Chapter 63: Qixi Media Consulting

As soon as the words were spoken, the atmosphere in the entire conference room immediately fell into silence.

Opening a new branch? What was he thinking? The scale of Tang Dynasty World was already immense; why would they need a new company? Was Xiao Kaitian planning to conquer the solar system?

Lin Xiang, the loyal follower, didn't have much education. Xiao Kaitian's proposal had him feeling fired up and full of passion. Ling Xuan, unfamiliar with capital operations, simply stared with her beautiful large eyes. The only person on the board who possessed any "business acumen" was the worldly Chen Jingming.

Chen Jingming's lips twitched slightly, and his mouth felt dry. Yet, since they were all in the same boat, some things had to be said, no matter how bitter: "Mr. Xiao, about the new company—don't you think this is a bit too rash? After all, our current company has no funds at all."

Xiao Kaitian nodded. Chen Jingming had been a renowned director, someone who had mingled in the capital markets, so his mind was relatively clear. Xiao tapped his index finger gently on the tabletop. "You're right. Everyone knows that reviving Tang Dynasty World through conventional means is nearly impossible. Not to mention the thirty billion funding gap—no bank, venture capital, or fund will cooperate with us."

"In simple terms, Tang Dynasty World's credit has been completely exhausted," he glanced at the others, seeing all three nodding in agreement, and continued his analysis. "Therefore, all our next moves cannot be made in Tang Dynasty's name. That's why we need to establish a new branch, still under Tang Dynasty, but operating independently."

"This company's main business will be consulting—comprehensive consultation regarding Tang Dynasty's current situation, seeking solutions. So, hoping to make profits from this company is out of the question."

"But as long as we discover a way to resolve Tang Dynasty's issues, the value of this company will become apparent. As for funds, I currently have fifty million in hand, which will arrive in a few days. Director Chen, you'll receive a two million advance for your film's preliminary work, and the rest will be injected into the new company."

Hearing there were funds, Chen Jingming's eyes lit up. Two million wasn't much for a film, but it was enough for the early stages. Ling Xuan also couldn't help shifting her slightly stiff body.

"The company's legal representative will be the same as Tang Dynasty's. As for the outward-facing general manager..." Xiao Kaitian pondered, "Let's appoint Lin Xiang for now. However, in the early stages, Director Chen will assist, since Lin Xiang isn't familiar with some matters."

"Then I'll rely on your guidance, Director Chen." Lin Xiang glanced sideways at Chen Jingming, who ignored him and instead asked the question he cared about most, "What exactly will the company do?"

"Only consulting," Xiao Kaitian paused, then explained his idea.

To revive Tang Dynasty World, what was needed was a "stratagem." The purpose of consulting was to discover a way out. Xiao believed such solutions wouldn't come from so-called economic or business "experts," but should be sought from all kinds of people, at all levels. Therefore, the consulting format would be highly open.

He also had to consider the existence of opposing forces. It was impossible to conceal his return to the country; his uncle, Xiao Zhenglü, held the Xiao Group in his grasp—a single finger could wipe out Tang Dynasty as it stood. Thus, all actions could not be too conspicuous.

The situation with Han Tang remained unclear, and Xiao Kaitian lacked influence. Hiding his plans within a jumble of consulting activities was the best option.

Seeing the others still blinking in confusion, Xiao wasn't anxious. The meeting had achieved the basic consensus he sought, and that satisfied him; after all, not long ago, Chen Jingming and Ling Xuan had been opponents.

"Here's how we'll do it: I'll lead the first round of consulting work. Later, I'll just pass the topics to Lin Xiang—you'll follow up accordingly. I'll also assign you a deputy general manager; the actual work will be carried out by the deputy, and you only need to oversee the overall situation."

"As for the company's name..." Xiao continued tapping the table, "Let's call it Qixi Media Consulting Co., Ltd. We're preparing to make a film, so that's how we'll present ourselves to the outside world. Meeting adjourned."

With that, the meeting ended. Lin Xiang didn't understand much, but felt that everything Xiao Kaitian said was right. Only Chen Jingming and Ling Xuan felt uneasy; the meeting seemed to have given them direction, but on closer thought, nothing had actually been settled.

Qixi Media Consulting—no matter how you heard it, it sounded like an unreliable company. But at this point, the two had no other way. Exchanging glances, they both sighed helplessly.

At the same time, in the headquarters of Xiao Group in Shangjing, Xiao Zhenglü sat with a sullen face, reading the report in his hand. Before him stood a middle-aged man, hands respectfully at his sides, head bowed.

"You say the operations against Xiao Kaitian in the island country all failed, and that brat is now safely back in Haidu?" As he asked, his knuckles gripped the report so tightly they turned pale.

"Yes," the middle-aged man replied, "Over there, Hattori Hidehiko was arrested, and the young master of the Takeda family was reportedly killed. The bounty hunters' guild also suffered losses. But rest assured, sir, all matters on that side were handled by Hattori Hidehiko. Now that he's been taken, nothing can be traced back to us."

"That isn't what concerns me," Xiao Zhenglü's sharp, slanted eyes drooped. "Were all those things done by Xiao Kaitian?"

"Probably not, but it can't be denied that fool's luck is remarkable. According to intelligence, the Ogihara family is close to him—perhaps they intervened."

"Hmph, I thought so," Xiao Zhenglü's mind cleared. If all those actions had been carried out by Xiao Kaitian alone, it would have been terrifying. But if the Ogihara family acted behind the scenes, everything made sense. He gritted his teeth; that Xiao Kaitian really was lucky. "What is he doing now?"

"Just returned to Haidu, likely handling matters at Tang Dynasty World. As the legal representative, he still owes the bank a substantial loan. Although the Zhao family covered the latest installment, I personally believe they won't fill that gaping hole again."

Listening to this, Xiao Zhenglü smiled in satisfaction. The chaos at Tang Dynasty World—he had played no small part in stirring it up. That fool truly believed he could leap to greatness in one step.

"I hear Jiang Churan is also in Haidu. She's quite capable," Xiao Zhenglü picked up a cigarette with a gold-tipped filter and lit it. "Summon her back in the company's name. I don't like her staying by Xiao Kaitian's side."

"Yes!"

"As for Xiao Kaitian, notify the people in Haidu to monitor him. After all, he's still my nephew. Let's see what he does—then we'll act!" He exhaled a plume of smoke, a glint flashing in his eyes.

"Yes!"