A grand feast for the Chinese entertainment industry

Chapter 181 Power
The younger version of Li Wen had a lot of baby fat and a round face. She didn't have the cool and edgy vibe that she later developed, but she was rather cute. Her Mandarin accent was a bit broken, but she tried to sound friendly by saying that she was born in China and didn't immigrate to San Francisco with her parents until she was nine years old.

She is one year older than Lin Jianlu, and even though she debuted in 93, she was still three years ahead of Lin Jianlu. In fact, she released an album in 94, which sold 10 copies in the first month. Her second album that year has now sold more than 40 copies.

In 1995, she also released an all-English album, which was basically all covers. However, it sold over 100,000 copies in Taiwan within a month of its release, breaking the sales record for English albums by Chinese singers—covers!
Last year, she signed with Sony Columbia, and her first album sold more than 40 copies, with both critical acclaim and sales soaring. She then released an English album, which sold more than 20 copies in Taiwan in just one month!

This year's "Every Time I Think of You" was a huge hit, becoming very popular in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Well, what can I say? This person is a true genius who is also incredibly hardworking!

She debuted at eighteen, released an album at nineteen, and in just three or four years, she has released about seven or eight albums in total, including Mandarin, Cantonese and English albums, and each one has sold very well!

If he weren't a time traveler, Lin Jianlu would admit that he wasn't even worthy of carrying the shoes of such a genius!

After chatting briefly, she even volunteered to stand up and sing for Lin Jianlu. She sang "Lose-Control," and well, the moment she opened her mouth, it was amazing—Lin Jianlu couldn't help but turn and glance at Liang Yongqi. The silly girl stared at her in disbelief, her face full of envy.

What to do? This thing is called talent!

He's blessed with good looks!
She sings Mandarin songs with a free and easy style, and her English songs are even more fluent, reflecting the flavor of English culture and the Western music market.

“Okay! During the break between recording sessions, you can come to my house, whether it's Hong Kong or Taiwan, or when I'm in New York. I'll take you to my recording studio.”

"Okay! Thanks, Brother Lu!"

Although she was actually a year older than Lin Jianlu in this life, in Lin Jianlu's eyes, she was indeed still a rather naive young girl—and she was indeed a young girl to begin with.

However, even if it weren't for Zhao Mingxin's sake, Lin Jianlu would be happy to mentor such a genius if she came across her—in fact, this is definitely why Zhao Mingxin chose to bring her here specifically to visit him, instead of bringing so many other singers under his wing!

It was probably because Lin Jianlu became a sensation in the European and American markets that Zhao Mingxin suddenly discovered another possibility in Li Wen—if Lin Jianlu was willing to mentor her, Li Wen might be able to become a DIVA!
It doesn't matter if you can't make it in DIVA, as long as you can open up the market in Europe and America, you'll make more money than in the Chinese-speaking market!
Even if both sell 50 copies, an English record that sells 50 copies in the European and American markets will earn much more money and have a much greater influence than one that sells 50 copies in the Chinese music scene.

As for whether Lin Jianlu can afford to take him on... please, he's one of only two global pop kings in the history of global record sales and pop music! And he's a genius at writing, arranging, and singing!
If he wanted to, a single melody slipping through his fingers would be enough to launch the career of a rising female singer like Li Wen, whose songs have sold millions of copies! —Without a doubt!

"Ah Lu, thanks!"

"Hi! You're too kind!"

After her performance, she had obtained the opportunity she wanted, and even Zhao Mingxin had thanked her earnestly. Li Wen basically remained silent. Although her face was flushed and she was excited, she obediently sat there, listening to her boss and her idol chatting.

She would occasionally glance up at her idol, and when she met Liang Yongqi's gaze, she would smile and nod at her in a friendly manner—well, but gradually she sensed something was off.

They didn't seem to be discussing records; instead, they seemed to be talking about the internal struggles within Columbia Records.
"No one can touch Tommy Mottola now, but he himself feels it's not safe. Before I came back, he approached me twice to talk to me, wanting to take over your music management position."

"He is a power-hungry and controlling person. Last winter, Michael Jackson spoke up, and the company held an internal meeting. He had to step down as Michael's music manager. Recently, he and Ms. Kelly have been having conflicts. I heard that they have been separated for half a year. He sent people to monitor Ms. Kelly and also wiretapped her phone. After Ms. Kelly found out, she was very angry and is probably going to file for divorce."

"He is still Miss Kelly's music manager, but it's hard to say how much longer he can stay. So, the huge success of your album '21' has definitely saved him. But he still wants to be your music manager directly, and I'm telling you, I can't actually make that decision."

“I told him that Ah Lu is now a superstar whose first album sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, and will soon sell more than 30 million copies. He is a global pop king, and no one can influence his thoughts. No one is qualified! So, he will probably try to persuade you next.”

Li Wen keenly sensed that her boss was speaking with a sense of trepidation and caution—which surprised her, but she seemed to quickly understand something.

He seems to be caught between a global pop superstar and one of the most powerful presidents in the global record industry.

But the next moment, she saw Lin Jianlu reach out and pat her boss's knee, smiling sincerely and frankly, "Don't worry, I'm sentimental! My contract is with your company, Sony Columbia, and I really enjoy working with you now! We're friends!"

Zhao Mingxin immediately looked up, his face full of gratitude.

"Thank you, Ah Lu, thank you!"

…………

Zhao Ming left, satisfied.

Lin Jianlu even personally saw them off at the door, standing on the steps and watching their car leave.

When I turned around, Rosamund Kwan had already woken up and was coming downstairs.

No wonder she was spoiled and pampered. Even though she was just a beautiful woman getting up in the morning, with her hair all messy and her face still unwashed, Lin Jianlu still couldn't help but look up at her with eyes full of affection.

Despite having shared a bed with Liang Yongqi last night, and having shared a bed with her many times in the past, and having developed a close friendship with her, she didn't even look at Liang Yongqi when she came downstairs. Instead, she opened her arms wide from a distance to hug her.

Lin Jianlu hugged her, and she immediately clung to him.

Even after he sat down with her in his arms, she still wanted to lean against Lin Jianlu and doze off for a while longer.

Lin Jianlu affectionately stroked her smooth, white legs and hugged her like he was coaxing a child.

Forget about her beauty; just her charming and adorable manner is something Liang Yongqi knows she could never imitate—why do people feel inferior? Because they clearly see a huge gap between themselves and others!

But Lin Jianlu's phone suddenly rang, disturbing the beauty's peaceful dream. Guan Zhilin whimpered a few times in Lin Jianlu's arms. Liang Yongqi couldn't help but purse her lips, but still took on the role of a secretary and took the initiative to take the phone for Lin Jianlu and hand it over. After taking the phone and looking at the number, Lin Jianlu frowned slightly.

The call connected. "Hello? Mr. Yang?"

He remembered the phone number; it belonged to Jerry Yang, the founder and CEO of Yahoo!

Previously, when Lin Jianlu's acquisition of Yahoo stock reached a 3% stake, he had already called once to inquire about his intentions. This time, he called again, and after a few brief pleasantries, he got straight to the point, "I received a report from you, Mr. Lin, that you have acquired more stock?"

"Ah! Yes!"

Based on recent market developments, Lin Jianlu speculates that many international speculative funds, having made gains in Southeast Asia, are starting to flow back. In any case, US stocks are beginning to move, with stock prices gradually rising across the board.

Yahoo, in particular, is highly regarded as a star stock in the internet sector. Although its stock price is already quite inflated compared to the hard data of its business and profits, Americans love investing in the future—even though the internet is still just a concept to this day.

In reality, anything that doesn't make money, doesn't generate profit, or even consistently incurs losses is just a concept!
Lin Jianlu not only agreed with the American perspective, but he even personally took action once again—back in Taiwan, Chen Shuhua handed over all the money she and Su Huilun had saved over the years to Lin Jianlu, totaling over 1200 million US dollars! In addition, Lin Jianlu himself received another round of royalties from Rolling Stone, amounting to over 700 million US dollars. Taxes can wait; he'll pay taxes on the new money he earns later. Right now, he's going all in with the cash he has, before Yahoo's stock price really takes off!
So, at the end of July, he took out another sum of money—given by his two wives, his own royalties, and what he earned from a trip to Tokyo—and spent a total of about 2240 million US dollars, which was about 56 US dollars per share. He then bought 40 more Yahoo shares, increasing his total holdings to 166 million shares, which gave him a stake of about 5.93%.

Including the $6100 million he spent on the 126 million shares he acquired earlier, and other miscellaneous expenses, he has now spent approximately $8500 million on Yahoo alone!
Even now, with internet stocks, especially Yahoo, being star stocks in the US stock market and favored by many who are willing to buy and hold them, he is definitely one of the most willing to spend money and vote with his money!

Moreover, with a 5.93% stake, one is already a major shareholder and is qualified to send representatives to the board of directors.

So when the news was confirmed, Jerry Yang's first reaction was to express his gratitude. This was not only a sign of confidence and trust, but also a way to help Yahoo's stock price continue to rise. How could he not be welcomed?
However, he then tentatively inquired, "With your shareholding, Mr. Lin, you are already eligible to send representatives to the board of directors. I wonder if you have any thoughts on this?"

"Oh, then there's no need! I completely trust you, Mr. CEO. When I make investments, I always look at the person, not the business. My investment in Yahoo is actually an investment in you. So please rest assured, I'm just making an investment and I don't intend to send anyone to the board to 'cause trouble' for you."

On the other end of the phone, Yang Zhiyuan chuckled softly. It seemed that Lin Jianlu's straightforward use of the word "troublemaker" made him immediately sense Lin Jianlu's sincerity, and his tone immediately relaxed. "Thank you for your trust! The management team and I will continue to work hard and strive to live up to your trust!"

He paused for a moment, then added, "However, according to the regulations, once your shareholding exceeds 5%, you can indeed request to send someone to the board of directors at any time! This is your right! I must explain this to you proactively."

"Understood! Uh... like this, Brother Zhiyuan, whenever you feel you're losing control of the board and need help, just let me know, and I'll vote for you!"

On the other end of the phone, Yang Zhiyuan seemed to be taken aback for a moment, but then, with a grateful tone, and this time much more sincere, he said, "Thank you! Thank you, Alu!"

Then he added, "I know you're a global superstar now, but... well, Yahoo and I are both happy to be associated with you to some extent! So, if you don't object, I think we can make a banner and hang it on the website homepage to announce that you've officially become a major shareholder of Yahoo?"

"Uh... actually, it's possible, but let's forget it, there's no need! I understand you think it's a mutually beneficial thing, but Columbia Records asked me not to cause any trouble in the near future! Let's talk about it later!"

“Okay, okay! Well then... uh, also, our company headquarters is in Santa Clara, California. If you have time to come to California, be sure to let me know in advance. I would love for you to visit our company! If there is an opportunity, whether in New York or Taiwan, we can have a meal together and chat.”

"Sure! I definitely will if I have the chance!"

…………

He put down his phone; the beautiful woman in his arms had already opened her eyes. Seeing that Lin Jianlu had finished the call, she leaned in and kissed his stubble, then lightly jumped down and went upstairs to wash up. Lin Jianlu watched her leave with a smile, then turned his head and saw the displeasure on Liang Yongqi's face. He waved to her, and Liang Yongqi, seeing this, smiled apologetically, went over and sat down in Lin Jianlu's lap, still carrying the warmth and fragrance of Rosamund Kwan. "I'm sorry, honey, I'm just a little jealous! Every time I see her acting so affectionately towards you, I get a little jealous!"

Rosamund Kwan was still on the stairs, without turning her head, saying, "I can hear you!"

Liang Yongqi turned around. Although she felt inferior, she wasn't afraid. They were all sisters, always supporting and supporting each other, so there was no question of who was afraid of whom. "So what if I heard it?"

From afar, Rosamund Kwan stood on the high stairs, turning to the side and raising her middle finger in this direction.

Leung Wing-ki immediately retaliated with the middle finger!
Lin Jianlu burst into laughter.

…………

Before lunch, when she was supposed to go swimming with Leung Wing-ki, Kwan Chi-lam suddenly ran downstairs, holding her makeup box. She opened it, showed the mirror, and pointed to her lower eyelids for Lin Chien-lu to see. "Honey, look, it's true! I've noticed it so many times. I used to feel that the skin here was a little loose, especially if I didn't sleep well or got up too early, it would feel a little swollen. But I don't know why, every time we make love, the next morning when I wake up, it's really tight, and I feel like I'm several years younger!"

"Look, look! Isn't it incredibly taut?"

Lin Jianlu smiled, "So, I can help you with your skincare and beauty?"

She didn't laugh; her face was serious. "Really! I'm not kidding! It's always like this! And it seems to work for a long time after we've been together a few times!"

Leung Wing-ki also looked surprised, forgetting that her time with Guan Zhilin had been interrupted, and leaned over to stare at Guan Zhilin's eyes—both of them had big eyes, and people with big eyes are more prone to sagging skin around their eyes. Of course, Leung Wing-ki was only twenty-one years old, and didn't yet have this problem.

But Rosamund Kwan is already over thirty, so she has indeed started to pay attention to these things.

So she would say to Leung Wing-ki, "Don't think I'm making a fuss. You're still young. When you're over thirty, you'll know how difficult it is to keep the skin here from sagging!"

When she said it, and so solemnly at that, Lin Jianlu actually remembered a lot of things—mainly Lin Qingxia and Chen Shuhua, who both seemed to have mentioned this. Lin Qingxia said that since sleeping with Lin Jianlu, her increasingly prominent jawline and rough skin had improved without her even noticing. Chen Shuhua also mentioned that every time she spent a few days with Lin Jianlu, she felt full of energy, and even her skin improved without her realizing it.

Lin Jianlu had always thought that whether it was nourished by love or nourished by sex, it wasn't anything too surprising. But now it seems it's not that simple?
Looking back now, it's true that both Brigitte Lin and Shu-hua Chen gained weight to some extent after becoming pregnant. However, upon reflection, it seems that Brigitte Lin's fuller cheeks never rebounded, and her skin remained exceptionally smooth and supple. As for Shu-hua Chen, when she was in New York, her skin condition was remarkably good—the so-called fuller cheeks are essentially just looser skin on the face!
It's... damn mysterious!

So is this a perk for time travelers? Or is it a problem with the style of martial arts they're using?
I don't understand.

But it doesn't matter, anyway, it's definitely a good thing!
"Want to go swimming together?"

"Okay!"

…………

Just as I was about to have lunch after swimming, Zhang Aijia suddenly called again.

Of course, she knew that Lin Jianlu was still angry with her. Not only did she not dare to beg for forgiveness, she didn't even dare to touch on the sensitive issue of their relationship. Whenever she received a call, it was always for important business.

"You bought stocks in America? A Yahoo! internet stock, right? And you became a major shareholder?"

"What do you mean? What message did you receive?"

"Tommy Mottola just called me personally. You know the information channels at CBS. Now, everything related to you has to be reported to the entire Columbia Media Group and handed over to Howard Stringer and Tommy Mottola for decision-making. So CBS reported it as soon as they received the news. The news from Wall Street is that you spent nearly 100 million US dollars to acquire nearly 6% of Yahoo's stock, and you have become a major shareholder! It seems that Wall Street wants to use you as an example to show that even a rising global pop star like you is optimistic about internet stocks."

"Ah! I understand. Let's suppress it if we can! Yahoo's CEO Jerry Yang called me this morning, saying he wanted to put up a banner on their website to announce that I had become a major shareholder of Yahoo, but I refused."

"Why? Tommy and the others think this kind of reporting is acceptable. He says that internet stocks are very hot right now, and they represent the future of all mankind. Your personal image, so far, is still mainly based on your Chinese face. After analysis, they believe that once it is revealed that you have become a major shareholder of Yahoo, it will help to bring you closer to the American people, a kind of... value recognition, you understand? Just like we analyzed before, when you go on the show here, you have to say that you love Star Wars. You have to make everyone believe that you love America, love it like they do, and love what they love! And... Tommy and the others think that this kind of thing will not diminish your mystique, and it will not affect record sales."

"Yes, I understand, but... tell Mr. Motura to keep it to himself! It's best not to mention it!"

"why?"

Do I need to explain this to you?

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, and Zhang Aijia immediately backed down, but quickly she suddenly became tough again, "I know you're still angry with me, but this is work! I'm your manager! As long as you haven't fired me, I'm still your manager! I'm working for you! You can tell me you don't need to explain to me, but I need to explain to Columbia Records, to Tommy Mottola!"

Lin Jianlu was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but chuckle silently.

After being timid for a few days, it seems that Zhang Aijia has finally figured out the knack of speaking.

Well, this woman is extremely clever. Given a little time, she probably figured out that she doesn't actually dislike her, nor does she seem to hate being crawled into bed and pushed around by her as much as she appears.

The key points are only two things—first, Lin Jianlu really hates mixing work relationships with sleeping relationships. He doesn't lack women, so why does he have to mess with his manager?

Secondly, he is the employer, the master, and the superior. He is the one who provides jobs for agents, assistants, backup dancers, and everyone else. Therefore, his rules must be the rules. If you want to earn my money, you must abide by the rules I set! Zhang Aijia took it without asking, which violated the rules and was tantamount to challenging his authority.

But she thought she was clever and devised her own punishment plan—please, only I have the right to decide how to punish you, you have no right to decide!

However, it seems that she has begun to understand many key points, so she only talks about work.

But not enough.

"Tommy Mottola? Ha... Do I need to explain this to him?"

On the other end of the phone, Zhang Aijia remained silent.

"My exact words were, 'Tell him I hope this news will be suppressed.' That's all!"

Without waiting for a reply, Lin Jianlu hung up the phone.

As for why I rejected Jerry Yang's suggestion to hang up a banner, and why I asked Motula to suppress the news—just kidding, do you think I really love Yahoo or American internet stocks?
I'm doing this to make money!
The appeal and exemplary role of global superstars have always been immense, especially in places like America, where there are countless die-hard fans. If Michael Jackson had publicly said that eating shit has benefits, there's no doubt that many people in America would actually try it. Now, I, a new generation of global pop king, kung fu master, and mystic master from the East, am also beginning to possess this kind of appeal!
Okay, now you're all bombarding us with propaganda that I bought Yahoo stock and became a major shareholder, and you're even going to add things like buying Yahoo is buying the future, and buying Yahoo stock will make you money. I bet you can push the stock price up a lot in a short time, but what's next?
Would I start considering selling Yahoo and Amazon back in 99, and then predict that the stock market is about to crash and urge everyone to sell their stocks?

If you don't urge them or make this explanation, and you just run away, many people who bought stocks but fell into the stock market crash will hate you to death! Your reputation and image will be damaged. No matter how much people love you now, how much they love you when the stock is rising, at that time they will only hate you a lot more!

Should I urge everyone to sell their stocks quickly?

If your prediction comes true all at once, do you think you might become a true mystical prophet?
Americans are much more superstitious than people in Hong Kong!

Lin Jianlu disdained to show off!

A singer can make some money by releasing records, quietly buy stocks, and make a fortune without lifting a finger!

It's best to keep these kinds of things out of the light of day if possible!

How ridiculous... They actually tried to use Tommy Mottola to intimidate me! Is it still two weeks ago?

That stupid woman! She just praised you for being smart, and now she's done something stupid again!
Keep reflecting on your actions!
…………

In the afternoon, I continued reading the script, eating grapes fed to me by the cat beauty while writing, circling and marking the script, and occasionally adding a comment—"Wow, making movies seems a bit difficult."

This script has been going through so many revisions and I'm still not entirely satisfied.

It's not as easy as copying songs at all, especially now that I can even copy English songs with ease!

But what can we do? We've already come this far, so no matter how difficult it is, we have to grit our teeth and push forward with "The Myth," and we absolutely must ensure its success!
The first film by the global pop king cannot afford to fail!
After reviewing and revising the document, I checked the time and it was almost five o'clock. So I quickly tidied up and went out.

Tonight is a big event, and we need to give Leung Wing-ki face, so we'll have to appease Kwan Chi-lam!

So, I went out.

When he arrived at the hotel, as soon as he got out of the car, sure enough, the streetlights immediately lit up the sky like a galaxy!
(End of this chapter)