Chapter 432: A glimpse of the leopard
Although the night is deep, the filming base of "Under the Zhengyang Gate" is brightly lit as day.
The entire team is working overtime to shoot a night scene. The busyness on the scene forms a sharp contrast with the tranquility of the surroundings.
In front of the camera, Zhao Liying was dressed simply. Her usually lively eyes now looked a little dull, and she seemed absent-minded.
Director Liu Jiacheng looked at Zhao Liying's condition on the monitor and shook his head helplessly, knowing that the scene could not be filmed today and could only be postponed to tomorrow.
"Click, let's call it a day!"
The voice coming from the intercom brought Zhao Liying back to her senses. She looked at Zhu Yawen apologetically and said, "I'm sorry, Brother Yawen. I'm a burden to you."
Zhu Yawen didn't take it to heart. After all, everyone has bad days. He asked with concern:
"Liying, you seem to be worried all night. Is there something wrong? If I can help, just let me know."
"Thank you, Brother Yawen!" Zhao Liying thanked him and immediately explained, "I have a new drama starting today, and I've been thinking about the ratings. I don't want to affect everyone's progress because of myself."
"I see, this is normal." Zhu Yawen consoled with a smile, "When Crossing the Guandong was first aired, I was also restless, always hoping that the ratings would come out sooner.
You are very popular now, so the ratings of this drama will definitely be good."
"The ratings for the premiere should be out by now, right?" Director Liu Jiacheng walked over and asked curiously.
He thought to himself that if the leading actress Zhao Liying could become more popular, it would be a great thing for "Under the Gate of Zhengyang".
Upon hearing this, Zhao Liying subconsciously looked at her assistant Shen Ran who was standing outside the set.
Shen Ran had been waiting for a long time. When he saw the crew finishing work, he ran forward excitedly, unable to hide his excitement in his voice:
"Sister Ying, Mr. Ge just asked me to tell you that 'Legend of the Mermaid' premiered on Hunan Satellite TV's Golden Eagle Exclusive Theater, with an average audience rating of 1.35% and a market share of 9.51%, firmly ranking first in the country in the same time slot!"
As soon as these words were spoken, Zhao Liying's beautiful eyes lit up instantly, and she felt surprised and happy.
She really didn't expect that the premiere of "Legend of Mermaid" would be so impressive, in no way inferior to "Legend of Lu Zhen".
There was a burst of congratulations on the set.
Everyone present was a veteran in the industry, and everyone knew the importance of the ratings. With the rise of video platforms and the decline in TV ratings year after year, any drama that could break 1% on its first broadcast was a hit.
Zhu Yawen secretly sighed: Zhao Liying has already become a top-notch second-tier artist thanks to her years of accumulation and "Legend of Lu Zhen".
Now that she has released another hit, it is certain that she will become a first-tier star. The camp of “85 Flowers” will have one more member!
Zhao Liying was overjoyed: "Director Liu, Brother Yawen, and all the teachers, I'm leaving first, and I will definitely treat you all to a meal another day."
"Go ahead." Liu Jiacheng waved his hand, his attitude more friendly than before.
As a veteran director who has made super hits such as "Iron Teeth and Bronze Teeth Ji Xiaolan", he has a unique vision.
When I saw Zhao Liying’s performance which was full of spirit and she had the support of Tengda Culture, I knew that this girl would definitely soar to great heights in the future. But I didn’t expect that this day would come so soon.
In the dressing room, the soft light reflected Zhao Liying's focused profile as she removed her makeup while talking to her agent.
"Liying, congratulations! The Internet has given rave reviews to "Legend of the Fish". If nothing unexpected happens, this will definitely be a hit drama."
There was a hint of lightness in Ge Maoliang's voice. Just a few days after taking office, an artist he collaborated with was promoted to the top tier. This good fortune of "winning without effort" made him feel good.
Zhao Liying beamed with joy: "Netizens all praised me as a 'cute goddess'. In just a short while, my Weibo followers increased by more than 100,000."
"The role of Hong Ling is perfect for you. She is cute, innocent, and can become one of your classic roles."
Ge Maoliang praised him repeatedly, and then changed the subject, "You have to ask the crew for a few days off and appear on a variety show with Lin Gengxin to strengthen publicity.
The premiere of "Legend of the Fish" was so successful, and my wife's studio also attached great importance to it. I just contacted Ms. Jiang, and she will mobilize all resources to promote this drama."
"Well, I'll discuss it with Director Liu and make some time for it." Zhao Liying nodded repeatedly. She also hoped that the ratings would go to a higher level, so she was naturally very concerned about publicity.
Ge Maoliang suddenly smiled, with a hint of mystery in his tone: "I have good news, do you want to guess?"
Zhao Liying paused with the makeup remover in her hand, and a curious look appeared on her face: "Boss Ge, don't keep me in suspense, just tell me directly."
"Okay." Ge Maoliang said without hesitation, "Since I joined Tengda Culture, I have been negotiating cooperation with Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, but they were unwilling to give in before.
As soon as the ratings for "Legend of the Mermaid" come out tonight, Chow Tai Fook has agreed to let you be the spokesperson."
"Really?!" Zhao Liying was shocked. The surprise came too suddenly. She didn't expect that her agent would give her such a big gift.
Although Chow Tai Fook Jewellery cannot compete with top foreign luxury brands, it is also a top-level resource in terms of endorsements, and non-first-tier celebrities are not qualified to have access to it.
Being able to win the endorsement from Chow Tai Fook means that her first-tier status and commercial value have been completely solidified. From now on, she can finally stand on the same level as Yang Mi, Wang Luodan and Lu Yi.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Ge, for this great gift..."
Ge Maoliang said with emotion: "Our cooperation is win-win. It mainly depends on your own efforts. Only when you have outstanding works can you get recognition from brands."
Artists and their agents complement each other. Zhao Liying was promoted to a first-line star, and he won the endorsement of Chow Tai Fook, proving his business and public relations ability and getting one step closer to his goal of becoming a top agent.
When Ge Maoliang was about to hang up the phone after talking about business, he suddenly remembered something and his tone suddenly became serious: "Liying, I heard some news at the company today. You must pay attention to it!"
Zhao Liying was startled: "What's the matter?"
"Tengda Culture is going to work with Reading Group and Toutiao Video to develop a costume drama, which is a mega-production with a total investment of nearly 400 million yuan."
"400 million!" Zhao Lili exclaimed. In all her years in the entertainment industry, this was the first time she had heard of a TV series with such a high production cost.
After a long while, she managed to calm down, still with an expression of disbelief on her face, and repeatedly confirmed: "Boss Ge, is this news reliable?"
Ge Maoliang said in a serious tone, "It is absolutely reliable, almost certain. However, I am new here, and I don't have many connections within Tengda, so I don't know the specific project information.
That's why I asked you to use your connections to find out. You should understand what I mean, right?"
"Understood." Zhao Liying nodded heavily, her tone firm, "I will find out the situation as soon as possible. If the role is suitable, I will definitely try to get the leading female role."
Ge Maoliang reminded: "I am also trying to find out the news. Let's keep in touch. This level of super resources must be dealt with with full vigor."
As the first domestic 3D costume mermaid myth drama, "Legend of Mermaid" is extremely innovative in both subject matter and production.
The scenes of the Dragon Palace and tsunami in the drama were shot entirely with green screen special effects, carefully created by the Tiangong special effects team. The visual effects broke through the traditional standards of the TV drama industry and were praised by the audience as "movie-level special effects."
In terms of narrative, the series takes a youthful approach. Although it is adapted from the Yue Opera "Chasing the Fish", it cleverly incorporates light rhythm and comedy elements.
It has found a perfect balance between classic core and young aesthetics, and is therefore known as a "youthful myth drama with positive energy."
Zhao Liying was named the "Goddess of Cuteness" for her clever and smart role as "Hong Ling", and the scholar image created by Lin Gengxin broke the tradition. The two of them had a strong CP feeling, which set off a wave of "CP-shipping".
As the first TV series produced by Liu Shishi Studio, "Legend of the Fish" has achieved impressive ratings.
Producer Jiang Yuanyuan attached great importance to it. Not only did she mobilize all her personal connections to promote the drama, she also asked Yijie to promote the drama on Weibo for a week straight. This shows how dedicated she was.
With the support of a large amount of resources, the ratings of the TV series have been rising steadily, and related topics have frequently become hot searches.
Zhao Liying has completely secured her position as a top star through this, and Lin Gengxin's status has also risen, and he is likely to overshadow Jiang Jinfu, who became famous for "Xuan-Yuan Sword".
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye it is the last day of October.
Hong Kong, the ancestral home of the Fok family.
In the study, Mr. Huo knocked on the door and came in: "Father, you are looking for me."
Huo Zhengting moved his eyes away from the computer screen and looked at his eldest son:
"You and Jingjing's wedding will be held in ten days. I've been very busy lately, so I have time to ask you today, how are the wedding preparations going?"
Huo Qigang responded respectfully: "Everything is ready. Thanks to my mother coming back to help me with the wedding, I didn't have to rush around."
When Huo Zhengting heard his son mention his ex-wife, a complex expression flashed across his face, but after so many years, he had basically let it go.
After a moment, he collected his thoughts and asked, "How are the guests at the main table arranged for the wedding on the 11th?"
"My son dare not make the decision on his own, so I am asking my father for his decision."
Huo Zhengting nodded slightly: "What do you think? Tell me first."
Huo Qigang understood that his father was testing him, and after a moment's hesitation, he spoke carefully: "Four officers and their wives, Mr. Thomas, Vice President of the International Olympic Committee, and his wife.
As well as Mr. Chen, Ms. Yin, you, my father, and my mother. . . As for the rest, please forgive me for being undecided. "
Huo Zhengting showed a look of relief on his face. Generally speaking, his eldest son was able to sort out his connections and judge the situation.
"Your filial piety is commendable, but since the seats at the main table are limited, your mother and I will not sit at the main table. We can sit with your father-in-law and mother-in-law. This way, two seats will be free.
By the way, after sending out the invitation, did the person from Tengda Group respond? "
"Yes, Mr. Song replied that he was busy with work and couldn't spare the time to attend the wedding. He said that he would send a gift and wish Jingjing and me the best."
Huo Zhengting's tone sank: "Go and invite her again! Song Sheng doesn't have time, at least invite her wife."
Huo Qigang looked puzzled: "Father, we have no friendship with the Song family, is it necessary to do this?"
"You are confused!" Huo Zhengting slapped the desk and immediately became unhappy: "I told you and Jingjing to take the wife route and find a way to establish a relationship with the Song family, but you ignored my words!"
Huo Qigang immediately explained: "Father, please calm down. It's not that your son doesn't listen to your orders, but I really don't have the opportunity to contact Song Sheng.
Even Mrs. Song refused to accept our overtures. She doesn’t want to have anything to do with us at all.”
Huo Zhengting's anger subsided a little, and he sighed softly: "If you can't ask him, then ask Director Wang to come forward. I think Director Wang will help you for your grandfather's sake."
"Father, personal connections are getting less and less every time we use them. Is it necessary to trouble Director Wang?" Huo Qigang was full of confusion. He could not understand why his father was so persistent in inviting the richest man to attend the wedding.
Huo Zhengting's eyes were deep and his tone was slow. He patiently reminded his eldest son: "The imperial court meeting will be held in ten days. This is a major event that will shock the world.
According to convention, after the conference, many people's positions will be changed. Given Director Wang's current age, it is highly likely that he will not be able to make any further progress.
As the saying goes, when a person leaves, his words will no longer carry much weight. If we don’t ask for favors while he is still in office, should we wait until he retires to ask for favors? "
Huo Qigang opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but he swallowed the words back. His father's words were indeed very realistic, but every word was related to the family's interests.
Huo Zhengting glanced at his son and shook his head helplessly: "You are like many people in Hong Kong. You underestimate the richest man and still cling to the old glory of the four major families. You don't see the situation clearly at all."
Huo Qigang bowed: "Please teach me, father."
Huo Zhengting turned his gaze back to the computer screen: "These days, Song Tai Company invested in a TV series called "Legend of the Fish Chaser", which is very popular in mainland China. Did you know that?"
Mr. Huo was slightly stunned, not understanding why his father mentioned a TV series: "I saw it when I was browsing Weibo, and I heard a little about it."
Huo Zhengting nodded: "I saw an official report about this TV series today. Let me read you the main content:
Its special effects production is of groundbreaking significance in the current TV drama industry, representing an attempt by domestic dramas to move towards "movie-level industrial standards."
It has a profound impact on technical level and process innovation. . . The special effects team of this drama is Tiangong Special Effects, a subsidiary of Tengda Group. "
After saying that, he looked at his son again: "What key information did you hear from what I just said?"
Huo Qigang looked embarrassed: "My son is stupid, please explain it to me, father."
Huo Zhengting snorted: "Tiangong Special Effects is just a small, unknown company under the Tengda Group, but it is already the number one special effects production company in Asia and a world-class one.
Just by taking a glimpse of the whole picture, we can see how powerful Tengda Group is today.
I can say without exaggeration that even if the four major families in Hong Kong were put together, they would not be as good as Tengda Group. Tengda is now valued at US$200 billion. Once it goes public, it will surely become a world-class giant.”
At this moment, Young Master Huo finally understood vaguely why his father was so persistent in inviting the richest man.
Huo Zhengting said to himself: "Tengda is at its peak, and Song Sheng is not even 30 years old yet. It is really hard to imagine who can compete with it in the future business.
I want to invite him here, even if it's just to show off, to let all the wealthy people in Hong Kong see that even if your grandfather is not here, my Huo family still has a deep network of connections in the north."
Huo Qigang finally understood his father's good intentions and said, "I understand, son. I will leave for the north tomorrow."
(End of this chapter)
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