"Thank you so much for investing in us," the producer said out of the blue, leaving Sheng Mumu and Qiao Li staring at each other in bewilderment.
What's going on???
It turns out the secret investor behind Passionate Delusions is Qi Mo???
Under the table, the two clenched their hands even tighter and strained to listen to the conversation at the next table.
From the producer's chat with Qi Mo, Sheng Mumu finally figured it out.
Qi's Media Company was the financial backer of Passionate Delusions.
Quite low-key, not mentioned in the ending credits.
Their strategy was to make big bucks in silence.
The producer briefly reported to Qi Mo about the current theater screening arrangements, then smiled and said, "Mr. Qi, based on the current market, after deducting all parties' shares, Qi's Media should get at least four times return on investment as the biggest investor."
Qi Mo's expression remained aloof and indifferent. "Okay, you can coordinate with the media company's team," he didn't bother with such details.
Sheng Mumu's breath hitched upon hearing this. Her scalp tingled.
Four times!
Four times the 15 million investment, 60 million!!
She could almost hear the sound of coins dropping.
Ding ding dang dang, crisp and pleasant.
And her gaze towards Qi Mo held a trace of resentment towards the rich.
So unfair!!!!
She and Qin Jiaqiu worked hard developing plans and proposals, contacting parties, coordinating promotions.
Their company's monthly revenue probably didn't even amount to the loose change of Qi Mo's investment in a single project.
The tragic plot of the movie didn't make her cry.
But now she truly, sincerely wanted to shed tears of grievance.
Just when she was lamenting Qi Mo's ability to earn big bucks, she heard him mention her.
"My wife and cousin really enjoyed this film. I wonder if it's possible to get a few signed photos of the leads?" he asked.
The producer was visibly taken aback.
What was that about?
If Mr. Qi wanted something, just a word from him would get the leads and supporting cast to accompany him to dinners and events.
There was no need to ask them.
"Of course we can," the producer turned and called the new actor and actress leads over, "Come on..."
In the next few minutes, Sheng Mumu and Qiao Li transformed into fangirls.
They took photos with the director and leads and got the signed photos.
In the Rolls Royce on the way back, the two sat in the rear seats.
Sheng Mumu mentally replayed what had happened at the restaurant.
She still felt dazed and confused.
The more she thought about it, the more bizarre yet reasonable it seemed.
After a while, she couldn't resist any longer.
Curling her hand into a microphone shape, she held it to the chest of the silent man beside her.
She asked the TV drama line she had been dying to say.
"Mr. Qi, how many more surprises do you have that I don't know about?"
Qi Mo lowered his eyes to look at her hand, his gaze flickering briefly.
Then his chest shook slightly as he chuckled lowly.
His warm breath puffed against Sheng Mumu's clenched fist.
He turned to look at her, his eyes stopping on her own smiling ones, and slowly drawled,
"There's a lot more."
Sheng Mumu's hand stiffened.
Looking at the man's raised eyelashes, deep and glimmering eyes, and lazily superior posture, she understood.
Carefully savoring his words, she shook her head and couldn't help teasing,
"Mr. Qi, I didn't expect you to be this kind of person."
Qi Mo's brow quirked up as he asked in a low rumble,
"What kind?"
Sheng Mumu sighed, "Acting cocky, no different than Qi Shaobai."
Qi Mo: "......"
Sheng Mumu smiled again, "Makes me want to capture your cocky look."
The corners of Qi Mo's lips curved up slowly in pleasure.
His long-fingered hand absently straightened his already neat collar.
He sat up straighter, tilted his head to angle his sharp jaw towards her.
In a magnetic voice that could steal souls, he murmured lowly,
"Go ahead and take it."
Sheng Mumu: "............"
What was up with this old man???
Endlessly cocky?
Looking at the mature yet childish, handsome CEO fake husband before her, Sheng Mumu's breathing inexplicably slowed.
Damn, he really knew how to pose.
Above was the starry night roof of the Rolls Royce Phantom, outside was the night cityscape, neon lights lazily filtering in.
It accentuated his already striking side profile.
His collar was partly unbuttoned, revealing the sexy curve of his throat.
Please stop being so charming!
Just as she was about to retort, Qi Mo suddenly said,
"Take a photo together?"
Sheng Mumu's eyes widened. ?????
What?
Shocked wasn't just her.
Up front, driver Xiao Wang's hands gripped the wheel tightly.
He didn't even dare breathe loudly.
His pupils shook violently.
Was this...was this still the Qi Mo he knew?
Unbelievable!
*
The car entered Xiyu Yue Court.
Large raindrops fell from the sky.
Hitting the car windows with pitter-patter sounds.
The rain had finally arrived.
The stifling heat could finally dissipate.
The luxury car passed through the villa's front iron gates and stopped at the entrance.
Butler Zhang was already waiting outside.
Seeing the car park, he opened an umbrella and walked to the door.
"Sir, Madam."
Qi Mo got out of the car and slightly nodded, "Mm."
Sheng Mumu also smiled at Butler Zhang and casually glanced up at the rain.
In that instant, a window on the second floor, its curtains were swiftly drawn closed, blocking the light.
Sheng Mumu didn't see it initially. When the curtains were pulled shut, it caught her attention.
That window was Qi Shaobai's room.
Once inside, a servant came over with hot towels to wipe their hands.
Sheng Mumu took the towel, looking inquisitively at Qi Shaobai's bedroom direction.
What a coincidence.
The faint light seeping from under his door was suddenly switched off as she walked towards the living room.
Something was off.
Fishy.
She turned to look at Qi Mo and was about to speak.
But noticed the man's gaze narrowed, also looking towards Qi Shaobai's room.
Sensing her eyes on him, the man's eyes slowly shifted to her.
They exchanged looks without a word.
Seeming to understand what the other was thinking.
Sheng Mumu pursed her lips, took out her phone from her bag...
