The Young Miss Refuse To Love-Chapter 115: Sole investor

As the conversation drew to a close, He Zeqing leaned forward slightly, his expression growing sharper. "Director Tang, there’s one more condition I need to make clear before we proceed," he said, his tone calm but unyielding.

Director Tang straightened up, sensing the gravity of what was about to be said. "Of course, President He. Please go ahead."

"I will be the sole investor in this project," He Zeqing declared, his voice firm and authoritative. "No external investors will be brought on board, now or in the future. This story is very important to me, and I intend to oversee every aspect of its development personally. That includes controlling the funding."

Director Tang blinked, momentarily taken aback by the boldness of the statement. He couldn’t help but think how rare it was for someone to willingly shoulder the entire financial burden of such a large-scale project. After all, in the entertainment industry, pooling resources from multiple investors was the norm, reducing risks and allowing projects to move forward more smoothly.

But, of course, this was He Zeqing—the president of a powerful entertainment company, known for his overwhelming wealth and ambition. Who could argue with someone so rich they could afford to treat this kind of investment as pocket change?

Even if he doesn’t use the money he earned as the president. His red packet money given by his family during Chinese New Years were enough to fund the whole project

"President He, I understand your perspective," Director Tang began carefully. "But if we refuse additional funding in the future, it might limit our flexibility. Large-scale productions often require more capital than initially estimated, and having additional investors can—"

"I’m aware of the risks," He Zeqing interrupted, his tone cool and decisive. "And I’m prepared to cover every additional expense that may arise. I don’t need anyone else’s money, nor do I want anyone else’s influence on this project. This story is not just another production—it’s a personal endeavor. I want full control to ensure it’s executed exactly as intended."

Director Tang felt a wave of helplessness wash over him. As much as he wanted to object—if only for practicality’s sake—what could he do? He Zeqing’s wealth and influence were unmatched, and his decision was final. Besides, it wasn’t every day that a director had the luxury of working with a single, committed investor willing to go all in.

Suppressing a sigh, Director Tang forced a polite smile and nodded. "Understood, President He. If that’s your decision, then I’ll ensure no external investors are involved. I’ll do my best to make the most of the resources you provide."

He Zeqing’s lips curved into a faint smile of satisfaction. "Good. I’m glad we’re on the same page. With you as the director and Miss Yi’s story as our foundation, this project has the potential to make waves in the industry. I trust you’ll give it your all."

Director Tang nodded again, though inwardly he lamented his lack of choice in the matter. Still, there was no denying the allure of the project itself—and the financial stability that came with having He Zeqing as the sole backer. At the very least, he could focus on the creative aspects without worrying about where the funding would come from.

As the two men shook hands to seal the deal, Director Tang couldn’t help but think to himself: What a greedy man. But then again, what choice do I have? Who made him so rich and untouchable?

While He Zeqing was busy negotiating, on Qi Jianyi’s side, she was meeting with Song Chengfeng. The new couple were having their first fight.

"Song Chengfeng, you tell me clearly—what the hell have you been up to these past few days? This is already the third time this week that you’ve stood me up on our date and made me wait for you for two hours! What’s wrong with you? Is it because I accepted you and now you feel complacent and no longer want to cherish me, huh? Are you the type that likes the new and hates the old?" Qi Jianyi puffed her cheeks in anger and glared at the man opposite her, who didn’t dare to raise his head.

It had been a week since she accepted him and they started their relationship. However, for some reason, Song Chengfeng seemed to get busier as time went on and barely had time to meet with Qi Jianyi. It’s not that she cared too much or was being petty.

But it was Song Chengfeng himself who took the initiative to ask her out on a date. Every time Qi Jianyi wanted to reject him, the young man would act pitiful, knowing it was her weakness. In the end, for the past three days, he made Qi Jianyi wait for him for almost an hour or two each time.

At first, she didn’t care much and brushed it off. But now, after it happened for the third time, she would be a fool if she still didn’t realize something was wrong. Why ask her out if he was going to be so busy?

Hearing her complaint, Song Chengfeng hurriedly began to explain. "Of course not! How could I hate the old and love the new? I only love you," he said almost unconsciously.

The more Qi Jianyi listened to him, the more she felt angry. "Then, explain to me why are you so busy to the point of forgetting our date? If you dare to lie, I will have nothing to do with you in the future!"

As soon as she finished threatening him, Song Chengfeng quickly stood up and moved to the chair beside her. He sat down and hugged her tightly. Luckily they were in a private room, or else Qi Jianyi really wanted to smack this guy away.

"Why are you hugging me? Do you think I’m that easy to coax? Let me tell you, Song Chengfeng, I have my own life too, and I don’t have the energy to run around every day waiting for you. If you keep making me wait, don’t bother asking me out!" She elbowed him, trying to push his clingy body away.

Unfortunately, Song Chengfeng was much stronger than her and not only did he not budge at all, he even tightened the hug.

"I’m sorry..." he muttered softly.

Qi Jianyi’s hand, which was trying to push him away, paused for a moment before she gave up. Anyway, she wasn’t that angry. She just wanted to know the real reason why he had been showing up late for the past three days.

"Then, tell me. What’s wrong?" She asked again. This time, her voice didn’t carry any anger.

Song Chengfeng loosened his hug and released her. "I’m starting a business. It’s just that it took up more of my time than I imagined. I got caught up in a meeting, and by the time I realised, I was already late to meet you." He played with her hair before continuing.

"But, Jianyi...I never forgot our date. I just thought I had enough time but everytime, I still miss it. I’m sorry." Qi Jianyi could hear the sincerity in his voice. His usual stoic face also showed a clear guilt.

However, what surprised her the most was the reason why he showed up late. Starting a business? Song Chengfeng? The very man who proudly declared that he wanted to be salted fish after retiring?

"Why do you suddenly want to do a business? I thought your wealth and your family’s money is enough to take care of yourself for the rest of your life?" She raised her brows and asked curiously.

It’s rare for her to see Song Chengfeng doing something. Because when they got to know each other, instead of meeting the ambitious and hardworking Song Chnegfeng, Qi Jianyi met the lazy and salted fish one.

After all, when they met, he had already retired from his career and refused to do anything. Therefore, she never really knew how hardworking and ambitious Song Chengfeng could be.

"My wealth and my family’s money are more than enough to take care of you for the rest of your life. But Zeqing is right. As a man, I need to do something for myself and for you. If I want to marry you, I can’t rely on my background to win your parents’ hearts. I need something that can represent me. That way, one day, you can proudly say I’m your boyfriend." The more Song Chengfeng explained, the more complicated Qi Jianyi felt.

Of course, she was moved by his actions. Knowing that he did what he did because he wanted to stand proudly by her side. But, Qi Jianyi feels like the more committed he is in their relationship, the more hurt he will get in the future.

"Chengfeng, you know that I cannot marry you, right?" She asked softly. She watched how his body stiffened.

Qi Jianyi touched his hand and gently coaxed him. "I appreciate your thoughts for me. But Chengfeng, I don’t want you to dive too deep into this relationship and get hurt in the future. I’m content with what we have right now." With a smile, she lightened her mood. "But still, I’ll let you take care of me since you’re willing to. When your company gets its first profit, then you can treat me to dinner."

Song Chengfeng rubbed his hand against hers for a while before nodding and flashing a smile at her. "I’ll buy you anything you want," he said. He didn’t comment on her saying that they would never be able to marry each other.

It was as if, by not replying to it, he could make sure it would never happen.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fre𝒆webnove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺