Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 532 Time Magazine
At 3:00 AM Beijing time on June 14th, the night sky was as dark as ink, except for the light strips on the runway of Donghai International Airport, which resembled a dazzling galaxy, guiding travelers returning home from their long journeys.

The plane landed smoothly on the runway, taxied for a while, and finally came to a steady stop.

The gangway was lowered, and Song Ci's figure appeared at the cabin door.

A summer night breeze blew in, carrying the slightly humid air unique to the East China Sea, which mingled with the dry air of the American West Coast that he was breathing in.

As I stepped off the gangway and onto the soil of my motherland, an indescribable sense of peace welled up within me, instantly dispelling the fatigue and tension that had accumulated over the past few days.

These past few days, being in a foreign country, I've been racking my brains over the future of WeChat, and it has truly taken a tremendous toll on my energy.

At this moment, although I am physically and mentally exhausted, my mind is already relaxed.

Inside a luxury car in the airport parking lot, the driver had been waiting for some time. Seeing his boss get into the back seat in the rearview mirror, he immediately asked respectfully, "Boss, where to?"

Seeing Song Ci leaning back in his chair, looking tired, Tang Yue couldn't help but suggest with concern, "Boss, why don't you go home first, or go to a hotel in the city to rest?"

Song Ci closed her eyes, rubbed her temples, pondered for a moment, and shook her head: "No, I dozed off on the plane and I feel alright now. Let's go straight to Hengdian."

"Okay, boss." The driver started the vehicle and smoothly drove away from the parking lot. Seeing this, the two cars following behind also started immediately and silently merged into the traffic.

The vehicle traveled along the road leading to the highway. Outside the window, the city's neon lights appeared somewhat hazy in the early morning mist.

Tang Yue turned his head from the front row: "Boss, there was something Secretary Jian asked me to report on your behalf when you were on the plane earlier."

Time magazine's Asia editorial department has once again requested that you arrange an in-depth interview.

Without even lifting his eyelids, Song Ci casually replied, "I'll be in Hengdian all day. If they don't mind the distance and can make it to Hengdian, I'll accept the interview."

……

As dawn breaks and the east begins to lighten, Hengdian Film Studio is already bustling with activity for another day.

The crews and vehicles from various production teams moved back and forth constantly, like a huge, precisely operating machine.

The dressing room of the "The Imperial Doctress" crew was brightly lit.

Liu Shishi sat gracefully in front of a large dressing mirror, already dressed in an elegant Ming Dynasty gown of deep blue, embroidered with intricate lotus patterns. Her skin was as white as snow, and her temperament was otherworldly.

Behind her, the stylist focused intently on styling her hair, skillfully twisting her long, black hair into an exquisite bun.

Then, she carefully inserted kingfisher feather hairpins and coral hair ornaments into her hair with gentle and precise movements.

"Xiaoxiao!" Liu Shishi looked at the gradually completing makeup in the mirror and asked softly, "Were there any noteworthy trending topics online yesterday?"

Hearing this, the yawning assistant next to her shuddered and perked up: "It's nothing serious, Senior Sister. Everyone in the industry is building hype for the Magnolia Awards ceremony tomorrow night."

And also... the fans are incredibly enthusiastic! Fan groups and Weibo supertopics are flooded with messages hoping you'll win Best Actress!

A faint, complex emotion flashed across Liu Shishi's eyes, and she sighed softly, "Alas, they may be disappointed this time."

Knowing the inside information, Su Xiaoxiao's face also flashed with a hint of dejection, and she replied softly:

"Sister Xia has already spoken to the fan group administrators to calm everyone down and give them a heads-up, so that things won't get out of hand when the results come out tomorrow."

Just as Liu Shishi was about to give a few more instructions about guiding the fans, her gaze inadvertently fell upon a familiar figure appearing at the doorway behind her through the dressing mirror.

She was stunned for a moment, then her beautiful eyes widened instantly, and an incredulous look of surprise appeared on her face.

She suddenly stood up from the chair, not caring that her hair was only half-up and was accompanied by the tinkling sound of her hairpins and ornaments.

She turned and called out, her voice filled with joy and sweetness: "Oh! Yi-yi, what brings you here?"

"I arrived in Donghai at dawn and came straight here." Song Ci chuckled and stepped into the dressing room.

His gaze fell tenderly on his wife, carefully examining her magnificent costume, and he sincerely praised, "This deep blue one is indeed beautiful, elegant yet noble."

It seems that Tangren Media put a lot of thought and effort into the costumes and styling of the drama "The Imperial Doctress."

"Mr. Song!" "Good morning, Mr. Song!"

Inside the dressing room, the staff stopped what they were doing and respectfully greeted Song Ci, their words filled with awe and curiosity.

This is a true big shot at the top of the business world, someone you only see in financial news.

“I like this outfit very much too.” Hearing her husband’s praise, Liu Shishi’s eyes crinkled into a smile, her face beaming.

She gracefully opened her arms in front of her husband, her sleeves billowing, and twirled around, her clothes fluttering, as beautiful as a startled swan.

The sight brought a touching light to Song Ci's eyes, and the fatigue of the past few days seemed to be dispelled by the beautiful scene.

"Have you had breakfast? You came so early, you must not have eaten yet?" Liu Shishi walked up to her husband with concern and affectionately took his arm.

"I ate some on the plane, so I'm not hungry." Song Ci patted the back of her hand gently.

The couple chatted tenderly for a while. Liu Shishi glanced at the clock on the wall, a hint of conflict on her face.

She longed to talk more with her husband, whom she hadn't seen in a long time, but the entire production schedule couldn't be delayed because of her.

Song Ci, being considerate, said: "Shishi, you go ahead with your work. I'm a little tired. Is the RV on set? If it is, I'll sleep in your RV for a while."

"Yes, it's always parked in the same old spot on the west side." Liu Shishi nodded quickly, stood on tiptoe, and kissed her husband's slightly tired cheek.

She gently instructed, "Then you should rest well, honey. I'll come find you after I finish filming my scenes this morning."

Turning to her assistant, she made detailed arrangements, "Xiaoxiao, take Mr. to the RV to rest. It's a bit hot, so turn on the air conditioning first and make him more comfortable."

Liu Shishi gave detailed instructions, her eyes following her husband's departing figure as he was led away by Su Xiaoxiao.

Only after he disappeared around the corner of the corridor did she sit back down in front of the dressing mirror, a happy smile still lingering on her lips.

"Sister Shi, Mr. Song and you have such a good relationship, it's truly enviable," the stylist exclaimed while continuing her work.

Liu Shishi smiled slightly, saying nothing, but the sweetness in her eyes was almost overflowing. It was another beautiful day.

……

Under the blazing sun, the midday sun relentlessly baked the earth.

Yuan Bingyan and Hu Bingqing, two friends who were just playing minor roles on set, wanted to sneak away to the top actress's luxury RV to escape the heat and enjoy the air conditioning for a while, just like always.

The two knew the way well and ran to the vicinity of the RV, where they saw Su Xiaoxiao, the assistant of the top female host, guarding the vehicle.

Hu Bingqing grinned and leaned forward, "Miss, can we cool off in Senior Sister's car?" Su Xiaoxiao glanced at the two of them and shook her head, "Not today."

"Why?" Yuan Bingyan asked curiously.

Su Xiaoxiao waved her hand and explained mysteriously, "The master is resting in the car!"

"Sir?" The two men didn't react for a moment, exchanging bewildered glances. "Which sir?"

Su Xiaoxiao couldn't help but roll her eyes: "Which gentleman could it be? Of course it's Senior Sister's husband, President Song of Tengda Technology!"

"Ah! President Song is here on set?!" Hu Bingqing and Yuan Bingyan exclaimed in unison, their faces full of surprise.

Upon learning that Song Ci was resting in the car, I immediately abandoned the idea of ​​taking advantage of the air conditioning.

Although the eldest sister is usually quite gentle and caring towards her juniors, the two of them still know how to maintain proper boundaries.

Just as the two were about to leave quietly, they saw Liu Shishi and Cai Yinong walking towards the RV together.

She quickly stepped forward and greeted him politely, "Senior Sister! Hello, President Cai."

Liu Shishi smiled and nodded at the two of them, then looked at her assistant and asked with concern, "Xiaoxiao, is my husband awake?"

"Half an hour ago, Captain Tang went up to check on him and said that the gentleman was sleeping soundly, so he didn't dare to disturb him and came down," Su Xiaoxiao reported truthfully.

"Okay, let him sleep a little longer. But he hasn't eaten in a while, so he needs to replenish his energy."

"Go and have the stagehands bring lunch directly to the car. I'll go wake him up."

Just then, a crew member rushed over, looking surprised and uncertain: "President Cai, Sister Shi, a few people have come to the outside of the film set."

They said it was the editor-in-chief and interview team of Time magazine's Asian edition who wanted to interview Mr. Song.

They said it was arranged beforehand. The director asked me to consult with you on how to handle it; please make the decision, Senior Sister.

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi was visibly taken aback, and subconsciously repeated, "People from Time magazine? How did they end up on set?"

Cai Yinong, Yuan Bingyan, Hu Bingqing, and the others who hadn't had time to leave all showed expressions of intense curiosity and shock.

They had naturally heard of the prestigious Time magazine.

It holds a unique and prestigious position in the magazine industry, and even in the global news and public opinion field, and is a symbol of authority and influence.

Those who grace the cover of Time magazine, especially those who are interviewed by its editor-in-chief, are invariably industry giants or political figures from various countries who wield enormous influence globally and can stir up storms.

Liu Shishi quickly regained her composure and regained her usual poise, instructing the staff:

"Don't neglect our guests. First, invite them to sit in the best lounge in the film crew's room and serve them some tea."

Turning to Cai Yinong, she said, "Sister K, could you please go and entertain them for me? I'll go ask my husband what he thinks."

“Okay, leave it to me.” Cai Yinong immediately agreed. Having the opportunity to deal with someone of the caliber of Time magazine’s editor-in-chief was a rare opportunity for her and Tangren Media.

Yuan Bingyan and Hu Bingqing exchanged a glance, both seeing intense curiosity in each other's eyes.

To witness firsthand an interview with the world's richest man by Time magazine, or even just to get a feel for the atmosphere, is an opportunity that is rare and precious.

The two exchanged a smile and quietly followed Cai Yinong, wanting to join in the fun and broaden their horizons.

Liu Shishi gently opened the door of the RV and walked up the steps.

The car was cool and pleasant. Song Ci was already awake, leaning against the comfortable headboard, browsing the news on her phone.

"Husband, are you awake?"

"Yes, I've had a good night's sleep and feel refreshed."

Song Ci put down her phone, stretched her arms, and said in a light tone, "Jian Ning just messaged me saying that the people from Time magazine have arrived in Hengdian. They're pretty quick."

Liu Shishi walked to the bedside and sat down, smiling gently: "I was just about to tell you about this. They've already arrived at the film set entrance, and I asked Sister K to take them to the lounge first."

Upon hearing this, Song Ci paused slightly, then nodded knowingly.

Remembering what I had casually said in the car, and since the other party had really gone through all the trouble to come to the Hengdian film set, it was neither reasonable nor ethical for me to refuse.

“Alright.” He deftly threw back the thin blanket, preparing to get out of the car. “Then let’s go see this persistent editor-in-chief.”

“There’s no rush,” Liu Shishi said considerately, pressing his arm. “Wash up first, and you’ll feel more refreshed before you go.”

Song Ci washed her face, changed into a comfortable cotton T-shirt, and then went to the lounge with Liu Shishi.

Inside the lounge, the person at the head was a middle-aged man with an elegant demeanor. Upon seeing Song Ci enter, he immediately stepped forward with a warm smile, showing no impatience whatsoever due to the wait.

“Mr. Song, I apologize for bothering you. I am Tan Chonghan, editor-in-chief of Time magazine’s Asian edition.” He extended his hand, his tone sincere.

"Hello, Editor-in-Chief Tan." Song Ci shook hands with him, and couldn't help but ask curiously, "You guys are really quick."

Tan Chonghan explained with a smile, his eyes revealing the keenness and shrewdness unique to media professionals: "You were photographed at the Seattle airport and the photo was posted on Twitter."

We specifically checked the flight information and waited in Donghai City in advance. As soon as we received your assistant's notification, we rushed over.

Upon hearing this, Song Ci inwardly admired the other person's dedication and smiled slightly: "Opportunity always favors the prepared."

Seeing that the interview was about to begin, Liu Shishi and Cai Yinong prepared to leave, giving them some space. "Honey, you talk to Editor-in-Chief Tan."

Tan Chonghan's gaze was involuntarily drawn to it.

Seeing Liu Shishi's exquisite embroidered opera costume in the modern dressing room creates a wonderful sense of time and space intertwining.

He has interviewed countless influential figures in corporate conference rooms, top hotel clubs, and even the offices of political leaders.

But interviewing a world-class technology leader in a film and television shooting base lounge, with a celebrity's wife dressed in ancient costume standing next to him, was a truly first-time experience, full of surreal fun.

"Madam, Ms. Cai, please wait a moment." Tan Chonghan spoke up at the right time to persuade her to stay, his smile quite infectious.

"The essence of news lies in sharing. It would be even more interesting if the two of you could witness this dialogue together. It might even become a memorable story."

As soon as she finished speaking, both Liu Shishi and Cai Yinong looked at Song Ci.

Seeing him nod slightly, she readily sat down quietly on the chair next to her, her eyes filled with anticipation, wanting to witness firsthand how this in-depth interview by a top international media outlet was conducted.

(End of this chapter)