Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 391 Everyone Wants to Transform
Backstage at the ceremony, Deng Chao noticed something was off about his wife Sun Li's expression and quickly asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell?"

Sun Li, with a cold face, gestured towards a female celebrity not far away who was surrounded by a group of people like a star: "Is she Huang Xiaoming's girlfriend?"

Deng Chao followed his wife's gaze and nodded in confirmation: "Yes, I remember her name is Yang Ying. Why are you suddenly asking about her?"

Sun Li snorted coldly, her tone filled with dissatisfaction: "That girl was winking at me just now, looking all smug."

"It's all your fault for being overshadowed by Huang Xiaoming. You couldn't compete with her boyfriend in the audition, and now he's showing off to me."

Deng Chao raised an eyebrow and replied, "There's nothing I can do. The male lead, Cheng Dongqing, is too pathetic, and he doesn't fit my image at all."

Sun Li rolled her eyes at her husband: "Come on! Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. You're definitely trying to get back at us during the next scene."

A few days ago, the production team of "American Dreams in China" held open auditions within the industry, and many male stars participated.

Deng Chao originally wanted to compete for the male lead role, but unfortunately he wasn't chosen by the director. Fortunately, he ended up getting the second male lead role, so he didn't leave empty-handed.

Deng Chao shook his head dismissively: "Getting high-quality film resources for free is like a pie falling from the sky. Even with such a close relationship with Hu Ge of Tangren, he only got a third male lead role. I should be grateful that I got the second lead role."

“That’s true.” Sun Li looked around at the star-studded cast and the emerging generation of actors, and couldn’t help but sigh, “If I had known that ‘Empresses in the Palace’ would be so popular, I really should have waited two years to have a child.”

Since its premiere last year, "Empresses in the Palace" has garnered numerous positive reviews despite its mediocre initial ratings, thanks to its excellent production and dramatic storyline.

As word-of-mouth continued to spread, the show gradually became a nationwide hit, becoming a phenomenal phenomenon.

Lines such as "I can't do it" and "Baojuan, my throat" have become classic internet memes, going viral across the internet and sparking a cultural trend.

Unfortunately, Sun Li, the lead actress, chose to return home to have a child at the height of the show's popularity, missing out on many career opportunities.

The entertainment industry is becoming increasingly competitive. Several actresses born in the 85s are enjoying booming careers, while actresses of other ages are also vying for resources and trying to improve their status, which puts a lot of pressure on Sun Li.

Taking advantage of the fact that the popularity of "Empresses in the Palace" has not yet subsided, she came to participate in Weibo Night right after finishing her postpartum confinement, hoping to accumulate a wave of popularity.

Deng Chao gently held his wife's soft hand, soothingly saying, "Don't overthink it. Waking up is a blessing from heaven. As for the resources for her postpartum recovery, leave that to me."

"And with Hairun Pictures, you're currently their only notable actress, so they'll definitely give you good resources."

Although Sun Li felt some regret, the thought of her angelic son made all the sacrifices worthwhile: "My contract with Hairun expires next year, and the company's resources aren't easy to obtain."

Deng Chao confidently replied, "Let's talk it over slowly. These days, it's a common trend for celebrities to set up their own studios. If Hairun doesn't want to lose you as their top star, they'll definitely bring it up with you."

Sun Li pondered her husband's words repeatedly and nodded in agreement: "I'm no match for the top star, that woman is the true top star in the entertainment industry!"

Deng Chao noticed that Zhao Liying, who had been talking to Liu Shishi, turned and left, and quickly suggested, "Let's go over and say hello to Sister Yi. She is the producer of 'China's Partners'."

"She invested in this movie again? I heard it was spearheaded by Huaying Film Studio?" Sun Li was slightly surprised, as she was a little unfamiliar with recent entertainment news due to postpartum recovery.

“She’s the lead pitcher!” Deng Chao’s eyes narrowed slightly, his words filled with deep thought, and he couldn’t help but reveal the plan that had been lingering in his mind.

"To break into the capital circle of the entertainment industry, you have to get involved in film investment. The revenue from just one film, 'Goodbye Mr. Loser,' is equivalent to the salary of many films!"

"Once you make your comeback next year and your career is back on track, I plan to switch careers and become a director."

Sun Li's eyes widened in surprise; this was the first time she had heard of her husband's directorial plans: "Are you really confident?"

"If Xu Zheng can do it, why can't I? Actors often become directors, and we're almost at a bottleneck on the path of acting."

"From now on, it's all about accumulating experience and winning awards, but that's not what I want. My mind is made up; I must try directing and making movies!" Deng Chao's eyes burned with determination, radiating an undeniable aura.

"But will anyone invest in you?"

"Xu Zheng is a perfect example! I'm planning to ask Liu Shishi to invest. She has plenty of money. Ten or twenty million is just a drop in the ocean for her. As long as the script is good, she will definitely be interested."

"As long as Liu Shishi leads the investment, with this prestigious brand, subsequent financing will naturally follow!" Deng Chao said confidently, clearly having been planning this for a long time.

"I know what to do." Sun Li said thoughtfully, secretly planning how to please the top female star and get closer to her husband for the sake of his career.

Just as the couple was about to approach Liu Shishi to speak, a commotion suddenly arose from the direction of the red carpet.

After some inquiries, the people backstage learned that just moments before, Jia Nailiang had proposed to Li Xiaolu in front of the media.

Rewind 15 minutes. After Li Xiaolu and Jia Nailiang stepped onto the red carpet, she noticed something was wrong with her boyfriend; his body was trembling slightly.

After calming his excited emotions and answering his girlfriend's questions, Jia Nailiang's steps quickened and his eyes filled with anticipation as he thought about the plan he was about to implement.

At the autograph wall, the two interacted with the red carpet host and then took a group photo in front of the reporters' cameras.

Just as Li Xiaolu was about to step off the stage, Jia Nailiang suddenly knelt down on one knee, took out an exquisite gift box from his suit pocket, and a dazzling diamond ring shone brightly under the flashlight.

After his heartfelt confession, Jia Nailiang gazed at his beloved, his voice trembling as he asked, "Lulu, will you marry me?"

Reporters in the audience frantically pressed the shutter button, cheering and shouting, "Marry him!"

Li Xiaolu covered her mouth, both surprised and delighted, but a hint of hesitation flashed through her mind; she was not in a hurry to get married.

But now, under the watchful eyes of everyone, and remembering how obedient Jia Nailiang always was to her, she hesitated because of the occasion and finally slowly reached out her hand to accept her boyfriend's proposal.

Overjoyed, Jia Nailiang trembled as he put the diamond ring on his girlfriend's finger. Amidst the blessings of reporters and the host, the two shared a passionate kiss, instantly becoming the focus of the entire event.

When the news reached the backstage, Sun Li chuckled: "Jia Nailiang and Li Xiaolu's proposal will definitely trend on social media and generate a lot of traffic."

Deng Chao couldn't help but recall the time when he publicly confessed his love to Sun Li at the MTV Awards, which offended Feng Xiaogang.

"It might not be a good thing. There are still so many A-list celebrities who haven't walked the red carpet yet. If these two do this, it will definitely take away a lot of the attention."

Sun Li instantly understood her husband's meaning. This year's Weibo Night was a grand affair, with the red carpet segment attracting much attention.

Several top female celebrities borrowed haute couture gowns from high-end luxury brands with which they have good relationships, hoping to make a stunning appearance on the red carpet, trend on Weibo, and boost the brands' popularity and solidify their partnerships.

However, Jia Nailiang and Li Xiaolu's sensational proposal was bound to attract attention and occupy a top spot on the trending searches, which became an eyesore in the eyes of the A-list actresses who were about to walk the red carpet. "It has nothing to do with us, let's go find Liu Shishi!" Deng Chao took his wife's hand and was about to step forward when someone beat him to it.

After Liu Shishi and Zhao Liying finished their chat, they were about to return to VIP Room No. 1 when a man suddenly blocked their way.

"Hello Mr. Liu, I am Guo Jingming, the editor-in-chief of The Smallest Novel magazine."

The newcomer was short, estimated to be less than 1.6 meters tall, much shorter than Liu Shishi who was wearing high heels.

Upon hearing the other party introduce himself, Sister Yi immediately recognized him as a rising writer who had been as famous as her husband in his early years. She then politely inquired, "Hello, Mr. Guo, is there anything I can help you with?"

With time running out, Guo Jingming got straight to the point: "President Liu, I plan to adapt my novel 'Tiny Times' into a movie, with myself as the director, and I would like to invite you to play the female lead."

The woman was taken aback, not expecting the other party to invite her to make a movie: "I'm sorry, Mr. Guo, I'm not available at the moment."

Guo Jingming persisted, his sincerity evident: "Mr. Liu, if you don't have time in the first half of the year, what about the second half? I can wait."

Liu Shishi explained helplessly, "Mr. Guo, thank you for your kindness, but I haven't been able to find the time this year."

Guo Jingming was skeptical: "No availability for the entire year?"

The leading lady nodded solemnly. She had indeed not lied to Guo Jingming. She was going to film "Silent Notebook" in the first half of the year, promote "Xuan-Yuan Sword" during the summer vacation, and be busy preparing for her wedding in the second half of the year. She did not plan to take on any acting roles.

Guo Jingming was greatly disappointed, but still clung to a sliver of hope: "Mr. Liu, I will send the script for 'Tiny Times' to your studio's email address. If you change your mind, the lead role in the movie will be reserved for you at any time."

Liu Shishi was both amused and exasperated by Guo Jingming's persistence.

Considering that the other party was a writer who was as famous as her husband in his early years, she still gave him some face: "Mr. Guo, making movies is really not my problem, but if you need investment, I can help."

When Guo Jingming saw that the leading lady really didn't want to film "Tiny Times," he sighed softly, "Thank you, Mr. Liu, for the investment."

"Mr. Guo, I have something to attend to. Let's talk another day!" Liu Shishi, afraid of being bothered, hurriedly left.

What was said in jest was taken seriously by the listener. The entire scene of Guo Jingming inviting Liu Shishi to act in a film was witnessed by Deng Chao and his wife, as well as Yang Mi.

Deng Chao is now even more eager to become a director. Guo Jingming, an outsider, can cross over to become a director and make movies, so why can't he?
Yang Mi, on the other hand, started to get creative. Liu Shishi had abundant resources and could have any movie or TV series tailored to her needs, but Yang Mi lacked movie resources. So she took the initiative to talk to Guo Jingming and prepared to recommend herself.

There are hardly any secrets in the entertainment industry, especially in a public place like this.

Soon, news that writer Guo Jingming's invitation to the top female star to make a movie had been rejected spread throughout the backstage area of ​​the ceremony. Several female stars became interested and went up to talk to Guo Jingming.

Liu Shishi returned to VIP Room No. 1, and was slightly taken aback by the sight of the room being packed with guests. She quickly stepped forward, took her husband's arm, and asked curiously, "Honey, who are they?"

Zhang Zhao, standing beside her, quickly introduced them to the proprietress: "Madam, these are Mr. Yang, Mr. Lin, Mr. Xiang, and Mr. Jiang from Hong Kong."

Liu Shishi instantly realized that the four people in front of her were the heads of several major film and television companies in Hong Kong.

The four quickly greeted her. "Mrs. Song." "Madam!"

Liu Shishi, with elegant demeanor, returned the greeting gracefully: "Good evening, everyone."

Song Ci spoke up at the opportune moment: "My wife and I still have some things to discuss, so please go back first. Thank you for coming to Weibo Night. We are all one family, and we look forward to more collaborations in the future."

The four Hong Kong tycoons exchanged a few more pleasantries with the richest man before taking their leave and returning to their lounges.

The door closed gently, and Song Ci chuckled: "You're quite sensible! This is good, the martial world isn't all about fighting and killing, this way it's easier for me and Director Wang to explain things."

Liu Shishi could no longer contain her curiosity: "Honey, what are they doing here?"

Zhang Zhao explained to the top female star with an enthusiastic tone: "Madam, they've come to apologize and make amends! Ever since the last conflict between the entertainment industries of the two regions, we've made them realize the reality that if they want to expand their market in the north, they have to abide by our rules!"

Song Ci said calmly, "Of these companies, only their distribution channels have any value."

Before the eldest sister could ask, Zhang Zhao took the initiative to explain: "In the 1980s and 1990s, Hong Kong films were all the rage in Asia."

Companies like Le'an Pictures and Emperor Entertainment leveraged this momentum to establish distribution channels in Southeast Asia and other regions.

This time, they backed down and offered their overseas distribution channels as compensation. This way, Tenda can have its own distribution channels throughout Asia.

Liu Shishi suddenly realized the whole story. In short, the Hong Kong entertainment circle gave up some of its interests and made peace with Tengda.

Zhang Zhao tactfully excused himself, leaving the boss and his wife alone.

With only the two of them left in the room, Liu Shishi smiled sweetly, sat on her husband's lap, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Just as she was about to get intimate with the handsome Song, a knock came at the door, startling her so much that she hurriedly got up.

"Please come in."

After receiving permission, Secretary Jian Ning opened the door: "Chairman Song, Mr. Liu Xiangdong has arrived."

"Why is Brother Dong here?" Liu Shishi looked at Liu Xiangdong, who was dressed in a sharp suit outside the door, and asked with slight surprise.

"With Weibo's growing influence, this year's Weibo Night awards are not limited to the entertainment industry, but cover multiple fields such as finance and sports. Dong Ge is the most influential business leader on Weibo this year."

As Song Ci spoke, she stepped forward to welcome Liu Xiangdong into the room.

"Brother Dong!" "Chairman Song, sister-in-law!"

The group consisted of old acquaintances, and after exchanging a few pleasantries, they began to chat.

As JD.com grows stronger, Liu Xiangdong increasingly exudes the air of a business tycoon, speaking with conviction: "Chairman Song, JD.com is about to launch its sixth round of financing, raising $15 billion this time. Do you have any suggestions?"

After a moment's thought, Song Ci said, "If JD.com plans to list on the US stock market, this round of financing is crucial. It would be best to bring in a few North American shareholders."

Liu Xiangdong nodded in agreement, and Song Ci's idea coincided with his: "Currently in North America, the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan is willing to lead the investment, and Tiger Fund will follow suit."

“Great! You can make the decision about financing yourself, Dong Ge.” Song Ci knew that Liu Xiangdong had always been decisive, and since he had promised not to interfere with the operation when he invested, it was not appropriate to interfere too much.

(End of this chapter)