Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 294 Three Qing Dynasty Dramas

On the afternoon of the 7th, after bidding a reluctant farewell to Liu Shishi, Song Ci boarded his private plane alone and set off from Donghai back to Beiping.

Meanwhile, in the office of Tengda Culture in the Zhongao Building in Beiping, Zhang Zhao, who was working at his desk, heard a knock on the door. He calmly put down his pen and closed the document he had just finished reviewing.

"Come in."

Zeng Jia, having received permission, pushed open the door and entered, going straight to the desk: "Mr. Zhang, you wanted to see me?"

"Sit down!" Zhang Zhao said with a smile, looking quite pleased with himself.

After the second restructuring of Tengda Group, he became an independent legal entity of a subsidiary and was promoted to president. Not only did his salary and benefits increase, but he also gained greater autonomy in business operations.

Zeng Jia slowly sat down. She was quite lucky; she had only been in her position for a few days when the group underwent restructuring, and she was naturally promoted to vice president of Tengda Culture.

"I've already seen that new project you reported a few days ago, 'Palace Lock Heart Jade.' It seems to have a high degree of overlap in plot with Tangren's 'Scarlet Heart'?"

The top leader looked puzzled, and Zeng Jia quickly explained: "President Zhang, the stories from the Kangxi era are all more or less the same. They are basically based on the struggle for the throne among the nine princes, with some love and romance added. It is inevitable that they will look similar."

Seeing Zhang Zhao remain silent with a frown, Zeng Jia continued, "Are you worried about the chairman or afraid that your wife might have something to say?"

Zhang Zhao waved his hand: "The chairman wouldn't care about such a trivial matter, and neither would his wife. I'm just worried that it might cause copyright disputes and damage the company's reputation."

Zeng Jia immediately understood Zhang Zhao's idea. Since its establishment, Tengda Culture has always had a good reputation in the industry and is highly respected in the circle. Naturally, the leaders do not want to get into a lawsuit for a play and ruin the good reputation that the company has built up over a long period of time.

"Mr. Zhang, you don't need to worry about that. Yu Zheng has promised that his studio will be fully responsible for the copyright issues."

If he loses the lawsuit, he will have to compensate the company and Hunan Economic Television Culture for all losses. Time-travel themes are all the rage right now, so "Palace" is sure to make money.

"Alright, since Yu Zheng is willing to cover the copyright issues, let's invest in this film."

Seeing his deputy's repeated assurances, Zhang Zhao considered the matter carefully and finally agreed to invest in the drama.

After all, "Palace" was the first film and television project that Zeng Jia handled after becoming the vice president. Everyone was a member of the team, and he really couldn't refuse Zeng Jia's request. Moreover, the project did have great potential.

Having finally convinced Zhang Zhao, Zeng Jia smiled broadly: "Don't worry, Mr. Zhang, this drama has the potential to be a huge hit. Yu Zheng is quite skilled in period dramas and can grasp the audience's psychology."

"Love is Not Blind, Lost on Journey, and Let the Bullets Fly—the company has three movies scheduled for release in the second half of the year, and I also need to prepare for Painted Skin 2."

"I basically don't have the energy to pay attention to TV dramas. 'Palace' is your first project, so please keep a close eye on it and make sure nothing goes wrong."

Zeng Jia nodded solemnly: "Understood! I will not let you down, I will definitely do a good job on this project."

After finishing speaking, he got up to leave the office, but then suddenly remembered something, stopped, turned around, and asked, "Mr. Zhang, could you reserve a role for Mimi in 'Painted Skin 2'?"

Zhang Zhao didn't even look up, busy reviewing documents: "Besides the lead role, let Yang Mi choose a part later."

"Thank you on behalf of Mimi."

Zeng Jia left the president's office with great joy, and as soon as he stepped out, he couldn't wait to take out his phone and call Yang Mi.

"Honey, I have two pieces of good news. Mr. Zhang has given his approval for 'Palace'. You can contact Yu Zheng and sign the contract as soon as possible."

"Also, the company has a big production next year called 'Painted Skin 2,' and I got you a role in it."

Not to mention that Yang Mi received a notification from her agent, which brought her unexpected joy, and she happily went to contact Yu Zheng.

By evening, after an afternoon of buzz and discussion, topics related to the "Scarlet Heart" press conference had become trending topics.

1. Liu Shishi, the female lead.

2. Ten years later, Chen Daoming reprises his role as Emperor Kangxi.

3. Nie Yuan and Yu Bo each have their own strengths.

. . .

Netizens were enthusiastic and left numerous comments:

"With a cast of handsome men and beautiful women, Tangren's casting never disappoints."

"Shishi is so beautiful. Among all the ancient costumes, she stands out in her modern outfit."

"The princes are all so handsome! I'm really looking forward to 'Scarlet Heart'."

Tangren Media also seized the opportunity and released official stills of the main cast on its official Weibo account, much to the delight of netizens.

Around 7 p.m., in an upscale residential area in Beiping, writer Wang Xiaoping was having dinner with her husband, renowned director Zheng Xiaolong.

"What's wrong? Why are you sighing like that?" Wang Xiaoping asked with concern when she saw her husband's gloomy expression.

Zheng Xiaolong slammed down his chopsticks in frustration: "Hey, I had some free time this afternoon to check Weibo. Tangren Media is going to release a new drama, and it's about a modern girl who travels back to the Qing Dynasty and falls in love with a prince. Isn't this just distorting history and making a mess of things?"

"What kind of place is the imperial palace? It's a place of intrigue and backstabbing, a place where people devour each other without hesitation. Even these naive young girls wouldn't last a single day if they traveled there."

When her husband expressed his indignation, Wang Xiaoping chuckled and gently advised, "It's just a TV series. After 'The Myth' became a huge hit, time-travel themes became very popular. Audiences love watching it, so let it be. If you're not happy about it, just make your own."

"I'll film it! Xiaoping, you know what, I've had this idea for a while now, and I'm already preparing to film a Qing Dynasty drama full of intrigue and backstabbing, so that innocent young girls can see the cruelty of the harem!"

When Wang Xiaoping heard that her husband was going to film a drama about women in the Qing Dynasty, she immediately became interested: "Have you chosen a script yet? Do you want me to help you revise it?"

"There are some books I like, but..." Zheng Xiaolong nodded first, then shook his head with a regretful expression.

"What's wrong? Is something going wrong?"

Zheng Xiaolong sighed softly: "Sigh, I've taken a liking to that book you recommended to me a while ago, 'Empresses in the Palace,' and I wanted to adapt it into a screenplay, but unfortunately the copyright is held by Tengda."

Wang Xiaoping also felt a headache when he heard that the copyright was in the hands of Tengda.

Her husband, Zheng Xiaolong, along with several other children of high-ranking officials, including renowned screenwriter Wang Shuo, were considered core figures in Beijing's elite circles and had close ties with Huayi Company.

If the copyright is held by another company, it's easy to negotiate; given the husband's connections, they'll usually give him some face.

However, Tengda Culture is another force in the Beijing entertainment circle. They occasionally cooperate with Huayi, but most of the time they keep to themselves and are unlikely to give their husbands face. "Sigh!" Zheng Xiaolong sighed heavily again, looking envious. "If I had known that film and television copyrights were so important, I should have acquired some years ago."

When Tengda acquired these novels and film/television rights, they were incredibly cheap; now they're worth dozens of times more.

Recalling Tengda's early actions, Wang Xiaoping sighed repeatedly: "Hints are priceless. After all, not everyone has the foresight of that young nobleman."

Tenda's rapid rise to become the leading giant in Beijing's entertainment circle owes much to its stockpiled copyrights.

However, if you really want to film "Empresses in the Palace," you can collaborate with Tengda Culture. Tengda is always open and transparent in its dealings; they don't operate in a unilateral manner.

Zheng Xiaolong told his wife what he had found out: "I have already contacted Tengda Culture. This matter is a bit complicated."

Tenda established a dedicated copyright acquisition company back then, but this copyright company later came under the ownership of TT Video Network, so Zhang Zhao couldn't make the decision.

Wang Xiaoping, being a woman, was quick-witted and suggested, "Then let's just go directly to Song Ci. As long as he speaks up, we won't have to worry about not getting the film and television adaptation rights!"

Zheng Xiaolong glared at his wife: "He's the richest man in the world, not some random nobody on the street. Don't even mention talking about copyright; I can't even get an appointment to see him for two months."

"Of course I'm not telling you to go directly to him. Can you stop being so stubborn? The richest man is a person too, with relatives and friends. Don't forget he also graduated from Peking University."

Zheng Xiaolong's eyes lit up, and his mind suddenly cleared: "Does Madam mean to ask someone from the school to intervene?"

Wang Xiaoping smiled and offered a suggestion: "We have many old friends at Peking University. Let's ask them to find out who Song Ci's class teacher and academic advisor were during her university years."
"Just ask them to put in a good word with Song Ci. It's just a film or television rights; it's such a small matter. I'm sure Song Ci will give the school and teachers some face."

“Okay, let’s do it this way.” Zheng Xiaolong nodded in agreement, then sighed, “It was originally just a small matter, but it has become such a big deal because it involves the richest man.”

Wang Xiaoping chuckled and joked, "Times have changed. In today's economic society, business leaders like Song Ci usually associate with high-ranking officials in the imperial court. You should be grateful that you were able to get in touch with him through connections."

Zheng Xiaolong said thoughtfully, "Xiaoping, what you said makes me hesitate. Is it worth wasting a favor that could get me to talk to the richest man for the sake of a TV series?"

"This!" Wang Xiaoping also hesitated, his brows furrowing into a deep frown. The favor of the richest man was priceless, and he immediately began to weigh the pros and cons intensely.

After struggling with his thoughts for a while, Zheng Xiaolong's creative desires prevailed, and he immediately decided: "Forget it, let's ask around with my old friends at school first. This matter of personal connections is still far from settled!"

After dinner, as night fell, Zheng Xiaolong pulled out the phone numbers of his old friends from Peking University and contacted them one by one.

"Old Li, it's me, Zheng Xiaolong. I need to ask you something. You know Song Ci, right? What were his relationships with the faculty and staff like when he was at Peking University? What? He was close to President Zhou? That's bullshit!"

"Brother Wang, long time no see! Okay, okay, it's just hotpot, I'll treat you. But I need your help with something: could you ask who Song Ci's class advisor and counselor were at Peking University? Does any of us old buddies know his teachers?"

"What do you mean?" Wang Xiaoping asked anxiously after seeing her husband busy for so long.

"Wait for news. Song Ci is from Guanghua College, which is a step below our Chinese Department."

Zheng Xiaolong was also helpless. Although they were both at Peking University, Guanghua School of Management was one of the best schools in the university, even better than the Chinese Department. People from the two schools did not interact much, which made it much more difficult for him to find people to ask for information.

While Zheng Xiaolong and his wife patiently waited for news about a project they were looking forward to, Liu Shishi's WeChat fan group was buzzing with excitement.

"Sister's Qing Dynasty look is so beautiful! She is truly a chosen one from ancient times, able to pull off the costumes of any dynasty."

"Sigh, I really wish I could see 'Scarlet Heart' tomorrow, but unfortunately I have to wait at least another six months."

Little Swallow: "Good evening, everyone! After seeing the promotional photos released by Tangren today, I designed a poster for 'Scarlet Heart'. Can you all take a look?"

After posting this message, Xiao Yanzi posted another picture and explained: "In this poster, the female lead Ruoxi has six princes above her head, which means that she has been weighing her options among the princes throughout her life."

One half of the headdress depicts the Forbidden City, representing the supreme power of the ancient feudal emperors who held women in the palace powerless; the other half shows Zhang Xiao before the time travel and skyscrapers, representing the heroine's original life in a free and equal modern city.

"Teacher Yanzi is amazing! This poster is beautifully made and has a metaphor. She truly deserves to be called the most talented woman among our little lions."

"I also designed one, but it's not as good as Teacher Yanzi's. It just puts the older sister and the princes together." After saying that, the fan also posted a picture.

"This one is great too!" "Amazing, no wonder you're a fan of technically produced content!" The group members showered the fans with praise once again.

Little Swallow: "I plan to revise it again tonight and submit it to Tangren tomorrow. I don't know if my picture will be adopted and used as an official poster."

Shishi's sister-in-law said, "Yanzi is indeed a talented woman who is going to study at the Beiping Academy of Fine Arts. Her design talent is outstanding. If Tangren doesn't use your design, the crew is blind."

At this moment, Liu Shishi, who had just returned to her home in Phoenix Mansion after attending the crew's dinner party, was lounging on the sofa, watching the activity in the WeChat group.

She was pulled into this fan group called "Tang Poetry Base Camp" by "Little Swallow" a few days ago when the WeChat Shake feature was launched.

There weren't many people in the group, just over 120, but they all seemed to be her loyal fans. She recognized a few of them, as they had visited her on set before.

While admiring the posters designed for her by fans, she suddenly saw someone with the ID "Shishi's Little Sister" making a comment. Upon seeing the familiar profile picture, she was stunned: "Could it be my little sister?!"

After checking her WeChat profile, it turned out to be her sister-in-law, Liu Yuqing.

Because she had been toasted with some red wine at the banquet, Liu Shishi was feeling a bit dizzy and forgot that it was the fan group's public chat, so she started chatting in the group on her own.

Lion King: "Qingqing, what are you doing in the group chat?"

After a long while, "Shishi's sister-in-law" finally replied, and her tone was extremely surprised.

"Sister-in-law, I'm the group admin! By the way, I didn't even notice when you joined the group!"

The Lion King: "I joined the group a few days ago, but I haven't said a word in the group."

"Sister-in-law, are you in the East China Sea today? Where's my brother?"

"I'm in Donghai. Your brother went back to Beiping this afternoon."

Liu Shishi and Liu Yuqing chatted enthusiastically in the group chat as if no one else was around. The others were unaware of their situation, but "Little Swallow" gradually guessed the identity of "Lion King" and immediately joined in.

Little Swallow: "@Sister Lion King, Yuqing and I are classmates. What do you think of my poster design?"

Liu Shishi was slightly stunned, then realized that Xiao Yanzi must be Li Lingyan, the classmate and die-hard fan of Liu Yuqing who had mentioned her before.

"Thank you, Little Swallow. This poster is fantastic. Tangren will definitely use it. Thank you for your sincere efforts."

(End of this chapter)