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Chapter 180. For the Dream
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The origin of this matter requires turning back time a little.
Type-Moon.
A small, obscure group, a small company.
At least, in this parallel world, that's how it is right now.
And as for a small group like them coming here, seeking investment from them... to be honest, it's not something particularly surprising.
Ever since Green Dolphin Studio became famous, things like this have happened frequently.
Cujoh Jolyne often receives requests from industry insiders wanting to come to her for investment.
Especially after the broadcast of "Stardust Crusaders".
For some reason, the number of industry insiders who noticed their good profits and wanted investment increased drastically!
Some of them didn't even need money; they had their crew and investments all set up. It was as if they just needed her authorization to join, so that once the project was aired, they could all share the profits together!
I mean, come on, does that sound reasonable at all?
Not only do they not want her money, but they also want to give her a share of the profits?
Do they think Cujoh Jolyne is a fool?
There's no way she would engage in such a ridiculous money-making venture!
So, like those previous requests for investment that seemed promising and lucrative at first, this new batch was kicked into the cold palace by Cujoh Jolyne.
This is also why Jolyne wasn't surprised at all by "Type-Moon's" approach.
Too many people wanted investment.
Every day, she would see or hear about some known or unknown industry figure approaching.
But Type-Moon was different from the others.
When other industry insiders came asking for investment, they would praise the greatness of their upcoming projects, insisting that success was guaranteed if only she invested!
Although Cujoh Jolyne knew there was surely some exaggeration in these claims, she couldn't help but be impressed by the compelling pitches they presented.
Even though she didn't fully understand all the industry's rules, when she saw famous stars in the cast or popular singers performing the theme songs, she felt that such projects were sure to succeed.
Yet, despite how foolproof those projects seemed, Jolyne never invested in them.
Because compared to those projects that seemed impossible to lose, her own company's low-budget productions seemed more likely to lose money.
Though it often turned out the opposite...
But that's beside the point!
The point is that Type-Moon, after coming over, didn't try to sell her a grand vision!
This unique trait caught Jolyne's attention, especially when Kakyoin Ryoko brought in Takeuchi Takashi and his team. Jolyne, who had been yawning and ready to sleep, suddenly perked up.
After hearing their request, Jolyne asked, "Mr. Takeuchi, you said you want the independence to shoot your project, right?"
"Yes, that's correct."
Takashi Takeuchi nodded.
After all, there was nothing much to say about it.
Having already suffered once, they didn't want to just have their name attached while watching their project be completely altered.
Of course, aiming high and settling for less is part of the deal.
Takeuchi didn't expect to secure full independence over the production.
In reality, what they wanted was just to have a say in how the project would be filmed.
As long as they could be involved and have their suggestions considered during production, they would be satisfied.
But who could have guessed what Cujoh Jolyne would say next...
"Sure, I can invest in your project and give you complete independence over the filming."
"…!?"
"But, I have a condition," Jolyne said slowly.
Of course, there was a condition.
It would be strange if there weren't.
After exchanging a glance with Nasu Kinoko, Takeuchi Takashi asked, "What is your condition, President Cujoh?"
"Don't worry, it's not a difficult condition. In fact, it's quite simple," Jolyne said. "Since this project is my investment, as the investor, you'll need to show me something that proves you're capable enough to handle it, right?"
"Otherwise, how would I know what you'll do with my money or what kind of project you'll create?"
"…"
That wasn't an unreasonable request.
In fact, compared to the challenges Takeuchi had imagined, or the grand promises he expected to hear, Cujoh Jolyne's request was surprisingly fair.
Famous directors in the industry often held independent rights over their projects.
Some even continued to receive funding year after year without delivering, yet investors trusted them.
Why?
Because they were famous directors.
Everyone trusted their abilities and believed the projects they led would succeed.
That's why investors handed over independence to these directors, afraid that any interference might reduce the profits.
But did Takeuchi and his team have such a reputation?
No.
If they could shamelessly claim the title of famous game developers or well-known indie game creators, they might feel bold.
But famous directors? That was out of their reach.
"…"
Takeuchi and his team could only remain silent.
"So, do you have any representative works? Or have you been involved in any notable productions?" Cujoh Jolyne asked.
"…"
Once again, silence was the only response they could give.
Their so-called representative work was a project that had taught them a painful lesson, one even their own fans ignored, a project so embarrassing they couldn't bear to mention it!
How could they possibly bring it up?
In the end, all they could do was sigh and say, "We're sorry. We've disturbed you, President Cujoh. We'll leave now…"
On the other side, though, after having suffered enough from working with Akiyuki Shinbo, Cujoh Jolyne had grown skeptical of what people said.
So she did some quick research on Type-Moon's history online.
Feeling quite satisfied with what she found, she said cheerfully, "Wait! Who said you could leave?"
"Huh?"
"Sorry, I just looked into your background. I have to say, I'm really moved by your determination to give up everything to chase your dream!"
Cujoh Jolyne smiled and said, "So, I'll invest in your project!"
"Everything is for the dream!"