Chapter 365: Conflict of Interests

"Shishi, who is this?" Cai Yinong looked at the foreign woman with extraordinary temperament in front of him without leaving a trace.

The other person was wearing a Dior haute couture dress, and her every move was elegant. The Patek Philippe watch on her wrist shone with a low-key and luxurious luster under the light.

Previously, she had only received vague information from the first sister, saying that executives from top European luxury brands would attend the Bazaar Star Charity Gala tonight. But she didn't know which brands or what level of people they were.

"Ms. K, this is the heiress of the LVMH Group and the global president of Dior, Ms. Delphine Arnault."

Sister Yi smiled and switched between two languages ​​to introduce the two parties. "Delphina, she is my agent Cai Yinong."

Cai Yinong's pupils shrank slightly. He never expected that the person standing next to Yijie was the daughter of Europe's richest man and the helmsman of Dior. He hurriedly greeted in English: "Hello, Ms. Arnault, it's an honor to meet you."

The French socialite smiled and responded in broken Chinese: "Hello!"

Liu Shishi chuckled: "Your Chinese is improving very quickly."

Cai Yinong's heartbeat quickened as he watched the two interacting with each other. If he could take this opportunity to secure brand cooperation with Dior for his artists, even if it was just a regional brand friend, it would be enough to elevate Tangren's voice in the industry to a higher level.

"Shishi, you should spend some time accompanying Ms. Arno." Cai Yinong bowed slightly and left tactfully without disturbing the two any further.

Seeing that Sister K said hello to Liu Shishi and then turned back, Hu Ge curiously asked: "Sister K, which brand executive is the one next to Shishi?"

Behind her, newcomers such as Lin Gengxin, Guli Nazha, Jiang Jinfu, Jin Chen and others who were attending the Bazaar Charity Night for the first time pricked up their ears, hoping to bask in the fame of the top sister and get some fashion resources.

"It's the global president of Dior." Cai Yinong breathed a sigh of relief, still a little bit in disbelief. He didn't expect that Sister Yi would bring the heir of LVMH Group to the venue in such a low-key manner.

"What, Dior!" Gulinaza exclaimed, attracting the attention of many celebrities around her. She was wearing a light golden dress today, shining brightly under the lights, but her inappropriate behavior instantly made her look inferior.

Cai Yinong glanced at him fiercely: "Keep your voice down, don't be so startled! Keep your back straight, pay attention to your manners, and learn more from Shishi."

Naza stuck out her tongue, but before she could say anything, Cai Yinong scolded her again: "Pay attention to your facial expressions! If you stick out your tongue and a reporter takes a picture of you and posts it online, it will be used by your opponents to discredit you in the future."

He glanced at the other people and warned, "Everyone, cheer up! From now on, competition in the entertainment industry will be even more intense!

Fashion resources will be the focus of competition among companies. High-end luxury brands attach the most importance to the image and temperament of their spokespersons. An inappropriate expression may ruin a top resource. "

Hu Ge looked at Na Zha's disapproving expression and shook his head secretly, thinking that with Junior Sister's temper, she would suffer a great loss sooner or later if she didn't listen to Sister K's advice.

"We'll be walking on the red carpet soon, so just stay here." Cai Yinong instructed, winking at Hu Ge, "This kind of occasion is a good opportunity to make connections, come with me."

Hu Ge understood, adjusted his suit and tie, and followed Cai Yinong to meet some big directors and top producers in the circle.

Not far away, Dou Xiao, who rose to prominence in the circle for his role in Zhang Yimou's "Under the Hawthorn Tree", was staring at the stars of Tangren Film and Television.

He nudged Zhou Dongyu next to him with his elbow and said, "The one in the golden dress is from the same class as you, right?"

"Yes!" Zhou Dongyu narrowed his eyes and looked at the gorgeous Guli Nazha, who was wearing a high-end dress, with a look of disgust.

"I don't like her! She's so arrogant because she thinks she has a good appearance. Can she survive in the entertainment industry with just her beauty? I'm ten blocks away from her in acting skills."

"What are you two talking about?" Tong Dawei came over with a smile, followed by several young actors, including Zhang Yishan's girlfriend Bai Xue.

"Brother Dawei!" "Hello, Teacher Tong."

They are all members of director Zhang Yimou's crew, so they get along well with each other.

"Brother Dawei, when will "The Flowers of War" be released?" Standing in the crowd, Ni Ni looked particularly dazzling with her tall figure and outstanding temperament.

She was hoping that the movie could be released as soon as possible so that it could become a huge success.

"Don't mention it, we're still negotiating!"

When several girls saw Tong Dawei, who had the highest status and the most information in the entire crew, looking helpless, they immediately surrounded him and asked him what happened to the movie.

Tong Dawei was so annoyed by the girls that he looked around and explained in a low voice, "Mr. Zhang wanted to increase the minimum ticket price of "The Flowers of War" by 5 yuan, and at the same time adjust the film company's box office share from 43% to 45%. As a result, the theater chain exploded!"

Nini and the others widened their eyes in shock. Although they were pure newcomers in the entertainment industry, they knew what it meant to take advantage of the cinema chain's cake and that they would inevitably be boycotted.

"Mr. Zhang said that if the theaters are not satisfied, they can refuse to show the film." However, Tenda Southern Cinemas did not buy it at all and did not even plan to attend the film screening.

The other seven major cinema chains, led by Wanda Cinema Line, are also very dissatisfied, and there are rumors that they will join forces to boycott "The Flowers of War". The release of the film may be a long way off."

"What does Director Zhang mean?" Ni Ni suddenly became anxious. She had put in so much effort in filming "The Flowers of War". If the movie could not be released, wouldn't it be a waste of effort!

Several other actors in the crew, including Dou Xiao and Zhou Dongyu, also looked at Tong Dawei nervously. How could their agency, which had offended the eight major cinema chains, gain a foothold in the entertainment industry in the future?

"Director Zhang is also anxious, so he came here specially for public relations." Tong Dawei rubbed his temple. He finally got the chance to act in a big director's work, but ended up with this mess and the movie couldn't be released.

I complained to Zhang Weiping of New Picture in my heart, saying, if you want to raise the price, you should at least discuss it with the cinema chains. How can you just issue an ultimatum and force it on the cinema chains?

As a result, you made harsh words, but Tengda, which is stronger than you, didn't buy it at all. Now the situation is completely deadlocked.

While several people were worried about the future of "The Flowers of War", Zhang Yimou was discussing the matter with Zhang Zhao, president of Southern Cinemas.

"Mr. Zhang, even if the ticket price increases by 5 yuan, the total profit of the cinema chain has definitely not decreased."

Zhang Yimou patiently tried to persuade the filmmakers in every possible way, hoping that the leading cinema chain, Southern Cinemas, would take the lead in agreeing to adjust the profit-sharing ratio so that the film could be released smoothly.

"Director Zhang, Southern Cinemas will never agree to adjust the profit-sharing ratio." Zhang Zhao said in a firm tone, not giving the national master any face at all. He knew that once this precedent was set, the interests of the cinema chains would inevitably suffer, and he would not be able to explain to the group and the entire industry.

"Mr. Zhang, he has already planned to ask the Film Bureau to intervene. If it really comes to that, it will be embarrassing for everyone." Zhang Yimou frowned, his tone almost pleading.

He was originally very resistant to business negotiations, but his interests were deeply intertwined with Zhang Weiping's on the matter of "The Flowers of War", not to mention that someone else had the upper hand over him, so he had to step in to mediate the issue of profit sharing.

Zhang Zhao sneered, his face full of disdain: "With his little power, Zhang Weiping wants to put pressure on Tengda. Okay, let him try.

The film company's share of the profits has increased from the original 33% to the current 43%. All three increases are the result of the efforts made by you, Director Zhang, and Zhang Weiping.

"Hero", "House of Flying Daggers" and "Curse of the Golden Flower" are indeed good movies, which have boosted the development of the domestic film market. But some things are too much or too little!"

Zhang Yimou was speechless after hearing these words and felt more and more annoyed.

"Director Zhang, you are a pure artist and should not be dragged into these commercial matters. I advise you that if you and Zhang Weiping continue to get involved like this, it will only make it more and more difficult for you to do business in the industry."

Zhang Yimou was silent for a long time after hearing this, and finally just sighed deeply: "Boss Zhang, is there really no room for negotiation?"

"As long as our Chairman Song nods, not only will Southern Cinema Line be willing to adjust the revenue sharing ratio, the other seven major cinema chains will also cooperate and make concessions."

"Thank you, Mr. Zhang." Zhang Yimou nodded, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes. At this moment, he had already made up his mind that once the release of "The Flowers of War" was settled, he and Zhang Weiping would part ways, even if that incident was exposed!

Zhang Yimou returned to the crew with a heavy heart, thinking about how he could meet the richest man.

At the same time, in the VIP reception room.

Song Ci lazily leaned on the leather sofa, his eyes half closed and deep, his fingertips rhythmically tapping the armrest of the sofa: "What do you two think of my proposal?"

Nick Hayek, president of Swatch Group, subconsciously glanced at Henri Pinault, as if waiting for him to make a decision first. As a newcomer to this small group, he still had doubts about the judgment of this young richest man in Asia.

Henry Pinault pondered for a moment and asked cautiously, "Song, how are you sure that Universal Music will acquire EMI?

If we take the lead in acquiring EMI and no one takes it, we will lose the asset. 4 billion US dollars is not a small amount of money. "

Song Ci's eyes sparkled. He had put a lot of effort into the copyright issue of Qianqian Music, and made a well-reasoned analysis:

"Today, the global music market is almost evenly divided among Universal, Warner and Sony. Each of them is constantly launching acquisitions to expand its music copyright library in preparation for the upcoming digital music era."

Henry Pinault nodded slightly. During this period, Song Ci had made a lot of money by helping him short the euro. Out of trust in Song Ci's ability to make money, he had already agreed to the acquisition proposal.

Nick Hayek was skeptical: "Song, according to what you said, the three major record companies are all expanding wildly, and Warner or Sony may also take action. What makes you so sure that EMI will fall into the hands of Universal?"

"Geographical factors are a topic that cannot be avoided. Vivendi Group, the parent company of Universal Music, has a huge influence in Europe. How could it sit idly by and watch EMI fall into the hands of Warner or Sony?"

Song Ci sighed softly. This was also the reason why he wanted to find help. Otherwise, it would be extremely difficult for Tengda to directly acquire a British company.

Nick Hayek and Henri Pinault looked at each other, reached a silent agreement, and decided to support Song Ci's acquisition proposal.

"Song, do you want to wait for Universal to acquire EMI and cash out to make a quick buck, or..."

"Cash out? That little profit is not worth mentioning. Of course, we should exchange shares and convert our EMI shares into Universal Music shares.

Once Universal successfully merges with EMI, it will own the copyrights of more than 1 million musical works and become the world's largest record company.

The two families can also successfully jump out of the luxury goods industry and enter the Internet through Universal Music, bringing a second industry to the family. You have to know that only by walking on two legs can you be stable and lasting. "

"Good!" Nick Hayek clapped his hands and praised. The words "second estate" really touched his heart.

Although the luxury goods industry makes money, these things are not necessities. If a financial crisis or economic depression ever occurs, luxury goods groups will certainly have a hard time.

Being able to take this opportunity to invest in a sunrise industry like the Internet is a long-awaited opportunity.

Song Ci raised his wrist to check the time: "You two, it's almost time, let's move to the inner court."

Nick Hayek recognized at a glance that the watch Song Ci was wearing was the Longines watch from the Swatch Group, and he couldn't help but be very curious.

Although Longines is also a famous Swiss watch, it is only a benchmark in the mid-range market and a gatekeeper in the field of light luxury watches. It is known for its high cost performance, but it is completely inconsistent with the net worth of Asia's richest man.

"Song, Longines is really not commensurate with your status. I will give you a more suitable one someday."

Song Ci gently stroked the delicate dial, a gentle look on his face, and told the origin of the watch.

"There is also an Omega watch, which is also a gift from my wife. These two watches are my favorites. They are both products of your company."

"I see." Nick Hayek thought to himself, Henri Pinault sent a Gucci global spokesperson, so he should also show some appreciation.

The three big men chatted and laughed, left the VIP room together, and went to the charity gala venue under the guidance of the staff.

On the other hand, as more and more stars walked onto the red carpet, the backstage gradually became empty. The remaining people were basically the first-line stars in the circle, and a very small number of people with backgrounds, such as Jing Tian.

"Tiantian, long time no see, what have you been busy with recently?"

"Senior sister, you look so beautiful today! I'm currently attending classes at school, and I'm going to be filming a movie with Zhen Zidan and Teacher Zhao Wenzhuo next month."

Miss Jing was also wearing a gorgeous silver dress today, which made her look elegant and noble, and with her delicate facial features, she looked very dignified.

Ever since she was crushed by Liu Shishi's role as Lu Su in "The Myth", she has been determined to turn to the big screen. She has filmed two movies this year, and combined with the TV series she starred in before, she has also established a firm foothold in the industry.

At this time, Su hurried to the backstage to ask Liu Shishi about walking the red carpet.

Liu Shishi's appearance order has not been determined yet, because she doesn't know whether Song Ci will walk the red carpet with Yi Jie, so she dare not arrange it in advance and can only wait for the scene to make flexible adjustments.

"If it's okay, I can walk the red carpet right now." Liu Shishi took Delphine's arm again and looked at Jingtian, "Tiantian, is there anyone to walk the red carpet with you?"

Jingtian shook his head.

"Then let's go together."

Jing Tian readily accepted the invitation from the first sister opposite him: "Thank you, Senior Sister Shi."

Su Mang breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Liu Shishi was easy-going and didn't care about the order of the red carpet.

The original plan was for Zhang Ziyi and top male star Han Geng to be the finales on the red carpet. If Yi Jie wanted to appear last, she would have to go to great lengths to persuade Zhang Ziyi, so now she saves a lot of trouble.

(End of this chapter)