Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 210 The water is deep

Director Ma Xin's words instantly piqued everyone's curiosity.

Zhuang Liqi chuckled: "Little Ma, you haven't even drunk the three cups of wine you promised to punish yourself, and now you're keeping us in suspense!"

Ma Xin clearly didn't expect the two leaders to have the leisure to speculate, so he simply stopped delaying and drank the liquor in his glass in one gulp.

The pungent, stimulating aroma of the liquor instantly filled his mouth, and he declared loudly, "First glass!"

Then, he changed the subject: "When I first arrived, I passed by a VIP room, and just then the waiter opened the door to serve the food. I curiously peeked inside. Hey, I saw the chairman inside."

These words immediately created a subtle atmosphere at the dinner table.

The crowd wore varying expressions, some curious, some expectant, all turning to look at the producer, Zhang Zhao. Of all those present, he had the most experience with Song Dynasty poetry.

Zhuang Liqi's mind started working, and he asked in a low voice, "President Zhang, since the chairman is also dining here, should we go over and offer him a toast?"

Zhang Zhao frowned slightly and asked again, still not entirely sure, "Xiao Ma, are you sure you didn't see it wrong?"

Ma Xin quickly patted his chest and assured him, "Chairman Song's face is so handsome, how could I mistake him?"

Zhang Zhao no longer questioned the suggestion, but he began to have reservations about Zhuang Liqi's proposal. He knew Song Ci's personality well; she had always disliked social engagements.

Since he has appeared at the Chang'an Club today, he must be there for an important reception. If I were to go there rashly and disturb the chairman's distinguished guests, it would be counterproductive.

But such an opportunity to meet the chairman outside is rare, and he doesn't want to miss this chance that might deepen the big boss's impression of him.

Agent Zhao noticed Zhang Zhao's hesitation and, with a sly thought in mind, wanted to use this opportunity to pave the way for Jing Tian. She smiled and probed:

"Mr. Zhang, if it's convenient, could you please introduce Tiantian to your company's chairman?"

The relatively unknown Ma Tianyu and Zhao Liying were also staring at Zhang Zhao with great anticipation, hoping that he would lead them to become familiar faces in front of Song Ci.

Zhang Zhao saw everyone's reactions and was speechless. This group of people, including the company's artists, were all like this.

They all hoped to climb the social ladder by attaching themselves to the chairman, but little did they know that such trivial matters in the entertainment industry were of no concern to the big boss.

Previously, the chairman would occasionally inquire about Tengda Culture's affairs, but over the past year, he has become increasingly indifferent to the film and television company's business.

After weighing the pros and cons in my mind, I still didn't have the courage to disturb Song Ci, so I could only politely decline the suggestion to offer a toast:

"The chairman is probably entertaining VIPs, so it's not really convenient for us to disturb him. Let's wait for another opportunity."

Everyone was greatly disappointed. Zhang Zhao held the highest position here, and if he didn't take the lead, the others wouldn't dare to disturb Song Ci.

Ma Xin silently observed everything from the side, taking in every subtle change in Zhang Zhao's expression. He understood that Zhang Zhao definitely wanted to go over and offer a toast, but he was just too hesitant.

He glanced at Zhao Liying and the other non-Tengda employees, and suggested, "Mr. Zhang, Miss Liu is here too. Why don't you give her a call and ask her to inquire if it's convenient for Mr. Song to come over? That way, you won't seem too abrupt."

Zhang Zhao's eyes lit up. He thought the idea was quite appropriate, so he nodded in agreement, took out his phone, got up, walked to the window, and called Liu Shishi.

Apart from Zhuang Liqi, everyone at the table was very curious about the Miss Liu that Ma Xin mentioned, wondering who she was and how she seemed to have a close relationship with Song Ci.

On the other end of the phone, Liu Shishi was discussing with Zhang Tong their plan to jointly invest in a small business. Gong Xiaojin, being a civil servant, did not participate, but only offered suggestions from time to time.

Suddenly, the phone on the table vibrated. Ms. Liu was a little surprised when she saw the caller ID, but she still answered the phone and patiently listened to Zhang Zhao explain his purpose.

"Yes, we're in the 'Sanyuan' VIP box. You want to bring the crew? I'll ask Song Ci and send you a message later."

After ending the call, Liu Shishi leaned close to Song Ci's ear and whispered, "Zhang Zhao is having dinner with the crew of 'So Many Years' next door and wanted to come over and offer you a toast."

Song Ci was slightly surprised. Were film crews this extravagant these days? They were having a gathering and dinner at the Chang'an Club! She asked casually, "Did he say who they were?"

Liu Shishi immediately relayed what Zhang Zhao had said and let Song Ci decide.

"Jing Tian?" Song Ci was taken aback when she heard the name. How did the wealthy and beautiful Da Tian Tian get mixed up with Tengda Culture?

Suddenly remembering something his father had told him during the Spring Festival, he thought for a moment and then said, "Just have Zhang Zhao, Zhuang Liqi and Jing Tian come over, the rest of you don't need to come."

Liu Shishi nodded obediently and sent a text message to Zhang Zhao.

Seeing Liu Shishi whispering in Song Ci's ear, Liu Xiangdong asked with concern, "Is something wrong, sister-in-law? Is the food not to your liking?"

He only realized that Liu Shishi was a Hui Muslim when he saw that she didn't touch pork. Fearing that he might not be able to entertain her properly, he hurriedly asked about the situation.

Liu Shishi immediately responded and explained, "No, no, Dong Ge has gone to great lengths for tonight's banquet. A few friends of mine, I don't know how they found out Song Ci was here, asked me to ask if they could come over and offer a toast."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xiangdong waved his hand generously and said, "So that's what it is. Brother and sister-in-law, just do as you please and don't worry about formalities."

Zhang Zhao stood by the window for a moment, and just as he was about to return to his seat, he received a text message from Liu Shishi. The message was brief and to the point: "Mr. Zhang, you, Mr. Zhuang, and Ms. Jing are all fine. There's no need for anyone else."

After reading the text message, Zhang Zhao made up his mind and shared the news with everyone. The atmosphere in the private room instantly became complicated.

Jing Tian smiled radiantly, Zhuang Liqi was thrilled, but the others were inevitably disappointed.

Ma Xin, in particular, was the one who told everyone that Song Ci was next door, but now he couldn't even get the chance to go and offer a toast, which made him very disappointed.

He thought to himself: In the eyes of the big shots, a new director like himself is still second-rate.

Zhang Zhao and Zhuang Liqi both filled the wine jugs in front of them with baijiu.

Jing Tian bit his lower lip and hesitated for a moment, but finally poured half a glass of red wine into a wine glass and went over to offer a toast. He felt it would be a bit impolite to bring a cup of tea.

The three arrived at the door of the "Sanyuan" private room that Liu Shishi had told them about. Zhang Zhao and Zhuang Liqi both straightened their clothes and adjusted their posture.

This made Jing Tian, ​​who was socially inexperienced, a little nervous, and she hurriedly smoothed out the wrinkles in her clothes with her little hands.

"Knock knock knock!" The three knocked on the door and entered. Song Ci, who was at the banquet, noticed the noise and picked up her wine cup to look at the three people walking towards her.

Zhang Zhao took the lead and bowed slightly: "President Song, I apologize for bothering you."

Zhuang Liqi followed suit with a respectful greeting: "Chairman!"

Jing Tian, ​​on the other hand, looked at the handsome and naturally elegant Song Ci and remembered that the person her elders had originally wanted to introduce her to during the New Year was none other than the man standing before her. For a moment, a secret, unique to young girls, stirred within her, her cheeks flushed involuntarily, and she gripped her wine glass tightly, a hint of nervousness rising in her heart.

Seeing the young girl standing there, staring blankly at the chairman, Zhang Zhao coughed lightly, subtly reminding her.

Jing Tian then came to his senses and said softly, "Hello, President Song, I am Jing Tian."

Since she was the big spender, Zhang Zhao quickly introduced her: "President Song, Miss Jing is the lead actress and investor of 'So Many Years'."

Song Ci nodded, revealing a warm smile: "If there's an opportunity in the future, Miss Jing can cooperate with Tengda more." After saying that, she took the initiative to extend her wine glass, wanting to clink glasses with the three of them.

Looking at the stunningly beautiful woman so close to him, Jing Tian felt his heart pounding. He was overwhelmed with excitement and instinctively reached out to offer his wine glass, gently clinking it with Song Ci's.

Zhang Zhao and Zhuang Liqi bowed slightly, held the wine pot steadily with both hands, and after clinking glasses with Song Ci, they drank the white wine in the pot in one gulp.

After the toasts, the three of them left the private room, and Jing Tian couldn't wait to ask, "Mr. Zhang, is the girl sitting next to Mr. Song his girlfriend?"

She had only seen the back of the "Ms. Liu" mentioned by the director, and felt that the other person was very slender and slim, but she could not see anything else.

"Yes," Zhang Zhao replied, while clearly noticing the change in Jing Tian's expression. He recalled that Song Ci's attitude towards her had been quite gentle, which was unusual.

Moreover, the chairman actually brought up cooperation on his own initiative, which was unprecedented. He couldn't help but wonder, could it be that the big boss has taken a liking to this young lady?
But just now, the chairman didn't seem to be behaving in any unusual way. After thinking about it, I felt that something was off.

Back in the private room, the agent noticed Jing Tian's unfocused gaze and restless expression, and asked with concern, "Tian Tian, ​​what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell after drinking?"

She didn't think the problem stemmed from the toasting; the other party was a respectable person who wouldn't make things difficult for a young girl in public.

Jing Tian, ​​hiding her girlish thoughts, forced a smile and muttered softly, "I'm a little dizzy. My alcohol tolerance is still too low."

Sister Zhao gently patted the little girl's back, picked up a water cup and handed it to her, saying, "Drink some water, you'll feel better soon."

However, such social engagements are unavoidable in the future, so you'll need to improve your alcohol tolerance. I don't expect you to be able to drink a lot, but getting dizzy after just a few sips of red wine is unacceptable.

In the "Sanyuan" private room, after the three left, Liu Xiangdong, who was sitting directly opposite Song Ci, had a clear view of the actions and expressions of the three who had toasted him.

"Brother, you're really charming. The girl looks at you with such admiration!"

Looking at the honest-looking Lei Jun, a sly smile appeared on his face: "President Song was very kind and approachable to the young lady just now."

"Ouch!" Song Ci felt a sharp pain in her waist and turned her head to meet Liu Shishi's seemingly angry but not angry gaze. A strong sense of jealousy washed over her.

He hurriedly begged for mercy: "Brothers, please don't hurt me. Shishi is still here. She's jealous."

"Who's jealous!" Liu Shishi retorted instinctively, but seeing everyone's eyes on her, she quickly composed herself and resumed her calm and elegant demeanor.

However, under the tablecloth, her slender fingers pinched her boyfriend's waist again, this time with much more force than before.

A sharp pain shot through her lower back, and Song Ci hurriedly explained, "The young lady doesn't know me, but her family is quite influential. She used her connections to find my father and asked me to help her out."

The fact that there was such a complicated reason piqued everyone's interest, and they all asked the little girl about her background.

Song Ci paused for a moment, revealing a little bit: "I don't know much about the specific background, but I'll tell you one thing and you'll understand."

Last year, at just 19 years old, she was appointed as the cherry spokesperson by the Northwest Cherry Growers Association and even met and shook hands with the governor of Washington State, enjoying immense prestige.

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other in astonishment. A little girl with no reputation in China had actually gone to the United States to endorse cherries.

Moreover, she was received by the governor, a plot more bizarre than any movie. I doubt any female star in China has such ability.

Lei Jun clicked his tongue, filled with emotion: "I never imagined that the small entertainment industry could be so full of hidden talents. It seems that every industry is a deep and complex place."

Song Ci nodded in agreement: "That's true! Many children of high-ranking officials in the imperial court are also involved in the entertainment industry, but they are all very low-key. For example, the one in 'Blood Romance'... and the one in 'Gobi Mother'..."

Once the conversation started, Song Ci mentioned several people in the entertainment industry with powerful connections. The people listened with their scalps tingling. Good heavens, with such a background, you actually came to the entertainment industry to cause trouble!
"I won't say anymore! I won't say anymore!" Song Ci regretted it immediately after saying that.

I felt like I didn't even think when I said those names. It seems drinking really does make mistakes. Now the effects of the alcohol are kicking in, and my head is spinning.

Seeing that the three men were all looking dazed and out of sorts, Zhang Tong suggested, "Old Lei, how about we call it a day? If you have other things to do later, you can talk at your respective companies another day."

Because of the alcohol, Lei Jun's reaction speed was slower than usual. After a long pause, he stammered, "President Liu, President Song, let's end it here for tonight."

Liu Xiangdong drank the most, his face flushed. He patted his cheeks trying to sober up, but stammered for a long time without being able to utter a complete sentence.

Gong Xiaojin, supporting her boyfriend, said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Xiangdong drank too much! Let's call it a day, I apologize for the poor hospitality."

On the way back, the car windows were wide open, and a summer evening breeze blew in, warm yet refreshing, instantly making Liu Xiangdong much more awake.

"Xiao Jin, tonight went very smoothly! Good investors are hard to find, but investors who understand e-commerce and share your ideas are even harder to find. Once JD.com gets through this difficult time, I'll go see your uncle!"

Gong Xiaojin smiled slightly, holding her boyfriend's strong hand tightly, their warmth passing between them.

"You're right to spend more time with Song Ci. Dad said that the top leader thinks highly of him, and his family background is also quite impressive."

Liu Xiangdong was slightly surprised: "I haven't heard that Song Ci's family has any powerful background."

Gong Xiaojin chuckled: "Which old Beijinger doesn't have a few powerful relatives? Not to mention the connections he's built up himself, his father's teachers and classmates are all influential figures in the medical field."

His mother's family has deep roots in the financial world. He's been investigated, and his background is clean and upright. In short, there's no harm in spending time with him. Moreover, coming from a family of highly educated scholars, he's of good character and refinement.

Liu Xiangdong nodded thoughtfully, gazing at the bustling night scene, a strange ripple stirring in his heart.

Nowadays, business people tend to stick together for mutual support, which is why there are joint chambers of commerce like the "Taishan Club" and the "Jiangnan Club." Perhaps we could suggest that Songci also establish a similar organization, where everyone can help each other and develop together.

The streets were bustling with traffic. After thinking for a while, Liu Xiangdong said to his girlfriend, "I'll have the driver take you home first."

Gong Xiaojin shook her head, a blush creeping onto her face, her eyes sparkling: "I'm worried about you having drunk alcohol, so I'll come to your place tonight."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xiangdong felt a surge of excitement. He scratched his head and gave a simple, silly smile, looking like a naive young man.

(End of this chapter)