Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 91 Resource Cafe

Seeing how slippery Xu Zheng was, Zhang Zhao turned to the side, squinted, and stared at him meaningfully, his eyes containing a hint of encouragement.

"You're the director and the male lead, so your opinion is very important. Feel free to speak up, and we'll discuss the final selection together."

Xu Zheng lowered his head and pondered for a moment, reviewing the entire audition process in his mind, recalling Zhang Zhao's special treatment of that young girl.

Knowing the situation, she tentatively suggested, "I have a different opinion from Director Ma. I think Gao Yuanyuan is too beautiful and not suitable for the lead role. The girl who auditioned after her, Liu Shishi, is quite good, very good."

Upon hearing this, a smile immediately appeared on Zhang Zhao's lips. He thought to himself, "Old fox!" So, seizing the opportunity, he firmly stated in an unquestionable tone:

"Since Director Xu thinks Liu Shishi is suitable, I trust your judgment. So the female lead is settled. I'll arrange for someone to notify her to sign the contract and report to the crew in August."

Zhang Zhao didn't give Xu Zheng and Ma Xin a second chance to speak, and made the final decision and arranged things.

Xu Zheng sighed inwardly, thinking that the old fox was indeed cunning. These bosses were really shrewd. He had fallen into Zhang Zhao's trap without even realizing it. It was clearly Zhang Zhao who wanted to use Liu Shishi, but now it was Zhang Zhao who chose Liu Shishi as the female lead.

As a result, it turned out that Xu Zheng had offended people. There's always someone better. He was already on guard and knew he had to be careful when cooperating with Tengda Culture in the future, lest he be sold out and still be counting the money for them.

Ma Xin, who was standing to the side, also came to his senses. How could he make such a hasty decision about personnel? Moreover, Zhang Zhao was always assertive and would never let anyone else make the decision.

Looking at Xu Zheng's wry smile, Ma Xin finally realized belatedly that he was still too young. His impassioned resignation just now made him look like a clown, and he still had some tricks up his sleeve.

Zhang Zhao is decisive and never procrastinates. Since he has already gone with the flow, he cleverly uses Xu Zheng's words to make a decision.

He then instructed his staff to announce that Liu Shishi would play the female lead, Tang Xiaolian, in the film "Nightclub".

Gao Yuanyuan, who had already left Tengda Culture for the airport, was indignant upon receiving the notification and immediately took out her phone to call Yu Xin.

The moment the call connected, Gao Yuanyuan couldn't wait to ask, "Mr. Yu, what's that girl's background?"

Gao Yuanyuan thought that Tengda Culture wouldn't be using its own female artists this time, and that even without Yu Xin's help, she was confident of getting the role based on her own abilities.

He never imagined he would lose to an unknown actor. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, and the more something seemed wrong. He wanted to find out the truth from Yu Xin.

"You mean the female lead, Liu Shishi? This is the first time I've heard of this name. Apparently, Xu Zheng was the one who chose her."

When Yu Xin first heard this news, he found it somewhat unbelievable.

He had worked with Zhang Zhao for some time and had long since figured out Zhang Zhao's personality and temperament.

It's hard for me to believe that someone as strong-willed and self-centered as him would relinquish control to someone else.

If the director were a top-tier director like Zhang Yimou or Chen Kaige, Zhang Zhao might have been willing to compromise.

Xu Zheng, a new director who relied solely on Tengda Culture's support to transform his career, is he qualified to make decisions in front of Zhang Zhao?

Yu Xin felt that this matter was somewhat strange no matter how he looked at it.

Gao Yuanyuan, holding her phone, remained silent for a long time. She and Yu Xin were old acquaintances, and the other party should not, and had no reason to, deceive her.

Since things have come to this point, there's no point in saying more, but I'll still voice the question that's been weighing on my mind: "Why is Xu Zheng, an actor, the director of this movie?"

It wasn't a secret, so Yu Xin readily explained: "He is a member of Tengda Culture's director support program, and this low-budget film, 'Nightclub,' is the company's and his first attempt at making it."

Whether out of jealousy or resentment towards Xu Zheng for getting rid of her, Gao Yuanyuan sneered, her words full of disdain.

"Your Tengda is quite generous, actually supporting Xu Zheng. You have so many new directors graduating from the three major universities every year, but you don't promote them. Instead, you find an outsider. Can he even direct a movie? Aren't you afraid he'll lose money on the film?"

Yu Xin remained noncommittal about the company's decision, simply smiling calmly: "If you're good at acting, you can become a director. At least Xu Zheng is willing to cooperate with the company."

He didn't have the pretentious, artistic air of many newly graduated young directors, who spent all their time pursuing art and winning awards. For the company, box office success and profit were the most important things.

Gao Yuanyuan nodded slightly, agreeing with what Xin said. Her starring role in "Shanghai Dreams" was a standard art film, which had a good reputation but did almost no help to her career.

Only those who can carry a drama series and achieve high box office returns, demonstrating commercial value, can gain the favor of brands, secure endorsements, and elevate their status.

What's done is done, and there's no point in dwelling on it anymore. Gao Yuanyuan said politely, "President Yu, I have to catch a flight today. I'll treat you next time you come to Beiping, and we can get together. Also, please help me find out more about Liu Shishi."

Given her relationship with Yu Xin and Qiao Zhengyu, she has always coveted Tengda Culture's resources.

Gao Yuanyuan had a premonition that Liu Shishi was no ordinary person and would become her competitor in the future. If she didn't figure out the situation, she would suffer another setback next time.

Yu Xin said nonchalantly, "You can set the time for dinner. I'm pretty free right now!"

Think about what I told you last time. If you switch jobs now, you'll immediately become Tengda's top female star, and you'll have no shortage of movie opportunities.

If you wait until Wang Luodan and Lü Yi become famous, your value to Tengda will be greatly reduced.

If you want to switch jobs again, the offers won't be as good, and the company might not be willing to pay your breach of contract penalty.

Yu Xin extended a sincere invitation, but Gao Yuanyuan dodged the question, saying, "Mr. Yu, switching agencies is a big deal. Please allow me some time to consider it! I'm heading to the airport now, let's talk again next time."

After the broadcast of "So Young" and "The World's Finest", her popularity soared. The company has promised her Hong Kong film resources and arranged for her to participate in Cheng Long's film next year. Gao Yuanyuan would naturally not give up such an opportunity, so how could she possibly switch companies at this time?

"Hey!"

Yu Xin sighed as he looked at the phone that had just been hung up. He had feelings for Gao Yuanyuan; otherwise, he wouldn't have been so concerned about her career.

Unfortunately, the flower's affection was unrequited; the tall, beautiful woman preferred a literary and talented young man and looked down on him, a pragmatic man focused on personal gain.

In the artist director's office, Zeng Jia, still clinging to a sliver of hope, stared at Yang Mi with expectant eyes. Seeing her hang up the phone, he quickly asked with concern, "How did it go?"

Yang Mi shook her head in frustration: "I'm not the female lead!"

"Is it Gao Yuanyuan?" Zeng Jia guessed.

By the afternoon, the news had spread throughout Tengda Culture that the big star Gao Yuanyuan had come to the company for an audition. If Zhang Zhao hadn't given a strict order forbidding employees from disturbing the audition, some people probably would have rushed over to ask her for an autograph.

Yang Mi shook her head again, replying with some disbelief, "It's Liu Shishi!"

The image of that innocent girl with dimples when she smiled flashed through my mind; I never imagined that she would be the one who succeeded in the audition.

"Liu Shishi? It's her!" Zeng Jia recognized the name and then remembered that he had contacted this beauty from the Beijing Dance Academy before.

Unfortunately, I felt that the girl wasn't very clever at the time, so I never contacted her again.

Unexpectedly, she has gotten involved with Tengda Culture again, and is even going to play the female lead in a movie.

Noticing Zeng Jia's enlightened expression, Yang Mi asked curiously, "Does Sister Jia know Liu Shishi?"

Zeng Jia shook his head slightly, "I don't know her, I've only heard of her." He secretly decided that he had to find out more about this girl's background.

Yang Mi had calmed down by now. She hadn't had much hope to begin with, and said calmly and casually, "Since I wasn't selected, I'll go back now. Thank you for remembering me, Sister Jia."

After saying that, he got up to take his leave.

Zeng Jia quickly grabbed Yang Mi's soft hand. She wanted to poach people, so she naturally had to win people over: "Let's have a meal together at this hour."

This is to celebrate your successful admission to the Beijing Film Academy; your future is bright! A new Japanese restaurant just opened across from the company; have a seat and we'll try it together after I get off work.

Recently, Zhang Zhao has been strictly rectifying company discipline, and Zeng Jia dares not leave early, lest he run into trouble at this time.

Yang Mi had been working on film sets since she was a child, and she was an expert at reading people. She knew that Zeng Jia wanted to get closer to her, and since she believed that having more connections meant having more options, she naturally accepted Zeng Jia's polite invitation to dinner.

"Thank you, Sister Jia." Yang Mi sat down comfortably on the sofa, chatting with Zeng Jia every now and then to pass the time.

In the deputy general manager's office, Liu Shishi, who had just hung up her phone, was still in a daze.

Everything was calm and uneventful, as if it were all perfectly natural. She rose to the top in one fell swoop – that's what the movie's female lead is like.

Jiang Tiantian sat at her desk, looking down at the layoff list that Zhou Yu had submitted that afternoon. She needed to review it before submitting it to the top leader, Zhang Zhao, for his signature.

After a while of silence, she looked up and glanced at Miss Liu, who was lost in thought. "What's wrong, Shishi? You seem distracted. Did you not get chosen?"

Hearing Jiang Tiantian ask the question, Liu Shishi, being thin-skinned, was still a little embarrassed. After all, she had gotten through the audition through connections, and it was hard for her to say anything.

Blushing, she replied in a low voice, "I passed the audition and will join the production team in August."

Jiang Tiantian asked, puzzled, "Then why the expression? Aren't you happy being the female lead in a movie?"

Liu Shishi was somewhat confused and confided her worries to her best friend.

"Sister Tiantian, my family and I used to think that we couldn't rely on Song Ci for everything, so we signed a contract with Tangren Media and wanted to go out and explore."

But after half a year, Tangren Media probably forgot about me. In the end, I still have to rely on Song Ci to get resources to get roles.

Jiang Tiantian rolled her eyes upon hearing this. She was still looking for a good man to rely on, but you're so ungrateful.

She had been wondering why the boss hadn't arranged for his childhood sweetheart to work at Tengda Culture, but it turned out it was because of Liu Shishi herself.

Thinking of this, Jiang Tiantian said to him in an annoyed tone, "You're overthinking it! I think if Tangren Film and Television wants you to act in a movie, you should just do your best."

If Tengda Culture offers you a suitable role, don't refuse. Mr. Song will handle everything; just relax and be a happy resource provider.

After signing her name on the layoff list, Jiang Tiantian checked the time: 4:50 PM, ten minutes before she had to leave work.

If you don't want to wait until 5 pm to squeeze into the elevator with everyone in the building, you can leave work without hesitation. As a senior executive in the company, you have this privilege.

Picking up her bag, she called to Liu Shishi, "Let's go eat first. There's a nice Japanese restaurant across the street. After we eat, we can go shopping at Oriental Plaza."

Amidst the envious glances of the receptionist, Jiang Tiantian and Liu Shishi quietly left the company.

While waiting for the elevator, Yu Xin, who was trying to avoid the rush hour, happened to be leaving get off work a few minutes early. He met the two of them in front of the elevator. Since they were both from the leadership team, he naturally greeted them.

Yu Xin glanced at the girl standing next to Jiang Tiantian, seemingly lost in thought, and then asked tentatively with a smile, "President Jiang! And who is this?"

Jiang Tiantian was poised and confident, unafraid of rumors, and always responded with a smile.

"Mr. Yu is off work. This is Liu Shishi, the female lead in the company's new movie 'Nightclub'."

He then turned to Ms. Liu and introduced her, "Shishi, this is General Manager Yu from the company."

With a shy smile on her face, Liu Shishi, who was also her boyfriend's subordinate, greeted him politely in a low voice, "Hello, Mr. Yu."

Yu Xin maintained his smile, nodded to Liu Shishi, and then asked Jiang Tiantian, "Is Miss Liu a friend of President Jiang?"

Jiang Tiantian didn't answer directly, but instead tried to cover it up by saying, "Shishi used to work in our department. Even though she doesn't work at Tengda anymore, she's still practically family."

Jiang Tiantian was a smart woman. She knew that Yu Xin definitely wanted to know about Liu Shishi's background and what connections she had to get the lead role. But some things are more interesting if they are explained clearly. It's better to leave some suspense.

The elevator doors slowly opened. It wasn't yet closing time, and the elevator was empty. The three of them stepped into the elevator, and Yu Xin first pressed the button for the basement. "Which floor is President Jiang going to?"

"First floor, thank you!"

Yu Xin pressed the button for the first floor again, and the three of them waited quietly for the elevator to descend.

The elevator went straight to the first floor, and the heavy alloy doors slowly opened again. Yu Xin, who was standing at the door, stepped aside slightly to let the two ladies leave the elevator with light steps and quick movements.

Jiang Tiantian, arm in arm with Liu Shishi, then greeted Yu Xin, "Mr. Yu, we're off now, see you tomorrow!"

Yu Xin stared at the two figures as they walked away leisurely, and couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Jiang Tiantian's relationship, or perhaps Wang Jing? I should inquire about Liu Shishi's past work at the company."

Yu Xin was almost completely suppressed by Zhang Zhao at the company. Naturally, he was unwilling to be a clay statue and was eager to find an opportunity to break through and gain a voice in Tengda Culture.

If he couldn't achieve results in a short time, he would have to get close to the group's leaders, leverage their influence to pressure others, and fight for power. Zhang Yong and Wang Jing were both targets he was considering.

A new Japanese restaurant has opened opposite Tengda Culture. Its signature dishes are sushi and sashimi. All ingredients are delivered fresh daily, so the food is delicious. It is served with unique sauces, wasabi and Japanese chili sauce, which make the food even more flavorful.

Moreover, the restaurant has an elegant and spacious environment, coupled with warm and attentive service. Although the dishes are not cheap, there is still a constant stream of customers coming to dine.

Jiang Tiantian particularly enjoyed dining at this restaurant. She and Liu Shishi chose a good spot by the window. Since Jiang Tiantian had a limited appetite, she ordered a small amount of sushi, sashimi, and caviar.

(End of this chapter)