Chapter 150 Self-rescue

The office of Xinbaoyuan Company was filled with smoke. Zhao Baogang held a cigarette between his fingertips, waiting for news from Zhuang Liqi while chatting absentmindedly with Wang Jinghua.

Wang Ying was leaning on the sofa with his legs crossed, a half-smoked cigarette in his hand emitting wisps of smoke rising slowly in the air, and he would occasionally interject.

There were already quite a few cigarette butts piled up in the ashtray on the coffee table in front of the two people, and the whole office was filled with a faint smell of tobacco. It was obvious that they had been waiting for quite some time.

Suddenly a cell phone rang and Wang Jinghua quickly answered it. Zhao Baogang and Wang Ying stopped talking and even stopped smoking, for fear of disturbing the call.

"Boss Zhuang! ... What? You guys want to invest too! Okay, I'll talk to Director Zhao about it."

Although Zhao Baogang didn't know what Zhuang Liqi said specifically, but from Wang Jinghua's gradually furrowed brows and the few words revealed in her responses, it was not difficult to guess that things were not going smoothly, and Tengda Culture obviously did not want to sell the copyright of "Struggle" easily.

After hanging up the phone, Wang Jinghua looked at the two of them and sighed: "Things have changed a little!"

Zhao Baogang quickly put out the cigarette in his hand in the ashtray, sat up straight, and asked thoughtfully: "What did Tengda say?"

"The situation is a bit complicated. The copyright of Struggle is not in the hands of Tengda Culture." Wang Jinghua recounted the ins and outs of the copyright.

When Zhao Baogang and Wang Ying heard this, they looked at each other in bewilderment. How could it be so roundabout? "So, Tengda wants to invest, and it wants to take the lion's share!"

Wang Jinghua nodded: "According to Zhuang Liqi, this is the intention of the nobleman of Tengda. There is no room for negotiation. If we are willing to cooperate, we can invest in a share and get 30%. If not, they can shoot it themselves."

Zhao Baogang smiled bitterly. There weren't many good scripts, and he didn't want to give up on "Struggle". "Hey, they have the copyright and can make it themselves. How can we bargain? It's very generous of Tengda to take us along."

"If Director Zhao has no objection, we can go to Tengda to discuss the details of the cooperation."

In fact, for Wang Jinghua, as long as "Struggle" can be filmed, it doesn't matter who invests. Tengda Culture doesn't have many artists, and this drama won't take up many spots, so she can just arrange a few more roles.

Wang Ying saw that his old friend looked unwilling, so he patted his shoulder and comforted him, "Old Zhao, a blessing in disguise. Although you can't get the copyright, it is also a gain to take this opportunity to get in touch with Tengda. Maybe we can find them to invest in future projects."

"Yes, Tengda is now very powerful and wealthy, with success in both film and television. The movie "Youth" that is currently being screened is a small production with a cost of 10 million yuan, and its box office is expected to exceed 100 million yuan.

It's a big deal in the industry, and many companies are jealous and want to cooperate with Tengda, but unfortunately, they may not be interested. "Wang Jinghua agreed with Wang Ying's words. She has always advocated win-win cooperation. She believes that more friends and more paths in the industry are the key to success.

At this point, there was no point in talking any more, so Zhao Baogang immediately made the decision: "It is better to strike today than to wait for a day. Let's go to Tengda Culture and settle the matter today to avoid any more changes."

Wang Ying took the last puff of his cigarette, extinguished it, stood up and said, "Let's go, it's a good opportunity to go for a visit. Tengda also has a special effects company with advanced technology, which is a rare commodity in China. It's a good opportunity to see it for ourselves."

"Tengda even does its own special effects?" Wang Jinghua asked in disbelief. Special effects cost a lot of money, so it seems that Tenda Culture's strength is even stronger than outsiders imagined.

"Yes, Tiangong special effects, although there is still a gap in technology with Europe and the United States, it is already at the top level in China."

There was a barely perceptible trace of regret in Wang Jinghua's eyes. When she left Huayi, a friend from the Beijing Film Studio suggested that she go to Tengda Culture, saying that he could help with the introduction.

Unfortunately, Tengda was not well-known at the time and was not within her consideration range at all. She eventually went to Chentian Entertainment. However, she did not expect that in less than two years, Tengda Culture had undergone tremendous changes.

Wu Kebo, the boss of Chen Tian, ​​totally despises the artists under his company. This time, he takes the opportunity of filming "Struggle" to get in touch with Tengda.

Time flies by like a white horse. At the end of October, Tengda Culture and Xinbaoyuan Film and Television reached a cooperation agreement to jointly finance the filming of "Struggle".

In early November, "So Young" came to a perfect end one month after its release, with a total box office of 117 million yuan, basically locking in the top three of the 2006 domestic film box office rankings.

In mid-November, Liu Shishi reported to the crew of "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio" in Hengdian.

The gentleness of autumn quietly leaves, and winter arrives with biting cold winds and white snow.

Before we knew it, the wheel of time was spinning rapidly and now it was mid-December and 2006 was coming to an end.

On a quiet winter afternoon, Cai Yinong went to visit Hu Ge's home with a bouquet of carefully selected flowers.

Hu Ge invited Cai Yinong into his home with a smile. Although the smile was a bit forced, he still felt warm about the arrival of his boss.

Cai Yinong looked at Hu Ge's once sunny and handsome face, which was now covered with marks of fine stitches, like scars left by time, and sighed.

There was a faint smell of disinfectant in Hu Ge's home. Looking around, Cai Yinong noticed that the walls and window sills were hung with various colorful paper cranes, each carrying the fans' blessings to Hu Ge.

There were many postcards scattered on the table in the living room. Cai Yining picked up a few and looked through them. They were filled with sincere words from fans.

"Hu Ge, I hope you get well soon and keep smiling brightly."

"Li Xiaoyao, you have to get better soon!"

Hu Ge handed the tea to Cai Yinong and said with emotion: "These are all sent to me by fans. I am really moved. Everyone's blessings have dispelled the haze in my heart and given me unlimited strength."

Cai Yinong took the teacup, sat down on the sofa with Hu Ge, and asked with concern: "How are you doing recently?"

"I can eat, drink, walk and do things. After resting for a period of time, I will go to South Korea for epidermal repair surgery after the New Year." Hu Ge's words were full of optimism and freedom. The attending doctor told him that although there will definitely be marks left on his face, they will be basically invisible after makeup, and he can still continue his acting career.

Cai Yinong took a sip of the warm tea and asked, "Has Xue Jianing come to see you recently?"

Speaking of this person, Cai Yinong was very angry. When the company's top guy got into trouble, the other party revealed that she was Hu Ge's girlfriend trying to get attention. If it weren't for the fact that Tangren Film and Television had a lot of things going on and he had no energy to take care of her, he really wanted to sort things out with her online. Your boyfriend unfortunately had a car accident, and you spent so much energy caring for him.

Hu Ge was feeling a little depressed and said self-deprecatingly: "Jianing came to see me once. Old Yuan must have had a hard time during this period." When he was in a car accident, his good brother stayed with him and took good care of him. He will remember this kindness for the rest of his life.

"I don't want to interfere in your affairs, nor do I have the energy to meddle, but I still say that artists should be cautious when dating."

Hu Ge was busy serving tea and water and didn't notice Cai Yinong's face. Now they both sat down on the sofa, and when he took a closer look, he was shocked.

Cai Yinong's originally plump cheeks had become much thinner than three months ago. Her eyes were dull, full of fatigue and emptiness. She looked extremely haggard and sick, and people could clearly feel her helplessness and frustration.

Thinking of what Li Guoli said to him on the phone yesterday, Hu Ge felt from the state of the female boss that the current business situation of Tangren Film and Television seemed to be worse than he had imagined.

Hesitantly asked, "Sister K, Director Li told me yesterday that the company can no longer hold on. Is this true?"

Cai Yinong closed his eyes, nodded with difficulty, and said weakly: "After your car accident, the artist management business of our company was almost interrupted, and we also paid a lot of money to the brand.

Although the production of The Legend of the Condor Heroes was suspended, the basic expenses such as the venue and labor were still being paid, and the investor Tengda Culture wanted to withdraw its investment and had sued us for compensation. The Young Generals of the Yang Family, which the company had high hopes for, was banned and could not be broadcast.

Two consecutive dramas have lost money and exhausted all the company's working capital. The investment in the current film "Strange Women from Liao Zhai" is also not small, but it will not be recovered in a short time."

As if it weren't raining, Hu Ge understood the company's difficulties after Cai Yinong's simple explanation. In the past, Tangren produced one play a year, and its capital operation efficiency was very low. Now, two plays in a row have suffered huge losses, which means that the company has been working for nothing for two years. It is likely that the company will not be able to pay even the basic salary of its employees soon.

"Sister K, you came here today. Do you want me to do something?" Hu Ge felt guilty. It was all his fault that this situation happened in the company.

"Tangren needs funds to tide over this difficult time, but given the company's current operating situation, even if I mortgage the company's real estate, there is still a gap. After discussing with Director Li, we decided to raise funds!"

Hu Ge exclaimed in disbelief: "Sister K, you want financing?" He knew that Cai Yinong had always been strongly opposed to financing, otherwise Tang Ren would not have come to this point. If the company was in trouble both internally and externally, wouldn't it be obvious that financing at this time would mean being ripped off?

"It's internal financing, employees subscribing to shares! Rather than letting outsiders take advantage, I still hope that the company's internal employees can subscribe to some shares to help Tangren get through this crisis."

Hu Ge understood what the boss meant. Sister K must want him to take the lead in subscribing for some shares. He was the fuse of the Tangren crisis and he was also the boss of the company. Sister K never left him when he was in the most difficult times. It was reasonable for him to do his part and take the lead in subscribing for some shares to solve the company's urgent needs.

Gritting her teeth, Hu Ge asked cautiously, "Ms. K, what is the company's valuation?"

Cai Yinong gave a very fair estimate: "Internal employees, 80 million."

Hu Ge immediately breathed a sigh of relief, as he was afraid that the valuation of Tangren Film and Television was too high and he could not afford to buy the shares.

I have only been in the industry for three years, and although I have made some money, I have not much left after using it to support my family and buy a house. And I will be going abroad for reconstructive surgery soon, which will cost me a lot of money.

The valuation of 80 million yuan for Tangren Film and Television is already very low. No matter how poor the company is, the real estate of its Donghai headquarters, Hengdian Xiaobailou, and Tangren Pavilion are still very valuable.

"Ms. K, I'll subscribe for 2%."

Cai Yinong nodded with satisfaction, she knew exactly how much Hu Ge earned. Taking on 2% of the shares, 1.6 million was already his limit. A friend in need is a friend indeed, and it was worth it that she had always supported him, and at the critical moment, she still had to take on the responsibility of being the boss.

With Hu Ge taking the lead, she could do the work of others. She informed everyone in the company of the financing plan, but after three days, no one came to see her, which made her very disappointed. So she had to find Hu Ge.

After a few more pleasantries, Cai Yinong stood up to say goodbye. Before leaving, he told Hu Ge: "You should take good care of your injuries. I will take care of the company's affairs. The crew of The Legend of the Condor Heroes is still waiting for your return as a king."

Hu Ge sent Cai Yinong out the door, sighed helplessly as he looked at her desolate back. He knew in his heart that Sister K's financing must not be going smoothly. After all, the company was now half-dead and could be liquidated at any time. Although the real estate of the headquarters and Hengdian branch was valuable, they could not be sold for money.

The employees are not fools. They would never dare to subscribe for company shares at this time. Their 1.6 million is a way to repay Sister K for her kindness.

Three days had passed since Cai Yinong visited Hu Ge, and the results of Tangren's internal employee financing and share subscription were far from ideal. Even with Yi Ge taking the lead, most employees were still not optimistic about Tangren's future.

Another two million was raised in scattered pieces, but it was not enough to solve the company's difficulties. Cai Yinong urgently went to Hengdian to discuss solutions with Li Guoli.

In the office of the Tangren Xiaobailou in Hengdian, Cai Yinong was thinking with his head down, wondering whether he should take a gamble and mortgage his house to give it a try. After all, she was still young, and the worst that could happen was she would go bankrupt and start over again.

Knock knock knock, Liu Shishi knocked on the door and came in.

Cai Yinong looked up at the next girl. The girl was wearing a snow-white down jacket and had her hair tied into a high ponytail. She had a beautiful face and looked very energetic.

He forced a smile and said, "How are you doing on the set lately, Shishi?"

After Liu Shishi sat down, she smiled and said, "I'm fine, Sister K. I heard that you came to Hengdian, so I came to see you. After the rain, there is a rainbow. Sister K, don't be too anxious. The company will be fine."

Cai Yinong's eyes showed a trace of relief: "Just act well, you don't need to worry about the company's affairs, I will take care of it."

"Sister K, doesn't the company have an internal employee stock subscription program? I would like to subscribe for a part of it." Liu Shishi expressed her intention.

Cai Yinong shook his head and refused: "I appreciate your kindness, but you have only been working for a short time and you can only earn a little. Now if you play Xin Shisiniang well, it will be the greatest help to the company."

Liu Shishi smiled mysteriously and said something shocking: "Sister K, I have money. I will pay 24 million to subscribe for 30% of the company's shares."

Cai Yinong's eyes widened when he heard this, and he was extremely shocked and asked, "How much? 24 million! Where did you get so much money?"

Before the female boss could come back to her senses, Liu Shishi threw out another bombshell: "Sister K, I can use my connections to get Tengda Culture to temporarily withdraw the lawsuit and give the company some time. With the money raised, the company will be able to get through this difficult time."

(End of this chapter)