After rebirth, I became a great master

Chapter 517 The Charm of Du Yuesheng
The rumors are highly unlikely to be true.

It's the same this time.

According to editor-in-chief Dong Lan, the reason why "Love Will Carry On" was not introduced to Hongxing TV was because Deputy Director Duan took a liking to the female lead of the drama, which led to the producer and director of the film going north.

Actually, that's not the case.

It's true that Deputy Director Duan wanted to invite the female lead to accompany him for drinks.

The producers and directors weren't the ones who were angry.

It was the female lead, Xu Jinglei.

She is no ordinary actress; she is the apple of the eye of the Beijing entertainment circle, with many friends and influential figures supporting her.

It was the pressure exerted by those behind the scenes that forced the team behind "Love Will Carry On" to go north and ultimately cooperate with Crown TV at a price 300 million yuan lower than that of Red Star TV.

The director of the series lamented, "This is a bourgeois romance film, not suitable for Crown TV. The average viewership was only 9%. If it had been broadcast on Red Star TV, the viewership would have doubled, and it would have been much more popular!"

Zhou Haoran asked, "Nobody would turn down money, right? Just giving up a 300 million yuan price difference like that?"

“They promised,” the director said in a low voice, “that they would support me in moving forward with the film.”

"Yes, I understand."

Zhou Haoran was unable to delve into any further details.

These days, the domestic film and television industry is dominated by the Beijing film circle.

Especially the film industry.

The most famous directors all waited for opportunities in the capital. Whether they were producers, directors, actors, or other industry professionals, anyone who could get close to the Beijing circle had a chance.

"Sigh! How did it end like this?" Dong Lan sighed after the show. "The harbor should have been the film and television center of the whole country!"

Zhou Haoran and a few others strolled through the streets of the capital, chatting as they walked, remarking, "Times have changed."

Dong Lan said, "Haigang is the birthplace of the domestic film and television industry! In the past, Haigang Drama Academy was the place that cultivated the most talents. The combined talents of Beijing Film Academy and Central Academy of Drama could not compare to those of Shanghai Theatre Academy. Now, it's completely reversed! Students from Beijing Film Academy and Central Academy of Drama have plenty of opportunities to make movies or TV series. Students from Shanghai Theatre Academy can only struggle to audition for theater troupes after graduation."

Zhou Haoran nodded. "The most well-known investors, directors, and big-name actors in the industry right now are all from the Beijing circle. That's what gives them power. Haigang is an outsider now, and even the students of Haigang Drama Academy have been affected."

"This is troublesome!"

Dong Lan was somewhat troubled, as the Beijing film and television circle now dominated the industry.

In terms of TV dramas, the Beijing-based network, backed by Crown TV and Capital TV, prioritizes providing them with good shows, leaving Red Star TV with virtually no chance.

The training of directors and actors goes without saying. Those with priority are either locals from the capital or graduates from other places who graduated from the Central Academy of Drama or the Beijing Film Academy; they are naturally part of the Beijing elite circle.

Without opportunities, directors and actors from other places have no room to showcase their talents or any chance to improve their abilities.

The gap will only widen.

The film and television industry has a large influence, but its overall size is small.

There's only so little meat.

No one wanted to share it with outsiders, so it all became internal consumption within the Beijing circle.

"There's no point in waiting for handouts from outsiders. The development of film and television in the harbor ultimately depends on the harbor itself!"

Tang Shiyi's cool voice came through.

Zhou Haoran nodded. "Yes, we should first cultivate some local directors and actors from the port. Once they succeed and gain industry status, they will mentor more fellow villagers and junior students from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, which will gradually form a regional faction that can rival each other."

“That’s all for the future. I’m just afraid…” Dong Lan became increasingly worried. “We might not be able to secure this Hai Yan drama! Hai Yan dramas have already been abandoned by the Beijing film circle. His last drama, ‘A Romantic Affair,’ was a huge success in collaboration with Red Star TV. Now, it seems like he’s going to be recruited back.”

"Double the copyright fees, double the screenwriting fees, let's see if we can snatch them away!"

Zhou Haoran will no longer participate.

Dong Lan and Tang Shiyi were to go and talk to Hai Yan.

Zhou Haoran was invited to Zhang Chaoyang's company.

It's a complete shoddy operation.

Most of them are part-time students who start businesses by relying on cheap college student labor.

Even so, Zhang Chaoyang has become the undisputed number one figure in the Chinese internet industry.

It also attracted the attention of foreigners.

"Sir, there's something I'd like to ask you!"

Zhang Chaoyang was very humble.

Zhou Haoran chuckled and said, "You're so successful outside, and you still need to ask me for advice?"

Zhang Chaoyang didn't mince words, saying, "Even Bill Gates has to consult you, so what am I!"

Zhou Haoran said, "Your company is doing quite well. You've chosen the right path by imitating Yahoo's portal website."

"That's it!"

Zhang Chaoyang seemed to have revealed some major secret, and invited him to his office.

"what's up?"

Zhou Haoran thought that Old Zhang really knew how to enjoy life. The workplaces of the employees outside were as simple as they could be, but his office was decorated very comfortably.

Large executive chairs, large sofas, large desks, bright and clean windows—it's quite impressive.

Zhang Chaoyang sat next to him, his eyes burning with intensity. "Yahoo is now the world's largest internet company!"

Zhou Haoran said "hmm".

He had also previously bought Yahoo stock. He'd glanced at it during a trip to the US and wow! The price increase was phenomenal. He'd invested a total of $1.5 million in Yahoo stock, leveraging it double, and now that stock was worth $21 million. "The number of internet users in China has exceeded one million, and the government is actively building infrastructure in this area. Yahoo's founders are of Chinese descent, and they value the Chinese market highly."

Zhang Chaoyang spoke mysteriously, as if he were talking about something extraordinary.

Zhou Haoran asked, somewhat puzzled, "What's wrong? The rise of a great power is perfectly normal."

Zhang Chaoyang gritted his teeth and said, "Yahoo wants to acquire Sohu."

"Ok?"

Zhou Haoran raised his eyebrows.

Zhang Chaoyang said, "Sohu's portal website was originally modeled after Yahoo, and the results were quite good. Moreover... I also have some reputation in China. Yahoo wants to quickly enter the Chinese market through mergers and acquisitions."

Zhou Haoran smirked, "You want me to be the president of Yahoo! China?"

"Yes." Zhang Chaoyang nodded. "Can you help me analyze whether this is a reliable plan?"

"Unreliable."

Zhou Haoran did not hesitate.

"Huh?" Zhang Chaoyang was still somewhat reluctant. "Yahoo is asking for $800 million!"

Zhou Haoran nodded. "It's a lot of money."

"Sigh!" Zhang Chaoyang sighed, "I'm considering it too!"

Zhou Haoran glanced at him. "Does this even need to be considered? Old Zhang, don't forget what made you so famous in China."

"Ok?"

Zhang Chaoyang was stunned for a moment.

Zhou Haoran said calmly, "It's your patriotism that led you to give up the generous treatment in the United States, have a PhD from MIT, leave the US, and return to China to start a business! Do you think the widespread media coverage across the country is just because of your personal charm?"

"Uh……"

Zhang Chaoyang fell silent.

Zhou Haoran said in a deep voice: "Behind this is official encouragement; the country is intentionally supporting you!"

"indeed."

Zhang Chaoyang has indeed received many invitations and assistance from official institutions during this period.

Zhou Haoran said, "You have achieved what you have today because you returned to China from overseas and served your country, which is why you have become an idol in the hearts of young people. If you had accepted Yahoo's proposal and sold Sohu to Yahoo, wouldn't that have been siding with the Americans?"

“I’ve also considered this,” Zhang Chaoyang said, unwilling to become a worker instead of a boss. “But Yahoo has also said that if I don’t sell, Yahoo will directly enter the market. At that time, the two sides will compete head-on, and Sohu may very well be doomed.”

Zhou Haoran couldn't help but chuckle, "You don't even have this much courage?"

"That's Yahoo!"

Zhang Chaoyang looked very serious.

Zhou Haoran scoffed, "Yahoo is nothing special!"

"You..." Zhang Chaoyang started to say, but then stopped himself. "You're a big shot, of course you're not afraid. Even Bill Gates has to consult you. But I'm not. How can a small company like Sohu compete with the international behemoth Yahoo?"

Zhou Haoran said casually, "There's no need to worry. Yahoo wants to come to China, and such a big decision can't be made overnight. Besides, we still have me, don't we?"

"Great!"

This is exactly what Zhang Chaoyang was waiting for.

Zhou Haoran chuckled. "So, what do you need my help with this time? Your Sohu Mail is doing pretty well now, isn't it? It's the most popular email product in the country, right?"

“Yes, it’s all thanks to your help.” Zhang Chaoyang glanced at him cautiously. “Sohu is a bit short on funds right now. Do you think you could…”

"Tell me, how much is it?"

Zhou Haoran interrupted him before he could finish speaking.

Zhang Chaoyang was greatly surprised by his straightforwardness. After hesitating for a moment, he decided to ask for an exorbitant amount: "500 million!"

"Hmm?" Zhou Haoran looked at him. "US dollars?"

"No, no, it's Chinese Yuan!"

Zhang Chaoyang's expression changed.

Zhou Haoran chuckled and asked, "Debt or equity?"

Zhang Chaoyang was a little embarrassed. "Mr. Da, the strategy of internet companies is all equity financing. We are all asset-light, without collateral, and we don't borrow money."

“Okay, I’ll do it your way!” Zhou Haoran waved his hand, stood up and was about to leave. “Just come find me at the Red Mansion Teahouse once you’ve drafted the contract.”

"Huh?" Zhang Chaoyang was taken aback. "Sir, let's review the financing terms first..."

"No need."

"Ok?"

"You can name any terms you like, it's up to you! Any amount is fine, whatever you want!"

Zhou Haoran patted his behind and left.

Zhang Chaoyang saw him off.

stunned.

Is this the style of a great man?

No one asks for details?
As expected of a great man from Huangpu Beach, his air of江湖 (jianghu, the world of martial arts and chivalry) is just like the legendary Du Yuesheng, the boss of Huangpu Beach!
(End of this chapter)