Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 165 Want to Get Married

Two weeks have passed since the strategic investment negotiations began on August 1st.

After completing their financial audit of Tengda Group, the three institutions formally signed an equity investment agreement and announced it to the public.

The four parties ultimately agreed that Tenda Group's pre-investment valuation was US$90 billion, with ICBC Capital leading the investment with US$2.7 million, followed by BOC Capital and Peking University Investment Fund with US$1.08 million and US$7200 million respectively, for a total investment of US$4.5 million.

The first round of financing accounted for 5% of the total share capital. After this financing, the shareholding structure of Tengda Group changed as follows:

Song Dynasty poetry: 28.5%
Shanhai Capital: 28.5%
Sino-Singaporean Investment: 23.75%
Zhang Yong: 2.85%
Wang Jing: 1.9%
ICBC Capital: 3%
BOC Capital: 1.2%
Peking University Investment Fund: 0.8%
Employee stock option pool: 9.5%
At the same time, the board of directors of Tengda Group was established, with Song Ci as chairman of the board, Zhang Yong as CEO, and Wang Jing as COO.

The board of directors has a total of 7 seats, of which 5 are from the group's management, and ICBC Capital and BOC Capital each hold one seat, with their representatives serving as directors of the group.

After the board of directors was formed, although Song Ci did not implement A/B shares in this financing, he still held 90% of the voting rights of the group and had absolute control over the company. With the cooperation of Zhang Yong and Wang Jing, he firmly controlled Tengda.

"It's finally over. I've been so busy lately. I didn't even have time to see Shishi off at the airport today!"

In the office, Song Ci slumped on the sofa, looking exhausted.

Although Zhang Yong and Wang Jing also looked tired, their eyes were bright and their spirits were high. After all, after completing the first round of financing, the shares they held were worth more than a billion yuan. Anyone who became a billionaire would be excited.

Seeing the chairman in such a relaxed state, Zhang Zhao couldn't help but smile, and then asked for instructions:

"Of this $4.5 million, 30% of the initial payment will arrive gradually before the end of the year. Mr. Song, how do you plan to spend this money?"

Without hesitation, Song Ci replied, "Let's stick to the original plan. Part of the funds will be used for the launch and promotion of Weibo next year, and the cloud computing and artificial intelligence research center can also begin preparations."

With money in the account, he could finally officially start building the three research centers he had been longing for.

"Then please, Mr. Song, decide on the person in charge of Weibo as soon as possible," Wang Jing asked, seizing the opportunity. She was in charge of human resources, and the head of the group's fifth subsidiary was still undecided.

"Jing, do you have any recommendations?"

"If we don't recruit from outside and instead select the best candidates from within the group, there are two main candidates: Liu Yan, the director of the office, and Jiang Yuwei, the vice president of Toutiao.com."

"Liu Yan, is she capable?" Song Ci asked doubtfully.

Weibo is Tengda Group's most important project going forward. Jiang Yuwei, who is Yang Junfeng's deputy, has been in charge of the actual operation of Toutiao.com and has extensive experience in handling internet information sharing and communication.

As the director of the group's office, Liu Yan had never worked in a front-line business department, so he had serious doubts about Liu Yan's business capabilities.

Wang Jing fairly introduced, "Although Director Liu is a woman, she is very capable."

She graduated from the Journalism Department of Aurora University and later pursued a Master's degree in Media Studies at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States; her major is absolutely relevant to her studies.

"This!" Song Ci hesitated slightly, still leaning towards the more experienced Jiang Yuwei, but she couldn't arbitrarily deny Liu Yan's abilities.

"Here's what we'll do: have them submit a Weibo development plan within a week, and I'll make a decision after I've reviewed it."

"Ok."

"Old Zhang, pass the notice down and tell all departments to prepare. A week from now, on August 7th, the day of the Beginning of Autumn, we will hold the group's mid-year work meeting. I want to review the development results of each business department's products on the mobile end, and I will go through them one by one."

The mid-year work summary meeting was originally scheduled for July, but it has been delayed until now due to the investment by three institutions.

"I'll have the office set up right away."

"Let's arrange a few things like this for now. Lao Zhang and Jing Jie, you should also take a break. You've been busy for so long, you need to relax and balance work and rest."

Especially you, Lao Zhang, you're taking the kids on a summer vacation, and you'll be back for a meeting in a week. Work is important, but family can't be neglected. I'm planning to visit Shishi in Hengdian after this busy period.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yong laughed and said, "My family is fine. My child is taking extra classes these days. I was originally planning to take him to Sanya for a trip to see the sea during the latter part of the month when I would take my annual leave."

But Ms. Wang has been incredibly busy lately, practically living at the company every day, and her boyfriend is extremely worried.

The chairman might not have been aware of the situation while he was in school, but he met with Wang Jing almost every few days and knew that his good partner had a boyfriend.

Upon hearing this, Song Ci exclaimed in surprise, "Sister Jing has a boyfriend?"

The usually calm and composed Wang Jing rarely showed a hint of shyness, and teased, "Boss Song, what's wrong? Are you allowed to show affection with Shishi every day, but I can't have a boyfriend?"

"I'm so happy you have a boyfriend!" Song Ci thought to herself, Wang Jing was born in 78, the Year of the Horse, and is 29 years old this year. It's time for her to settle down.

She sat up slightly and couldn't help but ask out of curiosity, "How did you two meet? Where is the man from? What does he do for a living?"

Normally, it's the subordinates who gossip about her and Miss Liu, so it's rare for Song Ci to be so gossipy today.

After hearing the three questions in a row, Zhang Yong burst into laughter: "President Song, are you checking my household registration?"

Wang Jing rolled her eyes, but still introduced him frankly: "I met him through a relative during the Spring Festival. He's a local from Beiping and a surgeon who works at Peking University First Hospital."

"He's in the same line of work as my dad!"

"They're still far from being as good as Director Song!"

Wang Jing knew that Song Ci's father was a Yangtze River Scholar and a renowned surgeon at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Compared to him, her boyfriend was just a young, inexperienced junior.

"The future looks promising! Doctors are in high demand as they get older. Jingjie, you should arrange to meet them sometime, and I'll treat you both to dinner."

"Let's skip the meal. I'm afraid it will damage my boyfriend's confidence. Your face... tsk tsk, it's better not to see you."

Wang Jing stared at Song Ci for a few moments. The boss's face was not only extremely attractive to women, but also to men. Any man standing next to him who was not of strong will would be completely crushed.

"Sister Jing, why are you looking at me like that?" Song Ci felt a little uncomfortable being stared at by Wang Jing.

Wang Jing laughed and said, "It's nothing. I just noticed that you're even more handsome than you were a few years ago. Among the people I know, I feel that only Leonardo DiCaprio, the male lead of Titanic, can rival your looks."

However, your face has a distinctly Eastern charm, a completely different style from Leonardo DiCaprio's, but a perfect match for Shi Shi's gentle and intellectual气质.

When she first met Song Ci, the boss was only fifteen or sixteen years old. Although he was handsome, he was still a bit naive.

Now, several years later, Mr. Song has graduated from university and is in his prime. His face has fully matured, and his gentle, scholarly air has been tinged with a touch of maturity, making him even more attractive than he was a few years ago.

Zhang Yong nodded in agreement. He usually didn't like sitting with Song Ci during meetings. Being close to the refined and handsome chairman made him look old and ugly.

Upon hearing Wang Jing praise his good looks, Song Ci jokingly said in a self-absorbed tone, "Don't you dare try anything with me, I'm already taken!"

"Pah, so vain!" Wang Jing turned her slightly flushed cheek and spat. "Just kidding, if we don't meet, we don't have to. Anyway, I've prepared the wedding gift money and am just waiting for you to send out the invitations."

"Absolutely. You, Mr. Song, are worth hundreds of billions. I won't accept a small red envelope."

"I will definitely give a generous gift!" Song Ci nodded and promised.

As the first veteran who followed him in starting the business, Wang Jing's wedding was a major life event that he was bound to celebrate with a generous gift.

After chatting for a few minutes, Song Ci raised his hand to look at the Longines watch on his wrist. It was the one Liu Shishi gave him on his first Valentine's Day. It was already past ten in the morning, so Miss Liu must have already arrived at Tangren Film and Television.

He took out his phone, preparing to call his girlfriend, and said, "Old Zhang, Sister Jing, you two go ahead and get busy. We'll discuss other matters at next week's meeting."

Seeing the chairman take out his phone, the two men tactfully got up and left.

"Hey, Shishi, have you arrived at Tangren Media yet?"

Zhang Yong casually closed the door, and as he heard Song Ci's words of concern for Liu Shishi, he smiled at Wang Jing beside him and said:
"When does Mr. Wang plan to hold his wedding? I'll prepare my gift in advance!"

Wang Jing was slightly taken aback, then smiled and replied, "It's still early. We're still getting to know each other. Marriage is a big deal, how can we be so hasty?"

"Then Mr. Wang, you'd better hurry up, don't fall behind Mr. Song."

Upon hearing this, Wang Jing glanced subconsciously at the closed door and said uncertainly, "Our CEO Song is still so young, he shouldn't be getting married so early, right?"

She felt that even if Song Ci and Liu Shishi had a good relationship, they shouldn't have gotten married so early, since the boss was only 20 years old, which was below the legal marriage age.

Zhang Yong smiled mysteriously: "How about we make a bet on when President Song will get married?"

Wang Jing looked at Zhang Yong suspiciously and shook her head: "I won't bet with you. You must have some inside information that you're trying to fool me with! Did President Song tell you that he's getting married?"

Zhang Yong didn't hide anything, saying frankly, "He didn't tell me that. It was just that a few days ago during the financing, President Song mentioned that he wanted to transfer a few percentage points of shares to Liu Shishi as a bride price. When the chairman starts considering the bride price, I understand that he has thoughts of getting married."

"President Song is going to give Liu Shishi shares!" Wang Jing was taken aback, and then a feeling of jealousy arose. The boss was too good to his childhood sweetheart. Tengda Group is now valued at 9 billion US dollars, and 1% of the shares is 90 million US dollars, which is close to 700 million yuan.

"Liu Shishi is so lucky to have met a man like President Song since she was a child," Wang Jing sighed. She thought to herself that she wasn't so fortunate; she'd better just stick to working for Boss Song!
Zhang Yong nodded in agreement. He also thought that made sense. If it weren't for their childhood friendship, Liu Shishi and the chairman would be from two completely different worlds. But love is so irrational; it has nothing to do with status, position, or wealth, only mutual consent.

As Zhang Yong and Wang Jing were filled with emotion, Liu Shishi's phone suddenly rang in the president's office of Donghai Tangren Film and Television. She glanced at the caller ID and immediately answered.

She said in utmost gentleness, "Honey! I've arrived at the company and am having a meeting with Sister K and the others! Okay, I'll contact you again tonight."

After hanging up the phone, Liu Shishi noticed that Cai Yinong, Hu Ge, and Yuan Hong were all staring at her intently. She asked, puzzled, "What's wrong?"

Yuan Hong gave a thumbs up and teased, "Is this still the Liu Shishi I know? You were speaking so gently just now!"

Liu Shishi is always dashing and heroic on set, especially when she laughs, which is a hearty and unrestrained laugh. The gentle and tender feeling she just showed is a rare sight.

Cai Yinong sighed helplessly. She had already figured it out. Tangren's third leading lady was a hopeless romantic.

The way Liu Shishi looked so gentle and happy when she received the phone call was no different from a silly girl who had fallen in love and would do anything for love.

"Was that your boyfriend calling?"

Liu Shishi nodded: "Yes, Sister K!"

Since everyone in front of her knew she had a boyfriend, she didn't bother to hide it and answered the phone with composure.

"Is he the one who said, 'Of the three thousand things in this world, I love three'?" Hu Ge asked curiously.

It's always been said that Liu Shishi's boyfriend is a rich second-generation who spends money like water. He doesn't seem like the kind of person who can say such poetic words. Could it be that the person on the other end of the phone just now was someone else?

"Yes!" Recalling those flirtatious words, Liu Shishi couldn't help but smile happily.

Cai Yinong sighed, rubbing his forehead. "It's hopeless. My idol has not only changed her QQ signature to this sentence these past few days, but she's also been promoting it extensively on Baidu Tieba and in fan groups."

This has led fans to speculate whether Ms. Liu is in a relationship. However, it must be admitted that these words are a sure hit with a young girl like Liu Shishi!

Hu Ge turned her head slightly and sighed, "I really want to meet him! To see what kind of person has captured the heart of our Tangren's number one female star."

"Maybe when the opportunity arises," Liu Shishi said with a grin. She had previously wanted to introduce Mr. Song to Sister K and Lao Hu, but now she thought it would be quite interesting to let them uncover the truth themselves.

Cai Yinong had already let his relationship with Liu Shishi run its course. He coughed lightly and said, "Alright, let's get back to business."

Lin Yichen's schedule has been arranged; she'll be in Hengdian the day after tomorrow. "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" has been delayed for a year, so we have to work overtime to catch up. You guys might have a tough time during this period, so please be prepared.

"Don't worry, Sister K. It's my fault for dragging everyone down."

Yuan Hong patted her good friend on the shoulder and comforted him, "It's all in the past, let's look forward."

He discovered that although Hu Ge had recovered from her injuries, her mindset had changed. The once spirited superstar was gone; she had become timid and insecure.

Cai Yinong also knew that Hu Ge had psychological problems, but time was tight and Tangren could not afford to delay. They had to finish "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" as soon as possible, so Hu Ge had to adjust his mindset during filming.

"Sister K!" Liu Shishi called softly.

"what happened?"

"Could you arrange for me to film first? Tengda Culture has a movie coming out at the end of the year, a female-centric movie, and I'd like to try to get it, so the schedules can't conflict."

"A movie, and a female-centric movie at that!"

Cai Yi Nong's eyes lit up. The top male star was in trouble and just needed the top female star to step up. As if she was about to fall asleep, someone offered her a pillow. In her opinion, with Liu Shishi's connections in Tengda, she had a very good chance of winning over the female lead.

When does Tengda Culture plan to hold public auditions?

"Mid-October."

“Then filming will officially start at least in November, which is three months, enough time for you to finish filming Mu Nianci’s scenes.”

Cai Yinong calculated the timeline and found that the schedule was fine. If he could secure the rights to this film, Liu Shishi would have four films released next year, which would be a great start for her.

Cai Yinong said firmly and decisively, "We must secure this movie. I'll go with you to the audition. You also need to make arrangements with Shishi beforehand, just to be on the safe side!"

(End of this chapter)