Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 25 Beauty Pageant
Song Ci didn't get angry. It's already commendable that Yang Junfeng and his team were able to achieve this level of performance in such a limited time. There's no need to be too harsh on them.

He turned to the side and patted Zhang Yong on the shoulder, comforting him, "Don't worry, Lao Zhang. Yang Junfeng and the others have done a great job in just one month."

Zhang Yong calmed himself down and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Song, I lost my temper. But the company definitely cannot do anything that infringes on copyright. Unauthorized reprinting of news will have endless consequences."

Yang Junfeng stood to the side with his head drooping, feeling a little aggrieved. He had been leading the project team to work overtime during this period, and it had been really tough for them.

He's a technician by training, good at web design and coding, but content planning is really a challenge for him.

The atmosphere in the room became somewhat somber for a moment, so Song Ci, the boss, naturally had to boost morale. "Old Yang, don't be discouraged, I have a plan."

Thinking back to how some websites in his previous life continuously launched self-produced programs, which received a very good response and attracted a lot of traffic, Song Ci felt that Toutiao could also take a look and learn from them.

"We can do this: have Toutiao.com launch some special programs to increase the website's visibility and retain customers to get through the initial development vacuum."

Song Ci didn't beat around the bush and said directly: "For example, prepare an interview program similar to interviewing or talking to celebrities, and invite people who are currently very popular."

For example, since the Athens Olympics are about to end, we can interview Olympic champions, and the interviews can be more open and uninhibited, which will attract more users.

If it's effective, it can be continued indefinitely and become a signature program of Toutiao.com. The program could be called "Toutiao Star," which would fit well with Toutiao.com.

Inspired by Song Ci, he spoke fluently and eloquently, suggesting that "interviews should not be limited to celebrities. We can create some trending topics, interview ordinary people, and spark heated discussions among the public to increase the website's popularity. For example, topics like 'Which would you choose: 600 million yuan in cash or 600 points on the college entrance exam?' should have a very good effect."

Song Ci's ingenious idea was like a revelation to Yang Junfeng. "I understand, Mr. Song. Your words have greatly inspired me."

I'm planning to create another exclusive feature on Toutiao. With universities starting in September, the most pressing issue for society right now is definitely the start of the new semester. Toutiao can do a special report on various universities, providing detailed information about their operations.

For example, introducing the campus scenery and cultural history of top universities like Tsinghua and Peking University would greatly interest the general public.

Seeing that Yang Junfeng was so cooperative, Song Ci praised him without reservation, "You're right to think this way. There's always a way to overcome difficulties. You need to open your mind."

Internet companies must constantly innovate and break through; we should learn from others' strengths, but we must also continuously create our own unique characteristics.

Song Ci took a sip of tea. "We can expand on the university-themed reports we just mentioned. For example, we could hold a university beauty pageant on Toutiao."

While university beauty pageants are common in later generations, they were quite novel in 2004. Beauty pageants are always eye-catching events, and they are bound to bring huge traffic to websites.

Zhang Yong and Yang Junfeng exchanged a glance, both feeling a sense of admiration for Song Ci's idea, and had to admire their boss's wisdom and resourcefulness.

Wang Jing, Liu Rong, and several other observers were also amazed by the boundless imagination of Song Ci.

As Liu Shishi watched Song Ci effortlessly resolve one thorny problem after another, his methodical, mature, and strategic demeanor captivated her. She gazed at her childhood sweetheart with tender affection.

Song Ci was immediately intrigued. "Regarding the rules and procedures of the event, any female college student can register to participate after uploading a photo and student ID to the Toutiao website's selection section."

Next comes online voting. It is recommended that each IP address cast 5 votes per day to select the top 100 nationwide from all participating female college students.

It's also important to note that this is the website's first time hosting such an event, so precautions must be taken to prevent any issues from escalating. Vote rigging is strictly prohibited to ensure the fairness and impartiality of the event. All 100 finalists will receive a souvenir, the top ten will receive a prize, second to tenth place will receive 10,000 yuan, and first place will receive 50,000 yuan.

Zhang Yong couldn't help but applaud and said, "President Song, that's brilliant! With this plan, Toutiao.com will definitely become an instant hit. Lao Yang, President Song has already set the stage for you; now it's up to you."

Yang Junfeng patted his chest and assured him, "President Song, President Zhang, don't worry, I will definitely not let you down and will make sure the event is a success."

Wang Jing chimed in at the opportune moment, "President Song, the suggestion of selecting a school beauty is fantastic! The event planning can be handled by our advertising planning department; they are professionals and will satisfy President Song and Toutiao.com."

Song Ci nodded. “One person’s plan is short-sighted, but three people’s plans are long-sighted. What I just said is just a reference. The whole company needs to pool our wisdom and efforts to optimize the details. Sister Liu, your publicity and distribution department also needs to get moving and create momentum for Toutiao.com and the event.”

Liu Rong replied, "Don't worry, I will do my best."

Song Ci continued, "Simply holding a beauty pageant is too low-class. Toutiao.com will donate 500 million yuan to the National Hope Project."

The winner will be invited by Toutiao.com to become a charity ambassador and the face of Toutiao.com's charity activities. This combination of fame and fortune will motivate university students. Mr. Zhang, you will personally oversee the donation.

Zhang Yong replied solemnly, "Don't worry, Mr. Song, I'll take care of it personally!"

"The girls who can make it onto the list of the top 100 campus beauties are undoubtedly beautiful. Tengda Culture doesn't have any female artists yet. After the event, Sister Jing, could you arrange for someone to contact them? Companies that are interested in entering the entertainment industry can try to sign them and train them."

Everyone was deeply impressed by the structure of Song Dynasty poetry.

"President Song, you are truly amazing!" Wang Jing gave Song Ci a thumbs up.

Song Ci waved his hand and then asked Yang Junfeng, "Old Yang, do you have any more questions?"

Yang Junfeng was still pondering the arrangement of the Song Ci poem, and stammered, "No, that's all!"

"That's all, right!" Song Ci tapped the table with his middle finger, drawing everyone's attention, and then said seriously, "I have something else to say!"

Seeing Song Ci's stern face and cautious tone, everyone straightened their backs, even Liu Shishi, who had been slacking off, sat up straight, waiting for Song Ci to speak.

"Any articles or pictures that violate laws or regulations must not be published on Toutiao. This is a red line for the company. If there is any problem in this area, I will hold Lao Yang responsible!"

Not only Toutiao.com, but all other businesses and projects of the company must not cross this red line of illegality and irregularity!

Zhang Yong and Wang Jing, as the heads of their respective companies, quickly expressed their support for Songci.

Yang Junfeng assured him, "Don't worry, Mr. Song, the company takes content review very seriously and has already hired three senior editors to be in charge of content review."

Song Ci nodded slightly, satisfied with everyone's attitude. It's always better to be prepared for something.

(End of this chapter)