Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 232 Five Things

In November, the bright and warm early winter sun gently shone through the glass onto the wooden writing desk.

Liu Shishi nestled lazily in her comfortable gaming chair, her long, black hair cascading over her shoulders. Wearing headphones, she stared intently at the screen.

A pair of slender, jade-like fingers tapped incessantly on the keyboard, while she anxiously muttered, "Sicong, watch out for the boss's aggro! Ugh, I died again. You're such a bad tank, you can't even hold aggro!"

On the screen, the battle was in full swing when suddenly the big boss unleashed a powerful skill. A flash of light appeared, and the priest controlled by the top player fell to the ground, the computer screen instantly going dark.

Without the support of the healer, the team was thrown into chaos, and in no time, the boss mercilessly wiped out the entire team.

Ms. Liu angrily pushed the keyboard, leaned back listlessly, and slumped into her chair: "I'm not playing anymore! We got wiped out 4 times this afternoon! What a waste of my game time."

On the other end, Wang Sicong heard Liu Shishi's angry words coming from the TT voice chat. Knowing that he was in the wrong, he quickly begged for forgiveness: "It's my fault! I'll make up for the wasted points. I'll recharge your account with twenty more later."

"You don't need to top up. I still have plenty of game time left on this account. I'll probably use it all up this year, and the Nine City points card won't be useful next year."

Wang Sicong asked in confusion, "Why can't I use the Nine Cities prepaid cards?"

Liu Shishi joked, "Because I'm a prophet, I'll buy Tengda's TD platform recharge cards from now on."

Hearing the obvious hint, Wang Sicong quickly realized after a moment's thought: "Tengda is going to be the distributor of World of Warcraft next year?!"

"Keep it to yourself, but don't tell anyone else. There are still some details in the contract between Tenda and Blizzard that are being discussed. If the news gets out now, it will definitely cause changes."

The eldest sister, sitting upright, was worried that Wang Dashao would go around talking nonsense and leak secrets, so she quickly gave him some instructions.

Wang Sicong abandoned her usual nonchalant attitude: "Don't worry, I know what's important."

But he only stayed serious for three seconds before grinning again: "By the way, sis, if Tengda were to become the distributor of World of Warcraft, could we ask my brother to pull some strings and get us some top-tier gear?"

"You go if you want, don't drag me along. When I was playing Happy Farm before, I wanted to get more fertilizer, and he scolded me for it."

If you're not afraid of getting yelled at, feel free to try, but I must warn you, Mr. Song can be incredibly fierce when he gets angry!

"Never mind then!" Wang Sicong shrank back. If Liu Shishi didn't help him fight, he wouldn't dare go to Song Ci alone. "By the way, did my brother ever scold you?"

"No, not at all." Liu Shishi rested her chin on one hand, looking happy. Although Mr. Song would occasionally scold her and liked to lecture her, the two of them had never quarreled since they were young.

Young Master Wang sighed, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him: "I envy you!" His tone was tinged with melancholy. After breaking up with his ex-girlfriend, his mindset had changed, and he could never go back to the way things were before.

Just then, Sister Yi noticed her phone vibrating in front of the keyboard: "I have a call! We'll talk later."

After saying that, he turned off TT Voice, fiddled with his hair, took off his earphones, peeked out, saw that it was Cai Yinong calling, swiped his little finger to answer.

"Sister K, is something the matter?"

Cai Yinong, who was far away in the East China Sea, nodded: "I have a few things to tell you. Are you free now?"

"It's convenient, I'm at home, go ahead and say it, Sister K."

"Tengda Culture is scheduled to hold a celebration banquet for 'First Love' at the Beiping Hotel on the afternoon of November 21st. In addition to you, the female lead, Hu Ge, Yuan Hong, and I will all attend."

When the movie was mentioned, Liu Shishi beamed with joy: "That's great, it's more lively with more people."

"A Little Thing Called First Love" finished its run a week ago, closing with a box office of 10372 million yuan. Liu Shishi also successfully became the leading actress in a film with a box office of over 100 million yuan, and instantly became a hot young actress in the film and television industry.

Upon hearing the eldest sister's joyful words, Cai Yinong silently muttered, "Silly girl!"

Although the movie has ended, she still felt that the box office of "First Love" rising against the trend in the last few days was a bit strange.

The inexperienced woman couldn't see the problem and simply assumed it was due to the efforts of a group of celebrities who promoted the company heavily to enhance Tengda's image.

But she was a seasoned veteran and suspected that Tengda might have used some underhanded tactics. However, since her own top star was the beneficiary, she didn't bother to think too deeply about it.

"The second thing is that Zhang Jizhong has extended an olive branch, asking you to play a cameo role in his new film, 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber'."

Liu Shishi asked with curiosity, "Why would Zhang Dahuzi think of asking me to make a cameo appearance? I don't know him at all, we've never crossed paths."

Cai Yinong explained, "This is his consistent style; he loves to create hype. He used to bring Zhou Xun and Nie Yuan into the production of 'The Condor Heroes' to generate buzz."

Now that you, the leading lady whose films gross over 100 million yuan, are so popular, he's trying to ride on your fame. He contacted Hu Ge through the lead actress, An Yixuan, subtly trying to invite you to make a cameo appearance.

What role will you be playing?

"Huang Shangnu. It's not a lot of scenes, and it can be filmed in a week. If you don't want to go, I'll help you go back."

After thinking for a moment, Ms. Liu said, "I'd better go. Since they've already approached Lao Hu, we can't make things difficult for him."

Besides, it's only a week's worth of filming, and I'm not busy lately, so it wouldn't hurt to do a cameo. I'll just consider it helping a friend out and experiencing a different role."

“Okay, then I’ll tell Zhang Jizhong that we’ll decide on the specific time for joining the crew later. Anyway, ‘Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre’ has only just started filming, so we have plenty of time.”

"Sister K, you can arrange it for me. December or January next year is fine when I come back from abroad."

Cai Yinong kept the timeline in mind and continued, "The third thing, do you remember that patriotic film I mentioned to you on set last time?"

"I remember! It was filmed by Huaying!"

"Good to remember. The production team for this drama has already started organizing auditions. Have you talked to President Song about needing roles?"

Liu Shishi belatedly realized: "They've already auditioned! I haven't even told Song Ci yet!"

"Then hurry up and tell me! It's been almost a month!" Cai Yinong said impatiently, rolling his eyes involuntarily.

Sometimes she gets anxious for the top star, but sometimes she really doesn't care about her own career.

Those who can participate in patriotic films are all actors with some status in the industry. If we don't start preparing now and wait for the roles to be decided before trying to snatch them up, wouldn't we be offending people for nothing?

Liu Shishi quickly replied, "Oh, I'll tell him when he comes over for dinner tonight."

"Remember to say it, don't delay any longer," Cai Yinong added, "The fourth thing..."

"Is there something else?"

"Let me finish speaking!"

Liu Shishi said patiently, "Sister K, please continue!"

"What are your work plans for next year? Are you going to film 'The Weaver Girl'?"

The lead actress shook her head vigorously: "No, no. I don't like that script. The screenwriter is terrible, the plot is clichéd, and the character settings are unoriginal. It probably won't make a splash." Cai Yinong was furious. The lead actress was really getting cocky, actually looking down on Tangren's dramas: "Are you sure you don't want to film it? I'll find someone else for the female lead!"

Liu Shishi's tone was firm as she resolutely refused: "No filming!"

Cai Yi Nong was helpless. Now that the leading lady is very opinionated, she couldn't force her: "You still have to film next year, right? You need to prepare early. You can't just stay idle, otherwise it won't be good if your popularity and buzz drop."

Liu Shishi's lazy nature was exposed as she exclaimed, "Sister K, I've only been resting for a few days. Filming 'Chinese Paladin 3' took four months. Let me rest a few more days."

Besides, participating in the patriotic film and having a cameo role in "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" will take time; let's talk about it next year. I'll ask Mr. Song then if he has any good scripts to recommend.

Cai Yi-nong had no choice but to compromise with the top female star: "Alright! I'll keep an eye out for good scripts for you during this time. You should also pay more attention to them yourself."

"Any thing else?"

"Yes! Fifthly, congratulations on landing a new endorsement deal."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi beamed with delight: "What type? What brand? How much is the endorsement fee?"

"Xiangyi Herbals skincare products. Thanks to the box office success of 'First Love,' your endorsement fee has increased significantly. The brand is very sincere, offering 600 million yuan for two years, which is almost close to the endorsement fee of a top-tier female star."

With a new endorsement deal coming her way, money was just around the corner, and her previously empty wallet was about to bulge. Liu Shishi's eyes lit up, and she blurted out, "I'll take it!"

“Okay! After I investigate, if there are no problems with the product, we can sign the contract at the end of the month, and you need to make time to shoot the advertisement in December.”

"Thank you for your help, Sister K."

"One last thing. Are you sure you want to make the arrangements for going to Switzerland at the end of the year? Don't make a complete mess of it."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi looked unconvinced: "Sister K, don't underestimate me. I'm super good at making travel plans! Just rest assured and listen to my arrangements."

Seeing that the eldest sister insisted, Cai Yi-nong said no more: "Then I won't worry about it and will wait for good news."

"Don't worry!" Liu Shishi said seriously. She wanted to give Song Ci an unforgettable birthday, so she had to personally plan the itinerary.

After ending the call, Liu Shishi put her phone aside, put her earphones back on, and reopened TT Voice.

Young Master Wang's lazy yet eager voice came through again: "Sis, you've been on the phone for quite a while. Are you still playing Warcraft?"

"Let's talk about some work-related matters, that's all for now! Si Cong, I'm planning a trip to Switzerland next month. You studied in Europe, so you must have been to Switzerland before. Do you have any recommendations for good tourist attractions?"

“Switzerland!” Wang Sicong quickly recalled, “The scenery is quite beautiful, and there are quite a few famous attractions.”

Jungfraujoch is a must-visit destination. Its summit is covered in snow and shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland.

There's also Lake Lucerne, Chillon Castle, and other places worth visiting. Are you and my brother going on vacation?

"Yes, I'm planning the trip and need to arrange the itinerary."

"Why not just pay some money and it'll all be taken care of? Why bother with all that trouble yourself?" Young Master Wang scoffed. In his view, paying for services was easy and convenient.

Liu Shishi shook her head slightly and murmured, "This time is different. I have a special plan that I want to arrange personally."

"I really can't figure out what women are thinking!" Young Master Wang couldn't understand. This wasn't like someone who was deliberately suffering. "Sister, you can ask that girl I introduced you to last time."

She often vacations in Switzerland and owns a large villa in Zurich. I can let her know, and you can stay at her villa, saving you the trouble of booking a hotel.

"That girl named He Chaolian?"

"Yes, she's a friend of mine from when I was studying in the UK. We Chinese students got along pretty well, and she was very generous when we went out together."

Liu Shishi hesitated, her fingers gently twirling the earphone cord: "Won't this be too much trouble for others? There are quite a few of us here, besides me and Song Ci, there are also several main actors from 'Chinese Paladin 3,' a total of seven people."

Wang Sicong said nonchalantly, "It's okay, her villa is huge, it can accommodate seven, let alone seventeen."

The key is that this young lady is quite interested in the entertainment industry, and she's very warm and hospitable. I bet she'd be thrilled if you could stay for a few days; otherwise, I wouldn't have dared to recommend you, right?

"I think I'll pass. Staying at someone's house will inevitably incur some expenses. It's better not to owe them a favor."

Wang Sicong emphasized exaggeratedly, "Money is no problem at all. How much can a few days' stay cost? They're super rich."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi immediately became interested in He Chaolian: "How generous can she be? How does she compare to you? I heard from Song Ci that your father gave you 5 million in one go."

"If we're talking about who's richer, it's definitely the He family. They're much richer than ours. Even my brother is far less wealthy than them."

However, with many siblings in her family, Laurinda will only receive a small portion of the inheritance, unlike me, an only child.

Ms. Liu was slightly surprised. Her husband, Mr. Song, was the richest man in mainland China, although she knew that many extremely wealthy families might be low-key and not on the list.

But judging from Wang Sicong's tone, the He family's wealth was beyond imagination. Unable to resist further inquiry, she asked, "Which family does she belong to?"

Wang Sicong didn't keep them in suspense: "The He family is the number one family in Australia. Chaolian's father is the famous Gambling King."

"The daughter of the gambling king!" Liu Shishi was startled, then shook her head: "Never mind, I won't trouble her."

Even if she hadn't experienced it firsthand, she had seen it on TV dramas. Such extremely wealthy families were rife with all sorts of grudges, love affairs, and troubles.

She was just going on vacation; it's not like she couldn't afford a luxury hotel. There was no need for her to insist on staying in someone else's villa and cause unnecessary trouble.

Wang Sicong immediately panicked: "No, sis, that villa is Chaolian's private property. Really, staying there for a few days won't cause any trouble."

Seeing that Young Master Wang kept urging her to live in a big villa, Liu Shishi immediately became suspicious: "Sicong, why do I feel that you are so enthusiastic, do you have ulterior motives?"

"Absolutely not. I'm just a kind-hearted person who simply wants to help everyone solve their accommodation problems and make your vacation more comfortable."

"Really not?"

Having said all that, Young Master Wang, realizing he couldn't hide it any longer, chuckled sheepishly and told the truth:

"Sister, I didn't mean anything by it, I just wanted to go on vacation with you guys. I was thinking it would be more convenient to stay at Chaolian Villa, so I could just go there directly."

"I knew it, your enthusiasm was a bit off."

Wang Sicong was still unwilling to give up and repeatedly assured her, "Sister, it's really fine to stay at Chaolian's place. She's a very nice girl. You'll definitely like her if you meet her. I'll take responsibility if anything happens."

Unable to refuse Wang Dashao's hospitality, Liu Shishi hesitated again. After thinking for a moment, she said, "How about this, Si Cong, I'll ask Song Ci tonight. If he has no objections, we can stay at He Chaolian's villa."

Wang Sicong replied expectantly, "No problem! I'll be waiting for your good news, sister!"

(End of this chapter)