An Unexpected Encounter

Lin Qi dictated some information about how to do sales to Richard before leaving. Given Richard's abilities and his greed for money, he would surely understand Lin Qi's good intentions.

Of course, this marketing approach is not suitable for the current Federal. Even if people are willing to believe what he says and join this great money-making scheme, they will not be able to afford the operating costs to keep the business running.

Conversely, Gefra was a good fit. During the war, Gefra's homeland was spared the ravages of war, and its overall social mechanisms and structures remained relatively intact.

Perhaps the war did not bring them more wealth, but it also did not cause serious economic problems for their society. On the contrary, as Gefra's goods began to be dumped all over the world, society gradually tasted the sweetness of victory.

All industries are booming, and even ordinary people can find a suitable job as long as they are willing to bend down and work hard.

At this moment, Gefra is remarkably similar to the Federal a few years ago. The aftermath of the war is gradually becoming apparent, and the entire society has entered a period of war dividends. People have money in their pockets and are eager to invest, just like the Federal a few years ago! After Richard and his group go to Gefra, Lin Qi will consider transferring Wood to work here. Compared to Richard's greed for money, Wood is obviously much more restrained in this regard.

In the afternoon, Lin Qi took a stroll around the city. This was his second time visiting the city; the last time he had only passed through.

A contradictory atmosphere permeated the entire city.

Some people sat dejectedly in the corner of the street, basking in the sun. They listlessly watched the passersby. If someone walked by, they would reach out their hands, hoping to beg for some change or just some food.

But some people are full of energy, brimming with fighting spirit and drive! New miracles are always born from ruins. After such a huge disaster, some people are still lost and can't find their way, but others have already seen the future.

Lin Qi, who was standing by the roadside waiting for a car, took out a cigarette from his pocket. He took one out, put it in his mouth, and before he could light it, a hand appeared in front of him and waved.

It's a girl's hand. The reason I say it's a girl's hand is because Lin Qi has a very deep understanding of this subject.

The fair skin resembled translucent cream, and sunlight seemed to penetrate through the wrist and palm. There were no wrinkles caused by loose skin, only firm, plump, and supple skin.

The fine, pale yellow downy hair suggests her childishness and also indicates the good health of the hand's owner, all of which proves that the owner is a girl.

"Are you waiting for someone?" came a somewhat familiar voice.

Lin Qi looked up at the girl in front of him. She was wearing a sun hat and sunglasses. He looked at her for a while before realizing that he didn't actually know her name.

He might have known, but in the long course of work and life, he forgot the girl's name.

"...I'm sorry, I forgot your name, miss," he politely explained why he hadn't recognized her.

He lit a cigarette after rubbing it with a lighter, took a drag, and looked at the girl beside him.

She was a female star signed with an agency that had a partnership with Fox Film. She attended the premiere twice as Lin Qi's date. Lin Qi had a decent impression of her, but what impressed him most had nothing to do with her. Instead, it was what the girl's agent said to him when they first met.

The gist of it is that if he wants to date female celebrities, his agent can find some for him, but he should never ruin the one in front of him, as she is the company's rising star.

Her agent adopted a very humble attitude, portraying herself as a victim without evoking any negative feelings, and Lin Qi could understand them.

In today's society, it is much harder to make a star famous than the place where they come from.

In the digital information age, something called a professional online troll army is enough to make a news story known worldwide in a very short time.

However, in today's society, if someone wants to gain some fame, they may need the combined efforts of dozens, hundreds, or even more media outlets.

Traditional newspapers and magazines, posters plastered everywhere, and television appearances on various programs all require costs and time.

Every celebrity spends countless hours and money to go from being an ordinary public figure to being in the spotlight!

On a small scale, an operation can cost tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of yuan. On a large scale, it's impossible to estimate because it may involve personal relationships, such as appearing on some high-profile programs, which are things that money cannot measure.

If Lin Qi were to start dating this young female celebrity, putting aside how her fans would feel, the mere possibility of her leaving the entertainment industry would be enough to infuriate her management company.

Ultimately, the agency's goal is still to make money. They've invested so much in this girl and don't want that investment to go to waste.

If Lin Qi wanted to play, they could help him find someone, but... well, that's a long story! Fortunately, Lin Qi didn't really have much interest in these young Little Girl; he was long past his youth, psychologically speaking.

Young people are like male dogs in heat; they want to hug and get aroused by everything they see. They can't walk past the opposite sex all day long, and they wish they could wear their genitals on their faces.

Middle-aged people are like tired workers. They try not to work when they can. Pretending to be deaf and dumb is the most common tactic. If their partner says they want to go back to their parents' home, then it's definitely like celebrating the New Year.

It is only when people reach old age that they realize that even husband and wife can have a pure relationship, like that of like-minded soulmates.

The girl's face was originally beaming with a smile as bright as the sun in the sky. She was already used to Lin Qi's "startling remarks," and it would be easy for her to feel depressed if she fussed over such trivial matters.

"Penny, this name isn't that hard to remember, is it?" The girl circled around Lin Qi like an old scholar, her hands behind her back, lifting her legs step by step, her toes pointed upwards, and then landing heavily.

"I've got it, Penny ..." Lin Qi repeated to show he really had remembered, then asked, "Are you here for tourism?"

"Tourism?" The girl laughed as if she'd heard a joke. "No, I'm here to film a movie!"

Lin Qi found this statement quite amusing. York State wasn't like Lardimore or other cities with distinct characteristics, such as the vibrant colors of southern cities, the somber atmosphere of northern cities, or the wildness of western cities...

York State, a state in the Central and Southern Regions of the Federal, doesn't really have any outstanding natural landscapes or local cultures worth exploring. It's a very ordinary state, with some very ordinary cities.

"Filming a movie... here?"

The girl nodded. "I'm not really sure, but the company said York State has higher tax refunds and subsidies, so we came here..."

Upon hearing this, Lin Qi nodded, acknowledging the reason.

In order to promote themselves to the national audience, some places will offer certain preferential policies to some films shot locally, such as high subsidies, ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yuan, depending on the cost and scale of the film production.

For example, there are tax refund policies after a movie is released, which allow producers to earn more money.

Each state has different policies, and they change over time. York State may be offering more incentives now. When the script doesn't specify a filming location, producers will prioritize these areas with better subsidies and policies to reduce financial pressure.

In addition, there are many other detailed preferential policies, such as free hotel accommodation and meals, and additional transportation subsidies.

Lin Qi watched the girl circle around him twice without saying a word, yet he lingered, seemingly understanding that she had other matters to attend to. "Is there anything I can do to help you?"

The girl's expression immediately became more lively, and she nodded. "I didn't know what to do at first, but after seeing you, I know..."

"The movie I'm filming this time invited a very important male star, the A-list kind, this guy...", a blush crept onto the girl's fair face, "He suggested to my agency that we create a scandal between us, you know, he's old enough to be my father!"

Lin Qi flicked his cigarette ash. "Your company has invested so much effort in you. You can refuse, and your company won't make things difficult for you."

The girl's expression was conflicted. Even though she was wearing sunglasses, Lin Qi could still see her struggle. "How should I put it? Although the company has invested a lot in me, the Movie Circle is still male-dominated."

Her tone carried a hint of sarcasm, "Male celebrities, especially the top-tier ones, have the power to challenge Production Company. My agency's general idea was for us to act in a play, but you know..."

"Even in acting, there are some things you can't escape."

Lin Qi nodded in deep agreement. Even if it was just acting, just a publicity stunt for a scandal, hugging, touching, and occasionally kissing were still a must.

Seeing a man who might be in his forties or fifties commit such a heinous act against a girl who was seventeen or eighteen, Lin Qi suddenly felt that he couldn't stand idly by.

It's not that he's started getting horny again; it's just that he doesn't like what he sees, so he wants to interfere.

Having lived two lifetimes, if you can't even grasp this simple thought, what's the point? He took a deep drag, tossed the cigarette butt on the ground, and ground it with his toe. "So, what do you mean? What do you want me to do?"

Even if he were to intervene, he would still be a "hunter".

The sunlight shone on Lin Qi's face. He squinted slightly, his smile more dazzling than the sunlight, yet for some reason, it made the girl feel a burning hatred.