Blackstone Code-Chapter 425: Rivalry

Anna proposed joining the business, and Severella didn’t refuse immediately. She considered whether allowing Anna to invest might bring some benefits. The answer was obviously yes.

First, the Aginel family had noble blood and heritage. Whether the Count of Aginel was truly exiled to the Federation, lost at sea, or even murdered and replaced, people in the Federation all regarded the Aginel family as one of the few noble families with traceable history.

People mocked feudal society’s backwardness and ignorance while secretly longing to become nobles. Anna’s participation would enhance the brand’s image—a genuine noble lady.

Second, the Stardream Butterfly’s influence in the East was formidable. Even if Mr. Patric didn’t promote his daughter’s related brand as fiercely as Mr. Wadrick, simply hitching a ride on their resources could save much effort and time.

Finally, Anna was the student council president at the Saint Harmony university and a beautiful girl—perfect as the female lead Lynch and Severella had envisioned, a living princess.

Her image was rich and didn’t require much effort to build from scratch. Just her presence evoked thoughts of luxury and nobility.

Severella examined Anna. Though she disliked the girl personally, growing up in a distinguished family had given Anna an almost instinctive way of thinking.

Her feelings and preferences wouldn’t cloud her judgment on business matters. Severella only considered the advantages Anna’s involvement could bring, not whether she liked her.

After a few seconds, Severella nodded, “Alright.”

A partnership, a deal, settled in just a few words—this was why so many people scrambled to get into this circle; the opportunities were limitless.

Lynch and Anna each invested 200,000 for a 15% stake, with Severella covering the rest.

But there wouldn’t be only these three shareholders. For someone like Severella, her parents would surely join as friendly investors.

For example, they might buy 5% of shares for a million. Aside from the purchase, the rest would count as capital increase, raising Severella’s company value quickly and lowering her parents’ tax burden.

There would be many such investors, and after dilution, Lynch holding about 10% would already be excellent—assuming he could keep increasing his shares.

The three young people were full of enthusiasm, perhaps having found a better direction. Severella no longer found Anna’s face so annoying, and they toasted to their deal.

Then they began discussing the next steps.

Anna offered a constructive idea: “Maybe we can publish the novel as a serial to create ongoing buzz, then prepare casting and filming simultaneously. By next spring’s fashion launch, the movie should be finished, and we can release our products at the event.”

It was a great idea. Lynch glanced at Anna with some surprise, and Severella did too.

This was the peak of serialized culture. The economy was bad, many families cut expenses—including reading costs.

Many publishing products lagged in sales. The past year and a half had been tough for authors; those without savings queued for relief food.

In this situation, serialization appeared.

Serialization was a reluctant compromise of culture bowing to commerce. The Federation had some serialized stories recently, but they were mediocre with few readers.

Talented authors aimed for traditional publishing. Only those without invitations or standing in the market published short or medium-length stories in newspapers or magazines.

Recently, to survive, some well-known authors tried combining their high art with commercial work, earning modest pay from magazines while enjoying advertising revenue.

Publishers had mature methods to track the most popular contributions, similar to TV ratings. Those contributors earned more from ads.

Some authors quickly gained a foothold in serialized literature within a few issues. They even coined serialized literature or periodical literature to distinguish from traditional literature.

Readers spent little money but got many stories, boosting newspaper and magazine sales, though this created some issues.

For example, readers of serialized literature showed a decline in education levels, leading to criticism from authors about certain storylines.

This caused ad revenues to drop, forcing strategy changes. Traditional literary authors who didn’t worry about money loudly condemned those joining serialized literature as traitors. ŗἈΝΟβΕș

But serialized literature undeniably became a trend with a wider audience and lower reading requirements.

If their novel could be serialized while adapting the script and preparing filming, it would surely attract social attention.

Seeing both agree on the idea, Anna glanced subtly at Severella and added, “I also have a proposal—the female lead in the movie will be played by me.”

Severella took a moment to react. Her first response wasn’t to ask about pay or acting skills, but to express doubt.

“Mr. Patric will never allow that!”

If Anna were a discarded child with no real power, destined only for dividends without decision-making, no one would care if she acted in a movie. But she wasn’t that person. As an Aginel family member with status, Mr. Patric would never let her appear in society by acting in a vulgar movie.

Stars might be glamorous and influential, but to noble families, they were neither impressive nor clean.

Facing Severella’s firm judgment, Anna smiled at Lynch. “If Lynch can be the male lead, I’ll convince my father.”

Suddenly, silence broke when Mr. Patric returned. He looked curiously at his confident daughter, the frowning Severella who seemed deep in thought, and the amused Lynch, his curiosity growing.

He didn’t immediately ask what happened. After the event, as he left in the car, he asked, “Looks like you’ve gained the upper hand?”

He knew about the rivalry between Anna and Severella. Comparing his daughter to others didn’t bother him.

With several children, choosing a true heir and grooming them was a big challenge.

If Anna gained an advantage over Severella, it meant growth and increased her chances to become the real heir.

Previously, Severella usually had the upper hand, with Mr. Wadrick’s irrational support deciding the outcome. But this time, something different had happened.

Anna raised her chin proudly, watching the ragged homeless groups on the sidewalk with envious eyes, then looked at Mr. Patric.

“I found Severella’s weakness…” Anna smiled with restrained pride, then shifted her gaze from her father to the car window.

The transparent window faintly reflected a beautiful girl. Her white neck stood out, elegant and pure like a swan resting quietly on a lake.Not far behind them, in another car, was another father and daughter.

“Your mood seems off, dear. Did someone upset you?” Mr. Wadrick looked at his daughter, whose brow was furrowed, his curiosity evident.

At his level, few could truly upset him, and naturally, no one could upset his daughter either.

Those who knew them wouldn’t dare, and those who didn’t couldn’t. The remark was just to ease the heavy atmosphere.

After a moment, Severella spoke softly, “If… I mean, if I were to act in a movie, would you agree?”

“Of course!” Mr. Wadrick answered quickly, as if he hadn’t even considered it, “Why not, dear? It’s your right. Should I buy a production company for you?”

“In that case, you’ll have a lot of fun. Remember what I said—happiness is the most important!”

If he knew why Severella wanted to play a role in a movie, he wouldn’t be so happy.