During my years at China Entertainment

Chapter 863 The Reunion of the Wealthy Flower: The Investment Master

In the film market, thanks to the appeal of nostalgia and the advantages of its cast and screen time, "The Mermaid" has firmly maintained its leading position.

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, the company closed at 2.48 million yuan. On the third day, it reversed course and closed at 2.56 million yuan. On the fourth day, it closed at 2.33 million yuan.

In just four days, "The Mermaid" swept past the 10 billion mark, grossing 10.05 billion!
This figure has already broken the previous record of "Yunnan Insect Valley" for the fastest film to reach 10 billion yuan, leaving the entire film production industry speechless!
Industry insiders have a strong feeling that Stephen Chow's ambition of 30 billion yuan in box office revenue may actually come true.

However, as the media reports put it, "unstoppable" – the Chinese film market has truly entered a new phase, achieving a qualitative leap and transformation.

Even with its ferocious performance, "The Mermaid" only accounted for less than 40% of the total market share.

In other words, many of the films released on the first day of the Lunar New Year have more or less benefited from the rapid development of the film market.

Among them, the most outstanding is "Detective Chinatown".

With a near-perfect 8-point rating on the online forum and an average 25% screening rate from theaters, the film grossed 7.58 million yuan in just four days, second only to "The Mermaid".

If all goes as expected, Detective Chinatown will break the 10 billion yuan mark at the box office before the holiday ends, and the 15 billion yuan target is within reach.

Despite the poor reviews for "The Monkey King 2", which only scored 6.1 on Impression.com, many viewers complained that the plot was fragmented, the jokes were forced, and the green screen effect was too strong.

However, thanks to its star-studded cast and decent special effects, it still attracted the attention and interest of many viewers.

In just four days, "The White Bone Demon" has grossed over 500 million yuan, reaching 5.38 million yuan!
Based on current data, it should have no problem reaching 10 billion in box office revenue, making it a representative high-grossing Hong Kong film in recent years.

However, considering the production cost of 500 million, it seems that this film will have some difficulty in breaking even.

As for "From Vegas to Macau III", despite its even worse reputation and a score of less than five on Impression.com, it still performed quite well thanks to its subject matter and the popularity of Fatty Wong.

In just four days, the film's box office surpassed 10 million yuan, reaching 5.18 million yuan. It's very likely that Fatty Wang will truly join the billion-yuan director club!

Looking back, apart from "The Year Beast Battle", all the other movies released on the first day of the Lunar New Year have grossed over 10 billion yuan at the box office.

This has stirred up the thoughts of countless people both inside and outside the industry.

Because the Chinese-language film market is truly booming, we have to take a big bite out of it!
It is foreseeable that projects from major companies will spring up like mushrooms after rain this year.

No one expected that before the Spring Festival film season had even ended, Ali dropped another bombshell.

On the afternoon of the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Ali, together with the South Korean entertainment company SM Entertainment, released a joint announcement.

"Aliba acquired a 4% stake in SM Entertainment for 355 billion Korean won (equivalent to 1.95 million RMB) through a third-party-allocated paid capital increase."
The two parties signed a strategic cooperation agreement on entertainment business, including but not limited to the business scope of SM artists and groups in China, as well as e-commerce and other fields.

The news immediately sent shockwaves through the entertainment industries of both countries.

Without a doubt, Ali, with a market value of over 200 billion US dollars, is definitely a top-tier conglomerate in China;
Although SM Entertainment is relatively small, it is still one of the leading entertainment companies in South Korea.

Whether it's the previous generation boy group TVXQ, Girls' Generation who are still at their peak, or the newly emerging EXO, they all have an extraordinary influence among young people throughout Asia.

At this moment, most entertainment companies in China are full of resentment because the two powerful companies have joined forces to reach a strategic agreement and are vigorously promoting it, which is undoubtedly encroaching on everyone's living space.

Many people even secretly cursed Ahri for being inhuman and letting a wolf into the house!
"Inviting a wolf into the house? That phrase might be more fitting for Old Li. Boss Ma is no pushover, hahaha."

In a retro-style teahouse in Beijing, Lao Wang and Wei Jin chatted about the latest news, their faces full of amusement.

It's important to understand that Jack Ma is no ordinary person. 4% of the shares may not seem like much, but who can guarantee that Ali will stop there?

After all, the lessons learned from Youku's experience are still fresh in our minds.

Even because of Gu Yongqiang's ouster, Lao Wang himself refused Ali's investment—even though it was 20 billion for 10% of the shares, which was a considerable premium, Lao Wang did not want to be stripped of his founder status and chairmanship!

On the contrary, Bernard's fat man has been doing worse and worse in recent years. He sold 10% of his shares for a mere $8600 million, which is something that Old Wang looks down on.

"That's not entirely true. Lee Soo-man is quite shrewd. Besides, Ahri's focus in South Korea isn't on the entertainment industry."

Compared to Lao Wang's limited attention to South Korea, Wei Jin, who owns a subsidiary of the group, is much more knowledgeable about the inside story of the collaboration between Ali and SM.

Strictly speaking, the negotiations began in the second half of last year, and Lee Soo-man even tried to involve Wei Jin in order to raise the price.

According to media reports last year, Wei Jin, Wang Jianlin, and Ma Huateng, who are among the top three richest people in China and all involved in the entertainment industry, were bound to have a showdown sooner or later!
In particular, the Wei and Jin dynasties openly expressed their disdain for Ah Li on various occasions, pushing this view to its extreme.

Even South Korea is very enthusiastic about this battle of capital, eagerly awaiting the big fight between the two sides!

Lee Soo-man saw this opportunity and wanted to play both sides to maximize his own interests.

Unfortunately, he overestimated SM's standing in Wei Jin's eyes, and several of his proposals failed to impress Wei Jin.

Undeniably, the collaboration between the two parties over the years has been quite pleasant, and Girls' Generation has allowed Mr. Wei to enjoy their tenderness to the fullest.

But from a business perspective, Lee Soo-man has been using his shell company to leech off SM Entertainment for years, and the business has not developed as expected.

Especially after the four EXO members who returned to China left, although SM Entertainment promoted the new generation Red Velvet, their influence was far inferior, and the downward trend was quite obvious.

Moreover, although SM is not a large organization, it is riddled with factions and has caused quite a few troubles over the years.

Even if Wei Jin invests, he can't possibly gain complete control; instead, he'll be exploited by SM. Of course, he can't accept that loss!
"Oh? Is that so? Then what did Mr. Ma see in you?"

Old Wang didn't doubt Wei Jin's judgment, but he was a little curious: Why isn't Ali's big entertainment strategy focused on the entertainment industry this time? What's the point?
"As far as I know, what Mr. Ma wants is the payment system business. After all, between SM and the major conglomerates, well, you know what I mean."

Wei Jin's words were brief and to the point; even Lao Wang, who had been in the entertainment industry for many years, immediately understood that it was nothing more than a matter of power-money and power-sex transactions.

"It seems Mr. Ma has big ambitions. But that makes sense, payment is Ali's core business. I wonder if it will work out?"

"Who knows?"

Wei Jin shrugged, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then comfortably leaned back in his chair.

During the Spring Festival, besides spending time having fun with his three wives, he spent most of his time visiting leaders of relevant departments in Beijing.

It's a rare opportunity to chat with Lao Wang and soak up the sun; it's quite a relaxing time.

"By the way, bro, have you decided on the roles for 'I Belonged to You'? The project is going to be approved after the New Year."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Jin raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected fiber optics to be so efficient, but thinking about it, there really wasn't much to prepare for an urban film.

After a moment's thought, Wei Jin had his answer: "For the female lead, let's go with Ni Ni. As for the second female lead, let's have Chen Yuqi."

Originally, "The Thousand Faces of Dunjia" was a project for Ni Ni, but it was previously promised to Zhang Tianai, so this project can be considered compensation.

As for Chen Yuqi, her former assistant Wei Jin is quite satisfied with her and will naturally give her a chance to help her.

Upon hearing the two names, Old Wang didn't hesitate and readily agreed, then invited, "Shall we have a drink together tonight?"

"Maybe next time, I have plans tonight."

Wei Jin wasn't just fooling Lao Wang; he really did have a date tonight. Back on New Year's Eve, Jing Tian had already said that his flight would arrive in the capital on the evening of the fifth day of the Lunar New Year.

It's been almost five months since Wei Jin last saw Fu Guihua, since the filming of "The Wandering Earth" began, and his longing for her has been surging ever since.

With anticipation in his heart, Wei Jin arrived at the airport quickly. Before long, he met Jing Tian, ​​who was wearing a down jacket and large sunglasses.

"Tian Tian".

Wei Jin waved his hand, and Jing Tian took off her sunglasses, her delicate face beaming with a smile. Then, she flew towards him like a swallow returning to its nest.

"Honey, I miss you so much~~"

Greedily inhaling the scent emanating from Wei Jin, Jing Tian made no attempt to conceal her longing.

At this moment, Jing Tian felt a pang of regret; she shouldn't have accepted so many commercial endorsements in the first place. This was the first time in so many years that she had been separated from Wei Jin for such a long time.

"Tian Tian, ​​I miss you so much too."

Wei Jin also held the girl tightly in his arms, deeply inhaling the fragrance from the ends of her dark hair.

"Boss, Miss Jing, please get in the car first."

Old Zhu, having put away their luggage, gently reminded them, which also brought Wei Jin and Jing Tian back from their overwhelming longing and joy at their long-awaited reunion.

"Okay, Lao Zhu, let's go straight back to Dongshan Villa."

After Wei Jin finished speaking, he took Jing Tian's little hand and got into the Maybach, explaining, "Tian Tian, ​​your brother will cook something delicious for you tonight."

"Mmmmm~"

Jing Tian nodded, then gently leaned on Wei Jin's shoulder and recounted her work and life during this period.

Although we chat via mobile phone regularly, face-to-face communication is always different.

The two chatted all the way, and time seemed to fly by. Half an hour later, they arrived at Dongshan Villa.

"Tian Tian, ​​go and rest for a while. Dinner will be ready soon."

"No need, I'll help you. It's been a long time since we cooked together."

"Yeah, that's okay."

Tonight's dinner wasn't lavish, but it was very cozy, because what we ate wasn't important; who we ate with was.

After dinner, Jing Tian pulled Wei Jin straight upstairs and kissed him as soon as they entered the room.

Born in 88, Fu Guihua is now 28 years old, and her physical instincts are becoming increasingly difficult to suppress.

Besides, this separation has lasted for more than four months. How could she possibly bear it?
Faced with the girl's enthusiasm, Wei Jin responded honestly, and his large hands demonstrated his skill in undressing her.

As the kiss continued, their clothes were quickly tossed about, and they eventually became naked.

Under the moonlight, the already fair and delicate skin of the hibiscus seemed to glow, making Wei Jin's eyes burn with desire.

Jing Tian could also feel the intense heat and couldn't help but murmur.

"Brother~~"

Breathing in the fragrance of the beautiful woman so close at hand, and gazing upon the stunning beauty of the hibiscus flower, Wei Jin lowered his head.

"Hmm~"

The familiar, emotional murmurs made Wei Jin even more intoxicated, and his large hand reached towards the last remaining piece of cloth.

Two or three minutes later, when Wei Jin looked up again, he saw that Fu Guihua's delicate face was covered in peach blossoms.

And in those beautiful eyes, as bright as stars, there was a glint of emotion, filled with uncontrollable feelings.

"Honey, I love you~"

"As you command, my lady!"

After they finished speaking, Wei Jin and Fu Guihua reached an agreement right there in the bedroom's entryway.
Perhaps because of the longing they had for each other, this scene of reunion lasted a bit longer than usual.

More than an hour later, Jing Tian, ​​having thoroughly enjoyed her performance, finally leaned contentedly against Wei Jin, savoring the lingering afterglow.

While Wei Jin was in a state of sage-like tranquility, his hands were not idle either, still lingering wantonly on the girl's delicate body.

To be honest, Fu Guihua's skin is really amazing, comparable to that of a young girl in her early twenties. Her skin has a really long shelf life!

"But my heart is still possessed by her every moment; she is like the moon, still silent—a violin solo, a solo of the bright moon leaning against the deep autumn sky."

The sudden ringing of the phone broke the warm and tranquil atmosphere in the bedroom, and Fu Guihua thoughtfully handed over the phone.

Wei Jin raised an eyebrow, quite surprised, after glancing at the name on the caller ID.

He casually pressed the answer button, and before the other end could speak, he asked, "William? Is there something you need calling me so late?"

To be honest, although William is the head of Pride Capital and controls Wei Jin's overseas investments worldwide, he has a lot of funds and power.

However, Wei Jin had already planted several hidden agents in the investment company to check and supervise William, so his safety was still guaranteed.

Therefore, Wei Jin rarely communicated with William by phone; they mostly communicated via email.

Upon receiving William's call, Wei Jin's first thought was: Could there be some problem with those assets?

While Wei Jin was lost in thought, he heard William's voice coming from the phone.

"Boss, it's nothing too important, but I need to remind you that the next general election is about to begin."

"Oh? Has someone contacted you?"

Wei Jin frowned slightly, which wasn't particularly surprising.

In North America, a company like Sun Capital, with assets worth hundreds of billions of dollars, would absolutely not be able to avoid participating in elections.

Even without a clear political inclination, one still has to take sides and pay protection money, it's just a matter of how much or how little.

"Yes, I met that businessman at a dinner hosted by Musk last night. He hopes that Sun Capital will support him in the election."

Upon hearing this, Wei Jin fell silent. In his previous life, due to his work, he had paid quite a bit of attention to this person.

From the start of the election to the policies implemented after taking office, Wei Jin could not say he knew everything, but he certainly had a deep impression of them.

Perhaps due to his background as a businessman, this man clearly lacked the decorum of a leader, changing his mind faster than flipping through a book, and frequently engaging in all sorts of outrageous actions.

Moreover, his attitude towards China is not friendly, and many Chinese capital firms operating in North America have been targeted by him.

Overall, compared to Audi, whom he had previously contacted and supported, the leader was clearly not a good collaborator.

However, this situation is entirely a vortex of power struggles among various parties, and given the size and background of Jiaoyang Capital, it is difficult for it to influence the final outcome.

In this way, supporting a businessman at least allows you to maintain some forward-looking advantage, rather than supporting someone you know nothing about!
Upon realizing this, Wei Jin immediately instructed, "William, you can try to contact him. As long as he promises not to harm us after taking office, then you can support him."

"Okay, Boss, I understand."

William responded, already having a series of plans in mind and being quite confident, because the request was too modest.

In fact, he was somewhat surprised, because Wei Jin's words had already shown his optimism towards the merchant.

However, over the years, William has also grown accustomed to the foresight of this mysterious Eastern boss, and perhaps that person will ultimately be elected.

"Okay, that's all for now. See you at the end of the month."

"Okay, boss."

After hanging up the phone, Wei Jin turned to look at the slightly curious hibiscus, but without explaining, he simply lowered his head again to kiss the graceful hibiscus.

"Hmm~~"

In an instant, Jing Tian's long, beautiful legs came together, her head tilted back, and she murmured softly, filling the bedroom of Dongshan Villa with the warmth of spring.
(End of this chapter)