Internet moguls are being held hostage by the entertainment system!

Chapter 398 Tingfeng, come over and offer a toast!
"Is there something you need to see me about?"

Yang Albert and Jiang Zhiqiang were both taken aback when they saw Chen Xiu asking them so directly about their purpose.

According to their logic, before discussing business, they should first flatter each other to build rapport, and then find an opportunity to get to the point...

As a result, Chen Xiu skipped the previous steps and went straight to the last one.

Yang Albert and Jiang Zhiqiang exchanged a glance, both thinking: Are you in such a hurry?

And sure enough, they were right; Chen Xiu was indeed in a hurry.

He just wanted to deal with these two old men as quickly as possible and then get to the airport.

"Cough cough."

Jiang Zhiqiang coughed lightly twice, adjusting his speed much faster than Yang Albert.

"Mr. Chen, the main reason we invited you here is to discuss whether there are any opportunities for cooperation in the future."

"A film collaboration, or something else?"

"Movies and TV series are fine, but we don't know much about the internet."

Yang Albert kept up with the pace and started cooperating with Jiang Zhiqiang.

Chen Xiu remained silent, standing there deep in thought.

Seeing this, and considering that they were going straight to the point without any prior setup, Jiang Zhiqiang and Yang Albert didn't know what to talk about to help them out.

A moment later, under the eager gazes of the two old men, Chen Xiu looked back and asked another question.

"Cooperation is based on shared interests. Does Datang Pictures have the foundation to cooperate with Yinghuang and Edko Films to expand the pie?"

"some."

Jiang Zhiqiang smiled, his wrinkles crinkling together, indicating that he had been prepared before proposing a collaboration to Chen Xiu.

“In the current domestic film market, Huayi Brothers has begun to show obvious signs of decline, while Enlight Media and Bona Film Group have limited content and have not been able to become industry leaders. On the other hand, Datang Film Group is flourishing in all aspects and insists on taking the content route.”

"A few days ago, Mr. Chen held a joint press conference with Tencent and iQiyi, which also revolved around content, and he specifically emphasized the issue of actors' salaries."

At this point, Jiang Zhiqiang paused, implying that what followed would be the key point.

"However, the salaries of mainland actors have risen too high in recent years. It will probably take several more years to adjust them to a reasonable level. Instead of that, why doesn't Mr. Chen use artists from Hong Kong?"

"The pay for actors in Hong Kong isn't cheap, is it?"

"Absolutely not expensive!"

Yang Albert successfully took over, pointing to the group of Hong Kong stars gathered in the banquet hall.

“Except for a very few top-level employees, the other actors are paid very little. If a mainland production team hires them to film a movie, they would have to pay at least 1 to 2 million, but the internal price in Hong Kong is more than half the price.”

"Mr. Chen, Hong Kong stars have always had a strong market in the mainland. If we collaborate and use Hong Kong stars in our films, we can lower their salaries. And the mainland market is much bigger than Hong Kong's, so the pie will be bigger!"

Seeing the glint in Yang Albert's and Jiang Zhiqiang's eyes, Chen Xiu remained outwardly calm, but inwardly thought: "Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, truly the wheel of fortune turns..."

It hasn't even been thirty years; going back, it's only been twenty-odd years.

At that time, mainland artists all wanted to come to Hong Kong to develop their careers and make money because the market was big and the pay was high.

Now, times have changed!
Putting aside her emotions, Chen Xiu looked up at the two old men and smiled, "This kind of cooperation is indeed feasible."

"Shall we discuss how to cooperate?"

"Sure, I'd also like to know whether the collaboration will be led by Datang or by your two companies? If we're jointly investing in movies and TV series, will the lead roles be played by artists from Datang or artists from Hong Kong? We need to clarify these things."

"..."*2
Just a second ago, Yang Albert and Jiang Zhiqiang were eager to try.

After hearing the key points Chen Xiu mentioned, his expression froze instantly.

On the other side, Fan Luyuan, who hadn't uttered a word since the introductions, wasn't at all surprised by what he was seeing.

After all, Chen Xiu could hold his own against a master conman like Ma Yun, so how could two old-timers in the film industry possibly fool him?
After hesitating for a while, Yang Albert finally revealed the plan he had initially come up with.

"Mr. Chen, if we are going to cooperate, we also need to consider the actual situation. If the crew comes to Hong Kong to film, it will definitely be much more convenient for us to take the lead and communicate than for Datang. If we film on the mainland, the situation will be reversed."

"That's true."

"As for the issue of lead and supporting roles you mentioned, I think it depends on the actor's suitability and status; it doesn't need to be fixed."

"President Yang, you seem to be very well prepared regarding the cooperation."

Chen Xiu looked at Yang Albert with a fake smile, implying that he had come prepared.

Yang Albert was also very candid about this.

"As I just mentioned, I've wanted to talk to Datang about cooperation for a long time. Our cooperation with Ali goes back even further. For example, Ali was one of the investors in 'Project Gutenberg,' which was released during the National Day holiday."

Yang Albert pointed at Fan Luyuan, implying that Emperor Entertainment's choice of partner was not limited to Datang Pictures.

Realizing the timing was right, Fan Luyuan smiled at Chen Xiu and said, "Ali Pictures is listed in Hong Kong, and we have always attached great importance to film and television content in Hong Kong. If President Chen is willing to cooperate, that would be even better."

"Hmm, I'll think about it."

Chen Xiu addressed the three of them, explaining that he wasn't just being perfunctory. He emphasized that since they had only just met, even if there was a genuine intention to cooperate, it was impossible to make a decision on a whim.

Fan Luyuan, Yang Albert, and Jiang Zhiqiang exchanged glances, unsurprised by the outcome.

"Mr. Chen, after the premiere of 'Project Gutenberg' in Beijing in a few days, I'd like to visit you at Datang Pictures to have a chat, is that alright?"

"Of course you're welcome. We look forward to Mr. Yang's arrival." Chen Xiu extended her hand to Yang Albert, indicating that the matter was settled and she was ready to leave.

Yang Albert's expression changed slightly. While shaking hands with Chen Xiu, he carefully scanned the banquet hall, trying to find Huo Wenxi's figure.

Finally, as the two finished shaking hands, he saw Huo Wenxi walking in from the door, followed by Xie Tingfeng, whose long hair was flowing and who wasn't wearing sunglasses.

Upon seeing that Xie Tingfeng had arrived in time, Yang Albert also tried to persuade Chen Xiu to stay: "President Chen, could you stay a little longer and have a drink before you leave?"

"drink wine?"

Chen Xiu frowned slightly, then noticed the movement beside her and turned to look.

Seeing Xie Tingfeng, who hadn't appeared earlier but had now shown up and was brought in by Huo Wenxi, he immediately understood the meaning behind Yang Albert's words about having a drink before leaving.

Yang Albert indeed said, "Tingfeng, come over here and toast President Chen!"

"okay!"

Albert called out crisply, and Tse Ting-fung answered smoothly.

It wasn't until he went to the table, used a wine tray to take several glasses of champagne, and then came back and carefully handed one of them to Chen Xiu that the Hong Kong stars in the banquet hall realized what was going on.

Why did Ah Feng toast that young man?

"It must be Albert's idea. This young man seems to be a celebrity from mainland China."

"What? You mean Albert made Ah Feng toast the mainland celebrities?"

"Don't listen to his nonsense. That young man is not only a celebrity, but also a big shot with a net worth of nearly HK$1000 billion. Others would have no way to even offer him a toast!"

"..."

The murmurs were kept very low, and Chen Xiu, being in that position, certainly couldn't hear them.

After accepting the champagne from Nicholas Tse, he clinked glasses with Albert Yang, Jiang Zhiqiang, and Fan Luyuan, taking a small sip.

Throughout the entire process, Nicholas Tse stood quietly to the side, showing not the slightest arrogance.

Chen Xiu wondered to herself: Could it be that the rumors about Xie Tingfeng's bad temper are false? Or has he just matured and become less impetuous?
In fact, Nicholas Tse has matured a lot over the years.

He had some thoughts about this toast, but not directed at Chen Xiu; rather, he was directed at the people whispering behind him.

"What are you all yelling about? Didn't you see Chen Xiu standing with Albert? I'm toasting my boss and his partner, what's wrong with that?"

When Xie Tingfeng saw Chen Xiu holding a champagne glass and unsure of what to do, he immediately seized the opportunity to strike up a conversation without needing any prompting from Huo Wenxi.

"Mr. Chen, leave the wine glasses to me."

"Isn't this bad?"

"It's okay, I brought it over just now."

"Thank you."

Watching Nicholas Tse accept his champagne glass, Chen Xiu confirmed one thing: although she didn't know if the rumors about his bad temper were true or false, at least when he was with her, he was very good-tempered!
After dealing with the champagne glasses, Nicholas Tse first glanced at Mani Fok.

After receiving a look that signaled him to act, he quickly approached Chen Xiu and tentatively made a request.

"Mr. Chen, you often go to film movies when you have free time, right?"

"Hmm, have you seen any of my shows?"

"I've seen some of them, and I feel they're very well acted."

“There was someone else in the next room who said something similar, so if there’s anything you need, you can tell me in a more direct way.”

When facing Yang Albert and Jiang Zhiqiang, Chen Xiu was able to get straight to the point.

For Nicholas Tse, even formalities can be omitted.

Seeing Chen Xiu's unconventional behavior, Xie Tingfeng paused for a moment, then looked to Huo Wenxi on the left, where he received a nod of approval from her.

Having received a positive response, Xie Tingfeng coughed twice and said, "Mr. Chen, I wonder if you would like to participate in a variety show?"

"I was a guest on one episode before. Are you trying to invite me to record a variety show?"

"May I?"

"I probably won't go..."

Chen Xiuxian distanced himself from the situation and immediately thought of Xie Tingfeng's food program, which seemed to have high ratings. If he didn't go, someone else could go instead.

"that."

Hearing this follow-up, Nicholas Tse's eyes immediately lit up.

Meeting his expectant gaze, Chen Xiu asked, "My company's artists should be available. Are they able to go?"

"Um...okay~"

"Then I'll add you on WeChat so we can communicate online."

"no problem!"

After adding Xie Tingfeng on WeChat, Chen Xiu said goodbye to Fan Luyuan and the other two, then took Wang Sicong to the airport and returned to Beijing that night.

(End of this chapter)