Huayu: You were supposed to be a top star, but you've become capital?

Chang Bin sighed, picked up his teacup and put it down again: "It was already difficult enough, but LeTV went crazy raising prices. They dared to bid for any kind of drama and offer any price, which messed up our budget."

Damn, they're really good at making PowerPoint presentations, and they're also really good at making money. Even with their stock price plummeting like this, they still have money to compete with us for copyrights.

Lin Shen couldn't help but laugh; LeEco's PPT was indeed an art form.

He remembered reading a joke in his past life: LeEco held a press conference and was able to paint a picture of seven ecosystems, each of which could be raised independently.

"No matter how much they boast, it's all castles in the air," Lin Shen said, putting down his teacup. "They can't compare to us. How long can they keep burning like this?"

Chang Bin thought for a moment and nodded: "That's true. Pony still values ​​the entertainment industry quite a bit. At least when we're burning money, we're burning through our own resources. Their approach..."

He spat and said, "It'll explode sooner or later."

Lin Shen didn't reply, but nodded inwardly.

Although Lao Jia's return to China provided him with a life-saving ecological transformation, his return to China next week is not far off.

He refilled Chang Bin's tea and steered the conversation back to the main business of the evening:

"Mr. Chang, besides the investment, there's another matter at today's meeting."

Chang Bin looked at him.

Lin Shen said, "Forest is currently our only artist, and we'd like to try and get the female lead role in 'My Sunshine.' You'll have to put in a lot of effort later."

Chang Bin was taken aback for a moment, then laughed: "Lulu's appointment has already been transferred in so quickly?"

Lin Shen nodded.

Chang Bin waved his hand: "Okay, I got it. It's nothing. You've prepared so thoroughly, I'll just mention it briefly."

He paused, looking at Lin Shen with a half-smile: "But I heard that Tang Yan is also in contact with this project? And Qi Wei too?"

Lin Shen smiled: "That's why we invited you to oversee things."

Chang Bin laughed and picked up his teacup: "Alright, I'll watch your performance later."

Lin Shen continued, "My flight is early tomorrow morning, so I probably won't be able to stay long tonight. Gu Man will be there later too, so I'll be leaving with her. I've already arranged everything for the rest of the trip, so please take care of everything. I'll cover the expenses."

Chang Bin glanced at him, smiled, and shook his head: "If you have something to do, go ahead. How could I let you pay for it? This is all for the company's sake, just go through the forest."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

At that moment, the waiter knocked on the door of the private room.

"Mr. Lin, the guests have arrived."

Lin Shen got up and went to the door to greet them. The first person to enter was Gu Man.

"Teacher Gu." Lin Shen reached out his hand.

Gu Man grasped it, smiling, and said, "Am I early?"

"Not too early, not too early." Lin Shen stepped aside and introduced Chang Bin to her, "This is Mr. Chang, the CEO of Tencent Video."

Chang Bin stood up, smiled, and shook hands: "Professor Gu, I've long admired your name. I've read 'Silent Separation' many times; it's truly well-written."

Gu Man said modestly, "President Chang, you flatter me."

The three sat down, and the waiter poured tea again.

Gu Man's gaze swept over Chang Bin, then looked at Lin Shen, and she made up her mind.

The fact that this senior executive from Penguin is sitting here makes the meaning quite clear.

Next to enter was director Liu Junjie.

He was in his early sixties, with graying hair, but he was very energetic and spoke with a slight Taiwanese accent. He had worked on many films and television series, including hits like "The Prince Who Turns into a Frog" and "The Magician of Love."

As soon as Liu Junjie entered, he smiled and shook hands with Lin Shen: "Lin Shen! I'm so glad to finally meet you in person. I've seen your acting, it's very good."

Lin Shen quickly replied politely, "Director Liu, you flatter me. Your works are the true classics."

Liu Junjie waved his hand, his gaze falling on Chang Bin, and he paused, surprised: "President Chang? You're here too?"

Chang Bin smiled and nodded: "Hello Director Liu, it's perfect that I'm here today to have a chat."

Liu Junjie's heart skipped a beat, but he remained expressionless and sat down in his seat.

Then came the people from Juku. Their general manager, Fang Ying, arrived. She was in her early forties, with short, neat hair and a concise way of speaking. She was clearly a person who got things done.

Juku was the production company behind "My Sunshine," and they were in charge of the entire project, from its inception to filming.

Fang Ying was followed by someone from Keton, including Liu Zhi, the vice president of Keton.

This person comes from Hunan TV and has a background in content creation, so they have extremely strict control over scripts and actors. They are the ones who are inclined to use Qi Wei, but Gu Man has not given her any approval, so the matter has been dragging on.

The last person to enter was Zhao Yifang, the president of Huace Media.

This is a heavyweight figure. Huace is one of the largest TV drama production companies in China. Croton is a subsidiary it acquired, and Juku is a subsidiary of Croton.

In other words, the money for this project ultimately came from Huace's accounts.

Zhao Yifang was in her early sixties, but she was well-maintained and looked to be in her early fifties. She was wearing a dark blue suit and had a gentle temperament, but her eyes were sharp.

As soon as she entered the room, her gaze lingered on Chang Bin for a moment.

The presence of the vice president of Tencent Video at this dinner party speaks volumes.

Zhao Yifang smiled and shook hands with Lin Shen: "President Lin, it's an honor to meet you. My daughter watches your drama 'Swords of Legends' all the time and talks about you every day."

Lin Shen smiled politely and said, "Mr. Zhao, you're too kind. Please have a seat."

Everyone took their seats.

There was a moment of silence in the private room.

Zhao Yifang spoke first, smiling as she looked at Lin Shen: "President Lin, you've been so kind as to invite everyone to dinner today, you must have something to discuss. Let's not beat around the bush, shall we?"

Lin Shen smiled; this Mr. Zhao was indeed straightforward.

He picked up his teacup, his gaze sweeping over the people at the table, and slowly began to speak:

"Mr. Zhao is so straightforward, then I'll be frank with you too."

He paused for a moment, then said, "I've invited everyone here today for two main reasons."

"First, I founded a film and television company called Forest Films. Mr. Chang from Tencent invested in it, so we're practically on the same side."

Chang Bin nodded and smiled beside him.

Lin Shen continued, "I'm the male lead in the 'My Sunshine' project. Since we're already in a collaborative relationship, I won't beat around the bush."

I heard the project is facing some funding constraints right now? If you don't mind, Forest is welcome to get involved and contribute.

Chang Bin chimed in with a smile, "If President Lin is willing to put in the effort, we will definitely support him."

Zhao Yifang's eyes lit up slightly.

Investment is tight, that's the truth. Although Huace has money, its operations are extensive, and it's calculating the costs and benefits of each project.

For a big IP like "My Sunshine," the investment is not small, but the expected return is not particularly high. It is certainly a good thing that someone is willing to come in and share the risk.

What's more, it was Lin Shen's own company that came in, with Tencent backing it up.

Fang Ying and Liu Zhi exchanged a glance, both understanding the meaning in each other's eyes:

No wonder this guy doesn't care about the online criticism at all; he's already involved in film and television production and even got Tencent to endorse him. The petty squabbles in the Beijing entertainment circle are nothing compared to this.

Liu Junjie picked up his teacup, took a sip, and glanced at Lin Shen. This young man was more capable than he had imagined.

Zhao Yifang smiled and nodded, "President Lin, you've come here to give us money! How could Huace possibly refuse?"

Her words immediately eased the tension at the table.

Fang Ying also smiled and chimed in, "Yes, Mr. Lin is so kind, we at Juku will definitely welcome you."

Liu Zhi nodded: "Kerton has no objections either."

Lin Shen smiled and raised his glass: "Then thank you all. Come, let me toast you all."

The cups clinked together, making a crisp sound.