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

Chapter 727 The True Battle of the Century!
The first joint CEO meeting of all FBTV employees has concluded.

Nothing was accomplished.

Therefore, FBTV continues to move forward in accordance with its original rules and regulations, personnel framework, operational structure, salary standards, etc.

FBTV has been called the "Asian Netflix" by both Eastern and Western media. This isn't just a random term; the two companies are very, very similar.

Especially the advertising business, which is the largest revenue stream for streaming media.

Both companies chose to give up and not add advertising!

Both companies derive their main revenue from paid memberships, meaning they are competing on content!
FBTV is too small in scale; it's trying to increase its size.

The largest suppliers are CJ Entertainment and Bouquet Entertainment.

After Li Mingyang and Li Meijin broke up.

Lee Mei-jin postponed the merger of FBTV and TVing, selling off a batch of copyrights first.

This is a copyright transaction involving hundreds of billions of Korean won.

The transaction has been completed.

In terms of increasing scale and buying and selling copyrights, everyone is currently in agreement.

The cost of purchasing copyrights is linked to the distribution of profits.

Calculated as a percentage...

This calculation method is flawed; Hollywood basically makes money effortlessly.

Li Mingyang and the other parties did not veto the proposal, so they considered it as paying money to buy an ally.

The most urgent task is to grow bigger!

Secondly, there's the battle for control!
FBTV's acquisition of CJ Entertainment's streaming rights has given South Korea a significant lead over other streaming platforms in terms of market share.

YouTube is also a streaming platform, but its development direction is not towards a long-form video platform. It is generally considered a social media platform and a UGC video sharing platform.

It's primarily free, but it uses Google's advertising algorithms to generate revenue through advertising.

The number of users has now ridiculously exceeded one billion!
At its peak, monthly active users exceeded 27 billion!
Later, they also launched a paid subscription service.

The number of paying users is pitifully small... less than ten million worldwide.

Due to YouTube's unique nature, it is automatically ignored when global streaming platforms calculate market share.

Not the same track...

Later, after further refinement, it was divided into three tracks: long video, medium video, and short video.

YouTube is for medium-length videos, while TikTok is for short videos.

In terms of copyright quality, CJ Entertainment provides copyrights that are above average, including many high-quality titles.

Bouquet Entertainment is a low-end production machine... Many of its TV dramas are criticized as garbage by netizens.

Almost all good dramas are either outsourced at great expense or simply purchased.

For example, The Legend of Zhen Huan, Scarlet Heart, and Xuan-Yuan Sword.

Li Mingyang returned to China last year and, together with Wang Changtian, bought a 10% stake in Sugarman for 3.8 million yuan.

They also acquired a 27.64% stake in New Classics Media from Wang Ziwen for 16.58 billion yuan!

Both investments in Xinli and Tangren involved performance-based agreements.

The betting on sugar candy is a bit complicated.

Because it involves the previous bet, he has to help Sugar Man achieve a net profit of 2 million yuan over 3 years.

Later, due to the interference of her god-sister and Li Mingyang's financial power...

The performance-based agreement has been changed to require Sugar Man to film four TV series within two years of the agreement taking effect, aiming for an IPO.

Bouquet Entertainment paid 1.5 million yuan in advance to purchase the online streaming rights for these four dramas for a period of three years.

This is equivalent to directly completing the previous bet.

Not only did they pull Cai Yinong out of the previous performance-based agreement, they also gave her the capital to relist the company.

Since receiving the money, Sugar Man has been putting in all his effort to make a final push!

Four dramas in two years, all filmed in just over a year, and now Cai Yinong is filming her fifth one... That's really something!

Sugar Man, which used to produce only one show a year, is now producing an explosive amount of content!

That thing called "Ballad of the Desert" is just so damn frustrating.

The show has been filmed, but it hasn't been approved for censorship.

It's actually a distortion of historical figures.

Since "Ballad of the Desert" couldn't pass censorship, it naturally couldn't be shown overseas. However, Li Mingyang didn't have high hopes for this lousy drama anyway.

The other three dramas include one that refreshed the 3+7 broadcast effect and is a fast-paced episodic drama, which is also very popular in South Korea.

However, episode skipping is a serious problem, with some episodes showing very high playback volume and others showing very low playback volume.

The other two are Scarlet Heart 2 and Youthful Days, starring Jiang Daquan and Sun Yizhou.

Li Mingyang doesn't remember that Tangren filmed this modern youth campus drama.

However, they did manage to capitalize on the popularity of "So Young," selling the broadcast rights to television stations quite well.

But there are too many Korean dramas like this... so the broadcast effect is not ideal.

Now we'll see if Scarlet Heart 2 can break even...

Late at night, Mingyang Entertainment.

"Cai Yinong is really funny. Sugar Man clearly focuses on ancient costume dramas, but she filmed three modern dramas out of four, and there's also a 'Ballad of the Desert' that couldn't pass censorship. Should we sue her?" Boss Zhao urged.

“It feels like it was done on purpose…” Wang Changtian said.

Tomorrow is the production conference for the Flower Bouquet Group, the Light Media Group, and the Huace Media Group.

More than 100 companies or studios will be present.

The most common type is light-based.

Last month, Enlight Media announced that it had invested in or planned to invest in as many as 80 companies.

This includes animation and game companies such as U17, October Culture, Coloroom Pictures, E-Motion Entertainment, Seven Lemons, and Hot Peak Network, as well as VR technology companies such as Jiru, Xiankan, and Danghong Technology, and film and television companies such as New Classics Media, Huanrui Film & Television, and Xitian Film & Television.

Meanwhile, Enlight Media increased its stake in Maoyan Entertainment, becoming its largest shareholder.

In collaboration with local governments, we are developing film and television cities, with as many as 13 such projects!
It basically covers the upstream and downstream of the film and television industry chain and live entertainment.

Wang Changtian practically thought of himself as a penguin, investing like crazy.

Huace Media, the leading TV drama company in China's entertainment industry, doesn't have many subsidiaries. However, by acquiring Croton Media, it has built the second largest behind-the-scenes team in mainland China, and all of its TV dramas are self-produced.

"Forget it, I don't have time to deal with her. Are you guys free?" Li Mingyang shrugged and asked.

Wang Changtian and Boss Zhao shook their heads.

“I’m free,” Zhang Wei said, having nothing else to do.

“You’ll be busy soon. Do you remember the Battle of the Century?” Li Mingyang said.

Zhang Wei was slightly taken aback, then remembered that it was the epic battle between Zhen Zhidan and Zhao Wenzhuo.

The Battle of the Century is FBTV's most captivating gimmick since its inception.

Because the "Battle of the Century" has been delayed, FBTV has been warned multiple times by the South Korean Fair Trade Commission and now dares not advertise.

"Are they going to fight?" Wang Changtian asked excitedly.

"Wow, Director Li is awesome! I always thought they wouldn't fight," Boss Zhao exclaimed, clapping.

"When will we play? Where will we play? Are we going to rig the betting?" Zhang Wei asked.

The three of them were very excited; they couldn't help but be excited!

Once the battle of the century begins, a little manipulation of public opinion will cause an uproar!

Given their popularity across Asia, this would definitely be an Asian-level sensational battle!

Making money like crazy.

"What are you thinking? It's precisely because it didn't work out that we need Manager Zhang to step in," Li Mingyang said.

“If you can’t handle it, how can I?” Zhang Wei said.

Li Mingyang has always wanted to bring about a battle of the century!
There are so many benefits to this!
Putting everything else aside, the money from spinach is insane!

On Zhao Wenzhuo's side, he was a proponent of war and dreamed of taking down Zhen Zhidan. Wu Jing was responsible for appeasing him, and Li Mingyang had also promised Zhao Wenzhuo more than once that he would definitely fight, telling him to calm down and maintain his condition.

Zhen Zhidan is a coward; he really doesn't dare to fight...

Li Mingyang tried everything—coercion and bribery—but Zhen Zhidan refused. She would rather sign ten free cameo roles than actually do a film.

Li Mingyang recounted the details of the Battle of the Century to the three of them.

The three were initially disappointed, but were shocked when they heard about ten free cameo offers!
"Zhen Zhidan's free cameo appearance is worth a lot!"

"He's more valuable if he doesn't fight. If he loses to Zhao Wenzhuo, Zhen Zhidan will be worthless. An action star who gets beaten up in real life is basically finished."

"He really gave you face."

Li Mingyang chuckled, "I'm a Palme d'Or winner and a big-name director now. I just don't want to bully people. Otherwise, I could make them kneel down and win the game."

You don't want to bully people, right? You can't!
Sigh... Spending money every day without seeing any income is quite worrying.

"If you can't do it alone, what about three of you? The three of you should be able to blacklist Zhen Zhidan, right?" Zhang Wei looked at Wang Changtian, Boss Zhao, and Li Mingyang with ill intent.

Wang Changtian and Boss Zhao looked at Li Mingyang.

They didn't care.

"Why are you looking at me like that? The higher-ups told me to keep a low profile. He's a national icon, after all. I can't do that," Li Mingyang refused resolutely.

Wang Changtian slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Why don't I do it?"

"You're also a key target now. You've been so tactless in your criticism, you've even made that mute lady, Huang Shengyi, too ashamed to show her face for a year. You should focus on other things."

"Let me do it?" Boss Zhao pointed to himself. "I can only shut most people in the Hong Kong entertainment circle up. Donnie Yen is in the film industry; I can't handle that..."

Zhang Wei shrugged, crossed her left leg over her right, and assumed a defensive stance. "If you can't do it, why should I?"

“Mr. Wang and I are currently under close surveillance. There are some things we can’t do, but you can. I’m planning to give you the position of CEO of Bouquet Group.”

"Heh... What's the use of Bouquet Group? It's a bunch of charlatans who beg for favors, cheat people, and deceive people. This company has no value except for you." Zhang Wei paused, then suddenly frowned and said, "When exactly is your CJ Vice President, Li Meijin, going to fulfill her promise? Is she going to go back on her word?"

Upon hearing the name of CJ's vice president, Wang Changtian and Boss Zhao's expressions turned extremely grim. They abandoned all their domestic affairs and rushed to South Korea to prepare for welcoming CJ's new vice president, Li Mingyang.

Who knew that Wall Street's attack on CJ would cause the plan to collapse?

Then it was delayed again and again...

“When CJ Inc. delisted from the Korean stock market and listed on the US stock market,” Li Mingyang said.

“When will that be…” Zhang Wei said.

"This woman is completely out of touch with reality! The Blue House has already launched an anti-monopoly investigation into CJ, why hasn't she resigned yet?" Boss Zhao, who has business dealings with the three major South Korean television stations, knows more.

"The conglomerates are quite resilient, sigh..." Li Mingyang said helplessly.

Kaka's term lasted five years, and he was practically invincible during those five years.

Especially in the first year, dealing with the five major conglomerates was a bit difficult, but dealing with CJ was still quite easy.

Li Meijin is only able to hold on because Hollywood is supporting her...

South Korea's leading film and television giant has very deep ties with Hollywood.

But the emotional appeal will eventually run out, and then it's time to play the interest card.

Playing the interest card is no substitute for running away...

If Li Mingyang were Li Meijin, he would definitely run away immediately, turn around and support himself, win an Oscar, and bombard Asia and even the whole world!
Lee Ming-yang owns many companies, but apart from FBTV, the others are somewhat of a shell company. In many people's eyes, Bouquet Group is a huge liability.

His closest ties are actually with Enlight Media, followed by CJ Entertainment.

"I don't care what methods you use, you must make this 'Battle of the Century' happen as soon as possible. The higher-ups want FBTV to become Dongda Culture's overseas platform, so they haven't blocked FBTV's IP address. Domestic viewers can access FBTV without using a VPN, although it's not as good as Korean phones, so they can't register with their real names. But the Battle of the Century doesn't require a membership, so I plan to make it free, meaning domestic viewers can watch it too!"

"Spinach!"

"This one earns more!"

“Every gift that fate bestows has a price tag attached… We have to hurry, otherwise if we don’t get FBTV, they’ll definitely start cracking down!” Li Mingyang said.

From the perspective of the four people, or from the perspective of a normal person... if FBTV really becomes a platform for Dongda Culture to go global, then it's not far from its demise.

But the higher authorities gave it the green light, and their intentions were quite clear.

It's almost like they're trying to kill FBTV...

"Tell me in detail how you tricked Zhen Zhidan," Zhang Wei asked, her hands resting on her knees, completely focused.

"What nonsense! I treated them with sincerity, moved them with emotion, explained things rationally, and helped them with practical assistance."

"Can you speak human language?"

"Well, here's the thing..."

……

Hengdian, Bouquet Entertainment Multimedia Conference Room.

Zhao Wenzhuo sat on the left side of the last row, next to Wu Jing. At this moment, he was full of heroic spirit and would occasionally glance at Zhen Zhidan sitting on the other side.

"Brother Jing, are you really going to have dinner with Director Li today?" Zhao Wenzhuo asked with a smile.

"Brother Zhuo, don't call me brother, you're older than me," Wu Jing said, waving his hand.

"Haha, let's each talk our own thing, Director Li, you want to discuss fighting today, right?"

"Of course, otherwise why would that person have come?"

The feud of the century has escalated into a war of the century.

Zhao Wenzhuo and Donnie Yen fought each other like snipe and clam, and neither of them benefited; both of them encountered problems with their resources.

If we're talking about who's in a worse situation, Zhao Wenzhuo is in an even worse situation; he hasn't had a job for a long time.

At this time in his previous life, he had already been reduced to playing supporting roles and acting in TV dramas.

Because of Li Mingyang's meddling, Zhao Wenzhuo was not in a hurry at all. He trained every day just to pin Zhen Zhidan down on the ring and beat her up!
He no longer cared about anything else, all for the sake of four words: clear mind!

Over the past year, he has endured so much, filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Every night, he would wonder if Director Li would change his mind.

Did Director Li lie to him?

Li Mingyang, in particular, has a really bad reputation... He's lied to countless people!

Furthermore, Zhen Zhidan is a coward and a wimp, but his status is what it is. Knowing that he can't beat him, he still tries to fight. Isn't that just destroying his own livelihood?

Zhao Wenzhuo is worried! He often suffers from insomnia!
When Li Mingyang won the Palme d'Or, Zhao Wenzhuo was overjoyed and genuinely happy for Li Mingyang. At the same time, his insomnia was cured without any medication.

I sleep very soundly every day.

My appetite is unusually good; I'm eating twice as much! I've gained ten pounds!
I've gotten a whole size bigger, and my body fat percentage is 7%!

He felt he could take on ten Zhen Zhidans!

A Palme d'Or winner and a renowned director may not necessarily be able to overshadow Zhen Zhidan.

Because Ip Man and The Grandmaster share the same subject matter, Donnie Yen has publicly criticized and belittled Wong Kar-wai for many years.

He didn't take Wong Kar-wai seriously.

But 24-year-old Li Mingyang easily crushed Zhen Zhidan!

The fact that Zhen Zhidan was in this conference room is proof of that.

"Hey, Brother Zhuo, Manager Zhang wants us to go to the restaurant," Wu Jing said, looking at his phone.

"Which Manager Zhang?"

"That Vice President Zhang from FBTV!"

"Oh, okay, let's go quickly then."

Before long, Zhao Wenzhuo and Wu Jing arrived at the largest private room in the Bouquet Restaurant – Rose.

"Sister Zhang, long time no see, long time no see! How do you maintain your youthful appearance? You look even younger than me," Wu Jing joked.

Zhang Wei nodded slightly, dressed in a black suit, looking shrewd and capable, with a faint smile on her face. She shook hands with Wu Jing and Zhao Wenzhuo one by one, and then invited the two to sit down.

"What would you like to eat? Here's the menu." Xie Nan opened the menu and introduced the delicious dishes at Bouquet Restaurant to the two of them.

"I'll just grab something quick. By the way, when are you guys getting things done?" Zhao Wenzhuo asked with a smile.

"A real man who doesn't establish a career, how can he have a home... It'll be soon, probably next year. Brother Zhuo must come then!" Wu Jing said with a chuckle.

"sure."

Wu Jing livened up the atmosphere like a clown, but his girlfriend Xie Nan didn't respond, and Zhao Wenzhuo was also a man of few words.

He chuckled for a while, then looked at Zhang Wei, who had remained expressionless.

I've decided to shut up.

Director Li is very cheerful and easygoing. Being around him is like a fish in water; it's very comfortable.

But Zhang Wei was too cold, as cold as an iceberg, making herself look like a fool...

"So these are all the dishes?" Xie Nan asked Zhang Wei cautiously.

I feel pressured every time I speak.

Compared to the cheerful and approachable Li Mingyang, Zhang Wei was too cold and difficult to get along with... or rather, she never intended to get along with him from the beginning; it was all business.

A long silence fell over the private room until the cold dishes were laid out and the wine was poured.

Zhang Wei suggested having a drink first, and the atmosphere in the private room became lively.

After a few drinks, Zhang Wei looked at Zhao Wenzhuo and said, "Director Li wants to stage a battle of the century, but Zhen Zhidan doesn't want to fight. What do you think we should do?"

Zhao Wenzhuo was stunned. How would I know?
"Zhen Zhidan's attitude is very firm; he doesn't dare to fight you."

Zhao Wen straightened his back; those words were incredibly pleasing to the ear. "I've been holding my breath, that old bastard is such a damn jerk! Look at these muscles of mine, they were made for him!"

“I can see that, but what can we do if he won’t fight back? Are we supposed to lock you in a room full of surveillance cameras and have you fight each other?” Zhang Wei said calmly.

Zhao Wenzhuo's eyes widened. "That's great! Why didn't I think of that?"

“That’s so despicable…” Wu Jing said.

"Then what can you do?"

Wu Jing made two "ah" sounds and then shut up. The biggest problem with this epic battle is that Zhen Zhidan can't beat Zhao Wenzhuo and doesn't want to fight!
To be honest, at the beginning of the "century-long feud," Zhen Zhidan was able to hold her own against Zhao Wenzhuo, using ground techniques and submission holds, and had a chance to win.

Now, even the muscular Zhao Wenzhuo is impossible to restrain; he can overcome all skill with sheer force!
Anyway, he can't beat them.

The size difference is huge, the strength gap is several levels... What's the point of fighting? You'll just get beaten up...

Silence fell over the private room again.

After a while, Zhang Wei raised her wine glass, propped her elbow on the table, and said, "I have a suggestion."

"I'll do anything to get me to fight Zhen Zhidan, even pay up for it!"

"A fight is simply a way to prove who is better at fighting and who is more powerful."

Zhao Wenzhuo thought about it and agreed, nodding, "Yeah, might makes right. He always brags about how good he is at fighting, but he's just a coward! He doesn't deserve to call himself a martial artist."

"Well, Zhen Zhidan is too cowardly and doesn't dare to accept the challenge. Director Li is very troubled by this, so he handed this matter over to me. Since we are both martial artists, let's see who is the best in the ring. What do you think?"

"Of course!" Zhao Wenzhuo said firmly.

"Alright, my suggestion is to have Director Li fight each of you two separately. If Director Li beats Zhen Zhidan, and you beat Director Li, I believe no one will question your strength anymore. Zhen Zhidan really can't beat you."

Zhao Wenzhuo, Wu Jing, and Xie Nan were all taken aback.

Xie Nan, as the host, reacted faster and immediately began to praise the method, saying it was brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!
Wu Jing echoed the sentiments.

He was fed up with the war of the century... and just wanted it to end quickly, or be destroyed!

"Well... I think I'll wait for Director Li." Zhao Wenzhuo's words implied his disagreement.

"Director Li is now Asia's number one director. He is very busy. We should help him solve his problems instead of bothering him with trivial matters."

"Don't give me that. I only have one goal in mind, and that is to fight Zhen Zhidan! Director Li promised me that! I need to see Director Li!" Zhao Wenzhuo shouted angrily, his temper flaring up.
Wu Jing cursed inwardly, "Damn it, how much have you been drinking to dare talk to Manager Zhang like that!"
They're the mainstay of the bouquet! Who the hell do you think you are!

Please don't hurt me!

"Director Li never treats those who have helped him unfairly. What do you want? I can give you five million US dollars."

"I'm not short of money. I own 10 houses in Yanbei. I was forced to leave the entertainment industry because of this, and I'm going to fight him to the death!"

"Ten million US dollars!"

Zhao Wenzhuo was about to slam his fist on the table when he suddenly realized it was US dollars! More than 60 million!
That's enough to buy 10 more houses in Yanbei!
“Mr. Zhao Wenzhuo, we can offer you more than just money; we can offer you a chance to make a comeback… a big-budget film, released at the same time as Zhen Zhidan’s film, a chance to compete with it…”

Wu Jing and his wife exchanged a surprised glance. This was far too much!

"Brother Zhuo, what are you hesitating for? Are you even a man? This offer is way too good to be true. I've known Director Li for so long, and this is the first time I've ever had this opportunity! You're not only giving me this opportunity, but also a chance to compete. If you win, I'll get my revenge for everything!"

Zhao Wenzhuo sighed and looked up at the sky. He sighed for a long time, and just when everyone thought he was unwilling, he picked up his wine glass, stood up, and said, "Fine, fine, I'll leave everything to you. But I have one request: Director Li must direct."

“No way,” Zhang Wei refused decisively.

Wu Jing and Xie Nan felt like they'd been struck by lightning. Victory was right in front of them, why couldn't they win?!
“Then I’ll be the producer, with an investment budget of 100 million,” Zhao Wenzhuo said, settling for second best.

"One hundred million is too little, I'll give you two hundred million."

Wu Jing, Xie Nan, and Zhao Wenzhuo were all stunned; the budget had doubled! That's incredible!

"This is great! These conditions are fantastic!"

"Wishing Brother Zhuo great success, a sound beating of Donnie Yen, and a triumphant comeback!"

"Bottoms up!" Zhao Wenzhuo, not satisfied with the cup in his hand, picked up a bottle of Moutai and gulped it down, feeling incredibly refreshed and full of energy!
……

(End of this chapter)