Chapter 539: Fight
On the summer solstice, the sun is scorching hot in Hengdian Film and Television City.
The crew of "Gu Jian Qi Tan" was jubilant. After nearly half a year of hard filming, the filming was finally completed.
The staff and actors congratulated each other, took photos together, and laughed all over the place.
In a corner of the set, Yang Mi was wearing a heavy costume, with sticky sweat on her temples, but she didn't care at all.
He was pulling his agent and partner Zeng Jia and pointing at a tall figure not far away who was helping to pack up the props.
"Sister Jia, look, it's him." Yang Mi was very excited, with a hint of excitement of discovering a treasure in her words.
"Gao Weiguang, a graduate of the Acting Department of the Central Academy of Drama. I've been quietly observing him over the past few months. He's a very down-to-earth person, willing to endure hardships, and a good actor.
Most importantly, his height and mixed-race appearance make him very recognizable. I plan to sign him to the company."
Zeng Jia looked in the direction Yang Mi pointed, his eyes cautious and professional.
The young man was bending over to move a wooden box. His profile was deep and his outstanding temperament could not be concealed in the messy crowd.
He nodded slowly and agreed: "He has a good image and temperament, and is a good material.
Since you have this idea, then contact them as soon as possible and negotiate the contract. Jiaxing does need to sign a few male artists."
"I've inquired about it before, and he's quite interested in Jiaxing." Seeing Zeng Jia's agreement, Yang Mi's eyebrows curved and her smile became even more intense.
"Mimi, please take care of the artist management." Zeng Jia patted her arm with a trusting tone.
The two of them walked slowly along the sparse shade of trees outside the studio, avoiding the noisy crowd.
"Jiajie!" Yang Mi changed the subject and asked, "How's the Jiaxing production team going?"
Zeng Jia heard this, and a look of relief and fatigue appeared on his face, mixed with the enthusiasm of the early days of entrepreneurship:
“It wasn’t easy. After months of hard work, including recruiting and poaching, we finally built the basic framework.
Although it's still a makeshift team, it's fully equipped and can run projects without relying on others!"
"Great!" Yang Mi's beautiful eyes lit up instantly, gleaming with anticipation. "Then... can we start preparing for 'Zhu Xian'?"
In order to obtain the development rights of this popular IP, she paid a considerable price.
He promised Huanrui Century that when "Gu Jian Qi Tan" is released next year, he would cooperate with Li Yifeng to carry out a series of "CP" marketing to raise the status of this "number one" that Huanrui has been promoting.
Zeng Jia looked calm and shook his head: "No rush!
"Zhu Xian" has a grand worldview and is as difficult to shoot as "Joy of Life". Preliminary estimates show that the production cost is at least around 300 million yuan.
With Jiaxing's current size and experience, it's not enough to handle such a large project. The risk is too great to start it hastily."
Hearing this, Yang Mi's excitement for "Zhu Xian" dimmed slightly. She realized Zeng Jia was right, so she suppressed her anxiety and asked, "Then, in your opinion, when would be the best time to start it?"
"At least wait until Jiaxing's production team matures a bit, independently manages one or two successful projects, and accumulates some experience."
Zeng Jia pondered for a moment, looked around, and confirmed that no one was paying attention before lowering his voice and saying:
"My idea is that we won't produce Zhu Xian independently for now, but it would be best if we could bring in a large company like Tengda Culture or Huace to co-produce it.
On the one hand, we share the risk, and on the other hand, and most importantly, we learn from the industry leader how to manage this top-tier Xianxia masterpiece."
"Take it step by step, I understand." Yang Mi agreed softly, her words revealing understanding.
In the past, she had seen seniors in the industry setting up their own businesses and enjoying great success, and she had longed for it.
It was not until I actually embarked on this path that I deeply realized the complexity of running a film and television company. Funding, resources, channels, and connections, each one is exhausting.
He sighed softly, with a bit of confusion and yearning: "Hey, is there no other way to quickly become a capital in the circle besides Liu Shishi's way of becoming a superstar?"
Zeng Jia couldn't help but chuckle after hearing this, with a calmness that comes from someone who has seen through the world: "Liu Shishi's path? That's much more difficult than becoming a capitalist!
The entertainment industry in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Taiwan has been through many ups and downs for decades, but she is the only special case. The right time, right place, and right people are all essential."
As the laughter died down, his expression suddenly became extremely serious. He looked at Yang Mi sharply and said word by word:
"Yes! There's a recognized shortcut: a bet-against-the-odds agreement. It's the most direct, yet cruelest, way to quickly cash out and achieve a capital leap."
"Just like what Huayi did to Zhang Guoli and Feng Xiaogang?" Yang Mi's heart skipped a beat. Betting in the circle symbolizes huge opportunities, but also means unimaginable pressure.
"Yes, that kind." Zeng Jia confirmed.
"But I heard that the performance pressure is extremely high, and it will be difficult to complete it." Yang Mi frowned, showing her worry.
"Difficult?" Zeng Jia glanced at her and gave a wry smile. "Mimi, if you're not in the top tier, the investors won't even look at you. You won't even be qualified to sit at the table. How many people want to gamble, but they can't even get the chance!"
Yang Mi sighed softly, awestruck. "That's right. Zhang Guoli and Feng Xiaogang are both top figures in the industry, so they are qualified to be noticed."
Zeng Jia's expression was complicated, and his words revealed his ambition: "It's difficult because relying solely on star pay and endorsement fees to complete a profit bet of hundreds of millions is nothing but a fool's dream.
But it is not difficult, and there is truth to it!
As long as you invest in film and television drama production, you can create a phenomenal hit! The revenue from a hit is enough to cover most of your goals. "
Yang Mi was stunned when she heard this, her beautiful eyes widened in shock, and her voice unconsciously rose a few degrees: "Jia Jie, you mean... you want to bet?"
Having said that, Zeng Jia had no intention of hiding anything and simply revealed his plan: "Mi Mi, my plan is that Zhu Xian will be Jiaxing's trial game and the cornerstone for accumulating experience.
If the market response is good and proves Jiaxing’s production capabilities, I will immediately copy this successful model, pick a popular IP of the same level, quickly launch it, and produce it on a large scale.
This is the core logic I learned at Tengda Culture. In the internet world, success can be replicated, and the same is true for film and television production!"
Yang Mi's face was full of confusion. Although she was a popular young actress and a top-tier star, her ambition had not yet expanded to the point of competing with the capital giants.
The word "betting agreement" represents extremely high risk and uncertainty in her mind, making her instinctively feel fear and awe.
Zeng Jia saw Yang Mi's hesitation and knew he had to convince her. As the company's partner and soul, Jiaxing's top sister's attitude was crucial.
From the day she founded Jiaxing Media, her goal was very clear.
Her experience as vice president of Tengda Culture is a valuable asset in her career, allowing her to witness the strong strength and efficient operation model of Internet capital.
This also made her unable to be satisfied with the traditional path of following the steps and slowly developing Jiaxing over eight to ten years.
"Mi Mi!" Zeng Jia's tone slowed down, but it was more convincing. "This is a gamble of exchanging future time for present money, and then using present money to gamble for a bigger future.
Have you ever thought about how fast the entertainment industry changes? Especially for actresses, whose artistic careers are fleeting. Market tastes are constantly changing, and new talent is constantly emerging.
If you don’t take advantage of your current popularity to quickly build barriers and complete the transformation from actor to investor and boss, you will probably be replaced by newcomers in a few years.”
After saying that, he patted Yang Mi's shoulder heavily, with a force that was both encouraging and resolute: "Mi Mi, your twenties are the golden age for striving for a career and being daring and adventurous!
Sometimes, you just have to be tough on yourself and push yourself! Strive now, bind your core resources, and make your company bigger and stronger, so you can rest assured and control your destiny in the future!
Yang Mi was torn between her conscience and her desires. Zeng Jia's words were like a hammer, hammering down on her heart.
I suddenly remembered the hardships along the way, the helplessness of being chosen and passively waiting, and also the joy of having the right to speak...
The risks are indeed huge, but the opportunities are also unprecedented.
Finally, the spirit of not giving up and daring to fight and take risks in my bones prevailed.
How many chances are there in life to take risks? Gambling against capital is certainly difficult, but for her, Yang Mi, there's no guarantee she won't win!
After making up her mind, she raised her head, her large eyes shone startlingly brightly in the bright sunlight, as if burning with two flames:
"Sister Jia, I understand your painstaking efforts and foresight. I don't object to a bet, but we must be cautious and not leap blindly into anything."
Zeng Jia smiled and said, "Don't worry! I'm the company's largest shareholder. If I lose the bet, my losses will be greater than anyone else's. Betting on this matter must be carefully planned.
The investor we choose must be a large institution with strength, resources, and access, and every step must be carefully considered!
Seeing that her partner had thought it through and was not acting impulsively, Yang Mi felt relieved, and the uneasiness she felt was gradually replaced by excitement about the challenge ahead.
"But honey." Zeng Jia changed the subject and returned to pragmatism, "Gambling is a future strategy, but for now we still have to be down-to-earth and take every step carefully.
Huanrui CEO Zhong and I have had preliminary discussions. Jiaxing could first independently produce a low-budget urban drama to hone the team and gain experience.”
"Is it the movie 'Micro Times Love' that I mentioned before?"
"Yes! Mr. Zhong suggested that you be the producer. This is also part of Huanrui's 'Big Production Plan' and is also a great opportunity for your personal transformation."
"Producer?!" Yang Mi's eyes lit up again. This was a completely new field for her, full of challenges and attractions.
"Sure! My schedule in the second half of the year isn't too tight. 'Micro Times' doesn't have a big budget and the plot is relatively light, so it's perfect for me to get started learning how to be a producer."
"That's what I was thinking," Zeng Jia nodded in agreement, then turned his attention to her work schedule. "By the way, is there any news from Director Guo? When will Tiny Times 3 start filming?"
"It's settled. We'll be joining the crew in August." Yang Mi recalled the subtle atmosphere in the crew during the previous filming and curled her lips helplessly.
"Filming with those people is really exhausting. They have to compete with each other for everything, from roles to positions. I guess after the movie is released, the fans will quarrel with each other again."
Zeng Jia understood and soothed him, "Relax. Ni Ni has Director Zhang's backing and is determined to be in the film industry. Her development path doesn't constitute direct competition with yours."
As for fans, they shouldn't be idle. Some controversy and buzz aren't necessarily a bad thing; it helps maintain enthusiasm and cohesion."
"So, isn't Nini on the same track as Liu Tianxian?" Yang Mi thought thoughtfully.
Zeng Jia shrugged and analyzed, "For TV dramas, especially those with strong female leads, the ability of the actress to carry the show is key.
But the movie box office is too volatile, and this road is not easy to follow. Liu Yifei has been on the big screen for several years.
The box office of several movies was barely acceptable, but the development was always unsatisfactory, and the career was lukewarm, which could be regarded as reaching a bottleneck.
In the next few years, the only person who can directly compete with you in the field of TV dramas is Zhao Liying!"
"Little round face!" Yang Mi was stunned, and then she remembered that Zhao Liying's popularity and reputation have soared rapidly in the past two years thanks to the high-quality resources of Tengda Culture.
He nodded slowly, a hint of envy and caution flashing in his eyes. "She has the support of Tengda, a big tree. With good scripts and good productions constantly coming her way, her status is indeed rising rapidly."
Zeng Jia stopped and said loudly, "Mi Mi, the mountain that stands in the way of all the female stars in the entertainment industry is about to fall! You must seize the golden time that is coming."
"What mountain?" Yang Mi asked subconsciously.
"That sister is already 26!"
Yang Mi blinked, not understanding what was going on for a moment: "You mean Shishi? Twenty-six...what's wrong? Isn't that the right age?"
Zeng Jia’s face flashed with a helpless look of “Why don’t you understand?”, and he took a half step closer: “My silly Mimi, she is 26 years old, which is not young for a family like hers!
Looking around China and abroad, which wealthy family doesn't value offspring? She's been married for some time, and there's still no sign of pregnancy. Do you think she and the Song family aren't anxious?
"Give...birth...a child!" Yang Mi suddenly realized. These three words were like a small stone thrown into the lake of her heart, instantly creating ripples.
She was a year older than Liu Shishi, and her parents' urging was still fresh in her mind: "Girls should find someone to rely on eventually," and "When will you bring a boyfriend home to visit?"
In the past, she had always used the excuse of "career is more important" to get around it, but now that the situation was laid out before her, Yang Mi felt a subtle sense of anxiety and confusion.
"I discovered that she was intentionally reducing her workload. Giving birth to an heir for the Song family is the most important priority. Otherwise..."
"Yes, family is more important to Shishi." Yang Mi nodded slightly, understanding the unspoken meaning in Zeng Jia's words.
No matter how close Liu Shishi and the richest man were in love as childhood sweethearts, in the face of trillions of assets, an heir is not only the fruit of their affection, but also the foundation for the transfer of power and inheritance of wealth.
Without children, she would never be able to sit firmly on the throne of the richest woman's wife.
Zeng Jia's eyes were burning, flashing with shrewd calculations: "The crown has fallen, and the stars are vying for supremacy.
Liu Shishi is the top actress on the small screen. Once she returns to her family, there will be a huge resource vacuum. Mimi, this opportunity is fleeting!
Yang Mi fell into deep thought. Those enviable high-end brand endorsements and jewelry and watch collaborations in Liu Shishi's hands might all be transferred to other first-line actresses.
More importantly, the number one sister herself is an absolute guarantee of traffic and attention.
Her absence means that for some time to come, there will be a large gap in entertainment headlines, fashion magazine covers, and the center position at ceremonies.
For all first-line, quasi-first-line, and even striving female stars, this is a critical window period that can change the trajectory of their careers.
It can be predicted that all ambitious and capable female stars and the teams behind them will readjust their plans as a result.
Understanding the chain reaction, Yang Mi sighed, "I'm afraid the entertainment industry is about to usher in a major melee among top female stars."
"Yes!" Zeng Jia also sighed, "The 'post-Liu Shishi era' is about to begin. In the short term, there will no longer be a single, unanimously elected top female star, but rather a landscape where multiple powerful female stars will compete for supremacy."
Yang Mi stopped and looked back at the noisy set, a mixture of emotions flooding her heart.
There is excitement about opportunities, vigilance against competition, and also a sense of inexplicable emotion.
Liu Shishi, the actress who was at the top of her career, chose to retire at the peak of her career and complete the shift of her life focus.
It shows all top actresses a path that seems perfect but is actually full of thorns and difficult to replicate.
This also made her think clearly about her future for the first time while working hard in her career:
Should you look for a "home" like Liu Shishi, or give your all to build yourself into a "wealthy family"?
(End of this chapter)
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