The only sun in Huayu

Honey quickly changed the subject.

She casually tossed her expensive dress onto the sofa.

Like a giant dragon that has spotted treasure, it pounced on Shen Shandeng, its eyes wide open.

"Stop talking about them! Tell me! Are you really a billionaire? The newspapers and magazines are all saying it! You made over a hundred million from 'The Eunuch' and 'Lost in Thailand'?"

Shen Shandeng was amused by her slow-to-realize money-grubbing attitude and teased her on purpose: "Your reaction time is too long. The news has been talking about this for days."

"Oh dear, I was so busy thinking about you yesterday."

Da Mimi blushed, glossing over the indescribable details of their play, and shook his arm affectionately.

"We were having so much fun that we forgot! Tell me, is it true?"

"I haven't calculated it carefully." Shen Shandeng thought for a moment and said, "The company's working capital is definitely not that much, but if you include outstanding accounts receivable, project valuations, and some fixed assets, it's about right."

Da Mimi got even more excited when she heard that. She immediately pulled a calculator out of the coffee table drawer, sat cross-legged on the sofa, and looked like she was going to help him sort out his assets.

"Let's do the math! 'The Eunuch' grossed 4.3 million! How much will the production company get?"

“42 points.” Shen Shandeng sat down next to her.

"So low?" Da Mimi was a little surprised, her finger hovering over the calculator: "I thought it would be 50/50."

“This is already a very high percentage, thanks to China Film Group.” Shen Shandeng patiently explained to her: “Generally, new directors or small companies are lucky to get 33%, as most of the profits are taken by the cinemas.”

Shen Shandeng felt that partnering with China Film Group was indeed a good thing, as it would be difficult to get a reasonable share of the profits without China Film Group.

Da Mimi clicked her tongue and looked down at the calculator: "42% of 430 million, um, 1.806 million! Then you get a 30% share."

She pressed the button a few more times and exclaimed in surprise, "Wow! More than 54 million!"

Seeing her excited expression, Shen Shandeng poured some cold water on her enthusiasm: "Dream on. We haven't paid taxes yet. 5% for the film industry development fund, about 3.3% for business tax and various surcharges, so the box office revenue that can actually be distributed is only about 91.7% of the total box office."

Da Mimi's face fell slightly: "The taxes are that high?"

She lowered her head and recalculated.

"91.7% of 4.3 million is 3.9431 million, and then 42% is divided."

The calculator rattled and clicked.

"1.6561 million. Oh, that's a lot!"

Shen Shandeng watched her busy with something, even starting the calculations from scratch, and thought she wasn't very smart.

"There are also distribution agency fees. China Film Group, Bona Film Group, Enlight Media, and my own company, the distribution commission will be about 12% off."

Da Mimi pressed the buttons again, and her little face scrunched up.

"Huh? In the end, the production company only got about 1.18 million? That's less than 30% of the total box office? The theaters are really greedy!"

She felt sorry for Shen Shandeng.

Shen Shandeng said, "In Hollywood, production companies can get 50% or even more. On our side, theaters are used to being dominant. There are historical reasons for this. In the past, they were all state-owned factories that made a living by printing copies."

“Now, cinema construction requires a lot of investment, and they feel they should take the lion’s share.”

Shen Shandeng seemed to be deep in thought. At this time, the guidelines for revenue sharing in domestic films had not yet been issued and were still under discussion.

"It's time to call for a more standardized set of guidelines for revenue sharing; we can't stay in this weak position forever."

Da Mimi sighed, then rallied her spirits: "Even if it's 1.18 million, your 30% is 35.4 million! You've made over 35 million from 'The Eunuch'!"

Her eyes lit up again.

"Pretty much," Shen Shandeng said. "But that doesn't include distribution revenue, my personal company's agency fees, advertising revenue, and the miscellaneous revenue from television and online rights. All in all, the total revenue from the 'The Eunuch' project is around fifty million."

Turning three million into fifty million?
Da Mimi was stunned, her mouth slightly agape.

She couldn't wait to start calculating for "Lost on Journey": "What about 'Lost on Journey'? It's almost 300 million now! It'll definitely be there this weekend! Let's calculate it at 300 million! Should the split be 42%?"

“We want a higher percentage. We’re talking about 43% for ‘Lost in Thailand’,” Shen Shandeng said. “Moreover, this time the distribution isn’t based on a percentage-based commission, it’s an exclusive sales contract. China Film Group and my personal company have advanced the publicity and distribution costs, which is about 20 million yuan.”

"This includes the cost of copying. Nowadays, film copies and digital cinema packages together are a huge expense. Copying alone cost nearly ten million. China Film Group contributed fifteen million, and I contributed five hundred."

Yang Mi immediately looked down and frantically pressed the calculator: "91.7% of the 300 million box office is 2.751 million, and the production company gets 43%, which is 1.18293 million! Subtract the 20 million in marketing costs, wow! The net profit is almost 100 million!"

She suddenly raised her head, her breathing becoming rapid.

"So, you can get around 70 million just from the box office revenue share?"

She knew that Shen Shandeng's personal company was both the main producer and distributor, with a higher share.

Shen Shandeng found her greedy appearance amusing and nodded, saying, "More or less. Moreover, urban comedies like 'Lost in Thailand' offer more room for product placement and subsequent copyright operations. The total value of ad placements, online rights, television rights, and DVDs is probably over 40 million."

As Shen Shandeng's second film, "Lost in Thailand" fared much better in terms of attracting investment than "The Eunuch".

Da Mimi was completely baffled, her eyes wide with disbelief: "So, just from 'Lost in Thailand,' you... you can earn over 100 million?"

"Haha."

Shen Shandeng couldn't help but laugh out loud, and reached out to pinch her shocked and stunned cheek.

"Yeah, that's about right."

Da Mimi gasped, then suddenly threw herself into his arms, excitedly squealing.

"Honey! Oh my god! A billionaire! My husband is a billionaire! A real billionaire!"

"It's just a small goal," Shen Shandeng waved his hand.

Da Mimi suddenly remembered something: "Oh right! A friend told me the other day that now seems like a good time to buy US stocks at the bottom!"

"They're saying it's hit rock bottom and this is the perfect time to buy. If I don't manage my money, my money won't manage me! Should we invest a little?"

Shen Shandeng was holding a water glass when he heard this and almost choked.

He put down his cup, both amused and exasperated, and said, "If you don't manage your money, your money won't manage you?"

"If you ask me, it's 'I don't manage my finances, but my finances will stay with me.'"

"One of the fastest ways to squander money is to always think about making money work for you, especially by getting involved in things you don't understand at all."

He pulled Da Mimi aside and began to explain the ins and outs of the matter to her.

"First of all, company revenue is not equal to my personal income. The money the company earns belongs to the company and must be reinvested in production, pay salaries, pay taxes, and cover operating costs."

"My personal income mainly comes from the copyright fees for songs I wrote in the past and the copyright licensing of scripts. It's a steady stream of income, but not that exaggerated."

Seeing Da Mimi's increasingly bewildered expression, Shen Shandeng said, "Secondly, you see, I seem to have earned one or two hundred million from two movies, but that's mostly on paper."

"Right now, I don't have much cash on hand. The company only has a few million yuan in working capital, which is enough to pay next month's salaries and cover daily expenses."

Da Mimi was dumbfounded: "Huh? You made so much money, how come you're still poor?"

"Lost in Thailand is still showing in theaters. How long will it take for the box office revenue to come in? It's a long time. The money earned from The Eunuch has already been invested in making Lost in Thailand, and there are also The Emperor Jiajing and The Embroidered Uniform Guard currently in production. Aren't they all money-devouring beasts?"

Of course, he didn't mention that with his current reputation and the profitability of his projects, banks would be lining up to give him money, and with the accounts receivable from "Lost in Thailand" as collateral, getting a loan would be very easy.

As for speculating in US stocks?
The fact that Da Mimi can hear these rumors of "buying the dip" is most likely because it was released by Wall Street people, and then a group of financial professionals in China followed suit to attract retail investors to take over.

Looking back from 2008, and continuing until 2020 and even 2025, the calls to "buy the dip in US stocks" have never ceased.

They specifically target middle-aged and elderly people who have some savings and are eager to increase their wealth.

This land of Laos and China has been peacefully developing for almost sixty years since the founding of the nation, and has been undergoing reform and opening up for thirty years.

Despite fluctuations, overall wealth is accumulating rapidly, and the purchasing power hidden among the people is quite astonishing.

In later generations, an ordinary young person could make tens of thousands of dollars by maxing out various credit cards and microloan platforms.

This level of cash holdings exceeds that of the general population in most countries around the world.

In some developed countries, ordinary citizens simply cannot afford to borrow such amounts.

Shen Shandeng was not unaware that a financial crisis would break out, nor was he unaware that holding some high-quality US stocks in the medium to long term could indeed generate profits.

But he was too lazy to bother.

On the one hand, all the company's money must be used for film production in order to capture a larger market share.

On the other hand, with his personal savings, he bought real estate, and the benefits of preserving and increasing his wealth are no worse than investing. For him, he has already moved beyond the stage of simply pursuing wealth accumulation.

He's not particularly fond of money; enough is enough, and he doesn't pursue the optimal solution for asset allocation.

Making movies is a faster and more legitimate way to print money than making money through stock speculation.

more importantly.

The influence and voice of a leader in an industry are far more powerful than the numbers on paper.

2008 7 Month 10 Day.

Celebration party for "Lost in Thailand".

We chose a high-end club with good privacy.

Shen Shandeng did not engage in extravagant spending, and he was still under pressure to donate money.

However, many media outlets, having caught wind of the news, still arrived, blocking the entrance with their cameras and microphones.

The exclusive rights to report on the celebration banquet had already been sold to Sina, which can be considered a kind of resource exchange.

Wang Zhonglei accompanied his brother Wang Zhongjun to the event. As soon as they entered, they saw the eye-catching ice sculpture in the center of the venue, engraved with the number "300000000".

The light shone on him, making his eyes sting a little.

It felt like we were back at the celebration banquet for "The Eunuch".

"How come the box office has reached 300 million again? It's already out there, what's there to show off?"

Wang Zhonglei couldn't help but mutter under his breath, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Wang Zhongjun glanced at him indifferently and said nothing.

On the other hand, Han Sanping was all smiles.

Although it wasn't easy to get meat from Shen Shandeng, we finally got to eat it.

Of course, it's not just because China Film Group made a fortune again.

It's also because this year's film market has really made him proud!
Before the summer movie season is even over, five films have already grossed over 100 million yuan.

This momentum is incredible!

Moreover, he doesn't even need to personally come out and promote it now. Shen Shandeng's "hundred-billion-dollar market" promise is more convincing than anyone else's, saving him a lot of effort.

More importantly, the box office success of films like "Lost in Thailand," which are close to reality and convey an optimistic spirit, has created an excellent social atmosphere for the upcoming Olympic Games.

What a win!
The toasting ceremony.

Holding his wine glass, Han Sanping said with high spirits, "The movie 'Lost in Thailand' does not shy away from the hardships and setbacks in life, but believes that sunshine always comes after the storm!"

"It records our era and inspires people! This is the social value that film, as a popular art, should play! I believe that the new journey of Chinese cinema has just begun!"

His words drew a round of applause.

When it was Shen Shandeng's turn, he spoke succinctly and with equal conviction: "In my opinion, the best art always comes from the most authentic life, and the strongest resonance always occurs only in the hearts of Chinese audiences."

As soon as he finished speaking, he and Han Sanping smiled at each other, raised the small golden hammer together, and smashed the ice sculpture, bringing the atmosphere to a climax.

After the ceremony, it's time for free socializing.

Wang Zhongjun seized the opportunity when Shen Shandeng was temporarily alone and walked over with his wine glass.

Wang Zhongjun beamed: "Director Shen, congratulations! 'Lost in Thailand' has really given the entire industry a shot in the arm!"

Shen Shandeng clinked glasses with him: "Mr. Wang, you're too kind. It's mainly because Baoqiang and the others acted so well."

"It's thanks to Director Shen that you discovered him so well, opening up a new acting path for our Baoqiang," Wang Zhongjun replied with a smile.

Wang Zhonglei, standing to the side, didn't look so good. He had initially been very pessimistic about Wang Baoqiang, and now he felt his face was being slapped hard.

They exchanged a few pleasantries.

Wang Zhongjun cut to the chase: "Director Shen, look how good the market is right now, it's a time when there's a lot to be done."

"With Huayi's IPO imminent and everything in place, this is great news for the entire industry. Could we go a step further, deepen our cooperation, and jointly promote the development of the Chinese film industry?"

Shen Shandeng raised an eyebrow slightly: "Oh? What specific ideas does President Wang have?"

"An individual's achievements certainly depend on personal effort, but they are also inseparable from the times."

Wang Zhongjun spoke quite sincerely: "The stagnation of period dramas has created an opportunity for new genres, and Director Shen, you seized it. Huayi has also caught a good time, and we hope to work with a leader like Director Shen to make the pie even bigger."

"After going public, resources and platform will be upgraded to a higher level."

Shen Shandeng nodded in agreement.

Although there were various controversies surrounding Hua Yi in later generations, there were also many rumors about the kings.

But at present, it is indeed a leader among private film companies, and to a certain extent carries the banner of Chinese commercial films.

Although his sudden emergence has made Hua Yi less dominant than in his previous life, his extensive network of connections and resources should not be underestimated.

Huayi's listing is indeed a good thing that can make money.

He doesn't deliberately seek to take all the benefits, but why not take a free ride?
"Mr. Wang is right; the prosperity of the industry requires everyone's joint efforts. I certainly support Huayi's listing."

Shen Shandeng made a statement.

Wang Zhongjun was delighted and suggested, "Then, Director Shen, have you considered a deeper equity cooperation between us? For example, a share swap? This would better align our interests and allow us to work together against external forces."

Shen Shandeng smiled and politely declined: "I appreciate Mr. Wang's kind offer. However, my business is small and cannot compare with Huayi. I am used to setting my own rules and have not yet considered introducing external shareholders. A share swap would be even more complicated."

Disappointment flashed across Wang Zhongjun's face, but he quickly concealed it.

He had expected it.

Wang Zhonglei, who was standing next to him, couldn't contain his anger and couldn't help but interject, "Director Shen, with the success of 'Lost in Thailand,' a sequel must be on the agenda, right? But it might be difficult to coordinate Baoqiang's schedule then, as the company has arranged a lot of work for him."

His words carried a subtle threat.

Wang Zhongjun pretended to scold his younger brother, "Zhonglei, say less."

However, he did not actually take back what he said.

That's one of the advantages of having a younger brother; he can say things that you yourself are not comfortable saying.

Shen Shandeng's smile remained unchanged, but he sneered inwardly.

He wasn't surprised.

There's a reason why this industry has deteriorated to this extent. Huayi had such a great opportunity, yet it still ended up in such a mess.

He originally had a suggestion about future cooperation that he wanted to discuss, but after being threatened by Wang Zhonglei, he immediately lost interest.

He said calmly, "There's no rush for a sequel. Besides, if there's a sequel to 'Lost in Thailand,' Wang Baoqiang won't be cast again."

Upon hearing this, both the king and the king were stunned.

I never expected Shen Shandeng to react this way.

Why not use Wang Baoqiang?
The success of "Lost in Thailand" owes much to the charm of Wang Baoqiang's character. How could a different actor achieve the same effect?

Before they could react, Shen Shandeng had already raised his glass in a gesture of respect and turned to walk away.

The Wang brothers were left looking at each other, their hearts filled with unease.

the other side.

Han Sanping pulled Shen Shandeng to a slightly quieter corner, his face showing excitement and mystery.

"Shandeng, next year is the 60th anniversary celebration, and commemorative films are a major event." Han Sanping lowered his voice: "I'm thinking, we need to do something different, we can't always stick to the same old thing, don't you think?"

Shen Shandeng thought Han Sanping was indeed quite good, having created a grand strategy and produced a mainstream film.

The commercialization of patriotic themes was orchestrated by Han Sanping.

Seeing Han Sanping's "I've got another clever idea" expression, he couldn't help but laugh. (End of Chapter)