China Entertainment's Standout

Chapter 967 Governor Zhou: I abhor gambling and drugs!

This year marks the twelfth anniversary of the Asian Film Awards.

The awards ceremony, scheduled for next month, will be held in Haojiang.

As the host, Miss He called ahead to invite Zhou Yutang, but unfortunately, Governor Zhou's schedule was too full.

Jiangdong Entertainment made a strong showing this time, with "Bad Genius" and "Project Gutenberg" alone garnering a total of 11 nominations.

Zhu Yilong received a Best Actor nomination, and interestingly, Liu Shishi and Yang Mi, the two actresses from the "Chinese Paladin" series, were also both nominated for Best Actress.

Then we'll see the sisters fighting amongst themselves again.

As February arrived, various powerful contenders were ready to take center stage during the Spring Festival film season. However, just as the battle between Jiangdong and Huayi Brothers, the old and new leaders, was reaching its climax, another player unexpectedly emerged to disrupt the competition.

"Are there any masters?"

A while ago, Zhou Yutang was busy wrapping up the film "The Wandering Earth" on set and also had to manage her time so as not to neglect her sisters. Therefore, she didn't have time to pay attention to the news in the industry.

After finishing his business in Shanghai and returning to Beijing, he discovered that there was another film produced by China Film Group, titled "Forever Young," which claimed to focus on the history of Tsinghua University and included themes of literature, war, and love.

Amidst fierce competition during the Lunar New Year film season, it suddenly emerged unexpectedly, quietly taking over the daily box office crown from "Never Say Die".

Especially now that several parties have finished their performances and the big-budget films scheduled for the Spring Festival have not yet been released, they will undoubtedly receive significant preferential treatment in terms of screenings.

With the endorsement of Tsinghua University, Huang Xiaoming, Zhang Ziyi, Wang Lao Er, Zhang Zhen, and others spared no effort in promoting the product, successfully igniting its popularity.

While its box office performance couldn't match the four giants that were the old and new leaders, it at least went toe-to-toe with Director Chen's "Legend of the Demon Cat." With a total box office of over 400 million, it can be considered to have picked up a bargain at the tail end of the Lunar New Year season.

This was a project spearheaded by Master Han when he was in power, but it was delayed for various reasons and has been waiting until now. Now, a pie has fallen from the sky and landed in La Peikang's mouth.

When I saw La Peikang again on social media headlines, he was beaming with health.

Zhou Yutang chuckled inwardly.

The person who can sit in this position must indeed have some good fortune.

In addition, he invested in the Spring Festival film "Monster Hunt 2". After a series of setbacks, La Peikang finally stood up again.

Despite the fact that the two were going to be competing against each other during the Spring Festival, La Peikang still took the initiative to call Zhou Yutang and ask, "Mr. Zhou, what are the release dates for those movies in Jiangdong next year?"

"Let's decide after the meeting."

"Internet Video Streaming Platform Regulatory Conference?"

"Yes."

"Then let's talk again when we have time and go back to China Film Group."

La Peikang's smile was as warm as a spring breeze.

Zhou Yutang didn't take it to heart.

We weren't close friends, but we managed to maintain a basic level of decorum.

Right now, he is focusing more on today's regulatory conference for internet video live streaming platforms, which was organized and led by the Ministry of Publicity and Statistics and coordinated by several relevant departments.

Upon arriving at the meeting, everyone, whether they knew him or not, greeted Zhou Yutang.

Looking around, the people present today are mainly executives from various video live streaming platforms, such as Chen Shao from Douyu.
"Mr. Zhou, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Hou Yu from the Longzhu platform. This is my business card."

"Hello Mr. Zhou, I am Su Hua from Kuaishou."

"."

As the vice president of the Online Performance Supervision Branch, Zhou Dudu is, in effect, responsible for supervising the major live streaming platforms in China.

Chen Shao, who has been quite prominent this year, spoke with no shortage of flattery and ingratiation: "President Zhou, I am Chen Xiaojie from the Douyu platform. I hope we can cooperate in the future."

"If I have the chance, definitely."

Zhou Yutang gave Douyu's Chen Shao a meaningful look.

The tide of the times has quietly shifted to the internet and short video platforms.

In particular, the online live streaming industry has shown an extremely rapid growth trend in recent years in terms of economic income, number of users, and influence.

Wang Gongzi of Wanda Group: I knew the live streaming industry had potential!

Wang Xiaowang, who entered the game at the very beginning, did not reap the greatest benefits.

Aside from the Jiangdong faction, Bilibili's live streaming remains as stable as ever.

Then Douyu and Huya rose to prominence and took away a large share of the market. Other platforms like Zhanqi and Longzhu were in a similar situation to Panda TV, owned by Wang Gongzi, and gradually showed signs of decline in this arms race.

"While the live streaming industry has developed rapidly, many irregularities have emerged, especially the recent online distortions of classic revolutionary stories and the malicious dissemination of bloody and violent content."

The bigwig on the stage spoke with a powerful and authoritative voice, exuding authority without anger.

When Douyu's name was mentioned on the spot, Douyu's Chen Shao felt as if he had been struck by lightning, as if he had a thorn in his back, and as if he were sitting on pins and needles.

It's one thing for Kuaishou's MC Tianyou to be arrested as a typical example, but even several of Douyu's mainstay streamers, including Wuwukai and Chen Erfa, were also arrested as examples and announced on the spot that they would be dealt with seriously.

In other words, the ban that everyone is happy to see!

In Douyu's mind, Zhou Yutang's seemingly meaningful gaze before the meeting flashed through his mind, as if it were foreshadowing something.

I sat there in a daze, glancing at my watch more than a dozen times.

This must have been the longest two and a half hours in the life of Chen Shao, the successful Douyu streamer.

After finally getting to the end of the meeting, Douyu's Chen Shao clapped along with everyone else, but his eyes were fixed on Zhou Yutang's tall and straight back.

Then the raised buttocks fell back down, because Zhou Yutang was talking to Boss Long Xuan at that moment.

Despite his arrogance, Chen Shao still has some sense.

When the leader is speaking, where is there room for you to interrupt?
The colleagues around him outwardly showed sympathy, or some even offered a few words of feigned comfort, but in reality, they were all gloating behind his back.

Competition among live streaming platforms is fierce, with each platform burning through cash. Top streamers have contracts that are deeply tied to the platforms, and their value can be calculated in hundreds of millions.

The rivals would love for Douyu to collapse, as the resulting market share would be a delicious and appealing opportunity.

"Mr. Zhou, it's like this, I've always admired you very much and would like to find an opportunity to learn from you."

After Zhou Yutang finished exchanging pleasantries, Douyu's Chen Shao quickly stepped forward, his tone deliberately enthusiastic: "I've booked a quiet private room at the Dynasty Hotel tonight. I was thinking, would it be convenient for you to join me for a casual meal?"

If Douyu's Chen Shao's deputy saw his once arrogant boss being so obsequious, he would probably be astonished.

I appreciate your kind offer, but I have other plans for tonight and can't get away.

Without pausing, Zhou Yutang's tone was flat, his refusal direct and decisive, and he turned and walked away.

He had no connection with this person and returned to the capital to attend a series of meetings.

Now that I've finished work, all I want to do is go home and hug my daughter; I have no interest in listening to his nonsense.

Upon hearing this, Douyu's Chen Shao's heart sank. He followed Zhou Yutang out, forcing a smile, and said, "President Zhou is very busy. How about tomorrow, or the day after? You decide the time, and I'm ready to cooperate at any time."

"Mr. Chen, there's no need to go to that trouble."

Zhou Yutang paused, his face showing impatience, and said, "My schedule is very full lately, and I really can't find the time."

"Understand, understand!"

Having said all that, Zhou Yutang ignored Douyu's Chen Shao's dejected and heartbroken face and led the group away.

"Haha, Young Master Chen looks pretty bad."

"He probably feels like he's going to vomit blood."

The two heads of Bilibili Live and Douyin Live got into the car and couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Internet giants are all investing in the live streaming industry, and Tencent had already secured a place with Bilibili.

Douyu was no exception, raising $2000 million from Sequoia Capital in its Series A round.

Alibaba Cloud Peak Fund invested $2 million in the Series B and Series C rounds.

By burning through cash and poaching streamers from various platforms, even losing many to established giants like Bilibili, Bilibili finally established itself as a leading live streaming platform.

Right now, things are going very well, and Douyu's Chen Shaozhi is feeling quite smug. He even made a bold statement at a carnival event, saying that he would compete with Bilibili for the top spot in the live streaming industry.

And within three years, they will attempt to list on the US stock market.

Seeing the opponent suffer a heavy blow naturally brings indescribable joy.

"That guy surnamed Chen probably lost his mind. He announced the outcome on the spot. That's because the higher-ups have already defined the nature of the incident, and he still wants to get President Zhou to pull some strings." "President Zhou is truly wise. He strengthened the supervision of the live streaming platform beforehand. I need to deeply reflect on this. Sometimes there is indeed some unhealthy content, like some female streamers."

The person in charge of Bilibili gave a brief report in a business vehicle, and in a classic case of a favorable situation, began to blame himself.

"If the water is too clear, there will be no fish."

Zhou Yutang said, "Don't touch Douyu's giveaways. Do you really think the higher-ups don't know about all the mess they've made with their giveaways?"

"Mr. Zhou, what do you mean?"

The heads of the two live-streaming platforms in the car looked at each other and asked cautiously.

I originally thought that the Grand Commander of Jiangdong was too busy with important matters to focus on the live streaming business.

Now it seems that Governor Zhou was perfectly aware of the situation and understood the shady dealings involved.

The so-called lottery is actually a lottery event held by popular streamers on the platform, where viewers can spend money to send gifts to participate in the lottery.

The prize money is quite substantial, and coupled with the host's inflammatory words and the atmosphere of the live stream, it becomes exceptionally tempting, making viewers with slightly weak self-control rush in.

Whose child cries every day? And who's a gambler who loses every day?
Give it a try and turn your bicycle into a motorcycle.

Ordinary viewers might think that those big prizes are meant for them.

Then you'll have it for life.

Some of the lotteries may be real, but the vast majority are the result of a pre-set program.

Many of the big spenders who shower gifts on their clients are actually shills.

Afterwards, the money of the local gentry was returned in full, while the money of the common people was split 30/70.

Some money from dubious sources was laundered away without anyone noticing, and the platform's required transaction volume was met.

The Grand Commander, who deeply abhorred gambling and drugs, glanced at them indifferently, his demeanor relaxed yet carrying a hint of sharpness: "Let me make this clear beforehand, if Bilibili does these things, you'd better be prepared to go inside and step on a sewing machine."

"!!!"

"Mr. Zhou, we would never do such a thing."

The person in charge of the Bilibili live stream had cold sweat dripping down their forehead, and the person in charge of the Douyin live stream also made a statement.

Grand Commander, you are wise enough to know that we have no such intentions!

"Just kidding, why are you so nervous?"

Zhou Yutang crossed his legs and chatted with the others the whole way.

Douyin's live streaming is still in its early stages, while Bilibili, which started earlier, is more popular.

Unlike Douyu, which relies on massive spending to create its success, Bilibili is a crucial link in the entire Jiangdong system.

Its sheer size and profound heritage are such that even the three giants of iQiyi, Youku, and Tencent Video have to respectfully address it as "brother."

Live streaming is just one business within the entire Bilibili platform.

While it brings in a lot of traffic, its profitability is actually just so-so.

Now that the IPO is imminent, everyone is eager to make their mark and is ready to climb to the top. Naturally, they won't lose sight of the bigger picture.

"Zhang Yimou's studio and Huanxi Media officially announced! Liu Haocun has been cast as the female lead in 'One Second'! The National Director's new film is coming soon!"

"Focus is on Liu Haocun, the new 'Mou Girl'; the Beijing Dance Academy's campus belle takes center stage!"

"."

Zhang Yimou's studio is incredibly efficient; they released the cast of their new film "One Second" in early February.

In an instant, all eyes, both inside and outside the entertainment industry, were focused on this lucky new "Zhang Yimou Girl".

"She looks pretty ordinary. Is this all the beauty queen of Beijing Dance Academy is?"

"Hey upstairs, post a selfie of yourself."

"It feels a bit like Zhang Ziyi; Zhang Yimou's aesthetics never change."

"With her pure and sweet looks, she's the most beautiful girl at Beijing Dance Academy. She's doomed; she's unlikely to escape Governor Zhou's clutches."

"."

Almost overnight, Liu Haocun officially entered the public eye and sparked widespread discussion online.

People love to compare her to the previous "Zhang Yimou girls".

She could easily outshine the little yellow duck, though she might not possess the natural allure of Ni Ni. But like spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, each has its own strengths, and Liu Haocun could certainly be described as pure and beautiful.

She vaguely resembles Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi in their youth.

However, Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi are now approaching fifty, so their condition naturally cannot compare with that of younger women.

This perfectly illustrates the saying: No one stays eighteen forever, but there will always be eighteen-year-old girls.

"Haocun, congratulations."

Congratulations! Let's have dinner together sometime.

"."

Filming for "The Story of Minglan" has already begun, and Liu Haocun has joined the crew after undergoing professional training.

In the entertainment industry, it's common to elevate the powerful and belittle the weak; previously, no one paid much attention to someone as insignificant as her.

But after she was officially announced as the new "Zhang Yimou Girl," the attitude of many people in the crew immediately changed 180 degrees, becoming so enthusiastic that she felt somewhat overwhelmed.

With a slightly shy smile, Liu Haocun greeted everyone one by one and even took the initiative to say goodbye to Liu Shishi.

Both of them are graduates of the Beijing Dance Academy, and the lead actress usually takes good care of them on set.

"Congratulations, Liu Haocun, this is a rare opportunity."

"No."

Liu Haocun smiled innocently and said, "It feels like a dream."

"By the way, have you signed with an agency yet?"

"Ok?"

Liu Haocun hesitated for a moment, then continued with an innocent smile: "Not yet, Sister Shi, do you have any good suggestions?"

"Now that you've been offered a role by Director Zhang, you should be careful about signing with your agency."

From a professional standpoint, Liu Shishi offered many pertinent suggestions: "If all else fails, you can ask your teacher."

As Tangren Media's top female star, she has been with Zhou Yutang for nearly ten years and knows the ins and outs of the industry very well.

"Thank you for the advice, Sister Shi."

Liu Haocun nodded in realization: "I'll ask again later. The driver sent a message. I'll be going now."

"Go, be careful on the road."

After seeing Liu Haocun off, Liu Shishi pondered for a moment before sending a message to Mao Xiaoyu. Soon, she received a call back: "Sister Shishi, what's up?"

Liu Shishi asked about Liu Haocun, and Mao Xiaoyu quickly replied, "You mean her? Zhang Yimou's studio wants to sign her, and Sister Pang is just about to talk to Sister Fang about it."

"The terms are quite good, doesn't Jiangdong have any interest?"

Liu Shishi asked casually, "What did your CEO Zhou say?"

"Sister Shi, our boss doesn't have time to deal with this kind of thing."

Mao Xiaoyu's mouth sputtered like a machine gun: "He just returned to Beijing and hasn't even spent much time at the company; it's always one meeting or another."
Fang Jie manages all the artists, but Chen Xi rejected this project. The company didn't invest in Director Zhang's film, and the boss probably doesn't even know who Liu Haocun is.

He rambled on and on, but to Liu Shishi it sounded like, "Aba aba, aba aba, Zhou Yutang is very busy and doesn't know anything about Liu Haocun."
"Oh, that's okay."

Liu Shishi hung up the phone and breathed a sigh of relief.

Then I switched to the private group chat for the three beauties from the Legend of Sword and Fairy series and sent a message:

"Sisters, the misunderstanding is cleared up!"

(End of this chapter)