Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 108, Section 107: Dividing Gold with a Small Scale and Silver with a Large Scale

January 28, 1997, the 20th day of the 12th lunar month.

Despite the lingering cold in Beijing, the banquet hall of the Kunlun Hotel was warm and bustling with activity.

The directors or plenipotentiaries of 31 film studios across the country gathered in Beijing once again.

In stark contrast to the solemn, tentative, and even slightly tense atmosphere of the last "Thirty Lords' Alliance," the atmosphere at this meeting was relaxed, warm, and even somewhat festive.

After not seeing each other for several months, everyone's relationship seemed to have warmed up rapidly, as if catalyzed by the success of "Harmony Brings Prosperity".

Having weathered policy risks together, shared the joy of initial victory, and are about to jointly explore the VCD market, a sense of shared interests is quietly growing within them.

"Old Han! Director Han!" A greeting with a thick Sichuan accent rang out. Li Kangsheng, the director of Emei Film Studio, holding a wine glass, walked up to Han Sanping and Wang Sheng with a smile and said, "It's only been a few months, but your Beijing Film Studio has undergone a complete transformation, and the atmosphere is completely different! Looking at your face, it's as rosy as if you've eaten a ginseng fruit. Have you been counting money at home every day?"

Han Sanping, dressed in a sharp dark suit and looking quite energetic, laughed heartily upon hearing this and patted Li Kangsheng on the shoulder forcefully: "Old Li, you still have such a sharp tongue! Why would I count money? That's all the factory's money, the workers' money! If you want to talk about counting money, you have to ask our General Manager Wang. He's young, quick-witted, and knows how to count accurately!"

This remark immediately drew laughter and agreement from several factory managers nearby.

"That's right! Director Han, you've really struck gold this time! We've figured out the value of 'Harmony Brings Prosperity' – following Beijing Film Studio means there's always something to gain!" Director Huang of Pearl River Film Studio shouted.

The director of Changchun Film Studio chimed in, "It's not just meat! Just the first installment of the 'customized' business, which was settled ahead of schedule, gave our studio over two million! Wow, that's almost half a year's profit! Director Han, President Wang, I bet your Beijing Film Studio and Shengying Media got around that much this time, right?"

He gestured subtly, implying that the profits were enormous.

Everyone stared intently at Han Sanping and Wang Sheng, filled with curiosity, envy, and even a hint of barely perceptible jealousy.

Based on their respective share of the profits, it is easy to deduce that the revenue of Beijing Film Studio and Shengying Media, as the project leaders, must have been astronomical.

Wang Sheng stood beside Han Sanping, smiling and calmly replying, "You flatter me, factory directors. It's all thanks to the alliance; it's through everyone's concerted efforts that we've been able to expand the business."

We at Beijing Film Studio and Shengying Media were simply doing what we were supposed to do. There were some profits, of course, but most of them had to be reinvested in future project development and equipment upgrades. After all, we have a long way to go.

His words were perfectly tactful, acknowledging the benefits while emphasizing reinvestment, thus avoiding any hint of flaunting wealth.

Han Sanping picked up the conversation, laughing and scolding, "You guys, stop focusing on our Beijing Film Studio! I called you all here so we could all make money together! When have I, Han Sanping, ever kept a way to make money a secret? Today, I'm putting another new path to wealth on the table for everyone!"

As he spoke, he stepped aside to make way for Hu Zhibiao, who had been standing a little behind.

"Let me formally introduce you all. This is Mr. Hu Zhibiao, the general manager of Yue Dong Aido VCD. Mr. Hu's products are now very popular all over the country."

Hu Zhibiao quickly stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said warmly in heavily accented Mandarin, "Dear factory directors and leaders, Happy New Year! I am Hu Zhibiao, a newcomer here, please take good care of me!"

Han Sanping then presented the cooperation plan he had discussed with Hu Zhibiao, which involved the exclusive sale of Aido VCD players by the "Movie World" audio-visual chain stores and the collection of display fees and sales commissions, to the factory managers present.

He explained it clearly and concisely, highlighting the enormous benefits this would bring to the "Movie World" brand and generate additional revenue.

"That's the gist of it. The draft contract is ready; you can all take a closer look."

Han Sanping concluded solemnly, "I'm putting this out there: our Beijing Film Studio spearheaded this 'Film World,' and we absolutely did not do anything behind the alliance's back that would betray everyone!"

All collaborations will be transparent and open, with shared benefits! Let's sign the contract first, then have a drink! Everything is out in the open!

His candid statement won unanimous praise and trust from the factory managers present.

At their level, what they often fear is not receiving less money, but rather unfair distribution and being kept in the dark.

Han Sanping's actions made them feel that the alliance leader was indeed a good person and worth following.

The contract terms were already generous, and after being quickly reviewed by their respective legal or related personnel, there were basically no objections.

Soon, a grand tripartite cooperation agreement signing ceremony was held in the banquet hall.

"Movie World Audio-Visual Chain Co., Ltd.", "Aido VCD", and "representatives of various film studios" all signed their names and affixed their official seals to the contract.

The sound of camera shutters clicking incessantly captured this moment, marking a deep collaboration between the film and television industry and the emerging electronics industry.

After the signing was completed, the banquet officially began.

Han Sanping raised his glass high, his voice booming: "Come on! Brothers, everyone! The contract is signed, we're all family now! I wish our 'Movie World' a booming success! I wish Aido VCDs great sales! And I wish our alliance a prosperous and successful new year! Cheers! Happy New Year, and may you prosper!"

Happy New Year! Wishing you prosperity and good fortune!

The entire audience rose to their feet, erupting in cheers and the clinking of glasses was a pleasant and clear sound.

The faces of all the "lords" were filled with anticipation for the future and genuine joy. The banquet, which was a joyous occasion for both host and guests, did not end until late at night.

……

Two days later, just as Hu Zhibiao had predicted, Aido VCD's advertising and promotional strategies were suddenly upgraded.

New advertising slogans for Aido VCD appeared in major newspapers and television stations across the country: "Watch genuine discs with Aido players!" "Support genuine products, choose Aido!" "..." The advertisements subtly but sharply targeted the off-brand VCD players on the market that, while having good compatibility, were often more closely associated with pirated discs. A heated war of words about "genuine" versus "pirated" products unfolded in the market.

However, Wang Sheng, one of the people at the center of this business war, did not pay much attention to it.

As the year draws to a close, a series of business collaborations between Shengying Media and Beijing Film Studio are entering the settlement period, and he has more important things to deal with.

……

February 1, 1997, the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month, just after the Little New Year.

The auditorium of the Beijing Film Studio was decorated like a conference venue, but unlike usual, the long table in front of the stage was not covered with documents, but with stacks of brand-new 100-yuan bills!
Like small blue hills, they gleam alluringly under the lights.

An atmosphere of excitement, anticipation, and even a little anxiety filled the air.

The auditorium was packed. Employees of Shengying Media, cadres and employees of Beijing Film Studio, and especially those who had purchased the profit-sharing rights of the "Image Memory" project, arrived early and eagerly awaited the event.

Wang Sheng stood calmly in front of the microphone on the podium.

Behind him sat Han Sanping, other factory leaders, and several employee representatives from the "Employee Profit Sharing Management Committee."

"Quiet down." Wang Sheng's voice came through the microphone and filled the auditorium. The room fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes were on him.

"I've gathered everyone here today for only one thing: to fulfill my promise and distribute the profits!"

Wang Sheng got straight to the point, without any unnecessary words: "After strict accounting by the finance department and supervision and confirmation by the 'Employee Profit Sharing Management Committee,' the 'Image Memory' project achieved a gross profit of 9,185,600 yuan in the previous fiscal year, 1996."

As soon as the number was announced, a collective gasp and a low gasp of surprise rippled through the audience.

Although they had heard that this business was profitable, many people were still shocked to hear that the gross profit was close to ten million.

Wang Sheng calmly reported the figures: "After deducting equipment depreciation, bank loan interest, various operating costs, taxes, etc., the net profit after tax is RMB 3.22 million. According to the original 'Profit Sharing Rights Subscription Agreement,' 30% of the after-tax profit will be used for this profit distribution. The total profit distribution amount is RMB 966,000."

Nine hundred and sixty-six thousand!

Used for internal employee bonuses!
The crowd below the stage erupted in cheers and exclamations.

"There are a total of two thousand profit-sharing rights for the 'Image Memory' project participating in this profit-sharing. Each profit-sharing right will receive a cash dividend..." Wang Sheng paused, then clearly stated the number: "Four hundred and eighty-three yuan!"

"Wow——!"

The audience erupted in chaos.

The initial subscription price for a dividend right was 2,000 yuan. In just one year, the dividends alone brought back nearly a quarter of the principal!
If we don't purchase new equipment next year, the dividends will be even higher!
Moreover, this is sustainable!

"Now, let's begin distributing dividends. Comrades whose names are called, please come up to the stage and collect your money with your subscription certificate and ID card." Wang Sheng picked up a list: "Representatives from the committee and the supervisory team will supervise the verification on-site."

"Jiang Dabao, buy two shares and receive a dividend of 966 yuan!"

"Qin Zheng, subscribe to five shares and receive a dividend of 2,415 yuan!"

"Zhao Ling, purchase one unit and receive a dividend of 483 yuan!"

……

As names were read out, employees or their families excitedly walked onto the stage, receiving thick stacks or thin wads of cash from the finance staff under the watchful eyes of countless envious people, and then pressing their red handprints on the list.

Everyone's face was beaming with an irrepressible smile, a genuine sense of accomplishment and happiness.

"Old Liu's family is really something! They gritted their teeth and bought five portions back then, and now they've gotten over two thousand!"

"Oh dear, I should have bought more! I was just afraid of losing money..."

"Who says otherwise! I'm so regretful! Look at Xiao Wang, he's only been working for a few years and he's already a small-time millionaire!"

"Mr. Wang really has vision and vision! He's led everyone to make real money!"

……

Those employees who hesitated, watched, or even mocked the company and ultimately did not purchase the dividend rights are now filled with deep regret.

Watching their familiar coworkers and neighbors happily take the money off the stage, they felt a mix of emotions—envy, jealousy, regret… a jumble of feelings.

Some people beat their chests in frustration, while others sighed and lamented, wishing they could turn back time.

But the most ruthless man in Liaobei once said: I just want to ask you, can time be turned back!

(End of this chapter)