Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 108 The Year Is Coming to an End

Jiang Tao squinted, staring at Song Ci's young and handsome face, clearly sensing the other's incredibly strong confidence.

After a quick mental calculation, I realized that CCTV would bear almost no risk in purchasing "My Own Swordsman" according to the betting method the other party suggested.

However, there is no perfect method in the world. The only drawback is that if "My Own Swordsman" becomes a huge hit and becomes another hit like "Bright Sword", the tiered payment method will reduce some of the station's revenue.

However, if the ratings can break 8 or even 9, CCTV can earn at least 200 million yuan in advertising revenue, so paying tens of millions of yuan for the program would not be a big deal.

"My Own Swordsman" may become a huge hit, making Tengda Culture a fortune, but CCTV will also benefit considerably.

Moreover, once this betting model succeeds and becomes a stable and mature procurement method, it can greatly reduce the risk of purchasing bad films, which will also be considered a political achievement.

Although Jiang Tao was already willing to adopt the betting model of Song Ci in his heart, as a leader he needed to remain calm and composed. He lowered his head and thought carefully for a while, weighing the pros and cons in his mind. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly spoke:
"Minister Ma, what do you think of Chairman Song's proposed phase-based ratings betting model?"

Mark, a seasoned veteran of the system, understood that Jiang Tao's silence meant he was interested in the betting scheme, and with his years of experience, he naturally saw that it was a win-win situation.

Although the station's revenue will decrease when the ratings are high, no leader would refuse the benefit of not having to bear the risk of purchasing programs with low ratings.

Once the ratings explode, the story can be changed to: CCTV is willing to support the development of private film and television companies, cooperate sincerely, share profits, and that earning a little less money is a small matter. The focus is on innovation, steady progress, and mutual prosperity.

As Jiang's trusted confidant, Mark naturally had to share the burden for his leader. After he spoke out, there was still room for maneuver within the station.

However, he was also experienced and spoke without leaving any room for doubt: "Director Jiang, I think it's feasible. I personally support Chairman Song's proposed betting scheme in principle, but we need to discuss it at a departmental meeting before we can implement it in practice."

Mark's words were very skillful. He knew that the leader was interested, so he spoke on behalf of the leader, expressing his personal support.

However, the station must adhere to principles when dealing with matters. What are principles? The opinions of other colleagues in the department are democratic, while the will of Director Jiang is centralized. Mark can only offer suggestions, but cannot make the final decision.

Jiang Tao nodded in satisfaction and made a final decision without further hesitation: "Then let the ministry review the feasibility of this plan as soon as possible. If it is feasible, we will sign a contract with Tengda Culture, and 'My Own Swordsman' will be our station's opening drama of the year."

Song Ci watched Jiang Tao and Ma Ke sing in unison, and thought to himself that people in officialdom were indeed cautious in their actions. He secretly smiled to himself, thinking that they were quite in sync.

However, he still said a few polite words: "Then I'll trouble Director Jiang and Minister Ma to take this matter into consideration. I believe your department will feel the sincerity of this plan. Cooperation and win-win is the way to long-term success."

Jiang Tao nodded. A win-win situation really resonated with him. As the absolute leader in the media industry, CCTV does indeed have the important responsibility of supporting private film and television companies and guiding the industry to develop in a healthy and orderly manner.

Today, he invited him to CCTV, which was naturally a gesture of goodwill and a promise: "Chairman Song, rest assured, it is already mid-December, and the ministry will give a clear answer within a week at the latest. I hope everyone can cooperate successfully."

The negotiations for "My Own Swordsman" went smoothly. After the business was over, the group chatted casually, and the atmosphere in the meeting room immediately became relaxed and pleasant.

When they parted, Song Ci and Jiang Tao exchanged contact information. Jiang Tao, on behalf of CCTV's Finance Channel, also extended an invitation to Song Ci, hoping that he could appear on a few episodes of a talent agency interview.

However, considering that it was not advisable for him to be high-profile in the next two years, Song Ci politely declined. He felt that his foundation was not deep enough at the moment, and that it would be time for him to step onto the big stage of the times when Tengda Group had weathered the mobile internet era and its foundation was solid.

After leaving the CCTV building, the three of them rode in the same car back to Tengda Group.

The car slowly drove away from the CCTV building. There were some things that were inconvenient to say on someone else's turf, but now that everyone in the car was family, they had no more reservations and could speak freely.

"Mr. Song, do you think the viewership rating for 'My Own Swordsman' can break 5%?"

Wang Jing looked expectantly at Song Ci beside her. After all, Boss Song always had a keen eye, and with the successful example of "Bright Sword," Song Ci's extreme confidence at the meeting had inspired her. She boldly guessed that the ratings for "My Own Swordsman" should be very good.

Song Ci's gaze was unfocused as he looked out the car window at the roadside scenery, and the magnificent CCTV office building gradually disappeared from his sight.

Although his tone was calm, his words sent a jolt through Wang Jing and Zhang Zhao:
"The ratings of 'My Own Swordsman' are probably on par with 'Bright Sword'! Mr. Zhang, consider this 'My Own Swordsman' a belated gift from Mr. Wang and me to you before you take office."

Sitting in the passenger seat, Zhang Zhao was extremely excited and somewhat incredulous: "President Song, 'Bright Sword' has an average viewership rating of 8%. If 'My Own Swordsman' could achieve the same level, wouldn't this show be able to sell for 8000 million?"

Song Ci shook his head almost imperceptibly, not as overly optimistic as Zhang Zhao, who believed that high viewership ratings did not necessarily mean that Tengda Culture would make a lot of money.

“CCTV isn’t stupid. Don’t underestimate the professional evaluation teams at the Arts and Entertainment Center. CCTV’s money is both easy and hard to earn. They will definitely evaluate my proposal carefully and will definitely limit the procurement.”

Wang Jing nodded. CCTV has always been cautious and would not openly sign performance-based agreements with film and television production companies. If they encountered a super hit like "Wild Girl Looking for Her Scumbag Father," the purchase fee would be too high, which could turn a good thing into a bad thing.

After thinking for a moment, Song Ci gave Wang Jing and Zhang Zhao some advice: "I estimate that the negotiations will drag on for a few more rounds. During the next negotiation, you should try to probe CCTV's bottom line. If, as I said, they are really holding back the funding limit, you can change your approach and talk about advertising revenue sharing."

Wang Jing's eyes lit up. The boss's suggestion was indeed a good idea. She secretly kept it in mind and planned to go back and discuss it with Zhang Zhao. Once the plan was complete, she would deal with CCTV.

Song Ci has said everything that needed to be said, and even things that shouldn't have been said. She no longer wants to waste her energy on the tug-of-war with the TV station and doesn't want to talk about this topic anymore.

He then instructed the two men, "If you adopt my plan, then 'My Own Swordsman' should be broadcast on CCTV. After a year of hard work, it's time for it to bear fruit."

"Okay." "Understood, Mr. Song."

Thinking about how the biggest difference between "My Own Swordsman" and her previous life was the change of the male lead, Song Ci propped her head up with one hand, looked at the endless stream of pedestrians outside the window, and casually asked, "What has Qiao Zhengyu been up to lately?"

Zhang Zhao was well aware of the company's top star's movements: "The company secured two brand endorsements for him. After filming wrapped on 'Nightclub,' he's been busy with commercial performances, magazine shoots, and brand events."

"With the broadcast of 'My Own Swordsman' imminent, we've arranged for him and the other lead actors to start promoting the show, including appearing on more variety shows. The company will also launch a massive promotional campaign."

Having just given the instructions, Song Ci suddenly remembered the pragmatic director and added, "And Shang Jin, arrange a few shows for him too, to help promote 'My Own Swordsman'."

Wang Jing is familiar with Shang Jin and knows his personality: "Director Shang doesn't like to be in the public eye, so he might be a little reluctant to appear on TV shows."

Zhang Zhao frowned upon hearing this. He had always felt that Wang Jing's work style was too soft and she was too lenient with her subordinates. How could she let them do whatever they wanted? He subconsciously retorted, "Shang Jin is the director of this drama, so he definitely has to participate in the promotion. How can he be resistant? At the very least, he should appear on a few talk shows."

Don't worry, Mr. Wang, I'll go and talk to Shang Jin. Even Mr. Song personally came to CCTV to negotiate for "My Own Swordsman," so how could a director like me shirk my responsibility?

Zhang Zhao brought up Song Dynasty poetry, leaving Wang Jing speechless. She simply went along with it, saying, "Then I'll trouble Mr. Zhang and Director Shang to communicate about it."

The three exchanged a few more details and finally finalized all the details of "My Own Swordsman".

Seeing that Song Ci was in a good mood, Wang Jing couldn't suppress her curiosity and cautiously asked:

"President Song, Director Jiang seemed quite mild-mannered today, but I couldn't figure out why he wanted to see you. Apart from discussing business during the meeting, he didn't make any other gestures."

Some things can only be understood by those involved; outsiders can only see things vaguely and can't see the truth. When Wang Jing asked, Zhang Zhao also quietly pricked up his ears, wanting to hear how his boss would explain.

"As CCTV is the most authoritative representative of the national propaganda system, Jiang Tao probably has some inside information working there."

"I might be recognized as an outstanding youth representative by the higher-ups in the next few years. Jiang Tao is just taking this opportunity to get to know me in advance; I expect we'll have many more interactions in the future."

Song Ci gave a little hint: Wang Jing and Zhang Zhao are both his confidants, and the driver has also signed a confidentiality agreement, so he has no worries that what was said in the car today will be leaked.

However, he didn't mention many more important things, such as the few things that the top leaders from Beiping discussed with him privately when they came to Tengda for research.

Finally, Song Ci concluded with the following sentence: "It's always a good thing to make some connections in official circles. Since the other party has shown goodwill first, let's continue on that tradition."

Seeing Wang Jing looking down in thought, Song Ci didn't want her to spend too much time on this, so she changed the subject to interrupt her thoughts:
"Jingjie, there are about two weeks left in 2005. You and Lao Zhang need to start preparing for the year-end summary."

Wang Jing nodded in response. As the year draws to a close, she thought about the company's plans for next year, which would present another new challenge.

January 1, 2006, the beginning of a new year, a time of renewal. The beauty of 1 days begins on the first page of the Year of the Dog calendar.

On a plane flying from Beiping to Hangzhou, the spacious and elegant first-class cabin was bathed in soft, warm light, which illuminated the carefully arranged seats.

Song Ci was wearing headphones, reclining on her side in a comfortable chair, listening to soft music, and resting with her eyes closed.

Today is his birthday. Liu Shishi is busy filming on set and can't be there for him, so she begged him to come visit her on set so she could celebrate his birthday in Hengdian.

Song Ci had some free time during his vacation and was thinking about Liu Shishi day and night, so he decided to visit the set of "Young Warriors of the Yang Clan". He set off early in the morning, so he is currently on the plane.

The seat next to Song Ci was occupied by Zhang Zhao, who was also on his way to Hengdian on business.

Tengda Culture is developing rapidly. In order to facilitate film and television shooting and production, save costs and improve efficiency, Tengda Culture has decided to learn from Tangren Film and Television and prepare to open a branch in Hengdian.

Coincidentally, Zhang Zhao had arranged to meet with people from Hengdian World Studios on New Year's Day to discuss the establishment of a branch company, so Song Ci went to Hengdian with him.

Due to flight delays, the plane, which should have landed by 11:00 AM, had still not arrived at its destination.

It was lunchtime, so the flight crew naturally needed to provide lunch for the first-class passengers.

A flight attendant in a custom-made uniform, with a smile on her face, gracefully moves among the first-class passengers, holding a menu in her hand.

When she approached Song Ci, the last passenger in first class, the flight attendant, who had a good figure and delicate features, her eyes lit up and her smile widened.

She bowed slightly and, with just the right volume and pace, spoke in her gentle yet magnetic voice:

"Good day, sir. Welcome aboard. It's lunchtime. Here is our special menu. Please make your selection."

Song Ci, wearing headphones and immersed in the sea of ​​music, didn't hear the flight attendant's words at all.

It wasn't until I felt someone gently pat my arm a few times that I opened my eyes, took off my headphones, and looked at the flight attendant next to me with a puzzled expression.

It's her again! First she brought me a blanket, then she brought me drinks. This flight attendant is being a little too enthusiastic.

"Sir, I'm so sorry to disturb your rest. It's lunchtime. Here's the menu!"

The flight attendant and Song Ci locked eyes and once again saw each other's handsome face, which they could never tire of looking at. Their smiles became even brighter as they eagerly extended the menu to the guests and gently repeated what they had just said.

Song Ci craned her neck to look at the menu, then glanced down and said, "One filet mignon, please."

"Okay, please wait a moment. We will bring your lunch over in about 10 minutes. If you have any special dietary needs or preferences, please let me know and we will do our best to accommodate you."

After noting down Song Ci's order, the flight attendant gracefully turned and returned to the service cabin, leaving behind a lingering fragrance. Before leaving, she kindly reminded Song Ci to fasten her seatbelt.

As soon as the flight attendant returned to the service cabin, the other two flight attendants, who were busy in the cabin, rushed over and excitedly asked, "Sasa, what is that handsome guy eating?"

The flight attendant, nicknamed "Shasha" by her colleagues, gently patted her cheeks to relax her facial muscles, which had become stiff from faking a smile for so long.

After whetting the appetites of his two colleagues, he said with a grin, "Main course: filet mignon, medium-rare, with a little pepper, and a glass of room temperature orange juice."

"Alright, I'll make it for the handsome guest right away. Miss Sun, you've worked hard, please rest for a bit. I'll bring the steak over to the guest later."

A tall flight attendant immediately began preparing a steak lunch. Her long, slender legs were encased in black stockings, and her well-tailored red uniform made her just as attractive as the flight attendant named Sun Shasha.

(End of this chapter)