Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 196 The Arrangements for Everyone

Tenda Group is the largest internet company in China, with a large scale and numerous internal departments.

Apart from the purely technical staff who were single-mindedly focused on research and development, the rest of the company were more or less caught up in the power struggle between the Zhang and Wang factions.

The balance of power between the two factions was originally Zhang was stronger than Wang, but this changed dramatically after Song Ci initiated an internal audit at the company.

After Zhang Yong's right-hand woman, Ms. Xiao, the group's chief financial officer, was found to have violated regulations and was removed from Tengda Group, the Zhang faction's strength was greatly diminished, and its former prestige was greatly reduced.

Meanwhile, the Wang faction has gained significant momentum, and the strength of the two factions is now approaching equilibrium.

As a key member of the Wang faction, Zhang Zhao was hoping that Wang Jing would give him a boost and help him advance further within the group.

Naturally, no one or anything can be allowed to have a negative impact on Wang Jing, especially since this person is an employee of Tengda Culture. This is absolutely unacceptable.

Zhang Zhao announced coldly, his voice devoid of any warmth:

"Wang Luodan, after filming 'Living with an Air Hostess,' you should stop all your business and entertainment activities for the next six months and stay at home to reflect on your actions."

This is the punishment decision I've made for your reckless behavior after careful discussion with General Manager Yu and General Manager Zhuang.

"Mr. Zhang!" Wang Luodan's face paled instantly, her expression filled with resentment.

She is currently at a crucial stage in her career, with her popularity at its peak. A six-month hiatus would undoubtedly be a heavy blow to her career.

Zhang Zhao's expression remained calm, as if the company's most popular actress taking a six-month hiatus had no impact on the company.

In his view, upholding the company's authority and enforcing disciplinary decisions are of paramount importance.

"You should feel fortunate that President Wang is magnanimous and did not hold this mistake against you."

Therefore, our leadership team decided to give you a minor punishment as a warning. If you repeat the offense, we won't let you off so easily; you will be severely punished.

Zhang Zhao's tone remained icy, leaving no room for softening.

"I understand, Mr. Zhang! I will definitely reflect on my actions."

Sensing Zhang Zhao's unwavering resolve and realizing that struggling was futile, Wang Luodan could only accept reality and replied listlessly.

After reprimanding all the company's artists, Zhang Zhao, seeing that all of the company's top artists were present, asked the artist director to report on their recent work arrangements and to outline their career development plans.

Zeng Jia straightened his back and reported methodically: "President Zhang, Zheng Yu is not currently filming. 'My Love from the Star' is a huge hit overseas, and he plans to go to South Korea with Fan Bingbing in May for promotion."

Wang Kai is currently filming "Lurking" with Zhang Songwen, and filming is progressing smoothly. Luo Dan is in the "Air Hostess" production team, and filming for that series is expected to wrap up in about two months. As for Lü Yi and Chen Xiao, their future work arrangements are currently undetermined.

Zhang Zhao nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Lü Yi, who sat quietly to the side with a graceful demeanor, and he spoke slowly:
"There are two dramas that are suitable for you. One is 'The Bourne Identity,' which the company is about to start filming. It is a serious drama to celebrate the National Day next year."

Another option is Tangren Media's upcoming production of "Chinese Paladin 3," and President Cai intends to cast you as the female lead, Xuejian. This is also a rare opportunity.

Upon hearing this, Lü Yi glanced subtly at his fellow disciples, a complex emotion welling up within him.

Unexpectedly, Wang Luodan, who had always been slightly superior to him and enjoyed immense success, found herself in an embarrassing situation due to inappropriate behavior.

By a twist of fate, he gained more attention from company leaders, ushering in a new opportunity for career development.

"Mr. Zhang, I choose 'The Bourne Identity'! I've thought about it for a long time, and I'll definitely stick to serious dramas from now on. I won't be taking on any more historical romance or youth romance dramas anymore."

Lu Yi's gaze was deep and resolute. Without the slightest hesitation, he directly revealed his true feelings to Zhang Zhao.

While idol dramas can bring rapid fame and popularity, the prime of a female artist's career is only a few short years. Every year, a large number of young and beautiful actresses rise to prominence in the entertainment industry, making the competition fierce.

From a long-term development perspective, it is better to transform as early as possible and specialize in serious dramas, which will give one a better chance of making steady progress in the performing arts.

Zhang Zhao nodded, showing approval and indicating respect for Lü Yi's choice. Tengda Culture has always maintained an open and inclusive attitude towards the development paths of its artists, never imposing rigid restrictions.

The path of serious dramas can indeed allow for differentiated competition with the current crop of young actresses, making it a promising and advantageous road.

Zhang Zhao turned his head slightly, his gaze naturally falling on Chen Xiao opposite Lü Yi, his voice calm:
"Chen Xiao, if Lü Yi isn't going to play the female lead in 'Chinese Paladin 3,' I can help you get a second male lead role in this drama. Are you interested?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Xiao's eyes lit up instantly, and he readily agreed: "Thank you for your consideration, Mr. Zhang. I am willing to participate."

He knew perfectly well that Tangren Media's period dramas were very popular and that he was very interested in "Chinese Paladin 3".

Compared to his established fellow students Qiao Zhengyu and Wang Kai, he was just beginning to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry and had no right to be picky. How could he miss such a golden opportunity?

Seeing that Chen Xiao agreed readily, Zhang Zhao was satisfied and made the final decision: "Alright, I'll talk to Cai Yinong. You'll report to Tangren at the end of May."

After inquiring about and sorting out all the trivial matters at work, the impromptu meeting in the morning finally came to an end.

Zeng Jia and Yang Tianzhen led several artists out of the conference room. The large room was suddenly empty, leaving only the three core leaders of Tengda Culture.

With no women present, the atmosphere subtly became more relaxed and casual.

Zhang Zhao reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, then deftly took out two and handed them to Yu Xin and Zhuang Liqi, who were sitting on either side of him.

The three men lit cigarettes in unison, and wisps of smoke rose into the air as they leisurely puffed away in the meeting room.

After a moment, Zhang Zhao exhaled a smoke ring, breaking the silence, and said slowly, "Tomorrow, Liu Rong will bring the team from the Southern Cinema Circuit to Beiping to meet the chairman at headquarters."

She even called me yesterday, saying the time was right and Southern Cinemas and Tengda Culture could team up and pull off a big heist.

Yu Xin gently shook the burnt-out cigarette ash into the transparent ashtray, his brows furrowed slightly, as if deep in thought.

"Mr. Zhang, has Mr. Liu revealed how much funding is needed to acquire Baoli Culture?"

He is now in charge of the administration and logistics of Tengda Culture. Fund allocation and asset inventory are his responsibilities, as these are matters concerning the company's future and cannot be taken lightly.

Zhuang Liqi, who was standing nearby, also moved upon hearing the sound. He looked at Zhang Zhao with a serious expression.

After all, if the acquisition costs are huge and drain Tengda Culture's working capital, causing the company's cash flow to become tight and affecting the company's normal operation, then it would be putting the cart before the horse and would be counterproductive.

Zhang Zhao flicked his cigarette ash and calmly replied, "Wanhe Cinemas, Poly Culture is adamant about not selling. Poly Culture alone is valued at approximately 3 million."

The preliminary agreement is that we and Southern Cinema Circuit will each invest 50%, Liu Rong wants Shenlong Cinemas and part of the distribution channels, and the remainder will go to us.

“150 million. Not bad, the company's current funds can handle this expense.” Yu Xin calculated in his mind and immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Hearing Yu Xin's words, Zhang Zhao had a better understanding of the situation, and his expression became even more determined.

"I was thinking, should we go to the headquarters together tomorrow to meet Chairman Song and strike while the iron is hot to finalize the acquisition of Poly Culture?"

By acquiring this lucrative stake, Southern Cinema Line will surpass Huaying Cinema Line to become the largest cinema chain in the country.

And our Tengda Culture will be able to completely surpass Huayi and firmly sit on the throne of China's largest private media company.

Zhuang Liqi was excited and said first, "Of course we should go see the chairman. Although Baoli Culture is facing difficulties and is in a difficult situation."

But for us, this is a real treasure. Acquiring it will greatly enhance our production team and marketing capabilities, providing immense support for our long-term development.

Yu Xin nodded repeatedly, echoing, "That's right, we need to work together with President Liu and the others to finalize this matter."

Moreover, we have to accomplish this ourselves; we can't rely on the group's support. Otherwise, if the group gets involved, the credit won't go to us, and we'll have less control over our future actions.

“Then it’s settled! I’ll set a time with Mr. Liu in a bit, and we’ll go see Mr. Song together tomorrow.” Zhang Zhao made the decision decisively.

After saying that, he turned his gaze to Yu Xin and solemnly instructed him: "Old Yu, please keep a close eye on Donghai TV Station."

"Keep up the good work and get the remaining payment for 'My Love from the Star' as soon as possible. Once that money arrives, we'll be more relaxed when we jointly acquire the film with Southern Cinemas."

Yu Xin quickly reassured Zhang, "Don't worry, Mr. Zhang, I've been following up. The TV station will pay the remaining 20% ​​of the final payment for 'My Love from the Star' in May."

At the same time, several senior executives were also having a meeting in the spacious and bright conference room of Huayi Company.

Chairman Wang Zhongjun, dressed in a sharp suit, had barely settled into his seat in the center when he eagerly inquired, "How was the box office performance of 'The Forbidden Kingdom' on its opening night?"

Deputy General Manager Gao Hui, holding a report, hurriedly replied, "The opening day box office was 1600 million! The number of screenings and the attendance rate for the midnight premiere both exceeded those of last year's Lunar New Year box office champion, 'Assembly.' However..."

He paused slightly, a hint of difficulty flashing across his face.

"But what?" Upon hearing the change in tone, Wang Zhongjun immediately became displeased, his brows furrowing instantly as he stared sharply at Gao Hui.

Including promotional expenses, Huayi Brothers invested approximately 100 million yuan in the film "The Forbidden Kingdom." The entire company had high hopes for this big-budget film, a collaboration with Hollywood with a total investment of 500 million yuan, and could not afford any mishaps.

After hesitating for a few seconds, Gao Hui, under the chairman's piercing gaze, still reported truthfully: "The audience's evaluation of 'The Forbidden Kingdom' is very low, and the film's reputation is very poor."

Wang Zhonglei, being impatient, preemptively made the arrangements: "Then let's hire online trolls to boost the comments; we must stabilize the box office for the first two weeks."

Upon hearing this, Gao Hui subconsciously looked at President Wang and saw that he nodded slightly in agreement. He understood and said, "I'll take care of it in a bit and try to maintain the film's reputation."

Wang Zhongjun sighed helplessly, his face full of worry: "It seems that 'The Forbidden Kingdom' will most likely lose money at the box office."

With Huayi Brothers set to go public next year, the losses incurred by "The Forbidden Kingdom" are not a good sign for the company.

Thinking of this, he rubbed his temples and looked at the big director sitting at the end of the table: "Xiao Gang, how's the preparation for your film 'If You Are the One' going?"

Feng Xiaogang was lost in thought when he heard Wang Zhongjun's call and suddenly came back to his senses: "Preparations are almost complete, filming will begin in July."

Wang Zhongjun nodded, his tense expression easing slightly: "Outsiders can't be relied on. The company is about to go public, and 'If You Are the One' can't afford any mistakes."

Feng Xiaogang looked confident, a relaxed smile playing on his lips, and spoke casually, saying that "If You Are the One" was one of his most familiar subjects.

"When have I ever messed up? Just wait and see."

Seeing his old partner's confident assurance, Wang Zhongjun felt somewhat relieved and then turned to look at Chen Guofu, the company's art director.

With an inquiring tone: "When are you planning to start filming your tribute film 'The Message'?"

Chen Guofu said seriously, "It's in preparation, and the specific time has not yet been determined. I'm still considering the lead actor."

Wang Zhonglei chimed in from the side, "Mr. Chen, if you're not satisfied with any of the actors, just replace them."

"It's not that I'm dissatisfied, I'm just wondering whether or not to ask Qiao Zhengyu to play the role."

Wang Zhongjun was taken aback upon hearing this, and asked in surprise, "Invite someone from Tengda? Old Chen, why would you suddenly have such an idea?"

Chen Guofu explained, "Didn't the company want to bring in Tengda Culture as a shareholder to create momentum for the listing? After all, we are the ones who need their help, so I thought I should show some sincerity first and invited Qiao Zhengyu to star in 'The Message'."

Moreover, his popularity is indeed very high, and his participation will undoubtedly boost the box office. However, this might mean putting Zhang Hanyu in a difficult position, as he has been preparing for this film for a long time.

Wang Zhongjun fell into a brief moment of contemplation, considering the feasibility of Chen Guofu's suggestion.

If Qiao Zhengyu were to star in "The Message," his popularity and influence would indeed be more suitable than Zhang Hanyu's. Moreover, because of Tengda's top influencer, Southern cinemas might be able to give him more screen time.

Understanding Chen Guofu's predicament, he immediately made the decision: "Please ask Qiao Zhengyu! For the sake of the company's overall interests, we can only ask Hanyu to make do for now, and we will find an opportunity to make it up to him later."

The chairman agreed with his idea, and Chen Guofu naturally went along with it: "In that case, I will send audition invitations to Tengda Culture, finalize the lead actors as soon as possible, and advance the film's preparation progress."

After agreeing on several crucial matters concerning the company's survival, the group chatted casually, and the atmosphere in the meeting room became much more relaxed.

Wang Zhongjun crossed his arms and asked his younger brother curiously, "Who arranged that blogger last night?"

He was well aware of the complexities of the world and never believed that anyone would offend a senior executive of a large corporation for no reason; there must be a reason for everything.

Wang Zhonglei crossed his legs, leaned back in his chair, and looked completely indifferent.

"We haven't found any definite information yet. It's possible that Tengda's competitors are behind it. It could also be an internal power struggle within Tengda, with someone trying to sabotage things."

However, it probably wasn't the mother and daughter who hired someone to do it; I don't think they would dare offend Tengda Group.

Mentioning the Liu family mother and daughter, Wang Zhongjun's face turned ashen. Hua Yi had actually been tricked. He gritted his teeth and said:

"We'll give them one last chance. If they don't sign with the company before 'The Forbidden Kingdom' is taken off the screens, then don't blame us for being ruthless and blacklisting them!"

Wang Zhonglei nodded, indicating that he understood his elder brother's meaning, and then added to himself:
"However, it's not entirely impossible. They're quite arrogant, relying on that Mr. Chen's influence. Who knows, they might do something foolish in a moment of madness."

Wang Zhongjun waved his hand impatiently: "Anyway, this has nothing to do with us!"

Whether the Liu mother and daughter will be implicated is something Ms. Wang Jing will surely find out for herself. Let's just mind our own business.

(End of this chapter)