America: My Time

Chapter 1165 Reminder and Impact

Chapter 1155 Reminder and Influence
When they saw the good relationship between John and Teacher Chang Li, everyone present reacted differently. Wang Jinhua and Feng Xiaogang were somewhat surprised, wondering how their boss, such a big shot, could have a relationship with a teacher from the Central Academy of Drama like Chang Li. The beauties from the Central Academy of Drama, especially the "Eight Golden Flowers," also reacted differently.

John's promise relieved Ms. Chang. As a teacher, she had to be responsible for her students. Although she knew that as long as John spoke up, there wouldn't be any problems with the Central Academy of Drama, since she was dealing with a real big shot. Once a promise was made, there would be no going back on it. For big shots like them, every word and action was very important!
Although Chang Li didn't know much about John, the Central Academy of Drama knew him very well. Moreover, because she had a good relationship with the old lady, she also knew some things about John and understood how amazing his influence was.

John didn't want to alarm the old lady over a few people, especially since the old lady had a good relationship with the Central Academy of Drama. If something went wrong, John wouldn't know how to explain it, since this is a society based on personal connections, and China places great importance on such relationships.

“Mr. John, we’re acquaintances, and you’re someone in the industry. Would you mind hearing your opinion on them?” At this point, Ms. Chang Li intentionally changed the subject, not wanting to cause unnecessary trouble. If they weren’t acquaintances, she wasn’t sure if she could refuse.

John was taken aback upon hearing this, as it was something he hadn't expected. However, he couldn't refuse Teacher Chang Li's request, since they were all acquaintances and this was a society based on personal relationships. Phoenix Group would be doing more collaborations with the Central Academy of Drama in the future, so he had to give her face.

"You're making things difficult for me. I don't know much about this industry!"

“You’re too modest. If you don’t understand this circle, then nobody understands it!” Teacher Chang Li didn’t give up because of John’s words. Perhaps in other people’s eyes, this was a bit impolite, but no one said anything to persuade her, after all, they didn’t know the relationship between John and Teacher Chang Li.

"Alright, since you've brought it up, I'll say something. But I don't have the ability to comment on everything. I'll just share my own opinions, and you can just listen without taking them too seriously."

Although John's words were polite, anyone who actually believed them would be a fool. As a media and entertainment mogul, to say that he doesn't understand this industry and that his statements shouldn't be taken seriously would be foolish.

"This industry is ruthless. Without ambition, you won't achieve anything. Moreover, having ambition is only one of the conditions for you to succeed in this industry. Small success depends on promotion, while big success depends on fate. There is some truth to that. The company can provide you with certain resources, but whether you can succeed depends on your own ability and mindset."

John paused for a moment, then turned his gaze to Zeng Li, smiled calmly, and said, "You are beautiful, but you don't photograph well. Moreover, I can tell from your expression that you have a very calm and somewhat Buddhist-like mentality. This kind of mentality is not what a successful person should have. However, this kind of mentality can make you safer. You haven't seen how cruel this industry is yet."

Everyone was stunned by John's words, taken aback by his pronouncements. After all, this was China, and while the entertainment circle was becoming chaotic, it wasn't nearly as brutal as John described. No one could have imagined the terrifying changes that could occur in such a short time. The transformation of people's hearts can be drastic, and John's words in front of the Central Academy of Drama teachers were somewhat inappropriate.

Fairness doesn't exist, and anyone who has been through the trials of society understands this. But the people in front of them are just students. John's words are a bit cruel. It's not a big problem for the three beauties from the Class of '94, since they will soon face the trials of society and understand its cruelty and the cruelty of the industry. But it's a bit too much for these beauties who have just entered the university. It's directly shattering their illusions about this industry!

However, these beauties reacted differently. Some seemed to understand, their eyes gleaming with ambition, while others remained calm and did not feel any pressure from John's words.

"Don't have too many ideas, and don't dream of instant success. That's almost impossible. Holding onto such fantasies won't do you any good. The company does have quite a few projects, but not many in the film sector. Television dramas are our focus." John wasn't lying about this; television dramas were Phoenix Group's key focus. While they did have film projects, there wouldn't be many, given that the Chinese film market would shrink further in a few years, not only in China but also in Hong Kong.

Phoenix Media's restructuring will take time. While there will be investment in Hong Kong, it won't be substantial, and like in China, the focus remains on television dramas. Hollywood is their true core focus. Returning to Hollywood is another priority for Phoenix Media, but this will require time and further strategic planning.

"Do you think I went too far, that I shouldn't have told them about the harsh realities of this industry? I know it's cruel for them, but if they enter this industry without any preparation, the pressure and challenges they face will be even greater. I don't want any problems to arise." After the beauties left, John smiled calmly at Feng Xiaogang and Wang Jinhua, believing it was better to say these things in advance!
With the influx of Hong Kong personnel to the mainland and the decline of the Hong Kong film market, this circle in China will soon be even more impacted and become quite chaotic. John doesn't want his reputation to be damaged, nor does he want to affect his investments in China or his overall strategy. After all, he has many more plans and strategies in store for him!

Wang Jinhua nodded thoughtfully and said, "I understand. We won't allow any domineering things to happen in our company, at least not to our artists!"

At this moment, Feng Xiaogang nodded thoughtfully to show that he understood. As a veteran in the industry, he also understood how terrible and crazy the industry had become in recent years. If something really went wrong, it would not be good for anyone!

"Good that you understand. If it's consensual, no one can say anything. But coercion cannot happen in our company; it cannot affect our reputation. We run a legitimate business, and illegal activities are absolutely unacceptable. You must remember this. I don't want to hear any negative rumors." While John was reminding Wang Jinhua and Feng Xiaogang, Teacher Chang Li was also reminding her students, urging them to go back and carefully consider whether to sign with Phoenix Group. They had ample time to consider this matter. Neither John nor Wang Jinhua was excessively pressuring them, nor was there any need to. Even if they were short of talent, there was no need to pressure these newly enrolled students.

"Are they really that powerful? What are your thoughts?" Soon after the teacher left, the beautiful women began to discuss, but their first concern was the strength of the Phoenix Group.

"It shouldn't be fake. The teachers have no reason to lie to us, and they are recognized by the school, so there shouldn't be any problems. It's just that we can't be sure if they are Hollywood moguls!"

"Phoenix Group used to be a Hollywood giant, but it isn't anymore. Paramount Pictures has been spun off. I read about this in a magazine, but I don't know much about this Mr. John!" These beautiful women in China, who didn't have much contact with this circle, naturally didn't know John's identity or the true power of Phoenix Group. All they knew was some simple information from magazines and newspapers.

"Zeng Li, you're lucky! Do you have any ideas? If you join Phoenix Group, I believe you'll have a good start, even more so than our three senior sisters!" Soon, they turned their attention to Zeng Li, after all, she was the only beauty to receive John's evaluation. Although there weren't many, it was a good start for her.

In this industry, you have to make people know you and remember you before you have a chance. Zeng Li has clearly made a good start, provided that she is willing to join Phoenix Group. After all, with John, this big shot, speaking up, even if it's just a small evaluation, is enough to make Wang Jinhua and Feng Xiaogang take it seriously.

"I haven't made up my mind yet. All of this happened a bit too suddenly, and we only have limited knowledge of the Phoenix Group. It's best to gather more information before making a decision, so as not to make the wrong choice and get ourselves into trouble!"

"The strength of Phoenix Media Group should not be underestimated. It is one of the multinational media giants and was once a Hollywood giant. This has been reported. We don't know the current situation. As for the identity of Mr. John we see, it is probably not simple. Perhaps we should ask our teacher."

At this time, Teacher Chang Li was already reporting to the school leaders. When they heard about Phoenix Group's choices, the school leaders were also somewhat surprised. They did not expect that Phoenix Group would have so few choices, and only three people actually signed contracts.

“Teacher Chang Li, the students’ choice and Phoenix Group’s choice are two-way, and we can’t interfere. It’s just that this time it’s a bit unexpected. The number of students who chose them is too small. If this gets out, it will also have an impact on the school!”

"There's nothing we can do about it. Phoenix Media is undergoing a transformation, and their training focus is on actresses. This was originally set by Phoenix Media, and we can't change it. Now we can only see if they will make other arrangements for actors. As far as I know, the entire Phoenix Media is undergoing a transformation and will soon return to Hollywood."

"Back to Hollywood" is Phoenix Media's slogan, and also Phoenix Pictures' slogan. When Paramount Pictures was split up, Phoenix Media's presence in North America was completely severed. To return to Hollywood, a new strategy is needed, one that at least doesn't negatively impact Phoenix Media. Back then, to avoid giving adversaries an opportunity to scheme against them, John Woo made drastic sacrifices in the split; now, to return to Hollywood, even more strategic planning is required.

In other words, it was through her connections that Ms. Chang Li was able to understand the situation in Hollywood and its changes; otherwise, she wouldn't have known how formidable John's current media and entertainment strategy was. Of course, she also knew some things about John himself, given the many warnings the old lady had given her.

No one wants to see anything happen to the elderly woman, given that she is such a good communication channel. If something were to happen to her, the impact would be huge. John's investment in China is not a small amount, but a huge amount. Especially after this cooperation began, the authorities have paid more attention to John's relatives and cannot allow any accidents to occur.

No one wants to see a business tycoon like John, who is close to China, have disagreements and conflicts with China over trivial matters, especially since John has a great global influence. Even though John has now chosen to step back from the limelight, his influence has never diminished.

Although John's name has gradually disappeared from the lists of those companies as they have been broken up and consolidated, those who truly understand the situation know the truth: John has not lost control of these companies; he has simply faded from the public eye. However, those at the top still know of his capabilities.

The news of the Central Academy of Drama spread quickly, and many people were interested. However, by this time, John had already left the Central Academy of Drama, and Wang Jinhua would take over the work. Feng Xiaogang also left with John, and he didn't want to get involved in these matters. After all, he was a director, not an administrator, and he didn't want to get himself into these troubles.

However, the situation at the Central Academy of Drama soon reached the Beijing Film Academy. Although Phoenix Group was not particularly powerful in China, its every move attracted attention and was taken seriously. So, as soon as Wang Jinhua and John's trip to the Central Academy of Drama began, the news spread quickly. After all, Phoenix Group's strength was undeniable, and John's status as a media and entertainment tycoon was undeniable, making it impossible not to treat them with caution and take them seriously!
(End of this chapter)