Although Xiao Yunhai wasn't a professional in animation, he knew enough to be skeptical.
Most animated films took a year or more to complete—some even spanned three to four years. Producing one in three months sounded absurd.
"It's reasonable," said Kanpei, the studio leader. "We just hadn't fully familiarized ourselves with the lore or reference materials yet. With proper prep, we could've done it faster."
"Our equipment and techniques are years ahead of current industry standards. We use AI to generate background environments and models, and advanced motion-capture for both body and facial expressions. All that drastically cuts labor and time."
"In fact, under normal conditions, two months would be enough."
Xiao Yunhai blinked.
Even faster?!
He suppressed his astonishment.
"No need to rush. Just make it perfect. I want this film to be a breakout hit."
Originally, he wanted to produce titles like Grave Robber Chronicles or Zhu Xian, but those rights hadn't cleared yet. So White Snake: Origin and this test run would be his warm-up. If the system's claims held true, he'd scale up.
"Rest assured, Your Highness," Kanpei and the team stood up and pledged. "We will give it our all."
"Good. It's in your hands now."
After setting the animation in motion, Xiao Yunhai moved to the next phase.
He opened the System Panel and navigated to Talent Recruitment.
"How do I hire specialists, System?"
He now held formulas for breast enhancement drugs, gene-based pesticides, and more. Such things had to be tightly controlled.
He couldn't risk leaks.
His solution: use Deathsworn—elite operatives absolutely loyal to him.
He even planned to replace top military officers with them later.
[Ding! Just mentally specify the type and quantity of talent required.]
Xiao Yunhai closed his eyes.
[Ding! Recruitment successful. Congratulations. You've acquired:• 15 Top-tier Medical Research Experts• 5 Elite Experts in Biology, Pesticides, and Pharmaceuticals]
In a flash, 20 individuals materialized before him—seven or eight of them were women.
"So women aren't just eye candy," he mused.
The system deducted 2 million points—a hefty sum. But considering each expert cost 100,000 and came with world-class capability, it was worth it.
He shook hands with each of them, then handed over several proprietary formulas:
Super-effective slimming drug
Non-invasive breast enhancement solution
The gene-based pesticide formula
He told them to list any materials or equipment they'd need.
He then appointed Zhao Gentō as head of the research division.
An hour later, he had a thick procurement list in hand.
Gathering Zhao and animation team lead Ryō Hō, he headed downstairs.
Waiting below, Hayashi Na visibly relaxed when she saw him.
"Your Highness! If you'd stayed any longer, I was about to send a search party."
"Sorry, didn't mean to worry you."
Then he asked, "You brought the stuff?"
"Right here."
Two guards stepped forward with cases in hand.
"Ten million Shinhan yuan, as requested."
Xiao Yunhai ran his hands over the cash with satisfaction.
He handed one case to Zhao, the other to Ryō.
"This is your starting budget. If you run short, talk to Hayashi Na."
Then he turned to her. "This is Ryō Hō from DreamChaser Films. This is Zhao Gentō from my research unit. In future, they'll contact you to purchase supplies. Help them with whatever they need. Escalate to me only if necessary."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Also, exchange contacts. And here's their procurement list—get it done."
Hayashi Na skimmed the list. Most items seemed pretty standard.
He gave them ten minutes to get acquainted, then left.
The next day, noon.
The system pinged.
Both oil fields were now fully materialized.
Xiao Yunhai headed straight for the royal palace.
"What's going on?" his father, the king, asked, still relaxed, fishing in the artificial lake.
Unlike other monarchs, King Xiao had few daily responsibilities. Shinhan followed a semi-parliamentary system, with cabinet ministers and senior advisors handling day-to-day operations.
He resembled more of a Siamese-style king—semi-ceremonial, semi-active.
"Dad! Huge news!" Xiao Yunhai grinned.
"My team discovered signs of oil in Jida Bay. Data modeling suggests there's a massive deposit under the seabed!"
"Jida Bay? Oil?" King Xiao's eyes widened. "That's impossible. We explored there before and found nothing."
"Technology's changed," Xiao Yunhai insisted. "We used next-gen sensors—way beyond what the Energy Bureau had."
"If you don't believe me, have them re-survey it. I'll even give them the coordinates."
The king hesitated. But the thought of striking black gold made his heart race.
"You're right. I'll order a re-survey immediately!"
"No need. I'll go myself," Xiao Yunhai declared.
"You?"
"Yes. This is too sensitive. If it's real, we'll need tight control on information flow."
King Xiao nodded.
"Agreed. Lead the team. And call me the moment you confirm it."
"Understood."
That same day, Xiao Yunhai led a convoy of 50 royal guards and an Energy Bureau team in several business-class buses toward Jida Bay.
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