Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 326 Celebrity Status and Traffic
On March 14th, the inaugural "Weibo Night" Internet Honors Ceremony, meticulously crafted by Tengda Group, was grandly launched at the Beiping International Trade Center.

This annual event attracted much attention. Excluding sports stars and social celebrities, more than 200 people from the entertainment industry, including stars and directors, participated, making it an unprecedented event.

In the vast back area of ​​the China World Trade Center, the organizers divided the entire waiting area into several modules.

The highest-class room is the VIP room, which is the only one and is used by the group's chairman, Song Ci, to receive distinguished guests.

The mid-range VIP lounge is exclusively for top celebrities in the entertainment industry, featuring a private dressing room and Michelin-starred tea breaks.

The most common type is the public waiting area, which is a temporary rest area consisting of folding chairs and mobile changing sheds.

As the opening highlight, the first part of the ceremony, the red carpet show, started at 5 p.m. and lasted until 7:30 p.m. The awards ceremony officially began at 8 p.m.

The red carpet walk for celebrities has already begun, with the first to walk the red carpet being minor figures in the industry or newcomers who have only been in the business for one or two years.

As is customary in the industry, the order of the red carpet is determined jointly by the organizers and the artist's team, taking into account factors such as the star's status, popularity, and recent media attention.

The generally accepted rule in the industry is that the higher the status of the celebrity, the later they should appear.

Of course, nothing is absolute. If a brand ambassador needs to cooperate with the sponsor to showcase the jewelry, dresses, and other endorsed products during prime time, they can negotiate to adjust the timing of their appearance by paying extra.

Around 6 p.m., the red carpet event was more than halfway through.

Inside the VIP room, Song Ci was expressing his gratitude to the distinguished guests: "I am deeply grateful for your presence."

"Mr. Song, you're too kind." Wang Changtian, the CEO of Enlight Media who had just arrived, beamed with joy, subtly observing the scene while inwardly utterly shocked.

The people in front of me are all prominent figures: Jiang Tao, deputy director of CCTV; Han Sanping, head of China Film Group; Wang Jian'er, head of Dongying Group; and Wang Jianlin, chairman of Wanda Group.

The first three are bigwigs in the propaganda system, while the latter is one of the top ten richest people in mainland China, whose status is no lower than his own.

He originally came to support "Weibo Night" because Enlight Media was about to go public and he wanted to do good for the richest man.

Before a company goes public, it can use Weibo to promote itself and generate buzz, which can help boost investor confidence.

Unexpectedly, I met a giant in the publicity system and a business magnate here, and I secretly rejoiced that this move had led to an unexpected and brilliant outcome.

A while before the ceremony was about to begin, the VIP room was filled with the aroma of tea, and several VIPs were chatting and sipping tea.

Jiang Tao picked up a Ru kiln teacup and took a sip of fragrant tea: "Chairman Song, there's that recent Weibo campaign to rescue begging children by taking photos and combat child abduction."

It attracted nationwide attention, generated a powerful force for public opinion dissemination, and earned praise from higher authorities and the editor-in-chief of CCTV.

Before I asked the organization for permission to attend the "Weibo Night," the editor-in-chief specifically instructed me that the CCTV-1 program "Focus Interview" was going to do a special segment on anti-trafficking, and asked me to make sure you were invited to be interviewed by the program team.

"Jiang Tai is too kind. The anti-trafficking efforts on Weibo are driven by the platform's management; I don't know much about this area..."

Before Song Ci could finish speaking, Jiang Tao feigned displeasure: "Chairman Song, am I, Jiang, not influential enough? Then I'll go back and report to the editor-in-chief, and have him personally send you a letter?"

Song Ci waved her hand and gave a wry smile: "Jiang Tai, you're too kind. I'll just cooperate with the interview."

"That's more like it!" Jiang Tao's expression was relaxed and content after achieving his goal.

“At the last ministry meeting, the higher-ups specifically mentioned that you are too low-key. As a leading figure in the business world and a role model for young entrepreneurs, you should appear on camera more often to set an example.”

These words stirred something within Song Ci. He was well aware of the weight Jiang Tao carried in his words about the superior: "Yes, yes, the leader is right."

"Although I am only in charge of the financial channel, I am making the decision for the brother channel today. In addition to appearing on the 'Dialogue' program on Channel 2, you can't refuse to appear on other channels' programs such as 'Face to Face' and 'News 1+1'."

"Alright, we'll arrange the details later." Although Song Ci didn't want to be so high-profile, she couldn't refuse the leader's request and the face of CCTV, so she had no choice but to deal with it for now.

"Mr. Wang, when will Enlight Media go public?"

"Chairman Han, how are the preparations for 'Building a Great Party' coming along?"

"Chairman Wang, Si Cong told me that Wanda Pictures is preparing to make a big splash in the film and television industry this year, and there is an opportunity to cooperate with Tengda Culture."

As the VIPs engaged in lively discussion, Song Ci glanced at her watch and called in her secretary, Song Xueying, who had been waiting outside. She whispered her instructions:

"Go to the VIP lounge and see if Shishi has arrived. If she has, please ask her to come over and meet the guests."

"Okay, President Song." Song Xue nodded and stepped back, then turned and left the VIP room to find the chairman's wife.

Tengda only prepared a few VIP lounges for this event, and behind each door lies a glimpse into the light and dark side of the entertainment industry.

Inside the first room, several renowned directors, including Zhang Yimou, Feng Xiaogang, Jiang Wen, and Teng Huatao, were gathered with industry veterans such as Chen Daoming and Zhang Guoli, showcasing the top-tier lineup in the entertainment industry.

The two adjacent lounges were reserved for leading actresses and popular young actors such as Huang Xiaoming and Deng Chao.

The fourth room was set up for Tengda's stars, including Wang Luodan, Wang Kai, and Yang Mi, who are now qualified to enjoy a private VIP lounge based on their status and popularity.

The fifth room deep inside was used by Tangren Media's top male and female stars and the two male leads from the drama "Scarlet Heart," all of whom are also very popular.

Although this arrangement is unfair, what Tengda is after is popularity and buzz. Whoever can bring traffic and users to Weibo is the VIP.

Of course, Tengda also showed due respect to the senior figures in the industry, which can be said to have clearly demonstrated the interpersonal relationships and status in the entertainment circle.

Song Xueying arrived at the fifth lounge, gently knocked on the door and entered. Inside, three popular male stars, Hu Ge, Nie Yuan, and Yu Bo, were chatting enthusiastically, while Yuan Hong, Lin Gengxin, and Sun Yizhou, who were enjoying the attention, were quietly listening.

When everyone saw Song Xueying enter, they assumed she was a staff member arranging the red carpet and were about to ask her something when Liu Shishi, who had been chatting with Cai Yinong, stepped forward and smiled, saying, "Secretary Song, what brings you here?"

Song Xueying bowed slightly and replied in a low voice, "Madam, Mr. Song requests that you come over and meet our distinguished guest."

"My husband is looking for me?" Liu Shishi was slightly taken aback, then nodded. "Take me there."

"Please follow me, Madam." Song Xueying gestured with one hand, leading Liu Shishi towards the VIP room.

Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Nie Yuan was a little confused: "Where is Shishi going? It's almost time for us to walk the red carpet, isn't it?"

Cai Yinong knew Song Xueying and knew she was Song Ci's secretary. He figured that calling the top star away meant she was going to see Song Ci: "Shishi has something to do. You two can walk the red carpet first." Yu Bo and Nie Yuan exchanged a glance, both showing disappointment. They had become very popular because of "Scarlet Heart," and their careers had soared, making them a strong contender against top male stars like Huang Xiaoming and Qiao Zhengyu.

The two originally wanted to walk the red carpet with Liu Shishi. If Ruoxi were to appear in the same frame as the Fourth and Eighth Princes, it would definitely become a trending topic.

Unfortunately, the female lead had something come up at the last minute, so the two male leads walked the red carpet alone, which naturally diminished the buzz and impact.

Liu Shishi followed Song Xueying to the VIP room door and suddenly stopped: "Secretary Song, can you take a look and see if there's anything inappropriate about my clothes?"

Song Xueying carefully observed her. Today, the lady had chosen a pearl-white silk short dress from Dior's early spring collection. She had a slender figure, her long hair was half-up, and a single aquamarine pendant adorned her earlobe. She exuded a cool and aloof aura, like frost under the moonlight. "The lady is very beautiful, like a fairy."

Liu Shishi smoothed the stray hairs at her temples and smoothed out any non-existent wrinkles on her dress before gently knocking on the door.

Upon seeing his wife arrive, Song Ci's eyes sparkled like stars, a gentle smile spreading across his lips. He quickly stood up and stepped forward, saying, "You're here."

Liu Shishi smiled sweetly, gentle and quiet, and nodded slightly to her husband.

"Gentlemen, this is my wife, Liu Shishi," Song Ci said, gently supporting his wife's back with his palm as he introduced her to the distinguished guests.

The couple stood side by side; the man was exceptionally handsome, and the woman was elegant and dignified. They were a perfect match, a golden couple who complemented each other beautifully.

"Hello, Chairman Han! Uncle Wang!" Liu Shishi's eyes darted around as she first greeted the two acquaintances, then looked at her husband: "Honey, who are these gentlemen?"

"This is Jiang Tao, the director of CCTV."

"Hello, Director Jiang." Liu Shishi spoke eloquently, with an outstanding temperament and a graceful demeanor.

"Hello, Ms. Liu." Although Jiang Tao was quite surprised that the richest man's wife was actually the big star Liu Shishi, he didn't show it on his face, nodded in acknowledgment, and responded politely.

Song Ci then introduced them: "These two are Mr. Wang Jian'er, Chairman of Dongying Group, and Mr. Wang Changtian, CEO of Enlight Media."

After exchanging greetings with the two Mr. Wangs, Liu Shishi adopted the demeanor of a hostess: "Thank you all for coming. My husband and I thank you all."

"Miss Liu, you're too kind." "Chairman Song and I are friends, Madam, you're being too polite."

As the time approached 7 p.m., the celebrities walking the red carpet became increasingly high-profile.

"Next up are the famous actresses Yang Mi and Lü Yi."

Two actresses under Tengda Entertainment, Yang Mi and Lü Yi, wore haute couture gowns. The former wore a gold-plated off-shoulder dress, while the latter wore an ink-wash style cheongsam, each with her own unique charm.

As soon as he stepped onto the red carpet, reporters below the stage frantically pressed their camera shutters.

"Pinru! Ellie!" The audience cheered enthusiastically. The urban drama "The Temptation to Go Home," starring the two, was currently airing.

This drama achieved astonishing ratings, rivaling both "Palace" and "Scarlet Heart," making it another phenomenal hit.

Although Yang Mi and Lü Yi are "sworn enemies" in the drama, they are now holding hands in front of the camera, showing the harmony of "family" under Tengda Group. When interviewed by the host, they both tried their best to praise each other.

After the two leading ladies from Tengda walked the red carpet, it was Wang Kai and Wang Luodan's turn to take the stage, the two main actors from "Love is Not Blind," followed by several big names from the entertainment industry.

Among the actresses, all five of the "Four Dan and Two Bing" (a term referring to four top actresses and two top female stars) were present today, except for Xu Jinglei.

Inside the VIP room, Liu Shishi, seeing that time was running out and the red carpet event was nearing its end, hurriedly said goodbye to her husband and headed straight for the red carpet waiting area.

At the starting point of the red carpet, superstar Zhang Ziyi had a cold expression. Among the group of female stars, the organizers had arranged for her to walk the red carpet in front of Zhao Zhetian, Zhou Xun, and Fan Bingbing, which infuriated her.

It's one thing for Zhao Zhetian and Zhou Xun to appear, and it's barely acceptable that Tengda arranged for her to walk the red carpet after them in order to promote "Painted Skin 2". But why should Fan Bingbing, who has the least seniority among them, be the last to appear?
While secretly feeling frustrated, he caught a glimpse of Liu Shishi arriving late out of the corner of his eye, and instantly his anger flared up!

Zhang Ziyi could no longer suppress the anger that had been building up in her heart. No matter how you ranked the "Four Dan and Two Bing" actresses, they were at least in the same tier.

You, Liu Shishi, a rising star who rose to fame by sheer luck with a TV series, dare to deliberately dawdle and wait until after me to walk the red carpet. Clearly, you don't respect me at all.

The big star got angrier and angrier. Even though he was embroiled in negative news recently, his status was not something a young actress could try to take advantage of.

If she walks the red carpet today, she'll probably trend on social media after the event, and "International Zhang" will become a laughing stock in the entertainment industry.

Consumed by anger, Zhang Ziyi gritted her teeth, stomped her foot, and turned to walk towards the lounge. She was determined to drag things out until the very end and walk the red carpet last, to see who could outlast whom.

Liu Shishi was standing not far behind Zhang Ziyi, waiting to walk the red carpet in turn. Unexpectedly, the other woman turned around and walked towards her. As they brushed past each other, she glared at Liu Shishi fiercely, the ruthlessness in her eyes sending chills down Liu Shishi's spine.

Seeing Zhang Ziyi return to the lounge, Liu Shishi didn't mind. She wasn't deliberately acting like a diva and had a clear conscience, so she didn't linger and went straight to the starting point of the red carpet.

In front of the autograph wall, an urgent report came through the host's earpiece from the backstage staff. Upon learning that Zhang Ziyi had left and Liu Shishi was taking over, the host quickly adjusted his script.

"Next, please welcome Liu Shishi, the female lead of 'Scarlet Heart'."

As the spotlights suddenly blared, Liu Shishi moved gracefully, her figure swaying with captivating elegance, as she slowly walked onto the red carpet.

"Ruoxi!" "Zhang Xiao!" "Shishi!"

The cheers from the audience rose and fell, and the reporters frantically pressed the shutter, capturing the captivating figure of the first sister.

If we're talking about which female celebrity was the most popular in the entertainment industry in 2011, Liu Shishi wouldn't dare say she's number one, but she'd definitely be in the top three.

"Welcome Shishi." Before the host could finish speaking, a flurry of flashes from cameras had already turned the red carpet into a galaxy of stars.

Inside the venue, Song Ci and several other bigwigs entered through a special passage and were already seated in the first row.

At this moment, Weibo President Liu Yan approached the chairman, bent down and whispered, "Chairman Song, Zhang Ziyi and Fan Bingbing are vying for top spot, both wanting to be the last to walk the red carpet. They're stalling each other, neither willing to leave first. What do you think we should do?"

Song Ci's eyes were deep. After a moment's thought, she directly ordered, "If the time is up, take down the red carpet. Since you're not walking the red carpet within the time allotted for the event, then don't walk it at all!"

Liu Yan was quite surprised, not expecting the chairman to be so firm. He hesitated and said, "President Song, isn't this a bit inappropriate? Should I send someone to persuade him again?"

"No need!" Song Ci said firmly. In his previous life, Xin Lang dared to pull all sorts of stunts. Now, Tengda's size is at least ten times that, so why should he care about a celebrity?

(End of this chapter)