Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 377 If he can do it, so can I

Inside the executive suite of the Hyatt Regency Hangzhou, the floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking view of West Lake at night, bathed in the glow of New Year's Eve fireworks.

Fan Bingbing leaned lazily against the dressing table, her slender fingers dabbing La Mer cleansing balm as she gently rubbed her face to remove the heavy makeup from the night before.

The phone screen on the dressing table was lit up; on the other end of the WeChat video call, the agent, Mu Xiaoguang, was still working overtime at the company.

Behind her, the office lights were on, and the team was busy releasing press releases about Fan Bingbing's participation in the New Year's Eve gala, aiming to trend on social media.

"WeChat's video function is really convenient." Fan Bingbing chuckled, her fingertips tracing circles on her cheek, her eyes sparkling with charm.

"Tonight's efforts will probably be in vain. That top star stole the show, making most of the entertainment industry look like mere background figures."

Mu Xiaoguang pushed up his glasses and joked, "If your man is the richest man in the world, you can also be the best."

"She's lucky, I can't compare!" Fan Bingbing sighed as she looked at her beautiful face in the mirror. "I don't dare to hope for someone like Song Ci, I just hope to meet someone who is truly good to me!"

The sound of typing stopped abruptly, and Mu Xiaoguang looked up: "You want to be in a relationship?"

Fan Bingbing paused slightly as she removed her makeup, then lowered her eyes: "Which woman doesn't yearn for a beautiful love? I'm already thirty, it's not unreasonable for me to think about marriage, is it?"

"Right now is the golden age for the film and television industry," Mu Xiaoguang said seriously. "European luxury brands have just opened their doors to the domestic market."

Focus on your career first, and postpone dating for two or three years. Once the company is on track, I won't stop you if you want to get married and have children, but right now the company really can't do without you.

"I know what I'm doing." Fan Bingbing sighed softly. "I was just saying it casually. Good men are hard to find. It's not easy for female celebrities to find a suitable partner."

Mu Xiaoguang secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Once a woman falls in love, her ambition will inevitably decrease.

"Mr. Mu, is there any progress in contacting those luxury brands?" Fan Bingbing asked expectantly.

With endorsements from two high-end luxury brands, Gucci and Omega, and both holding top-level titles, which female celebrity in the entertainment industry wouldn't envy her?

Speaking of his recent achievements, Mu Xiaoguang couldn't hide his pride: "Just wait for the official announcement. Louis Vuitton has agreed to appoint you as their brand ambassador for China, and the process is underway to get approval from their headquarters in Paris. As for the LV Alma handbag endorsement, we're still in discussions."

"Can she only be the brand ambassador for the Greater China region?" Fan Bingbing was a little disappointed, as it was far from what she had expected. She thought that with her status, she could at least get the title of spokesperson for the Greater China region.

"Let's take it slow. High-end luxury brands rarely hire Chinese celebrities as spokespeople, and they are very cautious. Cooperation can't be completed in one step."

Mu Xiaoguang was quite satisfied. While other actresses, except for Liu Shishi, were still struggling to find connections, he had already secured a collaboration with a high-end luxury brand for his artist.

“We agents are constantly learning. In terms of fashion resources, the entire agent circle hadn’t had much contact before. We were all studying the preferences of European foreigners.”

"Please take good care of me, Mr. Mu." Fan Bingbing nodded slightly. Nowadays, the competition in the entertainment industry is becoming increasingly fierce. Not only are film and television resources up for grabs, but fashion resources have also become a battleground.

"By the way, Zhao Zhetian's sister-in-law, Chen Rong, contacted me again today, urging us to give a reply as soon as possible."

"They're really enthusiastic!"

"Brother Zhao Zhetian is one of the founders of Tangde Film and Television, so she will definitely be proactive."

Upon hearing this, Fan Bingbing frowned, looking conflicted: "President Mu, do you think we should invest in Tangde Film & Television?"

Mu Xiaoguang countered, "Are you worried about the impact on your relationship with Tengda?"

"Yes."

“When LeEco Pictures was established last time, it was understandable that you were worried that Tengda was unwilling to invest. The major shareholder of Tangde Film & Television is Zhejiang Optoelectronics Group, which has no conflict of interest with Tengda.” Mu Xiaoguang patiently analyzed, trying to dispel Fan Bingbing’s concerns.

After a moment's hesitation, Fan Bingbing made up her mind: "Then let's invest and agree to Tangde's request." Although she could buy Tangde Film and Television shares at an extremely low price, she would also have to pay a corresponding price.

A three-year artist management agreement needs to be signed with the other party. At the same time, Tangde Film and Television has the exclusive agency rights for TV series produced by Fan Bingbing Studio, as well as non-exclusive agency rights for films.

Fan Bingbing finally relented, much to Mu Xiaoguang's delight. Although Tengda Culture was a shareholder of the studio, they were not part of Tengda's inner circle and received limited resources.

In the new competitive landscape of the entertainment industry, collaborating with Tangde Film & Television to expand new channels is a wise move for seeking development.

The announcement of brand ambassadors by Omega and Porsche has undoubtedly stirred the hearts of many in the entertainment industry.

In a luxury mansion in Beiping, popular actress Zhao Zhetian was discussing endorsement deals with her sister-in-law Chen Rong.

"Jaeger-LeCoultre is only willing to offer the title of Brand Ambassador." Chen Rong is both Zhao Zhetian's sister-in-law and her agent, and has been carefully managing her sister-in-law's acting career for many years.

Zhao Zhetian remained calm and spoke in a peaceful tone: "Thank you for your concern, sister-in-law."

Only those in the know know their own situation. Since getting married and having children in 2009, she has had very few works in the past two years, and her popularity has plummeted. It is understandable that high-end luxury brands are not interested in her.

Chen Rong breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. It was good that Zhao Zhetian didn't blame her. Recently, her sister-in-law's mind was not on her acting career at all, and several brands had terminated their cooperation one after another. As her agent, she felt a lot of pressure.

"Has Fan Bingbing replied yet?"

"not yet."

Zhao Zhetian pondered for a moment: "Let's wait a bit longer. If we still don't have any definite news before the end of the year, we'll look for a new partner."

"Okay." Chen Rong hesitated for a long time before slowly saying, "Yanzi, Xiao Siyue is growing up. You should refocus on your career."

While advocating for brand endorsements for Zhao Zhetian, she deeply felt that although her sister-in-law had the reputation of a top actress and extremely high national recognition, the market did not buy it.

Zhao Zhetian shook his head slightly: "I'm 36 this year, my youth is gone, and I can't compete with those 85-born actresses anymore! After 'Painted Skin 2' is released, I plan to change my career path!"

"A career change?" Chen Rong looked surprised. "You want to switch to behind-the-scenes work and become a producer?"

"No, I want to be a director!"

Seeing the inexplicable confidence in her sister-in-law's eyes, Chen Rong resisted the urge to pour cold water on her, secretly thinking: You can't even draw a storyboard, yet you want to be a director?
Zhao Zhetian didn't notice his sister-in-law's strange expression and continued, "I have already agreed to join Alibaba's Jack Ma and Lao Huang's 'Yunfeng Innovation Equity Investment Center'."

After witnessing capital operations alongside Mr. Ma, I suddenly realized that acting and endorsements were just ways to earn a meager living, while getting involved in finance was the shortcut to the pinnacle of wealth.

Chen Rong looked pleasantly surprised: "Is Alibaba also going to get involved in the entertainment industry?"

Facing his family, Zhao Zhetian made no attempt to hide anything: "Alibaba is preparing to follow Tenda's lead in the digital entertainment industry, and we will begin taking action this year."

"That's great!" Chen Rong was overjoyed. She knew that her sister-in-law had a close relationship with Jack Ma of Alibaba. Now that Alibaba was entering the entertainment industry, with this connection, their status and value in the industry would inevitably rise.

Zhao Zhetian softly instructed, "Sister-in-law, I won't be taking on any more acting roles from now on, and endorsements are irrelevant to me. Could you keep an eye out for good film scripts suitable for a new director?" Chen Rong readily agreed, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

The night was deep, and the clock hands quietly pointed to two in the morning.

In the Donghai Science and Technology Innovation Center, there is a small office of only 50 square meters with a sign that reads "miHoYo Game Studio" hanging outside the door.

Inside, several young people were still working hard under the lamp, striving for their burning dreams.

When the clock on the wall pointed to three o'clock, Cai Haoyu, the head of the studio, rubbed his bloodshot eyes and stretched wearily.

"Finally fixed the bug! Guys, let's go grab some late-night snacks and have a good rest on New Year's Day."

Luo Yuhao, standing to the side, waved his hand weakly: "I'm not going. I really can't hold on anymore. I just want to sleep."

Liu Wei yawned, listlessly slumped onto the table, and mumbled, "I'm done too, I'll take a nap."

Cai Haoyu turned his gaze to the last of his companions: "Zhicheng, what about you? Want some midnight snacks?"

However, Jin Zhicheng seemed not to hear, sitting blankly at his desk with empty eyes.

Cai Haoyu got up and walked to his side, gently patting his shoulder: "Zhicheng, what are you daydreaming about?"

Jin Zhicheng suddenly came to his senses, his gaze sweeping over the faces of his three partners, his expression conflicted, and he hesitated several times before speaking.

Sensing something was wrong, Cai Haoyu's heart tightened, and he asked with concern, "Is something the matter?"

Jin Zhicheng took a deep breath, as if he had made a tremendous decision, and said in a low voice, "Brothers, there's something I need to discuss with you!"

Cai Haoyu's heart skipped a beat, a bad premonition welling up inside him. He opened his mouth, "Go ahead and say it, Zhicheng! Awei, Yuhao, you guys shouldn't sleep either!"

Jin Zhicheng closed his eyes, seemingly unable to look directly at his three partners: "I... I received an offer from Cisco."

The atmosphere in the office became extremely somber, with only the ticking of the clock echoing in the air.

After a long silence, Jin Zhicheng sighed again: "I want to quit and go work for Cisco after the New Year."

Cai Haoyu forced a smile that looked more like a grimace: "Congratulations on your success, you've finally achieved your goal."

Cisco, a Silicon Valley tech giant, offered a job that meant a generous and stable salary, a clear and promising career path, and even a broad international platform.

For a recent graduate, this is an extremely "safe" choice, much better than toiling away in this small, uncertain job.

Liu Wei and Luo Yuhao exchanged a glance, their words stuck in their throats, leaving only a deep sense of powerlessness.

They were angry at their friend for giving up halfway, but they also understood that Jin Zhicheng's choice was justifiable given that the studio was on the verge of collapse and even survival was a problem.

"Before going to America, I will do my best to finish 'Honkai Impact 3rd'." Jin Zhicheng said hurriedly, grabbed his coat from the chair, and rushed out without looking back.

He dared not linger, fearing both accusations and attempts to persuade him to stay. At that moment, escaping became his only option.

Jin Zhicheng's figure disappeared into the night. Cai Haoyu could no longer suppress the despair in his heart. He kicked over the trash can hard, and sorrow and helplessness overwhelmed him like a tide.

Luo Yuhao hung his head dejectedly, his voice full of pessimism: "I'm afraid our studio won't be able to hold on any longer." Mihoyo Studio is already operating at a loss, and is currently only barely hanging on by the interest-free loans from the Science and Technology Innovation Center.

Cai Haoyu gritted his teeth, a stubborn glint in his eyes: "I won't give up like this! I'll head to Beiping tomorrow and make sure I get Tengda's investment no matter what."

Liu Wei shook his head: "Going there like this will be pointless."

Tenda Group owns the world's largest game publishing platform. They had previously tried to obtain investment from Tenda Group through various channels, but all their efforts were in vain and there was no response.

Cai Haoyu slumped into his chair, a sense of helplessness washing over him: "What should we do then!"

"We need to find another way!" Liu Wei had a flash of inspiration, quickly opened Weibo, and found a news article. "Look at this!"

The two approached, and the screen prominently displayed: "Liu Shishi Film and Television Culture Studio invests 500 million yuan in Pop Mart Company."

Cai Haoyu looked puzzled: "Pop Mart? What kind of company is that?"

Liu Wei curled his lip, his face full of disdain: "When I saw this news, I made a point of looking into it. Pop Mart is a newly established children's toy company, a garbage company with no technological content whatsoever."

Cai Haoyu stared wide-eyed in surprise: "Can a company like this really attract investment?"

Liu Wei spread his hands, his tone tinged with sarcasm: "Just lucky, he managed to latch onto Liu Shishi, that big tree."

Five million is a huge sum for us, but for them, it's probably as easy as buying a bottle of water for five yuan. They probably just threw it away on a whim.

Cai Haoyu's hope was rekindled: "The four of us, graduate students from Donghai Jiaotong University, are starting a business. In terms of technical ability and entrepreneurial determination, how are we not a hundred times better than those who make toys?"
If I could meet Liu Shishi, I'm absolutely confident I could persuade her to invest in miHoYo!

Luo Yuhao also got excited, his eyes sparkling with anticipation: "Liu Shishi is the boss's wife of Tengda Group. Getting her to invest is no different from having Tengda Group endorse you."

She also has tens of millions of followers on Weibo. If she were willing to help promote our game, wouldn't it take off like a rocket?

After the initial excitement, Cai Haoyu became worried again: "But she's the wife of the richest man, how can we just meet her whenever we want? We don't even know her schedule, what should we do?"

“I know her schedule.” Liu Wei waved his phone. “January 14th, Wanda Cinema in Beiping, she’s going to attend the premiere of the movie ‘Goodbye Mr. Loser’.”

The two asked in unison, "How do you know so much?"

Liu Wei explained with a smile, "I'm in her fan group. The fan club will release this information."

At miHoYo, Cai Haoyu and Jin Zhicheng focused on technology, while Luo Yuhao managed planning and development.

He was in charge of operations and external affairs. When he first saw the news about Pop Mart, he kept an eye out for it and joined Liu Shishi's fan circle. He never expected it would actually come in handy now.

Luo Yuhao became interested: "Quickly add me to the group, I want to try camping out and chasing stars too."

"It's not that easy! I joined a core fan group, which has a high threshold. They only accept high-end fans with resources and skills. It took me a lot of effort to pass the review."

"So particular?" Luo Yuhao clicked his tongue in amazement.

"Stop talking!" Cai Haoyu made a decisive decision, his eyes firm: "Book the tickets now, we're going to Wanda Cinema on the 14th. We have to seize this opportunity no matter what."

(End of this chapter)