Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 253 Time Conflict
April 1st, Donghai City, the film crew of "Du Lala's Promotion".

Having just finished filming a segment, Liu Shishi, dressed in her costume, returned to her RV, where two guests were waiting for her.

"Sister K, Lao Hu, what brings you here?" Sister Yi smiled, gentle and charming.

He then instructed the assistant who had boarded the car with him, "Xia, don't just stand there like an idiot, go and pour some tea."

Cai Yinong pulled the leading lady to sit down next to him and said with a smile, "You're filming in Donghai, so Hu Ge and I thought we'd come and visit you on set. We also have a few things to discuss."

Hu Ge looked around the interior of the vehicle and exclaimed sincerely, "Shishi, your RV is really great, it has everything you need."

Liu Shishi smiled gently, "RVs are really convenient! Lao Hu, you should get one too. By the way, haven't you reported to the 'Bitter Coffee' crew yet?"

As Hu Ge accepted the tea Lin Xia offered, she replied, "I just finished filming an advertisement for a brand, and I'll be joining the production team in mid-April. As for the RV, let's forget about it."

He's been riding high lately, having been named one of the "Four Little Fresh Meat" (a term referring to four popular young actors), his career has reached new heights.

The top female celebrity recently became the spokesperson for Yinlu Food Group, and he's not far behind, securing the brand spokesperson for Minute Maid Pulpy Orange.

Taking a sip of refreshing tea, Cai Yinong asked with concern, "How has your time on set been going this past week or so?"

"It went smoothly. The director and the entire crew took good care of me. The male lead, Tong Dawei, even owes me a favor and is usually very polite to me."

The top star acted as if it were perfectly natural. In the entertainment industry, a place of fame and fortune, the more popular and higher one's status, the more respect one receives.

She was recently selected as one of the Four Little Actresses and announced a new endorsement. She is currently at the peak of her popularity, and no production team would dare not treat her as a star.

Cai Yinong nodded upon hearing this, completely relieved.

Since joining Tangren Media in 05, the actress has spent most of her time filming at both the company and Tengda Media, except for a one-week guest appearance on the set of "Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre".

This was her first time filming away from home for an extended period. Cai Yinong was initially a little worried, but seeing Liu Shishi's energetic state, he knew that she was doing well and everything was going smoothly.

After chatting about everyday things for a while, Liu Shishi got down to business: "Sister K, you said you had a few things to discuss with me?"

"Yes, three things!"

Cai Yinong put down his teacup, grasped the first sister's soft hand, and slowly said: "The first thing is that the release date of 'Chinese Paladin 7' has been set. It will be broadcast on Jiangsu Satellite TV during the summer vacation in July."

"No need for a local test broadcast, it's going straight to satellite?" Liu Shishi tilted her head, slightly surprised.

Tangren Media has a habit of first airing a test episode on a local TV station to gauge audience reaction.

One advantage of doing this is that if the TV series is well-received, the network can demand exorbitant prices from the broadcasting station when it airs.

Of course, it's also possible that, like "Young Warriors of the Yang Clan," the show's initial broadcast performance was unsatisfactory, and no TV station was willing to take it on, resulting in huge losses.

However, Tangren Media's TV dramas are well-produced, and in most cases, they have good ratings and word-of-mouth. The case of "Young Warriors of the Yang Clan" being banned and flopped is just an isolated case.

Cai Yinong is full of confidence. The cast of "Chinese Paladin 3" includes one of the "Four Little Fresh Meat" and two of the "Four Little Flowers," making it a luxurious and powerful lineup.

Now is the perfect time to strike while the iron is hot and broadcast it on satellite TV in one go, making full use of the lingering buzz from the recently concluded selection process.

"K-sister, you can decide on the release date. Do you want me to take some time to help with the promotion?"

"Yes, we will start promoting 'Chinese Paladin 3' soon, and the full-scale promotion will begin in June. At that time, not only you and Hu Ge, but also Yang Mi and Chen Xiao will have to cooperate in the promotion."

"No problem." The lead actress silently calculated the filming schedule and readily agreed.

"Go Lala Go!" is a modern urban drama, making filming locations very convenient and the production schedule fast. Based on the current situation, her scenes should be mostly completed by June, giving her plenty of time to promote "Chinese Paladin 6".

“The second thing. Shishi, congratulations!” Cai Yinong’s voice was full of joy and pride.

"With your stunning performance in 'A Little Thing Called First Love,' you have received two nominations at the 16th College Student Film Festival: Best Actress and Most Popular Actress. You will attend the awards ceremony at the Beiping Olympic Sports Center on April 26."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi's face lit up with joy. However, the surprise was so sudden that she still couldn't quite believe it: "I've been nominated?"

Seeing this, Hu Ge couldn't help but tease, "Sister K was just joking with you."

Seeing the questioning look from the top female contestant, Cai Yinong glared at Hu Ge reproachfully: "Don't listen to Lao Hu's nonsense, it's absolutely true, you've been nominated by the organizing committee. The director will probably contact you in the next couple of days."

After repeatedly confirming with Sister K, Liu Shishi was finally convinced that she had been nominated. She was overjoyed, her face beaming with barely suppressed excitement. This was the first time she had been nominated for such an award since her debut, making it a truly significant event.

"Sister K, do you think I have a chance of winning the Best Actress award?"

Facing the expectant look in the eyes of the top female star, Cai Yi Nong turned slightly to the side, avoiding her gleaming eyes, and prepared to tell her the truth.

Although it feels a bit cruel to dampen the spirits of the top female star at this time, it's better to prepare her in advance so she won't be too disappointed at the awards ceremony.

"The chances are slim. Although the College Student Film Festival is not as prestigious as the Three Golden Awards, it rarely awards Best Actor and Best Actress to newcomers."

And Zhou Xun is also nominated; her performance in "The Equation of Love and Death" was outstanding, and she's highly likely to win Best Actress. As for you, with your current popularity, you'll most likely win Most Popular Actress.

After listening to the well-reasoned analysis, Liu Shishi's mood plummeted, and she was extremely disappointed. Just a moment ago, she was thinking about becoming empress and bringing home a trophy to show Song Ci.

"Shishi, you're already amazing. Look at me, I've been in the industry for so many years, and I haven't even been nominated or acted in a movie."

Hearing Lao Hu's words of comfort, Liu Shishi sighed, realizing she should indeed be content. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she said, "Sister K, is there anything else? Please tell me."

Do you know the movie "The Myth"?

"I know. It stars Cheng Long and South Korean actress Kim Hee-sun."

“Yes.” Cai Yinong nodded slightly and said solemnly, “Recently, Emperor Entertainment, Donghai Film and Television, and Tengda Culture have collaborated to invest 50 million to produce a TV series version of ‘The Myth’.”

"The male and female leads for this drama will have open auditions. I'd like you and Hu Ge to audition and try to land the male and female leads."

"Can Lao Hu and I manage our schedules?" "Schedules are absolutely no problem. This drama won't start filming until July at the earliest, and you and Hu Ge will both be available then. With your current popularity and Hu Ge's popularity, you have a very good chance of getting the male and female leads."

I've already made some inquiries, and the only one who poses a real threat to you is Bai Bing, an artist from Emperor Entertainment Group. However, both Dongying and Tengda Entertainment feel that Bai Bing isn't famous enough to carry a 50 million dollar production.

Cai Yi-nong's eyes were burning with confidence. He felt that with his sister's stunning ancient costume appearance, she would have a great advantage during the audition, and no enemy soldier would be a match for her.

With the top female lead's investor background, securing the lead role in "The Myth" is practically a sure thing. With a little maneuvering, the company's top male and female stars can get this mega-production for free—wouldn't that be fantastic?

Liu Shishi looked relaxed: "I'm fine with anything. When exactly is the audition?"

"April 5th, the day of Qingming Festival."

Upon hearing the time, the actress frowned and shook her head vigorously, immediately refusing, "I don't have time that day, so I won't go to the audition."

When Cai Yinong heard Liu Shishi's firm rejection, he immediately panicked. If the top star didn't go to the audition, all of Cai Yinong's plans would be ruined.

"Shishi, what important thing happened to you that day?"

Liu Shishi said with a serious expression, "That day was Qingming Festival. Mr. Song and I were going to his hometown to pay respects to our ancestors. It was the first time I was participating as the future matriarch of the Song family. This was a very important event for both Song Ci and me!"

When Song Ci was mentioned, the actress's lips curled into a smile, revealing endless tenderness and love. In her heart, her relationship with Song Ci and her integration into his family were far more important than any audition for a role.

Cai Yi Nong looked resentful. If the leading lady doesn't go for the interview, it's like handing over the lead role to Song Ci.

But she also knew that in Liu Shishi's heart, auditions and leading roles were nothing compared to Madam Song's status.

"Sister K, can the audition time be adjusted? I think as long as it's not during the Qingming Festival, Shishi should be able to find the time." Hu Ge also expressed her regret, hoping to find a compromise.

"The time couldn't be changed. Cheng Long is the art director of this TV series, and he is the most important auditioner. The audition was scheduled for Qingming Festival to accommodate his schedule."

Liu Shishi remained calm, not taking missing out on a leading role in a big production to heart: "Well, there's nothing I can do about it. It's alright, Sister K, there are plenty of good opportunities, no need to worry about it."

"You make it sound so easy. There are only a handful of TV dramas with this kind of investment in the entire entertainment industry all year round. Missing out on one would be a loss," Cai Yinong retorted irritably.

Liu Shishi spread her hands: "What can we do? Life is full of disappointments. God is fair. He made me happy in love and find a good man. It's only right that I suffer some setbacks in my career."

Hearing his sister's veiled display of affection, Cai Yinong was furious. "I still have a few days, I'll think of something else."

"Sister K, you don't need to worry. I think acting in one movie a year is enough. The rest of the time I can shoot commercials and magazines, spend time with my husband, or travel with friends to relax. Perfect."

"You, you, you!" Cai Yinong trembled with anger as he looked at the First Sister, who was full of longing and anticipation for her retirement life.

"Shishi, straighten up! At your age, this is the perfect time to build your career. If you only film one movie a year, you'll be taking half a year off. How can you even say something like that?"

She was disappointed in Liu Shishi, who was trying her best to help her plan her career, but Liu Shishi chose comfort at the age when she should have been working hard.

Cai Yi-nong secretly thought that he couldn't let his sister continue to be so lazy; he had to find her some work to do.

"Okay, Shishi. Since you don't have time to audition for the lead role, I'll find you a supporting role with a small amount of screen time, but one that's very memorable."

I'll talk to Zhang Zhao. I think he can land the supporting role without even needing an audition. You can't really only act in one show a year, can you?

"Alright." Thinking that her role as a supporting character wouldn't be very big, Liu Shishi nodded in agreement. "Sister K, is there anything else?"

"That's all!" Cai Yinong shook his head helplessly, looking at Yi Jie's satisfied expression, feeling both gratified and anxious.

After finishing their business, Liu Shishi said with a smile, "If there's nothing else, let's have some tea and rest for a while. I'll treat you to lunch later. There's a Huaiyang cuisine restaurant near the film set that's particularly good."

The three chatted idly in the RV. Cai Yinong talked for a long time, his mouth was dry, so he took a sip of tea to moisten his throat and asked, "Where is President Song's hometown? When you go to participate in the ancestral worship, do you need me to give you some advice on the details?"

“His ancestral home is Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. There are still some elders in his hometown. He is the eldest son of the family. Grandpa Song has an uncle who is still alive. The old man is over ninety years old.”

Hu Ge, being from Donghai, had some knowledge of the local customs and traditions of Jiangnan. After listening to Liu Shishi's brief explanation, he was able to guess the Song family's situation in the area.

"The Song family is definitely a prominent family in Suzhou. Shishi, once you marry into the Song family, you'll be the eldest daughter-in-law of the clan, which will be a heavy responsibility!"

"Shishi, you'd better prepare well. You can't be impolite on such a solemn occasion as ancestor worship." Cai Yinong thought of offering advice to solidify his position as the top female star.

Liu Shishi looked troubled: "I'm still thinking about what to wear that day, Sister K, do you have any good suggestions?"

"Jiangnan is a water town, a land of beauty and charm. Naturally, wearing a cheongsam is the most suitable and will best highlight your temperament. However, for ancestral worship, the color of the cheongsam should not be bright; it must be simple, elegant, and dignified."

"The cheongsam is nice, but cheongsams are usually custom-made, is it still possible to get one now?"

Cai Yinong patted the sister's wrist: "There's still time, don't worry. I know a master craftsman with superb skills. He has been making clothes all his life and has many rare cheongsams in his shop."

"You have a standard figure; those cheongsams can be easily altered and you'll be able to fit into them. I guarantee you'll get the clothes before you return to Beiping from the film set."

Hu Ge also praised her, saying, "Shishi has a well-proportioned figure and looks good in anything, but I think you are too disciplined and have been controlling your weight too much. You've lost a little weight recently. Health is the most important thing, so don't mistreat yourself."

Liu Shishi turned her gaze to Cai Yinong. When it came to things like body shape and weight, she tended to trust women's advice.

Cai Yinong looked him over carefully: "You're a bit too thin. Eat more later. With your height, gaining another three to five pounds would be just right."

"Okay. Sigh, you guys have no idea how hard it has been to lose weight and control my diet every day since I gained weight over the Lunar New Year."

At home, Mr. Song doesn't let me lose weight; I can only eat normally. But these past few days on set, it's been radishes and greens, just bland soup—I'm practically craving it all!

Cai Yi-nong also understands the difficulties female celebrities face and empathizes with them: "Female stars are like this. In front of the camera, even if they are just a little bit fat, they will be ridiculed by passersby."

To control your weight, the only solution is long-term self-discipline and regular eating habits; there's no other way.

(End of this chapter)