Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 519 Asia Television
On the last day of May, Hengdian World Studios was bathed in bright sunshine, and the crew of "The Imperial Doctress" was busy at work.

Amidst the bustling crowds on set, Liu Shishi, dressed in a magnificent azure imperial lady's robe, stood tall and straight, reciting her lines with great emotion to the camera:
"This young prince was born by the will of Heaven to reward the Empress's benevolence."

In front of the monitor, director Li Guoli stared intently at the screen.

Seeing that Liu Shishi portrayed the dignified and composed female physician perfectly, he nodded approvingly, but then frowned slightly.

The performance was impeccable, but the overly soft original voice didn't quite match the character's temperament, so it seems that re-dubbing will be necessary in post-production.

"Pass!"

It was nearly noon, and the sun was blazing overhead.

Upon hearing the director's command, Liu Shishi breathed a sigh of relief, and her mind and body immediately relaxed.

She carefully removed the elaborate pheasant crown from her head and handed it to the makeup artist who was waiting nearby. She then nodded to Huang Xuan and Li Chengyuan before lifting her skirt and walking lightly towards the rest area.

Just as I turned past the palace set, I saw executive agent Jiang Yuanyuan and two assistants waiting outside the film set.

Lin Xia held an exquisite fruit-cutting box, while Su Xiaoxiao held several cups of cold drinks with water droplets rising from them.

"What's so special about today?" Liu Shishi raised her eyebrows in surprise. Although she and the other lead actors often treated the entire crew to drinks, they had never been so extravagant.

His gaze swept over the colorful iced milk tea packaging, and he took his thermos from Jiang Yuanyuan's hand, sipping the warm health tea in small sips.

A mysterious smile appeared on Jiang Yuanyuan's round face as she leaned closer and whispered, "President Cai came to the film set today. All of this was specially prepared by her Mr. Wang."

"Sister K is in a relationship?" Liu Shishi's bright eyes widened, and she almost choked on her tea.

He quickly tightened the lid, grabbed Jiang Yuanyuan's arm, and pressed her for details, "Tell me in detail! Who exactly is this person who moved Sister K?"

Jiang Yuanyuan took the opportunity to link arms with the top female executive and walked towards the lounge while explaining in detail: "It's Wang Yi, the vice president of Sohu Games, who is two years younger than President Cai."

I met her last month when we were negotiating the licensing of the "Xuan-Yuan Sword" mobile game. She was incredibly attentive in pursuing me, sending flowers and gifts to my company every few days.

He gestured with his chubby hand, "This morning they even delivered a whole truckload of tea and snacks, saying it was a small token of their appreciation to the Tangren production team."

Listening to her friend's vivid description, Liu Shishi smiled slightly: "Sister K has devoted herself to her career all these years, and now she has finally met a kindred spirit."

She gently stroked the pearl tassels hanging by her cheek, her tone becoming serious, "I only hope that this Mr. Wang will treat her sincerely."

“I think it’s pretty much true,” Jiang Yuanyuan said in a low voice. “President Wang even knew that President Cai was allergic to mangoes, so the drinks he sent were all specially made.”

Amidst their laughter and conversation, the group arrived at the door of the lounge.

Liu Shishi spotted Cai Yinong touching up his makeup at a glance; he was indeed as beautiful as a peach blossom and radiant with energy.

She playfully slipped behind her, giggling and teasing, "Sister K, you look radiant today, could it be from the glow of love?"

Cai Yi-nong's hand trembled, and he almost applied the lipstick crookedly. He pretended to be angry and said, "You're such a chatterbox!"

He then pointed to the chair beside him, "Perfect timing, you're here. I have something important to discuss with you."

Liu Shishi and Jiang Yuanyuan sat down as instructed. On the wooden table beside them, a stack of documents lay quietly.

"Shishi." Jiang Yuanyuan's smile faded as she pushed the documents in front of her eldest sister. "The studio probably can't handle the 'Ban Shu Legend' that Jing Tian sent over."

"Why is that?" Liu Shishi was stunned.

Jiang Yuanyuan sighed helplessly, "The studio is already strapped for cash, and we still owe the bank 50 million in loans."

Liu Shishi opened the financial statements in astonishment.

The entries clearly show that the studio has simultaneously invested in four TV series, six movies, and one variety show, with a total investment of 296.6 million.

These projects have either not yet aired or are still in production, with no prospect of recouping their investment in sight.

"What should I do?" She frowned slightly, looking troubled. "I promised Tiantian I would consider it carefully."

His gaze instinctively turned to Cai Yinong, only to see the other party waving his hands repeatedly.

“The Tang people are also struggling to cope.” Cai Yinong tapped the armrest of his chair lightly with his fingertips.

"With two big-budget productions, *Xuan-Yuan Sword 2* and *The Imperial Doctress*, currently in production, we've also invested in *Nirvana in Fire* and talent shows. Game development is a bottomless pit of money."

Seeing her sister's shifty gaze, she said knowingly, "Don't even think about putting money in your own private stash. Although Mr. Song indulges you and doesn't care about money, public and private accounts should still be kept strictly separate."

Jiang Yuanyuan quickly chimed in, "It would be better to wait until these current projects are broadcast and the funds are recouped before investing in new projects."

"But what about Tian Tian!" Liu Shishi bit her lower lip, unable to bear disappointing Jing Tian.

Seeing this, Cai Yinong smiled meaningfully: "I understand your thinking. However, in business, sometimes it's necessary to make appropriate trade-offs."

Liu Shishi nodded as if she understood, and decided to follow Sister K's advice.

"I understand." He gently closed the file, a relieved smile playing on his lips. "Then let's wait for the right time."

Jiang Yuanyuan visibly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly put the budget sheet back into the file bag.

Cai Yi-nong patted Yi-jie on the shoulder with satisfaction: "It's best that you think this way. The company should not be operated rashly."

The three then discussed and finalized the main matters concerning Tangren Media and its studio. By the time the last issue was settled, it was time for the crew to have their meal.

Su Xiaoxiao came in carrying several food boxes: "Senior Sister, President Cai, Sister Yuanyuan, let's have lunch first."

As the assistant spoke, she opened the food box. The dishes were refreshing, with a good balance of meat and vegetables, clearly a special treat for the elderly.

The three thanked him and accepted the boxed meals. Although it was a simple meal, they ate it with great care.

Liu Shishi ate a few bites hastily, then put down her chopsticks: "Sister K, Yuanyuan, please enjoy your meal. I'm going to find Director Li and ask for leave."

Upon hearing this, Cai Yinong's brows furrowed in helplessness. The lead actress was frequently taking leave, and even with her special status, the filming schedule was being significantly hampered.

Suppressing his emotions, he asked in a calm tone, "What's the matter?"

Liu Shishi paused slightly, turned around and smiled lightly: "My father-in-law's fiftieth birthday is in two days, I have to go back to Beiping." After saying that, she left gracefully without lingering any longer.

Gazing at the slender figure of the leading lady, Cai Yinong and Jiang Yuanyuan exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of caution in each other's eyes.

As Liu Shishi's close friends and family, it was only right and proper for them to prepare a birthday gift for her father, the richest man, on his birthday to show their appreciation.

Liu Shishi, oblivious to the subtle shifts in their thoughts, went straight to the director's rest area and sensed something amiss.

Director Li Guoli was seen sitting together with assistant directors Zheng Weiwen and He Zhenghua, talking in hushed tones.

A lingering gloom hung over all three faces, and a sense of listlessness and depression permeated the air.

"Director, Director Zheng, Director He, what's wrong? Why do you all look so worried? Is the crew facing some difficulties?"

When Li Guoli saw that it was Sister Yi, he stood up and greeted her, "It's Shishi. Have you had lunch yet? If not, I'll have the stagehands bring you some right away."

"Thank you for your concern, Director. I just finished eating with Sister K and the others." Liu Shishi nodded slightly, her gaze turning to Zheng Weiwen and He Zhenghua, who were sighing beside her.

He chuckled lightly and joked, "Look at the gloomy faces of Director Zheng and Director He, could it be that Director Li found something wrong and they're getting a scolding?"

Li Guoli waved his hand, gesturing for her to sit down on an empty chair nearby, and sighed, "No, no. We were just discussing Asia Television."

Zheng Weiwen echoed with a solemn expression, his words tinged with reminiscence and emotion: "President Liu may not know, but Zheng Hua and I both started out at Asia Television. That was where we began our careers."

"Asia Television?" Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi's eyes flashed with doubt. She sat down and adopted a listening posture. "I've heard of this TV station, but it seems to be getting quieter lately. What's wrong with it?"

Seeing the confusion on the First Sister's face, He Zhenghua explained in detail: "President Liu, Asia Television is the first television station in Hong Kong, and also the first Chinese-language television station in the world."

Originally named Rediffusion Television, it started as a cable broadcaster and was renamed Asia Television in 1982. At its peak, it produced many popular and classic dramas, enjoying unparalleled popularity.

He paused, his voice lowering slightly: "The good times didn't last long. After that, ATV faced long-term competitive pressure from TVB."

Although it once challenged its competitors with excellent works such as "The Land of Love" and "The Legend of the Condor Heroes", it still had a disadvantage in overall viewership and the problem was difficult to reverse.

After entering the new century, due to inconsistent program quality, frequent changes in equity, and constant management turmoil, the business situation deteriorated.

Now, they've even fallen to the point of defaulting on employee salaries, and it's clear they can't continue operating and their days are numbered!

Mentioning his former employer, Zheng Weiwen sighed deeply: "How tragic and lamentable! The world's first Chinese-language television station, how glorious it was once!"
Now it's ending up bankrupt and closing down! It's truly a case of "I watched him build a magnificent mansion, I watched him entertain guests, and I watched his mansion collapse!"

Even the usually calm and composed Li Guoli was filled with emotion, his voice brimming with nostalgia for the past:
"Back then, ATV did produce many influential classic TV dramas, such as The Legend of Huo Yuanjia and I Have a Date with Spring, which can be described as a series of excellent works."

Moreover, it nurtured a large number of well-known artists, including Zhang Guorong, Li Ming, and Zhang Jiahui. Who would have thought that it would now reach its dead end, seemingly on the verge of a quiet demise?

"It went bankrupt?" Liu Shishi was somewhat taken aback, her red lips slightly parted.

She had heard of ATV's great reputation, but she never expected that this long-established television station had reached its dead end.

He Zhenghua sighed softly: "It hasn't officially announced its bankruptcy yet, but it's just barely clinging to life."

Zheng Weiwen said quietly, his words revealing both reluctance and expectation: "Although ATV is facing serious financial difficulties, as the first free-to-air television station in Hong Kong, it holds a precious television license."

Coupled with its vast film and television content library accumulated over decades, its foundation remains strong. If a conglomerate were willing to acquire it, inject substantial capital, and implement sweeping reforms, it might very well be able to revive and revitalize the company.

What was said without malice was taken to heart by the listener. Liu Shishi listened intently, a turmoil stirring within her. After a moment's hesitation, she seemingly casually inquired:
"Hearing what these directors have said, it seems ATV might still have a glimmer of hope. But I wonder, who are ATV's shareholders now?"

He Zhenghua answered immediately, as if he knew the details by heart: "Currently, the largest shareholder is Mr. Huang Bingjun, holding 52.4% of the shares."

Another major shareholder is Antenna Investment Company, whose owner is Mr. Tsai, chairman of the Want Want Group.

Li Guoli had been paying close attention to Liu Shishi's expression. Seeing that she was listening intently, a startling thought suddenly flashed through his mind.

So he half-jokingly probed, "Shishi, you're inquiring about the shareholder structure, could it be that you're thinking of acquiring Asia Television?"

As soon as this statement came out, it was shocking!

Zheng Weiwen and He Zhenghua were both stunned, and then looked at the top sister with disbelief on their faces.

Facing the intense gazes of the three directors, Liu Shishi smiled enigmatically and asked, "Directors, do you think it's not good enough?"

At this moment, she was rapidly considering the matter in her mind.

Acquiring a television station with a rich history and potential value is undoubtedly a very tempting idea.

This would allow her to transform from a top-tier female star into a media mogul with control over media channels and significant industry influence, building her own media empire.

However, after a moment's thought, he also knew that everything has two sides, and opportunities always coexist with challenges.

Asia Television (ATV) has deep-seated problems and has faced huge operating losses for many years. Once taken over, it will be necessary to invest a lot of money to maintain daily operations.

More importantly, it is necessary to produce competitive new programs to reshape the brand, which is undoubtedly an extremely heavy and risky financial burden.

Li Guoli squinted, carefully observing the subtle changes in the expression on the First Sister's face. He already understood that she was not just talking nonsense, but was seriously considering this possibility.

His expression turned serious, and he put away his joking tone, earnestly suggesting, "Shishi, if you have lofty ambitions and hope to build your own media empire..."

Furthermore, they are willing to bear the enormous risks, pressures, and financial investments involved.

Therefore, acquiring Asia Television might be a historic opportunity to propel your career to unprecedented new heights.

"Thank you for the reminder, Director. Your words of wisdom will be kept in mind." Liu Shishi composed herself and temporarily suppressed the myriad thoughts in her mind.

Whether or not to acquire ATV is a major and far-reaching matter that cannot be decided overnight. It requires careful consideration, thorough investigation, and evaluation.

Changing the subject, she returned to the main point of her visit and said with a smile, "Director, I'm here to ask for leave. I need to return to Beiping on the 3rd."

Also, I need to attend the Magnolia Awards ceremony held in Donghai in the middle of the month.

Upon hearing this, Li Guoli's face immediately filled with helplessness. He waved his hand and said, "Granted, granted! You've already spoken, how could I possibly refuse you?"

Just remember to schedule your time carefully and don't be too late. Hundreds of people on the crew are waiting for you!

(End of this chapter)