Chapter 552 Still Not Enough
Zhao Liying came out of the office, raised her hand and rubbed her round, chubby face, trying to calm her wildly beating heart.
Am I about to become a billionaire?
The huge profits from equity incentives—how many movies would it take to make that, and how many sleepless nights would it take to earn it?
She simply couldn't believe it! At this moment, she was personally experiencing the benefits of a large company's development.
This reaffirmed her belief that volunteering to join Tengda Culture when she asked Zhang Zhao to do so was the most correct and wisest decision she ever made.
"I need to go south and see General Manager Zhang." She muttered to herself, remembering the source of her blessings—this was her principle in life.
Although Zhang Zhao is no longer in charge of Tengda Culture, she has never stopped sending greetings and best wishes during holidays.
"Go for it!" Zhao Liying clenched her fist, cheered herself up, took out her phone, and prepared to send a message to her assistant to wait in the parking lot.
When I opened WeChat and my eyes swept over the little red dot for "Discover," I instinctively tapped it. The next second, my pupils dilated slightly.
Song Ci, the richest man in China, has a new post on his WeChat Moments that he rarely updates!
"1+1=3, unlocking a new identity!"
"This..." A thought flashed through Zhao Liying's mind, and she exclaimed, "Liu Shishi is pregnant?!"
After calming down and taking a closer look, I found that Zhang Zhao and Liu Rong had both liked the message.
This discovery instantly confirmed her suspicions: her social circle was worlds apart from that of the richest man, and their only connection on WeChat was probably the two former presidents of Tengda Culture.
For a moment, my mind was in complete turmoil.
Liu Shishi's pregnancy means that this small-screen queen will be taking a break from the entertainment industry for at least one or two years.
This will undoubtedly trigger changes in resources and a reshuffling of the rankings of actresses born in 1985 and even the entire first-tier actresses.
In a daze, I found myself at the door of the artist director's office and knocked on it without thinking.
"Please come in."
Inside, Ge Maoliang was packing his briefcase, preparing to leave work.
Upon seeing Zhao Liying enter, he smiled and asked, "Liying? Is there something you need?"
Zhao Liying nodded, gently closed the door behind her, and said succinctly, "President Ge, Sister Yi is pregnant. Help me figure out what the next step should be?"
"Madam is pregnant?" Ge Maoliang was stunned upon hearing this, his brows furrowing slightly.
"Not a single word has leaked out of the industry? Liying, is your information reliable? It's not just a rumor, is it?"
Without saying a word, Zhao Liying pointed her phone screen directly at her agent, where the richest man's WeChat Moments post was clearly visible.
Ge Maoliang squinted and looked at the content on the screen against the light, his heart filled with shock.
On one hand, it was because of the news itself, but on the other hand, it was because... he never expected that Zhao Liying would have Chairman Song Ci's private WeChat!
If she had Liu Shishi's WeChat, it could be understood as a private relationship between women, but to add the chairman directly is something that is probably rare even in the entire entertainment industry!
This made him look at the seemingly naive girl in front of him with even higher regard.
"Sit down and talk slowly."
The two sat down, and Zhao Liying tried to calm herself down.
In a short period of time, she was first given a windfall of equity incentives, followed by a major announcement that could change the industry landscape, leaving her feeling overwhelmed.
In the blink of an eye, Ge Maoliang had already figured out Zhao Liying's purpose.
With the throne about to be vacant, the next year or two will indeed be an excellent opportunity for actresses like Zhao Liying, who have representative works and a solid fan base, to reach the top.
"Liying!" Ge Maoliang's tone became more serious. "The opportunity is fleeting. It all depends on whether we can make a precise plan and go all out."
“I understand!” Zhao Liying’s eyes hardened. “So, Mr. Ge, please help me with the planning.”
Ge Maoliang nodded slightly, got into work mode, and his thoughts became clear: "In the end, it's still the same old routine. The key lies in execution and resource allocation."
You must maintain and continuously strengthen your existing public image. Exposure and traffic management also need to keep pace.
Zhao Liying softly echoed, "The company has been sending me inspirational announcements about my comeback, and they've been very effective."
I don't have formal training; I've worked my way up from the bottom, and many fans resonate with my image as a grassroots fighter.
“This is the foundation of your public image,” Ge Maoliang affirmed, then added, “I plan to write a few in-depth articles to brand you with labels like ‘dedicated’ and ‘workaholic.’”
He paused, then emphasized, "The core of the traffic-driven approach lies in maintaining and amplifying the popularity."
Social media platforms like Weibo must step up their efforts. They can't just post promotional materials; they need to share snippets of daily life, cultivate a "girl next door" image, and connect with their fans.
Zhao Liying already knew these operational logics by heart, and asked with concern: "Are there any big projects that are suitable for me to prepare recently?"
"Mr. Ge, I plan to work hard in the next two years and take on several good roles that will solidify my position in the industry."
“You need to be careful about the roles you accept now!” Ge Maoliang’s tone became serious. “Better to have none than a bad one. I will keep an eye out for good scripts and production teams for you and fight for them.”
"What about variety shows?" Zhao Liying pressed. "Sometimes popular variety shows can quickly boost exposure and public image. Are there any suitable shows I could participate in?"
"The most popular variety shows right now are 'The Voice of China' and 'I Am a Singer,'" Ge Maoliang bluntly shattered her illusions. "Do you think your singing ability is up to par?"
He saw a hint of anxiety flash across Zhao Liying's face, but his tone softened as he reassured her, "Don't worry!"
A while ago, Mr. Liu and Mr. Zhou from Toutiao Video went to South Korea together, planning to import the phenomenal reality show "Running Man".
The project is currently in full swing, and both the platform and the company attach great importance to it. If it's suitable, I will do my best to recommend you to Mr. Liu and Mr. Zhou to secure a permanent guest position for you.
The key to success in variety shows is quality, not quantity. Being able to regularly participate in one popular variety show is enough.
"Running Man!" Zhao Liying's eyes lit up instantly. "This show is so popular in South Korea! If we could get on it..."
She could already see the huge exposure and buzz the show would generate after it aired, "Then I'll leave it all to you, Mr. Ge!"
"It is my duty to help you secure the best resources. I will take your affairs to heart."
The two discussed some details for a while, then Zhao Liying got up to say goodbye: "I'm sorry to have kept you from getting off work, Mr. Ge."
I just wanted to let you know that I'm planning to visit a film set in Hengdian the day after tomorrow, and then I'll visit the Southern Cinema Circuit afterwards.
A hint of approval flashed in Ge Maoliang's eyes, and he couldn't help but say with emotion, "You've put your heart into this."
In this industry, professional skills are certainly important, but the art of interpersonal relationships, when handled well, can play an unexpectedly significant role in crucial moments.
As night falls, the Tomson Riviera mansion in Donghai is filled with tranquility and warmth.
In the master bedroom, only a few softly lit wall lamps were on.
Liu Shishi, stripped of her celebrity aura, with a natural and beautiful face, wore a soft cotton nightgown and leaned lazily against the headboard.
At this moment, her face had an unprecedentedly soft glow, a sense of peace and contentment from about to become a mother.
Song Ci had just finished showering and was wearing the same bathrobe. He bent down and, with an almost reverent tenderness, gently pressed his cheek against his wife's still flat stomach, holding his breath in rapt attention.
Liu Shishi was amused by his actions. She reached out her slender, fair hand and gently stroked his thick black hair and well-defined profile, her eyes filled with deep affection.
Watching this man, who is so successful in the business world, now act like a curious young boy, communicating with the baby in her womb in such an awkward yet sincere way, melts my heart.
"It's only been two and a half weeks, and I can't hear anything yet." Her voice was softer than usual, with a hint of coquetry.
Song Ci raised her head, her eyes filled with undisguised excitement and tenderness. She grasped Liu Shishi's hand and said firmly, "No, I heard it. I heard our family's future."
He imagined that soon a tiny, soft life would be born, and he would teach him to walk and talk, introduce him to the world, and lift him up above his head to look at the stars...
The future has become incredibly clear and full of anticipation because of the arrival of this little life.
A silent sense of happiness filled the bedroom, enveloping the two of them.
After a moment of tenderness, Song Ci remembered the important matter: "After the check-up at the hospital in Donghai tomorrow, you can come back to the capital with me."
Hengdian is, after all, a film and television base, and its medical conditions are not as good as those in hospitals in big cities. He had already made all the arrangements to take his wife back to Beijing for the most comprehensive care.
Liu Shishi gently shook her head, her voice soft yet firm: "Husband, you should go back first."
Seeing her husband's brow furrow, clearly about to object, she preemptively extended her index finger and gently touched his slightly cool lips, stopping him from saying what was about to come out:
"Yi-yi!" Her eyes pleaded. "The filming of 'The Imperial Doctress' will wrap up in a few days. Finishing what I start is my principle."
Don't worry, this film is all dialogue, there are no dangerous actions, and I promise I will be extra careful.
The entire crew has worked hard for months, and this final step is all that's left. Let's bring it to a perfect close, okay?
Seeing the stubbornness and persistence on Liu Shishi's face, Song Ci remained silent for a few seconds, and finally could only sigh helplessly and nod in compromise: "Alright, as you wish."
But your health must be the priority; you absolutely cannot overwork yourself. Also, Mom will go with you to the film set and take care of you the whole time—that's non-negotiable.
"Okay, I know." Liu Shishi obediently replied, like a docile cat, gently resting her head on his firm chest.
The strong, steady heartbeat in her ears made her feel at ease and reassured. "It'll only be a few days, it'll pass quickly. The production is also progressing very fast."
Song Ci placed a gentle kiss on her smooth forehead, as if stamping a seal of approval: "You're pregnant, so you can't stay up late like before. Get some rest."
"Mmm." Liu Shishi nodded obediently and yawned slightly. "You go to sleep first, honey. I'll look at my phone for a little while and then go to sleep."
Song Ci was indeed tired and stopped paying attention to her.
Today was an extremely demanding day for him:
In the morning, I attended the 4G contract signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, and focused intently on answering questions from Chinese and foreign journalists throughout the event.
In the afternoon, I returned to the group and devoted my time to Tenda's future strategic direction, especially the layout of the chip industry.
Upon receiving his wife's call and the joyous news of her pregnancy, he immediately dropped everything and rushed to Donghai to be with her.
At this moment, the excitement and joy gradually faded, and a huge sense of fatigue washed over them like a tide.
I reached out and turned off the bedside lamp on my side, and the bedroom light immediately dimmed by half again.
I closed my eyes, and almost instantly, even, deep breathing began, and I drifted off to sleep.
Hearing her husband's steady breathing beside her, Liu Shishi gently leaned over and placed a feather-like kiss on his cheek, whispering, "Goodnight, husband."
Her hand unconsciously went to her lower abdomen, her face beaming with happiness, and she said in an even softer voice, "And you, baby, goodnight."
In the dead of night, all was quiet.
Song Ci turned over in her sleep and vaguely felt a faint light and shadow flickering in front of her.
Struggling to wake from a deep sleep, I opened my sleepy eyes and, after my eyes adjusted to the darkness, was surprised to find Liu Shishi still nestled at the head of the bed, wearing headphones, the light from her phone screen illuminating her focused and excited face.
I glanced at the time displayed on the luminous clock on the bedside table: 1 a.m.
A surge of anger welled up inside him instantly.
He reached out and, with a gentle yet undeniable force, twisted off one of his wife's earphones.
"Liu Shishi!"
His voice was hoarse from just waking up, and even more so from suppressed anger, but remembering that she was pregnant, he forcibly restrained his tone, "What time is it? Aren't you asleep yet?!"
"Ah!" Liu Shishi was engrossed in watching when she was startled by the sudden noise and exclaimed in surprise.
Turning her head, she saw her husband's angry expression. Glancing at the time on his phone, she knew she was in the wrong, and immediately put on an embarrassed smile, tugging at his sleeve in an ingratiating manner.
"Honey, don't be angry! I'm going to sleep now, I'm going to sleep now! I accidentally got too caught up in watching TV..."
Without a word, Song Ci took her phone, turned off the screen, and placed it on his bedside table, saying in an unyielding tone, "Go to sleep! You can watch it tomorrow."
"Okay, okay, I'll go to sleep right away." Liu Shishi nodded repeatedly, like a slippery fish, quickly shrinking into the quilt, and deliberately snuggling closer to Song Ci's arms.
She pleaded in a sleepy voice, "Honey, don't be angry anymore. It's all because of 'Day and Night,' it was so well made, the plot was so engaging, I couldn't stop watching..."
Today, the new drama "Day and Night," co-produced by the studio and Toutiao Video, was launched.
She originally only intended to watch one episode to check the quality before going to sleep, but she was surprised to find that the production was excellent, the suspense was gripping, and Pan Yueming played two roles with superb acting skills, bringing a pair of twins with very different personalities to life.
She became more and more excited as she watched. After watching several episodes, she still felt unsatisfied and couldn't help but ask Jiang Yuanyuan to send her the next episodes so she could watch them as soon as possible.
Unexpectedly, once I started looking, I was completely hooked, and before I knew it, it was already past midnight.
“Pregnant women shouldn’t stay up late.” Song Ci’s tone softened, and he pulled his wife close, kissing her forehead. “Go to sleep. We have to go to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow morning.”
Liu Shishi obediently closed her eyes, but the exciting scenes from the drama kept replaying in her mind. The suspenseful plot twists and turns scratched at her heart like a kitten's claws, making her unbearably itchy.
She couldn't help but whisper to herself, "Honey, I think 'Day and Night' is going to be a huge hit!"
"Um."
"Pan Yueming is really going to make a comeback this time with his acting skills. He plays two roles and the sense of layering is too strong."
Last year, his scandal with Dong Bailian caused his career to plummet, but now, thanks to this role, his hard times are finally over.
"Mm," Song Ci responded again.
Seemingly to stop his wife from going on and on, he reluctantly added a sentence, his voice heavy with sleepiness.
"Shishi, for Tengda Technology, the film and television industry is too small. I rarely get involved in specific projects now."
AI, cloud computing, chips, blockchain... these are the things I should be concerned about.
Unless one day Toutiao Video reaches a third of Netflix's scale, I might not think much of it.
"Oh... okay." Liu Shishi pouted, understanding her husband's meaning.
Film and television creation seemed somewhat "insignificant" compared to her husband's vast business empire and technological future, leaving him with absolutely no interest in discussing it.
As I talked, drowsiness finally crept in.
She nestled deeper into her husband's warm embrace and murmured, "Goodnight, husband, goodnight, baby."
In the darkness, Song Ci smiled and whispered, "Goodnight, my precious poem. Goodnight, my darling."
(End of this chapter)
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