Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 432: A glimpse of the leopard through the pipe
Despite the deep of night, the filming location for the TV series "Under the Zhengyang Gate" was brightly lit.

The entire team is working overtime to film a night scene, and the busy atmosphere on set contrasts sharply with the surrounding tranquility.

In front of the camera, Zhao Liying was dressed simply, but her usually bright eyes seemed unfocused, and she appeared absent-minded.

Director Liu Jiacheng looked at Zhao Liying's condition on the monitor and shook his head helplessly, knowing that the scene could not be filmed today and would have to be rescheduled for tomorrow.

"Cut! Let's call it a day!"

The voice coming from the walkie-talkie snapped Zhao Liying back to reality. She looked at Zhu Yawen apologetically and said, "I'm sorry, Brother Yawen, I've dragged you down."

Zhu Yawen didn't take it to heart, after all, everyone has off days, and asked with concern:

"Liying, you've seemed preoccupied all night. Is something wrong? If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."

"Thank you, Brother Yawen!" Zhao Liying said, then explained, "I have a new drama premiering today, and I've been thinking about the ratings. I don't want to affect everyone's schedule because of myself."

“I see, that’s normal.” Zhu Yawen smiled and comforted her. “Back when ‘Crossing the Guandong’ first aired, I was also restless, always hoping that the ratings would come out soon.”

"You're very popular right now, so this show's ratings are sure to be good."

"The premiere ratings should be out by now, right?" Director Liu Jiacheng walked over and asked curiously.

He thought to himself that if the female lead, Zhao Liying, became even more popular, it would be a great thing for "Under the Zhengyang Gate".

Upon hearing this, Zhao Liying subconsciously looked towards her assistant, Shen Ran, who was standing outside the film set.

Shen Ran had been waiting for a long time. Seeing the crew wrapping up, she ran up excitedly, her voice brimming with barely concealed excitement:
"Sister Ying, Mr. Ge just asked me to tell you that 'The Legend of Chasing Fish' premiered on Hunan Satellite TV's Golden Eagle Independent Broadcast Theater with an average rating of 1.35% and a market share of 9.51%, firmly holding the top spot nationwide in its time slot!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Liying's beautiful eyes lit up instantly, filled with both surprise and joy.

She really didn't expect that the premiere of "Legend of Chasing Fish" would be so outstanding, no less than that of "Legend of Lu Zhen" back then.

A chorus of congratulations immediately erupted on set.

Everyone present was a veteran in the industry, and they all knew the significance of this viewership rating. With the rise of video platforms and the decline of TV station viewership ratings year by year, any drama that can break 1% on its premiere is undoubtedly a blockbuster.

Zhu Yawen sighed inwardly: Zhao Liying had already become a top-tier second-tier artist thanks to her years of experience and "Legend of Lu Zhen".

With another blockbuster hit, her entry into the top tier is a certainty, and the "85 Flowers" (a term referring to actresses born in 1985) will have another member!

Zhao Liying was overjoyed: "Director Liu, Brother Yawen, and all the teachers, I'll take my leave now. I'll definitely treat you all to dinner another day."

"Go ahead, go ahead." Liu Jiacheng waved his hand, his attitude even more amiable than before.

As a seasoned director who created a super hit like "The Eloquent Ji Xiaolan", he has a unique vision.

I knew from watching Zhao Liying's performances that she was full of talent and that she had the backing of Tengda Culture that she would definitely soar to great heights in the future. I just didn't expect that day to come so soon.

Inside the dressing room, soft lighting illuminated Zhao Liying's focused profile as she removed her makeup while talking on the phone with her agent.

"Liying, congratulations! The online reviews for 'Legend of Chasing Fish' are overwhelmingly positive. It's bound to be a hit."

Ge Maoliang's voice was light and cheerful. He had only been in office for a few days when a collaborating artist was promoted to the top tier. This "easy win" made him feel good.

Zhao Liying beamed: "Netizens all praise me as the 'cute goddess,' and in just a short while, my Weibo followers have increased by over 100,000."

"The role of Hong Ling is perfect for you. She is charming and innocent, and it could become one of your classic roles."

Ge Maoliang praised her repeatedly, then quickly got to the point, "You need to ask the crew for a few days off to go on a variety show with Lin Gengxin to boost publicity."

"With the premiere of 'The Legend of Chasing Fish' achieving such great results, Madam's Studio is also paying close attention. I just contacted President Jiang, and she will mobilize all resources to promote the show."

"Yes, I will discuss it with Director Liu and try to set aside some time." Zhao Liying nodded repeatedly. She was also hoping for even higher ratings, so she naturally took the promotion very seriously.

Ge Maoliang suddenly smiled, his tone tinged with mystery: "I have some good news. Want to guess?"

Zhao Liying paused, a look of curiosity on her face: "President Ge, stop keeping me in suspense and just tell me."

“Okay.” Ge Maoliang didn’t hesitate. “Since I joined Tengda Culture, I have been negotiating a cooperation with Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, but they were unwilling to budge before.”

"As soon as the ratings for 'Legend of Chasing Fish' come out tonight, Chow Tai Fook has already agreed to let you be their spokesperson."

"Really?!" Zhao Liying was shocked. This surprise came too suddenly. She never expected her agent to give her such a big gift.

Although Chow Tai Fook Jewellery cannot compare with top foreign luxury brands, it still represents top-tier resources in terms of endorsements, and only A-list celebrities are qualified to work with it.

Securing the Chow Tai Fook endorsement deal solidifies her status as a top-tier celebrity and her commercial value. From now on, she can finally stand on the same level as Yang Mi, Wang Luodan, and Lü Yi.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Ge, for this wonderful gift..."

Ge Maoliang remarked, "Our cooperation is a win-win situation. The main reason is that you have to prove yourself and have outstanding works to gain the brand's recognition."

Artists and their agents are meant to help each other succeed. Zhao Liying's rise to the top tier and his securing an endorsement deal with Chow Tai Fook demonstrate his business and public relations skills, bringing him one step closer to becoming a top agent.

After finishing their business, Ge Maoliang was about to hang up when he suddenly remembered something, and his tone instantly became serious: "Liying, I heard some news at the company today, and you must take it seriously!"

Zhao Liying was taken aback: "What is it?"

"Tengda Culture is going to join forces with Reading Group and Toutiao Video to develop a period drama, a super production with a total investment of nearly 4 million yuan."

"4 million!" Zhao Lili exclaimed in surprise. In all her years in the entertainment industry, this was the first time she had ever heard of a TV series with such a high production cost.

It took her a while to calm down, her face still showing disbelief, as she repeatedly asked, "Mr. Ge, is this news reliable?"

Ge Maoliang's expression was serious: "Absolutely reliable, almost certainly. However, I'm new here and don't have many connections within Tengda, so I'm not clear on the specific project details."

That's why I asked you to use your connections to find out more. You should understand what I mean, right?

"Understood." Zhao Liying nodded emphatically, her tone firm. "I'll find out the situation as soon as possible. If the role is suitable, I'll definitely try my best to get the lead role."

Ge Maoliang instructed: "I am also trying to find out information. We must keep in touch. We must be extremely careful to deal with this kind of super resource."

"The Legend of Chasing Fish" is China's first ancient costume 3D mermaid mythology drama, which is highly innovative in terms of both subject matter and production. Scenes such as the Dragon Palace and the tsunami were filmed entirely using green screen special effects, which were meticulously crafted by the Tiangong Special Effects Team. The visual effects have broken through the traditional standards of the TV drama industry and have been praised by the audience as "movie-level special effects".

In terms of narrative, the series takes a youthful approach. Although it is adapted from the Yue Opera "Chasing the Fish", it cleverly incorporates a light-hearted pace and comedic elements.

It strikes a perfect balance between classic themes and youthful aesthetics, and is therefore hailed as a "youthful positive energy mythological drama".

Zhao Liying was dubbed the "Goddess of Cuteness" for her lively and witty portrayal of "Hong Ling," while Lin Gengxin's scholarly image broke with tradition. The two had amazing chemistry as a couple, sparking a wave of "shipping" craze.

"The Legend of Chasing Fish" is the first TV series produced by Liu Shishi Studio, and it has achieved impressive ratings.

Producer Jiang Yuanyuan attached great importance to the show, not only using all her connections to promote it, but also persuading the top female star to promote it on Weibo for a week, demonstrating her dedication.

With the support of abundant resources, the TV series' ratings soared, and related topics frequently trended on social media.

Zhao Liying secured her position as a top-tier actress with this role, and Lin Gengxin's status also rose accordingly, with her popularity threatening to overshadow Jiang Jinfu, who rose to fame with "Xuan-Yuan Sword".

Time flies, and before we know it, it's the last day of October.

Hong Kong, the ancestral home of the Fok family.

Inside the study, the eldest son of the Huo family knocked on the door and entered: "Father, you wanted to see me."

Huo Zhengting shifted his gaze from the computer screen to his eldest son:
"Your wedding with Jingjing is in ten days. I've been so busy lately, but I finally have a moment to ask you how the wedding preparations are going?"

Huo Qigang replied respectfully, "Everything is ready. Thanks to my mother for coming back to help me with the wedding arrangements, I wasn't caught off guard."

When his son mentioned his ex-wife, a complex expression flashed across Huo Zhengting's face, but after so many years, he had long since let go of the past.

He quickly regained his composure: "How were the guests arranged at the head table for the wedding on the 11th?"

"I dare not make the decision on my own and am about to ask my father to decide."

Huo Zhengting nodded slightly: "Tell me what you think first?"

Huo Qigang understood that his father was testing him. After a moment's hesitation, he carefully spoke: "The four officials and their wives, and Mr. Thomas, Vice President of the International Olympic Committee, and his wife."

And Mr. Chen, Ms. Yin, and Father and Mother... As for the rest, please forgive your son for not being able to make a decision."

Huo Zhengting's face showed a look of relief. It seemed that his eldest son was still able to sort out his connections and assess the situation.

“Your filial piety is commendable, but since there are limited seats at the main table, your mother and I will not sit there. We can sit with your parents-in-law instead, which will free up two seats.”

By the way, did the person from Tengda Group reply after the invitations were sent out?

"Yes, Mr. Song replied that he was too busy with work to attend the wedding, but said he would send a gift to wish Jingjing and me well."

Huo Zhengting's tone turned serious: "Go and invite him again! If Mr. Song doesn't have time, at least invite his wife."

Huo Qigang looked puzzled: "Father, we have no connection with the Song family. Is it necessary to do this?"

"You're foolish!" Huo Zhengting slammed his hand on the desk, immediately becoming displeased. "I told you before that you and Jingjing should take the route of the madam and find a way to get in touch with the Song family, but you ignored me!"

Huo Qigang immediately explained, "Father, please calm down. It's not that I'm disobeying your orders; it's just that I haven't had the opportunity to get in touch with Song Sheng."

Even Mrs. Song refused our overtures. She simply doesn't want anything to do with us.

Huo Zhengting's anger subsided slightly, and he sighed softly, "If you can't get him to come, then ask Director Wang to step in. I think Director Wang will help out because of your grandfather."

"Father, favors are a rare commodity, is it really necessary to trouble Director Wang?" Huo Qigang was puzzled and couldn't understand why his father was so insistent on inviting that tycoon to the wedding.

Huo Zhengting's eyes were deep, and his tone was slow and deliberate as he patiently reminded his eldest son: "There are only ten days left until the Imperial Conference, a momentous event that will shock the world."

As is customary, many people's positions will be changed after the conference, and given Director Wang's current age, it is highly unlikely that he will be able to advance further.

As the saying goes, "When a person leaves office, their influence fades." Once he steps down, his words will carry little weight. If we don't try to curry favor while he's still in office, are we supposed to wait until he retires to speak up?

Huo Qigang opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but he swallowed the words back. His father's words were indeed realistic, but every sentence concerned the interests of the family.

Huo Zhengting glanced at his son and shook his head helplessly: "You, like many people in Hong Kong, underestimate that richest man. You still cling to the old glory of the four major families and have not seen the situation clearly at all."

Huo Qigang bowed: "Please enlighten me, Father."

Huo Zhengting turned his gaze back to the computer screen: "These past few days, Songtai Company has invested in a TV series called 'The Legend of Chasing Fish,' which is currently airing in mainland China. Did you know that?"

Young Master Huo was slightly taken aback, not understanding why his father had brought up a TV series: "I saw it on Weibo and had heard of it."

Huo Zhengting nodded: "I saw an official report about this TV series today. Let me read the main points to you:"

Its special effects production is groundbreaking in the current TV drama industry, representing an attempt by domestic dramas to move towards "film-level industrial standards".

It has had a profound impact on technological level and process innovation. And the special effects team for this drama is Tiangong Special Effects, a subsidiary of Tengda Group.

After speaking, he looked at his son again: "What key information did you glean from what I just said?"

Huo Qigang looked embarrassed: "Your son is dull-witted, please enlighten me, Father."

Huo Zhengting snorted: "Tiangong Special Effects is just an unknown small company under Tengda Group, but it is already the number one special effects production company in Asia and a world-class company."

Even a glimpse of this small part reveals just how powerful Tengda Group is today.

I can say without exaggeration that the combined main businesses of Hong Kong's four major families still can't compare to the Tenda Group. Tenda's current valuation is a staggering $2000 billion, and once it goes public, it will undoubtedly become a world-class giant.

At this moment, Young Master Huo finally vaguely understood why his father was so insistent on inviting the richest man in the country.

Huo Zhengting continued, "Tengda is at its zenith, and Song Sheng is not even 30 years old yet. It's hard to imagine who can compete with it in the future of business."

I want to invite him, even if it's just to make a show of things, to let all the wealthy people in Hong Kong see that even though your grandfather is gone, the Huo family still has deep connections and influence in the north.

Huo Qigang then fully understood his father's good intentions and immediately said, "I understand, I will set off north tomorrow."

(End of this chapter)