Huayu: Starting from Fahrenheit

Chapter 387 Buying out Liu Shishi's contract with Tangren
In mid-January, Wu Zhuo temporarily ended his life on the Ip Man film set.

The Spring Festival is approaching.

As one of the most popular singers in the past two years.

Having maintained a close relationship with CCTV, he naturally had a place in this year's Spring Festival Gala.

He needs to rush to the capital to participate in the rehearsal.

However, before going to Beijing, he first flew to Shanghai.

The purpose, of course, was to buy out Liu Shishi's contract with Tangren, as I had mentioned before.

At Shanghai Tangren Film & Television Company, Wu Zhuo met Cai Yinong and stated his purpose directly.

"Mr. Cai, I hope you can transfer Shishi's contract to me."

Cai Yinong, who was sitting opposite Wu Zhuo and personally brewing tea for him, heard Wu Zhuo's words and her eyes flashed.

Then, with a serious expression, he said:

"Impossible. Shishi is my favorite younger sister and the top female star in the company that I have carefully cultivated. I would never transfer her contract to you."

Wu Zhuo carefully observed Cai Yinong's expression.

If he hadn't known that she was a strong, independent woman, he probably would have thought she really valued Liu Shishi.

"I agree with what you said, but aren't you pursuing Yang Mi right now?"

If you think about it from a different perspective...

Your company currently has Shi Shi. If Yang Mi were to join your company, how many resources would she have?

If I were Yang Mi, I definitely wouldn't choose your company first.

After all, it's common knowledge that you're currently praising Shi Shi.

Wu Zhuo did not immediately reveal his chips, but instead began to analyze.

"If you transfer Shishi to me, you can use the resources that were originally intended for Shishi as leverage to sign Yang Mi."

Yang Mi knew she would be the top female star after joining Tangren Media, so naturally, she was more likely to sign a contract.

"I know what you're saying, but I won't give up Shishi's contract. I've invested so many resources in her over the years just to make her the top female star in the company."

"We're seeing results soon, I can't give up."

Cai Yinong still disagreed.

Looking at the serious-looking Cai Yinong, Wu Zhuo's expression turned slightly strange.

He thought of the lay Buddhist who offered extra money.

"My junior brother and I are dear friends and family, and we share a deep brotherly bond. If you want me to kill him—you'll have to pay more!"

At this moment, Cai Yinong was exactly like this in Wu Zhuo's eyes.

In the eyes of someone like Cai Yinong, there's probably nothing in Tangren Film & Television that's off-limits for trade.

Even Hu Ge, if someone is willing to pay the price, it's not impossible to take him away.

If Hu Ge is like this, then Liu Shishi is even more so.

The reason they disagree is simply because they don't have enough money.

“Shi Shi has two more years of contract with you. I’ll give you five million a year.”

Wu Zhuo, too lazy to waste any more time, started talking about the chips directly.

Given Liu Shishi's current status, five million a year is already an astronomical sum.

Honestly, there aren't many female celebrities in the country who can command this price.

Upon hearing the price, Cai Yinong was somewhat tempted, but quickly shook her head.

"The Legend of Sword and Fairy 3 has been filmed, and Shi Shi's performance in it is excellent. She has the potential to become a huge star."

Also, she starred in your film "Fleet of Time," playing the female lead.

When the female lead of "Fleet of Time" is mentioned, Cai Yinong's voice becomes much louder.

Cai Yinong doesn't know if Liu Shishi from the Legend of Sword and Fairy series will become popular.

But "Fleet of Time" is different.

This film was invested in and starred by Wu Zhuo himself.

With Wu Zhuo's star power, this drama will definitely attract a lot of attention.

Liu Shishi plays the female lead in this film. Cai Yinong is very confident that once the movie is released, Shishi's image will definitely attract a large number of fans and attention.

Wu Zhuo was speechless.

He's really shot himself in the foot.

If Wu Zhuo had known that "Fleet of Time" would be used as a bargaining chip by Cai Yinong, he wouldn't have let Liu Shishi act in the film, or perhaps he should have bought Liu Shishi's contract in advance.

After a moment's hesitation, Wu Zhuo raised his head.

"I know that Tangren has been trying to develop in the film industry over the years."

Perhaps we can reach some cooperation agreement.

Upon hearing Wu Zhuo's words, Cai Yinong's eyes lit up, and she asked eagerly, "How do we cooperate?"

"My Legendary Film Company has partnered with several companies, including Huayi Brothers and Enlight Media."

If you agree to transfer Shishi's contract, I will allow you to participate in the investment of some of our company's subsequent works.

Wu Zhuo offered a fairly good deal.

To be honest, Legendary Pictures is quite a hot commodity in the industry right now.

Although none of the movies were ever released.

However, thanks to Wu Zhuo, the company's valuation and value skyrocketed as soon as it was established.

Many domestic film and television companies, drawn by Wu Zhuo's fame, came knocking with cash, eager to invest in Legendary Films' productions.

However, because Wu Zhuo himself was wealthy, he also reached cooperation agreements with Huayi Brothers and Enlight Media.

He has absolutely no interest in outside money and almost never accepts investment from outsiders.

"Let me add another clause: from now on, the main actors for your company's productions will need to be selected from our company."

Cai Yinong, taking advantage of the situation, looked at Wu Zhuo with anticipation.

Wu Zhuo scoffed, "Sister Cai, Shi Shi is neither Zhao Wei nor Liu Tianxian."

Are you trying to fool me?

With those conditions, I could sign Zhao Wei and Liu Yifei.

After a pause, Wu Zhuo said somewhat seriously:
"Actually, I don't need to talk to you at all. You should know what kind of relationship Shishi and I have."

She would definitely be willing to come with me.

I could easily have her breach her contract and switch jobs to mine.

Even if I lose the case completely, the most I'll ever pay you is twenty million.

Hearing Wu Zhuo's words, Cai Yinong felt a little embarrassed.

She really went too far.

Liu Shishi is currently at best a second-tier celebrity.

For an artist of this caliber, she directly offered the conditions of a top-tier artist.

This was entirely because he knew that Wu Zhuo was dating Liu Shishi and that Wu Zhuo really wanted Liu Shishi to work for his company.

Without these factors, Liu Shishi is actually not worth much now.

"No matter what, when Shishi was with me, I treated her well and never mistreated her."

Even when she was dating you, I never questioned it.

Seeing that she couldn't get things done by official procedures, Cai Yinong started to play the emotional card.

Wu Zhuo glanced at her, about to refuse, when suddenly a thought flashed through his mind, and he changed his mind and said:
"Perhaps we can put it another way: we can exchange resources."

When casting for our films, we will give priority to your company if the circumstances are suitable.

However, when your company is casting actors for its TV dramas, you should also consider our company.

Tangren will have several more years of peak performance ahead of them.

Their company's productions are very effective at boosting an actor's fame.

After Liu Shishi joined Legendary Film Company, she couldn't just make movies; she also needed to consider television dramas.

Tangren's TV dramas are a good option to consider.

(End of this chapter)