Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 228 A Passionate Person
Song Ci felt a pang of displeasure, thinking that Han Sanping's demands were really too much.

However, with everyone watching, he couldn't afford to make a scene, so he could only patiently listen to the other person continue.

Han Sanping rubbed his hands together, becoming somewhat reserved, and said somewhat embarrassedly:

"Well, Chairman Song, I have made some contributions to the development of Chinese films in the past two years. I am honored by the leadership and have been nominated as China's Economic Person of the Year in 2008."

Song Ci was slightly taken aback. What did this have to do with him? But out of politeness, he still offered his congratulations: "Congratulations, Chairman Han!"

"Chairman Song, to be honest, I really crave this honor. If I am selected, I will be the only representative from the entertainment industry to be selected since the award was first established."

Han Sanping stared excitedly at Song Ci, his eyes filled with an indescribable longing.

Song Ci was completely bewildered, not understanding why Han Sanping was saying these things to him: "Chairman Han, if there's anything I can help you with, just say so."

Han Sanping looked around and lowered his voice: "Chairman Song, I just wanted to ask, how can we ensure our election?"

Song Ci looked frustrated: "How would I know! Chairman Han, are you misunderstanding something? I've never participated in this kind of award before, I don't know anything about it."

Han Sanping saw that Song Ci's expression did not seem to be fake: "It was Director Jiang of CCTV who asked me to consult you. The Economic Channel is under Director Jiang's jurisdiction, so there's no reason for him to fool me."

"I'll call him right now." Song Ci was a woman of action; she pulled her phone out of her suit pocket. Rather than guessing blindly, she decided to ask the person directly.

After waiting for about half a minute, the call was finally connected.

"Chairman Song, what brings you to contact me today?"

"Jiang Tai, Chairman Han of Huaying is with me..."

Song Ci recounted the events that had just occurred from beginning to end, waiting for Jiang Tao to clarify his doubts.

"So that's what it is!" Jiang Tao laughed heartily. "Chairman Song, you may not know this, but the rules for selecting the annual economic figures have been reformed this year."

To increase public participation, the weight of online voting has been significantly increased. The top three candidates with the most online votes will be directly elected.

Chairman Han is also a prominent figure in our publicity system. Since he asked me, I naturally gave him some pointers.

"Isn't the internet your private domain, Mr. Song? Helping Mr. Han get into the top three is a piece of cake."

"I see!" Jiang Tao explained the reason, and Song Ci understood the whole story.

In the past, when CCTV selected its annual economic figures, online voting had very little weight, so it was useless for people to vote, which eventually made the public lose interest in participating.

Therefore, this year's selection system has been slightly reformed, and a bold attempt has been made to give three slots to netizens to decide, which can greatly increase the enthusiasm of netizens to participate.

In any case, the candidates are all "insiders" who have undergone rigorous screening at every level. Unless specifically named by higher authorities, CCTV doesn't care who gets elected.

"Chairman Song, please help Chairman Han out and have him nominate you for the election next year. I have other things to attend to, so I won't say any more."

After hurriedly hanging up the phone, Song Ci gave a wry smile; it was all a matter of being forced into something.

Seeing Song Ci put down her phone, Han Sanping couldn't wait to ask, "What did Jiang Tai say?"

"Mr. Han, were you aware that the top three in the online vote are directly selected?"

"I know!"

"Then why go to all this trouble? Just ask any celebrity in the entertainment industry to do some voting, and getting into the top three will be a piece of cake. I don't think anyone in the entertainment industry would dare to disrespect you."

Han Sanping shook his head, his face serious: "If it were business friends helping me promote and garner votes, that would be fine, but directly approaching celebrities in the entertainment industry would have a bad influence."

Song Ci nodded: "It was my oversight. Since Chairman Han and Jiang Tai have spoken up, I will handle the rest. I will do my best to help you."

"Thank you, Chairman Song!"

Han Sanping was filled with anticipation. He was 55 years old and at a crucial juncture in his life.

Although Huaying has undergone restructuring, the possibility of him being promoted back to a leadership position in the propaganda system is very low.

But one must always have dreams, what if they come true? So now he doesn't want to let go of any means to increase his chances.

In a corner of the venue, Cai Yinong, who accompanied Liu Shishi to the premiere, kept his attention on Song Ci.

Seeing him chatting happily with Han Sanping, a thought couldn't help but arise in his mind.

The entire entertainment industry has heard the news that Huaying Film Studio is about to shoot a tribute film, and it is said that half of the big names in the entertainment industry will participate.

The spiritual connotation of this kind of tribute film is far beyond what commercial interests can measure. Even if an actor were to desperately try, Huaying Film Studio probably wouldn't be interested.

Since Song Ci knows the chairman of Huaying Film Studio, perhaps our top female star can secure a good role in the tribute film.

Hu Ge, who was standing next to Cai Yinong, looked in the direction Cai Yinong was looking and asked, "Is that the famous Third Master Han?"

Cai Yinong nodded: "It's him. He's definitely after Song Dynasty poetry."

Hu Ge exclaimed sincerely, "I didn't have a direct experience of this before, but now that I see even the top figure in the entertainment industry, Master Han, being so polite to Song Ci, I realize the power of a business tycoon."

Cai Yi-nong looked smug: "With Shi-shi's connection, the higher the status of Song poetry, the better for us! Don't rush, the opportunity for Tangren to develop will come when Shi-shi becomes a formal Mrs. Song."

She had been going to great lengths to win over Liu Shishi, showing great care for the eldest sister and playing the emotional card, and rarely used the eldest sister's relationship with Song Ci to make any demands.

It wasn't that she didn't want to leverage the momentum to help the company take off sooner, but rather that the time wasn't right.

The current top male and female stars' careers haven't reached their peak yet, and Tangren doesn't have any other outstanding artists under its management, so even if they acquire resources, it wouldn't make much difference.

The golden age for Tangren Media's expansion will only arrive when Hu Ge and Liu Shishi have secured their positions at the top and no longer need Tangren's resources to support them, but can instead contribute back to the company.

By then, when both the eldest brother and sister are capable of handling things independently, she should start considering the issue of succession.

"I know, Sister K, I'll do whatever you say. I know what I'm doing."

Hu Ge is also well aware of the situation. The reason why Liu Shishi is still willing to stay with Tangren Media is twofold: firstly, it is because of the feelings they have accumulated over the years, and secondly, Song Ci really doesn't care which company the leading lady works for, as long as she is happy.

“There’s something else.” Cai Yinong frowned slightly. “You should try to comfort Yuan Hong more often and do some ideological work with him. I feel that he has a deep-seated prejudice against me and the company lately.” Hu Ge sighed, fully aware of what Sister K was saying. Her good brother was indeed extremely dissatisfied with the company: “I know that Lao Yuan’s emotions have been unstable lately. I will have a good talk with him.”

Cai Yinong nodded slightly, his expression softening: "That's good. I'll let him play the male lead in the company's next film, 'The Weaver Girl,' giving him a chance to take the lead. As for the female lead, I'm still considering it."

Upon hearing this, Hu Ge's face showed a relieved expression. Having the opportunity to play the male lead meant he could keep his good friend in check.

While the two from Tangren Media were busy discussing important plans, Wang Sicong bid farewell to Song Ci and Han Sanping and slipped straight into the screening room.

On the stage in the hall, the cast and crew of "First Love" were making final preparations for the premiere.

"Director Teng, if a reporter asks me about my box office expectations, I'm not sure. What do you think would be a suitable answer?"

Chen Xiao looked nervous and at a loss, after all, it was his first time attending a movie premiere, and he needed to consult with the director about anything he was unsure about.

Teng Huatao did not answer immediately. After a moment's thought, he turned his gaze to the female lead: "Shishi, what do you think is a suitable amount for us to bid?"

Today, the eldest sister wore a beige dress, maintaining her usual gentle and pure style.

He tilted his head and thought seriously for a moment: "I have confidence in the screenwriter and Director Teng, and I also have confidence in the quality of the film. I'm thinking we can be a little bolder and expect the box office to be 100 million."

"One hundred million!" Zhao Liying, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but exclaim when she heard this number. She quickly covered her mouth, her eyes filled with shock.

Chen Xiao was also secretly amazed, and a thought arose in his mind that the female lead was a bit too arrogant.

After all, both he and Liu Shishi were relatively new to the big screen and didn't have much box office appeal; he wouldn't even dare to dream of a 100 million yuan box office.

"Okay! Let's stick to the same story and say the box office forecast is 100 million."

Teng Huatao smiled broadly, full of admiration for Liu Shishi, appreciating her confidence.

He's the godfather of youth films and a director with films grossing over 100 million yuan. "First Love" is his forte in the youth genre, so it would be embarrassing for him to say it's low-rated.

"Bravo!" Just then, a shout abruptly interrupted the conversation. The group looked in the direction of the sound and discovered that a member of the audience had quietly appeared in the audience.

Teng Huatao assumed he was an invited audience member or film critic who had sneaked in. Out of professional rigor, he politely but distantly called out, "Friend, the premiere hasn't officially started yet. The crew is rehearsing. Please wait outside for a moment."

The newcomer seemed not to hear him, casually waving his hand and ignoring Teng Huatao's words: "It's alright, you guys line up, I'm just taking a look, it's no trouble."

On stage, Liu Shishi stared intently, and after recognizing the voice, she exclaimed with delight, "Oh, Si Cong, you're back in China? Why didn't you give me a heads-up?"

Upon hearing this, Teng Huatao frowned slightly: "Shishi, is this your friend? We're rehearsing right now, why don't you ask him to leave first? You can catch up after the premiere."

Seeing that Young Master Wang was being looked down upon, Liu Shishi covered her mouth and chuckled, then introduced him softly: "Director Teng, this is the young master of Wanda Group. The venue for our premiere was provided by him, so I dare not ask him to leave."

Upon hearing this, Teng Huatao's face instantly showed a hint of embarrassment, and he said with an awkward smile, "Shishi, the rehearsals are almost over. Since your friend has come to see you, we can't be impolite. You two chat, just don't delay our business."

The first lady chuckled, thinking that Director Teng really had a flexible bottom line. She then stepped off the stage and gracefully moved to Wang Dashao's side.

"Sicong, when did you come back to China?"

Wang Sicong sat lazily in the middle of the first row, her posture relaxed, and answered casually, "I just got back last month."

Liu Shishi carefully examined Wang Dashao and saw that he looked normal, without the slightest hint of dejection. She couldn't help but tease him, "Oh, young master, you've figured it out? You've come out of the shadow of heartbreak?"

Wang Sicong's face stiffened. She thought to herself that Liu Shishi really knew how to bring up the most sensitive topics. She pouted and muttered, "I've already come to terms with it. There are plenty of fish in the sea."

"That's good, so that someone won't try to kill themselves."

Wang Sicong blushed and retorted defiantly, "That was just my way of expressing my feelings!"

He had a girlfriend before, and he was very devoted to her. However, he deliberately didn't reveal his identity as the young master of Wanda Group. As a result, the girl dumped him, which made him heartbroken and depressed for a long time.

Later, while chatting with Liu Shishi while playing games, he told her everything. Seeing that Wang Dashao was depressed, Liu Shishi often tried to cheer him up.

Liu Shishi sat down beside her, speaking like a caring older sister: "That girl isn't worth your lingering feelings. It's best if you can figure it out yourself. You're still young, find someone suitable. There are plenty of good girls out there, don't hang yourself on one tree."

Wang Sicong rolled her eyes: "Like attracts like. Your tone and manner are exactly the same as Song Ci's earlier. You're only a year older than me, but you act like you're so mature."

Liu Shishi, on the contrary, was smug: "This is what you call a couple looking alike, do you understand!"

Young Master Wang seemed somewhat dazed, his eyes dimming. He used to greatly admire the childhood sweethearts and devoted love between Song Ci and Liu Shishi.

So I wanted to find a girl who would be devoted to me, but unfortunately my first girlfriend dumped me for money. It's so ironic.

Seeing that Wang Sicong was distracted, the first sister guessed that he was thinking about his ex-girlfriend again, so she changed the subject: "After the premiere, Song Ci and I will treat you to dinner as a welcome back party."

"Okay! But I won't take your money for nothing. I've already spoken to my father at home. Wanda Cinemas will give your movie 3% more screenings for the first three days. As for whether we can maintain the same number of screenings later, that depends on the quality of the movie."

"Thank you!" Liu Shishi said with delight. Young Master Wang was indeed a good friend.

The first three days after a movie's release are crucial. If Wanda Cinemas gives "First Love" an extra 3% of screenings, it could generate tens or even hundreds of thousands of extra box office revenue.

Moreover, seeing that Wanda and Southern Cinema have both allocated a large number of screenings for "First Love," other cinema chains may also adjust their screening ratios accordingly.

Young Master Wang said nonchalantly, "It's nothing, we're all friends, no need to be so polite."

"By the way, Senior Sister, are you still playing World of Warcraft? You haven't logged in for a long time, but I've been having someone help you level up your character so your level and gear haven't fallen behind."

Although he met Liu Shishi through Song Ci, he actually found it more pleasant to be with Liu Shishi because of the difference in their social status.

This leading lady from Tangren Media has the straightforwardness of a girl from Beijing. She is not spoiled at all, treats people sincerely, and is very suitable to be a friend.

"Let's play! I've been busy filming 'Chinese Paladin 3', but I can take a break at the end of the month when filming wraps up. Then I'll ask you to play a game with me."

"Okay, I'll introduce you to a friend later."

"Forget it, I have no interest in getting to know your rich second-generation friends."

When Wang Sicong saw Liu Shishi refuse outright, he quickly explained, "She's a girl, a friend of mine from when I was studying in England. Her personality is very similar to yours, and I think you two will get along very well."

(End of this chapter)