Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 93 Change of Mind

The dim, dappled light from the streetlights in the neighborhood echoed the bright stars in the sky.

The stillness of a summer night evokes a sense of the weight and depth of time.

Song Ci and Liu Shishi, a young couple deeply in love, strolled hand in hand along a quiet path. The evening breeze gently caressed them, causing the young woman's black hair to flutter, creating a serene and warm atmosphere.

When the two reached the small intersection in front of the building, Liu Shishi stopped and, unusually, grabbed her boyfriend's arm.

Song Ci, puzzled, looked at Miss Liu with a surprised expression, a gentle smile spreading across her face: "What, don't you want to go home? Want to continue strolling around the neighborhood with me?"

Liu Shishi shook her head, pulled Song Ci along and led her onto another side road. She said earnestly, word by word, "You used to always take me downstairs and home. Today, I'm going to take you home."

Song Ci chuckled, wondering why his girlfriend had come up with such a sudden idea, but he let her have her way. In just a few steps, the two walked from the intersection to the apartment building where Song Ci lived.

Seeing his girlfriend's lingering affection, Song Ci jokingly asked, "Want to come up and sit for a bit?"

Liu Shishi's eyes lit up, her joy tinged with a touch of naivety: "Great! Great!"

Song Ci grinned mischievously and deliberately made up a story: "Then let's go upstairs and say hello to my mom and dad."

"Ah, Auntie's home, then I won't go." Liu Shishi shook her head like a rattle drum.

Upon hearing this, Song Ci was puzzled: "Shishi, are you afraid of my mother?"

Miss Liu looked conflicted and stammered, unable to speak. She was indeed a little afraid of Song's mother, Liu Xiaoxian.

One reason is the awe that underachievers have for professors. Another reason is that when Song Ci was in high school, she was afraid that her son would fall in love with Liu Shishi. During that time, Liu Xiaoxian kept a close watch on Liu Shishi and was very serious about her, which made her feel uneasy every time she saw Song Ci's mother.

Song Ci chuckled softly, put one arm around Shi Ye's slender waist, and gently comforted her: "My parents like you very much."

It's really strange that the usually carefree and easygoing Shi Ye is actually afraid of her mother.

Song Ci thought about it again and secretly took it to heart. The relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law has always been a major problem. My mother doesn't know that Shishi has entered the entertainment industry as an actress yet. I wonder if my mother has any prejudice against the entertainment industry.

In some ways, the older generation is still quite traditional. However, as long as Shi Ye doesn't film kissing or intimate scenes, there shouldn't be any major problems. Being caught in the middle, she needs to plan ahead and reconcile the relationship between her mother and Shi Shi.

Song Ci wasn't too worried about family relationships. As the saying goes, "When people are poor and their spouses are lowly, everything is miserable." If one's own economic conditions are good, family conflicts can be greatly alleviated.

Liu Shishi didn't want to show weakness in front of her boyfriend, so she gently punched his chest twice with her small fist and said stubbornly, "Who's afraid of your mother? I just think it would be too impolite for me to go up empty-handed when my parents are home."

Song Ci didn't argue, and quietly embraced Shi Ye, "Tomorrow Cai Yinong is coming and wants me to go with you to see her?"

"No need, no need. I'll meet Sister K nearby tomorrow." Liu Shishi knew her boyfriend didn't like Tangren Media, so she naturally wouldn't let him meet Cai Yinong. Besides, she didn't want to bother her boyfriend with everything.

Song Ci shook his head, sighed softly, and said, "Let the poet arrange it himself."

"Then I'll go upstairs!"

Seeing that Shi Ye was still holding onto him tightly, he joked, "What, you really want to come up with me!"

Liu Shishi gazed at him tenderly and murmured in a sweet, coquettish voice, "I want a hug!"

Song Ci chuckled, opened her arms and embraced the slender poet, gently stroking her back.

Unlike the fiery passion they had shared in the parking lot, the two now felt an extraordinary sense of peace and warmth, and Song Ci could clearly hear the rhythm of Liu's heartbeat.

When feelings run deep, they naturally intensify; when intentions are strong, how can one bear to part?

Under the starry sky and bright moon, the atmosphere grew increasingly ambiguous. Liu Shishi embraced her boyfriend, and overcome with emotion, she slightly tiptoed, closed her beautiful eyes, and tilted her head back for a kiss.

Song Ci lowered her head, and the two of them gently touched lips. In the quiet night, they kissed one after another, tenderly expressing their affection and love for each other.

Ms. Liu's tongue deftly probed into her boyfriend's mouth, passionately intertwining with his, each touch feeling like an imprint on his soul.

The two were deeply in love and passionately kissing when a deliberate cough startled them awake.

Liu Shishi panicked and pushed Song Ci aside. By the dim light of the corridor and the slivers of moonlight, she saw a man standing not far from them. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was Song Ci's father, Song Zhang.

The girl was shy and blushed instantly, hiding behind Song Ci and burying her head in her boyfriend's back.

While passionately kissing her boyfriend downstairs, Liu Shishi was caught in the act by his father, and she wished she could disappear into the ground.

Song Ci also noticed her father. The soft and sweet girl was so alluring that she had been so engrossed in her own world that she hadn't even noticed someone approaching her.

Song Ci was quite poised and confident. Everyone in her family knew that she and Shi Ye were childhood sweethearts, so there was no need to panic. She calmly greeted him, "Dad, are you off work?"

Song Zhang was also embarrassed. When he returned to the community after get off work, he saw his son and his childhood sweetheart cuddling and being affectionate at the entrance of the building.

Later, they kissed directly, becoming increasingly engrossed and seemingly endless. He had to go back and finish a paper that night, so he had no choice but to interrupt the young couple.

Song Zhang waved his hand and instructed his son, "It's New Year's Day, it's getting late, take Shishi home."

After saying that, he quickly walked past the two of them and went straight upstairs, leaving the young couple alone again.

Hearing the clattering footsteps, Liu Shishi realized that Song Zhang had already gone far away. Only then did she move her head away from Song Ci and scolded him playfully, "It's all your fault, you big bad guy!"

Then, with a hint of worry, she asked anxiously, "Yi-yi, Uncle won't think I'm a frivolous woman, will he?"

Song Ci looked completely innocent. He was just about to go upstairs to go home when it was clearly Shi Ye who pulled him and asked for a hug.

However, being a man, he naturally wouldn't pretend to be innocent after getting the benefit. Seeing that Shi Ye looked a little anxious, he made up a reason to comfort her: "No, my grandparents have seen my parents secretly kissing before. It's normal for young people to date."

Liu Shishi breathed a slight sigh of relief upon hearing her boyfriend's words; she needed to make a good impression on her elders. Although Song Ci liked her, Liu Shishi was still uneasy; without a marriage certificate, things could change.

Just like that damned wicked woman Shen Sisi, she's still eyeing her boyfriend and tries to get close to Song Ci whenever she gets the chance. She's shameless.

Therefore, she has to do everything well and maintain her pure and well-behaved image in the eyes of her uncles and aunts.

It was indeed getting late. The two lingered downstairs for a long time, and Song Ci felt that it was almost ten o'clock. After Song Zhang disturbed them, the two of them lost their mood for tenderness.

"It's really getting late, let me take you home, Shishi." "No need, Yiyi, you go upstairs, I'm leaving." After saying that, Liu Shishi turned to leave, but before leaving, she stepped on Song Ci's foot and muttered, "You big bad guy, you were trying to be naughty with your hands again!"

In Donghai City, Cai Yinong immediately arranged for his assistant to book a flight to Beiping for the next morning after hanging up the phone.

Because he was preoccupied with Liu Shishi, Cai Yinong tossed and turned all night, unable to fall asleep.

Originally, she only intended to mentor and nurture the young girl, providing her with certain resources as promised. However, it seems she has to change her strategy now, as she has surprisingly appeared on the big screen before Hu Ge.

Considering she's only eighteen, it's fortunate that she's starting so high. The question is whether she can seize this opportunity in the future.

Cai Yinong took a 7 a.m. flight and went straight to the meeting place he had arranged with Liu Shishi as soon as he got off the plane in Beiping. It was a coffee shop not far from Tengda Culture.

The café has a warm and comfortable atmosphere, aiming to create a quiet and peaceful environment, like a small world away from the hustle and bustle.

The exquisite decorations and warm atmosphere complement each other, creating a unique sense of tranquility and making it a great place to discuss matters.

Cai Yinong, dressed in a white summer business suit, leaned back lazily on the sofa in the private room with a gentle expression.

She casually stirred her coffee, exuding the confidence and charm of a career woman.

Upon seeing Liu Shishi's beautiful face, Cai Yinong couldn't help but praise her, "Shishi, you've become even more beautiful since I last saw you!"

After not seeing her for several months, Liu Shishi had grown a bit more than I remembered, her pretty face was more prominent, and she looked even more pure and gentle.

Liu Shishi smiled shyly. When the two were alone, she felt a little awkward in front of Cai Yinong. She kept her head down and unconsciously stirred her coffee with a small spoon, lost in thought.

Cai Yinong didn't take it to heart. That's just how this girl is—cold on the outside but warm on the inside, and a bit introverted. He'll get used to her after spending more time with her.

"I'll accompany you to Tengda Culture to sign the contract this afternoon. What are your expectations regarding the salary? But you're a newcomer after all, so I guess it will be pitifully low."

Liu Shishi replied nonchalantly, "Sister K, I have no demands for pay. As a newcomer, I'm already very lucky to be able to act in movies. How could I dare to hope for a high salary?"

Cai Yi-nong nodded. It's good that the young girl is sensible. It saves her from having to say anything more. Many actresses would pay to get on the big screen but don't have the chance. She's still young and has a bright future. There's no need for her to worry about a little money now.

Remembering her boyfriend's instructions from last night, Liu Shishi hesitated for a long time before finally calling out, "Sister K!"

"Just say what you have to say." Cai Yinong said while drinking his coffee, glancing at Miss Liu. Seeing her conflicted expression, he wanted to hear what she had to say that she had suddenly called him!
With her future at stake, Liu Shishi said seriously, "Does the company have any plans or arrangements for me? I can't keep filming Tengda Culture's dramas forever."

Cai Yinong slowly put down his coffee cup and stared at Liu Shishi's solemn reply: "I came here today to talk to you about this."

It turns out that the company has a period drama series to co-produce with Huayi Brothers in the second half of the year, and they want to give you an important role so you can get some experience first.

However, since you've accepted the film role, your priority should be to perform well in the film. But if your schedule allows, the role will still be reserved for you.

The company plans to produce a major film, a martial arts epic titled "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," in the first half of next year.

The company has acquired the film and television adaptation rights from Mr. Jin Yong, and I plan to reserve the role of Mu Nianci for you.

Tangren Media, focusing on high-quality productions, doesn't produce many. Knowing that Liu Shishi had connections, Cai Yinong added:
"In your spare time, you can also go to his film crew to submit your resume and participate in auditions. Learn and practice more to hone your acting skills. After two years, when you are more mature and can take on leading roles, the company will arrange a leading role for you."

Liu Shishi breathed a sigh of relief. It was good that Sister K had made arrangements for her, especially since she was really looking forward to Mu Nianci in the Jin Yong drama "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" next year.

These days, Jin Yong's martial arts dramas are incredibly popular, so even playing the second female lead in one of them would be quite an achievement.

The most important thing is to have a connection with Song Ci (a type of classical Chinese poetry). Otherwise, if he really terminates his contract with Tangren Media and signs with Tengda Culture instead, all the trouble he and his mother went through would seem meaningless.

She wanted to prove to her boyfriend that she wasn't as clueless as Liu Daidai; she could be reliable sometimes, at least when it came to important matters.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Cai Yinong took the opportunity to inquire, wanting to get to the bottom of Liu Shishi's connections and whether there was any value in digging deeper.

"Shishi, tell me the truth, what exactly is your relationship with Tengda Culture?"

Facing Cai Yinong's piercing gaze, Liu Shishi felt a headache coming on; she figured she wouldn't be able to fool him this time. Her mind raced, and she thought of Jiang Tiantian, deciding to concoct an excuse.

"One of the vice presidents of Tengda Culture is a distant relative of mine. He used a lot of connections to get me this leading role. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

K-sister, as you know, Tengda Arts & Entertainment has its own female artists; it's impossible to keep leaving resources to outsiders.

Cai Yi-nong nodded in agreement, agreeing that it made sense. An artist could tolerate occasionally losing a role, but otherwise, wouldn't it create disunity and hinder the development of artist management services?

Cai Yinong sighed. As expected, there is no such thing as a free lunch. His idea of ​​using Tengda Culture's resources to cultivate Liu Shishi had completely failed.

The two communicated for a long time. Because he began to value Liu Shishi, Cai Yinong gave her careful guidance and explained the intricacies of the film crew.

He instructed Liu Shishi to be careful with her words and actions on set, as this was different from her previous cameo role, and the filming period for a movie is long.

When filming, producers, directors, makeup artists, production assistants, and other staff must be careful not to offend anyone unnecessarily. They can also show small favors to lower-level staff to gain a good reputation.

At this moment, Cai Yi-nong changed his mind and decided to cultivate Liu Shi-shi as Tangren's top female star, and to teach her carefully so that she could take on half of Tangren's image.

Liu Shishi also kept Cai Yinong's advice in mind and grew rapidly.

Around 2 PM, Cai Yinong accompanied Liu Shishi to Tengda Culture to finalize the film contract.

Regarding the remuneration, Tengda did not offer any preferential treatment, only giving a newcomer a base price of 1 yuan based on market rates. Cai Yinong did not complain, and Liu Shishi was also very satisfied. The two parties successfully signed the contract.

Signing contracts for their own artists is a standard procedure, and Cai Yinong was familiar with it so it didn't take much time. However, Zhang Zhao heard that Ms. Cai from Tangren Media was coming to the company, so he made a special trip to meet with her.

Tangren Media is not yet declining and still has a significant influence in period dramas. It's one thing that we didn't have the opportunity to interact with them before, but hearing that Cai Yinong is visiting in person today, Zhang Zhao also wants to have a chat with her.

There are no secrets in the industry. It's said that Tangren Media has changed its usual practice of keeping everything to itself and has actually started to collaborate with Huayi Brothers to produce TV series. Zhang Zhao also wants to see if there is any opportunity for collaboration between Tengda Culture and Tangren Media. He has been eyeing Tangren's high-quality period dramas for a long time.

Cai Yinong naturally went along with the host's wishes, and there was nothing that couldn't be discussed, except for the price. She also wanted to use Tengda to establish connections with the Southern Cinema Circuit to get some big-screen resources for the company's artists.

Both parties were willing and hit it off immediately. They chatted until after 5 o'clock before Cai Yi-nong and Liu Shi-shi took their leave. As for the specific content of their discussion, only the two parties involved know.

(End of this chapter)