Entertainment 2000: Supporting female stars will bring you a hundredfold return

Chapter 324 Pepsi and Coca-Cola compete for Tang Wen, Super Girl becomes a sensation (6k)

Random House, a world-renowned publisher, sent Tang Wen an email early the next morning.

The editors and chief editors reviewed the manuscript overnight.

Although it only has the first three chapters, its high quality is evident.

The email included a brief book review.

[...In just three short chapters, we seem to see—a dazzling sea of ​​stars]

Tang Wen felt completely refreshed after reading it.

Flattery should only be done by cultured people.

He immediately replied, agreeing to let Random House come to the company to discuss the publication.

As long as the royalties are agreed upon, there's no problem continuing the collaboration.

When the editor-in-chief and manager of Random House arrived at Galaxy Entertainment, Tang Wen and Olivia happened to be receiving executives from Pepsi and Coca-Cola.

The two were waiting in a spot quite close to the conference room.

I overheard them offering tens of millions of US dollars to win Tang Wen over as their brand ambassador.

The two people outside the door were completely stunned!
A novel can't earn this much in a year.

I listened to their heated debate for over an hour, but they still hadn't reached an agreement.

The two exchanged a glance and whispered to each other:
"Tang is no ordinary writer."

"That's right, could we learn from Coca-Cola and Pepsi?"

"What do you mean?" The editor-in-chief didn't quite understand business operations.

"After we reached a cooperation agreement with Tang, we promoted the idea that he trusted Random House and promoted our brand."

"Make him our spokesperson? That's probably unprecedented in the publishing industry."

But after a little thought, the editor-in-chief actually thought it was feasible.

After 2000, things were not easy for publishing houses.

Abundant entertainment activities and rampant, illegal drugs are rampant in every corner of society.

Fewer and fewer people are reading books.

The number of readers of Tang Wen's works is quite large.

This can be seen from the number of comments on the reading website.

Even though they are both bestselling authors, their stories are equally captivating.

The number of book reviews under Tang Wen's novels far exceeds that of other authors of the same level, and the vast majority of them are positive.

"Perhaps he can boost Random House's book sales."

"This involves portrait rights. To win him over, we need to further increase the royalty sharing."

"I believe the boss will agree!"

Inside the meeting room, executives from Pepsi and Coca-Cola remained locked in their dispute.

One of the daily tasks of both parties' advertising departments is to find spokespersons.

Tang Wen, who did not have an endorsement deal in the United States, was within the scope of consideration by both parties.

He is the youngest director, singer, and writer, a successful person in the public eye, and a romantic genius!

Their public image is excellent.

Both Coca-Cola and Pepsi have received very high internal ratings.

Before coming here today, they each held an emergency meeting.

The advertising department presented the data.

All of Tang Wen's works, including novels, films, and music.

On websites frequented by enthusiasts, comments are always more positive and outnumber those of others.

As for whether it's fake or a post made by someone else, that's another matter.

They conducted a careful analysis.

Finally, it was deemed impossible.

Looking at the posting time is a continuous behavior.

This is unlike the brief and concentrated hype that is common in the entertainment industry before the release of a work.

The posting and replying times clearly demonstrate this point.

Unless you always hire a large number of people to do it full-time.

But this is extremely expensive and pointless.

Therefore, Tang Wen's works have vitality and their popularity remains high.

The data is real.

The capitalists and executives of Coca-Cola and Pepsi nodded in agreement.

They believe that Tang Wen's influence truly far surpasses that of others.

It can enhance the brand image to some extent.

After all, in any country, writers and directors are representatives of high society and successful people.

If a young, handsome, and talented creative genius, a billionaire, doesn't reject carbonated drinks and even drinks them heartily in advertisements, what reason do ordinary people have not to drink them?
The company then collaborated with some scholars who have "particularly flexible bottom lines" to publish articles discussing the benefits of carbonated drinks, such as: providing inspiration, quickly replenishing energy, etc.

Hasn't this somewhat dispelled the "stigma" that carbonated drinks are unhealthy?

Many Americans, who have received a happy education from childhood, may believe these advertisements and therefore think that carbonated drinks are not a problem.

This idea was not formed because of Tang Wen.

The two companies have recently become keen on signing "sports stars" as spokespeople, which is also a way of conveying a health message to people.

As for the consumers' real health issues.

They naturally didn't care.

They'd sell their health for enough money.

Another half hour passed, and the "battle" between the two families was still not over.

It's not just because they value Tang literature.

It also lies in the promises made to them by Tang Wen and Olivia.

As previously agreed.

They are about to establish a foundation to promote women's shooting sports and safety training, and will collaborate with women's rights organizations.

The foundation's staff are rehired from retired FBI agents.

The representatives from the two cola companies were well-informed and understood the nature of the matter immediately after hearing the explanation.

A cost-effective project that earns you a good reputation!
The investment won't be too large, and it won't cost much in a year, because there are very few female shooting enthusiasts to begin with.

At the same time, it can connect with feminism and the FBI.

This will help avoid a lot of trouble in the future.

It also allows them to establish relationships with the Newsom and Brown families behind Olivia.

Who knows, one day we might get some tailor-made "preferential policies".

The money you spent will all come back!
Both sides' executives didn't want to miss this opportunity.

They made it clear that supporting Olivia's foundation and promoting social awareness of women's safety is an undeniable responsibility for the Coca-Cola Company!

Money is not an issue; please give them an opportunity to contribute to society.

Judging from the heated expressions on both sides...

Olivia secretly praised Tang Wen's wisdom; both families had indeed taken the bait.

She began by thanking both companies for their kindness.

Then, she changed the subject and hinted that she would prioritize cooperating with whichever company Tang Wen endorsed.

Ok!

In this way, the matter has deviated from the normal scope of "striving for endorsements".

It has turned into a profound and long-term struggle for interests!

Whoever gets Tang Wen will win big!

Then, Tang Wen's team doesn't need to explain his influence.

The two families started arguing amongst themselves.

Both sides offered their highest prices within their respective jurisdictions.

Coca-Cola offered $1600 million for a two-year contract.

Pepsi offered $1450 for a two-year contract. In the final year, they would still air Tang Wen's commercials, but no new commercials would be filmed, and the endorsement fee would be reduced accordingly.

The endorsement periods are all short, and the prices offered are very reasonable.

It's worth noting that Britney Spears, who has been a star for many years, only signed a contract worth tens of millions of dollars a couple of years ago.

In the end, the discussion reached a stalemate.

Everyone looked at Tang Wen.

At this point, executives at Coca-Cola and Pepsi already thought he was a kept man.

A sudden realization dawned on him: No wonder Tang was so successful in Hollywood, he had gotten close to two major California families!

what?
Is it based on talent and good looks?
Don't be ridiculous, Hollywood has no shortage of these two things!

Tang Wen: "Thank you for your sincere offers. We need to consider the specifics of how to proceed with the cooperation."

While both executives were disappointed, they also secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

At least they didn't choose the opposing team, right?
There's still a chance; just keep trying privately.

After seeing them off, the company team also left.

Only Tang Wen and the two women remained in the conference room.

Olivia glanced at Lin Zhiling and asked Tang Wen, "Which one are you planning to choose?"

The latter shrugged: "What do both of them want?"

The two women were surprised and spoke at the same time.

Olivia: "That's impossible!"

Lin Chih-ling: "That's unlikely, isn't it?"

The two sentences express almost the same meaning.

But the tone was completely different.

The former is ordinary, the latter is manipulative and pretentious.

Olivia's heart skipped a beat: This woman wasn't like this during the negotiations!
Damn bitch!
She would never be able to speak in that kind of "deadpan" tone.

However, men often love this kind of thing.

Tang Wen thought both of them were very good.

Two vehicles, one of which is a rugged military Hummer, capable of handling all kinds of harsh road conditions and weather.

The other is a comfortable and high-end coupe, equipped with a top-of-the-line sound system and luxurious interior; getting in is a pure pleasure.

Olivia, unaware of his thoughts, wanted to suppress Lin Chih-ling through serious business analysis:

"Both companies have exclusive agreements, and to my knowledge, they have never used the same spokesperson before! Let alone a brand ambassador!"

After she finished speaking, she looked at the latter.

Lin Chih-ling faced the computer, typed and searched, and after half a minute said, "No, there is someone who broke the tradition."

"Who?!" Olivia exclaimed in disbelief.

“Hong Kong, Xie Tingfeng. Tang’s friend.” Lin Zhiling countered her with facts.

"Really?"

"Little Xie," Tang Wen stroked his chin, remembering this matter.

Xie Tingfeng is indeed the only celebrity to have endorsed both major Coca-Cola brands.

It seems to be unique in the whole world.

Lin Chih-ling turned the laptop screen towards Olivia, who leaned over Tang Wen to look at the screen.

The weight on her chest became unbearable, turning her chest into the shape of a water droplet.

Tang Wen opened his arms and kindly lifted her up, but she gently pinched him.

Having confirmed the truth of the matter, Olivia felt much more confident:

"Since there's a precedent, I'm confident I can make them break that rule again!"

"That's wonderful!" Lin Zhiling smiled radiantly.

Olivia felt a sudden tightness in her chest. She pressed Tang Wen's hand and said meaningfully, "How about we go to the beach tonight?"

"Sure, let's go together," Tang Wen readily agreed.

Olivia: "..."

Lin Chih-ling: "Hmm, I wonder if Miss Brown would welcome me."

What could Olivia say?

I could only take a deep breath and nod silently.

Decide what to have for dinner.

Lin Chih-ling invited the people from Random House in.

"Tang, a remarkable hard science fiction novel has been born in your hands!"

"We are absolutely certain that this is a great, timeless work!"

The two looked very excited.

While waiting, they read the full text of "The Martian" and determined that it was a novel that would be a bestseller.

"Please make sure it's published by Random House!"

What they said was certainly pleasing.

Whether or not a collaboration will take place depends on royalties.

Random House has collaborated with Tang Wen multiple times, and they came with sincerity:

"15%, we'll give you the first print run, the highest royalty in the industry—15%!"

Once a certain sales target is reached, it will continue to increase!
At the same time, we will recommend your work to be listed on digital websites, and the electronic royalties will exceed 30%...

After saying that, the two stared at Tang Wen.

Hopefully, he will be moved by such a compelling offer and agree immediately.

However, they were disappointed.

Tang Wen didn't care much about the profits from writing books.

Unless a work on the scale of Harry Potter is written, the greater benefit of The Martian will come from the film adaptation.

Currently, making money through royalties is possible; for a bestselling book with millions of copies sold, one could earn millions of US dollars.

Unless the novel is priced high and sells more than several million copies, you won't make much money.

Tang Wen didn't care about this income.

However, we should still try to fight for it.

He agreed to cooperate, but the specific details would be discussed by the company's lawyers and business elites.

Finished talking about the business.

Olivia became interested in Tang Wen's new book.

I picked up my computer and started reading.

She has hardly read any science fiction books throughout her life.

But this is Tang Wen's work, so it's different.

I wonder if it's a case of loving the house because of its owner.

After watching for a while, she became engrossed in it.

Once in the car, she didn't let go of it and continued watching from the back seat.

She knew Tang Wen had reminded her that they were almost at her house.

She closed her laptop and exclaimed, "It's sure to top the bestseller list!"

Tang Wenyun smiled calmly.

Olivia said in surprise, "You really don't seem to care about the book's results."

She didn't understand why Tang Wen, despite being wealthy...

He doesn't focus on novels in his career.

However, writing such an excellent hard science fiction work must have taken a lot of effort.

After putting in so much effort, anyone, no matter how rich, would expect a good outcome.

Just like those tech industry bigwigs and upstarts who publish books.

Despite his considerable wealth, he actively promotes his books by creating various opportunities in different settings!

Tang Wen, however, did not seem to have such thoughts.

As a truly capable FBI director, Olivia grasped his true thoughts.

Tang Wen was surprised by her keen insight, but he didn't explain. He simply asked lightly, "That's right. Why don't you think about why?"

Olivia has been trying to understand him lately, and when she heard the question, a bunch of words flashed through her mind: writer, singer, director, producer, entrepreneur...

Now I'm starting a business in the United States, building an internet company.

She suddenly realized and said, "You're too busy."

Tang Wen nodded: "If I were to fly around like other writers, visiting major universities and vigorously promoting my novel, I'm confident I could quickly get it to the top of the bestseller list. Maybe in less than a week, but then what?"

Then you'll get millions of dollars.

"Then, Tang didn't have time to spend with us anymore," Lin Zhiling, who was driving, interjected.

"Because of this?"

“This is very important!” Tang Wen affirmed.

Olivia smiled, her eyes sparkling, and placed her hand on Tang Wen's shoulder: "You really are different."

American capitalists are all greedy.

Many people are unwilling to even waste time on women.

Even if a relationship were to occur, one's own feelings would be the primary consideration.

They only seek a few seconds of pleasure.

They don't care what women say about them behind their backs.

He devotes the vast majority of his energy to making money.

Tang Wen is indeed different.

Most people would be deterred by Olivia's two-meter height.

Only Tang Wen dared to attack, and he went straight to the target.

Olivia was very satisfied that evening.

They were placed side by side and had no temper at all.

The next day.

On a large bed measuring 2 meters by 2.2 meters.

The two women woke up one after the other.

Lin Chih-ling doesn't have the habit of sleeping at other people's houses.

But she was too exhausted last night and now she's too lazy to move.

She placed her hand on the opposite side, her body undulating dramatically: "You have a great figure."

“You’re not bad either. You don’t look your age at all.” Olivia didn’t hide the envy and displeasure in her tone.

She's older than Lin Chih-ling, how can she compete with her in the future?
There were only the two of them in the bedroom. Lin Zhiling's tone was still gentle and soft: "You have a strong sense of crisis."

"Shouldn't it be?" Olivia didn't have much romantic experience, but she understood men and human nature: "There will always be young girls, and men will always be fickle."

Lin Zhiling smiled and reached out to touch the red marks on her shoulder, but her hand was held down: "Let's make a bet. He likes new things but doesn't get tired of the old. As long as you don't leave on your own, he won't let go."

Olivia's eyes flickered as she released her hand, letting her palm continue to wander.

She was willing to believe that what Lin Chih-ling said was true, but she didn't dare to have too much hope.

"The sea-view villas here are nice; it seems he should buy one here too."

"Is it uncomfortable for me to stay here?"

"What if there are even more people? You'll feel uncomfortable."

Olivia did not deny it...

On the other hand, Tang Wen got up early in the morning to create.

I promised Wang Zuxian I'd write an album, so it's time to start.

Due to the impact of SARS in China, Wang Zuxian's workload was significantly reduced.

It's perfect timing to practice singing.

She has only average singing talent, and each new song requires a lot of practice time.

Blue Star Entertainment is currently paying to acquire songs in the music industry.

We will select the best of the best, choosing about five poems.

Tang Wen will not be solely responsible for her second album.

But she was at the height of her fame, her appearance fee was among the highest in the country, and her first album was a "divine album".

Tang Wen couldn't just watch the quality decline, so he decided to write five poems for her.

First, you need a Cantonese song.

Thinking this, Tang Wen got a little stuck.

The golden age of Hong Kong, and the golden age of Cantonese songs, was the 1980s and 90s.

After 2003, the number of classic songs declined sharply.

There are many good songs, but not many new songs have broken through the Cantonese-speaking world and become popular with the general public.

After thinking for a while, I wrote down three titles:

"The Boy Is Like You"

"The Virtuous Woman"

Falling Flowers and Flowing Water

The first song is by Xue Kaiqi.

It's not too difficult to sing, but it's not very popular either.

Having won the Hong Kong Cantonese Golden Melody Award, the quality of the songs is above average.

Tang Wen didn't have a deep impression of Xue Kaiqi, only knowing that she was born in 81 and had a strange title—"the last girl in Hong Kong".

I wonder what other people think of this title.

Tang Wen was simply surprised and had no idea what the other party was promoting.

And it's easy to attract negative attention.

"Fierce Woman" is the most popular song on Miriam Yeung's single album, and it has won many awards.

"Falling Flowers and Flowing Water" is one of Chen Yixun's representative works.

It's plain yet flavorful.

It has a strong Chen Yixun style.

I wonder if Wang Zuxian can sing it with her own feelings.

After thinking for a moment, he crossed out the first song.

The remaining two songs are pending.

Next up were Mandarin songs.

The first song is "Notes". Anyone who watched the 05 Super Girl competition will remember this song.

Many people only know that this song is Zhou Bichang's first single and representative work.

Little did they know, this was also the first song lyrics written by the famous lyricist "Tang Tian".

It was from this song that this famous female lyricist began her journey as a lyricist.

The popularity and classic status of "Notes" need no further explanation; it was later selected for textbooks edited by music publishers.

The second song is in Mandarin and is also a top-tier track.

From Lan You Shi – "Lonely Thoughts"

From a science fiction idol drama, KO One

Memories of youth for those born in the 80s and 90s.

When Love Comes Again

If you're not a fan of Tsai Chien-ya, you might not recognize the songs just by their titles.

But the song is of decent quality.

However, after a slight hesitation, Tang Wen deleted the lyrics and melody he had written.

The decision has been made to retain "The Heroine" and "Falling Flowers and Flowing Water".

The musical myth that "when Tang Wen makes a hit, it's guaranteed to be a blockbuster" must not be broken.

Looking back at these four songs, I'm generally satisfied.

After some thought, I added another layer of insurance for the fifth song.

'Hey, Jeremy, I'm sorry.'

Tang Wen typed the three characters "Coral Sea".

Wang Zuxian's first album included a duet song called "Clearly I Love You".

This second album isn't as good as the first, so I sang another duet with her as a way of supporting her.

Five songs are finished.

Tang Wen went to the company's recording studio again and recorded a demo.

Wang Zuxian is not a real musician.

It would be difficult for her to record it herself since she can't read sheet music.

Work done.

I talked to the women back home on the phone.

When calling Consort Jia.

She mentioned the "Super Girl phenomenon" that was currently very popular in China.

The theme song for "Super Girl", "Sing If You Want", sung by Liu Yifei, Wang Xinling, and Zhang Liangying, has been released.

Tang Wei directed the promotional video, which was repeatedly played on Jiangnan TV and Renren.com.

During promotion, the program team touted that participation was "unrestricted by age, region, or appearance."

The preliminary selection process is very simple.

The audition can be completed in just 30 seconds by singing a cappella.

After the publicity was released, the competition areas attracted more than 8 applicants.

The number of applicants reached several thousand on a single day; there are many girls with dreams!
After the preliminary audition program was recorded and broadcast, voting via SMS and Renren.com was opened.

Its popularity has swept the entire country!

Data from the telecommunications company shows that more than 10 people participated in the vote.

The telecommunications company and the television station were greatly surprised.

It's important to understand that at present, domestic audiences are not wealthy and don't have much spare money.

It was unexpected that so many people would spend real money on voting.

However, consider that the contestants are all ordinary people, classmates and friends of the audience.

Sending a few text messages and spending a few dollars to support him seems like the least I can do.

Alyssa Chia kept praising Tang Wen's idea, saying it would be a phenomenal talent show.

She was full of admiration and envy.

Tang Wen's heart skipped a beat, thinking of a "phenomenal" variety show from Taiwan Province.

"I have plenty of such ideas."

Consort Jia was skeptical; this kind of program was the first to have the greatest influence.

The audience and contestants have a preconceived notion, making it difficult for newcomers to compete.

"You do not believe?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Of course I believe you."

Sensing her insincerity, Tang Wen asked, "Do you have time recently?"

"Of course His Majesty is looking for me."

"Okay, when we meet, I'll give you a program idea."

"Really?" Jia Jingwen's beautiful eyes widened on the other end of the phone.

(End of this chapter)