Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 133 I think I'm famous!
Inside CCTV, Xiao Zhang walked out of the director's office, gently closing the door behind him before letting out a sigh of relief. His female colleague, seeing him return to his seat, glanced at him briefly before quickly leaning in and whispering:
"Hey, how's Lao Liu doing these days?"

Xiao Zhang shook his head and sighed:
"What else can I do but feel depressed? He just asked me about the ratings, and when he heard that 'The Passionate Years' had a 57% rating, he immediately fell silent. He didn't say a word, his face was so gloomy, and the low atmosphere made me afraid to even breathe."

My female colleague chuckled and muttered something under her breath:
"Hey, how can we not be frustrated? They approached us first, but we couldn't reach an agreement. Then they turned around and started attacking us at Beijing TV. Now our viewership in Beijing is down to only 20%. We've really lost face this time."

Then she asked, "Hey, Xiao Zhang, have you watched the show?"

"How could I not watch it? Even if I didn't watch it, my wife wouldn't agree, and my parents are watching it too, so I can't not watch it. But to be fair, the show is really well-made, it's a real shame to miss it this time."

"Who can disagree? Works personally supervised and written by such a great director are just different; they're masterpieces!"
Didn't they say that Lao Liu personally went to negotiate? Why didn't he succeed? Did he ask for too low a price?

"As for the price, it's about the normal price for CCTV, definitely not as good as local stations. But we can't blame Director Liu for this. I heard that Director Wu is eager to broadcast it. You know the drama we're scheduling next, it's a task assigned from above, and we can't move it. With Hong Kong's return to China, the overall situation is more important!" Xiao Zhang said, pointing upwards.

"Haha, another 'both sides of the strait are one family' theme, right? We've aired at least five or six of these this year. I'm tired of it, let alone the general public. How are we going to compete with other shows like this!"

Inside the office, Director Liu had already lit a cigarette and was puffing away.

Actually, no matter how popular a TV series is, it doesn't really have much impact on him. After all, in a place like CCTV, you can't get ahead just by having outstanding performance.

The problem is that CCTV was approached first for "The Passionate Years," and he personally went to watch the film and discuss it, but in the end, it was Beijing TV that got the role. Now, Beijing TV, that little brother, has once again humiliated him.

This is somewhat embarrassing for CCTV, since both companies are located in the capital and inevitably run into each other, so there is some competition between them.

But it's not fair to blame Wu Yuchen for this. He made it clear to him that he wanted to release the film as soon as possible to recoup his investment, and the price offered by CCTV wasn't even enough to cover the costs.

Looking back now, he regrets it a bit. The price he offered was indeed too low. It would have been worth three or four times more for such a hit drama. But how could he have predicted it would be so popular? After all, Miracle Films had no foundation at all; this was only their first TV series.

But after this experience, he dared not underestimate Miracle Films again.

After finishing his cigarette, Director Liu felt much of his frustration dissipate. After thinking for a moment, he picked up the phone and dialed. A moment later, the call connected, and he immediately smiled and said:
"Hey, Director Wu, congratulations! Your 'The Passionate Years' is absolutely a hit in Beijing right now!"
I was really looking forward to this show back then, it's such a shame!

If I had known this would happen, I would have bought it even under pressure from above and let you broadcast it first. After all, CCTV's influence is much greater than that of Beijing TV. Don't you agree?
"It's alright, we just weren't meant to work on this film. There will be plenty of opportunities to collaborate in the future. If Director Wu decides to direct again, please remember to contact me!"

Although he wielded some power at CCTV, Wu Yuchen, the person opposite him, was also a well-known figure. Both were respectable people; even if a deal fell through, goodwill remained, and there was always next time.

After hanging up the phone, Director Liu thought for a moment and then called Xiao Zhang in:

"Keep in touch with Miracle Films. If they sell the rights to continue broadcasting 'The Passionate Years'..."

"No problem, Director, you want to buy a two-wheeler?"

Director Liu waved his hand: "We didn't get the first run, so forget about the second run, it's not worth it. We'll just buy the third run and arrange for it to air on Channel 8 during a non-prime time slot. This drama has a very patriotic theme!"

Xiao Zhang immediately nodded in agreement, thinking to himself that it seemed Director Liu wanted to maintain a relationship with Miracle Films to facilitate future cooperation.

……

Wu Yuchen hung up the phone with a smile, thinking to himself that his reputation as a famous film director was indeed useful. Otherwise, this deputy director of CCTV wouldn't have bothered to call him again. Most new companies wouldn't even bother to talk to him; it was only them who were sucking up to CCTV.

He was already quite satisfied with the current viewership rating of 57% in the Beijing area; it was a very high rating. Moreover, the series wasn't finished yet; there were still two or three episodes left, including the climax of Shi Jing and Hu Dakai's reunion on the train. Seeing Hu Dakai's prosthetic leg brought tears to the eyes of many viewers who had been hoping for their romance, leaving them with a deep sense of regret for this beautiful love story.

Therefore, the ratings should be able to jump even higher in the last two or three episodes. If they can reach 60%, then we can negotiate a higher price when selling the second run.

Regarding viewership ratings, the two highest-rated dramas, "Journey to the West" and "Aspiration," both reached 98%.

Well, if you think about it, you'll know that the actual viewership rating couldn't possibly be as high as 98%.

The reason for such high figures was mainly due to the unscientific statistical methods of that era. However, with the development of the times, statistical methods have become more advanced, data collection more accurate, and the figures will become increasingly accurate and lower. Furthermore, with the increase in entertainment options in the future, fewer people will be watching television, making it unlikely that the kind of blockbuster dramas that draw massive audiences will emerge in the new century.

As Wu Yuchen predicted, with the airing of the last few episodes, the continuous plot twists, including Shi Jing's romance, Shi Guangrong's coma due to a myocardial infarction, Chu Qin's inner monologue to Shi Guangrong, and the eldest son Shi Lin's return home, kept the audience on the edge of their seats. In the finale, the highest ratings for "The Passionate Years" once reached 62%!

In 97, achieving a viewership rating of over 60% was a remarkable achievement!
Cai Yinong happily approached Wu Yuchen, saying, "Director Wu, your decision was brilliant! We held off on negotiating with the previous companies, but now we've reached 60%, so we're sure to get a good price in the second and third rounds!"

Wu Yuchen smiled and then asked, "What's the specific situation now?"

"Beijing TV has contacted us many times, strongly requesting to purchase the second-run broadcast rights, and they want exclusive rights. Other stations such as Shanghai TV, Zhejiang TV, and Guangdong TV have also contacted us to participate in the second round of purchases..."

"Does Beijing TV want an exclusive second run? Can they afford that price?" Wu Yuchen asked with a smile. If the price was high enough, he wouldn't disagree, since the later rounds were meant to be sold anyway.

“They are willing to pay the same price as in the first round, 700 million!” Cai Yinong said.

In general, the price of a TV series is significantly lower when it goes into its second run compared to the first, often by half. However, "The Passionate Years" is so popular that the audience is calling non-stop, generating a lot of buzz and a huge response. Therefore, Beijing TV is not stingy with its money for such a phenomenal TV series, and is willing to pay the same price as the first run to show its sincerity.

Wu Yuchen smiled and shook his head: "700 million is far from enough. Giving 700 million to Beijing TV in the first round already gave them a good deal."

"Mr. Cai, let me be frank with you. My bottom line for the second round is at least 15 million yuan, with a maximum of four TV stations broadcasting it together. The price for the second round must be higher, not lower."

Upon hearing this, Cai Yinong realized her ambition was limited and immediately nodded in agreement. She mentally estimated that each television station would need at least 400 million yuan. However, given the quality of "The Passionate Years," she was fairly confident she could secure the rights.

The number of TV broadcasts in each round is also carefully considered; more is not necessarily better. In the second round, there should be a maximum of four broadcasts, otherwise it will be detrimental to sales in the third round.

The price will be lower in the third round and beyond. If a single purchase is made, it may only cost 150 million or even 100 million, but the quantity can be increased later on.

There are so many TV channels in China, with each prefecture-level city having its own station, that price of over a million yuan is affordable for most. For a critically acclaimed drama like "The Passionate Years," the money earned after three runs can actually be more than the first run.

Wu Yuchen's goal for "The Passionate Years" is to earn 50 to 70 million yuan within 3 years. He doesn't dare to think about anything higher, as the market price for domestic TV dramas is not that high yet.

The reason why "My Fair Princess" could earn hundreds of millions of yuan is partly because it was a huge hit, and partly because Hunan TV is a television station that earns advertising revenue directly, without any middlemen taking a cut.

Television stations can be very profitable if they are well-run. TVB in Hong Kong is already worth more than HK$300 billion, and it will break through HK$2 billion in two years. For example, last year, a single film, "Journey to the West" starring Dicky Cheung, earned more than HK$200 million. Its profitability is terrifying. No film company in Hong Kong can compare to it. Shaw Brothers' status is not only due to his seniority, but also because his TVB truly dominates the Hong Kong market.

For someone like Wu Yuchen, selling TV dramas to television stations can earn him a substantial sum, around 50 million yuan per drama. It's just a pity that domestic television stations are state-owned monopolies and unlikely to be opened to private companies; otherwise, Wu Yuchen wouldn't mind becoming a media tycoon.

……

Although "Run Lola Run" won a major award in Berlin, Li Xiaoran has not really felt like a star since returning to China more than half a year ago.

On the one hand, the movie was banned after all. Although it was distributed through DVDs, the proportion of people who had seen it was negligible compared to the general public on the streets.

On the other hand, she had red hair in the movie, but now she has returned to her original black hair, so even if some people look similar, they might not be sure that she is Lola.

Therefore, for the past six months, I have never tried to hide myself when I go out; I just look the part.

But everything changed with the airing of "The Passionate Years".

Today, she had just gone to the vegetable stall near her home to buy vegetables. She had just asked about the price when she noticed an older woman next to her staring intently at her, which made her feel quite embarrassed.

"Hey, are you Shi Jing?" the middle-aged woman finally couldn't help but ask.

Li Xiaoran smiled and nodded. She was a little happy to hear this. Did this mean she had become famous?
As a result, the older woman stopped buying vegetables and directly grabbed her arm:

"Oh, my dear daughter, I really love you! You're so smart, sensible, and generous. I always tell my son that he should look for someone like you when he grows up! It's such a pity about you and Hu Dakai. You waited for him for so long, and this is how it ended. It's so heartbreaking!"

The older woman grabbed Li Xiaoran and began to chatter on and on. Just then, the old man selling vegetables overheard their conversation and exclaimed with delight:

"You really are Shi Jing! Come on, take whatever you want from this today, consider it a gift from your grandpa!"

The elderly couple spoke without even lowering their voices, immediately attracting the attention of those around them. Especially after hearing the name Shi Jing, a group of people instantly began to stare at Li Xiaoran, and then quickly surrounded her.

"Shi Jing, it really is you! I love you so much, you even made me cry at the end!"

"Hey, Shi Jing, can you sign your autograph for me?"

“Stone crystal…”

Li Xiaoran was initially declining the vegetable vendor's offer, but before she knew it, she was surrounded by people. Seeing that they were pushing towards her, she panicked and quickly pulled her hand away from the vendor's. Before anyone could get close behind her, she turned and ran back.

With a bang, Li Xiaoran slammed the door shut, leaning against it to calm herself down, feeling a mixture of panic, excitement, and joy.

Then she immediately took out her phone and called Wu Yuchen. As soon as the call connected, she excitedly exclaimed, "I think I'm famous!"

"Huh? You just found out?! You've been staying home playing video games for days without going out?"

"Hey, that's not the point. Why didn't you tell me sooner? I almost got stuck in the market when I went to buy groceries!" Li Xiaoran chattered on about her experience.

"Haha, you'll only be truly surprised if you experience it for yourself! So, are you happy?"

"I'm so happy!" Li Xiaoran smiled happily.

"Come over here later, I'll make you something delicious~" She was eager to share her joy with someone.

"Oh my, a big star is cooking, I have to try it!" Wu Yuchen joked.

"Remember to buy groceries when you get here, I didn't manage to buy anything earlier."

"Sigh, do you expect me, a big director, to go grocery shopping?"

"What will we eat if we don't buy groceries? Will we both go hungry?"

"No need, I'll make you some noodles when we get there~" Wu Yuchen chuckled.

"Just eating noodles isn't enough..."

As Li Xiaoran was speaking, she heard Wu Yuchen's strange laughter, and suddenly realized what was happening, a blush spreading across her face:
"Ugh! You pervert!"

"Sister Ranran, are you still going to let me go or not?"

There was a moment of silence on the phone, then Li Xiaoran's voice came through: "Come over here quickly!"

……

(End of this chapter)