Chapter 165: Chapter 165

"Is this Dynasty Entertainment?"

Quinn Locke looked around curiously as if he had never seen such a grand entertainment company before. Just picked up by Mary from the bus stop five hundred meters away, he couldn’t help but ask, "I’ve heard this entertainment company is a subsidiary of Sterling Group. It sure looks wealthy. Which floor is Marilyn Ford’s studio on?"

At his words, Mary shot him a warning glance, "Haven’t you seen how Marilyn’s science fiction blockbuster has completely overshadowed your pathetic film? It’s been Anna carrying the whole thing on her shoulders. Could you show a little understanding, set aside your fanboy inclinations, and stop embarrassing her?"

Quinn, realizing his place, immediately stood up straight and dared not look around anymore.

Before seeing Anna Thornton, Mary ran into Florian Hollis coming out of the lounge with Quinn in tow.

The latter had a bright smile, likely surprised by the success of his new song. It was worth the injury he got while preparing for the dance in the music video, which put him in the hospital for a few days.

Of course, Florian had actually been in the hospital because he sprained his leg chasing someone who slipped into Anna Thornton’s room.

But that’s not how the official announcement went. The release of the music video today even made many fans feel sorry for him, saying he worked too hard.

While fans felt for Florian, they didn’t forget to pull out Kevin Jacobs, his manager, to scold him for not taking better care of their idol.

Though Kevin took the heat, he was used to it and even quite pleased.

Florian’s popularity was high. While he had many fans, he also faced much skepticism. With this new song, aiming for Europe and America charts was feasible, and the self-directed and self-acted music video had a good response, showcasing Florian’s genuine talent beyond just looks.

Fortunately, Anna Thornton didn’t hold him back and unexpectedly attracted some international attention for Florian’s new song, reducing Kevin Jacobs’ grievances against her.

But after meeting Anna Thornton with Florian, Kevin put on that face of ’the whole world is riding my artist’s fame’ again.

Florian, however, remained in high spirits and proactively greeted Quinn brought by Mary, "Hello, Director!"

Director Lucas was flattered and nodded at him, "Hello."

"I heard your script is very good. When are you starting the shoot? If you need, you can contact my manager in advance. I’ve already cleared some of my schedule for the next two months, waiting for you."

"Huh?" Quinn didn’t understand what Florian meant.

Only after seeing Anna Thornton did he hear her explanation: "That high-profile young star who just went out said he can cameo as one of the seven male leads in your movie."

"Oh, so that’s it!" Quinn nodded.

Mary suddenly understood why Kevin Jacobs looked upset. Florian being a red-hot star, always had offers for variety shows and films. But Anna Thornton’s movie was already stomped on by established actress-director combos before shooting even started. Even third or fourth-tier actors believed the movie was doomed, and no one would take it. Florian, considering Anna Thornton, taking part is lowering his status, and he might also be ridiculed alongside. Who would be happy about that?

Let alone Kevin Jacobs, even Mary herself was having second thoughts.

"Miss Anna, I’m here today to discuss something with you," Quinn said, clutching the corner of his shirt, his expression suddenly conflicted.

"Well... I’m really sorry, but one of the two investors I recently contacted wants to withdraw their investment."

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"That investor initially agreed to invest twenty million in my film but suddenly changed his mind. He contacted me yesterday saying he wants to pull out ten million, citing financial issues with his company."

"We’re about to start filming soon. Your investor isn’t going bankrupt, is he?"

"No, no, he just mentioned a temporary cash flow problem. The remaining ten million should come through sooner or later," Quinn assured, patting his chest.

But because he was so thin, his assurance seemed unconvincing.

"Withdrawing ten million, and the other ten million won’t come right away, this investor is unreliable. What about the other one?"

"The other hasn’t said anything about withdrawing, but he is still observing."

"So, you’re saying you don’t have a single penny at hand right now?!" Mary asked him.

"Ah!" Quinn sighed, suddenly realizing, "Am I really that unlucky?"

"You even realize that? It’d be one thing if you were just unlucky, but you dragged us down too!"

Mary was testing the limits of her patience, having put up with this unreliable director for too long!

Having no money yet still fooling people was the last straw, and Mary, finally unable to bear it, mustered the strength from her lunchtime meal to punch Quinn’s irritating face.

"Since you weren’t sure about the investment from the start, why didn’t you tell us earlier? Why send us the script? Was it fun to waste our time and energy?"

"I wasn’t aware initially, the cash flow issue was only mentioned by the investor today," Quinn explained, clutching his face.

Though he said that, Mary still wanted to hit him.

"Do you know that Anna now doesn’t lack scripts! Originally, there were many good resources available to us. She could’ve taken shortcuts, but she chose you!"

"She even offered to cut her fee, hoping you could spend more on post-production, and this is how you repay us?"

"Initially seeing you were a fan of Marilyn Ford, I thought you were unreliable! As expected!"

"Now I suspect you were sent by Marilyn to hold us back. Tell me, are you an undercover agent?"

Pushed to the brink by Mary’s scolding, Quinn, known for his good temper in the director’s circle, had no choice but to plead, "I’m really not! Ma... Mary, give me another chance."

"Who are you calling sister? I’m younger than you."

"Miss Mary, could you calm down and let me finish? I care more about my work than anyone else. Trust me... I’m also in a rush without cash. Give me a chance to come up with something."

Mary glanced over Quinn’s down-and-out appearance, doubting he could come up with funds.

"What ideas could you have?"

"It’s alright, Mary." Anna Thornton stood up to shield Quinn, finally giving the latter a chance to breathe.

"Don’t push him. Let’s discuss business. How much funding is needed to start filming soon? Not counting my fee, if we start with a million, can you manage until your investor’s funds come through?"

"Yes!" Quinn assured, "As long as I get a million, I’ll find a way with the investor."

"You’re so unlucky, what could you possibly do?" Mary doubted him.

"I have ideas, just give me some time, and I promise to secure the investment." Quinn raised three fingers, emphasizing, "I can swear!"

"But we don’t even have a million now!" Mary lamented.

Anna Thornton: "I have a million!"

Mary, having returned from overseas with Anna Thornton, fully knew her financial situation.

"Anna, did you win the lottery? Where did you get a million? Did you ask Sterling for alimony?"