Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 348 Two School Beauties
As we entered the latter half of June, the entertainment industry was in turmoil, with a constant stream of major news.

On June 15th, the epic film "The Founding of a Republic," produced by China Film Group, premiered.

More than a hundred celebrities from the entertainment industry gathered on the red carpet, making it the most anticipated cultural event in mid-June.

On June 20th, the fantasy period drama "Xuan-Yuan Sword," produced by Tangren Media, began filming in Hengdian. The drama has attracted widespread attention due to its stellar production team.

Even more shockingly, on June 22, Donghai Liu Shishi Film and Television Culture Studio acquired Qiongzhou Yi Film and Television Company for 30 million yuan, marking the exit of the once leading costume drama company, Zhouyi Film and Television, from the historical stage.

Just one day later, Tengda Culture, a leading Chinese film and television company, announced that it had invested $1.2 million in Summit Entertainment, an independent Hollywood film production company.

After the investment, Tenda will hold 40% of the shares, becoming the largest shareholder of this American film and television company.

At the signing ceremony held at the Beiping Hotel, Ms. Liu Rong, the newly appointed president of Tengda Culture, declared that this would be a significant milestone for Tengda Group's foray into Hollywood and would reshape the landscape of Chinese film and television.

Before the commotion in the entertainment industry had subsided, on June 24th, college entrance examination results were released across major provinces in China, marking a crucial turning point in the lives of millions of students.

On this day, senior high school students who are about to graduate from Xiamen No. 1 Middle School returned to campus and filled out important life choices under the guidance of their teachers.

Class 1 of Senior Three, a science experimental class, is currently filled with a faint sense of melancholy at parting. In the bright and clean classroom, students gather in twos and threes, exchanging their hopes for the future and their reluctance to leave.

After submitting their college applications today, students will soon be going their separate ways in September to begin their new university life.

"Du Ling, how many points did you get?" A tall boy nervously rubbed his hands together by the desk, his eyes glancing at the delicate profile of the girl beside him from time to time.

Chen Duling, the school beauty of Menxia No.1 Middle School, was flipping through the newly published novel "The Rise and Fall of the Two Song Dynasties" by the richest man, Song Ci. Without looking up, she said in a cold voice, "621 points."

Qiao Ya, the girl sitting next to her, exclaimed, "621 points! That's such a high score! With that score, you'll definitely get into a top-tier university!"

The boy's eyes immediately lit up, and he probed further: "Du Ling, which university are you planning to attend?"

Chen Duling closed the novel, her eyes resolute: "Beiping University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Aircraft Propulsion Engineering major."

"Dudu, you really are going to apply to Beihang University after all. You're really going all out just to see your idol."

Upon hearing this, Qiao Ya winked mischievously and turned to look at the boy beside her, "Wu Di, what score did you get?"

Wu Di straightened his back, his face beaming with pride: "672 points!"

Qiao Ya gave a thumbs up: "Great job, Class Monitor Wu! Your score is high enough to get into Renmin University, right?"

"Renmin University is a bit risky." Wu Di glanced at the cool and aloof girl beside him and replied softly, "I'm also planning to apply to Beihang University."

Upon hearing this, Qiao Ya immediately covered her mouth and chuckled. Who in the class didn't know about the class monitor's little crush on the school beauty? Before, everyone was too busy with their studies in their senior year to express their feelings, but now that graduation was just around the corner, the young man's secrets could no longer be hidden.

With his thoughts exposed, Wu Di blushed with embarrassment and quickly changed the subject: "Qiao Ya, what did you mean when you said Du Ling wanted to meet her idol?"

Qiao Ya tilted her head, looking mysterious, and slowly said before she finished speaking, whetting the class monitor's appetite: "I've already found out everything!"

Her idol's mother is Professor Liu, who majors in Aircraft Propulsion Engineering at Beihang University. If she could study that major and become Professor Liu's student, maybe she could meet her idol!

When her classmate exposed her girlish secret, Chen Duling glared at her and snorted irritably, "You talk too much!"

Wu Di looked blank, thinking that the school beauty Chen Duling was a fan of a celebrity, and asked curiously, "Who is Duling's idol?"

Qiao Ya gestured towards the novel on the desk with her lip: "This is the author of this book."

Wu Di looked down and saw that the exquisite cover read "The Chronicles of the Two Song Dynasties, written by Song Ci".

"Ah, Du Ling's idol is Song Dynasty poetry?"

Qiao Ya looked at Wu Di's blank expression and couldn't help but laugh: "Class Monitor Wu, it seems you don't understand Du Du's thoughts at all!"

Dudu's favorite novel is Song Ci's *Left Ear*; she's a die-hard fan of Song Ci.

“I’ve also read Song Ci’s books, and I especially like his historical novels,” Wu Di quickly chimed in, indicating that he and the school beauty shared a common interest.

Catering to her preferences worked. Chen Duling nodded slightly: "Historical themes are indeed more profound than romance novels."

However, Song Ci wasn't even as old as we are now when he wrote "Left Ear." To be able to write such a work at that age is truly remarkable.

When Wu Di saw that the goddess was willing to talk to him, he was overjoyed: "Actually, Song Ci is also my idol. In the future, I also want to start my own internet company."

"Go for it, Class Monitor Wu!" Qiao Ya encouraged with a smile, and suggested to her deskmate, "Dudu, summer vacation is long, how about we take a graduation trip?"

Chen Duling's eyes lit up, and she became interested: "Okay, let's go to Hengdian. I heard that Liu Shishi's new drama 'Xuanyuan Sword' has started filming, and I want to go and see it."

"Whatever you say, let's go to Hengdian. I'll do the research." Qiao Ya readily agreed, but then noticed Wu Di constantly winking at her. She teased him, "Squad Leader Wu, is it uncomfortable because you have sand in your eyes?"

Seeing that Qiao Ya didn't respond, Wu Di could only brazenly say, "It's not safe for you two girls to go out alone. Why don't we go together? I'll invite another male classmate, and the four of us can play cards on the way to pass the time."

“I think it’s a good idea, Dudu, what do you think?” Qiao Ya raised an eyebrow at Wu Di, as if to say, how are you going to thank me?
Wu Di was extremely grateful for Qiao Ya's help and nervously looked at the school beauty, Chen.

Chen Duling pondered for a moment, then finally nodded slowly.

Wu Di was overjoyed: "I promise to arrange the trip properly, just wait for my good news."

Meanwhile, at Beiping No. 4 Middle School.

Song Ci's younger cousin, Liu Yuqing, and her classmate, Li Lingyan, are also planning their graduation trip.

One of them successfully enrolled in the Experimental Class of Humanities at Tsinghua University, while the other fulfilled his wish and was admitted to the Beiping Academy of Fine Arts.

At this moment, the two like-minded best friends were in high spirits and were preparing to visit Liu Shishi on the set of the TV series "Xuan-Yuan Sword" in Hengdian.

"Sister looks so cool in this outfit, red dress and high ponytail!" Li Lingyan exclaimed, looking at the picture on her phone.

Liu Yuqing nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, the flower on Senior Sister's forehead is the prettiest. My brother loves it."

"Where are you planning to go on your graduation trip?" Lu Zhong, a boy sitting behind the two, leaned forward and asked curiously.

“Let’s go to Hengdian.” Li Lingyan replied casually as she looked through Liu Shishi’s exquisite pictures.

Lu Zhongxin understood immediately. He knew that the two girls in the front row were loyal fans of Liu Shishi, so their purpose in going to Hengdian was self-evident. The news that "Xuan-Yuan Sword" had started filming in Hengdian had even been trending on social media a few days ago. "I've never been to Hengdian before, let's go together."

Li Lingyan glanced at Lü Zhong and smiled knowingly: "Yuqing and I are going by plane, so it's inconvenient for us to take you with us."

"When are you planning to leave? I'll cover all the airfare." Lü Zhong patted his chest confidently. He came from a wealthy family, and the cost of a few plane tickets was just a small amount of his pocket money.

"No need, we'll take a private jet," Liu Yuqing waved her hand.

Lu Zhong was momentarily speechless, a question arising in his mind. Liu Yuqing's father worked at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China; he certainly couldn't afford a plane. Could it be...?

"Yanzi, did your family buy an airplane?"

Li Lingyan was gentle with her classmates and patiently explained, "It's Yuqing's plane, he lent it to us to fly for a few days."

Lü Zhong was even more confused: "Yuqing has an older brother? And he even has a private jet?"

Liu Yuqing glanced at Lü Zhong with an air of arrogance, her slender fingers twirling the ends of her hair: "What kind of expression is that!"
What, I can't have a brother? My brother can't afford a plane? Let me tell you, my brother not only can afford planes, he's bought more than one.

What Liu, the campus belle, said was true. Boss Song thought the cabin of the G200 they were currently using was a bit small, so he ordered a Gulfstream G650 that would be launched next year.

Lu Zhong's jaw nearly dropped in astonishment: "Yuqing, is your family that rich?"

"It's nothing special," Liu Yuqing replied casually, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up.

Li Lingyan thought it would be more lively with more people: "Lu Zhong, if you really want to go, we can meet up in Donghai. Hengdian doesn't have an airport, so you can only fly to Donghai and then transfer to another vehicle."

Lu Zhong immediately put his doubts aside and smiled broadly: "Alright, remember to let me know before you set off. We'll meet in Donghai and go to Hengdian together."

Although Liu Yuqing was not very willing to travel with Lü Zhong, since her best friend had already spoken up, she thought about it and decided not to object. After all, they were classmates, and she didn't want to offend her too much.

The air in June is filled with the scent of youth.

Students who achieved top marks in the exams were overjoyed, while those who underperformed began planning new paths.

Meanwhile, graduation ceremonies are being held at various universities, and another batch of young people are about to step onto the stage of society.

Two guests arrived at Song Ci's office at the headquarters of Tengda Group.

"Brother Gang, long time no see. What brings you here today?"

Upon seeing his old friends, Song Ci was quite excited and stepped forward to warmly embrace Lu Yugang and Lin Hao.

Lu Yugang laughed heartily, as generous and magnanimous as ever: "I'm here to visit an important client after consulting with my superiors, aren't I?"

Lin Hao joked with a smile, "Brother Gang got promoted, he's now the head of the branch's credit department! He's here to treat us today."

"Congratulations." Song Ci was genuinely happy for his good brother. Although he was only a junior manager, Lu Yugang was young and had a promising future.

"It's all thanks to the guidance and support of the leaders." Lu Yugang sighed with emotion, Song Ci was truly his benefactor.

Thanks to his connection with the richest man, he received support from high-ranking officials, and his career progressed smoothly, while his colleagues who joined the company at the same time were still counting money at the counter.

"What's Xiaochuan been up to lately?"

Lin Hao shrugged and spread his hands: "Just follow the mentor and work on projects like a beast of burden."

Song Ci shook his head helplessly. Tang Xiaochuan chose to stay at the university and pursue an academic career, but he also had to endure many years of hardship before he could achieve success.

The three sat down on the sofa. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lu Yugang revealed his purpose: "Fourth brother, I heard that Director Liu's daughter, your sister, is about to go to university. I'd like to take this opportunity to invite the leader to dinner. What do you think... is that appropriate?"

"No need, Brother Gang, I appreciate your kindness on behalf of my uncle and sister." Seeing that Lu Yugang still wanted to insist, Song Ci added meaningfully, "If you pay more attention to the changes in leadership positions at the ICBC headquarters recently, you'll understand."

Lu Yugang was startled. Song Ci's mention of the head office leaders was definitely not unfounded.

Now, President Liu is the president of the capital branch, which is the most prestigious position among all branches of ICBC nationwide. If he wants to advance further, he can only aim for the position of vice president of the head office.

"I understand!" After figuring out this part, Lu Yugang suddenly realized.

He then picked up an exquisite gift box beside him. Before coming, he was worried that it would be inconvenient to entertain the leaders, so he made two preparations.

"Fourth brother, inside is a brand new iPhone and a top-of-the-line laptop. I know that with you as the richest brother, your sister certainly doesn't lack these little gadgets, but this is just a small token of my appreciation. Please pass it on to your sister."

“Brother Gang, you’ve only been in the workforce for a few years, yet you’re already so adept at navigating social situations.” Song Ci shook her head helplessly. “I’m not going to give the things to my sister. My uncle would be in trouble if he accepted your things.”

Lu Yugang was overjoyed to see that Song Ci hadn't refused to accept the gifts, even though she hadn't said so. He didn't care whether Song Ci actually handed them over to Director Liu; his intentions were what mattered.

He's been in the workforce for a few years now and is no longer the novice he once was. That's how the workplace works: a leader may not accept bribes, but you can't remain silent when it matters.

With Lu Yugang's business settled, Lin Hao spoke up at the opportune moment: "Fourth brother, it's been several years since we graduated. Our classmates are planning a small reunion, and our class teacher and counselor will be there. They specifically asked me to ask you if it would be convenient for you to attend."

Has a specific date been set?

"Tentatively at the end of the month." Lin Hao, worried that Song Ci might not be able to make time, quickly added, "If you agree to participate, the time can be adjusted to suit your schedule."

Song Ci was somewhat interested in attending the university reunion, so she got up and went to her desk, pressing the landline call button: "Secretary Song, come here."

Soon, Secretary Song Xueying arrived at the chairman's office.

What are my plans for the end of the month and July?

Without hesitation, Song Xueying blurted out: "Chairman Song, on June 29th, you are to go to the National Economic Center to attend a meeting on deepening the reform of the fiscal and financial system."
In early July, you took your annual leave to visit your wife in Hengdian. The group's 2011 mid-year work conference was held on the 5th. On the 28th, you went to Donghai to attend the opening ceremony of the International Digital Entertainment Expo.

Song Ci considered her schedule: "I really can't get away at the end of the month. If it's convenient to reschedule the gathering, let's set it for noon on July 18th, I'll be free that day."

"That's great!" Lin Hao stood up excitedly when he heard that Song Ci had agreed to attend the gathering. "It's convenient, it's definitely convenient."

I'll inform my classmates immediately to reschedule the gathering for July 18th. Everyone will be thrilled to have you, the richest man in the world, attend!

(End of this chapter)