Entertainment from Divorce

On a Monday in April, before the morning mist had completely dissipated, the headquarters building of Brilliant Entertainment already exuded a vibrant energy.

In the top-floor conference room, the long, dark gray conference table was spotless, with black leather chairs neatly arranged on both sides. Notebooks and pens bearing the company logo were placed on the table in advance, and the projector cast warm white light onto the screen in front of it. The entire space had a serious yet efficient atmosphere.

Just after 8:30, the directors and deputy directors of various departments began to arrive.

Zheng Tong from the film department, holding a thick project folder, whispered to Xu Nuo from the program department about the preparation progress of "New Generation Singers".

Wei Yu from the music department was reviewing the preliminary cooperation plan, occasionally marking key points on paper with a pen.

The heads of departments such as artist management, TV dramas, and new media also brought their respective report materials, their faces full of focus.

Although everyone is busy with their own things at the company every day, the weekly senior management meeting on Mondays is always the most important occasion for everyone.

This is not only a platform for synchronizing work progress, but also a key link in determining the company's future direction.

At 8:59, the meeting room door was gently pushed open.

Tan Yue and Chen Ziyu walked in side by side, instantly attracting everyone's attention.

Chen Tzu-yu wore a well-tailored white suit skirt, her long hair was neatly tied into a low ponytail, and her face was lightly made up, but she could not hide the fatigue in her eyes.

She had just returned from a business trip to Shanghai yesterday and arrived in Beijing in the early hours of the morning, yet she still maintained her best working condition.

Tan Yue wore a dark gray suit with a light blue shirt underneath, without a tie, which made him look more approachable, but his calm aura still made people dare not relax.

The two walked to the head of the table and sat down. Tan Yue raised his hand to look at his watch and said softly, "Everyone is here. Let's start the meeting on time."

The meeting was opened by Chen Ziyu.

She picked up the silver tablet on the table, swiped it lightly, and the screen immediately switched to a page summarizing recent collaborative projects.

"First, I'd like to share some key collaborations we've recently finalized, divided into domestic and international parts." Her voice was clear and strong, every word exuding professionalism. "Domestically, we have officially signed a cooperation agreement with the China National Space Administration for the development of 'Aerospace Culture IP'."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zheng Tong immediately picked up a pen and quickly took notes in his notebook. Then he looked up and asked, "President Chen, aerospace data has a high level of confidentiality. Will there be any obstacles in the process when the scriptwriting team communicates with the researchers? We need to plan the communication rhythm in advance to avoid affecting the script polishing progress."

“We have already discussed this issue with the space agency in advance,” Chen Ziyu nodded in response, her tone confident.

"The other party will assign a dedicated team to handle data screening and confidentiality review, and our creators can obtain the necessary information within a designated confidential area."

Then, she shifted her focus to the overseas collaborations: "Internationally, we reached an exclusive online streaming agreement for the director's cut of *Interstellar*. They promised simultaneous broadcast in 190 countries and regions worldwide, along with a dedicated promotional resource of no less than $200 million, including homepage placement on platforms, offline screenings, and social media promotion."

"Mr. Chen, is there a clear standard for artist selection for the music collaboration with AJ?" Wei Yu asked hurriedly, his pen already prepared to take notes. "We need to sort out the company's new talent resources in advance and clarify the direction of the music style in order to better connect with them."

"Initially, the selection criteria will be 'all-around newcomers,' with priority given to bilingual artists who have creative abilities."

Chen Ziyu continued, "AJ will provide their top-notch production team and arrangement resources, while we will be responsible for artist development and marketing. The goal is to create a popular single with international reach. The artist management department will select 3-5 candidates this week, and the music department will simultaneously develop a musical style plan. We will have our first online meeting with the AJ team next week."

For a full forty minutes, Chen Ziyu gave a detailed presentation on six domestic and international collaborative projects, clearly explaining every detail from the background of the collaborations and resource allocation to the timelines.

Finally, she closed her tablet and emphasized in a serious tone: "These collaborations are crucial to the company's long-term development. Domestic collaborations can enhance our social value and content depth, while overseas collaborations are a key step in expanding into international markets. Once a project is approved, each department must immediately establish a dedicated team, clearly define the responsible person, communicate immediately when problems arise, and ensure that all projects proceed smoothly without any mishaps."

After Chen Ziyu finished her report, the meeting room did not take a break as usual. Tan Yue immediately took over the conversation and opened the folder in front of him.

"Next, let's talk about the problems that each department has encountered in its development."

His gaze slowly swept over everyone present, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable power.

"First and foremost, it's important to understand that Brilliant Entertainment is now one of the top entertainment companies in China. Employees who make it here are all industry elites selected through rigorous screening processes. Our signed artists are the envy of countless people. The company not only provides top-tier salaries and benefits in the industry, but also plans long-term development paths for everyone. Therefore, since its inception, we have never experienced artist betrayal or core employee turnover, which is our most valuable asset. However, this doesn't mean we are without problems. The more we are in a leading position, the more we must face our shortcomings in development; only in this way can we maintain our advantage."

He first turned his attention to the director of the TV drama department: "The core problem of the TV drama department recently is 'serious homogenization of themes'."

"The three dramas released last year were both a ratings and critical success, but they were all family dramas, and the market has shown signs of fatigue with them."

"In the first quarter of this year, viewership of dramas of similar genres decreased by 18% year-on-year, which is a dangerous sign."

Tan Yue began to explain slowly.

The director of the TV drama department quickly lowered his head to take notes, his pen sliding rapidly across the paper. He then looked up and replied, "Mr. Tan, we are aware of the issues you pointed out. We are currently in contact with three well-known screenwriters specializing in suspense, planning to develop a 'Republican Era Suspense Detective' drama that combines folk culture with suspenseful cases. At the same time, we are also in talks with the Palace Museum to prepare a period drama with the theme of 'cultural heritage,' telling the story of cultural relic restorers. We have already entered the script outline polishing stage and are striving to officially launch the project next quarter."

“Very good, the pace needs to be accelerated.” Tan Yue nodded in approval, then looked at Xu Nuo, “The problem with the program department is ‘insufficient innovation.’ As a key variety show this year, ‘New Generation Singers’ still uses the traditional ‘mentor + contestant’ framework. Although an ‘original song’ segment has been added, it lacks a breakthrough and memorable point compared to programs like ‘Music New Force’ and ‘Singer-Songwriter Alliance’ on the market. The music variety show market is highly competitive now, and it’s difficult to attract viewers without innovation.”

"Going forward, we need to put more effort into the competition format and interactive elements. For example, we can add a 'cross-circle collaboration' segment, inviting actors, athletes, and other non-professional musicians to collaborate with the contestants, or launch a 'viewer-customized musical style' mode, allowing the audience to vote on the contestants' singing style to enhance their sense of participation."

Xu Nuo immediately wrote down the keywords "cross-circle collaboration" and "audience-customized musical style" in his notebook, responding firmly: "We held a meeting last week to optimize the competition format, planning to add 'cross-border guest performances' to the 'breakthrough round' stage. We are currently in contact with several actors with musical backgrounds; we are also communicating with short video platforms regarding 'audience-customized musical style,' planning to open an online voting channel to allow audiences to participate in the program's creation in real time. We will present a complete optimization plan next week for your and General Manager Chen's review." Subsequently, Tan Yue pointed out problems such as the artist management department's "slow pace of new talent development," the new media department's "weak content monetization capabilities," and the marketing department's "limited overseas promotion channels."

For each question he raises, he incorporates specific data and case studies to make his analysis more convincing.

The heads of each department also took careful notes, proactively acknowledged shortcomings, and proposed preliminary improvement ideas.

Throughout the discussion, no one shirked responsibility; everyone focused on "solving the problem."

This is precisely the key to Brilliant Entertainment's continued leadership.

Time passed by, and the meeting, which was originally scheduled for an hour and a half, had unknowingly lasted for more than two hours.

As the sunlight outside the window gradually slanted westward, it streamed through the glass into the conference room, casting a warm glow on everyone's figures.

It wasn't until 11:30 a.m. that Tan Yue closed the folder and gave a final summary: "For the issues discussed today, each department must come up with detailed improvement plans by Friday, clearly defining the responsible persons and timelines; at next week's regular meeting, we will review the plans one by one to ensure that all issues can be resolved. In addition, we must reiterate the importance of 'collaboration and cooperation'."

"Whether it's aerospace IP projects or music collaborations with AJ, multiple departments need to work together. Everyone can't just focus on their own little corner; they need to have a holistic perspective, proactively connect, fill in gaps, and form a joint force."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone, his tone full of anticipation: "Our goal is to become a world-class entertainment company. Now that we have a solid foundation in the domestic market, we will focus on the international market. We will definitely encounter difficulties along the way, but I believe that with everyone's abilities and passion for the company, we will be able to achieve this goal."

After the meeting ended, the heads of each department stood up, notebooks filled with annotations in their hands, and hurriedly left.

They need to immediately communicate the meeting's content to department staff and begin the work of developing a solution.

As Xu Nuo passed by Tan Yue, he smiled and said, "President Tan, the innovative direction you pointed out today is crucial. We'll go back and push it forward immediately to ensure that 'The New Generation Singers' achieves a unique effect."

Tan Yue patted him on the shoulder: "Keep it up. The program department is an important force for the company to expand the market. I'm looking forward to seeing your results."

Soon, only Tan Yue and Chen Ziyu remained in the conference room.

Tan Yue turned to look at Chen Ziyu beside him and found her rubbing her temples, her eyes showing even more fatigue than during the meeting.

"You just got back from a business trip yesterday, and then you had to endure a meeting for more than two hours today. You must be exhausted." Tan Yue's tone was full of concern. "There are no other plans for you. Go back to your office and get some rest. There's no need to rush things at the company right now."

Chen Ziyu lowered her hand, shook her head, and smiled faintly: "It's okay, I can still manage. I just had a conference call with the person in charge at the National Space Administration at 2 pm to confirm the details of the documentary filming; the talent management department needs to refine the new talent training plan. I can't feel at ease until these things are settled."

"No matter how important your work is, you must take care of your health." Tan Yue frowned, her tone firm. "I'll help you with the conference call. Have the talent agency department draft the first version of the new talent development plan. Take two hours to rest this afternoon, or your body won't be able to handle it."

“Really, there’s no need. I know what I’m doing.” Chen Ziyu picked up the documents on the table and stood up. “Our company is currently in a critical period of expanding into the international market. We can’t afford to be slow at any step. I don’t mind being a little tired. As long as we can get the project moving forward, it’s all worth it.”

Looking into Chen Ziyu's determined eyes, Tan Yue knew he couldn't persuade her.

The two walked out of the meeting room side by side and parted ways in the corridor.

Chen Ziyu walked towards the artist management department, still flipping through the newcomer's information.

Tan Yue returned to his office, and as soon as he sat down, he picked up the phone and dialed the number of the contact person at the National Space Administration to take over the coordination work for the afternoon meeting.

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the office's floor-to-ceiling windows and fell on Tan Yue's desk.

While communicating with his contact person at the space agency about the details of the documentary filming, he also took notes on key points in his notebook; occasionally, when department heads knocked on his door to report on their work, he would listen patiently and give specific guidance.

In another office, Chen Ziyu was reviewing the profiles of newcomers one by one with the head of the artist management department. From the artist's positioning and planning to resource matching, every detail was carefully considered, and she did not relax her requirements due to fatigue.

At six o'clock in the evening, the setting sun dyed the sky a warm orange-red.

Tan Yue finally finished the last meeting and rubbed his throbbing temples.

He got up and walked to the window, looking at the streetlights gradually lighting up downstairs, his heart filled with emotion.

The reason why Brilliant Entertainment has come this far is precisely because of everyone's "all-out" attitude.

He took out his phone and sent Chen Ziyu a WeChat message: "Don't work too hard, leave work early, I'll cook dinner tonight."

Not long after, Chen Tzu-yu replied with an "okay" emoji, followed by a smiley face.

Tan Yue looked at his phone screen and couldn't help but smile. With such a partner fighting alongside him and such a dedicated team, Brilliant Entertainment's goal of becoming a world-class entertainment company was certainly not far off.

As night fell outside the window, the lights in the headquarters building came on one by one.

In Tan Yue and Chen Ziyu's office, the lights remained bright. They knew that achieving their goals would require countless more busy yet fulfilling days and nights like this. (End of Chapter)