How can you become a star without money?

Chapter 123 How to Make Money? [Please Subscribe for 10,000 Subscriptions]

"Have any brands proactively approached us?" Wang Yao asked.

“Yes.” Zhou Yougen handed over several contracts.

Wang Yao glanced at the brands and prices, raising an eyebrow slightly.

Even Carslan extended a collaboration invitation, offering Yang Ying a 10 yuan appearance fee, even though she is a short-term spokesperson and a key guest at the launch of their next new product. This shows that Yang Ying's commercial value has indeed become apparent.

“My opinion is that we can accept sporadic endorsement deals with big brands, but we shouldn’t accept endorsements from small brands and products. Their current prices are low and their brand awareness is not good, which will be detrimental to their future development.” Wang Yao nodded.

“That’s what I mean too. Angela has just returned to the mainland, so there’s no need to rush to monetize her image. Maintaining continued exposure is the most important thing.” Zhou Yougen nodded in agreement.

"Kimi must have a lot of connections to international fashion shows and art exhibitions, right? We could have her go and shoot some footage, and then build a commercial persona around her fashion and art background."
Regarding exposure opportunities, Jackie Chan has a project in preparation that will start around June, and I've reserved a role for her as the third female lead. There's also a role for the second female lead in director Stanley Kwan's film, but the casting is currently undecided; we can try to secure it." Wang Yao thought for a moment, and actually, Yang Ying would also be quite suitable for the second female lead role in "Lost 3".

Let Stanley Kwan choose for himself when the time comes.

"Great! Thank you so much, Mr. Wang, for taking care of Angela." Zhou Yougen was overjoyed upon hearing this.

Yang Ying almost sold the role of the third female lead in "All Love" to Huang Xiaoming, but unexpectedly, she was offered two high-quality resources of the same or even higher level right after working with Wang Yao.

"Thank you for your appreciation, Mr. Wang." Yang Ying's beautiful eyes also sparkled. She was used to the way Hong Kong entertainment spoke and hadn't changed back yet.

“I remember Kimi has a stylist under her, right? We can have him do a makeup and styling sharing program with Yang Ying later, and then put it online to see how it goes,” Wang Yao added.

"Han Huo? Okay, I'll make the arrangements." Zhou Yougen nodded.

"The company will be investing in a fashion-themed variety show later, and Kimi can be in charge of producing it," Wang Yao said with a smile.

"Huh?" Zhou Yougen was a little surprised. The position of producer is not a huge one, but it is also a core position.

“Tianhuo needs diversified channels for development, and acquiring Kimi’s company is still necessary. I hope you will reconsider,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

Although Zhou Yougen is fully cooperating with Wang Yao, her fashion company remains independent. Besides a group of signed models, the company also relies on Zhou Yougen's personal resources in the fashion industry.

Last time, Wang Yao proposed a 3000 million yuan acquisition, but Zhou Yougen did not agree.

"Tianhuo plans to break through the 100 million mark in business volume this year, especially in the fashion industry, where we need professionals like Sister Kimi to assist us. Previously, the industry estimated our value at around 400 million."
"But that was before the New Year. Recently, the company has added many new business lines. I'm looking for a new valuation agency now, and I can probably double the value. Kimi can exchange her shares or cash out if she wants." Wang Yao interrupted Zhou Yougen and said to himself.

Zhou Yougen was stunned.

She never expected that Tianhuo's valuation would double to 8 million in just over the Chinese New Year? Wouldn't that mean it's almost catching up with its parent company, Meishe?
Moreover, she could tell that Wang Yao wasn't exaggerating. Her business in Hong Kong had already suffered setbacks, and she genuinely wanted to shift her focus to the mainland. If she were to acquire Skyfire and become a shareholder, overseeing the fashion sector...

It seems pretty good, and given this valuation growth rate, if she hesitates any longer, she might suffer a huge loss.

Zhou Yougen said he would seriously consider it, and after saying goodbye to Yang Ying, he returned to the nanny car.

"Angela, how does this Mr. Wang compare to Huang Xiaoming?" Zhou Yougen asked with a smile.

"Sister Kimi, I've already made it clear to him. After all, I'm planning to focus on building my career and not rely on a man anymore," Yang Ying said seriously.

“It’s good for women to have their own careers, but that doesn’t conflict with relying on men. Women should learn to use their own advantages. Mr. Wang is the most unique talent I’ve ever met in all these years. His methods and scheming are extraordinary. Getting along with this kind of person is actually very simple. As long as you are open and honest, he won’t let you suffer.” Zhou Yougen said meaningfully.

"Is Sister Kimi prepared to accept President Wang's acquisition offer?" Yang Ying asked, frowning.

“I also need to have someone evaluate it. I can’t just believe whatever valuation he says, but if he really wants to invest in the fashion industry, then I will seriously consider the returns.” Zhou Yougen nodded.

"Then let's wait until you decide," Yang Ying said with a smile.

Tianhuo.com's first-quarter revenue is currently around 20 million.

Wang Yao plans to find someone to revalue the company, which requires inflating the revenue figures.

How is flowing water generated?

Kanpian.com awarded Huayi and Bona's new media business to Xinghuo for 2000 million yuan to achieve 60 billion exposures, and then Xinghuo subcontracted it to Tianhuo.

Revenue increased by 2000 million.

Then, Tianhuo asked Xingyou Company to purchase services related to the Taobao Girl website for 1500 million.

【Star Game】needs to create promotional materials for 'Fruit Assassin' again, and then pays 【Skyfire】1000 million for a 30 billion exposure contract.

Revenue increased by 1000 million.

The 2000 million yuan flowed through four companies, and [Tianhuo] generated 3000 million yuan in revenue, while also obtaining 3000 million yuan in cash to fund a 90 billion yuan exposure project.

This budget might just be enough to complete the contract, but it doesn't matter if it's not completed, since Wang Yao is in charge of everything behind the scenes, and no one will hold it against him.

As a result, multiple parties benefited. Although Tianhuo did all the work, it also directly earned nearly 5000 million in revenue in the first quarter.

The available funds in the account have reached 2500 million.

Wang Yao paid back the 300 million yuan that He Ming owed last month, then used 200 million yuan to buy the Porsche as a company asset, and finally found a bank and an appraisal agency to recalculate the loan amount and valuation of [Tianhuo].

In the early stages of the internet, such fluctuations in revenue were normal, since they were all asset-light. Just like in the future AI era, two AI companies could easily generate billions in revenue by buying data packages from each other.

Both the bank and the assessment agency were very efficient, mainly because the company's business was simple enough, and the bank gave an estimated credit line of 1500 million.

The valuation agency gave it a value of 6 million, mainly based on the "Taobao Girl" platform and the company's long-term strategic cooperation agreements with Kanpianer.com and Myspace as important assets.

Wang Yao sent the latest valuation to Zhou Yougen and told him that now was the best time to merge with Tianhuo, because they could still catch up with the asset doubling after the financing. Tianhuo would definitely become one of the top entertainment media companies in China in the future. Although it could not compare with giant companies like Huayi that had tens of billions of yuan, it would not be too far behind.

After a night of consultation and deliberation, Zhou Yougen finally decided to follow Wang Yao's advice and agree to the acquisition for a total price of 3000 million yuan, including 5 million yuan in cash and 500% equity. Although there was a premium, Wang Yao temporarily agreed.

This equity naturally couldn't be transferred from his hands. The valuation report and the acquisition document were faxed together to the headquarters of Beijing Meishe and placed on Xu Chen's desk.

Acquisitions worth tens of millions naturally require a vote from the shareholders' meeting.

Xu Chen couldn't quite figure out Wang Yao's meaning, but the growth of Tianhuo's business and the soaring valuation were all beneficial to Meishe, so he immediately convened a board meeting to evaluate the acquisition.

Ultimately, the other shareholders had no objections. After all, although Zhou Yougen's company was clearly overpriced, Wang Yao's plan would raise Tianhuo's valuation to a higher level by the end of the year after the acquisition.

According to the charter, such strategic acquisitions should respect the CEO's opinion. After all, everyone knows that Wang Yao is the reason why Tianhuo has grown to its current scale.

Even within the board of directors, the initial contempt for Wang Yao had turned into fear, with many worried that he might abandon Tianhuo and devote himself entirely to the company that makes Kanpianer.com.

With virtually no obstacles, the acquisition agreement was reached, and Xu Chen was responsible for delivering it.

"President Wang, you've really changed a lot in just a few days! A valuation of 6 million is almost comparable to Meishe's eight years of success!" Xu Chen exclaimed with admiration.

Meishe's online business started at the end of 06, but its model agency and packaging business had already started in 02. In the early days, apart from Xinlusi, Meishe's predecessor was the earliest company in China to be involved in model and artist agency.

"Thanks to President Xu's support and trust, will Zhou Yougen's shares come from my side?" Wang Yao asked with a smile.

"Of course it can't be transferred from you. My biggest relief now is that I gave you all the shares back then. This part of the transfer will come from Meishe. If there are any other needs, Mr. Wang can also discuss them at any time." Xu Chen said sincerely.

He genuinely hoped to give Wang Yao another push, which would indirectly increase Meishe's valuation. "After acquiring Zhou Yougen's Hong Kong branch, to quickly boost the exposure of our artists, I plan to invest in a fashion-themed variety show, focusing on both clothing and beauty categories."
Similar to a talent show that tests fashion sense, this one adds a fashion segment compared to "The Great Beauty," and requires an initial budget of around 2000 million yuan, possibly requiring some funding. Wang Yao didn't mince words.

"A variety show costing 2000 million? That's quite a large-scale production. Is it a satellite TV program?" Xu Chen frowned subconsciously.

Although they also invested in "Empresses in the Palace" this year, that show had an all-star cast and at least guaranteed profits. Wang Yao's variety show sounds a bit risky.

"Yes, we're in talks with Shanghai TV to find a suitable time slot," Wang Yao said with a smile.

“We’ve just signed a few new models and invested in a few projects, so we’re probably short on funds for lending. But if Mr. Wang needs it, we can squeeze out 500 million,” Xu Chen said seriously.

“I’ll go to the bank to see if I can get some financing first. If that’s not enough, I’ll trouble Mr. Xu. Each episode of the show will need at least 18 models. Meishe can provide a few people.” Wang Yao smiled.

"That's great, let's wait for President Wang's message." Xu Chen was delighted to hear this; finally, he was willing to take them out for fun, which was a good sign.

After ending the call with Wang Yao, Xu Chen wandered around the office a few times with Tianhuo's valuation report, and finally sent the publicly available parts of the email to Yang Zi, Bo Na, and Wu Kebo.

Previously, all three of them wanted to acquire Meishe shares, but Xu Chen always felt that the price was not worthwhile. Now, Wang Yao has delivered a great gift.

Meishe holds 55% of Tianhuo's shares, which alone is valued at 3 million. Adding Meishe's own valuation, they can confidently ask for 10 billion!

After receiving the news, Yang Zi sat silently on the sofa smoking. He couldn't understand these appraisal agencies anymore. Juli Entertainment had a paid-in capital of 2.5 million, yet they only gave it a valuation of less than 10 billion. What made Tianhuo Media so special? What made Wang Yao so special?
"Why are you sitting here spacing out again?" Huang Shengyi asked when he got home, seeing Yangzi looking like she had lost her soul.

"How did the last meeting at Tianhuo go? Go and follow up again tomorrow. Don't take the money and then not do the job." Yangzi said sullenly, losing his temper.

"It's only been a month, okay? I'll go." Huang Shengyi originally wanted to say that Yang Zi was being a bit too hasty, but then she thought that she really needed to find a reason to see Wang Yao.

She watched helplessly as the movie streaming website skyrocketed in popularity, and she was so envious that she couldn't sleep at night.

Wu Kebo has been in a better mood recently. Since making peace with Kanpianer.com, although the stock price has not rebounded, the cinema's performance has indeed seen significant growth.

Now that cinemas are using the Kanpianer.com online management system, they have indeed saved a lot of manpower, and the occupancy rate is very stable. For them, stable cash flow is more important than anything else.

He's temporarily putting the stock price out of his mind, and the copyright debt collectors from Wang Jing haven't caused any more trouble. Wang Yao is really a man of his word.

Just when I was about to take a couple of days off, I received an email from Xu Chen, which instantly perked me up. On one hand, I regretted not decisively taking over the shares at a 1:3 ratio back then. Now, even a 1:2 ratio would probably be difficult.

On the other hand, they were also somewhat relieved. Wang Yao was really capable. He could even build Tianhuo, a small agency, into such a large-scale company. In the future, he might really be able to turn Kanpianer.com into an international ticketing company with a market value of tens of billions.

However, should they involve Wang Yao through Meishe, or simply deepen their cooperation directly with Wang Yao?
Wu Kebo was caught in a dilemma, but in the end he couldn't resist his personality and sent a message to Xu Chen to discuss it in person.

Berna seems to value Skyfire's soaring valuation quite a bit. As a comprehensive film and television company, Skyfire's incubation model is very attractive, as it can cultivate internet celebrities at low cost and then transform them into stars through screening, which can greatly reduce the company's over-reliance on artists.

Yu Dong convened another meeting to discuss how much of his shares to hold. He knew very well that a CEO like Wang Yao would never easily give up his shares, so holding shares indirectly through Meishe was the best approach. Of course, he also couldn't give up the possibility of cooperating directly with Wang Yao.

After discussing for an afternoon, they decided to split into two groups: Zhao Tianzheng would go to Meishe to see how much they could acquire, while Dongfang Xin would go to Wang Yao to gauge his attitude.

Dongfang Xin had dealt with Wang Yao many times and was quite familiar with him, especially after the last discussion about cross-shareholding, where the outrageous percentage he offered made it clear that he had little desire for deep cooperation with Berna.

Thinking about it carefully, it makes sense. What Berna can give him, the movie streaming site can also give him, so the supply and demand relationship between the two is not that strong.

Dongfang Xin suddenly realized that the only requirement Wang Yao had mentioned before was variety shows and IPs. Perhaps this was the real breakthrough?

After making some preparations, Dongfang Xin and Wang Yao arranged a time to fly to Shanghai for a visit.

Wang Yao received Dongfang Xin at the company. The office, which was over 100 square meters, seemed a bit cramped. Dongfang Xin found it hard to believe that this was a company that could be valued at 600 million.

“Our company allows us to work online. Those who have to work in the office are mostly in photography and administrative positions. Including part-time employees, the company has nearly four or five hundred people.” Wang Yao seemed to see her doubts.

"Working online? Aren't you worried about employees slacking off?" Dongfang Xin asked, slightly surprised.

“You can slack off even if you're in the office. As long as you meet my standards, nothing else matters. After all, you can't expect too much from a salary of three or four thousand a month.” Wang Yao smiled.

"It seems that President Wang really did climb up from the ranks; he has such a magnanimous heart." Dongfang Xin was somewhat surprised. So the rumors were true?

This kid is really not a rich kid, but comes from a humble background.
“Everyone has to do their job, it’s not about being magnanimous, it’s just how it should be. However, our company’s management is not lax, and if there are problems, we will lay off employees directly.” Wang Yao smiled.

"I heard that President Wang pays social security contributions for all employees. The cost of layoffs must be very high, right?" Dongfang Xin smiled.

"As long as we earn more, we don't care about that little bit of money," Wang Yao said dismissively.

“It seems I really need to learn more from President Wang in terms of company management.” After a few pleasantries, Dongfang Xin got to the point. “This time I’m not here on behalf of Berna to see President Wang, but on my own behalf.”

"Oh?" Wang Yao was somewhat surprised, thinking that the other party had come to promote mutual support.

"Besides being in charge of external relations and public relations at Berna, I also have my own film and television production company called Dongfei Film Industry. It used to specialize in variety shows, but later it transitioned to film and television dramas." Dongfang Xin presented a company profile.

Wang Yao took it and glanced at it. Because the name was unfamiliar, he thought it was some small company, but when he opened it, he was shocked.

This company started out as the production company of "Today's Talk" and later produced "Wang Gang Tells Stories". Just from these two projects, you can probably tell what kind of background it has. What's even more outrageous is that this company has been involved in film and television production since 08, specializing in period dramas, rural dramas and movies. In 08, it produced and released 13 films, and in 09, it produced and released 52 TV series and movies.

???

What the hell does this mean? A company producing two or three hundred episodes of TV series and seven or eight hundred minutes of movies a year?

What's even more outrageous is that these movies weren't shown in theaters, and the TV series weren't broadcast on satellite channels. They were completely unfamiliar to me.

The only familiar name he saw was a list of actors with very high repetition; he spotted two names: Zhao Liying and Zhu Yilong.

How large is this investment?

How do you make money?
Oh?
Got it, internal quota procurement, right?

"My company specializes in film production. Our main collaboration is with Hairun Pictures, providing film sources for various local TV stations," Dongfang Xin explained, seemingly noticing Wang Yao's surprise.

"No wonder they're all types that ordinary people like," Wang Yao laughed.

"Regarding the variety show project that President Wang mentioned last time, although there's still no final decision within Berna, I'm still somewhat interested. If President Wang doesn't have a suitable production company or distribution channels, perhaps we can collaborate," Dongfang Xin said with a smile.

"Miss Oriental's company has relatively stable annual revenue, right?" Wang Yao asked, seemingly unrelated to the question.

"Hmm? Yes, it's basically very stable, after all, these are the only channels available." Dongfang Xin nodded.

"Have you thought about a transformation? Maintaining such a large production team must be quite costly. I'm thinking of collaborating with Miss Dongfang in other areas." Wang Yao narrowed his eyes.

"Oh? Mr. Wang, would you like to hear about it?" Dongfang Xin raised an eyebrow.

"Most of your dramas don't make it onto satellite TV, and even if they do, it's only on midnight or rural channels, so the revenue is limited. With the rise of internet film and television platforms, have you considered making online movies or web series?" Wang Yao asked with a warm smile.

Dongfang Xin frowned; these two terms were somewhat unfamiliar to her.

"Web series? Web movie?"

(End of this chapter)