Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 130 Everyone Wants to Improve
Cai Yinong lowered her head thoughtfully. Her thoughts were exactly the same as Lu Yi's. Their top female star was receiving resources from two companies at the same time, which meant she was about to rise to prominence.

"Nightclub" can be considered Liu Shishi's first official debut work. Starting as the female lead in a 5000 million box office movie, this starting point is even higher than that of Hu Ge, the top star. There are few people in the entire entertainment industry who can compare to this.

Cai Yinong glanced at the quiet and well-behaved First Sister sitting to the side again. Her mindset was subtly changing. It seemed that Tangren Media's business strategy needed to be adjusted.

Previously, the company's development revolved around Hu Ge as the central figure. Now, with Liu Shishi poised to rise to prominence, Tangren can achieve simultaneous growth with both a leading male and female star, blossoming on two fronts.

Despite the envy and shock of the crowd, Liu Shishi remained calm with a faint smile, as she had known about this for a long time. "Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Zhang."

Zhang Zhao nodded. A few days ago, the chairman informed him that Liu Shishi had chosen the third installment of "Hello, Old Times". This way, Wang Luodan and Lü Yi could get the resources for the first two installments first, and he could also give an explanation to his subordinates to avoid being constantly watched by Zeng Jia, which would be extremely annoying.

"In the future, the two companies will cooperate sincerely. We don't have many artists, but there will be many more opportunities like this in the future. We will give priority to our partners."

Zhang Zhao has always felt that the chairman has been too accommodating and favoritism towards Tangren Media. Take this investment in "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" for example. Under Song Ci's instructions, Tengda Culture made significant concessions in terms of investment share.

This was definitely not because Liu Shishi was an artist under Tangren Media. As the saying goes, if you want to take something, you must first give something. He had a feeling that the chairman had some ideas about Tangren, but he didn't know what kind of backup plan he had.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was harmonious. After exchanging pleasantries and chatting for a while, Cai Yinong extended a sincere invitation to Zhang Zhao and others:
"Mr. Zhang, I would like to invite you all to dinner tonight to celebrate this new beginning of our cooperation. Would the leaders of Tengda be so kind as to join us?"

His words were polite and sincere.

Zhang Zhao smiled and nodded slightly in response, "Originally, in Beiping, Tengda was the host, so this meal should have been on me."

However, since President Cai has spoken first, it would be impolite of me to refuse. So, President Cai, you'll have to treat us tonight! I'll arrange the celebration banquet after filming wraps up for "The Legend of the Condor Heroes."

“Okay, it’s settled then. I’ll send you the restaurant location in a bit, and we’ll head over there first to make arrangements. We’ll be waiting for Mr. Zhang, Mr. Zhuang, and all of you.” Cai Yinong was all smiles and very enthusiastic.

Zhang Zhao glanced at the time. "President Cai, let's call it a day then. I have some things to attend to. See you later. I've heard that you're a remarkable woman, President Cai. I'll definitely have a few drinks with you tonight."

Few powerful women in the business world can't hold their liquor, Cai Yinong said confidently: "I'll definitely drink with you until you're satisfied. See you tonight, Mr. Zhang."

After the two bosses set the tone and arranged things properly, both teams packed up their materials, dispersed, and prepared to leave the conference room. Everyone chatted as they walked, and the atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant.

After seeing Tang Ren and his group off to the company gate and watching them leave, Zhang Zhao turned to Zhuang Liqi beside him and said, "Old Zhuang, come to my office. We need to discuss a few things."

"Okay, Mr. Zhang." Zhuang Liqi quickly responded and followed the company's top executive.

Upon entering the office, Zhang Zhao noticed Zhuang Liqi standing somewhat reservedly. He gestured to the guest sofa and said politely, "Sit down, Lao Zhuang. We'll be working together from now on, and we're both members of the leadership team. There's no need to be so formal. Feel free to make yourself at home here."

Zhuang Liqi wore a professional smile and waited for Zhang Zhao to sit down on the sofa first before slowly sitting down opposite him.

Zhuang Liqi smiled inwardly at Zhang Zhao's seemingly friendly words. Having worked in the system for a long time, he wasn't foolish enough to ignore the authority of the top leader based on a few polite words.

He sat upright, looking calmly at Zhang Zhao, awaiting instructions from the general manager.

Zhang Zhao nodded almost imperceptibly, inwardly quite satisfied with Zhuang Liqi's respectful behavior as his new deputy. After Jiang Tiantian left Tengda Culture, he had no more obstacles in the company, wielding absolute power and having the final say.

"Old Zhuang, it's been almost two months since you joined the company. How's work going?"

After the New Year, Jiang Tiantian's departure audit was completed, and she was officially transferred to the group as deputy director of the office.

Because the middle-level directors at Tengda Culture were either too inexperienced or unfit for their positions, Song Ci, after much deliberation, asked the group's human resources department to recruit a new vice general manager for Tengda Culture, namely Zhuang Liqi.

Zhuang Liqi is a renowned film and television producer who worked at the Donghai Film Studio for many years. Later, he served as the general manager of the Donghai branch of China International Television Corporation and was the producer of the Qiong Yao drama "Romance in the Rain". He has extensive experience in the industry.

After reviewing Zhuang Liqi's resume, Song Ci remembered that he was the later president of Orange Sky Entertainment, so he appointed him as the vice president of Tengda Culture.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Zhang. The work is generally on track, but we are still learning about some details."

After Zhuang Liqi took office, the three senior executives of Tengda Culture adjusted their work division. General Manager Zhang Zhao presided over the company's overall work, mainly responsible for personnel organization, film and television project investment, film production and artist management.

Deputy General Manager Yu Xin is in charge of administration, logistics, and legal compliance; Deputy General Manager Zhuang Liqi is responsible for TV drama production, publicity and distribution, and advertising.

"If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me. It's all for the company's development, so there's nothing to be shy about."

After two months of getting to know each other, Zhang Zhao found that his new deputy had high emotional intelligence, was sensible and tactful in his work, and was a wonderful person. He was very satisfied with him and was willing to delegate authority to him to share the heavy responsibilities.

Zhuang Liqi remained as humble as ever: "If there's anything I don't understand, I'll definitely ask you for guidance."

"With You" is a self-produced drama by our company, so I'm not too worried. But I'm counting on you for the rest of 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes', which is a collaboration with Tangren Media.

The company has spent over 20 million yuan in real money, and we need to see results. Even close brothers need to keep clear accounts; every expense of the production team must be accounted for.

In the first half of the year, Tengda had two TV series being filmed, "The Best of Us" and "The Legend of Xue Rengui", and a movie version of "So Young" was in pre-production.

Zhang Zhao was overwhelmed with work, and since Zhuang Liqi was in charge of the company's TV dramas, he handed over "The Best of Us" and "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" to him.

"Don't worry, Mr. Zhang. It's my duty, and I will definitely not let the company's interests be harmed."

Zhuang Liqi was the producer of "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," and managing money and accounts was part of his job. In addition, it was the first project he was in charge of after joining Tengda, so he attached great importance to it and dared not make the slightest mistake.

At this point, Zhang Zhao suddenly stood up and poured Zhuang Liqi a cup of tea. "I didn't even pour you a glass of water. I'm so sorry for not being hospitable!" Zhuang Liqi was flattered and replied, "Mr. Zhang, you're too kind."

Sitting back down on the sofa, Zhang Zhao's face held a strange hint of melancholy: "Old Zhuang, I suddenly want to have a heart-to-heart talk with you."

Zhuang Liqi was surprised and confused, wondering why Zhang Zhao suddenly wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk with him.

Zhang Zhao took a pack of cigarettes from his suit pocket, gave it a slight shake, and a cigarette slipped from his fingertips. He squinted slightly, and with his other hand, he fumbled for a lighter.

With a "click," the lighter's flame leaped out, flickering a warm light in the office. Carefully bringing the flame close to the cigarette, it ignited instantly.

Zhang Zhao took a deep drag, the cigarette butt glowing with an orange-red flame. "Want one?" Seeing Zhuang Liqi nod, he pushed the cigarette pack and lighter over.

Zhuang Liqi skillfully pulled out a cigarette and put it in his mouth. He lowered his head slightly and brought the lighter close to the cigarette. The flame licked the tobacco, and the cigarette was quickly lit. He slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, a relaxed expression on his face.

Two men sat in the office, smoking silently, the smoke swirling around them.

Zhang Zhao exhaled a smoke ring and said leisurely, "Old Zhuang, I used to work at Shanghai Film Studio, and you're an old hand at Donghai Film Studio. We used to be in the same circle, and we know each other pretty well. I'd like to have a heart-to-heart talk with you."

Staring at Zhuang Liqi, Zhang Zhao thought that this was how people sometimes got along. He just liked Zhuang Liqi and wanted to have a deep conversation with him today.

"I want to advance and become a leader in the group." Zhang Zhao started off by stating his goal directly.

Zhuang Liqi remained silent, offering no opinion. Everyone wants to advance, and he did too, but not everyone has the opportunity for promotion.

"The general manager of Tengda Culture looks impressive, but how big is the entire film and television industry? There isn't a single private film and television company listed in China yet. Compared to the group's main business, the internet industry, it's too weak."

Zhang Zhao took another drag of his cigarette, and the smoke he exhaled slowly drifted away into the air.

"Since the beginning of the new century, many internet companies have been able to go public in just three to five years, and their market value has repeatedly reached new highs. The founders and executives of these companies have become millionaires or even billionaires by virtue of the stock options and dividends they receive after the company goes public."

After a slight pause, Zhang Zhao revealed an envious expression: "There are even miracles like Tengda Group. Our chairman is only twenty years old, and in just two years of starting his business, he has become one of the top ten richest people in the country."

Of course, the chairman is a once-in-a-century business genius, and I wouldn't say anything foolish like I could replace him, but clinging to his coattails and leveraging his strength is still an option.

Zhuang Liqi stared at Zhang Zhao, listening intently, letting the cigarette in his hand burn. The words he had just heard had deeply moved him.

Zhang Zhao leaned closer and lowered his voice: "Old Zhuang, you're new to the company and there are some things you don't know. The group's senior management has suggested to the chairman that the company go public more than once, but the chairman has rejected it for the time being."

However, he cannot keep delaying the company's listing indefinitely. Tengda Group is now the largest internet company in China, and once it goes public, it will be a feast for the eyes.

"If I want a small slice of the pie, I have to achieve something, become a senior executive before the company goes public, and that's how I'll get more stock options."

Only then did Zhuang Liqi understand Zhang Zhao's true intentions. If he wanted to be promoted, he needed to achieve results, and at the same time, he also needed to arrange a successor to maintain the orderly development of Tengda Culture.

Sitting up straight, Zhang Zhao said seriously, "Old Zhuang, you are definitely a capable person, but in the past two months, I've noticed that you've been hiding your talents. What, are you afraid that I'll be jealous of your abilities and suppress you?"

Zhuang Liqi chuckled awkwardly, "You're overthinking it, Mr. Zhang. I'm new here and still getting used to many things, so it's not convenient for me to offer my opinion."

Zhang Zhao waved his hand and continued, "Let's not talk about the past. Go ahead and do your best. Let's work together to achieve something great."

"It's good for me to get promoted, it's good for you to take over, and it'll be a bright future for both of us. I'm having this frank talk with you today because I hope you'll show your true abilities and not hold back at work."

Zhuang Liqi stared at Zhang Zhao's stern face, unsure how much of his words were true and how much were false. After a moment of silence, he exhaled and said, "I will act boldly from now on. Mr. Zhang, just watch my performance."

Upon hearing Zhuang Liqi's statement, Zhang Zhao immediately smiled with satisfaction. His heartfelt words had not been in vain: "That's right. Go ahead and do it with confidence. The chairman appreciates talented people the most. Tengda Group is a new and dynamic company, and we don't follow the old system."

While Zhang Zhao and Zhuang Liqi were having a heartfelt conversation, hoping to work together to achieve great things, Cai Yinong and the rest of Tangren had already left the Zhongao Building and were heading to the Wangfujing Hotel. She had arranged for her assistant to reserve a high-end private room in advance.

When traveling, Cai Yi-nong doesn't stand on ceremony. The five of them ride in one car, with his legal counsel driving while he sits in the passenger seat, chatting with the other men and women in the back.

Sitting on the left side of the back row, across from Cai Yinong's female assistant, Hu Ge teased Liu Shishi, "Shishi, you're amazing! You've landed another leading role without making a sound. Do you have any connections to introduce to your senior brother?"

Cai Yinong turned around and asked curiously, "Shishi, I didn't see the female vice president you mentioned before today."

Before she went to Tengda Culture, she made sure to find out that both of Tengda Culture's vice presidents were men.

Liu Shishi rested her chin on one hand, looking at the street scene outside the window.

She wasn't interested in the dinner party. If the banquet ended too late, Song Ci would definitely be worried and come to pick her up. Her husband, Mr. Song, was a man who did important things, and she didn't want to bother her boyfriend with such trivial matters.

Hearing the female boss's question, he yawned and replied listlessly, "She was just transferred after the New Year. She's no longer with Tengda Culture; she's now working at the group headquarters. The Vice President Zhuang who spoke today is the one who took over her position."

Cai Yinong was overjoyed upon hearing this: "You got promoted?" Tengda Culture is a subsidiary of the group, and being a group leader means more power and prestige, and the connections behind his top female star are even stronger.

Liu Shishi thought for a moment and said uncertainly, "It should be a promotion."

She didn't quite understand the job hierarchy at Tengda Group. Was the position of deputy director of the office considered a promotion compared to the vice president of the film and television company?

That must be it, otherwise Sister Tian would have gone to so much trouble, asking me and Wang Jing to plead on her behalf, if it wasn't for a promotion, why would she bother?
(End of this chapter)