Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 325 The film crew celebrates a birthday

On a romantic spring morning in the coastal city, a salty sea breeze gently caresses the land.

In a transistor factory on the outskirts of the city, the film crew of "Goodbye Mr. Loser" is making intensive preparations for the next day's filming.

In the lead actress's private dressing room, velvet curtains shut out the noise from the outside world.

Liu Shishi sat lazily in front of the makeup mirror, her eyes half-closed, as if still immersed in the hazy feeling of early morning.

In front of her, a young female makeup artist was carefully applying makeup to her face, creating an exquisite look.

"Director Ma instructed me to make my skin tone as dark as possible. Time is a cruel mistress, and in this scene I'm playing a middle-aged housewife trapped in the mundane details of daily life, a woman with a sallow complexion."

Remembering the makeup requirements the director had specifically given yesterday, the lead actress quickly gave him some instructions.

"Senior Sister, you are naturally beautiful. Trying to make you look ugly is really testing my skills. It's quite a challenge." The female makeup artist subtly praised the beauty of the next sister.

Seeing that Sister Yi looked listless, Cai Yi-nong asked with concern, "Didn't you sleep well last night?"

Liu Shishi yawned: "I chatted with my husband a little late last night. We were about to go to sleep, but then everyone started wishing me a happy birthday on Weibo at midnight. By the time we finished, it was already past 12 a.m.

"Oh right, look at my memory, today is March 10th, it's your birthday! I've been so busy negotiating with the TV station lately that I completely forgot your birthday."

Cai Yinong slapped his forehead, belatedly realizing that he had forgotten such an important day, and thought to himself that he had to quickly prepare a birthday gift for Yi Jie.

Liu Shishi didn't mind at all; she knew that Cai Yinong had indeed been extremely busy lately.

With the hit drama "Scarlet Heart," I had to negotiate with the TV station for second and third run broadcast rights. As the producer of "Goodbye Mr. Loser," I also had to worry about all the things related to the production team.

"The second and third rounds of broadcasting must have sold very well, right? How much did the company make from 'Scarlet Heart'?" Liu Shishi asked casually, revealing a hint of curiosity.

While tidying up the first lady's messy hair, the makeup artist also secretly pricked up her ears to eavesdrop.

The people in the dressing room were all members of the top female star's team, and all had signed confidentiality agreements. Cai Yinong didn't stand on ceremony and spoke frankly:

"The production cost of 'Scarlet Heart' was 50 million yuan, and later another 30 million yuan was paid to Tengda for publicity and distribution, bringing the total cost to 80 million yuan."

The initial price for each episode on Donghai TV was 500 million yuan, with a total copyright fee of 2 million yuan for 40 episodes.

Cai Yinong, beaming with pride, continued counting on his fingers: "With subsequent reruns, as well as product placements, merchandise sales, and revenue sharing with the broadcasting platform, we can earn tens of millions."

Even after deducting costs and taxes, a rough calculation suggests this show could still generate a profit of around 200 million yuan.

"So profitable!" Liu Shishi was somewhat surprised. She never expected that "Scarlet Heart" would completely turn Tangren Media around and sweep away the decline of the previous few years.

"After all, 'Scarlet Heart' is a phenomenal hit that only comes out once every few years, and it's something that can't be forced."

Cai Yinong sighed, then leaned slightly closer to Sister Yi, saying mysteriously, "Shishi, there's some good news about 'Scarlet Heart'!"

"Stop keeping me in suspense, Sister K." Sister Yi's voice had a coquettish tone at the end.

"South Korea wants to acquire the rights to 'Scarlet Heart,' and the drama is going overseas!"

"Really?!" Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi's eyes crinkled with excitement, eagerly anticipating the show's success in overseas markets.

"Shishi, the production is on track, and I'll be heading back to Donghai tomorrow. There's a lot of stuff piling up at the company that I need to take care of, and with the glorious end of 'Scarlet Heart,' it's time for Tangren to start a new drama."

Cai Yinong said gently, taking out a document from his bag and glancing at it, "Before I leave, I'd like to give you a few more instructions."

The eldest sister nodded, indicating that she would keep it in mind.

With his finger swiping across the schedule, Cai Yinong arranged each item one by one: "On the 14th, you need to go back to Beiping to attend the Weibo Night Internet Gala hosted by Tengda."

“My husband mentioned that this event seems to be quite lively, and many celebrities have been invited.”

Cai Yinong said with a serious expression: "Tengda attaches great importance to Weibo Night. This event will be a grand one, and at least half of the celebrities in the entertainment industry will participate."

After all, Weibo is now the main hub for traffic in the entertainment industry, and no celebrity dares to disrespect Tengda.

Liu Shishi looked at Sister K with her beautiful eyes and asked softly, "Will my husband participate?"

Cai Yinong glared at his sister and snorted irritably, "You and President Song are a couple. Why are you asking me about his affairs?"

However, judging from the situation, he will probably attend to support Weibo. It's said that Tengda invited many bigwigs, all out of respect for President Song; it's only right and proper for him to go.

"Then I'd better prepare properly, I can't let my husband down."

"I brought this up with you so you would take it seriously. This year's Weibo Night will be broadcast live online. It's such a grand event, no less than the Three Golden Awards and other award ceremonies. There will be a galaxy of stars, and all the female celebrities will be vying for attention."

Now that you're riding high, it's inevitable that some people will be jealous and seize the opportunity to release articles claiming you outshine them, both to put you down and to suppress your popularity.

Cai Yinong's reminder alerted Liu Shishi, who also became wary. She noted that some celebrities nowadays employ a variety of increasingly sophisticated and unpredictable methods to generate publicity, making it difficult to guard against them.
"I need to prepare carefully and choose a dress that will highlight my temperament. I'll trouble Liping and Xiaoya with that."

Makeup artist Liping, who was busy at work, and stylist Xiaoya next to her said in unison, "Sister Shi, leave it to us."

"These kinds of occasions, where fame and fortune are at stake, best highlight a star's popularity and status, so it's best to pay attention to them."

Although it's practically your home turf, and with President Song there, you're unlikely to suffer any losses, there's no need to create any excuse for your haters to attack you without cause.

"Don't worry, Sister K. I'm always very careful when I'm out."

Cai Yinong nodded slightly, glanced at the schedule, and continued, "You need to ask the crew for leave for the last three days of the month to shoot an advertisement for the brand."

The eldest sister readily agreed: "No problem."

The hit drama "Scarlet Heart" propelled Liu Shishi to stardom, solidifying her status as a top-tier actress and propelling her career forward. Her company then secured her endorsements for three more brands: Baishentang, Eifini, and Vichy.

"Shishi, I just remembered something. You mentioned something about the Goldman Sachs president last time. Didn't he say he wanted to introduce Bulgari to you as a spokesperson?"

"Sister K, the foreigner was just being polite, did you really take it seriously?"

Cai Yinong was greatly disappointed. Foreign luxury brands have always been very conservative and aloof when it comes to collaborating with domestic celebrities.

In 2008, Huang Xiaoming was officially announced by Gucci as its first Asian brand ambassador, marking a landmark event in the collaboration between a top luxury brand and a domestic celebrity.

If the top actress could land a Bulgari endorsement, it would greatly boost her status and commercial value. "Sister K, one should know their own limitations. To be honest, while I am very popular right now, I still have a certain gap compared to the four leading actresses. Why would a foreign luxury brand choose me?"

Even if we manage to get a brand endorsement through connections, it'll still cost my husband his favor. And if the endorsement doesn't go well, wouldn't that make things awkward for everyone?

Liu Shishi gently persuaded Cai Yinong, who had a clear understanding of his current career situation.

"Alright. I was just daydreaming!" Cai Yinong sighed, having to admit that although foreign luxury brands are gradually testing the waters and are willing to collaborate with mainland celebrities, they are being extremely cautious.

Liu Shishi smiled confidently: "It's not wishful thinking. My husband said that with the rapid economic development in China in recent years, major European and American luxury brands are all developing the domestic market, and hiring domestic celebrities as spokespeople is an inevitable trend."

However, foreigners aren't stupid; they won't immediately become brand ambassadors. There's always a gradual, observational process involved in becoming a brand friend, brand ambassador, regional ambassador, and global ambassador.

However, generally speaking, given the size of the domestic market, luxury brands will have to bow to market demands.

After exchanging a few more words, Cai Yinong prepared to leave and return to Donghai: "My flight is at noon. I'll have Yuanyuan deliver your birthday present later. She's your executive agent, and she'll handle your specific schedule."

"Have a safe trip, K."

Meanwhile, on the streets of Bincheng, five top-of-the-line luxury cars sped along in the sunlight, heading towards the Wanda Hotel.

In one of the Mercedes-Benz cars, the renowned comedian Zhao Benshan smiled politely at the young man sitting next to him and said, "It's rare for President Song to come to the Northeast, so I must do my best to be a good host."

The other person in the back seat of the car was Song Ci. Today was Liu Shishi's birthday, and he had taken a private plane from Beiping to Bincheng early in the morning.

At this moment, the richest man sighed inwardly, thinking that Zhao Benshan was indeed a local bigwig in Northeast China, with excellent information network, and that he had actually known in advance that he was coming to Bincheng and was waiting for him at Jinzhou Bay Airport.

"Professor Benshan, you're too kind! I'm very curious, how did you know I was coming to Bincheng?"

Zhao Benshan beamed with joy at the tycoon's polite manner.

Hearing what Song Ci said, fearing that he might misunderstand, she quickly explained, "It's quite a coincidence, I just flew to Bincheng from out of town. Before I even left the airport, I inadvertently learned that President Song was coming to the Northeast."

I have always greatly admired Mr. Song's business acumen, and since you rarely come to Northeast China, I figured I had to meet you, so I waited for you at the airport.

Song Ci nodded slightly, her tense nerves immediately relaxing. She thought to herself that it was just a coincidence; otherwise, it would have been unsettling to have her whereabouts being watched.

After exchanging a few polite words, Zhao Benshan cautiously probed, "May I ask, Mr. Song, is your visit to Bincheng on official business?"

"It's a personal matter. Today is my wife's birthday. She's filming here, so I came to celebrate with her." When Liu Shishi was mentioned, Song Ci's face showed a gentle and doting smile, which warmed people's hearts.

"So today is Liu Shishi's birthday, then I must prepare a small gift."

"You know my wife?" Song Ci was taken aback, then quickly waved her hand and said, "You're too kind, there's no need to spend money."

Zhao Benshan smiled warmly, radiating goodwill: "I met your wife on the set of 'Building a Great Cause'. Mr. Song, please don't refuse. Consider this a small token of my appreciation and blessing to the younger generation in the industry."

Unable to refuse Zhao Benshan's kind offer, Song Ci could only accept it on behalf of his wife.

When the convoy arrived at the Wanda Hotel, Song Ci intended to go straight to the film crew of "Goodbye Mr. Loser" after checking in. However, when the local government officials heard that the richest man had arrived, they rushed over to visit him, which made it impossible for him to leave for a while.

On the set, Liu Shishi, having finished her makeup, was greeted by Hu Ge, Yang Mi, and others holding bouquets of flowers as soon as she left the dressing room.

"Shishi, happy birthday."

"Shishi, may you have many more years like this, and may you always be young and beautiful."

"Thank you, Lao Hu, Mimi, and everyone." Sister Yi smiled radiantly, accepted the beautiful flowers from Hu Ge's hand, and then hugged Yang Mi.

Although the two sisters had some unpleasantness due to the "Cai-Yu dispute" some time ago, "Scarlet Heart" performed better than "Palace" and Liu Shishi generously let the matter go. Although the two have not completely reconciled, the tense atmosphere has dissipated.

"Senior Sister, hurry over to the rest area and take a look." Assistant Lin Xia ran over breathlessly at this moment.

"what happened?"

Lin Xia took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and replied with slight panting, "Several groups of people came to give gifts. And there were also many of your fans outside the film set."

Liu Shishi's beautiful eyes sparkled as she instantly recalled the surprise her husband had mentioned last night, and a sense of anticipation welled up within her: "Who sent the gift?"

"Sis, you should go see for yourself."

Liu Shishi smiled sweetly, overjoyed, and couldn't wait to receive her husband's surprise.

The other members of the crew also wanted to join in the fun, so they followed in the footsteps of the leading lady.

Upon arriving at the rest area, one is immediately struck by the sight of gifts displayed everywhere – flowers, birthday cakes, and a variety of novel trinkets.

The eldest sister flipped through the greeting cards, searching for the gift that Song Ci had sent.

"Nie Yuan? No! Yu Bo? No! Si Cong? No! Oh, Teacher Zhao Benshan gave me a gift too!"

Liu Shishi held a beautiful gift, but when she saw the message on the greeting card, she was completely confused. She didn't have any connection with the comedy king Zhao Benshan.

After searching diligently but finding no gift from her husband, the woman pursed her lips, looking somewhat unhappy.

Jiang Yuanyuan, who had been receiving gifts in the rest area, understood what the eldest sister was thinking and leaned forward to whisper a few words in her ear.

"Really! He's come to Bincheng?" Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi's eyes lit up, and she immediately beamed with joy and surprise.

Jiang Yuanyuan nodded vigorously: "President Song is busy right now, so you'll have to go to the hotel to find him, Shishi."

"It's okay, I'll ask the director for leave right away. It's a pity my makeup is ruined." Liu Shishi said it was a pity, but she had already taken a step out and hurriedly went to find Ma Xin to ask for leave. Her thoughts had already flown to her husband's side.

The leading lady left the film set with her assistant, heading to the Wanda Hotel, only to find dozens of fans holding glow sticks, crowding outside the iron fence.

Not wanting to disappoint her fans, Liu Shishi got out of the car to interact with them and take photos. It took a lot of effort to calm them down before she set off again.

At night, in a luxurious room at the Wanda Hotel, Song Ci, guitar in hand, softly plays and sings the most classic love songs:
"The most romantic thing I can imagine is growing old with you, until we're too old to go anywhere, and I'll still cherish you like a treasure in my palm."

Liu Shishi rested her chin on her hand, her eyes gentle as she gazed tenderly at Song Ci. The bright moonlight outside the window bathed her in a hazy, dreamlike glow, making her look exquisite and captivating.

(End of this chapter)