Chapter 402 A Wise Move

The warm breeze blows in May, and the cicadas start chirping in June.

Time flies, and 2012 is already halfway through.

On June 7, the bell for the college entrance examination rang, and many celebrities sent their blessings on Weibo to the students heading to the examination hall.

On this day, Liu Rong, president of Tengda Culture, recalled two young actresses, Yang Mi and Zhao Liying, to the company.

In the office, Liu Rong closed the document and looked up at the top female star in front of him who seemed a little reserved.

"Is the filming of Tiny Times going smoothly? I saw rumors online that Huo Siyan and Ni Ni had frequent conflicts with you on the set?"

"It went relatively smoothly. They did try to step on me, but I can handle it." Yang Mi forced a smile.

The crew of "Tiny Times" has been in constant turmoil since the filming began. Huo Siyan and Ni Ni are competing against her, and there is also Guo Biting from Taiwan who is not a good person either.

At the beginning, the company considered that LeTV Pictures was the investor of "Tiny Times" and did not recommend her to take this role, but she insisted on her own opinion. Now, even if she feels aggrieved, she is too embarrassed to confide in Liu Rong.

Liu Rong's mouth curled up with sarcasm: "I heard that Director Guo has eight assistant directors, and he is only responsible for sitting behind the monitor and shouting "cut"?"

Speaking of this, Yang Mi felt helpless. Guo Jingming was the most bizarre director she had ever seen in her more than 20 years of acting career. He really knew nothing about filming.

She no longer has any hope for the film's box office success and will just leave it to fate.

Liu Rong looked at Yang Mi calmly, and said in a sonorous tone: "In the entertainment industry, no company or crew can bully the artists of Tengda Culture. If you really get into trouble, the company will support you."

"Thank you, Mr. Liu."

After chatting for a while, Liu Rong got straight to the point: "I asked you to come back today because there is something important.

Since the broadcast of "Palace" last year, your popularity has soared and you have firmly established yourself as a top star. It is time for the company to help you set up a personal studio."

Yang Mi quickly shook her head and said without hesitation: "No, no! I am very happy in the company and have no plans to set up a studio for the time being."

Hearing this, Liu Rong looked at her meaningfully. Yang Mi turned her face away guiltily, not daring to meet the president's gaze.

"This matter still requires respecting your personal wishes."

Hearing this, Yang Mi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She and Zeng Jia had already made careful plans. When the contract expires at the beginning of next year, they will leave Tengda Culture and start a business together.

If I set up a personal studio in Tengda Culture at this time, the interests involved will be too deep. Dissolving and reorganizing the studio in the future will involve many problems such as assets, personnel, contracts, etc. It is far less convenient than leaving as an independent artist.

Liu Rong paused, then continued, "You have half a year left on your contract with the company. Think about it carefully during this time.

If you are willing to renew the contract with the company, the company welcomes you. If you feel that the cooperation over the years is not pleasant or you want to seek other development, the company will never stop you. We can part ways in peace.”

Yang Mi opened her mouth, not knowing what to say for a moment. Liu Rong's words contained a mystery, and she felt that the other party seemed to have noticed her and Zeng Jia's plan.

After a moment of stunned silence, he said, "Mr. Liu, I will seriously consider the renewal of the contract."

After discussing some work matters, Yang Mi got up and left the office.

Looking at Yang Mi's slim figure as she left, Liu Rong shook his head slightly. This popular star was a little clever, but lacked long-term vision.

In addition, Zeng Jia encouraged him to leave the company and go solo, and he was afraid that he would fail in the future.

Outside the office door, Yang Mi bumped into Zhao Liying head-on, and said something witty and sour, "Liying, how are the bridesmaid dresses going?"

Thinking of the online revelations a few days ago, Yang Mi felt upset.

At the end of last month, a netizen revealed to the media that the richest man Song Ci and actress Liu Shishi were preparing for their wedding with a budget of 320 million yuan, which instantly caused a sensation on the entire Internet.

Soon after, there was news that actress Zhao Liying was the bridesmaid at the wedding, and this was confirmed by the bride Liu Shishi herself.

For a time, netizens were speculating about the candidates for Liu Shishi's bridesmaids.

Among them, Yang Mi and Tang Yan, who had worked together on "Chinese Paladin III", are the most recognized bridesmaids candidates in the hearts of netizens.

However, more than ten days passed, and Yang Mi waited and waited but still did not receive any invitation from Liu Shishi.

Seeing Zhao Liying now, she couldn't help but be sarcastic and said a few sour words, secretly complaining in her heart: Could it be that the sisterhood between Shishi and I for many years is not as good as that of the little round-faced girl?

Zhao Liying smiled brightly: "Shishi will take care of the dress! Come to think of it, this is the first time I'm a bridesmaid in my life, and I'm a little nervous when I think about it."

"Hmph!" Yang Mi snorted coldly, feeling that this little round face was becoming more and more annoying. She walked straight past Zhao Liying without even turning her head.

Zhao Liying didn't take this attitude to heart. She walked to the office door and knocked gently.

The crew of "Legend of the Mermaid" has wrapped up filming, and she has been resting at home these days. She doesn't know why the president called her back to the company.

"Come in."

After getting permission, Zhao Liying pushed the door open and greeted sweetly: "Hello, Mr. Liu, are you looking for me?"

"Sit down."

"Has the drama in Madam's studio been completed?"

“It was just finished last week.”

"The company received a movie script called "Palace Lock and Bead Curtain", which is written and invested by Yu Zheng, and they would like to invite you and Chen Xiao to star in it.

The company has roughly estimated that with your and Chen Xiao's popularity, this movie will have no problem taking in tens of thousands of dollars at the box office. Do you want to give it a try?"

Zhao Liying is fascinated by the big screen: "I am willing to take it."

"Box office is secondary. Just treat it as a test on the big screen." Liu Rong responded casually and then changed the subject.

"The Legend of Lu Zhen has been a huge success, and you are now considered a top-tier actress. The company plans to set up a studio for you. What do you think?"

Zhao Liying's expression became serious and she immediately refused: "Boss Liu, I have no plans to set up a studio."

"Are you sure?" Liu Rong was slightly stunned. She had expected Yang Mi's refusal before, but she didn't expect that Zhao Liying was also unwilling to set up a studio.

“Mr. Liu, thanks to Mr. Zhang’s recognition, I joined Tengda Culture in the summer of 2008. Over the years, I have had a very pleasant cooperation with the company.

I still have six years left on my contract with the company, and I have no plans to set up a studio before the contract expires.”

Zhao Liying spoke sincerely and firmly, saying that not setting up a studio was a well-considered decision for her.

In her opinion, everything has two sides. Although there are many advantages to setting up a celebrity's personal film and television culture studio, the disadvantages cannot be ignored.

The studio not only has to bear fixed expenses such as team salaries and operating expenses, but also has to spend energy and time on management. The complicated administrative, personnel, and financial management may hinder her career development.

As a giant in the film and television industry, Tengda Culture has unparalleled advantages in project resources, personal networks, industry information, crisis public relations, and professional teams.

By not setting up a studio and maintaining close cooperation with Tengda Culture, she can continue to enjoy the company's core resources without having to build a team from scratch or hire an external team at a high price.

What's more, by not setting up a studio, she is sending a clear signal to the company that she has no intention of going solo. The company will see her "loyalty" and will inevitably gain the company's trust and support, which is more beneficial to her long-term development.

So she was not "stupid" to reject Liu Rong's kindness, but rather trusted the company's strong and wise decision-making.

Liu Rong couldn't help but secretly sigh that compared to other artists in the company who were eager to start their own business, Zhao Liying's pragmatism was impressive.

It has to be said that it is rare for a star to have such clarity and determination when he refuses the agency's request to set up a personal studio for him after becoming famous.

Seeing that she had made up her mind, the female CEO smiled and said, "With your current status, the company has decided to adjust the contract split to 50-50. When you become a top-tier player in the future, we can discuss the split ratio again."

This sincere olive branch warmed Zhao Liying's heart and made her more convinced that she had made a wise choice.

The surprises didn't end there. Liu Rong pulled out a script from the pile of documents on his desk and handed it to Zhao Liying.

"This is a period drama jointly produced by the company and Beiping Culture, "Under the Gate of Zhengyang", with a total investment of 50 million.

Zhu Yawen has been chosen as the male lead, and Beiping Culture originally recommended Bian Xiaoxiao for the female lead, but she became notorious for beating someone, so I removed her from the list. Now I give you this opportunity."

"Thank you, Mr. Liu!" Zhao Liying's brows were beaming with joy, and her hands trembled slightly as she took the script.

The leading female role in a drama with a 50 million investment is a top resource in the film and television industry. If it were available, there would be countless actresses who would be scrambling to get it.

If she sets up her own studio, she will most likely not get the leading female role, and the company may use it as a bargaining chip to exchange for project resources.

"This drama is in preparation. It's a good time for you to join the crew after you finish filming Yu Zheng's movie."

Liu Rong's smile widened as she pulled out two more documents. "You are quite popular now, and your sweet girl image is very likable. The company has secured two endorsements for you, for Sister Ma Food and Jinmailang Rock Sugar Pear. The endorsement fee is 3 million for two years each."

Zhao Liying was overjoyed, smiling from ear to ear, her eyes full of anticipation: "Boss Liu, do you have any other good news? Can you tell me as well?"

Liu Rong chuckled, "Yes! The Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week will be held in early July. The company has discussed with Dior that you can watch the show in the front row as a Dior brand friend and participate in the release of Dior's autumn and winter haute couture series."

Zhao Liying was so excited that she couldn't express it in words. She felt that all the luck she had gained in the first half of the year had burst out at this moment.

Paris Fashion Week has always been the darling of the fashion circle, and only big stars will receive invitations. Unexpectedly, she would also have the opportunity to embark on the coveted fashion feast.

"Madam was jointly invited by Gucci and Dior. She is the only female guest in Asia to attend this Haute Couture Fashion Week. Since you have a good relationship with her, you can go with her."

"Yeah, okay." Zhao Liying couldn't help but sigh that sometimes knowing how to make choices is far more likely to achieve a successful future than blindly advancing.

After Zhao Liying calmed down, Liu Rong continued, "The company plans to set up an artist management subsidiary, Aofei Entertainment, and has appointed Yang Tianzhen as a partner to be responsible for the daily operations of this new company.

She thinks Aofei Entertainment still needs one or two celebrity partners, and specifically recommended you and Wang Kai. What do you think about this?"

Zhao Liying already had a premonition in her heart, as Yang Tianzhen had previously subtly expressed her intention to cooperate.

The new company is backed by Tengda Culture and has a bright future. She naturally would not refuse: "It is an honor for me that Mr. Yang thinks highly of me."

Liu Rong said bluntly: "Among the artists in the company, Yang Tianzhen is more optimistic about your and Wang Kai's future.

I know her plan, and I hope you can guide the newcomers of Aofei in the future and play the role of star partners."

"Since I enjoy the equity of Aofei Entertainment, it is my duty to contribute to the development of the company."

Liu Rong was very satisfied with Zhao Liying's attitude: "Then it's settled. Aofei Entertainment has a registered capital of 10 million, and the company invested 5.5 million and is the controlling shareholder.

Yang Tianzhen invested 3.5 million and is the largest individual shareholder. She is the legal representative of the company and is responsible for daily operations. You and Wang Kai each invested 500,000 and hold 5% of the shares, becoming celebrity partners.

When she walked out of the president's office, Zhao Liying felt as if she was in a dream.

But if you think about it carefully, when you choose to stay in Tenda Culture wholeheartedly, these resources today seem reasonable.

If the company has good projects, it will definitely lean towards her. I think as for male artists, Wang Kai also made the same choice.

After Zhao Liying left, Liu Rong called Yang Tianzhen to the office again.

"Liying gave up on setting up her own studio. I gave her 5% of the shares. Aofei Entertainment can open for business and recruit people."

"I understand, Mr. Liu." Yang Tianzhen responded quickly, having anticipated Zhao Liying's choice.

Liu Rong rubbed his temple and said, "Except for Yang Zi, the other artists in the company have their own career paths. Tengda Culture can move forward with ease in the future."

Speaking of Yang Zi, Yang Tianzhen reported: "Boss Liu, the heroine of The Left Ear, the school beauty of Beihang University, has no plans to enter the entertainment industry. The girl studied under Professor Liu, the mother of President Song, and studied aircraft manufacturing."

Liu Rong waved her hand nonchalantly: "It's fine if she doesn't enter the entertainment industry. I don't dare to compete with Mr. Song's mother for her. Besides, she is close in age to Yang Zi. If she really enters the company, it will be difficult to balance resources.

The competition among the 85 girls in Tengda is already difficult enough, and I don’t want another round of internal friction among the 90 girls.”

"That's true." As the company's artist director, Yang Tianzhen feels deeply that the competition within Tengda is too fierce and internal friction among artists is inevitable.

Liu Rong pulled out another script from the pile of documents and said, "Yang Zi was recruited into the company through your connections. She is a good person who can finish what she starts. You should arrange for her to be your last job before you go to Aofei.

This is the script for the movie "My Deskmate". I gave her the leading female role. Please ask her to get ready and join the crew once the project is ready."

Yang Tianzhen took the script and asked in surprise: "Boss Liu, the company is going to restart the Youth Trilogy Project?"

When Tengda Culture was first established, it started with three youth-themed TV series: "So Young", "You Are the One" and "So Young".

Among them, "So Young" was adapted into a movie and was a huge success, but because of the concern that the homogeneity of the subject matter would lead to aesthetic fatigue among the audience, the other two dramas were suppressed by Zhang Zhao at the time and were not adapted into movies.

Liu Rong nodded: "That's right! It has been a few years since the release of "So Young". There have been no good youth films on the market in the past two years. It's time to bring out "My Deskmate".

Giving Yang Zi the leading female role is a good resource and will be of great help to her career development.”

(End of this chapter)