Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 81 Getting better
Circumstances dictate actions, and after weighing the pros and cons, Shang Jin ultimately compromised: "President Wang, then we'll follow your arrangement and let Xiao Liu continue acting."

Wang Jing's anger turned to joy. "That's right, Director Shang. Use your national first-class director skills to give more guidance to the newcomers in the industry. Maybe it will become a good story in the future."

Shang Jin understood that Wang Jing was giving him a hint, fearing that he might agree verbally but then disobey her.

"Since I've agreed, I'll direct it well and try my best to present the best Zhan Hongling to the audience. I won't hold a grudge against the young girl."

Wang Jing felt annoyed after hearing this. "If you had done this earlier, there wouldn't have been so much trouble. It seems that these self-important directors still need to be given a good talking-to."

"It's best if you can figure it out. Tomorrow is Saturday, I'll come visit the film set."

"Whatever." Shang Jin felt a pang of unease. He thought that Wang Jing didn't trust him at all and even came to the film set to supervise the work. She really underestimated him.

Shang Jin picked up the still-warm boxed lunch, ate a few bites, and then waved to Liu Shishi, who was not far away: "Little Liu, come here."

His ability to rise from a soldier in a motor transport unit to a national first-class director clearly demonstrates that he is not an inflexible or pedantic person.

Since the die is cast, there's no point in resisting. Liu Shishi has a powerful background, which might be an opportunity for me. By getting involved with Tengda Culture, a spot on the big screen isn't out of the question.

Liu Shishi had just finished lunch. To maintain her figure, she usually eats very little. When she heard the director calling her, she quickly ran to Shang Jin's side.

Shang Jin, being quite cultured, did not vent his unpleasantness from arguing with Wang Jing on Liu Shishi. Instead, he said calmly, "Sit down. Now that we have some free time, I'll talk to you about the play."

Liu Shishi sat obediently on the small stool, ready to listen to the great director's insightful opinions.

Shang Jin coughed lightly, "Xiao Liu, you lack the ability to express emotions. This requires time and systematic practice. You can only rely on your own efforts in the future."

The filming schedule is tight right now, and to get into character quickly, we have to use the method acting approach. Do you have a favorite young man in mind?

Liu Shishi suddenly recalled her tender first kiss on her birthday, and Song Ci's handsome face came to mind. She nodded shyly to Shang Jin.

Seeing the girl's shy expression, Shang Jin chuckled, "It's good that you have someone you like. Put yourself in her shoes, and imagine Yan Ni trying to steal your man. Think about how you would look when you first met your rival."

How dare she steal my handsome guy! Liu Shishi remembered what Lin Hao had told her about the host who had been so attentive to Song Ci at school. Suddenly, her expression lost its usual gentleness, and her gaze gradually turned sharp.

"Yes, yes, that's the taste. Don't be too aggressive. Xiao Liu, keep it in this state."

After Shang Jin's guidance, Liu Shishi's performance was significantly better in the afternoon during the rehearsal than in the morning.

His facial expressions and body language are controlled with ease, and he can already act normally with Yan Ni. Although his eyes are not yet very expressive, they are above average.

So Shang Jin decided to strike while the iron was hot, adjust the filming schedule, and shoot Zhan Hongling's scenes first. Liu Shishi lived up to expectations, gradually got into the swing of things, and successfully played the role of the valiant and heroic number one female shopkeeper.

Filming continued until after 6 p.m., when the crew wrapped up. After a quick dinner, Liu Shishi, exhausted, followed Yan Ni back to the hotel where the crew was staying.

Feilong Film and Television Base is a bit remote. There are no decent hotels around, only a few guesthouses, all of which are rented by film crews.

Among the main actors in the production, Liu Shishi was only familiar with Yan Ni and Qiao Zhengyu. Although Qiao Zhengyu was her senior fellow disciple, there was a difference between men and women, so it was not appropriate for them to get too close. Therefore, Liu Shishi would pester Yan Ni and ask him for advice whenever she encountered a problem.

Yan Ni also liked this well-behaved and clever little sister and took good care of her. He even kindly arranged a guest room for Liu Shishi next to his own so that Liu Shishi could contact him if needed.

After politely declining Qiao Zhengyu's invitation to a barbecue, Liu Shishi returned to her room early. At that moment, all she wanted to do was lie comfortably in bed, not wanting to move a single finger.

Shang Jin was extremely demanding, and she was forced to retake the test multiple times that afternoon, leaving her physically and mentally exhausted, but thankfully she gritted her teeth and persevered.

In a daze, Liu Shishi felt her phone vibrate. She glanced at the bright screen and saw that it was Song Ci calling. She turned on speakerphone and continued lying down.

"Shishi, how was the filming today? Are you tired?" Song Ci's voice was as gentle as warm jade, as always.

Liu Shishi yawned and replied listlessly, "I'm exhausted, I don't want to move at all."

Hearing Liu's tired voice, Song Ci felt a pang of heartache and asked with concern, "Have you had dinner?"

Liu Shishi replied lazily, "I ate a little. Senior Brother Qiao wanted to treat me to a barbecue dinner with the main actors, but I was too tired to move, so I had to decline his offer."

"If you don't want to go, then don't go. Your health is important. After filming for a day, get some rest and make sure you're in good shape for the rest of your scenes. Once you get through these few days, there will be plenty of opportunities for get-togethers. When filming wraps up, you can treat them to a meal."

Miss Liu replied shyly, "Okay, okay, whatever you say."

After exchanging a few more sweet words with Liu Shishi, Song Ci casually asked, "How does the director treat you?"

Liu Shishi, of course, was unaware of the power struggle between the producer and the director over her, and naively told Song Ci, "Director Shang is very kind to me. He has been patiently guiding me and has even praised me for my talent."

Standing on the dormitory balcony, Song Ci looked up at the starry sky while talking to Liu Shishi. Hearing the poet's approval of Shang Jin, she couldn't help but nod.

Those who understand the times are wise. It seems that the directors in the industry who have made it big still have a certain vision and deeply understand the essence of compromise.

In the afternoon, Wang Jing reported to him that she had smoothed things over with the director, ensuring that Liu Shishi could successfully complete her role as Zhan Hongling on set.

Song Ci was still a little worried, so he asked Miss Liu about it. Now it seems that he underestimated Shang Jin's magnanimity.

Thinking of Wang Jing, he casually told Shi Ye, "Sister Jing will be going to the film set tomorrow. If you need anything, you can talk to her. Don't worry about the trouble. The film set is all being paid for by me."

Upon hearing this, a hint of anticipation flashed in Liu Shishi's beautiful eyes: "Are you coming with Sister Jing?"

Song Ci said with difficulty, "I have something to do tomorrow and don't have time to go to the film set. I'll pick you up when filming wraps up."

“Tomorrow is Saturday, and you don’t have class. The ‘My Own Swordsman’ crew is in the suburbs of Beijing, so it’s very convenient to drive there. Why don’t you come visit the set?” Liu Shishi immediately questioned unhappily.

She inexplicably recalled the method acting approach the director had mentioned at noon, and being somewhat immersed in the role, she was reminded of Shen Sisi, who was trying to steal her boyfriend.

Then the conversation shifted abruptly, "Have you been in contact with that Shen Sisi lately? Are you going to hang out with her this weekend?"

Seeing that Shishi was a bit stubborn, Song Ci was afraid that she would misunderstand, so she quickly explained: "Shishi, I really have something to do tomorrow. I have an appointment with the new general manager of Tengda Culture to talk about something."

Zhang Zhao wanted to report Tengda Culture's development plan to him in person. Song Ci was available the next day, so he arranged to meet him at the group on Saturday.

Liu Shishi's attention was indeed diverted. "New general manager! Did you transfer Sister Jing away?"

"Jing has been promoted. She will be working at the group from now on and will no longer be in charge of film and television. Tomorrow I will be talking to Mr. Zhang, the new general manager of Tengda Culture, about filming a movie. I will arrange the lead role for you then."

"The female lead in a movie? Can I be one?" Liu Shishi asked incredulously, but her words contained a hint of inexplicable longing. Song Ci naturally encouraged and praised Liu Shishi, "Of course you can! My Shishi is the best. I've already written the script, and I'll send it to you to take a look after you finish filming 'My Own Swordsman'."

Liu Shishi was overjoyed, feeling much of her fatigue disappear. She said sweetly, her voice full of affection, "Yiyi, I love you!"

Upon hearing this, Song Ci couldn't help but smile. "I won't say anymore. You should wash up and get some rest."

Liu Shishi said coquettishly, "Okay, I'll go right away. Give me a kiss, Yi Yi."

Since officially becoming a couple, Liu Shishi has become increasingly proactive in their relationship, making Song Ci a little embarrassed. She even felt ashamed to blow a kiss into the receiver.

After waiting for a long time without Song Ci making a move, Liu Shishi urged in embarrassment and indignation, "Song Yiyi, stop pretending to be dead and give me a kiss."

Forced into a corner by the poet, Song Ci could only send a kiss from afar to fulfill his girlfriend's small request.

The thought of her usually aloof and handsome Peking University heartthrob blowing her a kiss made Liu Shishi giggle with delight. "That's a good boyfriend. Love you, muah! I'm going to take a shower now."

The morning sun shines on the boundless wilderness on the outskirts of Beijing, and warmth gradually rises between heaven and earth. The crew of "My Own Swordsman" has started work, and the staff are busy and working hard.

Wang Jing arrived at the film set early in the morning, nodding and waving in response to the crew's greetings.

"Good morning, Producer Wang."

"Hello, Mr. Wang."

The assistant director spotted Wang Jing from afar and quickly ran to her side, a fawning smile on his face.

"Mr. Wang, you've arrived. Director Shang is filming."

"How's the crew doing lately? Is filming going smoothly?" Even though she knew she wouldn't get any answers from asking, Wang Jing still asked out of habit.

With the producer absent, any issues on set would naturally fall on the director's fault. The assistant director wouldn't dare criticize Shang Jin. However, things had indeed gone smoothly for the crew lately, without any major mishaps.

He replied with a smile, "Everything is going smoothly on set, and we're not behind schedule."

The two walked side by side, chatting as they went. Wang Jing would occasionally ask a few questions, and the assistant director would answer truthfully.

Outside the studio, Wang Jing gestured towards Liu Shishi in front of the camera, "How's the new actor?"

The assistant director thought for a moment and said, "This girl is very talented. Director Shang often talks to her about acting and thinks highly of her."

Wang Jing nodded. If Liu Shishi was doing well on set, she could give Song Ci a proper explanation.

"I'm going to wander around somewhere else. Tell Director Shang that we'll take a break after this scene is finished, as I have something important to discuss with him."

The assistant director quickly replied, "Okay, you go ahead and do your work. I'll let you know when Director Shang has some free time."

Wang Jing came to the film set today not specifically to support Liu Shishi; she's not that free. There are some things that Monk Jin can only touch upon without going too far.

Group CEO Zhang Yong will be flying to the United States next week to discuss cooperation between Toutiao.com and the NBA. He is expected to stay in North America for about two weeks. The heavy responsibility of the group will temporarily fall on her shoulders as the COO, and she will be unable to come to the film set for quite some time.

When a person is in a high position, their perspective and outlook naturally change. After learning about Tengda Group's various development plans that span the whole country and even involve overseas, a TV series no longer matters to Wang Jing.

But she wanted to see things through to the end. Now that she had become the producer of "My Own Swordsman," Wang Jing still hoped that the show would be successfully released and become a hit.

After Shang Jin finished filming the two scenes he was working on, he heard from the assistant director that the producer had arrived, so he told everyone to take a break and asked the assistant director to invite Wang Jing to the studio.

"Director Shang".

"Mr. Wang!"

The two shook hands, seemingly unconcerned about yesterday's events, showing no sign of the heated argument that had just taken place.

Shang Jin pointed to a chair that the assistant director had brought over, "Please sit down, Mr. Wang. The conditions here are a bit basic."

Wang Jing didn't stand on ceremony. After the assistant director and the others had walked a little further away, she said, "Director Shang, I have two things to discuss with you."

Shang Jin nodded slightly, then took a bottle of mineral water from next to the monitor and handed it to Wang Jing, indicating that she should speak frankly.

Wang Jing reached out and took it. "Thank you! When will filming for 'My Own Swordsman' wrap up?"

Shang Jin calculated that the planned filming period for this TV series is 8 months. Filming started in early December last year and is not behind schedule. "It can be completed in late July."

Wang Jing calculated that five months would be enough time to complete the editing work, so she told Shang Jin about Tengda's original plan.

"The company plans to sell 'My Own Swordsman' to TV stations as the opening drama of the year. We will give priority to CCTV and have already made advance contact. CCTV is also very interested."

However, this drama has 80 episodes, which will inevitably lead to CCTV lowering the price. If CCTV's offer is too low, we will consider Beijing TV or Donghai TV.

Upon hearing this, Shang Jin advised, "President Wang, although CCTV offered a low price, the viewership is guaranteed. As long as the viewership goes up, even if 'My Own Swordsman' loses a little money in the first run, it will definitely break even in the second and third runs."

Wang Jing found it somewhat amusing. Break even! Tengda Culture invested 1800 million yuan in this drama and it took a year to produce. If the goal was simply to avoid losing money, how could the company continue operating?

As the producer, Tengda Culture naturally hopes to make money from the first broadcast, and the more they make in the second and third rounds, the better.

Wang Jing couldn't help but retort sarcastically, "Director Shang, you've always been very confident in your work, so why are you suddenly relying on CCTV to guarantee the ratings?"

Shang Jin frowned and said, "I'm not expecting that, all else being equal, the ratings would naturally be better if it were broadcast on CCTV."

Wang Jing does not deny this, but Shang Jin is paid as a director, so she has to consider the company's profits.

"As long as CCTV doesn't excessively pressure us for lower prices, we will definitely prioritize airing it on CCTV. Once the finished product is released, if 'My Own Swordsman' truly has the potential to be a huge hit, Tengda is willing to sign a performance-based agreement with CCTV and adopt a phased viewership rating fee model."

Wang Jing revealed this information to Shang Jin to put some pressure on him, so that this famous director would pay more attention to the TV series. If the investors suffered heavy losses, who would be willing to invest in him after the news got out?

"Is there anything else, Mr. Wang? Please tell me all at once." Shang Jin sighed, immediately feeling a heavy pressure. Whenever Wang Jing contacted him, it was never anything good.

(End of this chapter)