Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 63: The God of Wealth
The next day.

Thursday, July 25, 1996.

On a summer morning in Beijing, the sunlight already carries a scorching heat.

Inside the small building of the Beijing Television Art Center, the fans hummed, but couldn't dispel the air thick with the smell of manuscripts, cigarette smoke, and busy activity.

Zhao Baogang, carrying an enamel mug, pushed open the door to the office of Deputy Director Zheng Xiaolong.

The director of the Beijing Television Art Center is You Xiaogang.

Zheng Xiaolong is the deputy director, mainly in charge of business and production.

Zheng Xiaolong was engrossed in reading a script, his brows furrowed. He looked up when he heard the noise.

"You're here?" Zheng Xiaolong gestured for him to sit down. "You don't look well. Didn't you sleep well last night?"

Zhao Baogang pulled up a chair and sat down, sighed, and got straight to the point: "I heard Ding Xin mention something yesterday, and it's bothering me a bit."

"Oh? What could possibly be bothering you, Director Zhao?" Zheng Xiaolong put down his pen, leaned back, and handed over the cigarette case on the table.

Zhao Baogang can be considered Zheng Xiaolong's protégé.

Before entering the film and television industry, Zhao Baogang was a worker at the Beijing Iron and Steel Plant. In 1984, Zheng Xiaolong transferred Zhao Baogang to the Beijing Television Art Center and arranged for him to participate in the directing work of "Aspiration". After several years of training, he was promoted to director while filming "Stories from the Editorial Department".

Zhao Baogang waved his hand, not taking the ticket: "You know Wang Sheng from the Beijing Film Studio, right?"

"I know him, that young man who caused quite a stir, making a wedding movie, which thrilled Old Han." Zheng Xiaolong lit a cigarette for himself: "What happened to him this time?"

"He's going to make a TV series." Zhao Baogang emphasized, "He's putting it all together himself, directing and writing the script, calling it a family comedy. Guess who he's cast?"

Zheng Xiaolong exhaled a smoke ring, signaling him to continue.

“Zhao Benshan, Guo Da!” Zhao Baogang announced the two names, observing Zheng Xiaolong’s reaction: “This lineup clearly indicates they’re going to make a big splash. This kid has some big ambitions.”

To Zhao Baogang's surprise, Zheng Xiaolong's face only showed a very faint look of astonishment before he quickly regained his composure, even managing a cryptic smile as he said, "I thought it was something serious. He does his thing, we do ours. The market is so big, we can't possibly eat it all up."

“No,” Zhao Baogang leaned forward, “Director, this is no small matter… Is the Beijing Film Studio just going to let him do this?”

Zheng Xiaolong took a deep drag of his cigarette and said slowly, "Baosteel, do you know how much money its Shengying Media has made for Beijing Film Studio?"

Zhao Baogang was taken aback: "How would I know? Ten million... that's the most I could ask?"

"Ten million?" Zheng Xiaolong scoffed, holding up five fingers: "To put it bluntly, this is the minimum."

"Fifty million?!"

Zhao Baogang exclaimed in surprise.

"This is still a conservative estimate..."

Zheng Xiaolong lowered his voice, but spoke clearly: "His private customization business costs 400,000 yuan per order. I heard that he had 70 or 80 orders in August and September alone, not counting his low-end and mid-range businesses."

"More than two thousand people at the Beijing Film Studio are now relying on him for their livelihood. He's revitalized all the idle old equipment in the studio, and the rent is pouring into the factory's account. I heard Han Sanping is walking with a swagger these days."

Zhao Baogang was completely stunned, his mouth slightly open, unable to close it for a long time.

Fifty million……

even more?

In 1996, this was a number he couldn't have imagined.

How many blockbuster dramas would it take to earn that much?

Wang Sheng, a nineteen-year-old youth, actually did it with "wedding videos"?

"How is this possible?"

Zhao Baogang murmured, feeling that his understanding had been greatly impacted.

"What's impossible?"

Zheng Xiaolong flicked his cigarette ash: "In the market, once you find the right path, the money comes in incredibly fast. Old Han treats this kid like his own treasure. If he wants to make a TV series, how could Old Han not support him? He'll definitely provide the manpower, the equipment, and the qualifications."

He paused, then looked at Zhao Baogang and said, "By the way, Director Yu called me yesterday and said he's invited Han Sanping and Wang Sheng to dinner tomorrow night to discuss a TV series collaboration project. He wants me to come and give my opinion. Based on what you just said, I guess it's the family comedy that Wang Sheng is working on."

Zhao Baogang slowly recovered from his shock, shaking his head with a wry smile: "No wonder... it turns out the God of Wealth has arrived. Okay, I understand."

His competitive spirit was instantly diminished by the huge gap in financial resources.

They're no longer in the same league.

……

The following day, July 26th, evening.

Inside the private room at the Beijing Hotel, the air conditioning was blasting, completely shutting out the summer heat from outside.

A snow-white tablecloth covered the huge round table, and the silver cutlery and crystal wine glasses gleamed under the lights.

Wang Sheng arrived early and, together with the director of the Beijing Film Studio's office, finalized the menu and drinks.

A short while later, Han Sanping arrived with Shi Dongming, the director of the Arts Office.

Wang Sheng was dressed in a well-fitting dark suit today, making him look exceptionally smart and composed. "Factory Director, Director Shi," Wang Sheng greeted them.

"Hmm." Han Sanping nodded, glanced around, and then nodded again: "Director Yu and the others should be arriving soon, right?"

"We agreed on seven o'clock, it should be soon." As soon as Wang Sheng finished speaking, the door to the private room was pushed open by the waiter, and Director Yu of Beijing TV walked in with a smile, followed by Zheng Xiaolong, deputy director of the TV Art Center, Hu Gang, director of the Advertising Department, and the director of the Taiwan Affairs Office.

"Old Han, hahaha, you look even better these past few days!" Director Yu said in a loud voice, extending his hand warmly.

Not long ago, they attended a meeting organized by the municipal propaganda department and the municipal culture department.

"Director Yu! You're such a busy person, it's not easy to see you!" Han Sanping greeted him with a smile, and the two shook hands firmly.

Immediately afterwards, Han Sanping stepped aside and introduced Wang Sheng: "Director Yu, let me introduce you. This is Wang Sheng, the general manager of Shengying Media, a rising star of our Beijing Film Studio."

Wang Sheng immediately stepped forward, bowed slightly, and grasped the outstretched hands of Director Yu with both hands, his attitude humble yet tactful: "Director Yu, hello! I have long admired your name. I am Wang Sheng. Please take care of me."

Director Yu sized up Wang Sheng, a hint of surprise and admiration flashing in his eyes. He shook his hand firmly and exclaimed, "Oh my, Mr. Wang! You're so young and promising, such a handsome man! I've heard so much about you now, haha! Good, good!"

Hu Gang, watching from behind, was secretly astonished.

How many months has it been?
The young man who used to haggle with himself to avoid accepting health product advertisements, and who was even a bit "naive," can now stand in this setting and chat with station directors and factory managers.

The speed at which it rose was like a rocket launch.

The two sides then exchanged pleasantries and introduced the other people.

When Zheng Xiaolong shook hands with Wang Sheng, he smiled and said, "The younger generation is truly formidable."

Shi Dongming, the two directors, and others shook hands to greet him.

Everyone was seated separately.

The banquet began, but no one was in a hurry to talk about business.

At this level of drinking party, the primary focus is on building relationships and creating a pleasant atmosphere.

Once the wine glasses are raised, the conversation naturally flows freely.

We talked about everything from the current economic situation to the dynamics of the arts and culture scene, and then to the latest happenings in Beijing.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

Director Yu was in high spirits and even took the lead in reciting a few lines of poetry, which drew cheers from the crowd.

Han Sanping, a seasoned drinker, chimed in with the agreement.

Some people egged Wang Sheng on to do the same, and Wang Sheng, unfazed, stood up, raised a glass, and said a few appropriate and tasteful words, expressing his respect and flattering everyone present, which earned him repeated nods from Director Yu.

Drinking games, singing... the atmosphere in the private room was lively and harmonious.

Although young, Wang Sheng's speech and behavior were just right. He was clear when it was time to offer a toast, and attentive when it was time to listen. He could handle the elders' jokes without appearing frivolous, and quickly blended in.

Watching from the side, Hu Gang had to admit that this kid was indeed a social butterfly, and his progress was too fast.

Throughout the banquet, there was constant toasting, laughter, and cheerful conversation, but not a single word was mentioned regarding the specifics of the cooperation.

After the banquet, everyone, their faces flushed with alcohol, walked out in a harmonious atmosphere.

Director Yu and Han Sanping walked side by side at the front.

Director Yu casually put his arm around Han Sanping's shoulder, his voice low but clear: "Old Han, Wang Sheng's idea for this project is pretty good. The station has studied it, and we can proceed with it."

However, since this is a major event in our capital, it would be best to co-produce it.

"Look, if we get Zheng Xiaolong's center involved too, the three of us working together will be more powerful and resources will be better integrated. Who knows, they might even become sister organizations in the future?"

He paused, then continued, "As for revenue, the station will take 50% of the miscellaneous advertising revenue and ad placements, given how hard they work. The cost per episode of the drama itself will be based on current market rates; you won't lose out. What do you think?"

Han Sanping's face was flushed from the alcohol, but his eyes were clear. He smiled and nodded, his tone equally relaxed: "Director Yu's consideration is very thoughtful. Joint production is great... a powerful alliance indeed. Let's do as you say!"

"You're welcome."

……

A black sedan drove along Chang'an Avenue at night, with neon lights flashing outside the window.

In the back seat of the car, Han Sanping leaned back with his eyes slightly closed, looking somewhat tired.

"Shengzi." After a moment, Han Sanping suddenly spoke, his voice slightly hoarse from drinking: "The matter is basically settled. Next Monday, you, the factory office, and the legal department will go to Beijing TV to sign the formal contract."

"That's great! Thank you, Factory Director!" Wang Sheng said immediately, his tone full of gratitude. "If it weren't for your intervention, Beijing TV wouldn't have been able to handle things so smoothly. You really have a lot of influence."

"Stop flattering me." Han Sanping opened his eyes, glanced at him sideways, and said with a laugh, "You earned this reputation yourself. If you were a good-for-nothing, I could talk myself hoarse and Director Yu wouldn't even give you a second glance."

He closed his eyes again, remained silent for a few seconds, and the only sound in the carriage was the hum of the engine.

Take your time to figure it out, kid.

Are they going to merge the Television Arts Center?

Wang Sheng pondered this in a rather oblivious manner.

(End of this chapter)