Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 402 A wise move
The warm breeze of May passes, and the cicadas begin their song in June.

Time flies, and half of 2012 has already passed in the blink of an eye.

On June 7, as the college entrance examination bell rang, many celebrities sent their blessings to the students heading to the examination halls on Weibo.

On that very day, Liu Rong, president of Tengda Culture, recalled two young actresses, Yang Mi and Zhao Liying, to the company.

Inside the office, Liu Rong closed the file and looked up at the slightly reserved top female star in front of her.

"Is filming of 'Tiny Times' going smoothly? I've seen rumors online that Huo Siyan and Ni Ni have had frequent conflicts with you on set?"

"It went fairly smoothly. They did try to kick me while I was down, but I managed to handle it." Yang Mi forced a smile.

The "Tiny Times" production team has been plagued by troubles since filming began. Huo Siyan, Ni Ni and Guo Biting from Taiwan are also at odds with her.

The company initially advised her against taking the role because Le Vision Pictures was an investor in "Tiny Times," but she insisted on her own opinion. Now, even if she feels wronged, she is too embarrassed to confide in Liu Rong.

A mocking smile appeared on Liu Rong's lips: "I heard that Director Guo has eight assistant directors, and all he does is sit behind the monitor and yell 'Cut'?"

When this matter was mentioned, Yang Mi felt helpless. Guo Jingming was the most bizarre director she had ever met in her more than 20 years of acting career. He really knew nothing about filmmaking.

She had given up all hope for the film's box office performance and was resigning herself to fate.

Liu Rong calmly looked at Yang Mi, her tone firm: "In the entertainment industry, no company or production crew can bully an artist from Tengda Culture. If you really get into trouble, the company will back you up."

"Thank you, Mr. Liu."

After a few casual words, Liu Rong got straight to the point: "I called you back today because there's something important."

Since the broadcast of "Palace" last year, your popularity has soared, and you've firmly established yourself as a top-tier star. It's time for your company to help you set up your own studio.

Yang Mi quickly shook her head without hesitation: "No need, no need! I'm very happy at the company and have no plans to set up a studio for the time being."

Upon hearing this, Liu Rong gave her a meaningful and serious look. Yang Mi guiltily turned her face away, not daring to meet the president's gaze.

"We should respect your personal wishes in this matter."

Hearing this, Yang Mi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She and Zeng Jia had already planned everything out, and they were just waiting for their contract to expire at the beginning of next year so that they could leave Tengda Culture and start their own business together.

If a personal studio is established under Tengda Culture at this time, the interests will be too deeply involved, and the dissolution and reorganization of the studio in the future will involve many problems such as assets, personnel, and contracts. It is far more convenient to leave as an independent artist.

Liu Rong paused for a moment, then continued, "You have six months left on your contract with the company. Take this time to think it over carefully."

If you wish to renew your contract with the company, you are welcome to do so. If you feel the cooperation over the years has been unpleasant, or if you wish to pursue other opportunities, the company will not stand in your way; we want to part ways amicably.

Yang Mi opened her mouth, unsure of what to say. Liu Rong's words were cryptic, and she felt that the other party seemed to have noticed her and Zeng Jia's plan.

After a moment of stunned silence, he said, "Mr. Liu, I will carefully consider the matter of renewing the contract."

After discussing some work-related matters, Yang Mi got up and left the office.

Watching Yang Mi's slender figure disappear into the distance, Liu Rong shook her head slightly. This popular star had some cleverness, but lacked a long-term vision.

Furthermore, after being encouraged by Zeng Jia, he is determined to leave the company and go solo, which may lead to his downfall in the future.

Outside the office, Yang Mi bumped into Zhao Liying, her words laced with sarcasm and a hint of jealousy: "Liying, how's the bridesmaid dress preparation going?"

Yang Mi felt a tightness in her chest when she thought about the news that broke online a few days ago.

At the end of last month, some netizens revealed to the media that China's richest man, Song Ci, and actress Liu Shishi were preparing for their wedding, with a budget of 3.2 million yuan, which instantly caused a sensation across the internet.

Following this, news broke that actress Zhao Liying was a bridesmaid at the wedding, a fact confirmed by the bride, Liu Shishi.

Immediately, netizens began speculating about the selection of Liu Shishi's bridesmaids.

Among them, Yang Mi and Tang Yan, who had worked together on "Chinese Paladin 3", were the most recognized bridesmaid candidates in the hearts of netizens.

However, ten days passed in a flash, and Yang Mi waited and waited but did not receive Liu Shishi's invitation.

Upon seeing Zhao Liying, he couldn't help but become sarcastic and say a few sour things, secretly thinking: "Is my sisterhood with Shishi over the years not as good as that of Xiao Yuanlian?"
Zhao Liying smiled and said, "Shishi will take care of the dress! To be honest, this is my first time being a bridesmaid, and I'm a little nervous."

"Hmph!" Yang Mi snorted coldly, finding Zhao Liying's round face increasingly annoying, and walked straight past her without looking back.

Zhao Liying didn't take this attitude to heart. She went to the office door and gently knocked on it.

The filming of "The Legend of Chasing Fish" has wrapped up, and she is resting at home these days. She doesn't know why the president called her back to the company.

"Please come in."

After receiving permission, Zhao Liying pushed open the door and entered, greeting him sweetly, "Hello, Mr. Liu, you wanted to see me?"

"sit down."

"Has filming wrapped up for the drama produced by Madam's Studio?"

"Filming just wrapped up last week."

"The company has received a movie script called 'The Palace: Lock Sinensis,' written and invested by Yu Zheng, and wants to invite you and Chen Xiao to star in it."

The company has roughly assessed that, given your and Chen Xiao's popularity, this movie should easily gross tens of millions at the box office. Do you want to give it a try?

Zhao Liying expressed her longing for the large screen: "I'd be willing to accept it."

"Box office revenue is secondary; let's just consider it a test for the big screen," Liu Rong replied casually, before quickly changing the subject.

"With the huge success of 'Legend of Lu Zhen,' you're now considered a near-top-tier actress. The company is planning to set up a studio for you. What do you think?"

Zhao Liying's expression turned serious, and she immediately refused: "President Liu, I have no plans to set up a studio."

"Are you sure?" Liu Rong was slightly taken aback. Yang Mi's refusal was within her expectations, but she didn't expect Zhao Liying to be unwilling to set up a studio as well.

"Mr. Liu, I joined Tengda Culture in the summer of 2008 thanks to Mr. Zhang's appreciation. Over the years, I have had a very pleasant working relationship with the company."

My contract with the company has six years left, and I have no plans to start my own studio before it expires.

Zhao Liying spoke sincerely and firmly, stating that her decision not to establish a studio was one she had carefully considered. In her view, everything has two sides; while establishing a personal film and television culture studio for a celebrity certainly has many advantages, the drawbacks cannot be ignored.

The studio not only has to bear fixed expenses such as team salaries and operating costs, but also has to spend energy and time on management. The complicated administrative, personnel and financial management may all hinder her career development.

As a giant in the film and television industry, Tengda Culture has unparalleled advantages in project resources, personal networks, industry information, crisis public relations, and professional teams.

By not establishing a studio and maintaining close cooperation with Tengda Culture, she can continue to enjoy the company's core resources without having to build a team from scratch or hire expensive external contractors.

Moreover, by not setting up a studio, she clearly signals to the company that she has "no intention of going solo," which will demonstrate her "loyalty" to the company and will inevitably earn her the company's trust and support, which is more beneficial for her long-term development.

Therefore, her rejection of Liu Rong's offer was not due to "foolishness," but rather a shrewd decision based on her trust in the company's strength.

Liu Rong couldn't help but secretly admire Zhao Liying's pragmatism, which was truly remarkable compared to other artists in the company who were eager to establish their own studios.

It must be said that it is truly rare for a celebrity to refuse to have their agency set up a personal studio for them after becoming famous.

Seeing that she was determined, the female CEO smiled and said, "Given your current status, the company has decided to adjust the profit-sharing in your contract to 50/50. Once you've secured your position at the top, the profit-sharing ratio can be negotiated further."

This sincere offer warmed Zhao Liying's heart and made her even more certain that she had made a wise choice.

The surprises didn't stop there. Liu Rong pulled a script from the pile of documents on her desk and handed it to Zhao Liying.

"This is a period drama called 'Under the Zhengyang Gate,' co-produced by the company and Beiping Culture, with a total investment of 5000 million yuan."

"Zhu Yawen has been cast as the male lead. For the female lead, Beiping Culture originally recommended Bian Xiaoxiao, but she was removed because of her notoriety due to the assault incident. Now, this opportunity is yours."

"Thank you, Mr. Liu!" Zhao Liying beamed with joy, her hands trembling slightly as she took the script.

A leading role in a serious drama with an investment of 5000 million yuan is a top-tier resource in the film and television industry; countless actresses would fight tooth and nail for it.

If she were to establish her own studio, she would likely not get the lead role; instead, the company might use her as a bargaining chip for project resource exchanges.

“This drama is currently in preparation. You can join the crew right after you finish filming Yu Zheng’s movie.”

Liu Rong's smile widened, and she pulled out two more documents: "You're quite popular now, and your sweet girl image is very appealing. The company has secured two endorsements for you, Ma Dajie Foods and Jinmailang Rock Sugar Pear, with an endorsement fee of 300 million for two years each."

Zhao Liying was overjoyed, her smile wide and her eyes full of anticipation: "President Liu, what other good news do you have? Please tell me all of it."

Liu Rong chuckled: "Yes! The Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week will be held in early July. The company has discussed with Dior that you can sit in the front row as a friend of the Dior brand and participate in the launch of Dior's Fall/Winter Haute Couture collection."

Zhao Liying was speechless with excitement, feeling as if all the good fortune of the first half of the year had been concentrated in this moment.

Paris Fashion Week has always been a darling of the fashion world, and only top actresses receive invitations. It's unexpected that she would also have the opportunity to step onto the fashion feast she's always dreamed of.

"Your wife has been jointly invited by Gucci and Dior and is the only female guest from all of Asia invited to attend this Haute Couture Fashion Week. Since you have a good relationship with her, you can go with her."

"Okay, sure." Zhao Liying couldn't help but sigh, sometimes knowing how to make choices is far more important for the future than blindly rushing forward.

After Zhao Liying calmed down a bit, Liu Rong continued, "The company plans to establish an artist management subsidiary, Alpha Entertainment, and has appointed Yang Tianzhen as a partner to be responsible for the daily operations of this new company."

She believes Alpha Group needs one or two more celebrity partners, and specifically recommended you and Wang Kai. What do you think about this?

Zhao Liying had a premonition, as Yang Tianzhen had previously subtly expressed her intention to cooperate.

The new company is backed by Tengda Culture and has a bright future, so she naturally wouldn't refuse: "It's my honor that General Manager Yang thinks so highly of me."

Liu Rong bluntly stated: "Of the company's artists, Yang Tianzhen is more optimistic about your and Wang Kai's future."

I know her plan; she's hoping you can mentor newcomers at Alpha Group and leverage your expertise as star partners.

"Since we enjoy shares in Alpha Group, it is our duty to contribute to the company's development."

Liu Rong was very satisfied with Zhao Liying's attitude: "Then it's settled. Aofei Entertainment has a registered capital of 1000 million yuan, and the company will contribute 550 million yuan as the controlling shareholder."

Yang Tianzhen invested 350 million yuan, becoming the largest individual shareholder and the company's legal representative, responsible for daily operations. You and Wang Kai each invested 50 yuan, holding 5% of the shares, making you celebrity partners.

As Zhao Liying walked out of the president's office, she felt as if she were in a dream.

But thinking about it carefully, when I chose to stay wholeheartedly with Tengda Culture, these resources today seem reasonable.

The company will naturally favor her when it has good projects, and it seems that Wang Kai has made the same choice as the male artists.

After Zhao Liying left, Liu Rong called Yang Tianzhen to her office.

"Liying gave up setting up her own studio, and I gave her 5% of the shares. Alpha Entertainment can open for business and recruit people."

"Understood, Mr. Liu." Yang Tianzhen quickly replied, having anticipated Zhao Liying's choice.

Liu Rong rubbed her temples: "Apart from Yang Zi, the other artists in the company all have their own paths to take, so Tengda Culture can move forward with a lighter burden in the future."

When Yang Zi was mentioned, Yang Tianzhen reported: "President Liu, the female lead of 'Left Ear,' that beauty from Beihang University, has no plans to enter the entertainment industry. The girl is a student of Professor Liu, Chairman Song's mother, and studies aircraft manufacturing."

Liu Rong waved her hand dismissively: "It's good that she doesn't enter the entertainment industry. I wouldn't dare compete with Chairman Song's mother for her. Besides, she and Yang Zi are close in age. If she really joined the company, it would be difficult to balance resources."

The competition among the top actresses born in the 85s at Tengda is already troublesome enough; I don't want another round of internal strife among the actresses born in the 90s.

“That’s true.” As the company’s artist director, Yang Tianzhen felt this deeply. The internal competition at Tengda was too fierce, and internal friction among artists was inevitable.

Liu Rong pulled out a script from the pile of documents: "Yang Zi was recruited into the company through your connections. She is a good person and sees things through to the end. Make sure you take good care of her. Consider this your last task before you go to Aofei."

This is the script for the movie "My Old Classmate." I've given her the lead role; tell her to get ready and join the crew once the project is in pre-production.

Yang Tianzhen took the script and exclaimed in surprise, "President Liu, is the company going to restart the Youth Trilogy project?"

When Tengda Culture was first established, it started with three youth-themed TV series: "So Young", "My Old Classmate", and "Fleet of Time".

Among them, "So Young" was adapted into a movie and was a great success. However, due to concerns that the homogenization of the subject matter would lead to audience fatigue, Zhang Zhao suppressed the other two dramas at the time and did not adapt them into movies.

Liu Rong nodded: "That's right! Several years have passed since 'So Young' was released, and there haven't been any good youth films on the market in the past two years. It's time to bring out 'My Old Classmate'."

Giving Yang Zi the lead role is a great opportunity and will be very helpful to her career development.

(End of this chapter)