Chapter 3 Investing One Hundred Million Dollars
Zoey didn't have to wait long before a Mercedes rolled up and stopped in front of her.
The window rolled down, and the driver, spotting two young girls, immediately looked annoyed. "Where's your producer?"
Zoey frowned and shot back, "Are you with the crew?"
His frown deepened. "What's it to you? Why are you dragging Aurora Cavendish's suitcase if you don't know her?"
Carol, irritated by his tone, snapped, "Open your eyes and look, this is Aurora!"
The driver eyed Zoey suspiciously.
Already exhausted, Zoey lowered her eyes and said, "I agreed to do the music for 'To Rest in Peace' because I like the script. If you have any doubts, ask the director."
The driver stared at her in shock, then quickly changed his tune. "Oh, Ms. Cavendish, I'm so sorry for not recognizing you. I'm Mike Williams, the assistant director. You can call me Mike."
He jumped out of the car, helped with her suitcase, and smiled. "The whole crew's been waiting for you."
"We're all thrilled you could help with the production!"
Aurora was a big deal, even Hollywood had to check her schedule!
It was a huge deal for their low-budget film to have a legendary producer like her on board.
Originally, only the director and post-production team needed to meet with Zoey. But to show respect, the entire crew was waiting for her.
Mike kept buttering her up while driving, a complete 180 from his initial attitude.
Zoey found him annoying and closed her eyes, letting out a sigh of frustration.
Mike immediately shut up.
Meanwhile, at the top floor of Chase Corporation headquarters, Henry flipped through the new info John had sent him, cover to cover, then back again.
No wonder Henry had been searching for three years with no luck. Zoey had been in the spotlight for her work, but always under an alias.
When they met at the airport, he thought she was back for a lawsuit, but it turned out she was back for music production.
Henry looked at her music work from the past few years, all with impressive titles; some of the pure music pieces were even his sleep tracks.
She was seriously talented.
His gaze fell on the name "Aurora," and his eyebrows shot up.
John, standing nearby, felt a chill. The person Henry had been searching for three years was probably in for a rough time.
John felt a bit sorry for the girl. She was really talented. What a shame.
Just as he was thinking this, he heard Henry ask, "What's the deal with 'To Rest in Peace'?"
John was slightly stunned and replied, "Nothing special, just a low-budget film."
Henry pursed his lips, his fingers brushing over Zoey's photo, his voice turning cold. "She doesn't know anyone in it, right?"
"No."
John thought Henry was actually being considerate, worried about dragging the innocent crew into his issues with Zoey.
Henry's expression relaxed a bit, and he nodded in satisfaction. "Invest a hundred million dollars in 'To Rest in Peace' and get them the most advanced music equipment."
"Okay, I'll do it right away... Wait, what?"
John looked up, confused. 'Aren't you going to deal with Zoey? Why are you sending equipment and investing in a mediocre film? Even though a hundred million dollars isn't much for you, it seems unnecessary.'
Henry gave him a cold look. "Is there a problem?"
John shook his head quickly. He wouldn't dare disagree and obediently followed Henry's instructions.
"And keep an eye on all her relationships, report to me anytime, especially her interactions with men."
"Okay." John was already numb with surprise. As he walked out, he suddenly realized that Henry had asked earlier if there was anyone Zoey knew in the crew. Could it be that he thought Zoey had joined the small crew for some romantic interest?
Meanwhile, Zoey was meeting with the crew, enduring an hour of endless compliments.
It was the first time she realized there were so many ways to flatter someone.
The male lead was passionately confessing to Zoey when the producer suddenly stood up, excitedly staring at his phone. He took a big step forward and loudly announced, "Chase Corporation just informed us that they are willing to invest one hundred million dollars!"
The entire crew was silent for a second, then burst into cheers!
"Oh my God, one hundred million dollars!"
"Does that mean we can shoot on location and even go abroad for scenes?"
One hundred million dollars might be a modest sum for a special effects film, but for an ordinary narrative film, it was a windfall that could enhance every aspect of the production!
The producer, amidst the cheers, walked up to Zoey, holding her hand with tears in his eyes. "Ms. Cavendish, you truly are our lucky star!"
Zoey was baffled, awkwardly smiling as she pulled her hand back. "What does this have to do with me?"
The producer immediately said, "Of course! The only condition for Chase Corporation's investment is that the entire crew is under your coordination. It must be that they value your ability and don't want you to be mistreated in the crew! Rest assured, if you have any requests, just let us know!"
Zoey was even more puzzled. She had no connection with Chase Corporation, but why would they invest because of her?
But it was good. With the crew accommodating her schedule, she wouldn't have to ask for leaving.
Zoey took the opportunity to say, "Since we have the investment, let's find a new location. I have some personal matters to address."
The producer agreed immediately, respectfully sending her to the door. "Please let us know when you're ready."
Zoey got into the car and let out a long breath.
Carol noticed her fatigue and felt a bit sorry for her. "Take a rest. You haven't stopped since you got off the plane."
Zoey glanced at her watch, her eyes cold. "The main event is just beginning. Are the dresses ready?"
Today was the engagement party of the youngest daughter of the Spencer Family and the eldest son of the Brown family—Catherine Spencer and Alexander Brown. The first one was Zoey's half-sister, and the other was Zoey's childhood friend.
The woman at today's engagement party should have been Zoey.
What was ridiculous was that Alexander, who had sworn he would marry Zoey, immediately hooked up with Catherine. When Zoey caught them in bed, he even had the audacity to blame her for not letting him have sex with her.
Carol, seeing her sad face, softly asked, "Are you still in love with Alexander?"
Zoey sneered. "I'm not that cheap. He has neither the physique nor the character. It's better to fancy a male model than like him."
As she spoke, her mind flashed back to that blurry night three years ago. She couldn't recall the man's face, but the intense pleasure remained vividly in her body.
Carol, knowing a bit about it, teased her with a nudge and a wink. "Why not take this opportunity to find that man? After all, getting you pregnant from a single encounter, he must be of good quality."
Zoey lightly slapped her friend, playfully scolding, "You perverted woman."
But the well-timed joke also eased her subtle sadness.
She tempered her expression and said seriously, "Let's go, and give my dear family a surprise!"