Actor: Thank you.

Just as Zhang Yuan was personally going to the island nation to handle copyright issues, some people back in China were provoked.

Xiao Wang turned off the TV and rubbed his temples.

Headache!

News reports, not just entertainment news but also current affairs news, are all reporting on the huge success of the "Chopstick Brothers" and the resonance that "Old Boys" has with the public.

Xiao Wang also watched it himself, and even he couldn't deny that he was moved, just like the other viewers.

Stuff is good stuff.

How were these two discovered?

Everyone outside says Zhang Yuan has a keen eye for talent, he picks the best guys every time!
So here's the problem: in real life, almost everyone is a result-oriented person.

It's all about the winner taking all and the loser being condemned; it's about the process being reversed by the outcome.

If Bill Gates succeeded, then he must be a self-made software genius.

In reality, his mother is a board member of IBM, and the first order came from IBM, something that ordinary people don't see.

Zuckerberg succeeded, so he must be a self-made genius.

In reality, this guy stole his friend's invention and ruthlessly used financial means to kick his friend out of the company, taking all the credit for himself. Ordinary people wouldn't see this.

However, this man is an old Jewish man, so it's quite reasonable for him to do this.

When anyone succeeds, outsiders will try to use the simplest attribution method and try to highly condense and summarize it with their limited knowledge and information.

Therefore, in the eyes of outsiders in the industry, there is only one possibility regarding the Chopstick Brothers incident.

Zhang Yuan arranged it for them!

He owns shares in Youku, and these two signed contracts with him. When others saw this, they thought it was approved!

It must have been Zhang Yuan's masterful planning, recognizing the capabilities of these two individuals and the market potential of internet platforms, before making this grand strategic move.

With foresight and keen insight, this boy is terrifyingly powerful...

This, in turn, further strengthened Zhang Yuan's position in the industry.

Everyone saw that by following him, even ordinary people could become famous overnight, and many people were eager to try it.

This is a signboard.

Just like Zhang Yimou's films, so many people are eager to get the role.

Because whoever plays a role becomes famous, Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi, Zhou Dongyu, and others have continuously proven this theory, making it increasingly unbreakable.

Now, Zhang Yuan has also slowly embarked on this path.

The consensus among some people is that following him guarantees a good life.

In particular, the incidents involving Liu Tao and Qianqian earned him a reputation for helping others in distress.

It's not just about helping others in times of crisis; more importantly, the crises these two people faced were so great that most people wouldn't dare to get involved.

But he not only got involved, he also managed to get the person out of the water.

This is a double testament to both character and ability!
After people discover these things, they will inevitably compare them to Huayi, a large company that has recently had conflicts with Zhang Yuan.

Upon comparison, the difference is enormous!
Zhang Yuan also came from Huayi, so why are their styles so different?

Oh!
We understand.

Is it because his values ​​clashed with those of the Wang brothers that he started his own thing?

This is called "those who walk different paths cannot make plans together"!
In addition, with the nickname "Sima Yi" that Zhang Yuan recently gave them, everyone tends to place Hua Yi in the position of the villain.

Betrayal constitutes real harm, similar to cases involving "to help or not to help," "voyeurism in the library," and "forced engagement."

It is not only a social event, but it can also affect the foundation of a group.

Even if the incident is over, the impact is far-reaching, changing the collective consciousness and values ​​of a group.

A powerful boss has a built-in healing mechanism, but this damage reduces the boss's maximum health.

Even if you can breathe to recover health, once your maximum health is reduced to a certain level, you will be within the enemy's one-hit kill range.

So Xiao Wang was in a hurry.

They discovered they had never encountered such a formidable enemy, who had found a way to harm them at their very core.

He waited anxiously in the office, shaking his leg.

A short while later, there was a knock on the door.

"Coming!"

Upon seeing the visitor, this person quickly stood up to greet them.

The visitor was Yuan Tao, the founder and head of Huayi Music.

"Sit down, Xiao Huang, quickly bring some tea." Boss Wang told his secretary to get busy, while he sat down opposite the other person.

Have you seen the movie "Old Boys" lately?

"I saw it, it's really popular." Mr. Yuan took off his glasses and wiped them.

This is also quite a headache for him.

A short film that appeared out of nowhere on the internet, and its theme song, which was a cover song, swept across major music charts in a short period of time!
It also ranks high on the download charts.

They quickly defeated all the professional musicians under their own company.

This is why the music industry in Beijing held a large-scale meeting a few years ago to boycott Dao Lang and others.

The behavioral pattern is similar to the Chinese Quyi Artists Association's "anti-vulgarity" campaign.

They're targeting celebrities outside their own circles.

Because you've completely taken someone else's job!
Before Mr. Guo became famous, any event, whether it was a gala, annual meeting, temple fair, or outreach program, would have to find someone from a traditional performing arts troupe.

But now that you're famous, TV stations are all coming to you. What are we going to eat?
As for the idea that crosstalk will die in their hands, the sketches popularized by Zhao Benshan have almost squeezed out crosstalk, leaving it with no room to survive.

What does that have to do with me?

Anyway, I can live off this for the rest of my life.

Those professional actors in the folk art troupe only work during the Spring Festival each year, and that one work is enough to support them for the whole year.

The same applies to the music industry.

It turns out that all the major galas and performance organizers in various places contact us whenever they need singers.

Everyone loves watching Dao Lang and Pang Long's "non-mainstream" stuff these days, so I'd kill you guys!

Huayi Music is clearly a "mainstream" group.

Zhang Yuan, on the other hand, spent all his time hanging out with the "non-mainstream" crowd.

"How should we handle and deal with this now?" Xiao Wang discussed this matter with the other party.

Yuan Tao, being a seasoned veteran, did not proactively offer his own ideas.

Instead, they practice Tai Chi.

"Whatever ideas Mr. Wang may have, our music department will cooperate."

"Great!" Xiao Wang clapped his hands.

Yuan Tao knew he had guessed correctly; the other party had a plan.

He didn't dare say too much because he knew that the two brothers had been in a very bad mood lately and were quite irritable.

Especially after getting a nickname.

This time, "Old Boys" has been defined as a benchmark case in the music industry. It's too successful!

That's because they hadn't seen the later version of "Little Apple" yet; that one was truly terrifying!
The Chopstick Brothers' ability to make pop music surpasses that of 99% of professional musicians.

The short film "Old Boys" has now been viewed more than 3000 million times.

The theme song, however, has even more plays!
Rumors are circulating that Zhang Yuan's move completely overwhelmed his opponent in the music field, which Huayi had cultivated for many years.

But Yuan Tao only saw the music aspect.

Xiao Wang saw even more!

This is also why he was anxious.

Huayi now operates in three main sectors: film and television, artist management, and music.

Chopstick Brothers are entertainers.

Their songs became hugely popular because of their music.

The company's second and third largest revenue segments were both hit.

Does that mean the number one ranked film or television show will be spared?
not at all!
Because Zhang Yuan brought in Ning Hao to supervise the "Eleven Degrees of Youth" project.

His film in Huayi has just been "taken down".

So, in the eyes of outsiders and the Wang brothers, Zhang Yuan used a short film to slap their company's top three sectors in the face.

Zhang Yuan, who was far away in the island nation, had no idea about this.

He brought Ning Hao in as the producer of the short film purely to increase the project's visibility.

Moreover, Ning Hao didn't put in much effort; the story script and filming were all handled by the Chopstick Brothers themselves. It was only on the artistic style and post-production editing that Da Nao offered some mature suggestions.

But outsiders don't see it that way, and neither does Huayi!
This is what it means to influence others with a wave of your hand if you are strong enough.

This is how the saying "rivals in the same trade" came about.

"I suggest we use some of the most popular artists from the music company to create the soundtrack for the short film project that the company is working on in collaboration with Tudou."

"Have the artists put aside their other work and fully cooperate with the short film!" Xiao Wang made the decision with a wave of his hand.

We must defeat him!
And it sounds nice.

"Others have already proven the huge potential of combining short films and music, so now we just need to feel our way across the river."

Yuan Tao didn't dare to say no.

I just felt like the boss was a bit out of control.

As for?
He was provoked like this by a young man.

"But doing so would disrupt the original plan and would be costly."

"If you only consider costs when doing things, then you're too cowardly!" "How can someone who's so timid accomplish anything great?" Xiao Wang slammed his hand on the table.

Yuan Tao had no choice but to nod.

Now that Huayi Music has gone public, the Wang brothers have spent nearly 4000 million to buy back all of its shares, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary of the parent company. He had no choice.

“And…” Xiao Wang suddenly looked sly.

“I heard that there are copyright issues with the song ‘Old Boy’ and that Meili Music can’t resolve them.”

"You need to hurry up and handle this, and secure the copyright."

"We have plenty of money, no matter the cost."

"I want to see what that kid's face will look like after we get the copyright."

Yuan Tao frowned. Wasn't this still just a fit of pique?

You even said I was timid and cowardly, when you yourself are clearly the most pathetic...

There's nothing we can do about it, just go and do it.

This task was assigned to the music department to carry out the work regardless of the cost.

Meanwhile, he received a phone call.

"Mr. Wang, how have you been lately?"

A male voice with a flippant accent, familiar to ordinary people in later generations, appeared in his ear.

"Hello, Mr. Ma." Xiao Wang immediately put on a friendly smile.

The caller was Jack Ma, the God of Wealth.

"That short film called 'Old Boys' is really popular lately," Jack Ma said bluntly.

"Oh, you knew all along?"

"Of course I know this matter has a significant impact," the other party said seriously.

"It's alright, it won't hurt Huayi," Xiao Wang said through gritted teeth.

"Who said Huayi is bad? You need to broaden your horizons and have a bigger vision!" Ma Dad admonished.

"I learned from my own sources that Youku is discussing raising the issue price."

"what!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wang's mouth dropped open.

Although Jack Ma always talks about the concept of "big picture" in his speech, which makes him seem very pretentious.

But their vision is indeed much broader than that of a film and television company.

As the person in charge of Huayi Music, Yuan Tao could only see the sound system of the music store at most.

Xiao Wang, being in a higher position, can see the impressions of the film and television, talent agency, and music industries.

Jack Ma, on the other hand, avoided Wang Jianlin's influence and went beyond the entertainment industry, directly focusing on the financial implications.

Before a company goes public, it sets the offering price of its shares. There are several complex formulas and strategies for setting the offering price.

Price-to-earnings ratio pricing method, net asset value ratio method, auction pricing method...

In the stock market, "breaking the issue price" often refers to a stock's price falling below its initial offering price after listing.

Using commodities as an analogy, this is equivalent to comparing the product's price with the scalper's price.

The fact that scalper prices are higher than listed prices indicates that the product is in high demand and supply cannot meet demand.

If scalpers are stuck with these products, then they're definitely going to be unpopular.

A stock falling below its issue price is very unsightly, so setting the issue price before listing is an art.

It can't be too low, otherwise the financing target will be difficult to achieve.

It can't be too high, otherwise no one will buy it.

The strategy is usually decided several months in advance.

Now Tudou and Youku are competing to see who goes public first. Which one will people buy?

The issue price has also become a very sensitive topic, and no one dares to make a move on it lightly.

But Youku wants to make a move!

That means that both inside and outside the company are very confident.

So where does confidence come from?

Market reaction.

The popularity of "Old Boys" boosted Youku's market response and greatly strengthened investors' confidence.

The fact that online platforms can create national superstars demonstrates their unlimited future potential!
And that's not the only trick they have up their sleeve.

Zhang Yuan had already arranged with Boss Gu to announce the exclusive broadcast of "iPartment 2" some time after the release of "Eleven Degrees of Youth".

These two waves of positive developments from the creative side have given a strong boost to the platform's preparations for listing.

This was the only thing that Zhang Yuan had specifically prepared and designed.

He had already signed a copyright contract for "iPartment 2" with the other party when he traded Youku shares, but he kept it secret.

The rest of the "targeted" actions are all Hua Yi's imagination.

He doesn't have time for all this; it's a thankless task.

The only thing he cares about most is Uku's stock price, because he has a stake in it.

Jack Ma naturally had the means to find out about this early on.

He brought Alibaba into Huayi's business in advance because he valued Alibaba's stake in Tudou.com.

The potatoes are doing fine, but the Youku guys are standing at attention!
Of course, Jack Ma couldn't tolerate this and had to intervene.

What are your thoughts and plans?

Xiao Wang was stunned for a long time before he came to his senses.

Good guy!
Such a thing is unbelievable.

It seems this short film has had a greater impact than I imagined.

No!

"Mr. Ma, how about we go out for a meal, meet up, and have a chat on the spot?"

Jack Ma agreed.

Soon, they met at a high-end restaurant in Yuhang.

Of course, it was Xiao Wang who went to see the other party.

"Mr. Ma, I salute you."

At the dinner table, the usual routine of toasting, eating, drinking, and boasting is naturally indispensable.

But Jack Ma was very busy, so they got down to business in no time.

"Don't drink too much yet, let's talk about serious matters."

"Okay, let me tell you my plan." Xiao Wang didn't come alone; he brought along his two key lieutenants, Fei Linhe and Yuan Tao.

"I have two plans for the 'Old Boys' project."

"One issue is copyright; I discovered that the copyright for this song has not been secured."

"So I plan to buy it outright, which will put the other party's video at legal risk and force them to take it down..."

Before Jack Ma could react, Yuan Tao cleared his throat, interrupting his boss who was spitting as he spoke.

"Um, Mr. Wang... about the copyright purchase... this."

"What's wrong?" Xiao Wang paused.

Yuan Tao wanted to whisper something in his ear, but Ma's father pointed and said, "Speak plainly, don't hide anything."

Yuan Tao looked helpless: "The other party has already gone to the island nation in person and settled this matter."

"The copyright has been transferred to the artist's name."

Xiao Wang's cheeks flushed, not from the alcohol, but from embarrassment.

I was proven wrong immediately after I said it.

“Mr. Wang, as I always say, it’s all about vision!” Jack Ma said, frowning.

The already unattractive big head looks even worse now.

"Don't try to do anything underhanded to individuals."

"We must have a holistic strategic mindset."

Jack Ma is so quick-witted; he saw right through this guy's thoughts.

You're only doing this because you have a personal grudge against someone.

At the same time, Jack Ma thought to himself.

I heard that my rival, who was in his twenties, personally went to the island nation to settle this matter.

He's fast, efficient, and can handle things overseas; he's got some skills.

"Well... never mind that, I wasn't really that concerned anyway," Xiao Wang said nonchalantly, trying to save face.

"In addition, I think it's necessary for us to hold a large-scale public event."

"To boost morale and brand awareness for Potato and Birch."

Xiao Wang spoke with great confidence.

"How about we call it the China Film and Television Industry Summit?"

Jack Ma's eyes lit up when he heard such a prestigious title.

"Alright, let's go big!" (End of Chapter)