The opening of China Entertainment Group gave Jay Chou a head-on confrontation

Chapter 893 An Ordinary People's Entrepreneur

It turns out that some seemingly ordinary, artsy young women might actually have a bit of a crazy streak deep down.

Gao Yuanyuan could utter those outrageous words that even Fan Xiaopang wouldn't dare, and she did it with complete confidence. She even went so far as to ask, with feigned seriousness, who felt more comfortable—

What else can the Book of Changes say?

"you."

See people talking, see ghosts talking.

While enjoying himself, Zhou Yi naturally wouldn't create trouble for himself.

She wore a simple white shirt that Zhou Yi had left at her house last time, but the bottom buttons were undone; instead, the hem was crossed and tied into a bow, hanging in front of her navel.

The serene and artistic goddess-like aura was completely destroyed during the act of sucking, and from a superior vantage point, it possessed a chaotic and fragmented beauty.

"I told you to save the water for me to bring over yesterday, what, you're reluctant to part with it?"

"How about I recommend you see a psychiatrist?"

"You heartless bastard." Gao Yuanyuan, who was leisurely getting up to rinse her mouth in the bathroom, almost spat in his face.

Zhou Yi, sitting imposingly on the single sofa, stared up at the ceiling, trying to calm his slightly erratic breathing. Gao Yuanyuan, who had just taken a shower, opened the door, her white shirt soaked through.

She slowly unbuttoned her clothes while standing under the shower.

"Shouldn't I be the one saying that?"

As Zhou Yi entered a state of sage-like tranquility, his demeanor gradually became languid: "It feels like I've become your toy."

Gao Yuanyuan smiled and said, "You have a pretty clear understanding of your own position and self-awareness, not bad."

"Can I ask you for money?"

"How can you pay someone for playing secretly? That would break the rules!"

Gao Yuanyuan emphasized the word "steal," her innocent and kind face spouting vulgarities: "At worst, I'll let you steal back after I get married, then we'll be even."

Zhou Yi stroked his chin, admiring the open door, and asked with interest, "Is it in your master bedroom where you keep your wedding photos?"

"If you want it, I can grant your wish. I'll open a hidden door for you and install a one-way lens."

She's different—

A mature woman's understanding is delightful.

"There's something wrong with you."

"What, do you musicians want to be moral paragons?"

"I am who I am. Don't make sweeping generalizations. Learn to analyze specific problems in specific ways." Zhou Yi, with his unyielding spirit, was very dismissive of this. Gao Yuanyuan's laughter echoed in the bathroom, sounding particularly crisp.

"Alright, I'm not teasing you anymore. I'll be joining the crew soon, and you won't be able to see me then."

"Join the crew?"

"Yes, Cheng Long's new movie 'Rob-B-Hood', the female lead position is basically being fought over by us mainlanders. However, judging from the script, the role is very ordinary, it's just to build up seniority, unlike your little lover's 'The Myth'."

How Fan Bingbing got the lead role in "The Myth" is no secret within their circle.

Although "The Myth" received mixed reviews domestically, it's undeniable that Fan Bingbing's career skyrocketed thanks to this blockbuster, keeping her incredibly busy.

Endorsement offers are pouring in, and among the brands she's currently in talks with are even some truly international giants. Another actress, Bingbing, is no longer even worthy of being mentioned in comparison; she's been ruthlessly separated from them in marketing materials, which has severely damaged her popularity.

You were the one who wanted to be associated with the "Four Dan and Two Bing" (referring to four top actresses and two top actresses), and now you're the one who wants to cut ties.

That's a bit shameless.

"That's not necessarily true. Maybe his movies are missing a female lead like you. If you perform well and do some PR, you might even get a few award nominations."

Although Zhou Yi wasn't particularly interested in the film, he still deserved some encouragement.

You might say "Rob-B-Hood" is great, but it's really just so-so. But you wouldn't say it's terrible either.

And if I remember correctly, judging solely from its initial reception upon release, this film surpassed "The Myth." In the public's eyes, Cheng Long should return to action comedies; he doesn't seem to excel in anything else. Gao Yuanyuan also received her first Hundred Flowers Award nomination for Best Actress for this film.

This is not easy for an actress who is clearly aware that she is just a pretty face.

"Then I'll lend you some good advice."

Gao Yuanyuan, who has been criticized as a pretty face in the film industry for several years, chuckled and wiped away the foam from her shower gel, not taking it too seriously: "Give me a few copies of the new album when it comes out. I'm too lazy to buy them while I'm filming. Remember to sign them. I'll do you a favor on set."

"You're using my album to do me a favor, right?"

"What can I do? You're a legend in the music industry. I wouldn't be willing to spend the money to treat the extras in the film crew to meals and gifts." Despite her fame, Gao Yuanyuan isn't exactly rich these days.

After all, she truly became famous nationwide after playing the role of Zhou Zhiruo in "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber".

She does accept endorsements, but the prices aren't particularly high. She also has her own expenses, to support her team, and to buy a house. She can't compete with the four leading actresses for high-priced endorsements. Due to her personality, she basically doesn't do any gigs, and she rarely appears on variety shows.

The era in which mainland Chinese actors can make a fortune solely from their film salaries has not yet arrived.

However, Zhou Yi clearly didn't believe this claim: "Really? Are you sure you're not just trying to put on an act in front of Cai Zhuoyan?"

She doesn't deserve it.

At this moment, Gao Yuanyuan became quite assertive. She wasn't surprised that Zhou Yi knew, since it was perfectly normal for Cai Zhuoyan to have contact with him.

"Ring ring ring!"

The two were chatting when they were suddenly interrupted by a rapid Nokia ringtone. Upon seeing this, Gao Yuanyuan immediately turned down the water flow of the shower and gently closed the bathroom door to block out the noise, showing great self-awareness.

Caller ID: Cheng Hao.

Ok?
"Hey?"

"Where are you, Zhouyi? I just received news that the draft opinion on introducing foreign investment in the cultural field has been confirmed to be released."

On the other end of the cell phone signal, Cheng Hao's voice, barely able to contain his joy, came through: "Warner Bros. Cinemas will definitely not accept the new restrictions on foreign investment ratios."

?

Zhou Yi immediately perked up: "When exactly will it be released?"

"I haven't found out the exact time yet, but I'm sure the draft will be released by the end of this year, at most in a little over a month. Should I contact Warner?"

"No, no need. There's no need to rush now. You should contact Wanda first."

Zhou Yi calmly said, "Warner Bros. theaters definitely won't back down immediately. They'll still try to fight back and see if they can get a special pass. You should contact Wanda more often. I'll handle Warner Bros. theaters."

Zhou Yi, who had been quietly preparing to take over, suddenly felt like his patience had finally paid off.

Cinemas are the foundation of the film industry and the lifeblood of filmmakers. When it comes to screen time, international and domestic directors are nothing but fleeting clouds. This is one of the cornerstones for Zhou Yi to gain a voice in the future entertainment industry.

You can't write two Warners in one stroke, it's time to play the emotional card—Little Edgar, move out and let me see your limits!
After a brief conversation, Zhou Yi, who was about to rush back to discuss the matter, hung up the phone and pushed open the bathroom door—

Gao Yuanyuan, who vaguely heard something from Warner Music, frowned and asked, "What's going on? Is something wrong with your company? Is there a problem with the album recording?"

"No, it's just a plan to try out a collaboration with someone to produce a movie theater chain. Whether it will succeed or not is still uncertain." Zhou Yi briefly mentioned the matter, avoiding the main point.

Gao Yuanyuan was stunned.

What the hell?
Cinema chains?

Is that something celebrities can touch?
As an actress skilled in both film and television, she was no stranger to television stations and cinemas, especially the latter, which involved astronomical sums of money, even for those at the very top of the entertainment industry.

Even if you have money, you can't get in; there's no way to get in.

"Wow, is it too late for me to become your dog now?" Gao Yuanyuan, who really liked Zhou Yi's witty remarks, murmured as she recovered from her shock.

Zhou Yi pulled up his pants: "Generally speaking, it's probably too late."

Such policy information cannot be kept secret.

Soon after, in early December, news of "Several Opinions on Introducing Foreign Investment in the Cultural Field" began circulating within the industry, and there has been no inside story to refute it.

Many people were caught off guard.

It should be noted that this was only two years after the "Interim Provisions on Foreign Investment in Cinemas" promulgated in 03, which allowed foreign investors to hold up to 75% of the shares in pilot cities.

If Warner Bros. Cinemas was still dreaming of dominating the Chinese market, then someone has now given them a wake-up call.

My cinemas are still being built everywhere!
Inside the Guiyi Conference Room, Zhou Yi also met Wang Jianlin, the future mastermind behind the middle way, for the first time.

"President Zhou, you can absolutely rest assured about the Guiyi Building project. Wanda is truly sincere in its commitment..."

When discussing business or cooperation, there always needs to be a topic to start the conversation.

The Guiyi Building project for Wanda is a good start.

Old Wang, still full of vigor, speaks with a strong voice. I wonder if his son has embarked on the path of pure love that ultimately humiliated him and shattered his Daoist heart.

"Mr. Wang, you're too kind. We have complete confidence in Wanda's capabilities..."

Zhou Yi, dressed in a suit and tie, also knew why Wang Jianlin had taken the initiative to come to him, and smiled very professionally.

Although Wang Jianlin later became arrogant and was eventually spurred into action, his foresight in real estate and industry is undeniable. Under his leadership, Wanda became a formidable player in the domestic cinema industry.

In 2003, it announced its entry into the film industry, and in January 2004, it signed a cooperation agreement with Miller Oaks, president of Warner Bros. Cinemas. With the help of the cooperation, Warner Bros. Cinemas became a leading player in the domestic cinema industry.

This approach allows for rapid expansion, but with the new law about to be promulgated, there remains a hidden danger – the shareholding percentage of Warner Cinemas in the partnership.

In addition, Warner Cinemas itself built Warner Cinemas in seven pilot cities.

Wanda was not sure if it could take over the deal, especially with many other companies, including Zhou Yi, eyeing it covetously.

All the preparations Zhou Yi had made in the past were like open secrets to these old foxes. Nobody took them seriously at the time, but looking back now, Zhou Yi was undoubtedly a ruthless and decisive person.

Fortunately, judging from the initial tentative tone, Zhou Yi does not seem to be opposed to cooperating with Wanda.

Just as the investment community says: Zhou Yi never keeps his profits to himself.

After the initial discussion on the Guiyi Building project, Zhou Yi, having seen Lao Wang off, turned to Cheng Hao, whose smile could no longer be contained: "If the plan really comes to fruition, then you won't need to rely on China Film Group anymore."

"You manage both film and music? If you really became the emperor, you'd be a true emperor, wouldn't you?" Even the usually composed Cheng Hao was lost in a blissful fantasy.

"No, I don't have everything. Warner Music and theaters don't have a monopoly. Don't flatter me."

The Book of Changes is still quite honest.

From now on, I'll just be an ordinary people's entrepreneur, without the powerful influence of a streetlight capitalist.
(End of this chapter)