Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 363 The Shock to the Entertainment Industry

The autumn morning light is gentle and restrained.

The dormitory for female students of Beijing Film Academy, Class of 2011.

Early in the morning, Yang Caiyu finished washing up and was wiping her face when she saw Gulinaza getting up and getting dressed.

Somewhat surprised: "Naza, you don't have classes today, it's Saturday, why are you up so early?"

Peng Doudou and Wu You also peeked out from under the covers, looking over curiously. On weekdays when she didn't have classes, Gulinaza was the one who lingered in bed the most.

Gulinaza stretched and replied lazily, "I'm going to try on a haute couture dress this morning."

"Haute couture?!" The three roommates' eyes lit up, and they asked excitedly, "Naza, are you going to walk the red carpet at an event?"

"Yes, I'm going to attend the Bazaar Charity Gala in a few days." Naza pretended to be calm, but couldn't hide the slight smugness on her face.

Yang Caiyu and the other two were filled with envy. The Bazaar Charity Night was a fashion extravaganza in the entertainment industry, a gathering of big names, and not something that ordinary minor stars were qualified to attend. They couldn't help but sigh that signing with a big company really made a difference.

"Naza, where are you going to choose your dress?"

"Rose Studio, K said that this studio was founded by Ms. Guo Pei, the "first person of haute couture in China", and many celebrities have their haute couture gowns made there."

Wu You stepped forward and took Gulinaza's arm, blinking her eyes: "Naza, can you take us to see something amazing?"

Yang Caiyu and Peng Doudou also looked at their roommates with anticipation, as haute couture gowns are a must-have for female celebrities when attending red carpet events.

Although they haven't debuted yet and can't use them, being able to see top-tier gowns in advance will always be helpful for their future.

Surrounded by the three, Naza's smile widened: "Sure, let's go together."

"Long live!" Wu You and Peng Doudou cheered and high-fived. "North of the Yangtze River, Nazha is the most beautiful!"

Watching her three roommates cheer and shower her with compliments, Gulnazar felt her vanity greatly satisfied.

Meanwhile, in the 2010 class of female students at Beijing Film Academy.

Yang Zi was applying makeup in front of the mirror, preparing to go out, when suddenly her phone on the table vibrated slightly.

Looking up, I saw it was a WeChat message from my friend Zhang Yishan.

"Yang, the autumn weather is so nice and refreshing, want to go out and have some fun?"

Yang Zi typed quickly: "No, I have something to do today."

The other party replied instantly: "What's wrong? I'll go with you."

Yang Zi's lips twitched, and a strange look flashed across her face: "Zhang Yishan, you have a girlfriend now. Why don't you spend your weekend with her, but with me?"

"Brothers are just as important as girlfriends. I'll spend time with you today and with Bai Xue tomorrow!"

Yang Zi couldn't help but roll her eyes: "Thank you. But you don't need to come with me. I'm going to try on dresses today, and you'll probably be bored there."

"What a coincidence! Bai Xue is also renting a dress these days, saying she's going to attend the Bazaar Charity Night. You're not doing the same, are you?"

Yang Zi was somewhat surprised. She was able to attend the Bazaar Charity Gala because of the company's resources. Otherwise, with her current status, she wouldn't have received an invitation. Bai Xue was even less qualified than her to attend the Bazaar Charity Gala.

What's Bai Xue's background?

"Go with the crew of 'The Flowers of War'."

"So that's how it is," Yang Zi suddenly realized. It turned out that Bai Xue had benefited from the Imperial Preceptor's influence.

The Bazaar Charity Night is now highly prestigious, and some directors and celebrities use the opportunity to promote their work. It seems director Zhang Yimou intends to use this opportunity to promote his new film.

“Tengda Culture has a dedicated dress studio. If Bai Xue is willing, you can come with me to take a look.”

"Of course she'd be willing! Big companies are great, they have all sorts of resources. So it's settled then, see you in half an hour."

Yang Zi locked her phone screen, shook her head helplessly, and couldn't help but mutter to herself: There's something strange about these two dating.

A short while later, Yang Zi, having finished getting ready, arrived at the dormitory building and saw Zhang Yishan standing not far away, waving at her. Beside him was a beautiful girl with bright eyes and white teeth, who was none other than his girlfriend, Bai Xue.

"Zi Mei, where are you going to order your dress?" Bai Xue asked with a worried look. As a newcomer to the entertainment industry, she had no connections in haute couture.

Yang Zi kept everyone in suspense, then smiled mysteriously: "Just come with me, I guarantee you'll be amazed."

The three chatted and laughed as they left the Beijing Film Academy. Yang Zi led Zhang Yishan and Bai Xue straight towards a black Mercedes parked by the roadside.

The car window rolled down, revealing the profile of He Peng, a classmate of the three, wearing sunglasses.

"It's you, He Peng!" Zhang Yishan's eyes widened. "You've been hiding your true abilities!"

Yang Zi smiled faintly, "Could you please take me there, He Peng?"

"It's nothing." He Peng took off his sunglasses, raised an eyebrow, got out of the car, and gentlemanly opened the car door. "Please, ladies, get in."

Yang Zi chuckled and pulled Bai Xue into the car. Seeing Zhang Yishan standing there, she couldn't help but urge, "Yishan, what are you standing there for? Get in the car!"

Zhang Yishan reluctantly climbed into the passenger seat, muttering, "He Peng, I never knew you were a rich kid."

He Peng smiled without saying a word; his family really did own a mine!

"Yang Zi, where are you going?"

"No. 22, Dahongluochang Street, Rose Square".

He Peng opened the navigation: "It's not far from the school, about a 20-minute walk."

The roads in Beiping were a bit congested on Saturday. After more than half an hour, Yang Zi and her three companions arrived at their destination, Guo Pei Fashion Studio in Rose Lane.

As soon as the group got out of the car, a taxi followed closely behind and stopped. Four energetic young women stepped out.

Bai Xue recognized the group and exclaimed, "Hey, isn't that Gulnazar from level 11? Is she here to choose a dress too?"

Yang Zi nodded slightly: "That should be true. Her agency is Tangren Media, and big companies usually arrange these things for their artists."

Gulinaza also noticed Yang Zi and her group and went up to greet them warmly: "Good morning, seniors."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two groups entered the Rose Studio together. The receptionist greeted them warmly, "Do you have an appointment?"

"I am Yang Zi from Tengda Culture, and I'm here today to choose my dress."

"I am Gulnazar from Tangren Media. I have made an appointment."

After confirming the information, staff members quickly came to greet the client: "Ms. Guo is receiving distinguished guests. Let me first show you our Rose Gallery haute couture collection."

Everyone readily agreed and entered the exhibition hall, instantly captivated by the magnificent gowns before them. Guo Pei's haute couture gowns, with their distinctly Eastern characteristics, were breathtakingly beautiful amidst the interplay of light and shadow.

The dazzling and exquisitely crafted gowns captivated the group, leaving them in awe.

Zhang Yishan shouted in a loud voice, "Beautiful lady, how much does a dress usually cost here?"

"The gowns at Rose Studio are all meticulously designed by Ms. Guo, and the prices generally range from 30 to 200 million yuan, with some top-tier pieces reaching 300 million yuan."

"300 million!" Upon hearing the price, Zhang Yishan blurted out instinctively, "That's too expensive!"

He quickly realized his mistake and hurriedly tried to salvage the situation: "As expected of a masterpiece, it's definitely worth the price." The female instructor couldn't help but chuckle; she had already recognized the boisterous boy in front of her as Liu Xing, the mischievous character from "Home with Kids."

Upon hearing the daunting price, Bai Xue's expression changed instantly, and she asked in a low voice, "Excuse me, are the dresses here available for rent?"

"Yes, ma'am. Apart from some exclusive custom-made dresses, all the gowns at Rose Gallery can be rented."

"So, how much would it cost to rent it for one night?"

"Depending on the quality of the dress, the price ranges from three thousand to ten thousand."

Bai Xue breathed a slight sigh of relief. Although it hurt to spend several thousand yuan a night, she could barely accept it by gritting her teeth.

Yang Zi and Gulnazar, standing to the side, were much more relaxed, as the company covered the cost of renting their dresses.

Upon hearing the price of the haute couture gowns, the newlyweds had different thoughts, feeling that the glamorous entertainment industry had only just begun to reveal a small part of its true nature to them.

"Sister Xia, what are you doing here?"

Upon arriving at the lounge, Gulnazar recognized the woman sitting in the corner drinking tea as Lin Xia, the top female host's work assistant.

Lin Xia, who was lost in thought, looked up when she heard the voice: "It's you, Nazha. I'm here with my senior sister to choose a dress."

Naza exclaimed in surprise, "Senior Sister is here too?"

"Try on the clothes in the VIP room."

Inside the VIP room, Liu Shishi stood in front of a tall floor-length mirror, her silver willow-leaf dress outlining her graceful curves, her hair falling naturally over her shoulders, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

The eldest sister turned around gracefully, examining the effect of her outfit from various angles.

Top designer Guo Pei stood aside and praised her repeatedly: "Shishi, this dress really suits you. It has a gentle and elegant feel, and it embraces everything."

Liu Shishi nodded slightly. Overall, she was satisfied with the dress, but when her eyes fell on the snow-white area of ​​her chest in the mirror, she subconsciously reached out to cover it: "This deep V-neck design is not good, it needs to be changed."

Guo Pei felt helpless; Liu Shishi was the most conservatively dressed of all the female stars she knew.

Although she thought the deep V-neck design was one of the highlights of the dress, the customer is always right, so she readily agreed: "No problem, we'll modify it according to your requirements."

Would you like to try on other dresses?

Liu Shishi took one last look at her gentle and elegant appearance in the mirror: "No need, this one is fine. Let me know when it's finished, and I'll send someone to pick it up."

After finishing her explanation, Sister Yi suddenly remembered something: "By the way, Mr. Guo, have you designed any new men's suits recently? Do you have any suitable for my husband?"

"Mr. Song looks handsome in anything!" Guo Pei cleverly complimented the richest man, making the top female celebrity beam with joy.

"I recently designed several new suits incorporating elements of Tang suits, you can take a look. It would be my honor if Mr. Song would like to wear my designs to an event."

Liu Shishi changed into casual clothes and followed Guo Pei out of the VIP room. Just as they were about to move to the men's clothing exhibition hall, they ran into Gulnazar and Yang Zi's group.
"Senior Sister!" Yang Zi and Na Zha said in unison, revealing a sense of intimacy.

The others quickly stepped forward to greet her, "Teacher Liu." "Senior Sister Shi."

The eldest sister nodded in acknowledgment, her smile gentle: "Zi Mei, Nazar, are you here to choose your dresses for the Bazaar Charity Night?"

"Yes." "Hmm."

"Ms. Guo is a top design master. You should listen to her advice more often. She will tell you how female stars choose haute couture dresses to accentuate their strengths and minimize their weaknesses, and to suit the occasion."

Guo Pei saw Yang Zi and Na Zha and immediately understood that the two must be the newcomers from Tengda and Tangren. So he called his assistant: "Xiao Zhang, take the two ladies to try on some of those classic dresses suitable for evening events."

"Okay!" Xiao Zhang agreed and led the people to the exhibition hall to pick up the dresses.

Liu Shishi smiled and said, "Nazha, Zimei, let's have dinner together later. It's been a while since we last saw each other. I'm going to pick out a few suits for my husband first. We'll talk later."

Watching the starlet's departing figure, the newcomers exchanged bewildered glances. They realized that even choosing a gown was a meticulous process of cultivating a perfect image for a top celebrity. And they, they had only just begun their glamorous journey.

"Have you seen enough?" Yang Zi waved her hand in front of He Peng's eyes, interrupting his infatuated gaze. "When I try on my dress later, you'll have to give me some feedback."

He Peng's gaze was blocked, and he came to his senses, smiling broadly as he said, "Yes, sir."

Standing to the side, Zhang Yishan witnessed Yang Zi and He Peng's sweet interaction and immediately understood that the two were dating. He felt a pang of loss in his heart.

But when he caught a glimpse of his girlfriend Bai Xue out of the corner of his eye, he quickly composed himself and said, "Bai Xue, pick something you like too, I'll pay for it."

Upon hearing her boyfriend's thoughtfulness, Bai Xue smiled sweetly and said, "Thank you, Yishan."

The group returned to the lounge to wait, where several girls chattered excitedly, discussing the dress styles.

Zhang Yishan didn't want to talk to He Peng. Bored, he took out his phone to browse Weibo. When he saw the newly released trending topics, he exclaimed, "Holy crap, Shishijie is amazing!"

The girls were startled by Zhang Yishan and said coquettishly, "Yishan, what's wrong now? Why are you so startled?"

Zhang Yishan excitedly shook his phone: "Look at the trending topics!"

Curious, the group opened Weibo to check the trending topics.

1. Liu Shishi is on the list

2. The richest person in the entertainment industry

3. Song Dynasty poetry once again tops the list of richest sources.

. . .

One after another, trending search terms related to the top female celebrity caught everyone's eye. People immediately clicked on the trending search links, and after browsing through them, exclamations of surprise filled the air.

Just an hour earlier, on the morning of September 24th, the Hurun Research Institute released its latest rich list. This year's list includes 1000 billionaires, with a minimum wealth threshold of 22 billion yuan.

Song Ci, founder of Tengda Technology Group, once again topped the list of China's richest people with a net worth of 2611 billion yuan, achieving an unprecedented four-peat.

Song Dynasty poetry topping the list was expected by many netizens, but what was surprising was that Liu Shishi was also on the list this year.

Hurun did not combine the wealth of Song Ci and Liu Shishi into a single calculation, but rather compiled their wealth separately. As a result, Liu Shishi ranked 246th on the rich list with a net worth of 66 billion yuan, making her the only person from the entire entertainment industry to be included on the list.

"666, as expected, she changed her name after getting married. With the release of this rich list, Liu Shishi has been elevated to godhood, and the female celebrities in the entertainment industry are green with envy."

"That's amazing. A net worth of 66 billion yuan, ranking one place higher than the owner of BBK Electronics."

"The first sister's building in Donghai is worth too much. In the end, it's because Song Ci is rich and married well."

"Tengda Group is amazing! CEO Zhang Yong is worth 169 billion yuan, ranking 49th on the list, and COO Wang Jing is worth 113 billion yuan, ranking 96th. Waaah, I also want to start a business with Boss Song!"

"Most of the top-ranked individuals are real estate and internet business owners; these two industries are booming."

"Once Tengda Group goes public, Song Ci's net worth will be unimaginable. He'll be aiming straight for the title of the world's richest person!"

Naza and his companions were utterly shocked as they read the comments from netizens.

Zhang Yishan scratched his head, puzzled: "Is the entertainment industry really that bad? Only Shishijie is on the list? What about Boss Wang of Huayi Company? It's a listed company, after all."

Yang Zi quickly scrolled through the comments: "Didn't netizens already calculate that Huayi's current market value is 98 billion? Wang Zhongjun holds 21% of the shares, and his net worth is less than 22 billion, which is not enough to qualify for the list. Therefore, Sister Shi is the richest woman in the entertainment industry."

The newcomers were filled with emotion, finally understanding the true meaning of "class disparity." Those glamorous celebrities on television are nothing more than laborers in another world when faced with real capital.

(End of this chapter)