After all of them were reborn, who would still be an actor?

Chapter 726 The Grip of Power 4
FBTV or Lee Ming Yang, who is more important?
Without a doubt, that's FBTV!

Once FBTV completes its Asian streaming ecosystem, it will serve as a 'window to the outside world' for the University of Tokyo!
For South Koreans, FBTV is an "aircraft carrier for cultural export".

The Korean Wave has the potential to sweep the world, but the South Korean government doesn't have the money!
The money of the chaebols belongs to the chaebols... the money of the congressmen belongs to the congressmen.

Unlike the University of Tokyo, which can mobilize the entire nation's resources!

For Americans, there are two main camps: Wall Street and Hollywood.

What Wall Street wants is for Netflix and FBTV to merge and complete their global streaming plans.

Hollywood isn't in a hurry; they're not prepared to waste too much time and energy on streaming services. Selling the rights will allow them to sit back and relax.

Nobody wants to put themselves in danger!
Moreover, Hollywood has acquired a stake in FBTV, so they're even less in a hurry and are just watching the show.

FBTV possesses various development advantages, but it has also become embroiled in competition among multiple parties.

No one wants to give it up so easily.

And at the center of this tug-of-war is Li Mingyang.

Li Mingyang had anticipated this outcome, which is why he created the joint board system, giving all joint CEOs veto power.

But he was ultimately the founder of FBTV.

If things get complicated and you can't figure it out from all sides, he'll be put in charge!

However, when he makes decisions, they are easily vetoed...

There is no decision that is comprehensive and satisfies the interests of everyone.

"So annoying!" Li Mingyang hung up the phone and turned it off.

"It's just like the United Nations; nothing gets moved," Zhang Wei, who had just returned to China, said coldly.

"If you can't move it, leave it as it is," Li Mingyang said.

Zhang Wei turned her head and looked around Li Mingyang's office; it was a very ordinary office.

It is neither luxurious nor does it have any special decorations, green plants, furniture, or appliances.

It's so ordinary, almost too simple...

"Why have you been working here all this time? There's an office next door, and it's about the same height," Zhang Wei asked.

"There's a shopping mall over there, and it's crowded and noisy."

"I can't see you again."

"Okay, if you like the office next door, I'll give it to you."

"That was not what I meant."

“That’s what I mean.” Li Mingyang raised his hand to stop Zhang Wei from speaking, and continued, “I need to join the crew for a while, so the Bouquet Group will be free of you.”

"I want to go to South Korea."

"Well... let's talk about it after I finish filming."

Zhang Wei seemed to have known all along that Li Mingyang would say that. Without any emotion, she took a letter out of the side pocket of her suit jacket, using her index and middle fingers.

He abruptly stood up, slammed the letter on the table, and pushed it in front of Li Mingyang. "This is my resignation letter."

"Don't be so impulsive." Li Mingyang smiled awkwardly and pushed the resignation letter back to Zhang Wei.

“I’ve thought it through very clearly,” Zhang Wei said.

"What's so special about the Koreans? Why do you insist on going?" Li Mingyang asked.

"What is there in China? Why are you so determined to stay?" Zhang Wei countered.

A long silence fell over the office.

The two worked closely together in South Korea, co-founding FBTV and building a chaebol empire together.

Without Zhang Wei overseeing the overall situation, Li Mingyang was busy making movies, proving himself, and dealing with conglomerates... He simply didn't have time to manage FBTV.

It's fair to say that without Zhang Wei, FBTV would never have grown to the point where it was targeted by Wall Street.

It was used to buy the Palme d'Or.

Of course... we must suppress them when necessary!

This is the same as what the higher-ups are doing to him... They're worried he'll cause trouble.

He was forced to go abroad by the Beijing and Hong Kong elite circles!

He was originally supposed to go to Hollywood, but he disobeyed and ran away to South Korea, which is how he achieved what he has today.

Even the Palme d'Or!

They weren't going to give it to him either. He opened the door to selling awards at Cannes, but the higher-ups, with the "power of the whole country," chose Zhang Yimou instead.

However, no one at Tokyo University expected that he would win in the end!

Give more!

Now, whether it's the higher-ups, the Beijing entertainment circle, the Beijing Film Academy, or capital, everyone is trying to make up for it and compensate him.

From beginning to end, he won the Palme d'Or, but didn't get a single penny from China...

Zhang Wei has a close relationship with Lee Boo-jin and Lee Mi-jin, especially with Lee Boo-jin, with whom she gets along very well!
Lee Boo-jin is ambitious and wants to replace her brother.

Zhang Wei is both ambitious and capable; if she were to join the Samsung camp, it would be like raising a tiger that will eventually turn on her.

If Li Mingyang doesn't suppress her now, he'll really be a burden to her in the future.

Since his rebirth, Li Mingyang has single-handedly elevated many people to a level that they did not belong to.

Their abilities do not match their level.

For example, Lao Wu, Zhong Xiaoyu, Li Ming, Da Peng, Xiao Yang, Li Xiucheng, Song Duyuan...

Only Zhang Wei possessed strength that surpassed her level of expertise; Li Mingyang didn't even know where her potential lay...

In her past life, Zhang Wei's most criticized problem was that she was a terrible producer and always lost money.

That's why he was parachuted in and became her boss.

In the Korean entertainment industry, the scriptwriter-centric system, with filming and broadcasting happening simultaneously, provides a strong guarantee of minimum income.

The TV drama industry operates on an assembly line model with phased payment contracts; no one is irreplaceable.

There are so many talented people in the Korean entertainment industry...

A whole bunch of people are waiting for others to fall so they can take their place...

The oppressive and suffocating structure of the film and television industry, where conglomerates hold absolute power, is perfect for the role of Abbess Miejue.

With Zhang Wei in South Korea, even the last weak link is gone.

If we don't suppress it now, we won't be able to suppress it later...

“Since you want to go to South Korea, tell me your plans,” Li Mingyang said.

Zhang Wei had no idea that Li Mingyang was guarding against her like a thief.

Honestly express your thoughts.

Then, the more Li Mingyang listened, the more desperate and distressed he became.

Zhang Wei seems to have realized that she is not suited for the Chinese entertainment industry, and that she can maximize her value in the Korean entertainment industry.

“I’ll handle things from above. Even if the sky falls, I’ll hold it up. Don’t have so many worries. Just go for it,” Li Mingyang said confidently.

“We are fundamentally different. You represent the national image, while I am at best a businesswoman.” Zhang Wei said coldly, her hands clasped on her desk. “I’m not worried about what’s going on above; it’s you who are worried.”

I'm not worried about those above at all; I'm worried about you.

South Korea is a battleground for global streaming media, the birthplace of Netflix!

Whoever wins the Koreans wins the world!
“What you’re talking about can be done in mainland China too. There’s no need to go to Korea. After all, we’re outsiders…” Li Mingyang advised.

“I only do business with Lee Boo-jin, we don’t have much of a relationship. I went to South Korea just to get FBTV on track as soon as possible. Lee Ming can’t handle the chaebols.” Zhang Wei said with a hint of sadness in her eyes.

Now that’s come to this.

Li Mingyang sighed softly, picked up the resignation letter on the table, and began to read it.

Zhang Wei was slightly taken aback, feeling a little apprehensive.

She was just trying to force him out, she didn't really want to resign...

Although the possibility of Li Mingyang agreeing to her resignation is very small, it doesn't mean it's impossible.

After a long while, Li Mingyang put down his resignation letter, took out a cigarette from the drawer, lit it, and took a puff.

I haven't smoked in a long time, so I feel a bit dizzy and have a slight headache.

If he doesn't smoke, Zhang Wei feels disrespected, because he only smokes when facing troubles or making important decisions.

Zhang Wei knew this...and many others did too.

"Shall we make a bet?"

“I only own 1.5% of FBTV shares. How do you want to gamble?” Zhang Wei leaned forward, responding very proactively.

"You stay in the country for two years and help me regain control of FBTV. You can go wherever you want, and I'll give you double the FBTV shares."

"What if you lose?" Zhang Wei pressed.

"I can't lose."

"Always prepare for the worst."

“This is our bet. You stay in the country for two years, I will take back control, and then I will let you go to South Korea.”

Zhang Wei hesitated for three seconds, then went straight to the point, "You can choose to lose, can't you?"

"You think too highly of yourself. I would never willingly lose for you."

Zhang Wei shook her head. "Based on my understanding of you, if FBTV isn't yours, then there's no need for it to exist."

“You’re good at planning long-term strategies. Before I went back to Hengdian, I investigated the Three-Body Pictures that you had mentioned to me. Before you went abroad, the company was transferred to Lao Wu’s name, and the office is a small shell company of less than 20 square meters.”

"The Three-Body Problem is a film project that the higher-ups attach great importance to, yet you transferred the Three-Body Pictures to Lao Wu's name, which is very unreasonable."

"If FBTV fails, you will launch Three-Body Pictures. Am I right?"

Li Mingyang took a deep drag of his cigarette, got up, and went to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the circular building he had originally intended to name Three-Body Pictures.

Everything was ready!
However, he encroached on other people's interests and fought too fiercely with the Beijing and Hong Kong circles, resulting in both sides being punished equally.

He could no longer stay in China and was forced to go abroad, so the Three-Body Problem film project was put on hold.

But Li Mingyang has never forgotten or given up on Three-Body Pictures.

Whenever Li Mingyang stands in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the circular building in the distance, an unnamed fire ignites in his heart.

It was this nameless fire that kept driving him forward, forward, forward!
"Is this building... the office building of Three-Body Pictures?" Zhang Wei asked.

"Hmm, not bad, right?"

"It's a pity it's turned into a shopping mall."

Li Mingyang turned around, looked at his former subordinate, and asked the same question, "What are your dreams?"

In her past life, Zhang Wei gave him a cold glance and turned to leave.

no answer.

In this life, Zhang Wei came to his side and quietly watched the circular building next door.

There was no response.

Instead, he said, "After the Seoul Spring bet was completed, you couldn't wait to strip me of my power... You're like a hunter who puts his prey away after the birds are all gone, or a hunter who cooks his dog after the rabbit is dead. You're a shameless fraudster!"

"You just proposed this so-called bet, just to prevent me from going to Korea. I can't accept being deceived by you again and again."

"I can promise you that I will stay in the country and no longer interfere with the Koreans' business, but you have to promise me one thing."

"explain."

"I haven't thought about it yet. I'll tell you when I've thought it through."

A cold, beautiful smile appeared on Zhang Wei's indifferent face, like the warm winter sun, incredibly beautiful.

When Abbess Miejue was young, she was a great beauty.

It's just too cold...

"Alright! But this promise has a limit: you can only agree to this within two years."

The restrictions imposed by Li Mingyang were to prevent power from falling into other hands.

He felt that Zhang Wei wanted control of FBTV.

He can accept this. There are too many veto powers. No matter who wants to accomplish something, they will be subject to multiple obstacles!
Even he was no exception.

“No problem.” Zhang Wei smiled even more broadly, her eyes crinkling with laughter.

She looked like she had become ten years younger... "You're even showing wrinkles from laughing so much." Li Mingyang didn't want Zhang Wei to be too happy, so he mercilessly teased her.

Besides the crow's feet wrinkles, he didn't know what else to complain about.

Zhang Wei couldn't help but roll her eyes at Li Mingyang, then suppressed her smile and reverted to her icy beauty persona.

It's colder than ever before!
……

The Cannes Film Festival, and the period following the festival.

Li Mingyang and Zhang Wei spent a total of over 400 million US dollars to purchase the online streaming rights to as many as 100,000 movies and TV series.

Some are global, some are European, or some are Asian.

Some are ten-year online broadcasting rights, while others are three- to five-year online broadcasting rights.

Basically, the longer the timeframe, the worse it gets...

The more stringent the conditions, the better.

Europe and America have a mature film purchasing system. They have their own calculations on whether a film sells well and whether the audience likes it.

Most producers or companies that sell films are also producers themselves.

They have a good understanding of the market.

In addition, the overseas rights to his films have been sold to 180 countries and regions, including only theatrical distribution and screening rights, and television broadcasting rights.

Li Mingyang did not sell the online broadcasting rights.

With the exception of a very few countries and regions, the version of "The Lady" that will be released in other countries and regions will be the uncut version.

Passionate scenes sell well; this is a market consensus.

The films Li Mingyang selected and the prices Zhang Wei negotiated were all, to a greater or lesser extent, tinged with eroticism.

Although the boost that movies provide to streaming media is far less explosive than that from TV series and variety shows!

However, for FBTV, which is still developing, cheap old movies are a great way to expand its content library and increase its volume.

For countries like Japan and South Korea, which value copyright, these old movies can attract a large audience.

Li Mingyang specially set up sections for European and American films and Japanese and Korean films, dividing all the films he bought from Cannes into two categories.

Then the technical department was instructed to categorize and tag the content in a way similar to adult websites, making it easier for users to search.

You can watch these movies as long as you become a member.

There are two types of paid memberships: one is a one-week trial for new users for one yuan, and the other is about 89 yuan per month.

There are no quarterly or annual fee packages.

No ads! Super fast internet speed!
Fast forwarding will never lag again.

The experience was fantastic!

With the release of adult films from Europe, America, Japan, and South Korea, FBTV has seen a surge in paid subscribers and a dramatic increase in daily active users!

In just three days, daily active users surged to the peak level of FBTV.

Then... a question was presented to everyone!

Should we add ads or not?

FBTV is currently a local Korean streaming service. It's very popular in Korea, and even more so with ads!
Advertising revenue is the largest source of income for domestic streaming media, and the profits are extremely substantial.

Every single streaming media outlet at Dongda University relies entirely on advertising to survive!

6 month 18 day.

Hengdian, six floors of the circular building, Bouquet Entertainment.

Multimedia conference room.

The conference room has a tiered layout with hundreds of seats. At the end of the tiers is a large oval platform covered with a watercolor-style carpet, and an oval black marble conference table is in the center.

At this point, all of FBTV's co-CEOs were present, except for Spielberg.

He was a bit busy, so he appointed another DreamWorks mogul, Katzenberg, as his representative.

The discussion about whether to include advertising lasted a long time.

However, they have been unable to reach an agreement for a long time.

Li Mingyang disagreed with including advertisements from the very beginning.

He originally intended to exercise his veto power and reject it.

Unexpectedly, Li Meijin also disagreed, and the group argued fiercely.

Hughes and Chen Wenbo, in particular, were like ticking time bombs, ready to explode at any moment, and they had a very heated argument with Li Meijin.

One of them wanted to make money, and the other wanted to promote the product.

Lee Mi-jin, on the other hand, needs to protect CJ Entertainment's interests. If FBTV adds advertising, it will be taking away CJ Entertainment's advertisers.

The three of them were arguing fiercely.

In fact, this is the least complicated matter we've seen recently.

Most people agree.

On the surface, only Li Meijin denied it.

The discussion about adding advertising lasted for several hours, but in the end, Li Meijin vetoed it.

Hughes was so angry that he slammed his fist on the table.

He harbors a great deal of resentment, and unsurprisingly, in the future, whatever Li Meijin wants to do, if it touches upon his interests, he will definitely veto it without a doubt.

Next, the group discussed other proposals around FBTV.

Some proposals are rejected as soon as they are even started, making it impossible to discuss them at all.

They argued like this all day long, and it was past six o'clock in the evening, just as the meeting was about to end.

Li Mingyang spoke up for the first time, saying, "I mentioned last time that I want to merge all my businesses into FBTV. What do you all think? Don't rush to veto it. Let's discuss it first before deciding whether to veto it."

Wang Changtian, Boss Zhao, and Hughes remained silent, but all shook their heads, their meaning quite clear.

Katzenberg shook his head and said, "Several thousand people joining FBTV... I don't agree to that."

“I disagree as well,” Li Meijin said.

Seeing that no one else disagreed, Chen Wenbo chuckled and said, "I appreciate Director Li's emphasis on FBTV. I have no objection and support all of Director Li's decisions."

Since everyone else disagrees, it doesn't matter if he agrees.

“I’m using my veto power.” Katzenberg rejected the proposal almost without hesitation, then glanced down at his Piaget watch and said, “No further proposals. The meeting is adjourned. What do you all think?”

After a whole day of work, not a single proposal was approved. Pushing anything forward is always a long and drawn-out process.

At the conference table, people couldn't reach a clear understanding.

The decisive push came from discussions outside of meetings.

A treaty signed under duress!

"Everyone agrees, right?" Li Mingyang looked around at everyone, and they all nodded in agreement. "Alright, I hereby declare the first joint meeting of all members adjourned."

After the joint meeting ended, everyone who had been arguing heatedly suddenly became all smiles, with one saying he would treat everyone and the other saying she would treat everyone.

In the end, they split into two groups, with Hughes, Katzenberg, Li Meijin, and Boss Zhao leaving together.

Li Mingyang, Chen Wenbo, and Wang Changtian stayed in the conference room and enjoyed the Sichuan cuisine prepared by the Bouquet Entertainment Restaurant.

"Director Li, let me toast you." Chen Wenbo said with a simple smile, holding the wine glass with both hands.

"What's all this talk of respect? Come on, let's all drink together." Li Mingyang said, raising his glass and downing the red wine in one gulp. He then picked up a few slices of boiled cabbage, stuffed them into his mouth, and said as he ate, "Delicious, delicious."

"This boiled cabbage in clear broth is very well made, master chef!"

"Can you taste the difference? I can't. As long as it suits my taste, that's fine with me," Li Mingyang said, then buried his head in his food again.

Chen Wenbo was amazed every time he saw Li Mingyang's whirlwind-like eating habits after his release from prison.

That's really not the style of a director who's made billions.

This is understandable, given the lack of family tradition in education.

"Director Li, I heard you'll be attending the Beijing Film Academy's anniversary celebration this year, and you'll even be giving a speech?" Chen Wenbo said.

"Yes, there is indeed such a plan."

"That's great! Director Li has finally figured it out. What is the struggle for? Of course, it's to get what you want. Beijing Film Academy has a lot of influence, which will be very beneficial to your future development."

"The Beijing Film Academy is indeed very powerful. They played a huge role in forcing me to leave."

"..."*2
"Haha, I was just kidding. Come on, try this dry-fried shredded beef. It's cooked to perfection."

Chen Wenbo said with a wry smile, "There are some things I can tell you, but you won't understand... You'll only understand if you experience them yourself. Beijing Film Academy is indeed blind and has failed in its duty to educate and nurture students. Instead, it has joined forces with those bastards to suppress you while you are in school. They are ignorant and foolish. If you want to get revenge, I will be the first to support you."

"Support me. You've already resigned, what else can you do now?"

Chen Wenbo was about to boast a little, but then he thought that Li Mingyang wasn't stupid, so how could he not know what he could do? So he said, "Although he resigned, he still has some connections and favors, which can be used in critical moments."

Li Mingyang gave a meaningful "oh," seemingly dissatisfied with Chen Wenbo's answer.

“From now on, we’re on the same side. You can tell me anything you need to say… I’ll definitely be able to help you here in China,” Chen Wenbo said sincerely.

"I don't know you well. We're on the same side, so let's leave it at that. We're all moving towards the same goal. I just hope you won't hold me back."

"Changtian, Director Li thinks I'm not good enough, what do you think?"

Wang Changtian slowly unscrewed the teacup, took a leisurely sip of tea, and then said, "I am ashamed to admit that I cannot match President Chen's influence in the domestic television industry."

"That's all ancient history. I still have a say in who gets to perform on the Spring Festival Gala and who doesn't."

This is a treat for fans – they'll get to appear on the Spring Festival Gala stage.

It remains the best way for celebrities to gain exposure and elevate their status.

Li Mingyang himself didn't care, but his friends did, his girlfriend did, and the company's stars cared even more!

"Besides me, how many spots are there?"

"Five."

"That's too few, I want ten."

"I tried my best, I tried my best."

Chen Wenbo didn't refuse, and Li Mingyang felt he was being shortchanged...

Having received the benefits, Li Mingyang thought Chen Wenbo was about to get down to business.

Unexpectedly, Chen Wenbo was just rambling and bragging, without any real substance.

It wasn't until he had eaten and drunk his fill and the dinner was about to end that Chen Wenbo revealed the true purpose of his trip.

The authorities want to clear his name, but they require him to keep a low profile recently.

They didn't specify just how low-key they were...

"Mr. Wang, what does Chen Wenbo mean by this?"

Wang Changtian chuckled, "Just listen to what he says, the key is to see what he does."

"You say he's awesome, but I get the feeling that he's... a bit of a flatterer."

"Don't be fooled by his appearance. This guy is not easy to deal with; he's a smiling tiger... You should think of it this way: think about how awesome you are right now, and he's someone sent by the higher-ups specifically to keep you in check."

"Stay calm?" Li Mingyang smiled faintly, not taking it too seriously.

"Anyway, if there's a benefit, we'll take it. Why not take it if it's free? Should we give them the ten Spring Festival Gala slots, or sell them?"

"Jing Tian, ​​one..."

"She can't do it. It's impossible for her to have all the advantages. She can't be on the Spring Festival Gala."

"Damn it! If she can't do it, then I'll give it to Mimi and Shishi. She'll be doomed."

Wang Changtian laughed and said, "It's alright, you can give it to me, and I'll sell it to them."

"Okay then, by the way, how much can this spot sell for?"

“It depends on the level of fame. The lower the fame, the more expensive. Some are worth tens of millions, while others are only worth a few million. We’ll wait for the Spring Festival Gala lottery rankings to come out before selling them.” Wang Changtian said, then suddenly laughed. “Giving up the artist management business has made me feel so much more relaxed. We have so many resources, we can sell anything, and there are buyers for everything. The highest bidder wins, and we don’t offend anyone.”

"Yes! Investors have a much higher success rate than investment projects, haha!"

Li Mingyang burst into laughter.

The two foxes, one big and one small, were laughing more heartily than the other.

……

(End of this chapter)