How can you become a star without money?

Chapter 181 Don’t let the wealth go to outsiders

Warnings and advice are not easily noticed.

But threats and warnings are easy to distinguish.

Although Wang Yao's words were somewhat harsh, neither of the Zheng family members reacted much.

"Of all the internet professionals I've met, Mr. Wang is the one who explained things most clearly and directly." Zheng Ziwen's gaze towards Wang Yao became more serious.

"Because what I'm presenting are all things that have already been achieved." Wang Yao curled the corners of his mouth.

"Mr. Wang spent a lot of money to buy this pen, I'm afraid it wasn't just to have a meal with this old man." Zheng Yutong was getting old and was having some difficulty processing so much information at once, so he wanted to get to the point quickly.

"I do have ulterior motives," Wang Yao said frankly. "Firstly, I hope to establish a good relationship with Zhou Dafu. I have many signed artists under my management, and I hope to have the opportunity to take on endorsement collaborations."

Zhou Dafu's current spokesperson is model Zhou Weitong, who is also under Wang Yao's company. Like Yang Ying and Xiong Dailin, she is a model under Zhou Yougen's company, which has now been acquired by Tianhuo.

Chow Tai Fook has always preferred to use models as spokespeople, starting with Lin Zhiling, then supermodel Lü Yan, and now Zhou Weitong. So Wang Yao thought it was worth trying to get Nazha as a spokesperson.

“That’s no problem. I heard that Kimi’s company has been acquired by you. As long as it fits our brand’s consistent style, the contract can be renewed, right, Grandpa?” Zheng Ziwen presumptuously agreed on behalf of Zheng Yutong. In fact, she and Zhou Dafu had no decision-making power over business matters.

"Yes, it's nothing." Zheng Yutong nodded.

The annual cost of a spokesperson is only 200 million yuan, so if it can win Wang Yao's favor, it's not a bad deal.

"Secondly, I hope to become an agent for Zhou Dafu's online store sales and operation business," Wang Yao said in a deep voice.

"Hmm? Online store sales?" Zheng Yutong frowned.

"Didn't Mr. Wang say before that e-commerce logistics is not perfect for delivering high-value products?" Zheng Ziwen asked.

"So that's how it is. But right now, Mulan Street and JD.com have a mutual cooperation. JD.com has stable and mature self-operated delivery warehouses in first-tier cities. As long as we purchase some price insurance, we can at least guarantee stable online sales in first-tier cities."

"Moreover, I only produce branded design products, not regular ones. In the future, I hope to collaborate with Chow Tai Fook on branded products," Wang Yao said seriously.

As one of the most well-known jewelry brands in China, Chow Tai Fook's influence is undeniable. Wang Yao hopes to quickly position Yunshang Clothing as a light luxury brand through co-branding.

"Is it a collaboration with Mr. Wang's clothing brand?" Zheng Ziwen understood.

Although "Fairy Robe" was the top-rated show in mainland China during its run, it was not broadcast in Hong Kong. However, it is a rare fashion program that has gained widespread popularity. The luxury goods industry in Hong Kong has been discussing whether they can sponsor the second season or create a similar program to promote it.

“That’s right. Yunshang is not just a clothing brand, but a fashion brand that covers everything from clothing to accessories. But in the jewelry field, there is currently no better choice than to cooperate with your company. Moreover, I really like Mr. Zheng’s philosophy. China also has its own high-end jewelry with a Chinese style.” Wang Yao took out the art pen.

Upon seeing the pen, Zheng Yutong's smile deepened.

"Thank you for your recognition, Mr. Wang. I understand. You're essentially collaborating with us, entrusting us to process and sell the products, right?" Zheng Yutong chuckled.

"Yes, once the online store is up and running, it will bring a lot of traffic to your company. Also, I just invested in a second-hand luxury goods company, and there will be suitable resources to match in the gold and jewelry recycling industry in the future," Wang Yao said with a smile.

"Second Luxury? It's quite popular in Korea lately. Mr. Wang's sense of smell is truly extraordinary." Zheng Ziwen's eyes flashed with a strange light.

If Wang Yao has already ventured into the luxury goods sector, then the compatibility between the two parties will become increasingly high.

"Grandpa, have we finalized our marketing and promotion partnership yet?" Zheng Ziwen suddenly asked.

"You'll have to ask your brother about that," Zheng Yutong said with a smile.

Although Zhou Dafu is still nominally in charge, the actual power has been delegated to Zheng Ziheng, the eldest grandson of the second wife.

Zheng Yutong was quite clear in managing his family affairs: the first wife was in charge of real estate-related matters, and the second wife was in charge of jewelry-related matters.

"Then shall I arrange a meeting for Mr. Wang's younger brother?" Zheng Ziwen said with a smile.

“Good, you young people get along well.” Zheng Yutong frowned slightly, as if Zheng Ziwen had been a bit too presumptuous today, but he didn’t show it because there were outsiders present.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Mr. Zheng," Wang Yao said with a smile.

"Just call me Sister Wen." Zheng Ziwen waved her hand.

Zheng Yutong looked a bit tired, and Wang Yao had other things to do later, so he made an excuse to leave.

Zheng Ziwen saw him downstairs and made an appointment with him for the next day to discuss a hotel promotional collaboration, which Wang Yao readily agreed to.

When Zheng Ziwen returned to the top floor, Zheng Yutong did not rest, but waited for her in the study.

“You were being a little too attentive today,” Zheng Yutong said gravely.

Zhou Dafu was specially left by Zheng Yutong for his second son's eldest grandson, Zheng Ziheng. Zheng Ziheng was raised by Zheng Yutong from a young age, and the two lived together for more than ten years, making them the closest among his descendants.

"Grandpa, you've misunderstood. I was just saying. Whether or not we meet is up to Ziheng." Zheng Ziwen said dismissively, stepping forward to help her grandfather relax his shoulders. "This Mr. Wang isn't just making a name for himself in the e-commerce industry; more importantly, he's in the media field. That movie-watching website he mentioned is now influential in cinemas nationwide."

If, as he says, e-commerce is indeed impacting the shopping mall industry, then our existing 30 and planned 30 to 60 shopping malls under Xinjie need to prepare countermeasures in advance.

His example of the Wanda complex is very accurate. In the future, Xinbai Department Store will also take the integrated route, and the original department store model may really need to be iterated.

"In the future, young people may not go to shopping malls to buy things, but to eat, drink, and have fun, unless the K11 model, which is full of luxury stores, is actually the right approach," Zheng Ziwen explained.

Hearing this explanation, Zheng Yutong's expression improved somewhat. "Even if what he said makes some sense, it may not be entirely correct. No matter how convenient online shopping is, it's hard to adapt to something you can't see or touch in a short time. Moreover, this is equivalent to directly cutting off the profits of all distributors and channels. Such a huge price cannot be achieved overnight."

Zheng Yutong disagreed, believing that Wang Yao was more of a theorist than a strategist.

Just like he wasn't very optimistic about the K11 model proposed by his eldest grandson, which combined shopping malls and art, he thought it was simply a petty-bourgeois fantasy.

"No matter what, it's always good to be prepared, right? This is what you entrusted to us," Zheng Ziwen said coquettishly.

“That’s true, but you can’t trust everyone completely. Everyone has their own selfish motives and purposes,” Zheng Yutong cautioned.

"What I value in him is his media resources. Compared to the other three companies, our family has suffered a lot in the media field. If we can find a long-term and stable partner in the future, it would be a good thing."
"This kid must have some talent for marketing and promotion to have managed to build Mulan Street up in just a few months. If his new model proves effective, it will definitely require a lot of advertising. 60% of the customers on Mulan Street are women, and these are all potential customers for K11," Zheng Ziwen stated, revealing her core objective.

"You want to invest in him? Our family has never made money in the media and gossip industry," Zheng Yutong said in a deep voice.

The older generation is somewhat superstitious. The Zheng family had tried to get involved in the media industry in their early years, but they all suffered losses and were delisted, so he was somewhat resistant to it.

“Let’s talk about it. It would be great if we could invest. The internet market in mainland China is much bigger than we imagine, and Wang Yao is someone that Alibaba values.” Zheng Ziwen smiled.

"Let's get to know each other first, that's fine too." Zheng Yutong hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded.

He has never been able to compete with the other three in his life, but now that the internet is emerging, maybe his descendants can have a chance.

Children and grandchildren have their own children and grandchildren.

Fan Bingbing was probably in a real hurry, because she chased after him all the way to Hong Kong.

Wang Yao originally wanted to go with Wang Jing to experience Hong Kong's unique nightlife, but after being urged by her, he could only go to her hotel first.

"You landed without being spotted by the media?" Wang Yao asked after entering the house.

She's now a figure closely watched by global media, and paparazzi in Hong Kong are always on the lookout. Wang Yao came here to keep a low profile and didn't want to be dragged into the trending topics by her.

Fan Bingbing had just finished showering, wearing a bathrobe with her hair still wet and casually draped over her shoulders. "Don't worry, everyone still thinks I'm abroad. Where have you been? Why do you smell like an old person?"

Fan Bingbing sniffed at it like a puppy.

"Once you meet the client, tell me what's so urgent?" Wang Yao said with a smile.

"Endorsement? It's either Dior or Chanel, you have to choose." Fan Bingbing sat opposite him, drying her hair.

"What about the price?" Wang Yao asked.

"About the same, both around 1000 million per year," Fan Bingbing replied.

"Hmm, it seems the foundation isn't strong enough." Wang Yao nodded.

Currently, the global endorsement fee for top luxury brands is around 3000 million yuan per year. As a regional ambassador, Fan Bingbing's price is not low, considering that the Chinese market is still considered an undeveloped market by top luxury brands.

“Cartier only paid me 700 million a year last year.” Fan Bingbing smiled and said, “Thanks, Mr. Wang, for raising my value.” “Choose Dior. The target audience is younger, the consumers are not yet fixed, and there are more collaborations. The growth rate data looks better. Chanel’s users are becoming more stable. Remember to sign a one-year contract.” Wang Yao pondered for a moment and then instructed.

Dior also values ​​the Chinese market.

As the potential of the Chinese market is further explored, the endorsement fees of top luxury brands will also rise accordingly, and are estimated to double next year. If Fan Bingbing signs a five-year contract like Julia Roberts, she will lose a lot of money.

"Okay, I'll do as you say." Fan Bingbing readily agreed. "So, what's the future direction? Should we adjust my career path accordingly?"

"Where is Yang Tianzhen?" Wang Yao asked, frowning.

"That's why we consulted you, because we couldn't make up our minds," Fan Bingbing said with a smile.

"You still want to keep trying for the prize?" Wang Yao asked, frowning.

"Just a little bit," Fan Bingbing said with a forced smile.

This year, she had four films vying for awards, but it seems that only "Buddha Mountain" might make a splash, which must have been a significant blow to her.

“I don’t know much about art films, but from a commercial perspective, awards will have less and less of an impact on actors in the future, because in the internet age, influence is spread more through social media and regular works.” Wang Yao pondered for a moment.

"You two need to discuss this yourselves. If you really want to sign with Xinghuo in the future, but can't accept the S-sign, then it's the studio model. The company won't interfere too much with your development path; it will only provide you with support based on that."

"S visas really have a 90% chance of being awarded? Will that be enough to retain staff?" Fan Bingbing asked, frowning.

She initially thought Wang Yao was joking.

"If I get it, I'm lucky; if I lose it, it's my fate. If I keep it, so be it. Anyway, the company doesn't rely on one person to survive." Wang Yao chuckled.

"Pretty domineering, huh?" Fan Bingbing gave him a charmingly flirtatious look. "If you were to choose the business track, what suggestions would you have?"

“If it were you, you’d be the box office queen of commercial films, with a focus on female-centric themes. We’d aim for films with you grossing over 5 million. That’s a safer approach. Alternatively, we could go the international route, not directly into Hollywood, but into East Asian co-productions, choosing some historical films,” Wang Yao pondered.

"The company invests in itself?" Fan Bingbing raised an eyebrow slightly.

Wang Yao mostly talked about large investment projects. Even with her current status, it wouldn't be easy for her to secure the lead role or top billing for such projects.

“Yes, in the future, 80% of the company’s projects will be self-operated, self-invested and self-produced, with a small number of external collaborations.” Wang Yao nodded.

"Looks like Mr. Wang has really struck it rich; he's got real guts now," Fan Bingbing said with a grin.

“I’m going to talk about a project tomorrow. If it goes well, I can get you a supporting role in Hollywood in the second half of the year. That’s much better than being a background character in ‘X’,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

"Really? What do I need to do?" Fan Bingbing's eyes lit up.

"Friendly price, 500 million." Wang Yao held up five fingers.

"What happened to the promise that there were no unspoken rules in the company?" Fan Bingbing laughed angrily.

“This is called clearly marked prices,” Wang Yao said seriously.

"I despise you for exploiting artists," Fan Bingbing scoffed.

“If you don’t want it, plenty of others will,” Wang Yao chuckled.

"You're so rich, yet you're eyeing the pittance in our pockets. Don't you feel guilty?" Fan Bingbing pouted.

"The reason I'm so rich is because I'm eyeing your paltry sums," Wang Yao corrected. "Besides, my price list is already very fair. Other companies can't just buy these resources with money."

Fan Bingbing was speechless, unable to refute it.

"Alright, take your time to think it over. I have something to do later." Wang Yao checked the time.

"You're leaving?" Fan Bingbing was taken aback.

"Otherwise what? Stay here?" Wang Yao asked, puzzled.

Fan Bingbing stared into Wang Yao's eyes, her face slightly flushed.

Is this kid pretending to be stupid or is he really stupid?
I don't understand this look on my face.

But then I thought, maybe the process is wrong.

"You wait." Fan Bingbing got up and ran barefoot back to the bedroom. A moment later, she slapped a folder on Wang Yao, chin raised, her face full of arrogance.

Wang Yao opened the folder and glanced at it. It was the consent form template that had been left at her house last time. He looked at Fan Bingbing strangely and handed the folder back to her. "Sorry, this service is only available to employees of our company, and they must be employees of grade A or above."

"Huh? Why?!" Fan Bingbing exclaimed in astonishment.

Is there a barrier to entry for this?!

"We shouldn't let the good stuff go to outsiders," Wang Yao said meaningfully.

Fan Bingbing fell silent. "This can't be your company's core competitiveness, can it?"

"I'm leaving." Wang Yao rolled his eyes at her.

The next day, at Zheng Ziwen's invitation, Wang Yao visited the K11 shopping mall, which had already turned a profit after only one year of operation.

This shopping mall, hailed as the world's first art shopping center, permanently displays thirteen sets of artworks worth tens of millions of dollars, and all the merchants in the mall are various brands collected from around the world, most of which are making their debut in Hong Kong.

With its unique scarcity, this shopping mall is a landmark project, and can even be considered a cultural tourism project.

It must be said that the three generations of leaders of the Zheng family do have some ideas, but that's all they have. This model that relies on scarcity is destined to fail in terms of value creation. Just like when filters become widespread, beauty loses its scarcity, directly leading to the collapse of the "simp economy."

Wang Yao recalled that K11 did not develop in the future, remaining limited to a few first-tier cities. The main reason was that its positioning was too high and out of touch with reality.

This model, which provides a sense of superiority specifically for a niche group of artists, is out of step with the times. Art is too high a barrier to entry, and it is too sophisticated for most people.

However, if you're willing to downgrade a bit, give up the high profile, and be a little more approachable, it could be a pilgrimage site that distinguishes you from your niche circles.

There was an old shopping mall in Lin'an that was squeezed out of its survival space by the neighboring in77. As a result, it transformed into a two-dimensional store, which was full of merchandise stores, and thus survived a bit longer.

"What do you think of this model, Mr. Wang?" Zheng Ziwen led him to a leisure space designed by a futuristic designer.

“Very good, very eye-catching.” Wang Yao nodded.

"Oh?" Zheng Ziwen raised an eyebrow slightly.

The term "gimmick" is hardly a compliment.

“Mr. Wang has his own opinions on art,” Zheng Ziwen said with a smile.

“It’s because I don’t understand it that I think it’s a gimmick. I believe there are many more people like me who don’t understand it either,” Wang Yao said with a slight smile.

Zheng Ziwen frowned. "Actually, the mainland's economic development is still very fast."

“Material and spiritual are two different things. It’s not that once you’re well-fed, you’ll start thinking about spiritual needs. Without a specific cultural environment to cultivate them, the spiritual needs that people think about after they’re well-fed are basically instinctive needs.” Wang Yao shook his head.

It's almost as if they're directly stating that this model is idealized.

"If Mr. Wang were in charge of the publicity and promotion for this project, would you have any good suggestions?" Zheng Ziwen asked.

"No, because I can't find many matching customers. Luxury brands are doing business with 15% of the global population, while your model is doing business with 1%. If it were me, I would advise the boss that one store in each major city globally is enough; opening more would just lead to losses."

Or, instead of focusing revenue on artworks and merchandise, focus on art forms, such as various theatrical performances, dances, and traditional intangible cultural heritage performances. Integrate easily accessible elements into the broader appeal of art, and don't elevate the brand's image too much. First, establish a strong cultural premium, then consider an artistic premium. Wang Yao pondered for a moment before offering this insightful suggestion.

"What if we stick to this model?" Zheng Ziwen asked, frowning.

"Then I can only suggest that it go bankrupt, so as not to squander the family fortune," Wang Yao said with a light laugh.

(End of this chapter)