Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

Chapter 350 Detective Chinatown's Publicity and Investment in IG (7k)
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"Young Master Wang, are you sure you can increase my screenings by 15%?"

Gu Qing leaned forward slightly, his eyes, which always seemed somewhat distant, fixed intently on Principal Wang, not missing a single subtle change in the other's expression.

His long, slender fingers tapped unconsciously on his knees, revealing his inner caution and skepticism.

He couldn't help but suspect that Principal Wang was just making empty promises.

What does it mean to increase the number of screenings by 15%?
Under normal circumstances,
A film is considered to have a pretty good start if it can get 15% of the total screenings in theaters nationwide on its opening day.

This means that cinemas have considerable confidence in its market performance.

If an additional 15% can be achieved on top of the expected increase, that would be an overwhelming level of resource allocation.

Especially during the Spring Festival, a time when comedy films have the largest fan base and the competition is fiercest, Gu Qing could hardly imagine how much the box office of "Detective Chinatown" would skyrocket.

That means potentially hundreds of millions more in box office revenue!
It's possible that he could actually receive hundreds of millions in income!
This is still a conservative estimate.

The revenue generated by a blockbuster movie could be more astonishing than the total salary he earns from a year of appearances and commercials.

The key is,

The revenue sharing from this film is clearly stated in black and white in his personal contract, and the company shouldn't even think about taking a single penny.

If Principal Wang can really do this, the only cost would be spending a few million to buy a team spot, and occasionally playing a couple of games on his live streaming platform...

Hesitating for even a second under these conditions would feel disrespectful to Gu Qing.

However, the reality is,
Principal Wang was indeed playing word games with him.

"Add 15% more screenings on top of what's already there? You're dreaming, buddy."

Principal Wang chuckled twice, a barely perceptible hint of embarrassment flashing across his face. He touched his nose and said, "Unless my father were to die in a car accident right now and I were to inherit Dawan directly, no one could do such a thing."

"So you're saying you'll give me a 15% increase in screen time?"

Gu Qingkong was overjoyed, but then gave him a disgruntled look. "Are you kidding me? Is Young Master Wang that free?"

“I mean, I’ll increase it to 15%.”

Principal Wang rubbed his hands together, a businessman's usual shrewd smile spreading across his face. "To tell you the truth," he said, "based on the preliminary film schedule for the Spring Festival season..."

Your "Detective Chinatown" film will probably only get around 12%. I'll try my best to get you 15% on top of that, which would be pretty good.

"It can't be that low, can it?"

Gu Qing frowned, leaned back in her chair, and spoke with obvious incomprehension.

With his current top-tier popularity, Wang Baoqiang's national-level audience appeal and reputation, plus Chen Sicheng's carefully crafted family-friendly comedy theme,
During the Spring Festival film season, securing 18% to 20% of the screenings is considered a normal performance.

We're being told it's only 12%?
This difference is simply outrageous!

"I'm not kidding you."

Seeing the undisguised suspicion in Gu Qing's eyes, Principal Wang coughed lightly, raised his right hand as if to swear an oath, trying to increase the credibility of his words, "In the end, you were just unlucky this time and ran into a brick wall."

Did you know that Zhang Yimou's big-budget co-production, "The Great Wall," is also scheduled for the Spring Festival? Matt Damon, Jing Tian, ​​Andy Lau... the cast is frighteningly luxurious.

"know."

Gu Qing nodded. This movie has a huge fanfare, and even though there's still some time before the Spring Festival release, the publicity has already been overwhelming.

"Their film alone occupied nearly a third of the screenings during the Spring Festival period in its early stages!"

Principal Wang made a "three" gesture, his expression becoming more serious. "The director's influence, the super-luxurious star-studded cast, and the appropriateness of the background of a co-production between the two countries..."
Furthermore, with the combined efforts of several large companies behind them, they were the undisputed leader in terms of film scheduling the previous week, and resources were definitely allocated to them preferentially.

"Reasonable."

Gu Qing expressed his understanding, "What about the remaining 70%? No matter how we divide it, it shouldn't be only 12%, right? This film was, after all, mainly funded by Dawan."

"Which film that was shown in our Dawan Cinemas during the Spring Festival season wasn't invested in or distributed by us?"

Principal Wang smiled and retorted with a hint of superiority, "To put it bluntly, if it weren't for your joining us, which has significantly increased our traffic and buzz..."

The company's internal expectation for the box office of "Detective Chinatown" was simply to break even and make a small profit.

He paused, then dropped another bombshell: "Besides the formidable 'The Great Wall,' which is releasing at the same time as you, there are two other formidable films."

One is Chen Long's *Kung Fu Yoga*, and the other is *Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back*, produced by Stephen Chow and directed by Tsui Hark, starring Chris Oh.

"Which of these three giants do you think your 'Detective Chinatown' series can easily surpass?"

After Principal Wang finished speaking, he looked at Gu Qing with a calm and composed expression, and he really wanted to see the panic and embarrassment on his face.

can bear fruit,
Gu Qing remained calm and composed, without even twitching her eyebrows.

Not only was he not annoyed, but upon hearing about these three big productions, a faint smile appeared on his lips, giving the impression that he was even pleasantly surprised.

"Damn, what a show-off!"

Principal Wang cursed inwardly, "I don't believe you won't panic!"

"Ahem, now you know how serious the situation is, right?"

Principal Wang coughed twice, trying to regain some ground, "It's already quite an achievement that I managed to squeeze out an extra 3% of screenings for you from the other films."
This is something I painstakingly extracted from my good friend Chris Wu's "Journey to the West."

"You're his best friend, why are you still trying to 'pick' out of him?"

Gu Qing looked at him with a half-smile, her tone full of teasing.

"Haven't you heard of superficial friendships? There are no fathers and sons in the business world!"

Principal Wang didn't take it seriously and said bluntly, "I'm just asking you, are you willing or not? I've already shown my utmost sincerity, so you should give me some face, right?"

"not enough."

Gu Qing shook her head directly, her tone unwavering, "You have too many conditions, but offer too little benefit. This deal isn't worthwhile. My target price is 20% of the screenings."

He didn't believe Principal Wang's nonsense at all.

Even if the screening schedule for "Detective Chinatown" was poor, it would never have only been 12% in the initial stages.

"The Great Wall" was Jing Tian's last film. After filming this movie, she was forced to leave the domestic film industry and switch to the television drama track.

Before the scandal broke, Gu Qing wasn't surprised that the director's reputation and the numerous extravagantly featured stars were able to secure the highest number of screenings during the Spring Festival.

Secondly,

It's not surprising that "Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back" got the second most screenings.

Although Chris Wu is not as good as him, he can't compete with the "Stephen Chow" brand.

This emperor,
He can be considered an idol for countless people born in the 80s, 90s, and even some born in the 00s.

In terms of box office appeal in China, he is definitely number one among directors.

But what about Brother Chen Long's "Kung Fu Yoga"?
Although Gu Qing and his older brother had a good personal relationship, he absolutely did not believe that this film's screenings could consistently surpass those of "Detective Chinatown".

After "CZ12", the eldest brother made several films that were unsuccessful in terms of both critical reception and box office performance, and his box office appeal has been greatly diminished in the minds of many people.

In addition, the film stars Lay Zhang, a popular but relatively unknown actor, who is at best a first-tier male celebrity.

In terms of fans' extravagant spending power and the amount of buzz generated, they still lag behind top celebrities.

Capital is profit-driven and extremely shrewd.

In terms of box office potential and expected return on investment, "Kung Fu Yoga" doesn't seem like it could easily outperform "Detective Chinatown".

"20%? That's absolutely impossible!"

Principal Wang's face immediately showed anger, and his voice rose a little, "Do you think Dawan Cinemas is my father's private property?"

But he was speechless: "This didn't even fool me?"

Okay, he admits,

He was indeed deceiving Gu Qing.

According to the latest internal assessment and forecast from Dawan Pictures, "Detective Chinatown" is firmly among the top three in terms of opening weekend screening potential, with an estimated opening weekend screening share of 16% to 18%.
The specific figures will be slightly adjusted based on the subsequent promotional results and audience pre-sale expectations.

His original plan was to first present the figure of 15%, and if Gu Qing was not satisfied, the two sides would negotiate for a few more rounds.
He finally "reluctantly" gave 18% of the screenings as the bottom line.

In this way, he could get something for nothing without paying any actual cost, making Gu Qing obediently go to his platform to stream and buy a team, and incidentally making Gu Qing owe him a favor.

Unexpectedly, Gu Qing completely deviated from the expected pattern, directly demanding a 20% discount, disrupting his entire rhythm.

This put Principal Wang in a very difficult position.

It wasn't that he couldn't do it at all, but he really didn't want to ask his father for help, as it would make him seem incompetent and dependent on family connections.

Principal Wang, who aspires to be a "first-generation entrepreneur," has an inexplicable aversion to this.

"Gu Qing, it's pointless to ask for too much."

Principal Wang changed to an angry tone, "At most 16%! 20%? You're dreaming."

Do you really think that the Spring Festival film scheduling is only based on movie quality and cast? The key lies in the capital game and personal relationships behind the scenes!

He deliberately emphasized his words, implying, "Why is Chris Wu able to get so many screenings? Not only has he been on my show, deepening our cooperation, but the capital behind him is also deeply intertwined with our group!"
What do you have in "Detective Chinatown"? Chen Sicheng, a new director, plus you and Bao Qiang? The stakes aren't high enough!

"So there's nothing to talk about?" Gu Qing remained unmoved.

"Doing business is all about exchanging benefits!"

Principal Wang said with a serious expression, "Unless you also appear on my show like Chris Wu, to give me some more buzz and ratings, I might be willing to swallow my pride and ask for another 1% for you. Otherwise, forget it."

"Then let's not talk about it."

Gu Qing answered crisply and decisively.

"Great! You're awesome!"

Principal Wang seemed genuinely enraged. He slapped his thigh and yelled at the driver in the front seat, "Stop the car! I bet you're just clinging to that 12% of screen time. How badly do you think you'll flop during the Spring Festival season!"

He took a breath, then, as if suddenly remembering something, reminded him, "Don't forget, Chris Wu is your box office competitor!"
He's talked a lot of nonsense to me, saying that once the box office surpasses yours this time, he'll be all high and mighty. You should think it over carefully!

"Oh." Gu Qing's reaction remained indifferent as she lowered her head and picked at her nails.

"Nima!"

Principal Wang seemed so angry that his hands were trembling. He suddenly reached for the car door handle, but after pulling twice, he couldn't open it. He looked like he was about to get out of the car in a fit of rage.

"one two three…"

Principal Wang silently counted in his mind, hoping to hear voices from behind trying to persuade him to stay.

However, the carriage was completely silent.

He couldn't resist glancing at the rearview mirror out of the corner of his eye, only to find Gu Qing leisurely looking out the window at the street scene, as if the argument just now had nothing to do with him.

"Is my acting really that bad?"

Principal Wang suddenly began to doubt himself.

"Young Master Wang, stop acting."

Gu Qing finally turned her head and looked at him calmly, "Do you think I wouldn't notice when you make these slightly exaggerated little gestures and expressions in front of a professional actor like me?"

He got straight to the point, saying bluntly, "If you really didn't want to talk, you wouldn't have said so much; you would have kicked the car door open and left already."

Just tell me your biggest expectations. If I think it's okay, I'll agree. If not, then we can work together again next time.

He paused, his tone laced with disdain, "As for Chris Wu? He's made so many poorly received films, has that affected his top-tier status?"
not at all.

Similarly, the ratings and reviews of the TV series and movies I've made are obvious to all. I'm certainly happy if "Detective Chinatown" becomes a hit; if it doesn't, it won't have a serious impact on my career.

You're trying to pressure me with this? It won't work.

Principal Wang was stunned for a moment, then the anger on his face vanished instantly. "Fine, fine..."

He sighed, shook his head helplessly, and showed a complicated expression of admiration and frustration on his face. "I didn't expect that you, at such a young age, would know so much about the ins and outs of this business, and your mentality is incredibly stable."

His face showed struggle and difficulty, his fingers unconsciously picking at the stitching of the leather seat, as if he were making an extremely difficult decision.

After a long while, he took a deep breath, raised his head, his expression more serious than ever before, and looked at Gu Qing, saying each word clearly:

"18%. This is the highest number of screenings I can get for you by using my connections and authority. This is truly my bottom line."

If you still don't think it's acceptable, then... I can't help you anymore, and this cooperation will have to be called off.

“18%…” Gu Qing pondered, his fingers unconsciously tapping his knee again.

This number is consistent with the number of screenings a typical blockbuster film should have during the Spring Festival season.

Although he believed that, with the quality of the film itself and the advantages of its subject matter, coupled with the subsequent positive word-of-mouth, "Detective Chinatown" would definitely have an overwhelming number of screenings and box office potential, surpassing other competitors.

However, securing a higher starting point in terms of screenings would undoubtedly provide a greater first-mover advantage, leading to a higher box office ceiling.
He would ultimately receive a larger share of the real money.

He had a very clear understanding of the stakes involved.

Gu Qing raised her eyes and met Principal Wang's gaze again. Those eyes, which often wore dark circles and appeared somewhat weak, were now filled with sincerity and determination, showing no trace of pretense.

"It's 2% different."

Gu Qing spoke slowly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation, "One condition has to be removed."

I'm not going to stream on your platform.

This is so beneath me; it severely damages my personal image and commercial value.

"...Sigh, fine, fine."

Principal Wang clenched his teeth, his face showing an extremely unwilling expression, as if he had suffered a great loss, but in his heart he was actually overjoyed.

The live stream was just a side project he casually added; if it succeeded, he'd make a fortune, but if it didn't, it wouldn't matter.

"in addition,"

Gu Qing changed the subject, "Don't be too happy yet. As for buying a team, saying you'd spend millions to buy a spot is clearly not a realistic thing."

"Leaving aside the current value of an LPL spot, just consider the players' salaries, the rental and renovation of the training base, all kinds of top-of-the-line electronic equipment, the salaries of the coaching and analysis team, and the operations and management personnel..."

These fixed investments, even for the worst team, will easily cost at least 20 to 30 million a year.

I don't have that much working capital available right now.

"Oh, that's easy!"

Principal Wang's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly offered suggestions, appearing even more enthusiastic than Gu Qing: "If you can't come up with that much money, why don't you buy fewer shares?"
Don't you know any good older brothers in the industry? Like Chen He and the others, aren't they all pretty into playing games? Just get them to vote together, and you'll have enough money, right?

"Shall we throw in some points together?"

Gu Qing suddenly laughed, "Then why don't I just vote for you?"

"Huh? Vote for me?"

Principal Wang didn't react for a moment.

"correct."

Gu Qing chuckled and nodded, "IG's performance this year has been mediocre, and they surrendered at last year's World Championship, so their reputation is currently extremely poor."

Few esports viewers like you guys, and the team's market value has probably dropped a lot.

I'm guessing you guys aren't planning on spending a lot of money to strengthen the roster next year, are you?

"Fuck!"

Principal Wang's face darkened. "You even know whether we're making reinforcements or not? Did you plant a spy in our club?"

"of course not."

Gu Qing shook his head and smiled, "I've watched a lot of competitions, and I probably know more about them than you do."

He directly offered his proposal: "Here's what I'll do: I'll invest ten million to buy a portion of the equity in IG's League of Legends division."

Let's put it all in black and white, no word games. My legal team will review it carefully.

He paused, looked at Principal Wang's slightly widened eyes, and continued, "I believe that after these few disappointing seasons, your club's other shareholders who are just dabbling in the business have long been thinking about withdrawing their investment, right?"
"Perfect, I'll take over. You continue being the big boss, and I'll be a hands-off second-largest shareholder."

"in addition,"

Gu Qing offered a perk: "You can handle the publicity and promotion of the news of my investment."

Whenever the team makes it to the crucial playoffs, as long as it doesn't conflict with my work, I can also make an appearance and show my support.

"How about it, Young Master Wang? I've shown you quite a bit of sincerity, haven't I?"

Gu Qing looked at him and said, "Putting everything else aside, once the news of my investment in your team breaks, IG's market value will definitely be the highest in the entire league, not to mention the revenue from selling merchandise and attracting fans."

The subsequent sales of merchandise and the development of the fan economy will definitely make you a fortune.

"This……"

Principal Wang looked hesitant, struggling with his thoughts, but inside he was overjoyed!
Isn't this just you offering yourself up to me?!
If you really invest in my team and become my partner, how could I not keep you in check?
Are you worried about not having opportunities for collaboration?

Principal Wang was overjoyed.

He barely paid any substantial cost for scheduling, yet he managed to bring in a top-tier entertainment giant as a shareholder—he made an incredible profit!
Principal Wang kept a calm face, suppressing his excitement. He even took out his phone on the spot and pretended to call his rich second-generation friends who had come to invest for fun.

Those rich kids weren't really interested in esports to begin with; their initial investment was purely out of respect for Principal Wang. When they heard someone wanted to take over the shares, and that it was a celebrity of Gu Qing's caliber, they all said no problem.
Many people even asked Principal Wang to help them get to know Gu Qing.

As for the equity price, it was almost always based on the original investment price, or even slightly discounted, and the transfer was readily agreed upon at a bargain price.

that's it,
After what appeared to be intense "negotiations," the two sides "reluctantly" reached a consensus: Gu Qing would purchase 20% of the shares of IG eSports Club's League of Legends division for 10 million yuan, becoming the second largest shareholder after Principal Wang.

of course,

The specific signing process still requires follow-up by the professional legal teams of both parties.

"Shareholder Gu, from now on we're on the same side!"

Principal Wang grinned and extended his hand with a bright smile.

"Chairman Wang, it's a pleasure to cooperate with you."

Gu Qing smiled and extended her hand to shake his.

Principal Wang grinned from ear to ear, while Gu Qing wore a faint smile.

Both sides felt they had won big and gotten a huge advantage.

Principal Wang felt he had gotten something for nothing, exchanging empty promises of screen time for a deep connection with a top star and real financial investment.

Gu Qing felt that he had picked up a golden goose that would lay golden eggs in the future by spending a mere ten million.

Others may not know how brilliant the future of the IG team will be in the next year or two, but how could he not know?

Buying a spot from another bottom-ranked team might be cheaper, but that would be a pure liability – poor management, bad performance, and a negative reputation.
Are we expecting them to bring positive benefits and influence?

Totally impossible.

Even if he knows which contestants are future stars, does he really have to personally act as a talent scout and manager, doing everything himself?

That's practically forcing yourself to endure something you're not really suffering for.

And Principal Wang's Instagram is the best choice.

It's important to know that in next year's S7 season, the league will officially abolish the promotion and relegation system and replace it with a fixed-seat system.

With e-commerce giants like JDG and SN investing heavily, the price of each LPL slot will skyrocket, and exceeding 100 million is just the beginning.

And what about the IG team?
Don't be fooled by his current half-dead state and fluctuating grades.

However, with the arrival of a prodigy jungler transitioning to top lane and another exceptionally talented underage ADC joining the team next year, this team is poised for rapid growth.
In less than two years, they won the first World Championship trophy in the history of the LPL region!
Before coming here today, Gu Qing specifically checked the market value. The overall valuation of the IG club was only around 200 million RMB.

But after winning the S8 championship, this valuation could easily increase fivefold.
Subsequent sponsorships, endorsements, live streaming contracts, and the fan economy will experience explosive growth.

His 20% stake, acquired for 10 million, is highly likely to turn into 200-300 million in a year or two, not even counting annual dividends.

The return on investment is over twenty times!
Furthermore, he can leverage the championship team's glorious achievements and positive image to enhance his personal brand and public favorability within the esports community.

What a win!

In contrast,

The debate over whether to allocate 18% or 20% of screenings seems insignificant in comparison.

The real way for Gu Qing to make big money is to fleece Principal Wang, this "money-giving boy"!
"Hahaha--"

As they approached the airport, before getting out of the car, Principal Wang finally couldn't contain himself and burst into a triumphant laugh, perhaps because everything had gone too smoothly.

He felt a rare pang of conscience and patted his chest, assuring her, "Gu Qing, you can rest assured. As for the publicity, I'll personally promote it on Weibo for you, I guarantee it will be done!"

"Then thank you in advance, Young Master Wang." Gu Qing nodded with a smile.

"Hey! What young master? We're all brothers!"

"Just a casual buddy?"

"Haha, I'm off, see you on the field next season."

Principal Wang left in a very cheerful mood.

……

With this unexpected yet highly profitable esports business deal concluded, Gu Qing's work focus officially shifted to the two most important "battlefields" of the year's end.

—The promotion and release of "Detective Chinatown" and the preparation and performance for the Spring Festival Gala.

On his way to the airport VIP lounge, he called Chen Sicheng and briefly explained the agreement he had reached with Principal Wang that evening to secure more screen time.

Director Chen was so moved that his eyes welled up with tears, and he almost cried out, "Brother, you've worked so hard."

"Brother, I... I'm not saying anything more!"

He made up his mind and went all in: "Don't worry! This time, even if I have to sell everything I own and risk my life, I will never let this movie do poorly!"
We must live up to your sacrifices!

Chen Sicheng immediately stated that he would increase investment in publicity and pre-launch promotion and adjust the publicity strategy.

"Brother, in the coming period, I will focus on marketing your 'Spring Festival box office battle' with Lu Han and Chris Wu."
I'm sure they won't hold back either; the buzz will definitely pick up.

"After your Spring Festival Gala ends, the focus of publicity will shift entirely to you."

Your character's genius with a photographic memory in the movie, your brotherly bond with Baoqiang and me, and your sibling relationship with your sisters Yaya and Ya'er... all these things will be trending on social media.

"If you are asked about this topic by the media, you need to be prepared in advance and know how to handle it appropriately..."

"Okay, Sicheng, I understand."

Gu Qing chatted with Chen Sicheng for a few more minutes about the details before hanging up the phone.

He gazed out the window at the planes taking off and landing on the tarmac, his eyes fixed on the distance.

"After doing so much, Detective Chinatown, it's time you lived up to expectations."

He whispered to himself.

I just don't know if it can usher in a new era of blockbuster box office success before Wolf Warrior!

He hopes that Detective Chinatown during the Spring Festival season will give him a real surprise.

……

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(End of this chapter)