Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 552, page 550: Two Keys

The date was June 18, 2004.

The past ten days have been ten days that will go down in history for the Chinese film market.

With its unstoppable momentum, Twilight has unleashed a fantasy romance storm worldwide.

As of July 17th, box office figures for the first eight days of release have been released.

Mainland China: Cumulative box office revenue has reached 1.85 million RMB.

This number was terrifying in 2004.

It should be noted that, according to official data, the total number of screens nationwide in 2004, under the frenzied expansion of "China Film Shengshi Cinema Circuit" led by Wang Sheng, made significant progress, but it still only just exceeded 4000.

Based on this hardware foundation, Twilight's box office of nearly 200 million in eight days has already reached the ceiling of the current market environment, leaving other films in the same period far behind.

Industry insiders generally predict that its final price will be between 3.5 million and 4 million, which is already a phenomenal success.

North American market: Cumulative box office has exceeded $6800 million, and the momentum remains strong. New Line Cinema has already begun preparing for a celebration party.

Other regions globally: Cumulative revenue exceeded US$5200 million, with particularly outstanding performance in the East Asian cultural sphere.

The success of "Twilight" acted as another shot in the arm, boosting Sheng Ying Media's stock price.

Since its listing, the stock price of Shengying Media (stock code: 603888) has steadily climbed with the success of its projects.

The global success of "Twilight" once again proves Wang Sheng and his team's accurate market judgment, cross-cultural production capabilities, and strong marketing and distribution strength.

After a slight fluctuation recently, the stock price rose again, consolidating its leading position as the "first A-share cultural and media stock" and maintaining a high total market value.

For Wang Sheng personally, the direct wealth growth brought by box office figures is no longer the primary concern; rather, it is the accumulation of intangible assets that matters more.

His status as a "god of wealth" and "gold digger" in the industry has become increasingly solid. Whether it is Hollywood giants or domestic peers, the way they look at him is mixed with more admiration, jealousy and desire for cooperation.

This kind of status in the martial arts world is something that no amount of money can measure.

He privately analyzed the situation with Han Sanping and others: "The market foundation is still weak. There are less than 5,000 screens. It's a pipe dream to think that a single film can break 1 billion. At this rate of growth, plus the popularization of digital screenings, I estimate that we might not see the first film break 1 billion until there are more than 6,000 screens nationwide. Our goal for 'Havoc in Heaven' is to break 500 million, touch the threshold of 600 million or 700 million, and raise the ceiling of this market even higher!"

Of course, the main theme on July 18th was not the box office success.

Today is the big day for his brother Chen Liang.

Chen Liang is a director and vice president of Shengying Media Group, as well as the president of Shengying Wedding Photography Division. He is also the president of Shengying Fashion Media Company (Shengying Fashion Bride magazine).

As a childhood friend and founding member who grew up alongside Wang Sheng in the Beijing Film Studio's dormitory buildings, Chen Liang holds a prominent position within the Shengying Group. He is in charge of one of the core businesses that started the group and is one of Wang Sheng's most trusted lieutenants.

Although Chen Liang himself hoped that the wedding would be as low-key and private as possible, inviting only close relatives and friends, given his current status in Beijing's business and film circles, as well as the huge influence of Shengying Group behind him, it would be almost an impossible task to keep it "low-key".

The wedding was held at the banquet hall of the Beijing Borui Hotel.

Before 10 a.m., the hotel entrance was already crowded with luxury cars and a throng of dignitaries.

The lineup of guests who came to offer their congratulations was comparable to half of the famous and wealthy people in the capital:
Several leaders from the capital's government offices in charge of culture and the economy attended the wedding. They naturally wanted to give Shengying, a major taxpayer and a benchmark cultural enterprise, a wedding that would be a great honor for its core executives.

Pony Ma, CEO of Tencent Holdings, a close partner of Shengying, was present in person, and his cooperation with Wang Sheng in the Internet + entertainment field is deepening.

Alibaba's Ma Yun also appeared with a beaming smile. He has maintained contact with Wang Sheng since their meeting in Hangzhou and has a strong interest in the cultural industry.

Jung Tae-won, president of South Korea's Tae-won Entertainment, flew to Beijing specifically for this purpose, as he now regards Wang Sheng as his most important strategic partner.

Han Sanping, Chairman of China Film Group, was undoubtedly a heavyweight guest.

He is not only the current head of a state-owned enterprise, but also the former "factory director" of children of Beijing Film Studio, such as Wang Sheng and Chen Liang.

Even now, when they see him, Wang Sheng, Chen Liang and others will still respectfully call him "Factory Director Han" or "Old Factory Director".

Not only Han Sanping, but also several former directors of the Beijing Film Studio were invited to attend.

Seeing the once somewhat dilapidated Beijing Film Studio continue its glory in a new and more powerful form called the "Shengying Group," even surpassing its former influence, these veteran directors were filled with emotion, gratified, and proud.

The flames of the Beijing Film Studio continue to burn brightly in another form.

In the general perception within the industry, the Beijing Film Studio's tradition was not inherited by China Film Group or by individual directors, but by the Sheng Ying Group, which represents a very deep and lasting legacy.

Jackie Chan also came to offer his congratulations; his collaboration with Wang Sheng was already common knowledge.

Stephen Chow also made a low-key appearance, and his collaboration with Wang Sheng has promising prospects.

Ouyang Changlin, the director of Hunan TV, was naturally present, as the cooperation between Enlight Media and Hunan TV is currently in its honeymoon period.

Zhao Benshan, with his signature smile, has collaborated extensively with Sheng Ying on television dramas.

However, nowadays, Lao Zhao has settled down and is integrating existing resources, with his assets approaching several billion.

He's already made his fortune. His previous collaboration with Shengying was mainly due to the closed nature of the film and television industry. Now that various policies are in place, he's instantly become a capitalist. However, his ties with the Shengying Group haven't been severed. After all, the Shengying Group is the legitimate force, while he's at most a local force that's been incorporated into the government.

In addition, almost all the chairmen and directors of major film groups across the country, such as Shanghai Film Group (Ren Zhonglun), Xi'an Film Studio, and Changchun Film Studio, were present.

They were either members of the "Film Studio Alliance" or had connections and capital that they needed from Shengying, making this wedding an excellent occasion for networking. From the Shengying side, led by Wang Sheng, a group of executives from the Beijing Film Studio, including Li Tingting and Houzi, were all present. They were not only colleagues but also brothers and sisters who had grown up together.

In addition, many important artists, directors, and producers from Shengying Group who were able to spare time also attended, making the event a star-studded affair.

As for family and relatives, Chen Liang's relatives, the bride Su Ping's parents and relatives, as well as many old neighbors and residents from the former Beijing Film Studio residential area, also formed a warm scene at the wedding.

They couldn't help but admire Chen Liang, the mischievous boy from the factory back then, who had now settled down and started a family.

The banquet hall was decorated in an elegant and warm style, without pursuing extreme luxury, but the details showed good taste.

Under the enormous crystal chandelier, the room was filled with guests, their voices a blend of conversation and laughter.

Wang Sheng wore a tailor-made high-end gray suit without a tie, appearing casual yet dignified.

He moved among the guests, exchanging pleasantries with dignitaries from all sides, displaying composure and extraordinary demeanor.

Whether facing senior leaders like Han Sanping or business partners like Ma Yun and Ma Huateng, he could chat and laugh with ease, effortlessly controlling the atmosphere of the entire room.

Han Sanping held Chen Liang's hand and said in a low voice, "That's great. Seeing you all get married and start your own families, and carrying forward the spirit of Beijing Film Studio, makes me happier than anything else."

Chen Liang respectfully replied, "Uncle Han, without your support back then, we wouldn't be where we are today."

The wedding ceremony officially begins.

The groom, Chen Liang, stood nervously yet happily in the center of the stage, dressed in a sharp suit.

The bride, Su Ping, walked slowly in a pure white wedding dress, accompanied by her father. Just as Li Tingting had said, she was pretty and had a touch of naivety. Her eyes were full of dependence and love when she looked at Chen Liang.

The officiant was a highly respected retired secretary from the Beijing Film Studio.

The ceremony was heartwarming and touching. When the bride and groom exchanged rings and shared a deep kiss, enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience.

Looking at his brothers on the stage, overflowing with happiness, Wang Sheng smiled sincerely.

When it came to the segment where friends offered their blessings, Wang Sheng was naturally the first one to be pushed onto the stage.

He took the microphone, looked at the guests gathered below the stage, and then at Chen Liang, who was nervously expectant, and Su Ping, who looked slightly shy, on the stage.

“Liangzi,” Wang Sheng began, his voice echoing throughout the hall through the speakers, “How many years have we known each other? From running around naked in the factory compound, to figuring out how to shoot wedding videos, how to get advertising, how to register a company… In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed.”

With just a few words, he transported everyone back to those entrepreneurial years filled with sweat and dreams.

Han Sanping and the veterans from Beijing Film Studio in the audience smiled knowingly.

“Liangzi is my brother, someone I can completely trust with my back. He’s reliable, hardworking, and loyal. Today, seeing him find his happiness, finding such a wonderful girl like Pingping, makes me happier than anyone else.” Wang Sheng’s words were sincere, and Chen Liang’s eyes on stage were a little red.

"I won't go into any more sentimental words," Wang Sheng said, a playful smile on his face. "On behalf of all of us brothers, I'd like to make a statement. From now on, Liangzi, you'd better know who's in charge of the family finances!"

A burst of good-natured laughter erupted from the audience, instantly lightening the atmosphere.

“Of course, as brothers, we can’t just talk the talk.” Wang Sheng said, taking out two small and exquisite gift boxes from his suit pocket and opening them amidst the curious gazes of the crowd.

Inside were not rings or jewelry, but two keys.

One of them is a uniquely designed villa access card key.

The other one is a car key with the three-pointed star logo.

A low gasp rippled through the audience.

Wang Sheng picked up the two keys and faced Chen Liang and Su Ping: "Liangzi, Pingping. A villa in Haiding District, unfurnished. Decorate it however you like."

A Mercedes-Benz S600—stable, comfortable, and perfect for you two to live with. This is just a small token of my appreciation; I wish you a peaceful and prosperous life together, and safe travels!

This wedding gift was simple and direct, yet incredibly meaningful, perfectly reflecting Wang Sheng's style of treating his own people.

The audience erupted in applause, mixed with envious gasps of amazement.

Chen Liang simply hugged Wang Sheng and patted him heavily on the shoulder; everything was understood without words.

The bride, Su Ping, covered her mouth, her eyes filled with surprise.

Wang Sheng smiled and handed them the keys. Just as he was about to step down from the stage, he seemed to remember something and picked up the microphone to add, "Oh, right, on Liangzi's joyous occasion today, I also want to announce something. Today, every employee of our Shengying Group, regardless of their position, will receive a red envelope! It's a way to share in Liangzi's happiness and let everyone be joyful!"

"Mr. Wang is awesome!"

"Sheng Ying is awesome!"

The audience erupted in even louder cheers and applause, especially the area where Sheng Ying Group employees were, which was now in a frenzy.

The employees were already used to and deeply loved Wang Sheng's "generous" behavior of frequently handing out cash bonuses. In Wang Sheng's own words, "Salary levels should conform to market rules and cannot be adjusted arbitrarily, lest it disrupt the industry. But when the company makes money, I'm happy, so I give the brothers some bonuses to cheer them up. Nobody can stop me, right?"

This unexpected red envelope gift to everyone brought the wedding atmosphere to another climax. It was not only a blessing for Chen Liang, but also a way for Wang Sheng to demonstrate his cohesion and strength to the entire Shengying Group and even the entire industry.

The wedding continued in a warm, joyous, and loving atmosphere.

(End of this chapter)