Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 385 First Production
February 6th is the Lantern Festival.

The Beiping Hotel was a star-studded affair, with many celebrities closely associated with Tengda Culture in attendance to celebrate the box office success of "Goodbye Mr. Loser" surpassing 10 billion yuan.

A large number of media reporters who had rushed to the scene had already gathered outside the hotel, ready with their cameras and microphones, just to capture the celebrities.

As evening fell, a luxury car pulled up in front of the restaurant. Reporters who had been waiting for a long time rushed over as soon as they saw Yang Mi get out of the car, vying to interview her. The flashes of light instantly lit up the night sky.

"Sister Honey, can you say a few words?"

"Teacher Yang Mi, what are your thoughts on those famous memes about you that have recently gone viral online?"

Under the spotlight, Yang Mi wore a black off-shoulder evening gown that accentuated her graceful curves, her hair flowing over her shoulders, exuding charm and allure.

Since showing off her figure in the movie and making a stunning appearance, revealing her big secret, she has recently been going for a mature and sophisticated look.

With the microphone practically shoved in his face, the superstar smiled slightly, poised and confident, and answered with ease:
"When netizens make jokes about scenes from TV dramas and movies, it's a way of showing their affection for me. As long as it's not excessive, I don't mind."

Her words revealed a hint of helplessness, even though she herself did not want netizens to focus too much on her figure.

However, clips of her from movies and TV shows, such as "You're so sexy" and "Stop looking, she's a boss's wife now," have swept across the internet and cannot be stopped from spreading.

Since she was powerless to resist, she went with the flow and accepted it calmly, after all, these clips did bring her terrifying popularity.

At the beginning of 2012, if Liu Shishi was the hottest female star in the first half of January thanks to the official announcements of two major brands, then Yang Mi is undoubtedly the queen of traffic in the second half of the month so far.

"Honey, what's your opinion on the feud between Zhen Zidan and Zhao Wenzhuo these past two days?"

As soon as the pointed topic was raised, all the reporters present held their breath, their expressions of anticipation as they looked at Yang Mi with great interest.

Recently, kung fu stars Donnie Yen and Zhao Wenzhuo had a heated conflict over their collaboration on the film "Special Identity".

In an interview, Zhen Zidan accused Zhao Wenzhuo of arbitrarily changing the script, refusing to cooperate with filming, acting like a diva, and lacking professionalism.

Zhao Wenzhuo immediately refuted this, speaking out through the media, claiming that he was marginalized by Donnie Yen on set, who, as the producer, temporarily changed the script and significantly reduced his scenes. He also claimed that when he made reasonable suggestions, he was ostracized from the crew.

The two sides then exchanged barbs via Weibo.

Zhen Zidan was the first to post, saying "the innocent are innocent," implying that Zhao Wenzhuo was responsible; Zhao Wenzhuo responded by saying "seeking justice," accusing the other party of "relying on power."

Currently, fans and netizens on both sides are divided into two camps and are arguing fiercely. The "Zhen Zidan Zhao Wenzhuo incident" has become a trending topic and has sparked heated discussions among the public.

Yang Mi frowned slightly, and after a brief pause, said firmly, "I don't believe the rumors are true. I'm on Brother Zhuo's side... I think he's an excellent actor."

Yang Mi's words were startling; after her clear and unequivocal statement, the reporters present were immediately in an uproar.

This is the first popular celebrity to publicly stand with Zhao Wenzhuo since the incident began, and she is a rising star in the entertainment industry, which makes her extremely influential.

The flashbulbs went off again, this breaking news was destined to go viral.

Taking advantage of the reporters' shock and confusion, Yang Mi, with the help of her assistant, quickly slipped away and entered the celebration banquet venue.

Inside the hall, glasses clinked and elegantly dressed people mingled. From afar, Ma Xin, the newly crowned billionaire director, was surrounded by a crowd of people, beaming as he accepted their congratulations.

Just as I was about to go up and greet the director, a clear and familiar voice came from behind me: "Mimi!"

"Ya Ya!" Yang Mi recognized the voice and turned around. Sure enough, it was her good friend Tong Liya standing there.

Chen Sicheng and Li Chen were also present, both familiar faces from the "Love Story of Beiping" crew.

Chen Sicheng stared intently at the radiant Yang Mi, his tone tinged with infatuation: "Mi Mi, congratulations on becoming a billion-dollar box office heroine."

"No!" Yang Mi waved her hands repeatedly and lowered her voice, "It's fine for us to joke about what the female lead said in private, but Shishi will be here soon. If it gets back to her, it will cause me trouble for no reason."

"I misspoke." Chen Sicheng smiled awkwardly and quickly changed the subject. "By the way, Mimi, the ratings for 'Love Story in Beiping' are very good. Hunan TV hopes the crew can appear on Happy Camp to increase publicity."

His tone was full of pride. This urban romance drama, which he wrote, directed and starred in, was broadcast on Hunan Satellite TV a few days ago. The first episode had a rating of 1.15%, which soared to 2% in three days, making it the champion of the same time slot among all satellite TV channels in the country, and making him an instant hit in the director circle.

"No problem!" Yang Mi readily agreed. She knew perfectly well that the TV station had moved up the broadcast time of "Beijing Love Story" to ride on her popularity. Since the ratings were soaring, they would naturally strike while the iron was hot and continue their efforts.

"Ya Ya, you look thinner again," Yang Mi said, looking at Tong Liya with concern. The two had worked together on "Palace" and "Beijing Love Story" and had a very good relationship.

Tong Liya smiled shyly, revealing her signature little tiger teeth: "My weight is normal. You should eat more. When you get busy, you work day and night without even having time to eat. How can your body take it?"

Chen Sicheng also looked concerned and immediately chimed in, "Yes, Mimi, no matter how busy you are with work, you must take care of your health."

As the group chatted and laughed, discussing how to increase publicity and boost the ratings of "Beijing Love Story" to new heights, an unexpected figure suddenly appeared.

Upon seeing the person who arrived, Yang Mi was slightly surprised: "Kaiwei, what brings you here?"

"Honey! Surprised?" The person who arrived was Yang Mi's boyfriend, Liu Kaiwei, dressed in a suit and tie, holding a bouquet of flowers. "These are for you!"

"Thank you!" Yang Mi accepted the flowers with a slight smile. Although her boyfriend's career was not very successful, he was very considerate towards her.

Seeing his girlfriend's joy, Liu Kaiwei smiled smugly and glanced at Chen Sicheng with a slightly provocative look. He had long suspected that this guy had been eyeing his girlfriend.

Chen Sicheng sneered inwardly, utterly disdainful of Liu Kaiwei's childish behavior, secretly thinking that a man who doesn't focus on his career will be dumped sooner or later.

Once Yang Mi's dazed state subsides, I'll steal her away. A nobody from Hong Kong, daring to bare her teeth at me.

As the two exchanged unspoken words and glances, a commotion broke out in the hall; the tycoon and his wife had arrived.

As everyone looked toward the banquet hall entrance, they saw Liu Shishi smiling and chatting, wearing a beige cheongsam, her figure graceful and her demeanor ethereal, as she walked in hand in hand with her husband.

With a faint smile on her face, Song Ci, dressed in a traditional Chinese Tang suit, nodded repeatedly in response to the waves of greetings from the crowd.

The couple held hands tightly, looking like a perfect couple, which made others envious.

"A gentleman as handsome as jade, a noble young master among men." Tong Liya couldn't help but praise him when she first met the richest man in person.

A fleeting look of jealousy crossed Chen Sicheng's face. He too had his eye on Tong Liya, and hearing her praise another man made him extremely unhappy. He immediately lost any desire to compete with Liu Kaiwei. Liu Kaiwei, however, was burning with excitement and eagerly suggested, "Mimi, aren't you and Liu Shishi best friends? Let's go over and say hello!"

Yang Mi glared at her boyfriend, feeling for the first time how tactless and clueless he was. "Who do you think you are? What about the richest man? Don't you have any self-awareness?"

After all, he was her boyfriend, so she still gave him some face in front of outsiders, suppressing her temper and saying calmly, "Let's wait for an opportunity. Chairman Song is talking to Third Master Han right now, so it's not appropriate for us to go over there."

Over there, Han Sanping was introducing an important figure to the richest couple: "Chairman Song, Shishi, let me introduce you. This is Comrade Lai Peikang, Director and Deputy General Manager of Huaying Group."

Mr. Lai previously served as the general manager of Huaying Co-production Company and has extensive experience in international film collaborations.

"Mr. Lai! I've long admired your name."

"Mr. and Mrs. Soong, good evening."

After Song Ci, Liu Shishi, and Lai Peikang shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, Han Sanping exclaimed, "A billion yuan in box office revenue! In the past, we wouldn't have dared to even dream of it."

"This is inseparable from the correct guidance of the leaders in the optoelectronics industry, and it also shows that my country's film market is booming."

Song Ci made a polite remark, but it was a startling statement: "This year, China will become the world's second largest box office market. I predict that within five years, the box office record for a single film will reach at least 40 billion."

Upon hearing this, Han Sanping and Lai Peikang exchanged a glance, both seeing shock in each other's eyes.

As top figures in the film industry, although they have absolute confidence in the domestic film market, they dare not make such a bold prediction that a single film's box office could have such an astonishing increase in five years.

But the person who said this is Asia's richest man and a recognized strategic master in the business world, which makes it impossible not to believe him.

"The future of Chinese cinema rests on your shoulders." Han Sanping sighed meaningfully, expressing both his expectations for the new generation of Chinese filmmakers and a hint to his successor, Lai Peikang.

He has just over a year left before retirement, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, Lai Pei-kang will succeed him as chairman of Huaying Film Company. The organization's decision to transfer Lai Pei-kang from the Film Bureau back to Huaying Film Company is to prepare for his succession.

Introducing Lai Peikang to the richest man this time is not only to pave the way for the successor, but also to show off his power and extensive network of connections in front of his subordinates, so as to avoid being forgotten after retirement.

Song Ci smiled knowingly, "Chairman Han, you are also a great film director. Even if you no longer work for Huaying Film Studio in the future, you can continue to engage in artistic creation!"

"We'll talk about that later." Han Sanping's mind stirred slightly. The richest man's suggestion was indeed good, but he didn't show it on his face. Then he changed the subject.

"Chairman Song, Mr. Lai and I are here today for two reasons: first, to congratulate 'Goodbye Mr. Loser' on breaking 1 billion yuan at the box office; and second, to discuss something with you."

"Chairman Han, please speak?"

"Last year, Huaying Group, together with China International Television Corporation, China Unicom, China National Radio and Television, Changchun Film Group, and Agricultural Bank of China, established Huaying Co., Ltd., which is specifically responsible for the business segment and engaged in film production and distribution."

After a moment's thought, Song Ci thought, "Huaying Pictures is aiming for an IPO, isn't it?"

"Chairman Song truly has a keen eye!" Han Sanping gave a thumbs up. The establishment of Huaying Co., Ltd. was precisely to keep up with market trends.

"Huaying Film Co., Ltd. is indeed preparing for its IPO and currently needs to raise funds by selling a small portion of its shares. I wonder if Chairman Song is interested in participating?"

“That’s easy to do!” Song Ci readily agreed. “How many shares does Chairman Han want to raise? I’ll take them all.”

"Chairman Song is indeed very wealthy, but he can only subscribe to a maximum of 3% of the shares." Han Sanping smiled wryly. "The organization has regulations that Huaying Group, as the controlling parent company of Huaying Co., Ltd., must hold no less than 67% of the shares."

Upon hearing that it was only a 3% share, Song Ci's interest waned considerably. After a moment's thought, he said, "How about this, let Shishi subscribe to these 3% shares. We'll be husband and wife, so the effect will be the same."

"Chairman Song doesn't want this 3% stake?" Han Sanping thought helplessly. This investment plan was discussed in a collective meeting of the Huaying Group's leadership team.

The original intention was to leverage the influence of Song Dynasty poetry to establish a deep partnership with Tengda Group. However, since state-owned assets are involved, no oversights are permissible. If the financier is changed to Liu Shishi, the matter will require a second review.

"Chairman Han has misunderstood!" Song Ci explained, "The situation is this: Tengda Group's subsidiaries also operate in the film and television business, and their businesses overlap with those of Huaying Co., Ltd."

This meant that when I invested in companies in the same industry, I had to declare my interests to the board of directors and explain the situation to foreign shareholders—a process that was far too cumbersome.

Although he wields immense power within Tengda Group and makes decisions on everything with a single word, he still has to abide by the company's laws and regulations.

Han Sanping suddenly realized: "So that's how it is. I misunderstood. In that case, I'll have to trouble Shishi with this matter."

Liu Shishi smiled gently: "Mr. Han, you're too kind!"

After the matter was basically settled, Han Sanping showed his sincerity and took the initiative to make overtures: "Once you become a shareholder of Huaying Co., Ltd., we will be one family."

There's a project we happen to have that we could collaborate on with your studio to test the waters.

Liu Shishi asked curiously, "What project? Please tell me more, Chairman Han."

"It is an entrepreneurial film based on the three founders of New Oriental, titled 'American Dreams in China'."

The investment budget is 70 million yuan. Huaying Co., Ltd. can lead the investment with 30%, and you can manage the remaining 7000% share.

"New Oriental Education!" Liu Shishi had a vague impression of this company; her private English tutor seemed to have come from New Oriental.

"Shishi has taken on this project." While Liu Shishi was still in a daze, Song Ci took on the project on behalf of his wife, even giving up 70% of the shares, which showed Han Sanping's sincerity.

With the prestigious brands of Huaying and Yijie, the 70% share of "American Dreams in China" can be easily distributed through various channels with a little effort. When the film is distributed by Tengda, it will definitely be a profitable venture.

Liu Shishi also came to her senses: "I will accept Chairman Han's kind offer."

Seeing that the richest couple appreciated the offer, Han Sanping smiled even more broadly: "If you, Shishi, are interested in taking over, the production work can also be handed over to your studio."

“My studio has no experience in making movies, so this project is indeed a bit challenging.”

Everyone thought Liu Shishi was going to decline, but she changed the subject: "But I have always been willing to accept challenges! I hope Chairman Han will serve as the film's producer and give me his guidance."

"No problem!" Han Sanping readily agreed, then suddenly remembered something.

"However, there is a small problem with this project. The movie is based on the three founders of New Oriental, and we need to obtain their authorization before filming. So, Shishi, you need to persuade them!"

(End of this chapter)