Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 220 kicks off the battle for trending topics.

As night deepened and the hustle and bustle of the Bazaar Charity Gala came to an end, Li Bingbing dragged his tired body back to his large apartment in the city center.

As soon as you enter your home, you feel the tranquility and ease that belongs only to you.

Without the spotlight and cameras chasing you, and without having to maintain a perfect image in public, you can finally be your most authentic self without any worries.

After a thorough process of removing makeup, cleansing, skincare, and moisturizing, Li Bingbing was finally ready to enjoy a moment of peace when her phone rang. It was her agent calling.

"Sis, hurry up and check the trending topics on Weibo!"

When Li Bingbing heard her younger sister Li Xue's anxious voice, she was startled and quickly asked, "What happened, sister?"

"You'll understand once you see the trending topics."

Li Bingbing hurriedly left the bedroom in her slippers, went straight to her computer desk, turned on the hands-free function of her phone, and started logging into her Weibo account.

The moment the trending search page loaded, a series of hot topics came into view, and Li Bingbing's heart skipped a beat, sensing that something terrible was about to happen.

1. Fan Bingbing outshines all others.

2. Fan Bingbing publicly expresses her love.

. . .

5. Song Dynasty Poetry Black Shirt

6. The Battle Between the Two Lius

7. The Battle of Two Pawns

The top ten trending topics on Weibo tonight were all dominated by news about the Bazaar Charity Event, which has become the focus of national attention and even surpassed the popularity of the ongoing Olympic Games.

Seeing that half of the top ten trending topics were occupied by her old rival, Li Bingbing frowned, a sense of foreboding creeping into her heart.

Gritting his teeth, he clicked on the first trending topic, quickly browsed it, and immediately flew into a rage, cursing, "That bitch!"

Hearing his sister's angry roar on the other end of the phone, Li Xue helplessly advised, "Sis, look at the mess this has made, she must have deliberately stepped on your foot."

"Calm down, we need to find a way to get this trending topic down first, otherwise things might change regarding the Montblanc endorsement."

"Damn it! I was wondering why this bitch kept getting close to me on stage. Turns out she had already dug a pit for me and was waiting for me to fall for it. She even photoshopped pictures to smear me. It's outrageous!"

Li Bingbing stared intently at the photo trending on social media, her eyes practically spitting fire.

The photo shows her and Fan Bingbing standing side by side on stage receiving an award. It's an ordinary scene, but the one posted by the blogger has clearly been photoshopped.

Fan Bingbing was made to look radiant and beautiful with fair skin, while I, on the other hand, looked listless and had a dull complexion, showing no trace of the charm of a female star.

The blogger also made sarcastic remarks, comparing her to others and belittling her, saying that she was in poor condition and was obviously a shill hired by the other party to deliberately release articles to smear her.

Li Xue said with great concern: "This top trending topic has dealt a huge blow to your image, and we must suppress it as soon as possible."

Most netizens lack independent judgment and are easily swayed by rumors. If they develop a stereotype, your popularity will plummet, and the brand will be in an uproar.

Li Bingbing naturally knew the seriousness of the matter and couldn't help but feel a bit resentful towards her sister: "You are my agent, you didn't need to inform me about this at all, you should have handled it decisively."

Li Xue quickly explained, "I've already contacted Tengda! I'm experienced in getting things trending, but I'm not sure how to get them removed. But with Fan Bingbing setting an example this time, I think I've figured it out."

First, spend some money to bribe Tengda (a major online marketing platform), then have multiple marketing accounts speak out together to increase the reach. Next, buy online trolls to like and share, creating a false data surge and the illusion of widespread online attention.

This way, we can quickly get what we want to promote onto the trending topics list and generate buzz. We can do that in the future too.”

After listening to his sister's explanation, Li Bingbing instantly grasped the crux of the matter: "The key is still with Tengda. We can only swallow this loss for now and spend more money to smooth things over. We absolutely cannot let it affect our cooperation with Montblanc."

Montblanc intends to invite her to be their jewelry brand ambassador for the Asia-Pacific region, and the two sides have basically reached an agreement.

Once finalized, she will be the first Chinese actress to endorse an international luxury brand, which is of great significance to her status in the fashion and entertainment industries and cannot be missed.

Thinking about the complex entanglements involved, Li Xue sighed, "Actually, it's something that Boss Song could resolve with just one phone call. With Weibo's control over public opinion, Tengda will be the uncrowned king of the entertainment industry from now on."

"Sis, you need to think of a way to get to know Mr. Song better. I saw on the news that you two were presenting an award together tonight. Such a great opportunity, didn't you try to get to know him?"

Li Bingbing looked up and rubbed her temples. She did want to get to know Song Ci. Putting aside his wealth and status, she was interested in his handsome face alone.

Unfortunately, he barely glanced at her all night, his eyes were only on the tender young girl, and he was clearly not interested in a mature older sister like her.

Left with no other option, I could only casually reply, "Let's take care of business first. Urge Tengda to suppress the trending topic. We also need to post on Weibo. It's a bit late, but it's better than doing nothing."

Li Xue comforted him, "Don't worry, I've already arranged for people to take care of it. You've had a long day, so check Weibo and wait for my message."

At the same time, Fan Bingbing went straight to her studio after the party ended, where she was discussing things with her agent, Mu Xiaoguang.

Inside the studio, the lights were bright, and a group of people were working overtime to create hype by posting online.

Mu Xiaoguang sat in front of the computer, looking excited and smug: "This money was well spent! In just a short while, I've already received three commercial performance invitations! The popularity that had dropped for more than half a year after 'My Love from the Star' aired has all come back."

Although Fan Bingbing, sitting opposite her agent, looked tired, her eyes were bright and alert, revealing her excitement and anticipation: "Is there any hope for the Montblanc thing?"

When it came to serious matters, Mu Xiaoguang composed himself: "I spoke with the president of Montblanc Asia Pacific on the phone tonight, and he said he would consider it carefully."

After all, brand endorsement is no small matter. Li Bingbing had already passed their assessment and received approval from the headquarters of Lifeng Group.

Our sudden interference has temporarily delayed the signing of the contract. Simply generating a few trending topics might cause Li Bingbing some trouble, but it's not enough to steal her endorsement.

"Hmph, even if I can't have her, I'll ruin it for her." Fan Bingbing looked jealous, her eyes filled with resentment.

This is the first time an international luxury brand has invited a Chinese female celebrity to be its spokesperson. Which female celebrity could refuse such an honor that could greatly boost her status? If Li Bingbing succeeds, wouldn't everyone be able to surpass her in the future?

Fan Bingbing gritted her teeth, still unwilling to give up, and pleaded again, "Brother Guang, please think of another way. This endorsement is extremely important to me." Mu Xiaoguang pondered for a moment, "Li Bingbing was able to secure the Montblanc endorsement thanks in large part to Deng Wendi. To snatch this piece of the pie from Li Bingbing's grasp, we need at least someone of considerable influence to mediate."

Fan Bingbing felt a wave of frustration upon hearing this. Who was Deng Wendi? She was the wife of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, a figure with considerable influence not only in China but also across the ocean. She really didn't know anyone who could surpass Deng Wendi.

Mu Xiaoguang considered it carefully: "If Zhang Zhao could ask that person to speak on our behalf, it might work!"

Fan Bingbing understood who the agent was referring to, and a glimmer of hope instantly rose within her, though she still harbored some doubts: "Song Ci already has such a huge influence? Luxury goods and the internet have nothing to do with each other, would Lifeng Group really buy into his scheme?"

"Bingbing, you need to see the true nature of things!" Mu Xiaoguang leaned forward and said seriously, "Nowadays, the people who like to go online are mostly young people, and these young people are precisely the main force in purchasing luxury goods in China."

Tenda now holds a pivotal position in the internet sector, and the three major luxury goods groups all want to leverage Weibo and Toutiao to strengthen brand promotion and expand their markets. Therefore, if Song Ci were willing to speak up, the Richemont Group would certainly consider it carefully.

Fan Bingbing seemed to be deep in thought, and he gained a deeper understanding of the true value of the top few on the domestic rich list. These industry leaders, who control countless resources, are far more powerful than those coal bosses who are just rich.

"How about this, let's go to Tengda Culture tomorrow and discuss this matter with Zhang Zhao in person."

Mu Xiaoguang nodded: "Okay. I'll prepare another card. Even if this doesn't work out, we must maintain a close relationship with Zhang Zhao."

Upon hearing this, Fan Bingbing looked troubled: "Wouldn't it be too vulgar to just give money directly? What if they don't accept it? Wouldn't that be awkward?"

It wasn't that she was stingy with money; it's just that some people can't be appeased with a little money. If Zhang Zhao were willing to accept money, there would be plenty of people in the entertainment industry willing to give him money.

Mu Xiaoguang waved his hand and chuckled: "Whether we accept it or not is not important. The main thing is to express an attitude and tell Zhang Zhao that we will not ask him for a favor for nothing."

"By cultivating good interpersonal relationships, we can ensure better cooperation in the future. I won't charge you money this time; next time we can exchange it for antiques, calligraphy and paintings, or even a house—there's bound to be something he likes."

Fan Bingbing sincerely thanked him: "Brother Guang, I've learned a lot!"

He was increasingly satisfied with his agent. As expected of a ruthless person who dared to venture from Taiwan to Beiping all by himself, he was indeed capable and had considered everything thoroughly.

Mu Xiaoguang tilted his head slightly, filled with emotion: "Actually, Zhang Zhao is not difficult to deal with. To put it bluntly, he is just an employee, and he must have his own interests. The only thing that restrains him is the law and the system."

That boss Song above him is really difficult to deal with. I'm starting to understand Tengda's strategy now. They've integrated the entire industry chain, from film and television production and special effects to theaters, marketing, and even streaming platforms.

It's practically a self-contained kingdom within the entertainment industry; this kind of structure is truly terrifying. If you can curry favor and build a relationship, you can practically do whatever you want in the entertainment world.

Upon hearing this, Fan Bingbing thought for a moment and realized that Tengda was indeed right. So he suggested, "Why don't we hire a private investigator to find out about Song Ci's interests?"

"Please don't!" Mu Xiaoguang said nervously, trying to dissuade him. "Someone like Song Ci always has professional bodyguards with him when he goes out. Private detectives can't find anything out about him."

If discovered, it could easily lead to misunderstandings and make it difficult to explain why he was being investigated, potentially backfiring.

The only way is to ask someone close to him through connections; no other methods will work.

"Okay!" Fan Bingbing pouted. She had just said it casually without thinking it through, and after her manager's explanation, she realized that it was indeed inappropriate.

Mu Xiaoguang was afraid that the woman would make decisions on her own, so he instructed her, "I'll handle this matter. You don't need to worry about it. Just make arrangements for the drama 'Jin Daban' and start filming as soon as possible."

At this moment, the floor of the Tengda Technology Building, where the Weibo business department is located, is brightly lit, as if it were daytime.

Inside the office area, rows of computer screens emitted a faint blue light, and most of the employees in the department were working overtime.

In the president's office, Liu Yan was focused on the latest data report, extremely satisfied with the significant increase in user activity tonight. It seemed that Weibo's sponsorship of the Bazaar Charity Gala was a brilliant move.

Just then, the landline on his desk rang. Liu Yan peeked at the caller ID and saw that it was the Interactive Department Manager calling. He picked up the receiver and said, "Hello!"

"Mr. Liu, Li Bingbing's agent just called, offering 150 million yuan in the hope that we can suppress the trending topics and control the spread of news unfavorable to Li Bingbing. What do you think we should do?"

A look of understanding flashed in Liu Yan's eyes. He was fully aware of how things were going to develop and had long anticipated this turn of events.

After all, the entertainment industry is a place of fame and fortune. In order to maintain their image, celebrities have always spared no expense in the face of public opinion storms. So he readily agreed: "Manager Yang, you can agree to their request!"

Fan Bingbing's money was only enough to keep her trending on Weibo for a few hours. Now that time has passed, Li Bingbing is willing to spend money to control negative public opinion, which she is happy to see. This money on Weibo is too easy to earn.

"Which message would you like to overwrite?" Manager Yang asked for instructions.

Removing trending topics on Weibo cannot be done by simply blocking them. Firstly, it would easily raise questions from netizens, and secondly, it would not comply with the platform's operating rules.

Usually, the hype will naturally subside once time passes, netizens lose interest, new news emerges, and the hype naturally dies down.

Alternatively, they could create a new trending topic to attract netizens' attention and overshadow the previous trending searches.

At this point, people are spending money to avoid trouble, so they definitely need to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Therefore, it is necessary to use new hot topics to gain momentum.

Liu Yan subconsciously glanced at the top ten trending topics, his gaze lingering on each prominent keyword.

Of the top ten trending topics, five are definitely not about Fan Bingbing. So, should we choose "The Battle of the Two Lius" or "Song Ci in a Black Shirt"?

After some thought, he decisively ordered his subordinates: "Bring up '5. Song Ci Black Shirt'!"

Liu Shishi is the chairman's exclusive possession. She's unsure of the chairman's attitude towards his girlfriend trending on social media, so she doesn't dare to act rashly. Therefore, she can only choose option 5: praise the boss's good looks more, which can't go wrong.

"Ah!" Manager Yang couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "President Liu, this involves the chairman, won't you reconsider?"

Liu Yan smiled reassuringly, his tone reassuring: "It's alright, it's not bad news. Look at all those female netizens, they all praise his good looks. The chairman is very supportive of our work, so you can go and do your job with peace of mind."

"Then I'll arrange it right away." Manager Yang thought about it and agreed. Being handsome was a positive image, and the chairman probably wouldn't mind, so he did as he was told.

Is there anything else?

"Besides Li Bingbing, some other celebrities also want to trend on social media, but they don't ask for that much."

Liu Yan was all smiles. In just one night, Weibo's revenue was equivalent to more than half a month's usual income. He made a fortune: "Okay, send the list to my email, and I will review and reply to you as soon as possible."

After hanging up the phone, I leaned back in my chair, briefly savoring this moment of accomplishment.

(End of this chapter)