosa, which was great. Though Rosa had asked for an extra million, it was still much less than the original sixty million.
He replied, "Good job securing the factory. I'll handle Claire. You'll be busy in the coming days. Establish HumorHive Media Group, with two subsidiaries: Digital Haven Corporation and LaughLab Corporation. The names are a bit casual, but we'll make a fortune! We'll compete with major entertainment groups like Sunrise Group and DreamForge Media Corporation. By the way, don't you find texting and emailing inconvenient?"
Daisy was momentarily surprised by Benedict's grand plans.
She replied, "Understood, sir. I'll complete the media group setup within a week. Texting and emailing are somewhat inconvenient, but manageable."
Benedict responded, "After the New Year, we'll establish VirtuLink Technologies Corporation to develop a more convenient and powerful communication app. I've already thought of a name: ChatWave. I'll provide detailed content and design soon."