Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 150 Self-rescue
Inside the Xinbaoyuan Company office, the air was thick with smoke. Zhao Baogang, a cigarette between his fingers, waited for Zhuang Liqi's message while chatting absentmindedly with Wang Jinghua.

Wang Ying leaned back on the sofa, her legs crossed, a half-smoked cigarette in her hand slowly rising into the air, occasionally interjecting with a comment.

The ashtray on the coffee table in front of them was already piled with cigarette butts, and the whole office was filled with a faint smell of tobacco, indicating that they had been waiting for quite some time.

Suddenly, the phone rang. Wang Jinghua quickly answered it. Zhao Baogang and Wang Ying stopped talking and even stopped smoking, afraid of disturbing the call.

"President Zhuang! ...What, you want to invest too! Okay, I'll talk to Director Zhao about it."

Although Zhao Baogang didn't know exactly what Zhuang Liqi said, he could easily deduce from Wang Jinghua's increasingly furrowed brows and the few words revealed in her responses that things weren't going smoothly and that Tengda Culture clearly didn't want to sell the copyright to "Struggle" easily.

After hanging up the phone, Wang Jinghua looked at the two of them and sighed, "Things have changed a bit!"

Zhao Baogang quickly stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, sat up straight, and asked thoughtfully, "What's Tengda's explanation?"

"The situation is a bit complicated. The copyright of 'Struggle' is not held by Tengda Culture," Wang Jinghua explained, recounting the ins and outs of the copyright.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Baogang and Wang Ying exchanged bewildered glances. How could things be so complicated? "So, Tengda wants to invest, and they want the lion's share!"

Wang Jinghua nodded: "According to Zhuang Liqi, this is the idea of ​​that young master from Tengda. There is no room for negotiation. If we are willing to cooperate, we can take a share and get 30%. If not, they can make the film themselves."

Zhao Baogang gave a wry smile. Good scripts are few and far between, and he didn't want to give up on "Struggle." "Sigh, they have the copyright and the ability to film it themselves. We don't have the right to bargain. Tengda is already being very generous by being willing to play along with us."

"If Director Zhao has no objections, we can discuss the specific details of the cooperation in person at Tengda."

For Wong Jing-hua, as long as "Struggle" can be filmed, it doesn't matter who invests. Tengda Culture doesn't have many artists, and this drama won't take up many slots, so she can arrange more roles for them.

Seeing his old friend's unwilling expression, Wang Ying reached out and patted him on the shoulder to comfort him, saying, "Old Zhao, every cloud has a silver lining. Although we can't get the copyright, it's still a gain to get in touch with Tengda. Maybe we can ask them for investment in future projects."

"Yes, Tengda is now powerful and wealthy, with both film and television flourishing. The movie 'So Young,' which is currently showing, is a small production with a budget of 10 million yuan, and its box office is expected to exceed 100 million yuan."

It caused quite a stir in the industry, with many companies envious and eager to cooperate with Tengda, but unfortunately, Tengda might not even be interested. Wang Jinghua strongly agreed with Wang Ying's words. She has always advocated for win-win cooperation, believing that having more friends in the industry opens up more opportunities, which is why she has been able to thrive.

Since things had come to this point, there was no point in saying more. Zhao Baogang immediately made a decision: "There's no time like the present. Let's strike while the iron is hot and go to Tengda Culture to settle things today to avoid any further complications."

After finishing the last puff of his cigarette, Wang Ying stubbed it out and stood up, saying, "Let's go then. It's a good opportunity to take a look. Tengda also has a technologically advanced special effects company, which is a rare find in China. It'll be good for us to see it."

"Tengda even does its own special effects?" Wang Jinghua asked incredulously. Special effects require a huge investment, so it seems that Tengda Culture's strength is even greater than outsiders imagine.

"Yes, Tiangong Special Effects, although there is still a gap in technology compared with Europe and the United States, it is already at the top level in China."

A barely perceptible hint of regret flashed in Wang Jinghua's eyes. Back then, when she left Huayi Brothers, a friend from Beijing Film Studio suggested she go to Tengda Culture, saying he could help with introductions.

Unfortunately, Tengda was not well-known at the time and was not on her radar. She ended up going to Chentian Entertainment. Little did she know that in less than two years, Tengda Culture would have undergone tremendous changes.

Chen Tian's boss, Wu Kebo, looks down on the artists under his management. He is determined to use the opportunity of filming "Struggle" to get in touch with Tengda.

Time flies like an arrow. At the end of October, Tengda Culture and Xinbaoyuan Film & Television reached a cooperation agreement to jointly invest in the production of "Struggle".

In early November, "So Young" concluded its run after a month of release, grossing a total of 1.17 million yuan and essentially securing a place among the top three highest-grossing domestic films of 2006.

In mid-November, Liu Shishi went to Hengdian to report to the crew of "Strange Tales of Liaozhai".

Autumn's gentleness has quietly faded away, and winter has made a powerful entrance with its biting winds and pristine white snow.

Before we knew it, the wheels of time were spinning rapidly, and in the blink of an eye, it was mid-December, and 2006 was about to come to an end.

On a quiet winter afternoon, Cai Yinong, carrying a carefully selected bouquet of flowers, went to visit Hu Ge at her home.

Hu Ge smiled and invited Cai Yinong into her home. Although her smile was somewhat forced, she still felt warm at her boss's arrival.

Cai Yinong looked at Hu Ge's once sunny and handsome face, now covered with fine stitches, like scars left by time, and sighed.

A faint smell of disinfectant filled Hu Ge's home. Looking around, Cai Yinong noticed that the walls and windowsills were covered with all kinds of colorful origami cranes, each carrying the blessings of fans for Hu Ge.

Many postcards were scattered on the living room table. Cai Yining picked up a few and looked through them. They were filled with heartfelt words from fans.

"Hu Ge, wishing you a speedy recovery and that your smile will return to its radiant state."

"Li Xiaoyao, you need to get better soon!"

As Hu Ge handed the tea to Cai Yinong, she said with emotion, "These were all sent to me by my fans. I am really touched. Everyone's blessings have dispelled the gloom in my heart and given me endless strength."

Cai Yinong took the teacup and sat down on the sofa with Hu Ge, asking with concern, "How have you been lately?"

"I can eat, drink, walk, and move around. After a period of recuperation, I will go to South Korea for epidermal repair surgery after the New Year." Hu Ge spoke with optimism and composure. His attending physician told him that although there would definitely be traces on his face, they would be barely noticeable after makeup, and he could still continue his acting career.

Cai Yinong took a sip of warm tea: "Has Xue Jianing come to see you recently?"

Speaking of this person, Cai Yinong was furious. When the company's top male star got into trouble, the other party claimed to be Hu Ge's girlfriend trying to gain attention. If it weren't for the fact that Tangren Film and Television was full of things and he didn't have the energy to deal with her, he really wanted to have a serious talk with her online. How much effort did you spend caring for and looking after your boyfriend who was in a car accident?

Hu Ge seemed a little downcast, and said self-deprecatingly, "Jia Ning came to see me once. Lao Yuan has had a tough time these past few days." She added that her good brother had stayed by her side through her car accident, taking meticulous care of her, and she would remember this kindness for the rest of her life. "I don't want to get involved in your affairs, and I don't have the energy to interfere, but I'll say it again: celebrities should be careful when they date."

Hu Ge had been busy serving tea and water and hadn't noticed Cai Yinong's face. Now that the two of them sat down on the sofa, she took a closer look and was shocked.

Cai Yinong's once full face had become much thinner than it had been three months ago. Her eyes were dull and lifeless, filled with fatigue and emptiness, showing an extremely haggard and sickly appearance, making people clearly feel her helplessness and despair.

Thinking about what Li Guoli had told her on the phone yesterday, Hu Ge sensed from the female boss's demeanor that Tangren Film and Television's current business situation seemed to be worse than she had imagined.

Hesitantly, she asked, "Sister K, Director Li told me yesterday that the company is on the verge of collapse. Is that true?"

Cai Yinong closed his eyes, nodded with difficulty, and said weakly, "After your car accident, the company's artist management business was almost interrupted, and we also lost a lot of money to the brands."

Although production of "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" has been halted, basic expenses such as venue and labor costs are still being incurred. Moreover, the investor, Tengda Culture, is withdrawing its investment and has sued us for compensation. "Young Warriors of the Yang Clan," which the company had high hopes for, has been blocked and cannot be broadcast.

Two consecutive productions have resulted in huge financial losses, draining the company's entire cash flow. The currently filming project, "Strange Tales of Liaozhai," also has a substantial investment, but it won't recoup its costs in the short term.

As if things weren't going to go wrong, after Cai Yinong's brief explanation, Hu Ge immediately understood the company's predicament. Tangren Media used to produce only one film a year, resulting in very low cash flow efficiency. Now, with two consecutive films suffering huge losses, it's as if the company has been working for free for two years, and they might not even be able to pay their employees' basic salaries soon.

"Sister K, what do you want me to do today?" Hu Ge felt guilty, as it was all her fault that the company was in this situation.

"Tangren needs funds to get through this crisis, but given the company's current operating situation, even if I mortgage the company's real estate, there will still be a shortfall. After discussing it with Director Li, we decided to raise funds!"

Hu Ge exclaimed in disbelief, "Sister K, you want to raise funds?" He knew that Cai Yinong had always been strongly opposed to raising funds, otherwise Tangren would not have come to this point. If the company was facing internal and external troubles, raising funds at this time would be tantamount to being ripped off.

"It's internal financing, with employees subscribing to shares! Rather than letting outsiders benefit, I still hope that the company's internal employees can subscribe to a portion of the shares to help Tangren get through this crisis."

Hu Ge understood what her boss meant. Sister K definitely wanted her to take the lead in subscribing to a portion of the shares. She was the trigger for Tangren's crisis and the company's top executive. Sister K had stayed by her side during her most difficult time, so it was only right and proper for her to do her part and take the lead in subscribing to a portion of the shares to relieve the company's urgent crisis.

Gritting her teeth, Hu Ge cautiously asked, "Sister K, what's the company's valuation?"

Cai Yi-nong gave a very reasonable estimate: "80 million for internal employees."

Hu Ge breathed a sigh of relief; he was worried that Tangren Media's valuation was too high and he wouldn't be able to afford the shares.

I've only been in the industry for three years. Although I've earned some money, after contributing some to support my family and buying a house, I don't have much left. And I'm about to have corrective surgery abroad, which will cost a lot more.

Tangren Media's valuation of 80 million is already very low. No matter how badly the company is doing, the real estate of its Donghai headquarters and Hengdian Xiaobailou and Tangren Pavilion is still very valuable.

"Sister K, I'd like to subscribe for 2%."

Cai Yinong nodded in satisfaction. She knew exactly how much income Hu Ge had. Acknowledging 2% of the shares, 160 million was already his limit. True friendship is revealed in times of trouble. It was worth supporting him all along. At this critical moment, he still showed the responsibility of a top leader.

With Hu Ge taking the lead, it became easier for her to persuade the others. She informed everyone in the company about the financing plan, but three days passed and no one came to see her, which greatly disappointed her. That's when she had no choice but to approach Hu Ge.

After exchanging pleasantries for a few more days, Cai Yinong got up to take his leave. Before leaving, he told Hu Ge, "Take good care of your injury. I will handle the company's affairs. The entire crew of 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes' is waiting for your triumphant return."

Hu Ge saw Cai Yinong off at the door, and sighed helplessly as he watched her desolate figure. He knew in his heart that K-sister's financing must not be going smoothly. After all, the company was half dead and could be liquidated at any time. Although the headquarters and Hengdian branch real estate were valuable, they could not be sold for money.

The employees aren't stupid; they wouldn't dare subscribe to company shares at this time. Their 160 million yuan was considered a way to repay Sister K's kindness in recognizing their talent.

Three days have passed since Cai Yi-nong visited Hu Ge, and the results of Tangren's internal employee fundraising for shares are far from ideal. Even with Cai Yi-nong taking the lead, most employees are still not optimistic about Tangren's future.

They managed to raise another two million, but this was far from enough to solve the company's predicament. Cai Yinong then rushed to Hengdian to discuss solutions with Li Guoli.

In the Tangren Xiaobailou office in Hengdian, Cai Yinong was deep in thought, wondering whether she should take a gamble and mortgage her house to try her luck. After all, she was still young, and if things went bankrupt, she could start over.

Knock, knock, knock. Liu Shishi knocked on the door and entered.

Cai Yinong looked up and sized up the girl. She was wearing a snow-white down jacket, had her hair tied in a high ponytail, and had a beautiful face and was full of energy.

She forced a smile: "How have you been on set lately, Shishi?"

After sitting down, Liu Shishi smiled and said, "I'm fine, Sister K. I heard you came to Hengdian, so I came to see you. After the storm comes the rainbow. Sister K, you don't need to be too anxious. The company will get better."

A hint of relief appeared in Cai Yinong's eyes: "Just focus on your acting. You don't need to worry about the company's affairs; I'll handle it."

"Sister K, doesn't the company have an employee stock ownership plan? I'd like to subscribe to a portion of it," Liu Shishi said, revealing her intentions.

Cai Yinong shook his head and refused: "I appreciate your kindness, but you've only been working for a short time and how much money could you possibly have? Right now, if you play Xin Shisi Niang well, that will be the biggest help to the company."

Liu Shishi smiled mysteriously and said something surprising: "Sister K, I have money. I'll invest 2400 million to buy 30% of the company's shares."

Upon hearing this, Cai Yinong's eyes widened in shock. "How much? 2400 million! Where did you get so much money?"

Before the female boss could react, Liu Shishi dropped another bombshell: "Sister K, I can use my connections to get Tengda Culture to temporarily withdraw the lawsuit and give the company a longer grace period. With this money from the financing, the company can get through this crisis."

(End of this chapter)