Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 536 No Coronation Required
Zhao Liying was overwhelmed with emotion.

She sometimes envied her peers who had started their own businesses, film and television companies, or studios, trying to rise from "pawns" to "players."

The entertainment industry is a huge vortex of fame and fortune, and no one wants to not be in control of their own destiny, or even become a rule-maker.

But most of the time, she firmly suppressed this restlessness.

Backed by Tengda Culture and positioned at the top of the film and television industry, they have a clearer, and more brutally honest, view of the true ecosystem of this circle.

Which of the six listed film and television companies today doesn't have a complex web of connections and deep-rooted strength?

Huayi Company is one of the representatives of the Beijing film circle, and has close ties with Huaying Group. It can be regarded as an important touchstone for the marketization of the official film and television industry.

Huace Media's rapid growth is inseparable from the strong support of Dongyang Hengdian Group, making it a model of the combination of "local power" and professional capital.

Wang Changtian, the founder of Enlight Media, came from Beiping Television. His natural media background and extensive network of contacts were the foundation for Enlight Media's rise.

Bona Film Group and Hualu Baina are backed by super giants like Poly Group and Hualu Group respectively, giving them obvious advantages in capital and policy.

Even Ciwen Media, which seems like an "ordinary" company, has the powerful Jiangxi Provincial Publishing and Media Group as its largest shareholder.

For celebrities to want to start their own businesses and transform from "production factors" who rely on their "skills" to "capital operators" who control resources and distribute profits, it's not something that can be achieved simply by investing in one or two hit dramas and making a quick buck.
What needs to be overcome in this process is a huge gap in mindset, core competencies, resource barriers, and risk tolerance; several obstacles that are almost insurmountable.

With her mind racing, Zhao Liying composed herself, and a thought suddenly popped into her head. Without making a sound, she asked Liu Shishi for advice:
"Sis, everyone in the industry is saying that the seventh listed company in the entertainment industry will definitely be one of Tangren, Huanrui, Hairun, or Tangde. Which one do you think has the best chance of being the first to succeed?"

An expectant look appeared on her round face.

Nowadays, when film and television companies go public, they almost always bring in "celebrity shareholders" as a means of generating buzz and securing resources.

If we could obtain some high-level information from Liu Shishi in advance and make a bet early, we might be able to make a fortune by cashing out our shares when the company goes public.

Liu Shishi was indeed drawn to the topic and quickly went through the four film and television companies in her mind, weighing their respective strengths, backgrounds, and strategies.

"Tangren is definitely out of the question." He ruled out his own company almost without thinking.

With guidance from her husband Song Ci, K-sister is no longer content with simply producing films and television series. Tangren Media is actively pursuing a diversified transformation, with its games and e-commerce ventures flourishing. It is not expected to go public in the short term.

"As for the remaining three..." She tilted her head slightly, the light casting a soft shadow on her delicate collarbone.

"Hairun Pictures is a long-established powerhouse, but its development has been relatively uneventful in recent years, lacking any exciting moments or stories that can excite the capital market."

Liu Shishi spoke more slowly, her voice calm yet insightful: "As for Huanrui and Tangde... they each have their own strengths."

A company that is good at hype, comes up with some kind of "big production plan", binds multiple stars, and is good at catering to market tastes, is the kind of story that investors like to hear.

The other one is backed by Zhejiang Blueberry TV, which has a state-owned background and enjoys unparalleled access to platform resources and policy support.

Finally, he gently shook his head: "I really can't say which of these two companies will go public first."

Zhao Liying listened attentively, quickly weighing her options. Liu Shishi's analysis coincided with her own judgment.

In this light, it seems worth considering the olive branch that H&R Century extended to her, inviting her to invest at a preferential price.

After all, the capital market prefers companies that can tell a good story.

Just as I was about to ask a few more questions, a staff member politely reminded me: "The crew of 'Legend of Chasing Fish', please prepare to enter."

Zhao Liying composed herself, her face regaining its professional, sweet smile, and said to Liu Shishi, "Sister, I'm going to walk the red carpet now. We can talk again sometime."

Liu Shishi nodded slightly, watching the cherry-pink figure disappear into the bustling crowd. She didn't linger for long before turning to find her fellow cast members from "Silent Notebook."

Given her exceptional status and unparalleled popularity, the organizers originally invited her to be the final performer, but she declined.

At her level, whether she's the last to appear or the center of media headlines is irrelevant.

In another corner backstage, she spotted several colleagues from the "Silent Notebook" crew and walked over. "Teacher!"

Li Xuejian, dressed in a simple Zhongshan suit with a D badge pinned to his chest, turned around at the sound of her voice, a gentle smile on his face, though his voice was still quite hoarse: "Shishi, you've come."

Are you filming any new movies or TV shows lately?

"No." Li Xuejian shook his head, his eyes displaying a composure beyond that of an actor.

"The organization has arranged some other work for me, and intends for me to take on the responsibilities of the Film Association, so I will not have time to make movies for the time being."

"You prioritize quality over quantity, preferring quality over quantity."

Li Xuejian laughed heartily, with a hint of appreciation and teasing: "You little rascal, aren't you following the same path now?"

Liu Shishi smiled and did not deny it.

At this moment, Wang Kai and Wan Qian, the second male and female leads in the drama, also came over and greeted them respectfully. "Senior Sister, Teacher Li."

Although they only played supporting roles in "Silent Notes," the phenomenal success of this hit drama undoubtedly propelled their careers to new heights.

Wan Qian, in particular, benefited greatly, with film offers pouring in, and her status and popularity soaring significantly.

Inside the Donghai Grand Theatre, the lights shone brightly, and stars gathered. The 19th Magnolia Awards Ceremony was held here in grand style.

Liu Shishi sat in the front row with the cast and crew of "Silent Notes," including Li Xuejian, Kong Sheng, Wang Kai, and Wan Qian, enjoying a great view.

At this moment, her expression carried a subtle detachment, for she already knew who would ultimately win the awards tonight.

His heart was like a calm lake, undisturbed, more like a guest invited to a ceremony than a nervous competitor.

On stage, the hosts Cao Kefan and Dong Qing worked together seamlessly, and their infectious opening remarks officially kicked off the ceremony.

Humorous interludes and reviews of industry development gradually built up the atmosphere of the event.

The awards ceremony proceeded smoothly. Awards in the animation category, online voting category, and other categories were announced one by one, punctuated by bursts of applause.

Cao Kefan and Dong Qing performed with great emotion, their back-and-forth banter cleverly leading the suspense towards the major awards in the television drama category.

On the giant electronic screen, the names of the five "Best Screenplay" nominees and their works were displayed in turn.

When the words "Song Ci Silent Shorthand" appeared alongside classic scenes from the play, the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause, with many showing expressions of "I knew it!" It was almost a foregone conclusion; the winner of this award was already decided in many people's minds.

"Next, please welcome our award presenters, renowned director Zhang Li and renowned screenwriter Wang Liping!" Dong Qing's voice was clear and penetrating.

Zhang Li is widely recognized in the television industry as the "King of Historical Dramas." His representative work, "Da Ming Dynasty 1566," has an extremely high artistic standard and is deeply loved by Song Ci.

Wang Liping is a top screenwriter in the industry, known for her delicate and heartwarming works. She won the Outstanding Screenwriter Award at the 28th Feitian Awards and has a wealth of experience.

More importantly, the two are the chairman and judge of the jury for the TV drama category of this year's Magnolia Awards.

The fact that they are the ones to present the "Best Screenplay Award" speaks volumes about its weight and authority, demonstrating the great effort the organizers have put into this award.

Zhang Li and Wang Liping had a brief interaction on stage, reviewing the importance of television drama screenwriters and expressing their respect for all the nominees.

Then, Zhang Li, speaking into the microphone in a calm and solemn voice, announced, word by word: "The winner of the 19th Shanghai TV Festival Magnolia Award for Best Screenplay is..."

He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping across the audience before finally settling on the crew of "Silent Recording." "Silent Recording, Song Ci. Congratulations, Mr. Song!"

Another round of enthusiastic applause erupted, and the camera immediately focused on Liu Shishi.

Dong Qing then chimed in: "It is a great pity that Mr. Song Ci was unable to attend today's award ceremony due to other commitments."

However, we are very honored to have his family member, the famous actress Liu Shishi, accept the award on his behalf. Please welcome Ms. Liu Shishi!

The audience's attention was instantly drawn to the event.

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi remained calm and composed. She slowly rose and straightened her skirt. Amidst countless gazes filled with envy, admiration, or curiosity, she walked gracefully and confidently towards the stage.

The spotlight followed her graceful figure, and every step she took seemed to resonate with everyone's heartstrings, exuding an aura that needed no words.

She calmly walked up to Zhang Li and accepted the weighty Magnolia Award for Best Screenplay. Then, she stood in front of the standing microphone in the center of the stage.

The dazzling lights shone on her, and the trophy gleamed with golden light in her hands.

Liu Shishi took a deep breath, calmly glanced at the assembled colleagues, bigwigs, and media below the stage, and began her speech on behalf of the audience.

"It is an honor to accept this honor on behalf of my husband." The voice, clear and steady, carried through the microphone throughout the venue. It didn't convey much of the joy one would expect from someone receiving an award; it sounded more like a statement of fact.

"The script for 'Silent Records' is, for me..."

Liu Shishi paused slightly, as if choosing her words carefully, her words carrying an almost detached indifference, "It's just a small footnote that happened to fall into the film and television field among his countless ingenious ideas."

Upon hearing this, the audience fell silent for a moment, as many noticed the unspoken meaning behind the words.

A small footnote? Countless ingenious ideas? This clearly shows that her husband Song Ci's stage and achievements are far beyond the confines of a small film and television industry.

This award is merely icing on the cake for him, but its deeper meaning is that he deserves it, and the Magnolia Awards should bestow this honor upon him.

“I’m very happy for him that he has gained industry recognition,” she continued, still without mentioning thanking the Magnolia Awards organizing committee or judging panel, which is highly unusual for such an awards ceremony.

“My husband often says that technology changes the world, while stories connect people’s hearts.” She quoted a line from a Song Dynasty poem, instantly elevating the message, “Thanks to all the colleagues in the production team for turning his words into such moving and relatable images.”

Standing to the side, Zhang Li couldn't help but let out a helpless, bitter smile. As the chairman of the judging panel, he naturally understood the underlying meaning.

Which award winner doesn't first express their heartfelt gratitude to the organizers and judges?
But Liu Shishi deliberately avoided the topic, only mentioning "industry recognition," and constantly talking about her husband's broader horizons.

This stance clearly indicates that, in her view, it is not Song Ci (a type of classical Chinese poetry) that needs this award, but rather that this award needs the name of Song Ci to enhance its prestige.

After her speech, Liu Shishi remained as composed as ever, holding her trophy, and calmly stepped off the stage amidst applause. Her departing figure left the audience at the venue and those watching on television with endless aftertaste and discussion.

The awards ceremony continued, but the atmosphere seemed to become subtle due to Liu Shishi's unique speech.

Following that, Zhang Jiayi and renowned director Zheng Xiaolong jointly presented the "Best Director Award".

When Zheng Xiaolong read out "Silent Shorthand, Kong Sheng," cheers erupted again from the crew area. Director Kong Sheng excitedly stood up and embraced Li Xuejian, Wang Kai, and others around him.

His acceptance speech was traditional and sincere, thanking the organizing committee, judges, and the entire crew, which contrasted sharply with Liu Shishi's previous remarks.

Then came the highly anticipated actor awards ceremony.

Song Jia, who won Best Actress last year for her role in "Cliff", presented this year's "Best Actress" award together with director Kang Honglei.

On the big screen, highlights of the five nominees were played in turn. When Liu Shishi's powerful monologue in "Silent Notebook" was played, a considerable murmur arose from the audience.

Ultimately, the award went to veteran actress Song Dandan, whose performance in "Jin Tailang's Happy Life" was truly superb and won a round of applause.

When the camera panned across Liu Shishi, she was smiling and clapping for Song Dandan, her expression calm and composed, showing no sign of disappointment, as if everything was within her expectations.

Finally, the "Best Actor" award was presented by actors Chen Xiaoyi and Huang Zhizhong.

When Huang Zhizhong loudly read out "Li Xuejian, Silent Shorthand," the entire audience erupted in the longest and most enthusiastic applause of the night!
This is the highest tribute to a virtuous and talented veteran artist who has dedicated himself to performing arts for decades and contributed countless classic roles.

Li Xuejian was clearly agitated. He stood up, clenched his fist tightly, and there was a hint of tears glistening in his eyes.

He embraced director Kong Sheng, Liu Shishi, and others one by one. Walking onto the stage, he received the long-awaited trophy from the award presenter, his hands trembling slightly.

His acceptance speech was simple yet deeply moving: "I've waited many years for this award."

Thank you to the organizing committee, the crew of "Silent Notes", director Kong Sheng, and my colleagues who worked with me.

I especially want to thank Mr. Song Ci for writing such a wonderful script, and I also want to thank my family for their continued support. I will continue to work hard to create even better works to repay everyone!

The sincerity and humility of the veteran artists stood in stark contrast to the glitz and glamour of the industry, bringing the evening to an emotional climax.

Liu Shishi clapped enthusiastically from below the stage, genuinely happy for her teacher. Although, to some extent, this Best Actor award was earned by trading her Best Actress award, which had been "balanced out."

But at this moment, I feel little regret. Instead, I feel a sense of peace that has settled down, and a sense of relief that transcends the gains and losses of awards.

Her battlefield is no longer here. The glory under the spotlight is certainly dazzling, but those who truly control the winds of change are always those who strategize and make moves behind the scenes.

(End of this chapter)