The director starts by learning from the abilities of renowned directors.

Chapter 189 A Record That Overturns Everything

The cost per episode of "Candle in the Tomb" and the first season of "The Lost Tomb" is around 130 million yuan, which is quite high for this day and age.

The production of "Empresses in the Palace" can be described as excellent, with a cost of only about 100 million per episode.

The cast costs for "Candle in the Tomb" and "The Lost Tomb" were much lower than those for "Empresses in the Palace." They didn't use many big-name actors, and a significant portion of the cast were from their own company, Jumei Entertainment.

Both web series have 22 episodes and a production cost of around 2800 million yuan.

Shen Qing's bottom line for a single project is no less than 4000 million, which means no less than 180 million per episode.

In fact, there are very few TV series with online copyright prices exceeding 1 million per episode. If there are, 99% of them are TV series produced by Shenqi Film and Television Media.

The current ceiling for the price of a single episode of a TV series is the record set by "Princess Agents II" at 250 million.

When the news broke, it caused a sensation in the industry.

In the original timeline, there should have been a sequel, *Palace 2*, which sold its online rights for a staggering 1.8 million yuan per episode. In this timeline, the rights to *Palace 2* are held by Shenqi Films, so the original *Palace 2* naturally disappeared.

Dai Ying and Shen Qing said that "Ghost Blows Out the Light" and "The Grave Robbers' Chronicles" also have obvious advantages and have a real chance to break the previous record held by "Ghost Blows Out the Light".

The record-breaking transaction price set by "Princess Agents Part 2".

"Since Tudou.com secured the exclusive rights to stream doujinshi and anime series like 'Naruto' on December 1st last year, all video websites have inevitably embarked on a race for exclusive streaming rights."

Dai Ying explained to Shen Qing, "Exclusive broadcast dramas give video websites a unique advantage in attracting new users. The fact that 'Candle in the Tomb' and 'The Lost Tomb' can't be broadcast on television is a disadvantage for us, as we lose a revenue stream. However, it's an advantage for video websites, as these are currently the most exclusive broadcast resources they can acquire, bar none!"

Shen Qing laughed and said to Dai Ying, "After your analysis, I feel like even 200 million, let alone 400 million per episode, is more than enough."

"Wan also has a good chance!"

At that time, Dai Ying said to Shen Qing very seriously, "I will do my best."

Now, these two "tomb raiding" themed web series have finally found their partners. iQiyi acquired the first season of "The Lost Tomb" for 500 million yuan per episode; Tencent Video acquired "Candle in the Tomb" for the same price of 500 million yuan per episode.

Initially, several video websites considered forming a price alliance. It's said that Gong Yu of iQiyi and Ren Yuxin of Tencent Video had a private dinner and agreed that when facing the content giant Shenqi Film and Television Media in the future, both sides should firmly adhere to the red line of 250 million per episode and neither side should cross it.

There are so many amazing TV series and movies, there's no need for the two companies to fight to the death. If you buy this, I'll buy that, and everyone will be happy.

Dai Ying's strategy was to first release only one "Tomb Raider" series for sale. Whoever bought it would be offered "Candle in the Tomb" if it performed well after airing.

Whoever doesn't lower my price will get priority access to Magical TV series in the future.

If you're trying to lower my price, you can buy the shows that are left over from other stores next time.

The two price-fixing alliances immediately collapsed.

I insisted on a price of 250 million per episode, but you privately offered 300 million per episode for a quick contract. Does that mean you'll have priority in choosing dramas with Magical Films from now on? And I'll only be able to choose what you leave behind?

Grandma!

Who knows if you'll suddenly betray me? After all, the benefits are too great; it almost instantly puts us in the most advantageous competitive position for the future.

If it were just an ordinary company, it wouldn't be so bad, but they were dealing with "Shenqi Film and Television Media," which stands out as the biggest player in China's content industry!

Ultimately, the price of a single episode of "The Lost Tomb" and "Candle in the Tomb: The Lost City" both soared to 500 million.

Actually, 500 million per episode isn't a bad deal.

Both video websites have conducted detailed research reports privately regarding the value of these two dramas.

The first seasons of "The Lost Tomb" and "Ghost Blows Out the Light" were produced simultaneously. Which of the two series is stronger?

The topic immediately generated a lot of buzz.

To date, the two web series have garnered a staggering 8 billion views and 80 million discussions on Weibo. Their Baidu Index averages around 1500 per day, peaking at 400 million, and both have over 500 million searches per day.

During the casting, filming, and wrap-up stages, discussions on the two web series on online forums reached a point where they were "flooded every second."

Although the cast of the two web series is unremarkable and has even caused quite a bit of controversy, the production company is really worth looking forward to. It's not just talk that their productions are guaranteed to be high-quality.

Is 500 million per episode expensive?

It's really expensive!

Previously, the highest online copyright price was only 2.5 million, which was set by "Princess Agents Part 2". How popular was "Princess Agents Part 1" back then?

As a result, the number of copies of "The Grave Robbers' Chronicles" and "Ghost Blows Out the Light" doubled.

While it's true that exclusive broadcasts should be more expensive, everyone only knows that the most expensive episode was 250 million before, but now it has suddenly increased to 500 million per episode.

But it's not actually expensive.

From Weibo views to Baidu Index to Tieba, the popularity speaks for itself.

At 500 million per episode, 22 episodes would amount to 1.1 million—iQiyi Video and Tencent Video each completed the relevant transactions for 1.1 million.

The deal was signed in early November, and China Economic Weekly published a report on it immediately.

"iQiyi and Tencent Video are heavily promoting the super web series 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' and 'The Lost Tomb,' with each episode costing 500 million yuan, breaking the record for the most expensive online copyright in history!"

Private room in a restaurant in Shanghai.

Cai Yinong, Liu Shishi, Brother Hu, Jiang Jinfu, Jin Chen and others were drinking and chatting happily, but Cai Yinong would occasionally look at Liu Shishi next to her, her eyes sometimes revealing a trace of reluctance and regret.

Liu Shishi signed a six-year contract with Tangren Media in January 2007 at Xiaobailou. In just over two months, Liu Shishi will be leaving Tangren Media.

The company finally produced such a top-tier actress, and now she's about to belong to someone else. It's impossible for Cai Yinong not to feel bitter.

It's not just emotionally difficult to accept; the financial loss is equally devastating. This year alone, Tangren Media earned around 70 to 80 million yuan from Liu Shishi.

If Shi Shi could renew her contract with Tangren Media, even if it was only for half of the original contract period, three years, and leave Tangren in 2016, that would still be a sum of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Speaking of Liu Shishi, although she is an artist under Tangren Media, she was actually promoted by Shen Qing. From "Scarlet Heart" to "About Time", without Shen Qing, Shishi would not have developed to this level. Thinking about this, Cai Yinong felt much better.

Let them go; you can't keep someone who wants to leave.

If we're talking about who's happiest about Liu Shishi leaving Tangren, it's probably Jin Chen, who was also there today.

The old leading lady of Tangren Media has left, and it's time for a new leading lady to take over.

Hu Ge and Jiang Jinfu occasionally chatted about their new drama "Refresh 3+7", which is currently airing on Dragon TV. The online rights have been sold to Youku Video for 25 yuan per episode.

Actually, it wasn't low. The online rights for "The Qin Empire" for two years were only 2.5 yuan per episode, which was already reported as an exorbitant price at the time.

The price of a single episode of "Refresh 3+7" is 10 times that of "The Qin Empire," which was once known for its sky-high price. That's pretty good. As much as it sells, that's enough.

"Shishi, when you get to Shen Qing's place, don't forget about this place. If Shen Qing needs any external cooperation projects or actors, remember to contact Tangren."

After drinking some wine, Cai Yinong took Liu Shishi's hand and said...

"Don't worry, Sister K, I know what I'm doing," Liu Shishi quickly said.

Cai Yinong's eyes were red, but she was smiling as she said, "Actually, Tangren's current status is inseparable from its several collaborations with Shen Qing. The online rights to 'Palace' sold for 150 million per episode. Apart from those collaborations with Shen Qing, Tangren has never sold a product for such a high price again."

"I will in the future," Liu Shishi said.

Cai Yinong joked, "It's true that Tangren Media might be able to sell a single episode for 1.5 million in the future, but by then, Shenqi Films will have sold its online rights for who knows how high a new astronomical price. Take 'Princess Agents Part 2,' for example; its online rights sold for 2.5 million per episode. Two years ago, 25,000 per episode of 'The Qin Empire' was considered a astronomical price. In two years, it has increased a full 100 times. Even earlier, 'My Own Swordsman,' with over 80 episodes, sold for a total of 100,000."

Sitting opposite him, Jin Chen said, "The price of online copyrights has skyrocketed. Maybe in two years, 500 million per episode will be commonplace. After 'Palace' sold for 150 million per episode, didn't other dramas quickly reach similar prices? Your Magical Films sells for 500 million per episode, but my dramas aren't as good as yours. How about 450 million per episode?"

Jiang Jinfu said, "It's impossible for prices to keep rising like this. Otherwise, no video website could survive. In the next five years, even top-tier dramas not produced by Shenqi Films may not be able to sell for 2.5 million per episode."

Cai Yinong noticed Jin Chen and Jiang Jinfu's conversation and stopped talking to Liu Shishi, looking in their direction.

Jin Chen said, "No, no, no, it won't take five years at all. The first one is already here, and the second one will appear very soon."

Before Jiang Jinfu could respond, Cai Yinong spoke up first: "What do you mean, 'first' or 'second'? Jin Chen, what are you talking about?"

Jin Chen said, "It's about online copyrights. Didn't the news report it? Two of Shenqi Film and Television Media's super web series sold for a super price of 500 million per episode."

"When did this happen?" Cai Yinong asked again.

"It just happened," Jin Chen said. "When I went to the restroom, I checked out Quanmin Daka, which is an app about celebrity news. It mentioned the online copyright price per unit for the latest dramas from Shenqi Films."

Everyone in the private room looked at Cai Yinong and Jin Chen. Cai Yinong frowned and said, "You just said 500 million, is that 250 million for a drama?"

"Ten thousand, five million per episode for both dramas, or —"

"It's 500 million per episode for a single series, not the combined price of two series. The report says each series has 22 episodes, so each series sold for 1.1 million."

"The two dramas together grossed exactly 2.2 million," Jin Chen explained.

Cai Yinong stood up and tried to walk over to Jin Chen, saying, "Where's your phone? Let me see it."

Jin Chen hurriedly took out his phone, found the report he had just seen, and hastily handed it to Jiang Jinfu next to him. Jiang Jinfu then handed it to Brother Hu, who passed the phone to Cai Yinong. Only then did Cai Yinong sit down again.

She read the report very carefully, twice, and even three times the part about the amount.

Then I took out my phone and searched again, and sure enough, I found the source.

The report from China Economic Weekly finally confirmed one thing for her—Shen Qing had indeed sold the online rights to the series for a super high price of 500 million yuan per episode.

Has it already reached 500 million views per episode?

Tangren's "Refresh 3+7" only sold for 25 yuan—Shen Qing's dramas have already sold for 20 times more than Tangren's dramas?!

Liu Shishi also peeked over to take a look. When she saw in the relevant reports that "The Grave Robbers' Chronicles" and "Ghost Blows Out the Light" were both priced at 500 million per episode, she was surprised and couldn't help but laugh.

"I don't know what kind of magic potion he gave the people at iQiyi and Tencent to make them sell it for such an exorbitant price."

Although I was complaining, I couldn't help but feel proud of him.

Cai Yinong was engrossed in the news on her phone when she heard Liu Shishi's words beside her. She turned to look at the smiling Liu Shishi and thought to herself, "He's not just good at bewitching people on video websites; he's even better at bewitching women. Even top-tier actresses who earn tens of millions or even hundreds of millions a year are willing to be his mistresses—and it's not just one or two, it's three, four, five, or even more."

After the dinner, Liu Shishi was still in the car and couldn't even wait to get back to her residence before calling Shen Qing.

Some say that no matter how capable a man is, he will be disliked by women after a long time together. A man's abilities are like air; when you enjoy them all the time, you will unconsciously ignore their existence and value.

It's a strange feeling to see your man do something big in the news. You didn't know about it beforehand, so it's no longer something easily overlooked, but an unexpected surprise.

"Congratulations, your web series sold for 500 million per episode." Liu Shishi forced herself to say in a calm tone.

"Thank you," Shen Qing replied on the other end of the phone.

Liu Shishi asked again, "Just a thank you? Don't you have anything else to say?"

Shen Qing chuckled and said, "Yes."

"What do you want to say?" Liu Shishi pressed.

Shen Qing replied, "I think this is actually something worth celebrating. It would be great if someone could come back to Beijing and celebrate with me."

Liu Shishi knew that Shen Qing was almost certainly talking about her, but she was also afraid that he wasn't actually talking about her. After hesitating for a while, she asked, "Who do you want to be with?"

"You're asking a question you already know the answer to. So, are you going back to the capital?"

Liu Shishi remained silent for a while before replying, "No."

But less than a second later, she changed her mind: "My family is in Beijing now, I'll go home and celebrate with you."

The internet was already in an uproar.

The fact that the online rights to a single drama sold for 1.1 million yuan wouldn't generate such a huge buzz. The key is the reports of 500 million yuan per episode and 1.1 million yuan for the entire series, because this means that the highly anticipated "Candle in the Tomb" and the first season of "The Lost Tomb" are finally about to officially meet the audience.

"I heard the price per unit broke historical records? Wow! No wonder it's 'Ghost Blows Out the Light'!"

"Dude, 'The Grave Robbers' Chronicles' has also broken records."

"Is this a record-breaking event? The previous record was 250 million views per episode, set by 'Princess Agents II.' This time, they've broken the record by 500 million views per episode! Wow, is this a record-breaking event? This is like flipping the table off the record table!"

"This is too much! Won't iQiyi and Tencent Video lose money?"

"Stop worrying about it. The two video websites have definitely calculated the exact value of these two shows in private."

"With just these two IPs, 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' and 'The Grave Robbers' Chronicles,' as long as the production teams aren't too incompetent, video websites are unlikely to lose money!"

"What the person upstairs said is the right thing to do."

"Then it's definitely not a loss. The quality of dramas produced by Magical Film and Television Media is guaranteed."