Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 444 Invitation
On the last day of November, the ancient city of Beiping was swept by howling winds, the chill penetrating to the bone.

Alpha Group's registered address is also in the Zhongao Building. In order to highlight the connection between Alpha Group and Tengda Culture, Yang Tianzhen simply rented the floor below Tengda Culture as the company's office.

At that moment, Yang Yang stood by the window at the end of the corridor, his brows slightly furrowed as he answered his girlfriend's phone call.

"Qing'er, I really didn't mean to hide it from you. Back then, things were still in the works, how could I have said anything? Now that everything's settled, I told you right away!"

On the other end of the phone, Li Qing was furious: "Yang Yang, do you even consider me your girlfriend?"

Changing agencies is such a big deal, and you didn't say a word. Now that it's all over, you're only giving me a brief notification. What do you take me for?

Yang Yang secretly curled his lip. It wasn't that he intentionally acted first and informed Li Shaohong later, but his girlfriend was, after all, Li Shaohong's goddaughter. If he revealed his move to Alpha Group in advance, it might cause trouble if word got out.

Although he felt his girlfriend was being a bit unreasonable, he patiently coaxed her, "Qing'er, don't overthink it. I just wanted to give you a surprise."

Alpha Group is a subsidiary of Tengda Culture; it has abundant resources. You should be happy for me.

"Happy my foot!" Li Qing's anger flared even more, and his voice suddenly rose: "Yang Yang, what have your godmother and Aunt Wan ever done to wrong you? You've betrayed the company!"

"What betrayal! Don't put it so harshly!" Yang Yang also got angry, his tone becoming harsher. "Changing my agency was just a normal business choice. What right do you have to criticize me?"

I've worked at Rongxinda for several years and made a lot of money for the company. I don't owe the company anything!
Moreover, I changed allegiances with dignity, paying a hefty penalty for breach of contract!

“Your contract with the company expires in a little over a year. Can’t you wait until it expires and part ways amicably?” Li Qing’s voice was filled with grievance.

Although I understand that Yang Yang is a businessman, and that it's common for celebrities to change agencies, I still feel emotionally inclined towards Rong Xinda.

What bothered her even more was that her boyfriend kept such an important matter a secret from her, which made her feel very insecure.

Yang Yang patiently explained, "Qing'er, stop fooling around. New talents emerge in the entertainment industry every year. How can I afford to waste time? If I miss this opportunity, I might lose out on Tengda Culture."

In my opinion, you should leave Rongxinda as soon as possible. That kind of family workshop-style operation is outdated.

Zhou Xun, Chen Kun, Yang Mi—one after another, they've chosen to leave Rong Xinda. Can't you see the situation? Staying will only jeopardize your future!

Li Qing stubbornly insisted, "You're not allowed to speak ill of the company! I won't be as ungrateful as you!"

"I'm ungrateful?" Yang Yang laughed angrily, feeling that his girlfriend was too selfish and didn't care about him at all.

How many years does an artist's golden age last? If they spend another year at Rongxinda and miss the opportunity to join Aofei, they may truly never have a chance to succeed.

Thinking of this, she suddenly lost interest and sighed softly, "Qing'er, think what you want."

Li Qing got angry and retorted stubbornly, "Yang Yang, what do you mean by that? Are you annoyed with me now?"

Yang Yang was already in a bad mood, and Li Qing's provocation made her furious. She roared, "Yes! I just find you annoying! Let's just break up!"

A long silence fell on the other end of the phone, as if the air had frozen solid.

"Fine, let's break up!" Li Qing's voice trembled with tears, yet she remained stubborn. "Yang Yang, you're truly remarkable—your first move after reclaiming your homeland was to slay the one you love!"

Yang Yang's temples throbbed with veins, and he scratched his hair in frustration: "You're completely unreasonable, I'm hanging up!"

Li Qing's hysterical roar pierced the receiver: "Scumbag!"

The busy tone suddenly sounded. Yang Yang was panting heavily in front of the screen when he suddenly caught a glimpse of a light-colored figure at the corner of the corridor. He recognized her as Zhou Yutong, a newcomer that the company had just poached from the Donghai Drama Academy a few days ago.

"Um, Mr. Yang!" Zhou Yutong's eyes darted away, her face showing apology, clearly having overheard his private conversation about breaking up with his girlfriend. "President Yang wants you to attend a meeting."

"Okay, I'm coming right now." Yang Yang suppressed his surging emotions, replied, and strode towards the conference room.

Inside the meeting room, Yang Tianzhen sat in the main seat, flanked by four artists, two men and two women.

"You've all met before, you're both artists from the same company, so get along well in the future."

Yang Yang glanced at the plain-looking man beside him without making a sound. He wondered what kind of luck this guy had to be chosen by the director to play the male lead in "Joy of Life". It made him feel a little bitter.

The man standing next to him was Zhang Ruoyun. A few days ago, he had successfully contacted Mao Ni, the author of "Joy of Life," after giving him 10 gold coins.

Through the introduction of the original author and screenwriter Mao Ni, I successfully met Ma Xin, the director of "Joy of Life".

Perhaps it was good luck, perhaps it caught the director's eye, or perhaps his appearance matched the aesthetic of the "ordinary man" president of the reading group.

In short, after going through a lot of trouble, he finally passed the audition and successfully played the male lead in "Joy of Life", thus obtaining this amazing resource in the entertainment industry.

He took this opportunity to join Alpha Group, which was a stroke of good luck and a meteoric rise to success.

"Ruoyun, focus on your preparations during this time and wait for the start of filming for 'Joy of Life'."

Yutong, you're the same. You're still a newcomer, so don't aim too high. I've arranged a supporting role for you in the drama so you can hone your acting skills first.

"Understood, Mr. Yang." "Thank you, Mr. Yang."

After saying that, Yang Tianzhen's gaze shifted between Yang Yang and Li Yitong: "Yang Yang, Tengda Culture is about to shoot a movie called 'My Old Classmate.' I've discussed it with President Liu, and we've decided to give you the lead role."

As for Yitong, you'll have a lead role in a film next year, which will be your debut. Since you have no acting experience, you'll need some training first; the big screen demands a lot in terms of acting skills.”

Yang Yang beamed with joy, all the gloom from arguing with his girlfriend vanished, and he secretly rejoiced at his choice. If he had stayed at Rong Xinda, he would never have had such a high-quality opportunity as a leading man in a movie.

Li Yitong's eyebrows curved into crescent moons, and a sweet smile graced her face. Her debut role was as the female lead in a movie, a rare privilege: "Don't worry, Mr. Yang, I will definitely study hard and hone my acting skills."

Looking at the first four artists to join Alpha Entertainment, Yang Tianzhen was full of confidence. She believed that with the support of Tengda Culture's resources and her own marketing efforts, the four would soon be able to gain a foothold in the entertainment industry.

On the other hand, Donghai Tangren Film & Television.

Liu Shishi knocked on the door of the president's office and bumped into the two people sitting opposite Cai Yinong. A smile appeared on her face: "Director Li and Lao Hu, you're both here? What a coincidence, it saves me from having to make several trips."

When Cai Yinong saw that it was the eldest sister, he stood up and asked in surprise, "You just returned to Beiping the day before yesterday, why are you at the company again today?"

Li Guoli and Hu Ge quickly stood up and greeted her, "Shishi."

In the past, everyone had interacted with Song poetry several times because of Liu Shishi.

Although I already knew that the richest man was worth hundreds of billions, with immense wealth and astonishing power, those were ultimately just numbers on paper and didn't leave a very real feeling.

Until a few days ago, a comprehensive inventory of the Song family's assets was conducted online, revealing a staggering fortune of trillions of yuan.

Amidst the public outcry, state media outlets stepped in to support the richest man, truly amplifying the impact on people's lives. Liu Shishi smiled radiantly, took a gift box lined with auspicious red velvet from her handbag, and solemnly handed it over: "Sister K, I cordially invite you to my wedding."

Cai Yinong was taken aback for a moment, then accepted the light gift box with both hands.

The moment it was opened, a delicate sandalwood scent wafted out, and an imported ivory-white silk-textured invitation card came into view—the cover was embossed with gilded cloud patterns, exquisite yet exuding nobility, and it read:
"With reverence to Heaven and Earth, we jointly witness our vows."

"Invitation to the Song Family and Liu Residence for a Marriage"
The central part features the four characters "鸾凤和鸣" (Luan Feng He Ming) in seal script.

Cai Yi-nong slowly turned the pages, and the text read:
"It is hereby decided that the meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 1, 2013."
November 20th, Ren Chen year in the lunar calendar
11:08 AM
Fangfei Garden, Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Beiping
for

Mr. Song, the eldest son of the Song family
Miss Liu Shishi, daughter of the Liu family
Hold a wedding ceremony
We cordially invite Your Excellency to attend the ceremony.

Cai Yinong secretly marveled that the Song family truly lived up to their reputation as a top-tier wealthy family, managing to hold their wedding at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, a venue for receiving foreign dignitaries. The scale of the ceremony was comparable to that of ancient aristocratic families.

My gaze shifted to the side page, where it read:

"Officiants: Mr. Song Zhang, accompanied by his wife"
Witness: Specially invited academicians and elders
Wedding Butler: Protocol Department of the State Guesthouse

With the auspicious day approaching, I respectfully prepare a small feast.
Inquiry Hotline: 010-XXXX XXXX (Protocol Secretariat)

After closing the invitation, Cai Yinong offered his blessings in a warm voice: "Shishi, congratulations. I wish you and Mr. Song a long and happy marriage and many children."

Liu Shishi smiled and nodded, then took out two more invitations from her handbag and handed them to Li Guoli and Hu Ge respectively.

Li Guoli was flattered and his hand trembled slightly as he accepted the invitation.

"I, the best man, actually got an invitation?" Hu Ge chuckled and joked, accepting the invitation with both hands as well.

"The etiquette cannot be abolished."

After delivering the three invitations, Liu Shishi suddenly asked, "Sister K, what has Lao Yuan been busy with lately?"

For her wedding with Song Ci, Tangren Media plans to invite Yuan Hong in addition to the three people in front of them.

Although their relationship has become somewhat distant in the past two years due to their different statuses, they are still old friends who have known each other for many years.

"He's filming the TV series 'The Great Heroine,' he's on set."

Was this drama filmed in Hengdian?

Hu Ge interjected: "No, it's in Dunhuang."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi was immediately faced with a dilemma. She had originally planned to personally deliver the invitation if Yuan Hong was not far from the East China Sea, but since Yuan Hong was far away in Dunhuang, she simply couldn't find the time to go to the desert.

Her husband was busy preparing for the important inspection by a high-ranking official and had no time to spare, so she had to deliver the invitations to many distinguished guests on his behalf.

Hu Ge noticed the eldest sister's hesitation and considerately suggested, "Shishi, I'll take the wedding invitation over for you."

I'm free these days since I'm not filming, and I was planning to visit Lao Yuan on set in Dunhuang anyway, so I thought I'd give him your invitation on the way.

"Thank you, then I'll trouble you, Lao Hu, to make the trip for me."

Hu Ge waved his hand: "Hey, don't be so polite with me."

"Let's talk over by the sofa," Cai Yinong said, leading everyone towards the reception area. He then turned to Sister Yi and asked, "Shishi, how are the wedding preparations going?"

"Everything's been handled by the wedding planning company. We'll be rehearsing the process in a few days." Liu Shishi sat down on the sofa and looked at Li Guoli. "Director Li, how's the preparation for 'The Imperial Doctress' going? When will filming begin?"

She was actually having second thoughts, but then she thought that since this was Li Guoli's final project and she had promised Cai Yinong, she decided to finish filming the movie.

Li Guoli replied, "The basic preparations are complete, and we will start filming when spring arrives after the New Year."

Liu Shishi pondered for a moment: "Director Li, let's set the start date for late April or early May. My husband and I are going on our honeymoon in March or April, so we have to accommodate his schedule."

Li Guoli nodded in agreement: "No problem. Delaying the start-up will allow me to prepare more thoroughly."

"But when filming started, most of the shooting took place in the summer. Wearing heavy Ming Dynasty Hanfu, you must have suffered terribly from the heat."

"It's alright, I'm not that delicate." Liu Shishi waved her hand dismissively, then asked, "By the way, have the two male leads for this drama been cast yet?"

Although the two male leads in "The Imperial Doctress" don't have the most central roles, they still drive the plot forward and influence the overall quality of the series. The choice of male leads remains important.

"It's settled," Li Guoli announced. "The male lead and the second male lead are Chen Xiao and Huang Xuan, respectively."

Chen Xiao was an old acquaintance who had worked with Huang Xuan on "Chinese Paladin 3," and Huang Xuan also had some impression of him, so Liu Shishi didn't ask any more questions.
Suddenly remembering something, he looked at Hu Ge and smiled, "Old Hu, you made this trip to the desert for me, I can't let it go to waste. There's a movie, want to give it a try?"

Hu Ge immediately perked up and asked with great interest, "What kind of movie is it? What role?"

Liu Shishi explained, "It's 'The Continent,' produced by Tengda Culture and directed by writer Han Han. However, he's only the second male lead; the male lead is Qiao Zhengyu."

“The second male lead is fine, but Han Han…” Hu Ge hesitated, “Han Han and Guo Jinming’s transition to directing caused quite a stir and attracted attention across the internet.”

But I heard that Guo Jinming has a poor reputation in the industry and knows nothing about filming, relying entirely on several assistant directors to carry the show.

"The director is the soul of a film. How can a film made by someone who's only a 'careerist' be good?"

Cai Yi Nong also looked nervously at the top female star.

Hu Ge is now a well-established and respected actress, known for her work on films like "Goodbye Mr. Loser," which broke domestic box office records.

The summer broadcast of "Xuan-Yuan Sword" was another phenomenal hit, achieving great success on both the big and small screens. If they were to take on a bad project and damage their reputation, it would be a loss that outweighs the gain.

Liu Shishi understood that Hu Ge was now very protective of his reputation and extremely cautious about accepting roles, so she offered some explanations to reassure him:

"Don't worry, I wouldn't possibly cheat you. Think about it, the male lead in 'The Continent' is Qiao Zhengyu. With his status and resources, how could he possibly take on a bad movie?"
As far as I know, Han Han is different from Guo Jinming; he takes filmmaking much more seriously.

He specifically studied camera movement and composition, and developed a detailed shooting plan for the film, considering everything from scene selection to shooting order with great care; it's clear he put a lot of effort into it. I imagine the box office and critical reception will be good.

With the strong recommendation of a certain celebrity, Hu Ge completely put aside her concerns and gladly accepted the role in the film "The Continent".

(One update today, two updates tomorrow)

(End of this chapter)