Sweet Subterfuge

“Migration to Mars” was one of Pluto’s early works. Although it wasn’t as famous as “Wormhole” and his writing style was more
immature in that novel its content was simpler to understand.
The science fiction community regarded this particular novel as an entry into the rabbit hole as it did not contain an excessive
amount of obscure knowledge, making it more palatable to the general audience.
After assessment by professionals in the film industry, they estimated that “Migration to Mars” would become Pluto’s most
successful work, given that the level of production quality was similar to “Wormhole.”
Nonetheless, “Wormhole” had set the bar too high, VisualBox had financial backing from Microworks Corporation, so they could
afford to hire a top-notch production crew from Tinseltown and put the most realistic visual effects into the film. Other production
companies in Caldor couldn’t compete on the same level.
When Xavier was dreaming of making it big with “Migration to Mars, many of his friends had advised him, saying. “Instead of
wasting money on a film destined to be a flop, it is better to sell off the copyrights and invest the money in other sound projects.”
However, Xavier refused to take their advice. “As long as I can secure sufficient investment and hire the post-production team
who had worked on “Wormhole.” breaking even would be a piece of cake!”
He found out through the grapevine that VisualBox had only invested around a hundred million dollars on their post-production
costs. Back when he still had Cody’s support, the marketing and promotion budget for an average film easily exceeded that
amount.
At Xavier’s insistence, the friends who genuinely cared about him could only fall silent. Because of that, Xavier presumptuously
thought that he had successfully convinced his friends.
The fifty million dollars promised by Frank was definitely not enough for Xavier. However, at least they could save money on
post- production expenses, which was a significant reliet.
“Did you check up on ‘Fantasy Utopia’? Is it well-known? Recalling his question, Xavier asked lan.
lan was taken aback by Xavier’s sudden question and quickly looked up the company on his phone. After ten minutes, lan
compiled the results that he had skimmed through and answered Xavier, “Fantasy Utopia is one of the top post-production
companies in Tinseltown. comparable to Crescent Legend, the company that VisualBox had engaged for Wormhole,” lan rattled
off a few renowned film titles. “These films are all produced by Fantasy Utopia.”

Although Cosmic Entertainment was involved in the film and television industry, it operated as an independent and separate
subsidiary company with a president of their own, completely segregated from the artist management business.
Before Cosmic Entertainment was beleaguered by financial difficulties, Xavier had never concerned himsell with the affairs of the
film production department, nor did he pay attention to the local and international film market. As his assistant, the same was
true for lan
In the eyes of others who worked in the film industry, it was unthinkable to have never heard of Fantasy Utopia. However, when it
came to Xavier, it seemed perfectly normal that he had no knowledge of them whatsoever.
“Did you mean... Fantasy Utopia is a company on par with Crescent Legend? Is that true?” Feeling excited, Xavier urged with
anticipation.
lan handed him the phone. “That’s what it says on the internet. Among the Tinseltown blockbusters produced each year, one-
third is produced by Crescent Legend, one-third by Fantasy Utopia, and the remaining one-third by other production companies.”
Beaming widely from ear to ear, the joy on Xavier’s face was apparent as he clenched his fists. “The company is saved!”
Suddenly, Xavier seemed to have recalled something. With a dark expression on his face, his eyes glinted with hostility. “Tell
your friend to hurry up and push for the money. It’s been almost a month but the money is st not in yet!”
lan broke out in cold sweat. He felt extremely guilty whenever this matter was brought up.
Although Ron had committed many crimes in the past, this was the first time he did something of this scale, like kidnapping a
child. In fact, Ron wasn’t that concerned as he had been a scoundrel all his life and lacked any sense of ethics. Besides, he
suffered chronic brain damage from long-term use of prohibited drugs, so he would do anything for money.
On the other hand, lan was different.
Although he and Ron were childhood friends, lan studied hard and managed to get into university with his own efforts.
company had left, he remained by Xavier’s side faithfully.
.........