Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 131 I can’t help myself
Cai Yi Nong nodded upon hearing this, thinking that as long as it was a promotion, things would be easy. No wonder Tengda Culture always thought of their top female executive whenever there was something good; it turned out that her powerful backer had made her position more secure.

Without delving into the other party's position at Tengda Group, Cai Yinong tentatively asked, "Shishi, could you ask your relative to put in a good word for Hu Ge and help her secure the male lead role in the Zhenhua Trilogy?"

Before Liu Shishi could speak, he continued his analysis: "Tengda Culture currently only has two male artists. Given Qiao Zhengyu's current status, his next development goal is obviously to move into the big screen. He certainly won't go back to acting in campus dramas."

Another actor, Wang Kai, could easily land a leading role. This means that two of the male leads in Tengda's Zhenhua trilogy would still be cast elsewhere.

We, Tangren and Tengda, are important partners. Instead of letting outsiders benefit from such high-quality resources, we should let Hu Ge act in it.

After all, the more famous Hu Ge is, the higher the ratings of "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" will be, and the more money Tengda, as the producer of "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," will make. It's a win-win situation, so why not?

To be fair, after listening carefully to Cai Yinong's analysis, Liu Shishi felt that what she said did make some sense.

People have varying degrees of closeness and distance. Compared to strangers, she also hopes that Hu Ge's career can reach new heights, but she still feels a bit embarrassed to ask her to step forward and find connections.

"Shishi, if it's convenient, please help me put in a good word for you. If it's too difficult, then forget it."

Hu Ge didn't hide his thoughts and openly asked Liu Shishi for a chance to play the male lead in a TV series. Since his junior sister had connections, he naturally wanted to try his luck.

Liu Shishi frowned, her mind clear. Asking Jiang Tiantian to intervene would definitely be useless, and she was also very unwilling to trouble her boyfriend with such a matter.

It's one thing for someone with a special status to take advantage of Mr. Song's favor to grab some of Tengda's resources, but to also take bribes and help others get resources is going too far.

Faced with Hu Ge's eager expression, Liu Shishi felt very embarrassed. However, thinking about how much care Hu Ge usually took for her in the company and on set, and that this was the first time he had asked her for a favor, she couldn't bring herself to refuse.

The atmosphere in the carriage became a little somber as Cai Yinong and Hu Ge waited for the leader to make a decision.

After much hesitation, Ms. Liu finally softened and compromised, saying, "Old Hu, I'll put in a good word for you when I have the chance, but I can't guarantee it."

"Thank you, Shishi. Whether it succeeds or not, I will still owe you a favor."

Hu Ge was overjoyed. He had just given up hope when he saw Liu Shishi hesitate. But unexpectedly, things took a turn for the better. If he could use his connections, his chances of getting the male lead role would be much higher.

Cai Yinong breathed a sigh of relief, finally able to relax. The harmonious and mutually supportive relationship between the two siblings was exactly what she hoped for.

She then gave him some instructions: "At the banquet tonight, Hu Ge, you should toast Zhang Zhao a few more times. Make sure you leave a good impression on him. With Shi Shi's help, try to win over the male lead with a two-pronged approach."

Upon hearing this, Hu Ge's face fell. He was only so-so at drinking, far inferior to Cai Yinong, and he hated drinking at social events. However, since his future was at stake, he had no choice but to reluctantly agree and replied, "I understand, Sister K."

Upon hearing about drinking, Liu Shishi felt a strange sense of resistance. After thinking for a moment, she discussed with Cai Yinong, "Sister K, I think I won't go to the banquet tonight."

Cai Yinong naturally disagreed and quickly advised, "Shishi, the company and Tengda have just reached a cooperation agreement, and this is a crucial moment to make further progress."

Besides, you and Zhang Zhao are acquaintances, and they've always taken good care of you. It's only natural that you should give them face by having a meal together.

Liu Shishi sat up straight, shifting her gaze from the bustling street scene to the passenger seat in front of her, her eyes full of reluctance: "Sister K, I really don't want to attend these parties and social events, they feel so tiring."

Even through the back of the seat, Cai Yinong could feel the girl's lingering gaze. "Shishi, I know you don't like these kinds of occasions, but in the entertainment industry, these things are always unavoidable."

Think about it, even if you have Tangren and Tengda to take care of you and don't lack filming resources, you will still have to socialize and drink when you accept endorsements and cooperate with brands in the future.

Business dealings are unavoidable, and they are also an important way to expand one's network and gain influence.

Liu Shishi frowned slightly and retorted defiantly, "Isn't there any other way? I just want to earn opportunities through my own abilities, not by currying favor with others at the dinner table."

Cai Yinong sighed softly, feeling helpless at his idol's naiveté. "Talent, my foot! Don't you know your own acting skills and what you're really capable of?"

"I'm not asking you to drink and fawn over others! I understand your thoughts, but you need to learn to adapt to normal business socializing. Sometimes reality is just that cruel."

In this circle, interpersonal relationships are crucial. If you don't socialize, someone else will, and the opportunity may very well be snatched away by someone else.

Moreover, sometimes a cocktail party can lead to an important business opportunity, which is crucial for your career development.

Liu Shishi lowered her head and pondered. Although she was still unwilling, she understood that what Sister K said made some sense.

In the fiercely competitive entertainment industry, even with Mr. Song's backing, she can't act entirely according to her own wishes. She still has to follow industry rules. No matter how powerful your background is, people will avoid you and refuse to associate with you.

"Alright, since you and Lao Hu are here today, I'll go this time. I'll have to think about whether I should attend these kinds of social events in the future," Liu Shishi said helplessly.

Cai Yinong paused, his tone becoming more sincere and earnest: "Shishi, I know you're not good at socializing and don't like drinking."

But sometimes a glass of wine and a few polite words can win you more opportunities and resources.

This doesn't mean we should sacrifice ourselves, but rather that we should learn to find our place in this environment, protect ourselves, and make good use of these opportunities.

Once you've established yourself in this industry, you'll have more say, and brands and investors will be begging you for help.

"I understand, Sister K!" Liu Shishi said thoughtfully. Social interactions are inevitable in society.

Unless she hides behind Mr. Song and lives her whole life as a caged bird, she might be able to live a carefree life. But since she has chosen to be an actress, she must make a name for herself, otherwise she will be looked down upon.

Cai Yinong smiled with relief. It was good that Liu Shishi was willing to listen to advice. His top sister was a rough gem, and she still needed careful polishing to shine her brightest.

Give her five years, and she's confident she can cultivate Liu Shishi into a top-tier actress, securing her a place in the entertainment industry.

The clock ticked quietly toward eight o'clock in the evening, and the night, like a huge black silk ribbon, gently covered the earth.

The city's hustle and bustle gradually settles into a unique tranquility under the cover of night.

The banquet hosted by Tangren and Tengda was drawing to a close. The two sides had chatted, shared, and laughed in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, strengthening their bond. Outside the private room, Cai Yinong, a satisfied smile on his face, was still talking to Zhang Zhao while waiting for his car.

Hu Ge had drunk quite a bit that night, so he was squinting, walking unsteadily, and swaying. He needed Cai Yinong's assistant to support him so he wouldn't fall.

Liu Shishi stood by the window, the cool night breeze gently caressing her cheeks and ruffling a few strands of hair. A delicate blush appeared on her face, adding a touch of captivating charm—a unique allure after drinking.

As she was getting some fresh air to sober up, her phone suddenly rang. Liu Shishi took her phone out of her bag and saw that it was her boyfriend calling. She quickly answered and held it to her ear: "Hello, darling."

A gentle voice came from the other end of the phone: "Is the banquet over, Shishi? I'll come pick you up right away."

Liu Shishi quickly declined, saying, "No need to trouble you, darling. My colleague will drive me back to my apartment complex in a bit, so don't worry."

Song Ci still seemed a little worried and hesitated, saying, "Are you sure you don't need me to pick you up? It's so late, I'm afraid it's not safe for you."

Feeling her boyfriend's care and thoughtfulness, Ms. Liu felt a sweet warmth in her heart and patiently explained, "Mr. Song, you can rest assured. Sister K asked her colleague to take me back to my apartment complex first. Everything will be fine. I'll send you a text message to let you know I'm safe when I get home."

Song Ci then gave up: "Alright then, I'll contact you again when you get home."

A short while later, Cai Yinong finished talking with Zhang Zhao and walked over to Miss Liu with a smile, saying, "Shishi, Xiao Li has driven the car to the hotel entrance. Let's go."

She had a fruitful day, having reached some preliminary cooperation agreements with Zhang Zhao. Although she had drunk quite a bit, her mind was clear and she wasn't drunk at all.

Liu Shishi nodded in response and was about to leave the private room when she saw her female assistant struggling to support Hu Ge. She quickly stepped forward to lend a hand and helped Hu Ge downstairs.

The two moved cautiously, matching Hu Ge's drunken gait, and walked forward step by step.

Seeing the company's top employee staggering around, Cai Yinong shook his head and sighed, "A grown man like this can't have such a low alcohol tolerance. He needs to practice more in the future."

Outside the hotel, neon lights flickered with a hazy glow, illuminating the figures of several people.

Hu Ge staggered along the way, but as soon as she left the hotel and was blown by the evening breeze, she gradually became more awake. However, she was still dizzy and lightheaded, and felt as if the whole world was swaying in front of her.

With worry and helplessness on her face, Liu Shishi and her assistant helped Hu Ge into the car: "Old Hu, are you sure you can handle this? If your alcohol tolerance is so low, you shouldn't drink!"

Hu Ge had a moment of clarity in her mind and wanted to refute, but when the words reached her lips, she trembled and mumbled incoherently, unable to utter a single sentence.

Cai Yinong shook his head and opened the passenger door for him, saying, "Let him sit in the front by himself."

Seeing that the two young women were struggling to help the tall and strong Hu Ge, the driver and legal counsel in the driver's seat quickly got out of the car to help. With everyone's help, they finally settled Hu Ge in the passenger seat.

Legal counsel Xiao Li helped Hu Ge fasten her seatbelt and closed the car door, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"I'm exhausted. Luckily, Lao Hu didn't act crazy while drunk." Liu Shishi stretched her sore arms and couldn't help but complain. Fortunately, Hu Ge's drinking manners weren't too bad.

The car started and slowly drove to the first stop to take Liu Shishi home.

The car was filled with the smell of alcohol. Cai Yinong opened the car window to let the cool night breeze in and disperse the strong smell of alcohol, hoping to make the drunk Hu Ge a little more comfortable.

"How was the atmosphere tonight, Shishi, after you've had some drinks?"

Liu Shishi replied shyly, "It's alright, but I can't taste the wine. I only feel that it's very spicy." She didn't want to drink that night, but Zhang Zhao insisted on toasting the landlady, and Liu Shishi couldn't refuse his hospitality and had a couple of drinks.

"Actually, socializing is just like that. We women must protect ourselves when we go out and do things within our limits. It's not good to get drunk like Hu Ge."

Today we're all here together. For future private engagements, please bring your assistant and take good care of yourself. That's why I agreed to you having an assistant so early on.

Cai Yinong imparted his experience to Ms. Liu through his words and deeds.

"I understand, Sister K." As the car sped through the night, Liu Shishi looked at the hazy lights outside the window and felt that she had grown a bit more tonight.

The end of April is the poem of time, the final chapter of spring.

Along the shores of Weiming Lake, willows sway gently. Slender branches dance in the breeze, and the sunlight becomes soft and mellow, like fine wine diluted by time, softly sprinkling upon the earth.

Springtime was in full bloom, and the scenery at Beiping University was beautiful, but unfortunately, there was no time to appreciate the Song Dynasty poetry. That day, his homeroom teacher, Qin Chaoyang, specially called him to his office.

Upon knocking and entering, Song Ci politely asked her waiting homeroom teacher, "Teacher Qin, did you want to see me?"

Qin Chaoyang, wearing glasses, remained as refined and approachable as ever. He smiled at his favorite student, his eyes filled with expectation and trust, and said calmly, "Sit down and talk about Song Dynasty poetry."

After his beloved disciple was seated, Qin Chaoyang got straight to the point and slowly stated the purpose of his visit: "Song Ci, I've called you here today because there's something important I want to discuss with you."

With Youth Day approaching, the university hopes to have an outstanding student representative give a speech on this special day to inspire Peking University students to continue striving forward.

After much consideration, I feel you are the most suitable candidate. After initial discussions with school leaders, they agreed.

Your performance in both your studies and daily life is evident to all, and your excellent qualities and positive attitude will surely be a great inspiration to your classmates.

Upon hearing her homeroom teacher's words, Song Ci felt a bit of absurdity and quickly declined, saying:
"Teacher Qin, I don't think I'm qualified to be the student representative. There are so many students in the school who are more outstanding than me; they are probably more suitable for this task."

Furthermore, I have little experience in public speaking and am afraid that I won't do well and will let down my teachers and classmates.

Although he had achieved some success in business thanks to his rebirth, it was nothing special in a top-tier university like Peking University, where many talented people reside. Those students who pursued academic research or wanted to go into politics were more suited to public speaking than he was.

(End of this chapter)