Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 303 Fighting and Killing?

At No. 25 Xinwai Street in Beiping, a tall and imposing building stands, housing the film industry behemoth, China Film Group.

In the group's production center manager's office, Zhao Haicheng put down his phone, his brows furrowed slightly, still pondering the information Xu Jinglei had just revealed.

As the producer of "Go Lala Go!", he naturally cared a lot about the film's box office performance.

But today, Wanda Group pulled the film from theaters without warning, and then Southern Cinemas inexplicably followed suit.

The series of unexpected events made him feel that things were a bit strange, and it was definitely not as simple as Xu Jinglei said, that he had just offended a rich second-generation.

After racking his brains for a long time without any clue, Zhao Haicheng couldn't help but mutter a curse under his breath: "What an idiot! What kind of talented woman is she? She can't even figure out who she's offended. She's all show and no substance!"

A knock came at the door. "Come in."

The office door opened with a click, and the female secretary stood in the doorway: "Mr. Zhao, your phone was busy just now. The chairman wants you to come upstairs."

Zhao Haicheng nodded: "I understand, I'll be right there."

He knew that Chairman Han Sanping was the nominal producer of "Go Lala Go!" and that his sudden call for him was probably to ask about the film's run.

On the top floor of the building, in the chairman's office of Huaying, the door was wide open.

Zhao Haicheng straightened his wrinkled suit slightly, took a deep breath, and then gently knocked on the door.

Han Sanping, who was reviewing documents, looked up when he heard the voice: "Haicheng is here, have a seat."

Zhao Haicheng was given permission to enter the room. Two red flags hung solemnly in the center of the office, giving people a sense of dignified order.

I sat down lightly opposite the leader and waited quietly for instructions.

Han Sanping leaned back slightly in the leather seat, his gaze calm: "I heard that Xu Jinglei's movie has been pulled from theaters."

"Yes, Mr. Han. It started with Wanda, and then Southern Cinemas also pulled the film from theaters. It happened suddenly and in a hurry. I'm still looking into the specific reasons."

Han Sanping seemed to be deep in thought. He had also heard about the hot topics on the internet yesterday, and he already had some guesses about the real person behind the film's removal from theaters.

"You don't need to worry about this anymore. Two of the three major theater chains have already closed down, so there's no point in saving this movie."

Zhao Haicheng was extremely surprised. He had originally thought that the chairman had called him over to use Huaying's influence to forcefully intervene in the cinema's film scheduling.

After all, Huaying Film Group not only handled the distribution of "Go Lala Go!", but was also the main investor. Xu Jinglei's team only accounted for a small portion of the investment, so Huaying Film Group would inevitably suffer significant losses after the film's run ended.

But to everyone's surprise, the usually assertive "Third Master Han" compromised without even asking any questions when faced with the inexplicable actions of Wanda and Southern Cinemas.

As a senior executive of Huaying Film Company, Zhao Haicheng felt obligated to remind him cautiously, "Chairman Han, do you think we should try to help us get this film? Otherwise, the company will suffer significant losses."

"Strive for it? How? Am I supposed to swallow my pride and negotiate with Wanda and Southern?" Han Sanping looked Zhao Haicheng in the eye and scoffed, "What a loss! The group invests in so many movies every year, haven't we lost a lot already!"

"But..."

"There are no 'buts'!" Han Sanping waved his hand, rudely interrupting his subordinate, a hint of impatience flashing across his face.

"Xu Jinglei took a large sum of money from Huaying Film Studio, but instead of focusing on making movies, she inexplicably engaged in some petty tricks, offended some people she couldn't afford to offend, and caused the movie to be pulled from theaters. I'm already being lenient by not confronting her, and now I have to clean up her mess?"

The chairman's stern questioning left Zhao Haicheng speechless. However, after repeatedly pondering a few words in his mind, he suddenly realized: "Chairman Han, you know..."

"Who do you think can command the Southern Cinemas?" After all, he was his capable subordinate. Han Sanping thought for a moment and decided to reveal a few clues to prevent him from getting involved in this mess.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Haicheng exclaimed in surprise, "It's Song Ci, the richest man in the country!"

But then doubt arose in his mind. Xu Jinglei was usually so adept at social maneuvering, why would she be so foolish as to offend the richest man? But seeing the leader nod slightly, he was certain that he hadn't guessed wrong.

Just as Zhao Haicheng was racking his brains trying to figure it out, the sudden ringtone sounded in the office.

Han Sanping glanced at the caller ID and said helplessly, "The person who asked for help is here!"

The phone rang for several dozen seconds before it was reluctantly answered. Although the tone was still polite, it was clearly perfunctory.

"Screenwriter Wang, what brings you to contact me today?"

"Chairman Han, I apologize for bothering you! I wonder if President Zhao has informed you that Xiao Xu's movie has been taken down?" Wang Shuo was extremely polite, as he needed a favor from the man.

"Hai Cheng just told me!"

"Huaying is the main investor in the film. I wonder if you could step in and help mediate. I think Mr. Wang from Wanda and Liu Rong from Southern Cinemas will give you face."

"Wang Shuo, it's not convenient for me to get involved in this matter. But I can tell you that you haven't grasped the crux of the matter at all."

On the other end of the phone, Wang Shuo was suddenly startled. He had already felt that things were not simple, and Han Sanping's words confirmed his suspicions.

"Chairman Han, could you please elaborate?"

After a moment's consideration, Han Sanping decided to offer some advice: "It's Tengda, not Wanda! Wang Shuo, I suggest we just let this movie go. Consider it a lesson learned. Public figures should be careful with their words and actions and avoid causing trouble."

Wang Shuo did not give up: "Chairman Han, we haven't had much dealings with Tengda before. I wonder if you could help introduce us?"

"I have something to do, I'll contact you later." Han Sanping hung up the phone with a cold face, he was very displeased by the other party's overstepping his bounds.

He said disdainfully to his subordinates, "These children of high-ranking officials have only achieved a little success because of their parents' influence. In today's economic society, do you think we're still talking about ten years ago?"

At the same time, he secretly thought to himself that he was going to retire in a few more years, so why should he offend the richest man for a stranger? Wang Shuo actually asked him to step in twice, which was simply wishful thinking. He didn't even understand the most basic sense of situation.

Zhao Haicheng quickly chimed in, "Those few in Beijing's elite circles certainly can't compare to the wealthiest man in the capital in terms of influence these days. However, they are deeply entrenched and have extensive connections, so they shouldn't be underestimated."

"Let's leave it at that. Anyway, it has nothing to do with us. Let's just wait and see. I'm going to join the production team next month to prepare for filming 'The Founding of a Republic,' which is the most important thing."

"I understand. I will report to you immediately if there are any changes." Seeing that the chairman had looked down at the documents again, Zhao Haicheng got up to take his leave. "Chairman Han, I'll head back to my office now."

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in Xu Jinglei's home was oppressive. Wang Shuo was smoking heavily, and the swirling smoke around him only highlighted his irritability.

He had intended to walk away and ignore this mess, but seeing Xu Jinglei's tearful eyes, he softened.

Since ancient times, even heroes have found it hard to resist the charms of a beautiful woman. No matter how ruthless and strong a heart may be, it cannot withstand the gentle touch of a beautiful woman. All the helplessness in one's heart can only turn into a heavy sigh.

"Alright, alright, stop crying. If Han Sanping is unwilling to come forward, I'll contact someone else."

Xu Jinglei, her face streaked with tears, looked terrified and aggrieved: "Brother Shuo, it's one thing for the movie to be taken off the screens, but Chairman Han said I offended Song Ci. I was completely confused about it myself, so I need to find out the reason for this."

Wang Shuo took a deep drag on his cigarette, thinking to himself that this made sense. If they didn't figure out the root of the problem, constantly living in fear of the richest man's retaliation wouldn't work. "Brother Xiaolong, I, Wang Shuo, have a favor to ask of you..."

"Da Yin, it's been a long time since we've gotten together. Okay, okay, it's on me. I need your help with something, brother."

"Xiao Gang, 'The Great Earthquake' is coming out soon, right? Could you please help me, brother..."

Wang Shuo sank into the sofa and made one phone call after another, using all his connections for his confidante.

Time ticked by, and Xu Jinglei and Wang Shuo waited anxiously.

The phone rang, and Wang Shuo answered it hurriedly, asking impatiently, "Brother Xiaolong! You have news? Great, great, go ahead and tell me, Jinglei and I are listening."

When the speakerphone was turned on, Zheng Xiaolong's steady voice came through: "Director Li of Beiping TV worked with Wang Jing's father, the COO of Tengda Group, in his early years, and the two had a good relationship."

I asked someone to have Director Li inquire with Wang Jing, and only then did I understand the whole story. Jinglei did indeed offend Song Ci, but to be precise, she offended the wife of the richest man.

Xu Jinglei and Wang Shuo exchanged a glance, both looking puzzled: "Offended the richest man's wife? Who is it?"

"Xiao Xu, think carefully about who you offended yesterday?"

"Wang Sicong?" Xu Jinglei shook her head, then laughed at her own foolish idea. A name suddenly popped into her mind, and she blurted out, "Liu Shishi!"

"It's her, Liu Shishi is Song Ci's wife."

"How is that possible? What makes her think she can do this?!" Xu Jinglei exclaimed in shock, her face filled with disbelief.

"I didn't believe it at first either, but it's true." Zheng Xiaolong still felt like he was in a dream.

Wang Shuo nodded slightly: "If it's Liu Shishi, then everything makes sense. Sigh, this is troublesome, since Jing Lei was unreasonable first."

Xu Jinglei was filled with regret, realizing that her momentary jealousy had caused such a big problem: "What should I do!"

The situation was so thorny that Wang Shuo couldn't help but feel reluctant to get involved. However, seeing Xu Jinglei's teary eyes and pitiful appearance, he swallowed back the harsh words that were on the tip of his tongue.

"Sigh!" Years of affection, hard to sever. After a long silence, as if making a great decision, Wang Shuo slowly spoke:
"Brother Long, could you help me and Jinglei? Find someone influential to speak up and reconcile us. The movie can be canceled, but could you let yesterday's incident go and let Jinglei off the hook? From now on, she'll avoid Liu Shishi like the plague."

Seeing that there was no sound on the other end of the phone for a long time, Wang Shuo was extremely anxious and pleaded, "Brother, we grew up together in the same courtyard since we were little. We've known each other for so many years. When have I ever asked anyone for help? Please help me this time."

Since his old friend was pleading so earnestly, Zheng Xiaolong felt that it would be heartless not to help: "I can only try my best. I can't guarantee whether it will work or not. After all, that person is not ordinary. Not to mention his wealth and status, he is also on the big picture."

The two waited anxiously, and a day quickly passed.

On the morning of July 14th, in the faculty and staff office of Beihang University, Liu Xiaoxian had just finished grading students' assignments.

I put down my red pen, and was about to stretch my sore and numb shoulders and neck when I looked up and saw a middle-aged man standing in front of the office door.

"Oh, Principal Huai, what brings you here? Please come in."

A hint of surprise flashed in Liu Xiaoxian's eyes. She quickly stood up to greet the principal and invited him into the office: "Please sit down, I'll make you a cup of tea."

Principal Huai, beaming with a gentle and refined air, said, "Teacher Liu, no need to rush. I'll just say a few words and then leave."

The leader was very polite, but Liu Xiaoxian dared not be lacking in any manners. She quickly served tea to the guest and handed the brewed tea to the principal.

"Are you comfortable living in the school's faculty and staff dormitories? If you have any difficulties in your daily life, please feel free to report them to the organization."

"Thank you for your concern, my wife and I are very satisfied with our current residence."

Although Liu Xiaoxian was very curious as to why the busy Principal Huai would come to chat with her about everyday matters, she guessed that he had something to say, so she responded respectfully and waited for the leader to speak.

Principal Huai smiled warmly, showing great concern for his subordinates: "You are good at teaching and educating people, and Director Song is also doing a great job saving lives. You can't skimp on his living conditions."

"Don't worry, my son is quite successful and filial. He has never lacked anything materially."

Principal Huai laughed heartily: "Yes, what I admire most about you, Teacher Liu, is your education of your children. It's truly admirable that you've raised such an outstanding talent as Song Ci. My wife often says she wants to learn from you, Teacher Liu."

Liu Xiaoxian was completely baffled by the principal's rambling remarks. In the past, she might have thought the principal wanted to arrange a marriage, but now the school leaders all knew that his precious son had been married before.

Unable to bear the leader's roundabout way of speaking, after hesitating for a moment, he asked directly, "Principal, is there something else you wanted to see me about?"

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Principal Huai, seeing that the groundwork had been laid, said with a smile, "Teacher Liu, I heard that the famous actress Liu Shishi is your daughter-in-law?"

Liu Xiaoxian was taken aback for a moment, then nodded in response: "Yes."

"I'll be frank with you, here's what happened. A couple of days ago, Xu Jinglei and your daughter-in-law had a little conflict. Your son, being very protective of his wife, got angry and pulled the theater from Xu Jinglei's newly released movie."

Originally, these were all minor matters, but after Xu Jinglei learned about the relationship between Liu Shishi and her son, she became anxious, worried that the richest man would hold a grudge and asked someone to try to mediate.

"This city of Beijing isn't that big. People came to me through connections, and I had no choice. I was asked by an elder to come and shamelessly ask Teacher Liu to go back and discuss with your son whether Xu Jinglei could be let off the hook."

The principal rambled on and on, and only then did Liu Xiaoxian understand the leader's purpose: he had come to plead for the female celebrity who had targeted her daughter-in-law.

She knew about what happened online the day before yesterday. After all, Liu Shishi was her daughter-in-law, so how could she not care? She breathed a sigh of relief when she learned that the matter had been resolved smoothly.

Although she disliked Xu Jinglei, Liu Xiaoxian had no choice but to accept the matter for the time being, since the principal came to her office and spoke to her in a kind and gentle manner.

"It's better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester. Since you've said that, Principal, I'll talk to my son about it when I get back. But the rascal is very fond of his girlfriend, and he's also very stubborn. Sometimes his father and I can't control him. If things don't work out, please bear with us."

“I understand, I understand! Sons grow up and become independent. My son can be quite rebellious sometimes. What I say to his mother goes in one ear and out the other. He doesn’t listen to advice at all.”

Principal Huai wore an understanding smile, appearing extremely reasonable. He then changed the subject, his gaze falling on Liu Xiaoxian with a hint of deeper meaning: "Professor Liu, how long have you been an associate professor?"

"I was an associate professor in the class of 2004, and I've been here for six years."

"You've served long enough," the principal nodded gently. "I often hear your dean praise you, commending your rigorous academic style and solid theoretical and professional knowledge."

If the other conditions are met, you should bravely take on the responsibility and quickly apply to the school for the title of professor.

Our school has always valued talent, and outstanding teachers like you are the backbone of the school's development. The professorship is not only a recognition of your abilities but also gives you greater scope for academic advancement.

Liu Xiaoxian was stunned for a long time before she came to her senses and realized that the principal was raising the stakes. Although she was confident that she could get the professional title on her own merits, with the principal's support, things would definitely go much more smoothly.

At the same time, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of connections the other party had used to get the principal to intercede on their behalf.

(End of this chapter)