Chapter 1140: Chapter 998: Questioning
Evening.
"Dialogue" was broadcast as scheduled.
The impact of the list had not yet faded, and the popularity remained unabated. Whether it was being attracted by video advertisements or joining in on hearsay, many people had set their alarms to catch the premiere of "Dialogue."
To catch a glimpse of Tang Qing’s ’true face.’
After all, editing is just editing.
There’s nothing like watching the actual program.
Indeed, this was the case. Unlike the ’childish’ conversation that was anticipated, from the beginning, Tang Qing demonstrated a deep understanding of the film and television industry, choosing his words with precision.
You could say it was flawless throughout.
"Tang Qing, is ’Civilization’ really going to be made into more than ten installments?"
Inside the living room.
At Tang Qing’s revelation, Rong Ying excitedly shifted from lying down to sitting up.
"Yep."
Tang Qing nodded.
With money on the table, why not earn it?
At this moment.
As Tang Qing uttered these words.
Chen Weihong asked Tang Qing why, and Tang Qing’s answer elicited a round of applause from the studio.
"’Civilization’ encompasses not just a small story, but a collection of stories between humans, humans and extraterrestrial civilizations, humans and the universe, humans and nature, and humans and technology, etc."
"It’s a futuristic fantasy imagining events that shake the world across time spans of a century, a millennium, and even far beyond. It’s a work exploring human society’s form, technological levels, and philosophical thoughts."
"Ten installments, in my view, are not the end point. As for how many parts will ultimately be made, I think that’ll depend on the screenwriters’ creativity. If they have ideas, we’ll keep shooting; if not, we’ll pause."
"For ’Civilization,’ we have great hopes, and will always maintain high quality as our core, providing the audience with a visual feast. Perhaps one day, most of the top ten positions in the history of cinema will be occupied by ’Civilization.’"
"Some might be curious whether the goal for ’Civilization’ is to surpass ’Titanic.’ Personally, I’m not too concerned about that. To lose to humanity’s greatest emotion—love, I think, is quite normal."
Tang Qing’s response.
Half truth, half fiction.
But it was very inspiring, tempering the sharpness of his previous statement.
"Tang Qing, to be honest, is it because ’Civilization’ makes money?" Rong Ying playfully looked at Tang Qing.
"Knowing and still asking."
Tang Qing gave her a displeased glance.
"Understood, understood." Rong Ying raised her hand, on the business field, the truth hurts.
Approaching eleven o’clock.
The program concluded.
Tang Qing took Lin Jiaxue to sleep.
As for what’s happening outside, that would be a topic for tomorrow.
...
Qingyan City.
Tang Kai’s manor.
He had been watching since the beginning of the program, not missing a single word.
"Well done."
There was someone to carry on the Tang Family’s legacy, and he felt gratified.
A little over a year ago, when Tang Kai had almost been driven to a dead end, he thought the Tang Family would decline from there. Back then, his feelings were truly desperate, but today, more than a year later, the whole world knew of the Tang Family.
Knew of Tang Qing.
"Dad, brother Tangtang is so photogenic."
Tang Nian’er sat beside Tang Kai, holding nothing but admiration for this cousin—painting, sculpture, musical instruments, exceptionally good at making money, and spoiling her rotten; in her eyes, he was perfect.
"Of course, our Tang Family’s genes are excellent. We have such a beautiful Nian’er, and Tangtang is so handsome," Tang Kai gently touched his daughter’s head and smiled.
"I’ve recorded it, you can watch it anytime you want," said Youman.
"That’s great."
...
Province City.
Qin Yugang was running relations in the Provincial Department for a highway project in the county. Watching the at-ease Tang Qing on TV and recalling today’s rebuff at the Provincial Department, he couldn’t help but chuckle.
He had the biggest trump card, so what was a rebuff?
However.
He wasn’t planning on using Tang Qing’s card.
To differentiate public from private.
Not to harm Tang Qing’s interests.
That was his bottom line as an uncle. Besides, he wasn’t really out of options; the leader in the province who had helped him solve his son’s murder case seemed like someone he needed to visit.
Since he had entered the political arena.
He must act according to its rules.
This must also have been why Qingyan city’s leaders sent him here; otherwise, with his relationship to Tang Qing, why would Qingyan City send him to chase after two or three million in funds in Province City?
...
Tianyan Group.
Headquarters.
Single dormitory.
Zhang Jing watched the figure on the TV with a beaming smile.
She remembered the first time she met Tang Qing.
Back then, Tang Qing, dressed in his school uniform, had entered the store to buy a mobile phone—a dramatic encounter like something out of a cheesy TV drama—and they got to know each other. Later, at Tang Qing’s invitation, she worked as a cashier at Li Jianguo’s restaurant.
At that time.
It really could be said to be the starting point of Tang Qing’s career—a small restaurant.
And then later.
She was transferred to Tianyan to learn accounting; the company even sponsored her class fees. After systematic study, she was assigned to work as an auditing accountant at Li Jianguo’s catering company. Back then, she was filled with hope for the future.
Her income was enough to cover her family’s expenses, allowing her sister to go to university and even save some money.
At that time.
Tianyan still had its offices in the city center.
And now, Tianyan had a huge office building.
Thanks to her proficiency in her work and Dou Jiao, the company president’s care, she was transferred back to the headquarters and became a junior leader, even assigned a dormitory that could rival a hotel in comfort.
She was content.
From a small restaurant—to the present net worth of tens of billions, it was incredible, yet it had happened. Tang Qing had always stood like a tall tree, protecting Tianyan and the other companies.
All she could do.
Was to work hard, making Tianyan Tang Qing’s strong right arm and left.
...
Online.
After the program was broadcast.
Netizens were too excited to sleep.
"Why do I only remember Tang Qing’s face throughout the whole thing?"
"Upstairs, because you’re a fangirl."
"I, big sis, officially declare that from now on I’ll hang a photo of Tang Qing on my wall, but first, who has a high-definition poster of him? I’m willing to pay big bucks, price is no issue."
"I really want a Tang Qing body pillow."
"I want one too, willing to negotiate the price."
"I want one too +1."
"I want one too +2."
"Holy crap, aren’t you guys curious about how Tang Qing got his money? He’s so young, still in university, and his parents aren’t like super rich or anything. His seed capital is very suspicious."
"Jerk, you’re just jealous."
"Yeah, those without the ability are the ones who get jealous."
"I despise you."
"You guys... be normal... Does good looks really mean justice?"
"Yes."
"Good looks are justice +1."
"Good looks are justice +2."
"..."
After the initial shock of Tang Qing’s wealth, youth, and handsomeness, the direction of people’s discussions finally came back to an unavoidable point—how did Tang Qing get his seed capital?
Looking at the past richest people.
Which of them didn’t have a long resume?
Whether they came from state-owned enterprises.
Gave up their official position to do business.
Or started from small trade and step by step built up a business empire, they all went through a difficult process, yet at Tang Qing’s age, it just wasn’t possible for him to have had this process.
Why does Tang Qing have so much money?
Enough to support Sheng Tang Group and Tianyan Group, which barely brought in any cash flow for Tang Qing, as well as the acquisitions of other industries, he would need not just a few hundred million but perhaps billions.
So much money.
Where did Tang Qing get it from?
Could it be dirty?
Could it be related to illegal criminal activities? If that were the case, then the fun would really start. And there was no shortage of media with a taste for gossip. The next day, as Tang Qing once again dominated the finance headlines.
Some tabloids.
Started stirring things up.
"China’s Inland Richest Man? Is it all just for show, or is he the real deal?! How can a person under twenty hold such a position, is it the progress of the system, or is there a mystery behind the assets’ origins!"
---Wanwan Cable Daily.
It wasn’t just newspapers; TV stations from Wanwan were also raising questions.
A sensational newspaper from Hong Kong made no reservations—new headline—"A Richest Man, or a Criminal?" It was this paper that pushed the skepticism about Tang Qing’s initial capital to a climax.