Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 364 Each Has Their Own Ideas
On the last day of September, Beijing was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and the festive atmosphere of National Day had permeated the entire city.

The 9th annual "Harper's Bazaar Charity Night," co-hosted by Harper's Bazaar and Tenda Weibo, was grandly opened at the Beiping Hotel.

This year's charity gala was held in a very grand manner, with more than 300 celebrities from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong invited to attend. In addition, well-known directors and producers from the entertainment industry, as well as social celebrities and business entrepreneurs also attended, bringing the total number of attendees to more than 600.

Due to the large number of celebrities in attendance, the red carpet event, which started at 3 p.m., will continue until 7:30 p.m.

At six o'clock in the evening, the sunset was magnificent.

Backstage at the dressing room after the red carpet event, top actress Fan Bingbing was having a heated argument with Su Mang, editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar, creating a tense atmosphere.

“I disagree! Why should my October magazine cover be moved to November? You know how much effort I put into the October cover.”

Superstar Fan Bingbing, abandoning her usual composure and elegance, revealed anger on her face and stared sharply at Su Mang.

The five most influential top-tier women's fashion magazines in China are known for their peak sales season in September and October.

September is the "New Year" for the fashion world, with the four major international fashion weeks held during this month, major brands launching their autumn/winter new products and placing a large number of advertisements in the five major fashion magazines.

October is slightly later, but it is still the peak season for brands to launch new winter products and advertise.

Which female star can grace the cover of one of the five major fashion magazines in the past two months signifies her status and commercial value in the entertainment industry.

In order to appear on the cover of Harper's Bazaar's October issue, Fan Bingbing paid 2 million yuan of her own money to the magazine and even flew to Rome on her birthday, September 16, for a photoshoot.

She even wore an Armani Fall/Winter 2011 haute couture gown and Cartier high jewelry, and promoted it on Weibo: "30 years old, life has just begun."

Now that Su Mang is actually going to stand her up and reschedule the cover shoot for November, all her efforts have gone to waste. Where can she put her face now? How can she explain this to her fans?

At this moment, fashion icon Su Mang, who usually displayed a sharp edge towards female celebrities, cautiously explained:

"Bingbing, I had no choice. Gucci spent 300 million yuan on advertising to put Liu Shishi on the cover. You know, I couldn't refuse."

Upon hearing the reason, Fan Bingbing, although understanding Su Mang's predicament, still indignantly pressed, "Didn't you say before that she was going to be on the September issue? Why are you trying to steal my October cover!"

Su Mang hesitated, then said, "The original cover star for September was Wang Fei, but Liu Shishi asked her to make a cameo appearance in a movie, so I owe her a favor..."

"Damn it!" Fan Bingbing was extremely frustrated, but there was nothing she could do. Her studio relied entirely on the support of Tengda Culture, and she couldn't afford to offend the top female boss.

"Bingbing, the situation is stronger than people. Taking a step back will open up a whole new world. How about you be on the November cover, or I'll reserve next year's New Year issue for you?"

With things having come to this, Fan Bingbing could only face reality and cautiously asked, "Who are the candidates for the November and New Year's issue cover?"

The top five fashion magazines typically publish only twelve issues a year, featuring only twelve cover stars annually. The opportunity to appear on the cover of each issue is a highly coveted fashion resource that female celebrities in the entertainment industry would fight tooth and nail for.

Therefore, the cover star is usually decided about half a year in advance. It is extremely rare for someone like Liu Shishi to force her way in based on her own merit.

Fan Bingbing didn't want to steal someone else's chance to be on the cover and inexplicably make an enemy.

"Zhang Ziyi will be in November, and Shu Qi will be in January next year."

Upon hearing these two names, Fan Bingbing felt a headache coming on; both were not people to be trifled with. After weighing the pros and cons, although unwilling, she could only settle for second best: "I'll still go for the cover of the New Year's issue."

Zhang Ziyi has been embroiled in negative news for the past two years, causing her career to plummet. It seems that she paid a heavy price for appearing on the last issue of Harper's Bazaar.

If they really manage to oust her, the other party will go crazy. Even a rabbit will bite when cornered, let alone a top actress in the entertainment industry.

In contrast, Shu Qi's influence in the Hong Kong entertainment circle has been declining since 08, so she has limited influence in mainland China. It's not a big deal to offend her, so Fan Bingbing ultimately decided to appear in the New Year magazine.

With the thorny issue resolved, Su Mang breathed a sigh of relief: "Okay, then I'll arrange for you to be in the New Year's issue, and I'll waive the shooting fee for you this time."

"Thank you!" Fan Bingbing managed a wry smile; she was in the evaluation period for both Armani and Cartier.

In order to get promoted as soon as possible, he spent money to be on the cover of the October issue of the magazine, just to promote two major brands, but it turned out to be a waste of time.

Su Mang gently grasped Fan Bingbing's slender wrist, his fingertips caressing the back of her hand, conveying goodwill: "Bingbing, there's plenty of time! Starting next year, the entertainment industry's fashion resources will undergo a major transformation."

These meaningful words made Fan Bingbing's heart tighten, and she keenly sensed that Su Mang's words had a hidden meaning: "Sister Mang, what's the meaning behind this?"

"Have you noticed that tonight's Bazaar gala is exceptionally high-profile? A very important person will be making an appearance later."

Su Mang smiled mysteriously, her eyes revealing a burning ambition. Tonight's Bazaar Charity Night would be her moment to achieve legendary status, and from then on, she would be the queen of China's fashion industry.

Fan Bingbing playfully nudged Su Mang: "Sister Mang, we've been friends for so many years, why are you still playing riddles with me! A big shot, could it be the richest man coming?"

“Chairman Song will indeed be coming, along with several distinguished guests he has invited from Europe!” Su Mang said solemnly, his eyes gleaming with fervor, his breathing quickening.

"Sister Mang, just tell me directly!"

Su Mang stopped teasing and announced in an enthusiastic tone, "Chairman Song has specially invited the president of Kering Group and the president of Dior... to come to China!"

Fan Bingbing stared in disbelief, dumbfounded: "Sister Mang, you're not kidding me, are you?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Su Mang glared at Fan Bingbing. "Otherwise, why would I go to such lengths to invite so many people to this party?"

"Sis, why didn't you tell me earlier that such an important person was coming?" Fan Bingbing stamped her feet anxiously.

She had short hair today and wore a very ordinary green off-shoulder dress. She didn't even wear a necklace or earrings, which completely failed to showcase the temperament and image of a big star.

"Chairman Song forbade me to say anything, so how could I dare to publicize it?" Su Mang said with a regretful expression. If she had invited him, she would definitely want the whole world to know, but unfortunately, he was only doing so because of the richest man's influence.

Fan Bingbing hurriedly picked up her phone to check the time; it was 6:15, an hour before she was to walk the red carpet.

He immediately called his assistant who was staying at the studio: "Xiao Tao, I don't care what method you use, send my jewelry and dress to the Beiping Hotel!"

After instructing her assistant, Fan Bingbing asked with fervent eyes, "Sister Mang, does the arrival of these big shots in China mean that major brands will choose mainland celebrities as their spokespeople?"

Su thought for a moment: "It probably won't happen all at once. It will definitely start with brand experience officer and brand friend. But nothing is absolute. Maybe I'll be noticed by some president and parachuted in as a brand ambassador."

Fan Bingbing seemed lost in thought, muttering to herself, "Looks like I'll have to bleed a bit more tonight and make a good impression!" "Go for it, do your best!"

"Sister Mang, after two years of hard work, my studio has finally built a mature production team. Next year, it will be officially upgraded to a film and television company. I wonder if you would be interested in investing in it?"

Fan Bingbing's eyes darted around, her words carrying an alluring seduction. In a flash, she decided to tie herself to this "future queen" of the fashion world.

Su Mang was clearly taken aback, not expecting Fan Bingbing to be so generous, willing to spend so much to win him over. He quickly regained his composure and chuckled, "Bingbing, thank you for thinking of your sister. I need to take care of the important matters tonight first. We can discuss other things another day."

Fan Bingbing's red lips curved slightly, revealing a knowing smile. She knew that this fashion icon had already fallen for her. In the glamorous and decadent world of fame and fortune, only profit can last.

At this moment, the secretary entered the lounge to report: "President Su, Mr. Song and the VIPs' motorcade will be arriving at the hotel entrance soon!"

Su Mang's expression hardened, and he straightened his clothes: "Quickly inform General Manager Liu to go to the gate to greet him."

In front of the magnificent lobby of the Beiping Hotel, Liu Jiang and Su Mang, founders of the Fashion Group, eagerly awaited their arrival.

A short while later, a luxurious convoy of more than ten Rolls-Royces and Bentleys slowly drove up and stopped neatly in front of the red carpet.

Soon, entourage members quickly got out of the car and respectfully opened the door. Song Ci and his wife Liu Shishi stepped out of the vehicle with composure, accompanied by several distinguished foreign guests.

Liu and Su hurriedly went to greet them, bowing and saying, "Welcome Chairman Song, Madam, and all distinguished guests."

How are the preparations for the party going?

"Please rest assured, everything is ready!" Su Mang immediately replied. Seeing that the richest man had no intention of introducing the distinguished guest's identity, he knew that his level was not up to the richest man's standards, and he felt extremely regretful.

“Mr. Hayek, Mr. Pinault, the charity gala won’t start for a while yet. Why don’t you go to the VIP room and rest for a bit first!” After saying that, Song Ci looked at his wife and smiled gently, “Shishi, Delphine wants to experience the Oriental red carpet. Why don’t you accompany her?”

Liu Shishi understood, took Delphine Arnaud's arm, and smiled sweetly: "See you inside later, my dear."

"Prepare a lounge!"

"This way, please!" Su Mang bowed slightly and gestured with his hand.

Backstage on the red carpet, a constellation of stars gathered, their brilliance shining brightly. The big celebrities chatted and laughed in small groups.

"Even Andy Lau is here! Today's Bazaar Charity Gala is so grand!"

"Director Zhang also brought the 'The Flowers of War' crew to the event. He rarely participates in such events."

"I wonder what exciting things we'll see on the red carpet this year?"

"The entertainment industry landscape has changed dramatically. It's no longer just about the 'Four Dan Actresses and Two Bing Actresses' dominating the scene. The post-85 generation of actresses is rising strongly, so there's going to be a good show to watch!"

"Look, Liu Shishi is here! Who is the foreign woman next to her? She looks extraordinary."

Liu Shishi, dressed in a silver willow-leaf gown, exuded elegance and grace. She affectionately linked arms with Delphine Arnault as they gracefully entered the backstage area.

"Shishi, the atmosphere here is very lively!" Delphine maintained the poise and elegance of a top French socialite, observing everything around her without making a sound, and paying attention to the demeanor and behavior of the Eastern celebrities in front of her.

She's attended Hollywood parties and seen Paris fashion shows, but this is her first time experiencing an Asian celebrity on the red carpet.

"Hundreds of celebrities are in attendance at this charity gala tonight," Liu Shishi said with a smile, introducing some basic information about the Chinese entertainment industry to her new friend in fluent English.

Not far away, four heavyweight figures in the entertainment industry gathered together, staring at Liu Shishi and commenting on her.

Na Yin crossed her arms, squinted her eyes, and curiously observed. It was the first time she had seen Liu Shishi in person, and she snorted sourly:

"Her demeanor is indeed quite good, and she has a rather plain face, which would be quite ordinary in the entertainment industry. However, she is truly blessed. Her childhood sweetheart became the richest man in just a few years. She has never suffered a day of hardship, but she has enjoyed a lifetime of happiness."

Beside her, pop diva Wang Fei thought of her good-for-nothing husband and sighed slightly, "No woman in the entertainment industry has married better than her."

Zhao Zhetian's eyes turned slightly cold: "This top female star is currently riding high, and even a few of us 'seniors' have to avoid her now."

"It's all because of her husband's power. Without that Song guy protecting her, I could ruin her reputation with a flick of my wrist." A woman dressed elegantly sneered, her face full of jealousy.

Why is it that Liu Shishi can receive the love of her childhood sweetheart, have a smooth life, and marry into a billionaire family without any pressure or obstacles, while she can never get a title or recognition from her husband's family?

Na Yin, Zhao Zhetian, and the other two believed this statement without a doubt, because Zhang Ziyi's career was now in a slump, which was the result of this Madam Zhao's actions.

Wang Fei was afraid that her best friend might act impulsively and do something irrational, so she advised her, "Sister Zhao, that young master is not someone to be trifled with. We should keep to ourselves and not mess with each other. Don't go and provoke Liu Shishi."

"I'm not stupid. I won't offend others unless they offend me. That kid Song Ci is unfathomable, and he has a top-notch backer. How could I dare to provoke him?"

Madam Zhao had heard many rumors about the richest man from her husband, and she knew a little about the power of Song Ci, which was definitely not something a mistress like her could afford to offend.

"The entertainment industry is a place of fame and fortune. Everyone has their own territory and demands. How can things always be peaceful?"

Hearing the suggestive words in her voice, Zhao Zhetian tentatively asked, "Then, sister, if you hear anything, share it with your younger sister?"

Seeing that her sisters were looking at her curiously, Na Yin looked around and lowered her voice: "Now video websites are gradually rising and are gradually competing with traditional TV stations and film and television companies for the right to speak."

Song Ci has its own strategy for the cultural industry. Tengda Culture, as the leading company in the Beijing entertainment circle, basically doesn't produce Qing Dynasty dramas, a practice that has drawn criticism from some.

Upon hearing this, Wang Fei, Zhao Zhetian, and Madam Zhao all tensed up. As insiders, they naturally understood the deeper meaning behind Na Yin's words.

Na Yin also said in a serious tone: "Song Ci has been holding back his words, so we have to be careful. After all, we're not on the same side. If he were to personally step in and beat someone up one day, it would be a huge shock, a momentous event."

"It can't be that bad. Song Ci has such a status. It would be too beneath her to interfere in such trivial matters in the entertainment industry." Zhao Zhetian frowned, but reminded himself to keep his temper in check on the set of "Painted Skin 2".

Na Yin shrugged: "Who knows? Weibo is now the largest public opinion platform in the country, and the propaganda front has always been a battleground for strategists."

Wang Fei waved his hand, interrupting the topic: "Alright, alright, let's not talk about these things today. The power struggles between big shots are none of our business. Let's just focus on making money peacefully."

(End of this chapter)