Chapter Forty-Two: Xu Bunians's Resolve

“What?” Chen Qi’s eyes widened in astonishment.

Work with me? I’m just an unemployed youth right now—what could you possibly want to collaborate with me on? Are you kidding?

“Mr. Xu, are you joking?” he asked with a bemused smile.

But Xu Bunian shook his head earnestly. “Just this morning, I officially submitted my resignation to the chairman.”

Chen Qi stared at him in a daze, unable to process it.

What kind of nonsensical situation was this? Why weren’t you playing by the rules either?

“I’m serious.” Xu Bunian nodded at Chen Qi. “Ever since you presented that advertisement at KUKU, I’ve had this idea brewing. I’ve pondered it over and over these past days, and only made the decision last night.”

Chen Qi gazed at him, bewildered. “Why?”

He truly couldn’t understand.

Wasn’t he doing perfectly well at Blueprint? Why abandon a stable position as general manager to come seek me out for a partnership? Is he mad?

“I think you have enormous potential, and a limitless future ahead of you,” Xu Bunian replied, straightforward and blunt.

Chen Qi’s lips twitched involuntarily.

Was that supposed to be a reason?

“Really,” Xu Bunian continued, not joking in the least. “You might not believe it, but the confidence and composure you displayed at KUKU left a lasting impression on me. I’ve met many talented individuals over the years, but you’re the one who’s moved me the most.”

Chen Qi was taken aback, finally understanding something.

Oh... so that's how it is!

He fell into deep thought.

Collaboration?

These days, he’d been focused solely on copying novels, and hadn’t really considered what approach he should use to enter the entertainment industry.

He hadn’t even thought seriously about how he’d navigate it once inside.

Should he play around as a superstar?

It wasn’t mere boasting; with the resources he currently possessed, becoming a major star would be as easy as child's play. Not effortless, perhaps, but certainly without much pressure.

In that case, why not set a small goal first?

For example, he could aim to become a global icon like Leonardo DiCaprio, and then learn from him to become a devoted man.

He might not be as handsome as DiCaprio, but as people say, when you have hundreds of billions in assets, how could you not be handsome?

Yes, that settles it!

Chen Qi, impulsive and carefree as ever, set his first life goal.

Now that Xu Bunian wanted to wade into these waters as well, it was worth considering partnering with him for something big.

After all, finding collaborators was inevitable.

If he wanted to stir the entertainment industry into chaos while achieving his small goal, it was clear he couldn’t do it alone.

He needed partners—reliable, trustworthy partners.

From that perspective, Xu Bunian was indeed a suitable choice.

Though he wasn’t from the entertainment world, his many years in advertising meant he understood the industry better than Chen Qi did.

Across from him, Xu Bunian watched quietly, patiently waiting for him to digest the information.

He truly wanted to work with Chen Qi.

It wasn’t a whim, nor a momentary impulse.

He’d spent a full week deliberating before coming to this decision.

Just as he’d said, the idea first struck him when he saw Chen Qi calmly and methodically present his thoughts at KUKU.

He saw ability, and glimpsed the immense potential hidden within him.

Leaving a field where he’d achieved great success required nerve and courage. Yet when Chen Qi left Blueprint a few days ago, Xu hadn’t seen a trace of reluctance or hesitation.

It was as if he’d wandered into the advertising world as casually as shopping in a supermarket, and then exited just as lightly.

He seemed entirely unconcerned about finding a suitable job or industry.

Xu Bunian recalled that this wasn’t the first time he’d done something similar.

Just half a month ago, Chen Qi had abruptly abandoned the Elegant Group, which he’d joined through rigorous selection.

That job was his specialty, his familiar domain.

Yet he’d tossed it aside without a second thought, and entered a field he’d never touched before.

Within just a week in this unfamiliar industry, he’d managed to shake up the entire field and produce dazzling achievements.

But even so, he’d walked away without hesitation, simply because he’d received a bit of covert preferential treatment.

Such decisiveness—Xu Bunian admitted he lacked it. Not only himself, but among all his acquaintances, he couldn’t think of anyone so resolute.

Reflecting on the abilities Chen Qi had displayed recently, it was hard to believe he wouldn’t make earth-shattering waves in the future.

So, Xu Bunian was moved.

He wanted to seize this opportunity, take a gamble, and follow Chen Qi into the tempestuous world ahead.

Of course, another crucial reason was that he felt his own career had reached a ceiling he couldn’t break through.

Without some major opportunity, being general manager at Blueprint would likely be his professional peak, and prospects for advancement were virtually negligible.

He wasn’t resigned to it.

He couldn’t accept ending his life here, nor settling into a fixed role.

He believed he could still salvage his future, still find a bigger stage.

So, after making his decision, he sought out Chen Qi at once, afraid someone else might beat him to it.

After more than ten minutes of silence, Chen Qi looked up at Xu Bunian and asked, “Mr. Xu, are you really sure?”

“I am,” Xu Bunian nodded.

“So, how do you want to cooperate?” Chen Qi asked.

“Heh…” Hearing the question, Xu Bunian broke into a shameless grin. “To be honest, I’ve already started preparations for registering a film and television company. If all goes well, the license should be approved within a week.”

Chen Qi looked at him in surprise.

He really hadn’t expected it—Xu Bunian was quite the man of action!

“How much did you invest?” Chen Qi asked curiously.

“Except for my real estate, I’ve liquidated all available assets. About ten million,” Xu Bunian replied.

Chen Qi was secretly astonished, seeing him in a new light.

He hadn’t realized before—Xu Bunian was just as bold!

All because he saw potential in him, he dared to bet his entire fortune?

“Aren’t you afraid of losing everything?” he asked with a smile.

“I’m taking a gamble,” Xu Bunian answered frankly. “This will probably be my last adventure—doing my best to leave no regrets. If I really lose it all, I’ll accept it. If worst comes to worst, I’ll just go back to working as an employee.”

Chen Qi nodded thoughtfully, lost in his own musings.

“Chen Qi, let’s make this clear—you must work with me if you have any plans. Whether you want to be a star, write songs and scripts, or even direct films, whatever you wish to do, just say the word and I’ll support you with everything I have!”