Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 147 Pick-up
Cai Yinong knew that Hu Ge, as a pillar of Tangren Media, would undoubtedly face unprecedented challenges due to his unexpected death.

Faced with this predicament, at this critical moment, Tangren Media needs someone to take over the heavy responsibility left by Hu Ge and move forward. The gentle yet resilient Ms. Liu is her only choice.

She called softly, "Shishi, sit down in front of me."

Liu Shishi came to her senses and looked at the female boss with a puzzled expression. Seeing that the boss was staring at her with gentle eyes, she did as she was told and sat down at the desk.

Cai Yinong sat up slightly, looked directly at the eldest sister, and slowly said, "Shishi, I have decided to cast you as the female lead in one of the units of 'Strange Tales of Liaozhai,' Xin Shisi Niang."

This is a female character full of wisdom and courage, which will greatly test your acting skills and martial arts abilities. I hope you can prepare well, after all, this is the female lead, and your performance will directly affect the quality of the entire series.

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi's eyes flashed with surprise, which was quickly replaced by excitement.

Unlike her previous film and television works, "Strange Tales of Liaozhai" is clearly a female-centric drama just from its title.

This is a rare opportunity and a huge challenge to my acting skills. If I perform well, I will be outstanding and gain a lot of fans.

"Sister K, thank you for giving me this opportunity! I will do my best and live up to your expectations."

Liu Shishi was full of energy, and her voice was firm and powerful, revealing how much she cherished the opportunity to play Xin Shisi Niang.

Cai Yinong nodded with satisfaction, filled with anticipation and blessings: "Shishi, I know that playing the female lead is very stressful, but it is also a driving force for your progress."

After Hu Ge's car accident, Tangren Media desperately needs you, their leading lady, to step up and take the lead. As a key member of Tangren, I hope you can work even harder.

Not only in this drama, but also in every future work, you need to demonstrate your strength and charm.

Liu Shishi felt a surge of warmth in her heart as she sensed Cai Yinong's earnest hopes, and was almost moved to tears by the female boss's persuasive words.

Her eyes were fixed on Cai Yinong, her gaze unwavering, and she inexplicably felt the heavy responsibility of being the top female host. She nodded earnestly.

"Sister K, don't worry, I will definitely work hard. This is both pressure and motivation. I will make full preparations for 'Strange Tales of Liaozhai' and go all out."

Cai Yinong was very pleased to hear this; the young girl's attitude was truly admirable.

However, although our leading lady is a promising actress, whether she can truly become a big star is still unknown.

Originally, she planned to concentrate resources on supporting the top male actor to secure his position at the forefront before cultivating the top female actor. Now, she can only be forced to put the top female actor on the shelf for now.

"I believe you can succeed. Shishi, you go and prepare. I'll send you the script later. Just let me know if you need anything. I look forward to your wonderful performance in 'Strange Tales of Liaozhai'!"

Cai Yinong's words were full of encouragement; she should praise Liu Shishi more now to boost her confidence.

"Also, get to know your colleagues in other departments more. You'll need their support in your future work."

"Okay, thank you, Sister K!" Liu Shishi left the office happily.

Time flies, and the four days passed in the blink of an eye. Soon, the annual National Day holiday will arrive.

The waiting hall of Donghai Airport was bustling with people and noisy, with the roar of planes taking off and landing constantly overhead, as the airport's passenger flow nearly doubled during the holiday.

Liu Shishi stood near the arrival gate. Mr. Song, whom she hadn't seen for over a month, was coming to Donghai today. She had dressed up carefully, wanting to show her most charming side to her boyfriend.

She wore a light blue dress, the hem of which swayed gently with her steps, like a flowing spring. A thin white belt was tied around her waist, outlining her slender and graceful figure.

She also wore a wide-brimmed pink hat adorned with a circle of white feathers, adding a touch of playfulness and liveliness. The brim was slightly tilted, partially obscuring her face, but this only accentuated her delicate features.

Her long, smooth hair cascaded naturally from under the brim of her hat onto her shoulders, as silky as black satin, with slightly curled ends and a few stray strands playfully clinging to her fair cheeks.

Holding a carefully wrapped bouquet of sunflowers, the vibrant yellow blossoms perfectly complemented her mood.

After the announcement that Song Ci's flight had arrived, Liu Shishi would occasionally tiptoe and stare intently at the exit, her heart filled with sweet anticipation.

"Yuanyuan, you keep an eye on things for me too."

Jiang Yuanyuan, the assistant who came to pick her up at the airport, gave her an OK sign and replied with a smile, "Don't worry, Shishi, I have sharp eyes!"

Before long, Song Ci's figure appeared in their sight.

Mr. Song was wearing a dark blue casual suit jacket, a white T-shirt underneath, and black straight-leg pants, making him look handsome and capable.

He was talking to someone beside him, his steps hurried yet firm. Behind him, several other people, pulling suitcases, followed cautiously.

Upon seeing her beloved, Liu Shishi's eyes lit up instantly, and a smile brighter than a sunflower bloomed on her face.

Without hesitation, she ran towards Song Ci, her high heels clicking rapidly and cheerfully on the ground.

At the same time, as if by telepathy, Song Ci spotted Liu Shishi in the crowd at a glance, and a gentle smile appeared on his face. He quickened his pace to greet her.

When the two were still a few steps apart, Liu Shishi leaped up like a joyful lark and rushed into her boyfriend's arms.

Song Ci caught Miss Liu steadily, held her tightly in his arms, and inhaled the sweet fragrance emanating from Xiao Qingmei.

Liu Shishi buried her face in her boyfriend's broad chest, feeling his familiar scent, her heart filled with happiness and sweetness.

"You're finally here!" Her voice carried a hint of coquettishness, yet it was filled with undisguised joy.

Song Ci didn't speak, but looked at Miss Liu with affection and gently stroked her soft hair.

People came and went around them, but the two seemed to be in a world that belonged only to them. Time seemed to stand still at this moment, and the entire airport became the backdrop for their love.

After a tender embrace, Liu Shishi broke free from her boyfriend's warm embrace, handed him the sunflower in her hand, and smiled radiantly: "This is for you, Mr. Song."

Song Ci accepted the flower and felt the sincere sentiment: "Sunflowers, growing towards the sun, are loyal and resilient."

"Shishi, long time no see! You've become even more beautiful!" Zhang Yong, who had caught up, greeted her with a smile. Zhang Yong was the one who had spoken with Song Ci when they exited the station; he had come to Donghai with his boss to take care of some business.

"Brother Yong, you're getting more and more handsome." Liu Shishi said with a smile. She was already quite familiar with Zhang Yong, Wang Jing, and other high-ranking officials from Tengda.

Along with their assistants, secretaries, and bodyguards, the group of people standing together attracted the attention of passersby.

Seeing this, Song Ci took Liu Shishi's hand and walked outside, instructing, "Everyone, let's get off the train first, don't block the way here."

The vehicle quickly drove out of Donghai Airport. Zhang Yong, sitting in the passenger seat, asked, "Mr. Song, where are you going? Are you staying at a hotel with me?"

Although Zhang Yong had a place to live in Donghai, his whole family had moved to Beiping. The house in Donghai had not been cleaned for a long time, so he stayed in a hotel when he came back temporarily.

"No, I'll be staying with Shishi for the next few days. We'll be going to Phoenix Mansion on Longhua Middle Road."

Song Ci gave an address, which was the address of the large apartment he bought for Liu Shishi. It was a high-end community not far from Tangren Film and Television, with an elegant environment and, most importantly, good security.

Zhang Yong quickly instructed the driver, "Go to Longhua Middle Road first!"

The driver had clearly overheard their conversation. After driving for a short distance, he turned on his turn signal and headed towards Longhua Middle Road. Another car followed closely behind, carrying Jiang Yuanyuan, Tang Yue, and others.

"Donghai is changing every day, but unlike the antique charm of Beiping, Donghai is full of modern atmosphere." Song Ci looked at the skyscrapers that pierced the clouds in the distance and couldn't help but sigh.

Zhang Yong chimed in, "Yes, Donghai, as the national financial center, has experienced rapid economic development in recent years, truly deserving its title as an international metropolis."

Song Ci nodded, preparing to make arrangements before parting: "When do we meet with the people from Shentong and Best Express?" He and Zhang Hai came to Donghai this time to handle the matter of investing in and supporting the express delivery companies.

Thanks to the development of the internet retail industry, China's express delivery industry will make rapid progress in the next fifteen years. After listing, the market value of domestic express delivery giants such as SF Express and ZTO Express will exceed 100 billion yuan.

This year, the national postal policy has changed, giving private express delivery companies a chance to take off, and Songci naturally wouldn't miss such a feast.

Starting in August, Zhang Yong sent people to conduct a detailed market survey of the domestic express delivery industry. Currently, he has selected two express delivery companies, Shentong and Best Express, and has arranged to meet with the company leaders during the National Day holiday to discuss the details.

"Shentong on the 5th and Best Express on the 6th, both at 9 am."

Song Ci noted down the time, "I'll meet you at your hotel beforehand, and then we'll go to the courier company together."

Zhang Yong still had doubts about the meeting a few days later and was a little worried: "President Song, during the market research, we found that Alibaba has recently been in contact with express delivery companies, wanting to invest in them."

If Alibaba also targets STO Express and Best Express, we might not be able to compete, since Alibaba's main business is e-commerce, and the express delivery industry complements it.

Although Tengda Group sells some sports equipment such as jerseys and basketballs on Toutiao's community mall because it owns the broadcasting rights for the NBA league and Bundesliga football matches, and needs to use express delivery, its express delivery demand is vastly different from that of Alibaba's Taobao.

"Don't worry, we also have advantages that we can't refuse. If express delivery companies want to develop rapidly, they need to build express delivery stations in major cities across the country, which requires a lot of funds. Alibaba can't compete with us in terms of funds for the time being."

Moreover, the future belongs to the information age, and with our support, Tenda Big Data Center can develop a network system for sending and receiving express parcels.

Whichever company is the first in China to use information technology to manage the express delivery process by scanning barcodes and verifying waybills, and provides customers with accurate express delivery services, will be able to seize the market and gain a competitive edge.

Furthermore, we have no business conflicts with Alibaba; we could even jointly invest in a courier company.

Zhang Yong nodded upon hearing this, feeling reassured. The chairman was as always, being prepared for any eventuality and anticipating the enemy's moves.

As Song Ci admired the street scene of Donghai, the car passed through the LJZ financial district. The Oriental Pearl Tower, the Financial Tower and other landmark buildings were magnificent and dazzling under the sunlight, like a dream.

Not hearing Liu Shishi speak, Song Ci curiously turned to look and saw his girlfriend pouting, looking like she was unhappy.

He affectionately pinched her delicate nose: "You're usually so talkative, why are you so quiet today? Is Old Zhang shy?"

Liu Shishi said dejectedly, "I thought you came here specifically to see me, but who knew you came to Donghai just to work!"

Song Ci quickly coaxed, "Work is not as important as you. This National Day you are not going back to Beiping, so I came to Donghai to keep you company."

The work is just a side job and won't take up much time. From now until the 4th, you have complete control over my time.

Liu Shishi then said with satisfaction, "That's more like it."

"Speaking of which, since 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes' has been put on hold and you've been free lately, why are you staying in the East China Sea instead of going back?"

"Don't even mention it. With the company going through this, Sister K is under so much pressure. I originally wanted to stay here with her for a few days and then go home for the National Day holiday. But the company is about to start a new film, so I'm staying here to prepare."

Song Ci was puzzled that Tangren actually had money to start a new play. After thinking it over, he realized that Tengda Culture had invested in part of "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," and Tangren had invested less than in his previous life. He guessed that with the loan, they had scraped together the money to start a new play in an attempt to turn their fortunes around.

What's the name of the new drama?

"Strange Tales of Liaozhai, a drama with a female lead." Speaking of this, Liu Shishi looked excited and proudly boasted, "This time, I'm the female lead."

Song Ci vaguely remembered this drama; it was Xin Shisi Niang! "Isn't this a three-part series? Four episodes, four female leads, so how can there be a female lead?"

Liu Shishi was taken aback by her boyfriend's words and argued, "She's still the female lead with equal billing. Once this drama becomes popular, I can get endorsements and become a big star, then I can take care of you."

Song Ci couldn't help but smile: "Old Zhang, did you hear that?"

Zhang Yong laughed heartily: "Shishi, then you'd better work hard. In a few days, when the 2006 Hurun Rich List is released, you'll know how much money President Song has!"

A few days ago, Hurun met with Song Ci again. Zhang Yong was also present. Although the chairman's ranking remained unchanged this year, still seventh, his wealth has exceeded 10 billion.

"I don't care, your money is your money. From now on, I'll pay for everything you eat and use. Consider it me taking care of you."

Song Ci smiled and agreed: "Okay, I'll live off you from now on."

To be honest, my daughter Liu's annual income will be tens of millions in a few years, which is more than the annual profit of many listed companies. If Tengda Group goes bankrupt one day, it wouldn't be a problem for me to live off her.

(End of this chapter)