Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 227: Asking for Help
On the last day of September, as autumn began to set in Beiping, Tengda Culture held the premiere of the film "First Love" at Wanda Cinema.

Because of Tengda's influence, the premiere was star-studded, with many celebrities in attendance.

Even before the premiere officially started, some celebrities, agents, and producers who had already entered the venue were busy networking and looking for potential collaboration opportunities.

"Brother Yu, who is that young man talking to Chairman Song?"

In a corner of the venue, Wang Luodan, dressed in a black dress, raised her eyebrows slightly, gestured towards the direction of the chairman, and asked Qiao Zhengyu beside her about the situation.

She had offended Wang Jing and was confined by Zhang Zhao for six months. Originally, her release date had not yet arrived, and she was not allowed to participate in activities.

Fortunately, Zeng Jia kept pleading for her, and with the TV series "Living with an Air Hostess" about to air and needing her to promote it, Zhang Zhao finally relented and allowed her to regain her freedom and participate in the event a few days earlier.

Qiao Zhengyu looked around for a long time, but had no recollection of the young man next to the boss: "I don't know him either. Let's not ask too many questions about the chairman's affairs."

The general manager had spoken with him a few days ago. Regarding the three milk powder incidents, the group's leaders were extremely dissatisfied with the fact that several of their artists could not speak out in a timely manner and stand with the company. This has made him more cautious in his actions recently and more attentive to the company's affairs.

He had originally planned to have an important commercial performance today, but he turned it down and came here specifically to support Chen Xiao and Liu Shishi, hoping to salvage the impression his superiors had of him.

Wang Luodan looked down on Qiao Zhengyu's timid demeanor. "No madness, no life," she thought. "As long as he doesn't make any big mistakes, what is there to be afraid of as the company's star artist?"

She pursed her lips and replied nonchalantly, "I was just curious and asking casually."

Qiao Zhengyu looked at Wang Luodan, who was still acting as if she didn't know what to do, and shook his head slightly. Old habits die hard. He felt that if this fellow student didn't restrain herself soon, she would be disliked by the company sooner or later.

Now, Tengda Culture has a new female artist, Zhao Liying, who is receiving key training from the company. Next year, popular young actress Yang Mi will also join the company.

Competition among female artists within the company will be fierce, no longer the situation where Wang Luodan and Lü Yi shared the reins at Tengda Culture. With more choices, those who don't follow the rules will naturally be eliminated.

However, his relationship with Wang Luodan was only so-so. Since she wouldn't listen to his advice, he was too lazy to waste his breath. In the current situation, he decided to mind his own business.

On the other side of the inner area, away from the noisy crowd, Song Ci was having a pleasant conversation with an old friend she hadn't seen in a long time.

"Si Cong, when did you come back to China?"

"I have basically finished my studies in the UK, and I will be staying in China from now on."

Wang Sicong exudes an air of grandeur, dressed in a well-tailored formal suit, yet his slightly upturned lips and unruly eyes reveal a hint of cynicism.

"Will you go work at Wanda later?"

"Brother, please spare me!" Wang Sicong shook his head like a rattle drum.

"I'm still young, I want to enjoy life for a few more years, and besides, I don't want to work at Wanda at all."

However, my husband is quite open-minded. He promised to give me 5 million yuan so that I could try investing and starting my own business.

If it succeeds, everyone will be happy; if I lose it all, I'll have to go back to Wanda and work a regular job.

Song Ci chuckled, understanding dawning on her. Old Wang still doted on this son, sending him off with 5 million to gain experience.

Wang Sicong still has a good relationship with him now, and with a tone of encouragement from an experienced person, he said: "It's good for young people to have more experience. Your starting capital of 5 million is much better than mine back then."

"Brother, don't tease me. How can I compare to you!"

Although Wang Sicong's words were humble, the admiration he held for Song Dynasty poetry was genuine. Born into a wealthy merchant family, he was well-informed and knowledgeable from a young age.

Although the man in front of him was only a year older than him, he was a powerful figure in the business world, even surpassing his own father in some aspects.

"Young people should not underestimate themselves; the future holds great promise."

Although Song Ci's pretentious demeanor seemed a bit out of place, Wang Sicong patiently offered her compliments:
"Brother, if you have any good investment projects, can you let me participate? Whether it makes money or not is secondary. The key is to learn from your experience and understand the business thinking of the big shots."

Song Ci secretly thought that he could help Wang Sicong make some money, establish a good relationship with Old Wang, and have more friends in business.

The thought flashed through his mind, and he immediately nodded: "No problem, I happen to have a good project with great prospects."

Wang Sicong became interested: "Brother, tell me about it quickly."

Song Ci took the opportunity to introduce: "Shishi's father started a maternal and infant e-commerce chain called 'Kids King,' and business is booming now."

This domestic market was previously relatively untapped, but it has huge potential. If you're interested, you can conduct a detailed business survey, and if you think it's suitable, you can invest in it.

He intended to bring Wang Sicong into the business, which was a long-term plan. He considered that "Kidswant" would need to expand its offline stores in the future, and with Wang Sicong's connection, it would be much easier to select locations and acquire shops in Wanda Plaza.

In China, it's a society based on personal connections. The people in charge of leasing at Wanda Plaza will have to give "King of Kids" some preferential treatment in the future, out of consideration for themselves and Wang Dashao.

Wang Sicong listened attentively, nodding occasionally: "Okay! 'Kid King' is my first project after returning to China. I'll get back to you after I've looked into it."

Although he trusted Song Ci's judgment, he knew that investing was no small matter and he couldn't just jump in based on a single sentence. His parents had always taught him to be cautious.

Song Ci didn't expect that Wang Dashao would foolishly take out money after she said a few words: "Don't rush, you'll find that 'Kids King' is a good project after you get to know it."

Wang Sicong slapped his forehead, as if he had remembered something: "Oh right, brother, my old man wants to invite you to his house for a meal."

We've known each other for so long, you have to give me this face, otherwise if I keep telling my parents I know you at home, they'll think I'm bragging.

After thinking it over, Song Ci decided that Old Wang was still someone worth befriending, and readily agreed: "Since you've said so, how can I refuse?"

However, I will be going to the United States in a couple of days. I will definitely pay a visit to Mr. Wang when I return.

"No rush, no rush, you can do it when you have time."

Wang Sicong was all smiles, feeling that Boss Song had given him a lot of face. He thought to himself: Let's see if his father will dare to say that everyone around him is a bunch of scoundrels again.

"By the way, where is Senior Sister Shi? She hasn't been paying much attention to me lately."

"She's in the screening room, getting ready for an interview with reporters in a bit. She's been quite busy filming lately and doesn't have time to play World of Warcraft with you."

Wang Sicong scratched his head and chuckled. He and Liu Shishi often teamed up to play World of Warcraft, and he felt a little embarrassed that Song Ci had found out.

At this moment, Zhang Zhao suddenly rushed over to Song Ci's side. Seeing the chairman chatting with guests, he leaned over and whispered in his ear, "President Song, Chairman Han from Huaying is here. He says he wants to have a chat with you." Song Ci was slightly surprised. Although he had no interest in having much contact with Han Sanping, he was a guest, and it was inappropriate to openly embarrass him in this situation.

"Then let's meet him. Go and invite Chairman Han over."

"Okay." Zhang Zhao responded after receiving the instruction, then turned and left briskly to invite Han Sanping.

Before long, he led over a man with a handsome and well-rounded appearance and a calm demeanor.

The man exuded leadership qualities in every gesture, was humble and polite, and spoke first in a very courteous manner as soon as he approached: "Chairman Song, I have long admired your name."

The other party was, after all, a prominent figure in officialdom. Song Ci smiled and politely stepped forward, extending his right hand to shake hands with Han Sanping.

"Chairman Han, I am so sorry for not greeting you sooner."

He then stepped aside, raised his hand to Wang Sicong, and introduced them: "Chairman Han, let me introduce you. This young man is the young master of Wanda. Sicong, come and get acquainted. This is Chairman Han of Huaying."

Wang Sicong, seeing that someone had come to talk to Song Ci, felt it inappropriate to stay any longer and planned to leave quietly.

Unexpectedly, Song Ci suddenly introduced herself to someone else. Although puzzled, upon hearing that the other person was Han Sanping, the renowned chairman of China Film Group, she immediately gave a slight bow.
"Hello Mr. Han, I am Wang Sicong. My father is Wang Jianlin. He often mentions you, saying that you are the backbone of the Chinese film industry."

Han Sanping was taken aback, wondering how the chairman of Tengda could be involved with the young master of Wanda Group, and wondered if the two families were planning something big.

He had no time to doubt or overthink; Tengda Southern Cinema Line was already the largest cinema chain in China. Wanda Cinema Line was also developing rapidly, thanks to Wanda Plaza, Wanda's cinemas had the highest occupancy rate and number of moviegoers in the industry.

If these two companies were to join forces, the entire film industry would be shaken.

Thinking of this, Han Sanping, despite being extremely vigilant, still smiled and praised in a friendly manner: "So it's young CEO Wang, a handsome and promising young man."

After exchanging glances with Han Sanping, Wang Sicong made a quick escape. He didn't want to get involved in the affairs of those two old foxes, so he hurriedly made an excuse to leave: "Brother, Chairman Han, I'm going to check backstage. You two chat."

Before he finished speaking, he ran off like a gust of wind, leaving space for the two of them.

After Wang Sicong left, Han Sanping and Song Ci exchanged a few more casual pleasantries before Han Sanping stopped smiling and got straight to the point: "Chairman Song, actually, I've come today to ask you for a favor."

Song Ci remained calm and composed: "Mr. Han, please feel free to speak. As long as it does not violate my principles, I will certainly help you in any way that is within my power."

Han Sanping gave a wry smile: "Chairman Song, next year is the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which is of great significance. Huaying Film Studio is preparing to shoot a tribute film to add to the celebration."

"That's great news, Chairman Han. Do you need support in terms of investment?"

Han Sanping waved his hand and said bluntly, "No, that's not it. Huaying still has that much funding."

However, after filming is complete, there are some crucial special effects shots that we hope Mr. Song's Tiangong Special Effects team can handle.

Upon hearing this, Song Ci seemed to be deep in thought. He knew that Tiangong Special Effects was currently handling a large number of game production special effects projects within the group, and the workload was already extremely saturated.

Taking on a film, especially a patriotic film, only earns a meager living, which is nowhere near the profits of developing online games.

Moreover, tribute films carry a strong political tone, and if they are not done well and displease the higher-ups, they could face consequences. Therefore, Tiangong Special Effects may be unwilling to undertake this task.

After weighing the options, Song Ci didn't want to do something so thankless and planned to politely decline:

"Chairman Han, Tiangong Special Effects may already be fully booked. We are not the only special effects company in China or abroad. You can ask around elsewhere."

Han Sanping looked worried: "Chairman Song, you can't be unaware of the significance of a tribute film, can you?"

This kind of film is of great importance, and every aspect of the work must be handled with utmost care. It is really not appropriate to let foreigners handle it.

Other domestic special effects companies are far inferior to Tiangong Special Effects in terms of skill level.

He was at his wit's end. The higher-ups demanded perfection in every aspect of the film and specifically requested that the special effects be handled by Tengda, the top special effects company in China.

However, the leaders were unwilling to give anyone cause for criticism and insisted that the matter be handled through commercial means, but Tiangong Special Effects was unwilling to take on this hot potato.

He was caught in the middle and in a real dilemma. With filming about to begin, he had no choice but to come to Song Ci's house to seek her out.

Song Ci must be feeling incredibly frustrated right now. You, Han Sanping, are the top executive of Huaying Film Studio, a powerful figure in the entertainment industry.

Now that he's personally come to our door and said all this, if he doesn't let Tiangong Special Effects take on this job, and the higher-ups find out, wouldn't they say he's unprincipled and doesn't care about the big picture?

"Damn it," Song Ci cursed inwardly, "I knew dealing with these people would never end well," but she still had no choice but to compromise.

"A tribute film is a big deal. I'll instruct Tiangong Special Effects to set aside time next year to prepare for it, and make sure it's done to the best of its ability."

"Thank you so much, Chairman Song."

Seeing that Song Ci readily agreed, Han Sanping thanked him repeatedly. Despite his nickname "Zuo Shan Diao" and his consistently domineering attitude in the entertainment industry, he couldn't really be domineering in front of Song Ci.

He's powerful and influential, and he associates with leaders who are two or three levels above him, so he doesn't have to give him any face.

Since things have come to this, we can only swallow this bitter pill. Song Ci waved his hand, pretending not to care: "It's all for the national celebration, and Tengda should contribute its share."

Han Sanping gave a thumbs up: "Chairman Song's awareness is truly high. No wonder he can accomplish such a great career at such a young age."

However, he also knew that although Song Ci was quick to agree verbally, he was definitely unwilling in his heart.

So, on a sudden inspiration, he extended an invitation: "Chairman Song, would Tengda Culture be willing to work with Huaying Film Group to handle the publicity and distribution of this tribute film?"

Once this celebratory film is released, all government officials and students will definitely be organized to watch it. The box office will certainly be good, and the publicity will be a sure-fire way to make money. It's a huge piece of the pie.

Song Ci understood that Han Sanping wanted to repay a favor. Indeed, those who can rise to a high position must have extraordinary abilities, at least they have a good grasp of interpersonal relationships.

It was a sure-fire deal, and Song Ci had no reason to refuse: "Chairman Han's invitation is too kind of me to turn down. I will have Zhang Zhao report to you on the specifics."

Seeing that Song Ci accepted his goodwill, Han Sanping smiled, which made people feel like they were basking in a spring breeze: "Then I wish everyone a pleasant cooperation in the future."

After saying that, she leaned slightly closer and said, "Chairman Song, I have another personal matter to ask you about."

(End of this chapter)