Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 350 No experience with kissing scenes

Dong Dapeng nervously swallowed, seizing this hard-won opportunity to speak: "Chairman, I am Dong Dapeng from TT Video Network."

I was planning a short drama project, which was approved by the former president, Yu Xin, and all the procedures were completed.

But after the new CEO, Zhou Juan, took office, she canceled the project without saying a word! When I went to argue with her, she not only wouldn't listen, but also threatened to fire me and even suspended all my privileges...

Dong Dapeng became more and more agitated as he spoke, his voice trembling slightly: "I really had no other choice but to resort to this tactic of waiting for you in the parking lot."

Song Ci's voice was cold and clear: "Reason?"

"Huh?" Dong Dapeng was a little confused and didn't react for a moment.

"I'm asking you, what was Zhou Juan's reason for cutting the project?" Song Ci emphasized, repeating the question again.

He knew Zhou Juan's character all too well. As a newly appointed executive who had ousted the former president, she was always extremely cautious in her actions. She would never reject a project that the former president had already approved without a valid reason.

Dong Dapeng stammered and hesitated for a long time before saying, "President Zhou said that the short drama I planned was vulgar and would lower the platform's image."

He knew that his script contained a lot of risqué jokes, but he had poured a lot of effort into this short film and absolutely could not let it go to waste.

What's worse, given Tenda's standing in the industry, most companies wouldn't dare take on this rejected project.

If he were to submit the project to another platform, he feared being blocked by Tencent. Therefore, if TT Video Network didn't invest in this project, it would be doomed to fail.

After much deliberation, he decided to take the risk and meet with the chairman in person, hoping that things could take a turn for the better.

Did you bring the script?

"I brought it, here it is, please take a look." Dong Dapeng hurriedly and respectfully presented the prepared script with both hands.

Song Ci took the script and quickly flipped through it. As expected, it was a short drama called "Diao Si Men".

"It's really not worthy of being in a refined place."

These words plunged Dong Dapeng into despair, making him realize that the chairman had also lost interest in his project, and a wave of immense frustration and disappointment washed over him.

"Take the script and report to Tengda Culture. You'll be working there from now on." Song Ci handed the script back to Dong Dapeng.

A phenomenal online comedy can greatly boost video website traffic, so he has no reason to give up this project.

However, Zhou Juan's point of view is not wrong. After all, she is the person she has promoted. Since she has already killed the project, then change the production channel.

"Thank you so much, Chairman! Thank you so much!" Dong Dapeng bowed repeatedly, overjoyed. He had been in despair, but unexpectedly, things took a turn for the better, and he was given a new lease on life.

“You have some talent, but you still need to hone your skills. Tengda Culture has long-term plans for its artists, so go there and learn a lot.”

The car window slowly rolled up, and Song Ci instructed Wang Shan, "Drive back to Jingyuan."

Several luxury cars disappeared at the exit of the parking lot. Dong Dapeng was still a little dazed; things had gone unexpectedly smoothly.

"Yes! It really worked!" After waving his arms excitedly and venting his frustrations and helplessness over the past few days, Dong Dapeng calmed down, took out his phone, and wanted to share his joy with his friends.

"Liu Yan, I have great news for you! My project is a success!" Dong Dapeng's voice was filled with barely concealed excitement. "You'll never guess how I managed to pull it off..."

Meanwhile, Song Ci returned to Jingyuan by car and happened to see Lei Jun's car entering the villa gate. She instructed the driver, "Stop in front of Mr. Lei's house."

Lei Jun's driver noticed the Maybach parked in front of the door and immediately reported, "Boss, it's Mr. Song's car. Mr. Song got out of the car, and it seems he has something to discuss with you."

Lei Jun, who was resting with his eyes closed, peeked out when he heard this and saw Song Ci walking towards him. He quickly got out of the car to greet her.

The two business tycoons strolled and chatted along the quiet paths of the garden, while a group of bodyguards discreetly kept their distance, not daring to disturb them.

"Mr. Lei, there's something I'd like to discuss with you," Song Ci said, getting straight to the point.

Lei Jun nodded slightly, walking side by side with Song Ci, waiting for the next part to follow.

"Xiaomi smartphones have reached a stage of development where they face a strategic choice," Song said calmly. "Either break into the high-end market or delve deeper into the mass market."

Lei Jun sighed softly, "That's true. The high-end market is currently firmly controlled by Apple and Samsung."

Without cutting-edge technology, it will be difficult for Xiaomi to break into the high-end smartphone market. Therefore, I'm planning to launch a more affordable Redmi phone next year.

Have you heard of AuthenTec, an American company?

"Hmm?" The richest man's thoughts were a bit erratic, and Lei Jun couldn't keep up for a moment. "I've never heard of this company."

Song Ci explained, "AuthenTec is a publicly traded company in the United States that possesses world-leading fingerprint authentication technology."

Lei Jun seemed to be thinking: "Fingerprint recognition?"

Song Ci stopped in his tracks, his eyes shining: "Fingerprint recognition technology, as one of the core technologies in the field of biometrics, has the advantages of high security, convenience and low cost."

Currently, most mobile phones on the market still use numeric passwords and pattern unlocks. If Xiaomi phones can be the first to feature fingerprint recognition, it will not only bring a technologically advanced and novel user experience, but also provide an excellent opportunity to penetrate the mid-to-high-end market.

The rosy prospects described by the richest man caught Lei Jun's eye: "President Song, do you mean to get Xiaomi to obtain the AuthenTec fingerprint recognition technology patent license?"

Song Ci shook his head slightly: "Fingerprint recognition technology has a wide range of applications in the future. It is one of the cornerstones of the digital age and an irreplaceable social technology."

Although Tenda has also invested in research and development, the domestic industry started late in this field, and it is difficult to bypass some core patents.

"Without acquiring ownership of these technology patents, the company's future development will inevitably be subject to others' control. Therefore, I want to join forces with Xiaomi to acquire this company."

Lei Jun fell into deep thought. He knew that Tengda Group attached great importance to technological reserves. Not only did it have three world-renowned R&D centers, but it also purchased a large number of technology patents from all over the world every year.

While fingerprint recognition technology is important, as Song Ci just mentioned, AuthenTec is a publicly traded company and a technology company.

Acquiring such a company would inevitably require significant expenditures on stock premiums and government lobbying.

Xiaomi Group has only just started to get on track and is not as wealthy as Tenda Group. It cannot afford to spend too much money.

Sensing Lei Jun's hesitation, Song Ci said meaningfully, "Mr. Lei, we not only need to acquire AuthenTec, but we also need to act quickly. As far as I know, Apple is also considering acquiring it, and if we delay, we will miss a golden opportunity."

"Apple also values ​​fingerprint recognition technology!" Lei Jun was suddenly shocked upon hearing this.

Apple is undoubtedly the world's leading company and trendsetter in the smartphone industry. If Apple intends to acquire AuthenTec, it proves that the company's technology does indeed play an irreplaceable role in the smartphone field.

Song Ci didn't urge him, but simply stood quietly to the side, giving Lei Jun ample space to think. His choice to cooperate with Xiaomi was also a reluctant move. Given the current size of Tengda Group, any overseas acquisition would arouse the vigilance of the United States, and his enemies would inevitably try to obstruct it.

So they had to find a partner to take the lead in acquiring AuthenTec.

Xiaomi has a strong network of connections in the US, so an acquisition by a mobile phone company wouldn't attract too much attention. My chance encounter with Lei Jun today actually facilitated this collaboration.

Lei Jun, as expected of a decisive person who has experienced the ups and downs of the business world, made up his mind in a short time: "President Song, how much capital will be needed to acquire AuthenTec?"

"To achieve a swift victory and acquire AuthenTec in one fell swoop, we estimate it will require $4 million." Song Ci didn't hesitate; the Tengda team had already conducted a thorough investigation, and "Tengda can cover most of the funding."

Lei Jun reasoned that AuthenTec's dominance might fall into Tenda's hands in the future, but Xiaomi only needed the patent usage rights and a small investment. This deal was worth the gamble.

“Okay, I agree.” Lei Jun made the decision decisively. “Arrange for the team to connect tomorrow. Since we’ve decided to acquire AuthenTec, let’s get it over with quickly.”

As the sun gradually sets in the west, dusk quietly descends.

When her husband did not return for a long time, Zhang Tong went out to look for him. Passing by a small bridge and a stream, she saw her bodyguard and another group of people standing together.

He stepped forward to investigate: "What are you all doing here? Where is the master?"

Upon seeing that it was the proprietress, the bodyguard quickly pointed to a spot not far away: "Madam, the boss and Mr. Song are discussing matters, and we dare not disturb them."

Zhang Tong looked in that direction and saw her husband and Song Ci sitting on a stone bench by the lake, talking animatedly.

Song Ci was radiant, gesturing excitedly with his hands from time to time; Lei Jun listened attentively, nodding frequently in agreement.

"We can't just focus on business and skip meals," Zhang Tong said with a helpless shake of his head, and walked towards the two of them.

"Old Lei, what are you two talking about, President Song? You seem so engrossed."

Hearing Zhang Tong's voice, the two, who were engrossed in their discussion, suddenly snapped out of their reverie.

Song Ci stood up and greeted her, "Sister-in-law!"

Lei Jun looked tenderly at his wife: "President Song is giving me some pointers."

Zhang Tong laughed and said, "Even the most important things require eating! It's getting late. It's fine if you don't eat, Lao Lei, but don't delay President Song's dinner, otherwise I won't be able to explain to Shishi."

Lei Jun laughed heartily: "It was my oversight. President Song, how about coming to my house for a simple meal? We can chat while we eat."

Song Ci readily agreed: "Then I'll have to trouble Mr. Lei and his wife."

Zhang Tong took her husband's arm and said, "President Song, you're too kind. Lao Lei and I are overjoyed that you could come!"

Under the cover of night, the crew of "Xuan-Yuan Sword" in Hengdian World Studios were brightly lit.

Inside the studio, all the staff were on high alert, and a highly anticipated highlight was being prepared in full swing.

The emotional storyline between Yuwen Tuo, played by Hu Ge, and Ning Ke, played by Tang Yan, runs throughout the entire series, and this scene is the key moment when their emotions erupt, as well as the climax of the whole series.

Under the dazzling spotlight, director Li Guoli meticulously adjusted the camera angles, striving to capture the most perfect shot.

"Action!" With the director's command, the set fell silent instantly, and Hu Ge and Tang Yan quickly got into character.

After experiencing a fierce emotional struggle in the drama, Yuwen Tuo finally mustered up the courage to confess his feelings to Ning Ke.

In front of the camera, Hu Ge gazed affectionately at Tang Yan, gently stroking her cheek with a delicate yet restrained gesture. Tang Yan's eyelashes trembled slightly, and her cheeks flushed, attempting to express Ning Ke's inner turmoil and shyness.

Just as the two were about to kiss, Tang Yan's lips curled up slightly, as if she was trying to suppress a smile.

"Cut! Let's start again. Tang Yan, focus! Stop laughing all the time." Li Guoli sighed in exasperation as he watched the monitor. Tang Yan had an extremely low threshold for laughter and would burst into laughter for no reason from time to time, which really gave him a headache.

The two leads adjusted their mood and kissed again, with Tang Yan performing well this time.

Just as the scene was about to be filmed, the director interrupted again: "Cut! Hu Ge, why are your earlobes and neck red? Control yourself and be more natural."

On the sidelines of the film set, Gulinaza watched Hu Ge and Tang Yan film a kissing scene, her face flushed red. As a newcomer to the entertainment industry, this was the first time she had ever seen such a scene.

The young girl blushed and asked shyly in a low voice, "Senior Sister, are kissing scenes so difficult to film? Senior Brother and Sister Yan have already done seven or eight takes."

"How would I know? I've never filmed a kissing scene." Liu Shishi pouted and glanced at Gulinaza, who had recently become very obedient under her discipline.

This girl is a die-hard fan of good looks, and she's always been obsessed with her husband Song's stunning good looks.

Gulinaza was taken aback for a moment, then realized that with Boss Song protecting her, Tangren's leading lady indeed wouldn't take on kissing or intimate scenes; the drama would focus on her being the only beautiful sister.

Lin Gengxin, standing to the side, laughed and said, "I've heard from seniors that if both the man and woman are willing to film kissing scenes and don't object to each other, they usually chew some gum or something to keep their breath fresh."

If you feel some resistance, eat some strongly flavored foods, such as garlic or durian, and intentionally eat these kinds of foods to reduce your physiological reaction.

"Ah Xin, you know quite a bit, don't you?" Liu Shishi teased with a smile. She had heard Wang Sicong say that although Lin Gengxin was honest in front of her, he was actually quite sassy in private, and his Weibo private account ID was "The Dream of Nine Hundred Million Girls".

Lin Gengxin scratched his head: "I've never filmed a kissing scene before. I only learned about this from Teacher Nie Yuan last time."

On set, Hu Ge and Tang Yan had to do three more takes.

"Is kissing scenes that difficult? Is Yan Yan taking advantage of Lao Hu?" Liu Shishi watched Tang Yan hugging Hu Ge and kissing him again and again, feeling that the scene was a bit too much to bear.

Gulnazar suddenly dropped a bombshell: "I don't think so. I heard from Sister Yan that her boyfriend is coming to visit the set tomorrow."

"Yan Yan has a boyfriend? Who is he? She didn't even tell me!" Liu Shishi asked curiously.

Gulinaza explained, "It's Qiu Ze, whom she met on the set of 'Summer's Desire.' During the day, when we mentioned that President Song would be visiting the set tomorrow, Sister Yan let slip that her boyfriend would also be visiting the set tomorrow."

"Qiu Ze? I don't remember him. I'll have someone investigate his background another day." Liu Shishi was quite concerned about her best friend's love life and was prepared to use the influence of the richest woman to find out more about Qiu Ze.

Jiang Jinfu excitedly suggested, "The set is going to be lively tomorrow! Not only is President Song visiting the set, but Sister Tang Yan's boyfriend is also coming. Sister Shi, how about we all go to karaoke tomorrow night?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi glanced coldly at Jiang Jinfu, then turned and left the photography studio without looking back.

The sudden change in the eldest sister's attitude left Jiang Jinfu completely bewildered: "Senior Sister, what's wrong?"

Lin Gengxin sighed: "Are you stupid? What kind of person is President Song? What level are people like Qiu Ze? How could you suggest that we all go to karaoke? How could you even say that!"

(End of this chapter)