Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 463 Deliberate Guidance
Inside a black van in the underground parking garage on the second basement level of the Westin Hotel, Yang Mi was about to instruct the driver to return to Jiaxing Media.

With a hint of apology in her voice, Dilraba said timidly, "Sister Mi, I'm sorry, my things are behind the time. Please wait for me for a moment."

Yang Mi rested her chin on her hand, gazing listlessly out the window, and muttered, "Go and come back quickly."

"Okay!" Dilraba responded by pushing open the car door and hurriedly running towards the elevator.

In the hotel's first-floor elevator lobby, she leaned against the door frame, slightly out of breath, her eyes fixed on the changing floor numbers. When the display settled on "1," the heavy metal door slowly slid open.

Just as she was about to step inside, Dilraba stopped abruptly upon seeing the figure inside the sedan chair, her lips trembling slightly: "Song... Song..."

The elevator contained Song Ci and his entourage, who had just finished their performance. He had already asked the driver to wait for him in the underground parking lot, and they were now preparing to get off.

The bodyguard's initially wary gaze softened slightly when he caught sight of the lone little girl by the door.

Song Ci glanced at her casually and instantly recognized her. Wasn't this Dilraba Dilmurat? Although she still had a bit of a childish look and didn't have the dazzling star power she had on screen, it was undoubtedly her.

"Miss, would you like to take the elevator?" Wu Yi asked softly when he saw her standing there in a daze.

The powerful aura emanating from that group made Dilraba hesitate. Just as she was hesitating, Song Ci's cool voice came: "Come in."

She hesitated for a moment, then subconsciously obeyed and stepped into the elevator.

The metal door slowly closed, and Dilraba huddled awkwardly in the corner, secretly glancing at Song Ci, the most dazzling person in the crowd. Her heart skipped a beat for no reason; the richest man was really handsome.

Song Ci noticed that she was pretending to be calm, but her eyes kept glancing in his direction out of the corner of her eye, and he couldn't help but smile knowingly.

When Dilraba saw the richest man looking at her, she realized that her little trick had been discovered, and she pursed her lips awkwardly.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone from Tengda Group, she mustered her courage and greeted them softly, "Hello, Mr. Song!" After a pause, she quickly added, "I am Dilraba, an artist from Yangmi's company."

"Hello." Song Ci nodded slightly, his tone flat. The dazzling star power of the entertainment industry could no longer stir even the slightest ripple in his heart.

Dilraba stood quietly in the corner until the elevator reached the underground parking lot. As soon as the door opened a crack, she rushed out like a gust of wind. Being with a group of big shots, the atmosphere was just too oppressive.

As she slumped back into the van, Dilraba excitedly exclaimed as she got in, "Sister Mi! I just ran into Song Ci! He's so handsome! He even talked to me!"

Yang Mi was taken aback and quickly asked, "What did he say to you?"

"Hello there!"

Yang Mi waited for a while without any further explanation, then raised an eyebrow and said, "That's it? Just this one sentence?"

Dilraba nodded, looking a little aggrieved: "I told him I'm an artist in your company, but he didn't react much... He doesn't even know me, so I didn't dare say anything more."

"Okay." Yang Mi sighed softly, feeling somewhat disappointed. It seemed that she really didn't hold much weight in the eyes of the richest man.

Back at Jaywalk Studio, Yang Mi went straight to Zeng Jia's office. The unexpected interview with the CCTV Finance reporter had just given her a ripple effect on her emotions.

Pushing open the office door, she said urgently, "Sister Jia, I've thought about it seriously. I think we shouldn't take that endorsement deal with the microfinance company."

There's no such thing as a free lunch. The fact that they're willing to pay such a high endorsement fee suggests there's something more to it than we can figure out. The financial industry is too murky; I just don't feel safe in it.

The top-level meeting between the internet giant with the largest user platform and the state-owned bank giant that controls the financial lifeline made this top female star feel a little uneasy; such a scene was by no means ordinary.

Zeng Jia paused for a moment, then slowly nodded: "I respect your choice. Since you don't want to accept it, I will refuse."

Yang Mi breathed a sigh of relief and sat down at her desk, still finding the events of not long ago absurd: "Today's press conference was absolutely outrageous!"

Zeng Jia smiled with a hint of smugness: "I've already seen the report. The PR department released a press release a long time ago to follow up. The effect is just right now, and we've successfully garnered a wave of traffic."

Yang Mi was taken aback, then quickly took out her phone and opened Weibo. Sure enough, she was trending again!
The hashtag "Yang Mi responds to secret meeting with Song Ci" has entered the top ten of the trending search list.

Clicking into the entry, the pinned comment is: [I can't laugh! Yang Mi's press conference was ambushed by a CCTV Finance reporter!]

The text reads: "At the press conference for 'Gu Jian Qi Tan,' just as everyone was discussing Deng Shuang's cosmetic surgery, a CCTV Finance reporter suddenly appeared."

He immediately asked Yang Mi for her opinion on the "Song Ci's secret meeting with the heads of the four major banks"! Sister Mi's pupils dilated instantly, her lips twitched slightly, but she immediately switched to professional mode the next second.

He spoke fluently and eloquently from the perspective of an actor and entrepreneur, responding flawlessly, and even throwing in a playful wink at the end! His impromptu reactions were absolutely brilliant!
[Attached: GIFs of Yang Mi's stunned expression upon hearing the question, her forced calm response, and her final wink]
#GuJianQiTanPressConference##MrYangCrossesFinance##TheBirthofMeme#

Looking at the newly created nine-grid emoji set, Yang Mi looked helpless, but couldn't help but smile slightly.

The comment section has already been flooded with netizens' jokes:
CCTV Finance reporter: The station director told me to intercept Song Ci, but I couldn't find her, so... I'll intercept Yang Mi and ask for her opinion! [doge]
Imagine yourself in the reporter's shoes: Honey, could you share your thoughts on the Fed's interest rate hikes?

"The press conference for 'Gu Jian Qi Tan' instantly turned into a scene from 'CBN'! This reporter single-handedly achieved the channel's KPI!"

"This reporter is definitely a financial informant who infiltrated the entertainment venue! Honey's inner monologue: I was terrified.jpg"

"Isn't this just an upgraded version of the Nine-Headed Insect sending minions to capture Tang Sanzang in 'Journey to the West'?"

"Hahaha! The analogy upstairs is brilliant!"

The Four Great Strategists (Nine-Headed Insect): 'That actress filming downstairs seems to have some influence. Go ask her if she can sound out Song Ci's opinion!'

Financial reporter Xiao Yao (Benboerba): "Yes, sir!" Rushing to the press conference: "Ms. Yang Mi! What do you think of our King... oh wait, the meeting between the Big Four banks and Song Ci?"

Yang Mi (looking completely bewildered by Ba Bo'erben): "Your Majesty, I'm just a lowly mountain patrol demon! How would I know anything about this!"

"Mi Jie must have been frantically complaining at the time: 'Zhuangzi just dug a plastic surgery pit for me, and I finally managed to climb out, and now a financial reporter has dropped another financial bombshell? Today's press conference is like going through a tribulation!'"

"Yang Mi's expression of being 'hit by an unexpected question' could easily be included in the 'Top Ten Confused Moments in the Entertainment Industry' of the Year! It's just like me when I'm daydreaming in class and suddenly get called on by the teacher!" "Westin Hotel's MVP of the Day: Song Ci (Financial Headlines)? No! It's that CCTV Finance reporter who wandered onto the wrong set! Single-handedly, she made an entertainment press conference a financial news segment!"

Zeng Jia stared intently at Yang Mi, his gaze as if he were examining a rare treasure.

Yang Mi felt uncomfortable under Jia Jie's gaze and shrank her shoulders, saying, "Sister Jia, why are you staring at me like that? It's creepy."

"Honey, your answer at the press conference was absolutely brilliant!" Zeng Jia's tone suddenly rose, unable to hide his excitement.

"I was just figuring out how to solidify your 'Boss Yang' persona, and then this CCTV Finance reporter unexpectedly provided a huge boost. It's a wonderful surprise, a stroke of luck!"

"My new persona... is it a sure thing?" Yang Mi's eyes lit up, her tone filled with anticipation.

She and Zeng Jia had planned ahead: to break free from the traditional female star's single label of "traffic star" or "acting talent".

By leveraging her "boss" status, she cultivates an image of a "strong woman" who combines business acumen and leadership skills, thereby enhancing the multidimensional value of her personal brand.

"It's mainly because you remained calm under pressure today and gave a flawless answer that I had room to maneuver," Zeng emphasized, nodding.

"The label 'Boss Yang' is extremely valuable. If managed properly, it's no less valuable than Liu Shishi's 'top star' and 'charming' persona. In today's entertainment industry, whoever wins over female fans wins the world!"

In the male-dominated world of capital, by breaking down gender barriers as a 'female boss' and becoming a role model for female entrepreneurs, you will inevitably attract more female fans, and your online traffic will certainly reach new heights.

Upon hearing that the new persona could rival Liu Shishi, Yang Mi beamed with joy: "I also think that 'Boss Yang' is much better than the previous 'workaholic in the entertainment industry' persona."

"Starting today, I will repeatedly reinforce your image of high emotional intelligence and financial wisdom in front of netizens, solidifying your professionalism as the 'boss'. Check the comments for more surprises."

Yang Mi became interested and continued scrolling through Weibo. Two highly-rated comments quickly caught her eye:
"What constitutes top-tier celebrity media literacy? Yang Mi's press conference is a textbook example! First, she encountered Deng Shuang's 'cosmetic surgery bomb,' then she was subjected to a 'cross-industry nuclear explosion' from a financial reporter. Under double pressure:"
Her facial expression control was perfect; she instantly switched to professional mode in a moment of shock, and her smile was flawless.

The stance is clearly defined: "ordinary actor and entrepreneur," without demeaning oneself or overstepping boundaries, a perfect separation.
The conversation was flawless, respecting the other party (praising the grand vision of Song Dynasty poetry) + leveraging the opportunity for promotion (Jiaxing needs financial support) + cleverly responding to the topic (focusing on the work).

A master of pacing, he immediately signaled to the host after answering, giving no chance for follow-up questions;
A crisis can be turned into an opportunity; a lighthearted remark about "cross-disciplinary thinking" defuses an awkward situation while also demonstrating magnanimity.

This is true top-tier style! I suggest the Chinese entertainment industry watch this repeatedly!

"I'm speechless! Boss Yang's response is practically a workplace bible on 'how to elegantly answer questions beyond your scope'! All the core elements are there:"
Acknowledge the information gap, say "I have limited information," don't pretend to know, and lower your expectations;
Elevate the other party's image, saying "Mr. Song has a grand vision," to meet the questioner's expectations without offending anyone;

Connecting with its own output value, it uses "entrepreneurial insights" and "win-win is the cornerstone" to bring grand topics back to familiar territory, and incidentally advertise itself;

Clearly define boundaries and return to one's core responsibilities; "Looking forward to attention for the work"—a gentle yet firm emphasis.
The emotional value was maximized; the final wink and 'cross-disciplinary thinking' eased the tension and left a good impression.

That level of emotional intelligence and communication skills is top-tier anywhere! Respect!

Driven by these two comments, netizens and fans showered Yang Mi with praise:

"Who understands! When Deng Shuang revealed this herself, I was worried for Sister Mi, and I almost choked when the financial reporter asked me a question!"
She remained calm and composed! Unlike some celebrities who might laugh it off or put on a sullen face, she thought things through seriously and gave a profound, opinionated, and even witty answer!

He can casually utter phrases like "promoting the healthy development of the industry"—no wonder he's Mr. Yang from Jiaxing! With that aura and that wisdom, it's no wonder my dear sister is so successful!

"I used to think Yang Mi was just a pretty face, but today I've completely changed my mind! Her on-the-spot reaction and language skills are amazing!"

Anyone else caught off guard by such a barrage of questions would have been stunned or made a slip of the tongue. She not only handled it well, but she did it brilliantly, demonstrating true skill!
His responses to financial questions, in particular, were neither arrogant nor humble, polite and tactful, even with a touch of humor—his emotional intelligence and IQ are truly impressive! I'm now a fan!

"I just finished watching the video, and Yang Mi is my ideal workplace idol! She remained calm and composed when faced with tricky questions she didn't understand at all (a meeting with financial tycoons).

Quickly find something you can talk about (entrepreneurial insights), connect it to your own experience to deliver value, and finally wrap things up.

Smiling throughout, poised and confident—isn't this the level I aspire to when I'm stumped by my boss's questions in a meeting? Please, Sister Honey, teach me!

"Yang Mi's top-tier status is not just due to luck and looks, but also to the hard-earned skills and strong mentality she has developed over the years! Some newcomers should really learn from her!"

As Zeng Jia's online trolls stirred things up, and praise from passersby and fans poured in like a tidal wave, Yang Mi blushed.

Feeling both a little embarrassed and worried, she asked, "Sister Jia, isn't this a bit too much of a compliment?"

"We've seized all the advantages of timing, location, and people; we may not have such a good opportunity again," Zeng Jia reassured him.

"We need to solidify our public image first, so let's be a little aggressive. There are so many trending topics across the country every day, and who knows, a big news story might come out later and wash out this bit of buzz."

Yang Mi thought about it and realized that this was a rare opportunity, so she stopped worrying about it.

"By the way, Sister Jia, don't just focus on me, also think of a suitable character for Dilraba."

Zeng Jia had already planned ahead: "Dilraba has few works now and her popularity is just starting out, so it's suitable to establish some labels to bring her closer to people. I thought of 'sweet senior' and 'energetic girl' to use for now, and we'll adjust them later depending on the situation."

After pondering for a moment, Yang Mi felt that these two labels did indeed fit Dilraba's newcomer image, and couldn't help but praise, "They're pretty good, much better than my 'model worker' back then."

Zeng Jia was amused. It seems that Yang Mi really still harbors resentment about the days when she was filming so hard that she lost her hair.

She suddenly remembered something and changed the subject: "Mimi, your fans and Deng Shuang's fans are arguing."

"Just because of that plastic surgery?" Yang Mi frowned.

“Yes.” Zeng Jia nodded. “Her fans are very loyal and have strong fighting power. They frantically dug up your past stills on Tieba and Weibo, trying to prove that you also had surgery, and thus say that Deng Shuang is more honest than you.”

A hint of displeasure flashed across Yang Mi's face: "This is utterly absurd! I didn't provoke her. Besides, we're all acting in the same show. Isn't this just infighting? It's completely unreasonable."

Zeng Jia spread his hands and sighed helplessly: "How can we guess what fans are thinking? I'll handle it according to the situation. We can't just let our fans be bullied and not fight back."

(End of this chapter)