National Tide 1980.

1993 4 Month 22 Day.

On this day, Beijing University, which is adjacent to "Zhongguancun Electronics Street", made another groundbreaking move.

The school has decided to demolish the 600-meter-long south wall of the campus facing the street and turn it into a commercial street.

This move means that even universities are no longer shying away from the word "money." The entry of the market economy into higher education institutions has brought a huge spiritual shock to many people and has also caused a great uproar in Beijing.

Various media outlets have reported on this incident.

One media outlet commented, "Whether they like it or not, the concept of the ivory tower disappears here, and Peking University, known for its emphasis on academics and politics, will become associated with the market economy."

On the same day, Mi Xiaoran, carrying a pen and a checkbook, met with Liu Xiaoqin and Jiang Wen in a private room on the second floor of the Alan Restaurant in Dongsi, taking her first step into film and television investment.

Both sides were very polite during their first meeting.

For Liu Xiaoqin and Jiang Wen, Mi Xiaoran was the one who brought them cool spring water as they walked through the arid desert.

Although the two men were puzzled by Mi Xiaoran's appearance and age, wondering how she could become a wealthy businesswoman with a huge amount of money as soon as she went abroad.

I can't see anything that makes her more outstanding or more trustworthy to foreigners than Wang Ji, who also went to the United States to develop her career.

Regardless, based on their limited information, they already knew that Mi Xiaoran was an agent for an overseas investment fund in mainland China, and that she had already used the funds she controlled to invest in several catering companies.

That's all real money; she definitely has money and can immediately solve their most pressing funding problem for making the movie.

So we still have to give them the smiles they deserve; it's all for art, nothing to be ashamed of.

The same applies to Mi Xiaoran.

In her eyes, although Liu Xiaoqin is middle-aged, her status in the domestic film industry is still unparalleled.

At her most critical moments, she was considered a darling of the entire Republic's audience.

Even at this age, whether she's making movies, commercials, or TV shows, or going through a divorce, or publishing her autobiography, there are always people who support her.

In the first few years, her frantic performances not only earned her gold, silver, and jewels, but also brought her immense fame and accumulated a lot of goodwill.

In other words, although she has no right to interfere in the rule-making of the film and television industry, she knows such people and can speak to them.

This makes her different from many ordinary actresses; her experience and connections already make her a woman of high society.

As for Jiang Wen, almost every film he has starred in has received positive reviews and performed well at the box office.

He's incredibly popular in Beijing's film industry now, a true superstar.

What's especially remarkable is that he's never made a bad movie.

Before meeting him, Mi Xiaoran had just watched a few of his movies, which was a way of catching up on her knowledge.

As a result, I became a fan of his as soon as I saw him.

Jiang Wen's performance on screen convinced Mi Xiaoran that he was a very promising big star.

Based on her understanding of Hollywood, she was willing to believe that the movie he favored would be a good project.

Furthermore, she already knew that Ning Weimin himself intended to invest in this film project, which made her even more certain that it was worth intercepting the deal.

Besides, even if she makes a wrong bet, the loss won't be her money, so what is she worried about?

In fact, she had already sent a fax to her boss in the United States informing him that Ning Weimin had rejected her film project.

Kong Deqi replied that there was no need to rush, believing that since the mainland had opened up its film market, she could register a film and television company first and get started on a film and television project.

Once you gain fame in the mainland film and television industry, you won't have to worry about having the opportunity to collaborate with Teresa Teng again.

This is equivalent to giving Mi Xiaoran a completely new instruction and goal.

So when she comes here today to discuss the film project, she's essentially just an employee trying to meet her KPIs.

That makes the conversation natural and relaxed, without any psychological burden, thus providing ample objective conditions for both sides to go together.

"Ah, speaking of movies. You are all true experts. I'm the only layman. But I like movies, and I love movies. I think the various aspects of life depicted in movies are the most touching. Like your collaborations, 'Hibiscus Town' and 'Spring Peach,' they brought tears to my eyes. Ah, please forgive me, I know they were made several years ago. It's all because I went abroad too early, and ten years have passed. I was completely unaware of the changes in domestic films during that time, which is why I was so excited. But I still have to say, your movies are my favorite movies. Oh, by the way, I'm also very interested in historical dramas, especially palace dramas. I can watch Xiaoqin's portrayal of Empress Dowager Cixi over and over again. It's like I've been brainwashed; whenever I see any text about Empress Dowager Cixi, the first thing that comes to mind is Xiaoqin's image. It's a pity that Xiaoqin stopped acting after 'The Two Empress Dowagers.' As a viewer, this is truly a regret."

After the initial pleasantries, Mi Xiaoran expressed her respect for the art of film and her appreciation for the two individuals.

Her opening remarks were clearly effective; at least Liu Xiaoqin kept laughing, her eyes crinkling into tiny crescents, her gaze like gentle ripples, and she seemed to be enjoying it.

"Mr. Mi, please don't be so polite. You're not an outsider at all. What you said is very true. To be honest, the TV drama production center is currently inviting me to star in the TV series 'Wu Zetian.' If I accept the offer, I believe Mr. Mi might see me playing an empress next year. That should be more interesting than playing an empress dowager."

"Really? That's wonderful! I'm so glad Teacher Xiaoqin told me this herself. I'm really looking forward to it. If this TV series needs funding, please let me know. I'd be happy to help."

The sudden mention of money caused a moment of tension in the room.

Liu Xiaoqin was easy to talk to; being a social person, she immediately raised her glass to thank him.

But Jiang Wen seemed a bit sensitive, perhaps because he had been rebuffed by Ning Weimin, and his expression became somewhat unnatural.

He took a big gulp of beer and casually remarked, "Mr. Mi, right? You mentioned earlier that you've been in the US for a long time and don't know much about the domestic film and television industry. Is that right? Well, I have to tell you, many TV dramas and movies in China don't make money. This is determined by distribution channels and artistic standards. We're different from those filmmakers abroad or in Hong Kong; we're pursuing ideals, not selling ourselves on the street. The purpose of our meeting today is, needless to say, to discuss film collaborations. I'm a straightforward person, and there's one thing I must make clear upfront: we don't guarantee profits. Investing in my films might result in losses. To give you an analogy, it's like buying stocks in the US; it's an investment, and whether you make a profit or loss is hard to say."

To be honest, his tone was already a bit arrogant.

That's definitely his bad temper; he's the type who insists on standing up for himself and making money while maintaining his dignity.

Most people would definitely mind; not many bosses are so good-natured as to let people who ask them for money to make movies take advantage of them.

However, Mi Xiaoran's situation was a bit special. Although she was a little unhappy, she hadn't really come to mind. The first reason might be that she was spending other people's money and wasn't a real tycoon herself, so she hadn't developed a sense of being a capitalist.

Furthermore, since the other party was a big star in China with a halo effect, she felt that she and the other party were equals, and she was even proud to have such a collaboration opportunity.

Secondly, she knew when she arrived that she was going to snatch the film and television project that Ning Weimin was negotiating.

Regarding the question of whether the film will be profitable, she believes Ning Weimin is not mistaken.

This kid isn't stupid, he's not dishonest; he'll never do a losing business.

Besides, even if we do lose money, it's not a big deal. As I said before, if we're going to lose money, it'll be someone else's money.

What she valued more was seeing Ning Weimin fail, making this guy who didn't give her any face lose face and avenge her previous humiliation.

So she's not at a disadvantage in this situation.

So naturally, she quite calmly tolerated Jiang Wen's unkind provocation, and instead showed a surprising magnanimity.

“It’s okay, I’m a straightforward person, it’s actually better if we’re speaking frankly. Let me put it this way, I’m a person who cares about my reputation, and I admire artists pursuing their ideals. I don’t really care about money. The most important thing is that we make a good movie together.”

And that wasn't all. After a pause, she added, "I'm a person who follows industry rules and values ​​fairness and reason. What I can't stand the most is people who take advantage of their funds to deliberately make things difficult for artists, forcing them to be obedient servants. I'm not that petty or willful. I heard you're having financial difficulties and seem to be being targeted, which is why I genuinely want to help. Why don't you just tell me your funding needs? Don't worry. Aside from profit sharing, I have no other conditions..."

This statement clearly implies that she knew about Ning Weimin's investment in Jiang Wen, and that the two had not reached an agreement on the terms of their cooperation.

Jiang Wen's expression changed; he was somewhat incredulous.

How come they agreed to invest in me so easily before we even discussed the script? How could they be so quick to agree?

"Who told you we're being targeted? Could it be that you..."

"That's not important. What's important is that I believe those who target you will regret it. It's like Hollywood back then. After Edison invented the movie projector, more and more people in America got involved in filmmaking, especially New Yorkers. But Edison monopolized the movie projection patent. Many opportunistic businessmen left New York and secretly made movies in Hollywood, a suburb of Los Angeles. If Edison sued them, they would hide in Mexico on the border. As a result, many businessmen really did go to Hollywood to make movies, and Hollywood became a paradise for filmmakers. We're the same. Make good movies, and some people will regret it."

Nothing is more persuasive than such words.

Jiang Wen blinked a few times, finally confirming that Mi Xiaoran wasn't joking, and then revealed the budget.

"Our movie will probably need an investment of eight million..."

He hesitated for a moment, not daring to say ten million.

After all, not everyone is as "generous" as Ning Weimin; the price he quoted Ning Weimin back then was indeed quite exorbitant.

To his surprise, Mi Xiaoran was much "fatter" than he had imagined.

Upon hearing the number, he didn't even hesitate, saying, "Okay. I'll give you US dollars, one million one hundred thousand."

The black market exchange rate is now 1 to 8.

Old Jiang, despite your earlier dismissive attitude of treating money like dirt, and your seemingly deferential stance that you're not yet allowed to join me, I'll still have to put up with you.

At this moment, he was just as greedy for money. Since Mi Xiaoran didn't even try to bargain, he immediately became excited, clapped his hands, picked up his wine glass, and changed his language to polite words.

"Mr. Mi is such a generous person. I've met a like-minded person today. What a coincidence! I admire you. As soon as the money arrives, I'll immediately set up the production team."

Mi Xiaoran was even more audacious. Upon hearing this, she said, "As long as you prepare the contract, we can sign it, and I'll write the check on the spot."

Hey!
Jiang Wen was now clearly convinced by Mi Xiaoran.

Working with such a wealthy and virtuous woman is truly a pleasant experience.

He believed that Mi Xiaoran was different from nouveau riche like Ning Weimin; she was someone who truly understood art.

So when he actually received the check, he knew to repay the debt of gratitude for the trust placed in him.

He successfully persuaded Liu Xiaoqin to introduce Li Xiuming and his wife to Mi Xiaoran, and also presented Mi Xiaoran with another investment project with greater commercial value.

Li Xiuming holds a higher position in the film industry than Liu Xiaoqin.

She was the most beautiful actress at the Beijing Film Studio from the 1970s to the early 1980s. Back then, she, along with veteran actress Zhang Jinling and the up-and-coming actress Liu Xiaoqin, were known as the "Three Flowers of Beijing Film Studio".

She was the first female lead in "Sweet Career" to express the sweetness of love through the theme of a man pursuing a woman; she was the heroine of Jianhu in "Qiu Jin"; and she also played the Peacock Princess who acted alongside Tang Guoqiang.

In the mid-1980s, Li Xiuming chose to retire from acting after getting married and transitioned into business.

That same year, inspired by imported potato chips, Li Xiuming decided to fill the gap in the domestic market.

She and her husband invested all their savings and took out loans to import foreign production lines, preparing to set up a factory in Daxing, Beijing, to produce potato chips.

However, lacking business experience, once they actually started, even after finding a factory and negotiating raw material deals, they discovered that there were still many places where money was needed, leaving a funding gap of up to millions.

At this point, they had no way out.

Therefore, in addition to finding suitable partners themselves, they also entrusted this matter to trustworthy friends, Liu Xiaoqin being one of them. Originally, she wanted to tell Ning Weimin about Jiang Wen's film project together, hoping to gain favor and receive a red envelope.

However, due to a mishap during the process, Jiang Wen, unable to tolerate Ning Weimin's temper, lost his temper and the matter was dropped.

Now, Mi Xiaoran has taken over the task as well, and unexpectedly, she has made another great bargain.

Given her experience in the United States, it wouldn't be difficult for her to see the commercial potential of this project.

Her decision to invest in this pot of rice was perfectly timed to save the day. Not only was the cost low, but the future returns were also high. There was no better investment than this, and in terms of returns, it was even more worthwhile than investing in Jiang Wen's movie.

Ning Weimin, on the other hand, has completely missed out on two investment projects and is still completely unaware of what's going on. (End of Chapter)