Only after being reborn did I realize how fascinating the world of the rich is.

As time went by, Jiang Xueying returned from abroad, had a sweet and tender time with Li Xiaofeng, and then hurriedly went back home.

The TV series filmed by Sun Wenxuan, Director Feng, and others has finally wrapped up filming and been sent to the TV station. After review, it met the standards for broadcast, and the ratings were quite good after it aired.

Therefore, the TV series faced two choices: one was to have the TV station buy the rights directly, and the other was to continue airing it on other TV stations in rotation.

Several investors had differing opinions, with Li Xiaofeng hoping for a direct buyout.

His current ambitions lie elsewhere. Filming this TV series is merely for Fang Huiya's sake. What he really wants is to recoup his investment and profits as soon as possible and secure his gains.

Sun Wenxuan and Director Feng hoped to continue airing the show on other TV stations in rotation. Although this would significantly extend the time it would take to recoup costs, it would maximize profits.

Cao Jinpeng, on the other hand, was somewhat hesitant. He personally trusted Li Xiaofeng's judgment and hoped to be in sync with his investments, but Li Xiaofeng didn't seem to want to involve him, and he didn't have an urgent need to recover his principal.

Li Xiaofeng smiled and said, "Although everyone has different opinions, this matter is actually easy to resolve. You just need to give me my share at the buyout price."

I'm giving up the future profits from this TV series, so it will no longer be my concern. Boss Cao, you don't actually need to follow me around in everything.

The reason I need to recoup my investment as soon as possible is mainly because I don't currently have plans to enter the film and television industry. However, in terms of returns, Wenxuan and Director Feng's opinions are correct!

Cao Jinpeng asked with some doubt, "Are you short of money right now?"

Li Xiaofeng smiled and nodded: "I have already maximized the use of the funds I have. The three million I invested was also squeezed out of my own pocket."

I did the math. If we calculate based on the buyout price, I can get five million, two million more than my original funding plan. That should give me some breathing room!

He is currently expanding his gym, and with an additional two million in funding, he can now open 20 gyms instead of the original plan of 15.

With the addition of the 10 gyms that opened last year, he now owns 30 gyms, which can basically cover the entire city of Shanghai.

In this era, gyms had not yet become popular, much less so as they would become later. Li Xiaofeng calculated that the profit margin of investing in a gym was still quite good.

From the current perspective, it is still a worthwhile investment.

The main reason is that after Li Xiaofeng invested in real estate and advertising companies, he still had some spare cash left, as well as a large amount of cash flow generated from real estate rentals.

The cash flow generated from these scattered funds and rents allows him to start another business in Shanghai, which is quite a good thing.

Once I have more funds available, I might be able to invest more deeply in this sector and achieve economies of scale.

Hearing Li Xiaofeng say this, Cao Jinpeng said incredulously, "Xiaofeng, don't lie to me. As far as I know, you bought a lot of real estate recently!"

Li Xiaofeng spread his hands and smiled, saying, "Yes, it's because I bought too much real estate that I've spent almost all the money I have. That's why I'm planning to get my investment in the movie back as soon as possible!"

"Do you think it's still a good time to buy a house now? I feel the housing market is overheated, and I'm afraid to invest any more!"

"You're right. It's a bit late to buy a house now. Let's wait and see. Maybe the market will correct its price at some point."

When will prices correct?

"Who knows? But I can tell you that I might sell some properties before the end of the year, depending on the current real estate market situation. After all, I'm carrying too much debt right now and need to recoup some losses!"

In fact, Li Xiaofeng vaguely remembered that Shanghai's housing prices had experienced a significant drop in 05, but he couldn't directly tell Cao Jinpeng about it; he could only subtly remind him.

As for whether or not to listen to him, that's entirely up to you.

Cao Jinpeng tentatively asked, "How much money did you actually borrow from the bank?"

"Less than two hundred million!"

"Less than two hundred million?" Cao Jinpeng's eyes widened, looking incredulous.

Li Xiaofeng smiled, spread his hands, and said helplessly, "You know my background. I'm not some rich kid. Without family support and bank loans, how can I accelerate the growth of my assets?"

Sun Wenxuan and Director Feng tried to persuade Li Xiaofeng a few more times, but Li Xiaofeng's attitude was very firm. He was very frank about his reasons for taking back his film investment.

When Sun Wenxuan and Director Feng saw that Li Xiaofeng was determined to get his investment back, they discussed it with Cao Jinpeng and, seeing that Cao Jinpeng also had no intention of getting his investment back in advance, they agreed to Li Xiaofeng's request.

After all, if only Li Xiaofeng gets his investment back, they don't have that much financial pressure. But if Cao Jinpeng also wants to get his investment back, things will be a bit more complicated.

Sun Wenxuan smiled and said to Li Xiaofeng, "President Li, our TV series is a success. It's the beginning of us becoming a regular force in the film and television industry. It's a good start and a good omen."

Director Feng is planning to capitalize on the success of this TV series and make another one. Are you interested in investing in it again?

Li Xiaofeng shook his head and smiled, saying, "Didn't I just say that I have no plans to enter the film and television industry right now? I just want to do my current job well."

If I ever want to enter the film and television industry in the future, I will consider collaborating with you first. Besides, you've made some money from this TV series; you could invest in your own productions!

"How could we possibly have enough money?" Director Feng was somewhat disheartened when he heard that Li Xiaofeng didn't want to continue investing.

“Although I’m not investing anymore, Boss Cao will definitely invest. If you guys pool your money, making another TV series of this type shouldn’t be a problem.”

Sun Wenxuan and Director Feng looked at Cao Jinpeng, who smiled and said noncommittally, "Let's put the TV series filming on hold for now."

However, you can collect a few good scripts first, and then polish them properly. Don't rush things like this time. To be honest, if it weren't for Lao San's investment, I might not have dared to invest as well!

Hearing Cao Jinpeng say this, Sun Wenxuan and Director Feng could only nod in agreement.