Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 334 New Characters

The morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the presidential suite of the Bincheng Wanda Hotel.

Song Ci sat upright at the dining table, answering an important phone call.

"Don't worry, Director Wang, we're all one family. I wouldn't do anything that would harm our unity!"

A hearty laugh came from the other end of the phone: "President Song is indeed very understanding! Originally, Old Master Xu wanted to call you in person, but he was afraid of being abrupt and disturbing you, so he asked me to act as a peacemaker."

Hong Kong's wealthy families have always been close to us; the greater good is always our priority.

“I understand!” A glint flashed in Song Ci’s eyes. “Old Master Xu is overthinking it. His daughter-in-law and wife just had a minor argument. I wouldn’t let such a small matter bother me.”

Director Wang replied meaningfully, "I'm just afraid that some people might take advantage of the situation and cause trouble."

Song Ci paused, his gaze slightly narrowing: "I will instruct my wife that since Mrs. Xu has publicly apologized, let's let this matter rest. However, this should not be a repeat of the previous one!"

At the other end of the table, Liu Shishi gracefully turned to Cai Yinong beside her and whispered, "Sister K, the person who was on the phone with my husband is someone important."

Cai Yinong was somewhat surprised. His top female idol knew about this? "How do you know?"

“I can tell from my husband’s micro-expressions,” Liu Shishi said confidently.

Over the years, she has figured out some tricks of the trade: if her husband answers the phone so solemnly, the other party must be someone of extraordinary status.

To verify her suspicions, as soon as Song Ci ended the call, Liu Shishi eagerly leaned over and asked, "Honey, who was that person you were talking to on the phone just now?"

After hanging up the phone, Song Ci let out a breath and rubbed her temples: "It's a leader in charge of Hong Kong and Macau affairs."

What rank is he?

"A high-ranking official of the imperial court."

Liu Shishi winked triumphantly at Cai Yinong: "I knew I was right."

Song Ci’s tone was light and ordinary, yet it made Cai Yi Nong tremble with fear, and for the first time he truly felt the astonishing power of this newly crowned richest man in Asia.

"Why is it all black truffles? I don't like that stuff. And this morning, all the dishes are heavy on flavor, too greasy."

Despite the table laden with delicacies, Song Ci looked disgusted and was extremely picky.

"This is the new black truffle-themed breakfast offered by Si Cong Jia Hotel; it's very nutritious. The Australian lobster fried rice is also quite delicious."

Liu Shishi gracefully got up and served her husband half a bowl of fried rice. "Want to try some? Just a small bite."

Seeing his wife's strong recommendation, Song Ci gave it a quick try: "It tastes alright."

Liu Shishi smiled gently, and Song Ci listened attentively to her advice. The tacit understanding between the couple stemmed from these subtle compromises.

"Sister K, why don't you give it a try?"

With years of friendship, there was no need for formalities. Cai Yinong smiled and accepted, "Then I won't stand on ceremony and will enjoy the delicious food along with you."

While eating breakfast, Song Ci solemnly instructed, "President Cai, I called you here early this morning because there are a few things I need to tell you."

Cai Yinong put down his chopsticks and immediately became serious: "Please speak!"

"If Shishi accepts brand endorsements from Hong Kong, Taiwan, or overseas, she must be very careful and rigorous in her selection process."

Song Ci has keen insight; he has noticed that some brands have questionable stances. As he and Liu Shishi are a couple, he has to consider these factors more carefully.

His gaze fell on his wife again: "Shishi, you don't need to take those people on the internet who are malicious or kind to you to heart. The most unpredictable thing in this world is the human heart."

“I know what’s important.” Liu Shishi nodded slightly. “However, Li Jiaxin apologized to me publicly on Weibo this morning. If I don’t respond, will I seem petty?”

And if she's so disrespectful, won't her husband...?

Song Ci understood his wife's meaning; she was worried about the Xu family's reaction. Although it's better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester, why should he care about Xu Dashao, a second-generation heir without inheritance rights?
"Just pretend he doesn't exist."

Seeing her husband's disdainful expression, as if he looked down on Li Jiaxin and her husband, Liu Shishi finally felt relieved.

"Sigh, the official announcement coincided with the release of the Forbes list, and then Hong Kong was inexplicably dragged into it. Everything just happened at once!"

After having breakfast, Song Ci sighed softly, "I've already instructed Liu Yan to suppress the trending topics about us. A senior leader just called to remind me that it's not advisable to be too high-profile."

"I'm sorry, Yi Yi." Liu Shishi lowered her eyes, feeling a pang of regret.

My husband is always low-key, and I didn't discuss it with him before making the announcement impulsively, which may have caused him a lot of trouble. But I also feel a little disappointed.

"Don't talk nonsense. I'm your husband. I'm overjoyed to announce this." Song Ci spoke softly, like a gentle stream nourishing his wife's heart.

Liu Shishi was so moved that her nose tingled and she couldn't speak for a moment.

In the morning light, Song Ci straightened his suit collar: "It's getting late, I have to rush back to Beiping."

"I'll see you off, darling."

In the hotel lobby, several girls at the front desk couldn't help but whisper among themselves as they watched Liu Shishi walk out of the elevator arm in arm with Song Ci.

The supervisor saw a young woman trying to secretly take a picture and quickly stopped her: "Are you crazy! Not only does the hotel not allow taking pictures of customers without their consent, but this man is the richest man in Asia. Do you think you can afford to offend him?"

The receptionist, who had been scolded, stopped reluctantly and stuck out her tongue: "Sister Zhao, I just thought Liu Shishi and Song Ci were a perfect match and wanted to take a picture."

Another girl standing nearby chimed in, "You know what, the two of them have that domineering CEO and heiress vibe from a Korean drama."

The luxury car was already parked in front of the hotel lobby, and the bodyguards stood quietly.

Liu Shishi hugged her husband tightly, reluctant to part.

Song Ci gently stroked his wife's back, tenderly kissed her forehead, and softly comforted her, "We'll see each other in a couple of days! Also, I'll tell you a secret."

Liu Shishi lifted her head from Mr. Song's arms, her eyes hazy: "What secret?"

"You can check out my Weibo updates later, my main account."

"Okay!" Liu Shishi felt a surge of anticipation, planted a kiss on her husband's cheek, and let him go. "Have a safe trip, my love!"

Watching Mr. Song's convoy disappear at the end of the road, Liu Shishi finally looked away and returned to the presidential suite with Cai Yinong.

"Director Ma gave me a day off, another relaxing and enjoyable day!" Liu Shishi stretched lazily, her graceful figure easing the strain on her waist that had been tormented by someone the night before.

"Shishi, I have something to discuss with you."

"Go ahead and say it, Sister K," Sister K replied casually as she sat down on the sofa.

Full of excitement, I opened Weibo, eager to see what the surprise my husband had mentioned was.

Cai Yi-nong took a document out of his briefcase and sat down next to the hostess.

"Shishi, the company is planning to start a new film in the second half of the year." "That's great." Liu Shishi carefully browsed her husband's Weibo updates.

Since its opening, Mr. Song's Weibo account has been updated very infrequently. Apart from three posts related to her—the proposal, engagement, and marriage registration—the rest of the content introduces Tengda Group's products, totaling no more than ten posts.

"Nothing's changed?" Liu Shishi wondered, then casually clicked on the photo of their marriage certificate from when they made their vows of eternal love, and exclaimed in surprise, "Oh, my name!"

Seeing that Sister Yi was startled, Cai Yi-nong quickly asked, "What's wrong?"

Liu Shishi did not answer. She hurriedly scrolled through the screen and clicked on the marriage certificate photo. She found that it was the same. The woman's image and the three words "Liu Shishi" that were originally covered by mosaic were now clearly visible.

She immediately understood; this was her husband's response to her official announcement.

It turns out that he had quietly modified those previously blurred photos, and then openly announced to the world that Song Ci's wife was Liu Shishi.

"So it turns out I was too late in responding!" Liu Shishi said, her eyes brimming with tears. "Proposal, engagement, marriage registration—my husband was always so eager to share his joy with everyone!"

"Why are you crying all of a sudden?" Cai Yinong saw Sister Yi's tears falling down her face and quickly handed her a tissue.

"So it turns out his heart has been longing all along. I was too willful. Waaah, Song Yiyi is so wonderful." Liu Shishi was moved to tears by her husband's heartwarming gesture.

Cai Yinong rolled her eyes. Was it really appropriate for the top female celebrity to show off her love in front of her, a single woman in her late twenties?

After crying for a while, Liu Shishi finally managed to stop her tears and sniffled, "Sister K, what did you just say?"

Cai Yinong's lips twitched, and he couldn't help but complain. It turned out that all his words had been in vain. The love-struck queen's heart was only filled with her man, and she hadn't listened at all!

"I said, the company is starting a new film..."

"What subject matter?"

"Ancient costume fantasy, 'Xuan-Yuan Sword'! It's adapted from the game of the same name." Cai Yinong's eyes gleamed. Ancient costume fantasy was exactly the genre that Tangren Media excelled at.

Liu Shishi wiped away the remaining tears from the corners of her eyes, and her interest was piqued: "Like 'Chinese Paladin 3,' it's adapted from a game?"

"This is the script outline."

The top female lead took the script and was quickly drawn in by the plot, flipping through it with great interest: "Sister K, you want me to star in it?"

"Yes, I want you to play Tuoba Yu'er! Hu Ge will play Yuwen Tuo!"

"Hu Ge is acting in it too. Didn't he say he wouldn't take on any more period dramas?"

"This 'Xuan-Yuan Sword' will likely be the last period drama he directs for Tangren Media."

Cai Yinong spoke calmly, yet with a hint of deeper meaning: "After this drama is finished, I will set up a personal studio for him so that he can focus on transitioning to serious dramas and the big screen."

Liu Shishi seemed to understand something and immediately realized that this was an exchange of benefits between Lao Hu and Sister K.

If Lao Hu helps Tangren produce another hit drama to pave the way for the company's IPO, he can then freely pursue his own acting career.

As for the success of "Xuan-Yuan Sword"? The lead actress is very confident. If she and Hu Ge were to star in it, the ratings would definitely be high.

Liu Shishi's slender fingers traced the edge of the script, still hesitant: "What about the other roles? The outline seems to suggest two male leads? Chen Jingchou's role is going to A Xin?"

Cai Yinong slowly shook his head: "The company has signed a new talent named Jiang Jinfu. I plan to have Hu Ge mentor him."

"The company has signed another new talent!" Liu Shishi was taken aback, but then she understood the implication in Sister K's words. This Jiang Jinfu might be Lao Hu's successor and Tangren Media's future number one star.

"Why not choose Ah Xin?" Sister Yi couldn't understand Sister K's decision. Lin Gengxin had already gained some fame after starring in "Scarlet Heart," and seemed more reliable than a newcomer.

Cai Yi Nong also had no intention of hiding his plans, and confided in Yi Jie: "I am even more fortunate to have a good relationship with you and Wang Dashao of Wanda. As long as you are willing to take care of him, he can obtain a lot of resources even without Tangren's support."

Making a star famous isn't easy; I'm doing this with double insurance.

So you want Lin Gengxin to fleece me and Si Cong! Liu Shishi was speechless at K-sister's bluntness: "Do you think Ah Xin would agree to this?"

“We’ve talked to him. When the company’s resources are appropriate, we will give him a share of the profits. And I will be more lenient on the profit sharing for the resources he obtained through his own connections, so he has no objections.”

Liu Shishi pursed her lips, immediately realizing that Lin Gengxin was probably also eyeing the resources of Wanda Pictures and Tengda Culture.

"Alright, as long as you've reached an agreement." Since the parties involved are willing, she, as an outsider, has even less objection. "What about the other female leads?"

"Xiaoxue, give it to Naza. I'd like to invite Tang Yan to play Ning Ke."

"Naza!" Liu Shishi suddenly thought of a certain poor guy who had been taking extra classes in Beiping. "With Jin Chen added to the mix, Tangren's future number one star is double insurance?"

"As long as you're here, Tangren's number one actress will always be you! Choosing Nazha to play Xiaoxue was simply because we value her potential; after all, her face is rare in the entertainment industry."

The commentator acknowledged Gulnazar's beauty, saying, "Gulnazar is indeed beautiful; she could easily make a name for herself in the entertainment industry with just her face."

"So, Shishi, have you decided to take the role?" Cai Yinong looked at the leading lady with great anticipation. The entire "Xuan-Yuan Sword" series was now just waiting for the female lead's approval.

"Sister K, I'm acting, okay? Don't look at me like that!" Liu Shishi felt a little uncomfortable under Sister K's intense gaze.
Cai Yinong was overjoyed: "Don't worry, it's the same old rule, there will be absolutely no kissing or intimate scenes. I'll design a few cool action scenes for you, guaranteed to attract fans and make you stand out."

"You'll have plenty of vacation time during filming, so it won't prevent you from regularly returning to Beiping to reunite with Boss Song."

This "Xuan-Yuan Sword" series is of paramount importance to Tangren Media, and they spared no expense to get their leading lady to star in it.

Just as they were about to discuss the details, Liu Shishi's phone suddenly rang. She looked at the caller ID and was slightly surprised.

"Hey, Bo-ge. You want to visit the set? Don't bother, I appreciate your kindness, but I'm not on set right now."

"What, something else? Your agent wants to see me? Okay, I'll send you the address on WeChat. I'm free today."

"Who's coming?"

"Yu Bo's agent," Liu Shishi replied casually as she sent the address to Yu Bo.

“Jiang Xuerou, the boss of Zhouyi Film and Television!” Cai Yinong squinted, very curious about the visit of this powerful woman who was on par with him. Thinking of the recent rumors in the industry, he vaguely guessed her intention to meet the top star.

"I heard that Zhouyi Film and Television wanted to sell to Tengda Culture, but Zhang Zhao didn't like it."

After sending the address, the woman looked puzzled and humbly asked, "Isn't Zhouyi a leading historical drama series on par with Tangren? Why doesn't Zhang Zhao like it?"

Cai Yinong chuckled and explained, "The Zhouyi and the Tang people took completely different paths, focusing on the content rather than the Taoist teachings."

But Tengda Culture has no shortage of high-quality IPs and scriptwriting teams. Zhang Zhao naturally looked down on Zhou Yi, a production company that couldn't even make its own artists popular.

"I see. So Jiang Xueru came to see me hoping I would acquire the Book of Changes?"

"Very likely. If the offer is right, you could consider acquiring the production team to help your husband, Tengda TT Video Network, enrich its content ecosystem by producing web series in the future."

Liu Shishi fell into deep thought. The sunlight outside the window was just right, shining on her delicate profile and reflecting a captivating radiance.

(End of this chapter)