Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 242 Building Connections
On February 4th, which happened to be the day of Lichun (the beginning of spring), a time of fluctuating temperatures, Liu Shishi went to the Huairou Film and Television Base to report to the crew of the TV series "The Founding of a Republic".

Upon arriving at the production base, the entire crew was bustling with activity, and the production assistants were busy preparing for filming.

Celebrities and stars who are rarely seen in normal times are now everywhere, either engrossed in reading scripts or chatting in small groups.

"Wow, Chen Daoming, Zhang Guoli, so many big names! The cast of this movie is too luxurious."

Assistant Jiang Yuanyuan stared wide-eyed, following closely behind the top sister, exclaiming in amazement.

The spring chill lingered, and a gentle breeze swept by. Liu Shishi unconsciously shrank her neck: "After all, it's a tribute film, so it has a different significance. This movie has more than a hundred stars in it, and they all acted without receiving any payment."

Jiang Yuanyuan looked around and exclaimed in amazement, "It's a pity that Xiaoxia didn't come. I've really seen the world today. I got to see dozens of celebrities at once. This trip was worthwhile."

Since the filming location was in Beiping, and I estimated that my role wouldn't be very big, and that it would only take three to five days to finish filming.

Therefore, Liu Shishi did not allow Lin Xia, who was far away in Donghai, to come along. She told Lin Xia to start work after the Lantern Festival. As a result, only Jiang Yuanyuan was with Liu Shishi at this time.

After the two explained their purpose to the staff, a stagehand led Liu Shishi to a temporary office set up by the film crew.

In the somewhat simple office, Han Sanping, chairman of China Film Group, and Huang Jianxin, president of the Directors Guild, were sitting at a square table, discussing the division of labor in the filming.

This significant film, "The Founding of a Republic," was co-directed by these two.

"Old Han, let's divide the work like this. After the press conference on the 9th, I'll take a group of people to Nanjing for location shooting."

“Okay, let’s work harder these next few days, finish the scenes with short screen time first, and then focus on filming the main storyline.”

A knock came at the door, breaking the atmosphere of the discussion inside.

"Come in."

Outside the door, Liu Shishi instructed her assistant to wait for her for a while. After hearing the response, she pushed the door open and entered.

"Chairman Han, hello! Liu Shishi is here to report for duty." As soon as Sister Yi entered the room, she hurriedly greeted Han Sanping, and then subtly looked around the office.

She didn't recognize the other person in the room, but after a slight pause, she greeted him politely: "Hello, teacher."

Huang Jianxin nodded slightly, glancing at Liu Shishi with a faint look in his eyes, feeling that the girl looked somewhat familiar.

However, I didn't pay much attention to it, thinking it was just some minor celebrity making a cameo appearance. These past few days, the crew has had more than a dozen actors coming and going every day, with many different faces.

Han Sanping knew Liu's identity, so he was quite polite and smiled as he pointed to the stool next to him: "Shishi is here, sit down and let's talk."

Huang Jianxin was slightly surprised by Han Sanping's amiable attitude. His old friend was no different from Chen Daoming and Tang Guoqiang. He couldn't help but wonder if the young girl in front of him was Han's junior.
Liu Shishi sat down as instructed and waited quietly for the arrangements.

"This is Director Huang." Han Sanping said in a calm tone, first introducing the person next to him to Liu Shishi.

Then, squinting and pondering for a moment, he pulled out a document from a thick stack of files on the table and handed it to Miss Liu.

"Shishi, the role we've assigned you is a female announcer. Here's the script. Take it home and read it carefully, think it over seriously. Spend the next two days on set, get a feel for the atmosphere, and you'll start filming your scenes the day after tomorrow."

"Thank you, Chairman Han!" Liu Shishi smiled sweetly and quickly took the script. "If there's nothing else, I'll head out now?"

Han Sanping nodded, a hint of encouragement on his face: "Go ahead, get to know the senior members of the crew and learn from them. Call me if you need anything."

"I'm sorry to have taken up the directors' time." The leading lady was very polite. She stood up, gave a slight bow, and turned to leave the office.

Watching Liu Shishi's slender figure disappear into the distance, Han Sanping sighed helplessly, took out a pack of cigarettes from his jacket pocket, and expertly brandished two: "Want a puff?"

"Have one to perk me up." Huang Jianxin held a cigarette between two fingers and took out a lighter.

First, bring the flame close to your old friend and light his cigarette, then light the cigarette in your own mouth.

The office fell silent for a moment as the two men puffed on their cigarettes, filling the air with smoke.

"I remember you promised Huang Shengyi the role of the announcer, didn't you? Why did you give the script to that girl again?"

Han Sanping exhaled a smoke ring: "Let's change Huang Shengyi's role to that of a reporter."

"A news anchor's job is a one-woman show with several lines, while reporters are part of an ensemble cast. The other party is a popular 'Star Girl' (actress who rose to fame through Stephen Chow's films), would they agree to this?"

Han Sanping snorted coldly: "It would be good enough to have a single scene in 'The Founding of a Republic.' Even Stephen Chow himself didn't get to act in it, let alone a 'Star Girl' who terminated her contract. Every actor should think about the bigger picture."

As for what constitutes the big picture, Han Sanping, the chairman of China Film Group, producer and director of "The Founding of a Republic," embodies the big picture. The decisions he makes are not something these minor actors in the industry have the right to refuse.

Huang Jianxin discerned something: "What's the background of that young girl named Liu Shishi? Is she a relative or a junior?"

The room was filled with smoke. Han Sanping slowly exhaled the smoke from his chest: "That guy from Tengda Group put in a good word for me. I owe him a favor. Liu Shishi is his fiancée."

Thanks to Song Ci's help in promoting and campaigning for him, he received the most online votes last month and was successfully elected as the 2008 Economic Person of the Year, which was quite a boost to his reputation.

But the favors owed must be repaid.

Huang Jianxin looked surprised: "Song Ci, the richest man! Isn't this girl the female protagonist in the engagement incident on Weibo a few days ago?"

"is her!"

"They kept it well hidden. I never imagined the richest man would find a wife in the entertainment industry," Director Huang thought to himself in amazement.

He never expected that the richest man's fiancée, whom so many netizens were curious about, was a female celebrity in the entertainment industry. It was truly unexpected.

Huang Jianxin immediately understood the reason for his friend's sudden change of heart. Even though Han Sanping did not owe Song Ci a favor, since the richest man had spoken up, he had to give him face no matter what.

The chairman of Huaying is impressive, but he'll only be in that position for three to five years before retirement. But that young master is like a rising sun, with an infinitely bright future. We can't afford to offend him.

Thinking of this, the president of the Directors Guild couldn't help but have some ulterior motives. He was a well-known director in the industry, but he was getting old, and his son, Huang Lei, still needed to seek development in the industry.

Tengda Culture is now the number one giant in the entertainment industry. It's time to help my son get some connections. It just so happens that he was in charge of directing the scene with Liu Shishi as the announcer. Isn't this the perfect opportunity?

"I understand. I'll take care of things when we're filming."

Han Sanping nodded: "Finish filming as soon as possible and ask them to leave. That will put my mind at ease."

The two directors reached a consensus and then discussed the filming details. Meanwhile, Liu Shishi left her office and wandered around the film set with her assistant, hoping to run into an acquaintance.

Sure enough, before the first sister had even finished her tour, she ran into an acquaintance.

"Brother Chao! Long time no see!"

Deng Chao was holding the script and chatting with Tong Dawei when he suddenly heard someone calling him. He turned around and saw that it was Liu Shishi, who had made a cameo appearance in the "Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre" series.

He was always one to make friends easily, and a friendly smile immediately appeared on his face as he waved and greeted them warmly.
"Shishi, you're also in 'The Founding of a Republic'? You've become even more beautiful since I last saw you. You look radiant, is there something good to celebrate?"

The eldest sister, who had been radiant lately, cupped her pretty face in her hands upon hearing this: "Brother Chao, you were able to spot that, you're amazing."

Deng Chao was slightly taken aback. He had only said it casually, but he hadn't expected the other party to actually have good news. He chuckled and replied:
"When people are happy, they are in high spirits and their energy is different. Come, let me introduce you, this is Tong Dawei."

Tong Dawei smiled gently and extended his right hand: "Hello, Liu Shishi, the top female star of Tangren Media."

The woman was slightly surprised and shook hands with her: "Teacher Tong, do you know me?"

Tong Dawei explained with a smile, "You're a popular young actress, so it's normal for me to know you. Besides, I saw you at the Bazaar Charity Gala last year."

Liu Shishi smiled shyly; she really didn't remember Tong Dawei from that party.

After getting to know each other, they were all young people, and with Deng Chao keeping the atmosphere lively with his witty remarks, the three of them quickly got into a lively conversation.

"Brother Chao, has filming wrapped up for 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber'?"

"No, there's still about a month of filming left. After I finish filming here, I have to rush back to Wudang Mountain."

Please give my regards to Producer Zhang, Director Yu, and everyone else.

Deng Chao's face stiffened. Liu Shishi's week-long guest appearance on the set had aroused the hostility of several leading actresses. Online articles were flying everywhere, saying that she outshone everyone else, which infuriated An Yixuan and the others.

The female protagonists made some sarcastic remarks on Weibo, but before Liu Shishi could even make a move, they were all attacked by her fans, nicknamed "Little Lion," and were so frightened that they turned off their Weibo comments.

Seeing that the eldest sister looked completely at ease, Deng Chao knew that she didn't care about the past at all. He secretly sighed and felt that the three of them were indeed of different levels and perspectives.

Not wanting to continue the conversation on this topic, I changed the subject: "Shishi, have you taken on any new projects? I remember your Tangren's 'Chinese Paladin 3' wrapped up filming a while ago, right?"

"Of course I've received offers, but my next project isn't with my company. It's an urban drama called 'Du Lala's Promotion' produced by Donghai Media Group."

Liu Shishi looked on with anticipation. She had already signed a contract with the production team and would be joining the crew next month. This was her first urban workplace drama, a new role and a new challenge. She felt both nervous and excited.

What was said without intention was taken to heart by the listener. Standing to the side, Tong Dawei appeared calm on the surface, but he had memorized the title of the TV series, "Du Lala's Promotion Diary."

Taking the opportunity, he inquired, "Teacher Liu, has the male lead for this drama been cast yet?"

"No. If Teacher Tong is interested, she can audition for the male lead."

The eldest sister is quick-witted. As soon as Tong Dawei inquired, she immediately realized that he had designs on the male lead of this drama.

The production team was about to organize auditions, and she originally wanted to introduce the male lead of "Du Lala's Promotion" to Hu Ge, but unfortunately Hu Ge had also taken on a modern urban drama called "Bitter Coffee," so there was a scheduling conflict.

Since Tong Dawei just happened to ask about it, I might as well do him a favor.

Tong Dawei was secretly delighted. His career had been going poorly for the past two years. Ever since he missed out on the hit drama "Struggle", the ratings of the TV series he starred in had been lukewarm, and his status in the entertainment industry was in jeopardy. If he continued to be so depressed, he might really be forgotten by the audience.

Liu Shishi is a rising starlet with immense popularity. Perhaps working with her could turn my career around.

Moreover, the production company of this drama is Donghai Cultural and Broadcasting Group, which is located in the same area as Chentian Entertainment. His agent, Wang Jinghua, has extensive connections in the industry and might be able to help secure it.

"Thank you very much, Teacher Liu. If I am successful in the interview, I look forward to your guidance in the future."

Liu Shishi waved her hand dismissively. The production team was already planning to hold open auditions for the male lead. Even if she leaked the news to Tong Dawei beforehand, whether he would succeed depended on his own abilities.

While the group was chatting, Chen Daoming spotted Tong Dawei in the distance and came over to greet him.

Chen Daoming possessed an inexplicable aura, exuding a mature and composed charm in every gesture: "Dawei, reporting for duty!"

"Teacher Chen!" "Hello, Teacher Chen."

Upon seeing Chen Daoming, the three dared not be negligent and quickly greeted him, for he was a senior figure in the film and television industry with a high status within the circle.

Tong Dawei, in particular, was extremely respectful. He had just finished working with Chen Daoming on "Our Youth Has Nowhere to Go" last year, and both of them were managed by Wang Jinghua, so they were quite close.

Liu Shishi's eyes lit up with admiration, and she was unusually enthusiastic, beaming with a smile: "Teacher Chen, I'm Liu Shishi. Could you sign my autograph for me? My mother is a fan of yours, and she really likes you."

Chen Daoming was once an idol who captivated countless young girls, and even now that he's older, his charm remains undiminished.

She still enjoys immense popularity in the entertainment industry, with many middle-aged and elderly female fans, including Liu's mother.

"Hello, Shishi, no problem."

Chen Daoming was immediately drawn to the girl's innocent and romantic nature, and the simplicity and sincerity in her eyes. He readily agreed.

At the same time, he looked Liu Shishi up and down. He particularly admired this junior with a clean and pure temperament, especially the purity revealed in her eyes, which was not something that people in the entertainment industry, a big dye vat, could have.

Jiang Yuanyuan reacted quickly, taking out paper and pen from her handbag.

Chen Daoming took the paper and pen, pondered for a moment, then wrote down a blessing and returned the paper and pen to the delighted Liu Shishi.

The woman carefully kept the autograph, overjoyed: "Thank you, Teacher Chen. My mother will be so happy. I also really liked your portrayal of Emperor Kangxi. I wonder if there will be an opportunity in the future to have you act in it again?"

Ms. Liu said this on a whim. She knew that Tengda Culture and Tangren Film & Television planned to collaborate on a Qing Dynasty drama in the second half of the year or next year. Upon seeing Chen Daoming here, she subconsciously said this.

"Would you like to play Emperor Kangxi again?" Chen Daoming was a little dazed. "Kangxi Dynasty" was his masterpiece. Even if he played the role again, he didn't know if he could create that classic character image again.

Liu Shishi nodded expectantly: "Yes, I have a script for a Qing Dynasty drama, which is a co-production between Tengda Culture and Tangren Film & Television. If you are interested, I can send it to you in a few days."

Chen Daoming suddenly became interested: "Okay, send it to me another day. I also want to try to break through my peak."

(End of this chapter)