America: My Time

Chapter 1206 Heartbeat
Chapter 1196 Heartbeat

John was well aware of the power capital wields over the media. It was precisely because he knew how determined these companies were that he dared not be careless and dared not reveal everything before anything even began. For the whole of Asia, the talent pool in Hong Kong and Taiwan was far from sufficient; the best option was talent from mainland China.

Many people didn't understand why John would still be involved in media and entertainment affairs at this time. They couldn't comprehend it. If they truly knew John's plans, they wouldn't think this way. The power of the media shouldn't be underestimated, and controlling the narrative is always highly advantageous. Capital's control over Western media has been accelerating. Even with John's intervention and the entry of Middle Eastern tycoons, it hasn't stopped their development. They still control a significant portion of Western media and wield considerable influence.
Capital has always wanted to eliminate Phoenix Media, Legendary Entertainment, and Paramount Pictures, and take control of these assets. Unfortunately, no matter how much they try, they have always been at a disadvantage in the media and entertainment competition and have no way to compete with these three major media groups. If they find that Phoenix Media wants to go further, how can they not be anxious?

Those guys were currently focused on MGM's full revival and had no idea that John had been making numerous moves in Southeast Asia, or that these moves had been going on for a long time. The reason they hadn't noticed was because it wasn't Phoenix Group that made the move, but rather those companies operating in the shadows. Most importantly, these companies had remained hidden, waiting for the Asian financial crisis to arrive so they could seize control of these assets in one fell swoop. Television stations and newspapers alike were targets for Phoenix Group, all awaiting the final acquisition.

“I also want to arrange for them to make more contacts in Hong Kong and Taiwan, but I can’t coordinate the many issues involved. Asia Television is not someone I can arrange things with!” Don’t let Wang Jinhua’s position as the general manager of Phoenix Group in China fool you; she’s no match for Huang Xizhao. If John doesn’t speak up, she won’t get any results by negotiating on her own; Asia Television won’t give her any face.

"Don't worry, I'll talk to Huang Xizhao and have him inform Asia Television. We can communicate and negotiate with both Hong Kong and Taiwan. If anyone obstructs us, write it down, and I'll have Huang Xizhao handle it." Soros's target has begun to shift, from Indonesia to Taiwan and then to Hong Kong, so John needs to make arrangements quickly!
Time waits for no one. Our own interference made the Asian financial crisis even more violent, and those guys like Soros were also setting things off ahead of time. Therefore, we need to speed things up in the media and entertainment sector.

Wang Jinhua was a little confused about her boss's demands. Even if things had changed a bit in Hong Kong and Taiwan, Phoenix Group couldn't possibly have too many actor shortages. Besides, if things didn't work out, they could simply abandon the changes, or at least not make them so drastic. However, despite her doubts, she still had to follow her boss's arrangements and requirements, and work towards a perfect collaboration and communication as quickly as possible!

Are they tempted? The company's artists who had been eavesdropping were naturally incredibly excited, but the students from the Central Academy of Drama and Beijing Film Academy felt a bit conflicted. As Wang Jinhua said, they couldn't abandon their studies, making it difficult for them to meet the company's requirements. However, when they heard that the big boss would step in to coordinate everything and that they would have the opportunity to go to Hong Kong and Taiwan for exchanges, they were all thrilled. Faced with such an opportunity, who wouldn't be tempted!
This time, it wasn't just Phoenix Media that was taking action; Legendary Entertainment was also involved, albeit with different goals. John wanted to use this opportunity to acquire a media company before investors and American investors could react, thus gaining more control. If they missed this chance, acquiring another company would require significantly more effort. While the acquisition of MGM Studios didn't encounter much resistance, that didn't mean other acquisitions would. MGM Studios couldn't compare to television stations, and investors didn't value it.
"Big Pear, aren't you tempted? What if we go to the teacher and ask her to plead on our behalf?" At this moment, the ambitious Zhang Ziyi approached Zeng Li again. She couldn't show herself, but she wanted to drag Zeng Li along. Originally, Zhang Ziyi didn't understand, but after learning the old lady's identity, some utilitarian thoughts arose in her mind.

The elderly woman who enjoyed watching plays shared common interests with Zeng Li, leading to some interaction. Zeng Li initially didn't know the old woman's identity; she simply wanted to connect with her out of kindness, and Teacher Chang Li encouraged her to do so as well. She didn't think this would help her career, but everything changed when John appeared. In a short time, Zhang Ziyi became incredibly jealous of Zeng Li.

"Is being tempted useful? I think it's better not to bother the teacher. If there's an opportunity, we can get it even if we don't do anything. If there's no opportunity, there's no point in fighting for it. Don't forget, we're all students!" The easygoing Zeng Li didn't care about this so-called opportunity. Besides, she wasn't unaware of Zhang Ziyi's scheme, but she didn't want to expose her. After all, they were classmates, and it would be a bit embarrassing to expose her in person!

Seeing Zeng Li remain calm and unmoved, Zhang Ziyi felt quite helpless. If she dragged others to see the teacher and make requests, it would likely be fruitless. Zeng Li didn't care; she had a Valentino brand endorsement and received resources from the brand.

"Big Pear, don't trust her. She dragged you to see the teacher just to use you. Her intentions are impure; she doesn't even want the teacher's help, but rather wants to use you to get the old lady to intervene. This guy is too cunning; he's not on our side!" Hu Jing whispered to Zeng Li after Zhang Ziyi left. Zeng Li nodded and sighed, "I know, but she's overthinking it. My relationship with the old lady was just ordinary; it wasn't as serious as she thinks! I don't know how people started spreading rumors; it's gotten to this point!"

"They're just jealous, aren't they? And the fact that you got the Valentino endorsement makes them think it's related to the old lady. Otherwise, how could such a good thing fall into your lap? It's Valentino! Do you think everyone believes you could get this endorsement so easily without some other reason? You don't think the teacher's warning back then was completely unreasonable, do you? Do you think our big boss doesn't understand the situation here, the old lady's situation? Even if the old lady didn't say anything for you, just based on your relationship with her, you would have gotten a good resource. Our big boss may be a womanizer, but he has a very good character. You didn't try to find out anything, did you?"

At this moment, Hu Jing looked at Zeng Li in surprise, feeling that her guess might be correct! This was also very much in line with her laid-back personality, even though she didn't bother to learn more about the company.

Human nature is unpredictable. Seeing a newcomer like Zeng Li so easily secure a luxury brand endorsement, it's understandable that people would feel jealous. The company is so big, but resources are limited; everyone wants more. After Zeng Li's success, naturally many more people are envious, but unfortunately, even if they wanted to cultivate a relationship with the old lady, they no longer have the opportunity.

"Is it that obvious?" Zeng Li asked in a low voice!
"How could it not be obvious? If you knew everything, you wouldn't say such things! You need to make a change. You won't develop if you don't compete and fight. You still need to have ambition! You clearly have this opportunity. If you don't seize it, wouldn't that be foolish? Such opportunities don't come around every day. If you miss this great opportunity for development, it would be such a pity! Look at you. You clearly have better connections, but you do nothing. Others have secretly visited the company countless times. At least I know that Zhang Ziyi has gone to the company several times to make requests, wanting to get more resources and support."

Zeng Li shook her head and said, "I don't want people to misunderstand, and I certainly don't want to use the old lady's name to compete for resources!"

"Do you even need to do anything? You just need to submit a normal application, and the resources will be allocated. There's no need for any competition. Do you think our General Manager Wang knows everything? And haven't you thought about why those three who follow her have opportunities to participate in the company's big plans, while others have no chance at all? You don't really believe her 'school theory,' do you? That doesn't hold up to scrutiny; it's just a lame excuse! Those three are her own people, and although we were also placed in the company by her, we're not considered her people. Naturally, even if we have such good opportunities, they won't be ours. In this industry, connections are more important than ability. Isn't that Miss Xu a perfect example? She has people behind her, so naturally, she gets good opportunities."

It has to be said that women's gossip skills are truly impressive. In such a short time, they already know many secrets behind the company's arrangements and have learned about Xu Jinglei's connections. This has shown them the importance of connections and powerful backing. Without someone's help, would Xu Jinglei have been able to get the luxury brand endorsement so easily? It was all thanks to the power of connections and backing that she had such an opportunity!

(End of this chapter)