Chapter 560 The Three Treasures: The Final Chapter
In mid-July, on the set of "The Imperial Doctress" in Hengdian.
Director Li Guoli stared intently at the monitor until the image froze on Liu Shishi's complex and emotionally charged gaze as she looked back, before slowly exhaling.
Pick up the walkie-talkie: "Passed!"
He stood up, faced the entire set, raised his voice, and said in a lighthearted tone, "Congratulations to Shishi on wrapping up filming!"
Congratulations, Number One!
"Thank you for your hard work, Senior Sister!"
Applause and cheers erupted instantly, and the tension and fatigue of the past few months turned into jubilation.
In front of the camera, Liu Shishi, dressed in the finery and jeweled skirt of a Ming Dynasty lady, seemed not to have completely detached herself from the role.
My gaze slowly swept across the familiar film set, the lighting technicians, the prop masters, and the actors I worked with day and night…
Every smiling face conveyed sincere congratulations.
Her heart warmed, and she bowed slightly, saying, "Thank you, thank you everyone! You've worked so hard!"
Assistant Su Xiaoxiao ran up to her carrying a bouquet of vibrant violets, her voice light and cheerful: "Congratulations on wrapping up filming, sister!"
The delicate floral fragrance soothed her soul. Liu Shishi took the bottle, lowered her head to sniff it, and a relaxed and blissful smile appeared on her face.
"Shishi, congratulations on wrapping up filming." A strong voice rang out.
Liu Shishi looked in the direction of the voice, a hint of surprise flashing across her face: "Old Yuan? What brings you here?"
Yuan Hong strode forward, laughing heartily, but her eyes held a complex mix of emotions: "It's been a long time. I happened to be nearby, so I came to visit the set and, by the way, say goodbye."
"Saying goodbye?" Liu Shishi was taken aback.
"Yes, my contract with Tangren has expired and I will not be renewing it," Yuan Hong explained, her voice a mixture of emotion, relief, and a touch of reluctance.
After graduating from the Shanghai Theatre Academy and joining Tangren Media, I renewed my contract for another three years in 2010. After a full decade, it's finally time to say goodbye.
Only the person experiencing it truly knows the feeling.
Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi fell silent, a sense of loss quietly spreading through her.
Yuan Hong chose to leave Tangren Media, and the "Three Treasures of Tangren" are no more.
Everyone has their own path to walk, and all good things must come to an end. But when the real farewell arrives, it is still inevitable to feel a sense of melancholy.
In recent years, due to differences in their social status, the two have become somewhat estranged, but their friendship remains.
After a moment, she composed herself and said sincerely, "Old Yuan, I wish you a bright future."
Yuan Hong gave a bitter smile, tinged with self-deprecation: "I wouldn't say that. I'm not the best, but I'm not the worst either. I can make a living in this industry without any problem."
"Chinese Paladin 3" and "Scarlet Heart" made him a minor celebrity, but the subsequent dramas in which he played the lead role received only lukewarm responses.
Not being able to carry a drama series means limited commercial value. Within the company, as Tangren Media shifts its resources toward newcomers, his position becomes increasingly awkward.
Rather than being marginalized in a lukewarm environment, it's better to go out and take a chance.
"In this industry, not being famous is the original sin," he sighed softly.
Even if they maintain a second-tier status, they cannot create the expected value for the company or break through the bottleneck. They lose their bargaining power and are abandoned by Cai Yi-nong, which is inevitable under the rules of business.
Liu Shishi was at a loss for words to comfort her.
She is the chosen one, the undisputed number one star of Tangren Media, with a smooth career and flowers and applause all the way. It is hard for her to empathize with Yuan Hong's struggle during this "bottleneck period".
In the awkward silence, the two walked side by side off the field, with the assistant following silently behind.
Breaking the silence, the top influencer asked three questions in quick succession: "Have you found a new agency? Or are you going to open your own studio? What are your specific plans for the future?"
"Opening a studio is easier said than done. I signed with a new company, Juhe Culture, which is not very large."
Yuan Hong said calmly, "I plan to shift my career focus to realistic themes, hoping to break free from Tangren's historical drama label and seek breakthroughs in new fields."
As the two were chatting, they ran into Jiang Yuanyuan, who was walking towards them in a hurry.
Liu Shishi had a sudden inspiration and stepped forward to call out to her: "Yuanyuan, are there any suitable roles for Lao Yuan in the projects that the studio has invested in recently?"
Jiang Yuanyuan stopped, her gaze lingering briefly on Yuan Hong. She quickly reviewed the project list in her mind and said carefully:
"Yes. Wu Jing is preparing a military action film called 'Wolf Warrior,' and a martial arts film called 'Brotherhood of Blades,' both of which have suitable roles for Teacher Yuan."
Liu Shishi immediately instructed, "Alright, please help coordinate and arrange a suitable role for Lao Yuan."
This gesture, both out of consideration for past friendship and to give Yuan Hong a boost during her career transition, can also be seen as bringing a perfect end to the friendship among the "Three Treasures of Tangren".
Jiang Yuanyuan readily agreed: "No problem. I'll send the script and character information to Teacher Yuan later and see which one she's interested in."
Yuan Hong knew this was a rare opportunity, so she didn't hesitate to accept it without any pretense: "Thank you so much for your guidance, Sister Yi!"
Liu Shishi waved her hand and said gently, "We're all old friends. I'll definitely do my best to help if I can."
Jiang Yuanyuan interjected at the opportune moment: "Shishi, President Cai is waiting for you. He has something to discuss with you."
Liu Shishi nodded and said to Yuan Hong, "I'm going to Sister K's place first. You absolutely have to come to the wrap party tonight."
Yuan Hong readily agreed: "I'll definitely be there, you go ahead with your work."
At the entrance to the dressing room, Cai Yinong spotted Liu Shishi in the distance and quickly approached her with a broad smile: "Shishi, congratulations on wrapping up filming! You've worked hard."
"Thank you, Sister K."
Cai Yi-nong asked with concern, "How are you feeling today? Is there anything that's bothering you?"
"I feel exceptionally good today." Liu Shishi's pretty face revealed a gentle maternal glow. She gently touched her lower abdomen, her smile deepening. "The little one was very well-behaved today and didn't bother me."
Upon hearing this, Cai Yinong breathed a sigh of relief and carefully supported Liu Shishi's arm.
The lead actress was pregnant, but that was Tangren's top priority. During filming, she was constantly worried, fearing that any mishap would prevent her from explaining herself to Boss Song.
Now that the lead actress has successfully wrapped up filming, her constantly tense nerves can finally relax.
The three sat down at the small tea table in the lounge, and Su Xiaoxiao obediently went to pour tea.
Cai Yinong got to the point: "Shishi, when are you planning to go back to Beiping?"
"I'll go back tomorrow." Liu Shishi was eager to return to her husband Song Ci's side.
“Perfect timing,” Cai Yinong replied. “Zhang Zhao invited me to discuss cooperation, and I’ll go back to Beiping with you tomorrow.”
"Zhang Zhao?" Liu Shishi was somewhat surprised. "Southern Cinemas... does it hope to cooperate with Tangren on film distribution?"
Cai Yinong shook his head: "He said on the phone that he has been transferred back to work at the Tengda Group headquarters."
This time, the aim is to encourage Tangren to enter the live-streaming guild business and to invite cooperation.
"Live streaming?" Liu Shishi was even more confused, subconsciously thinking of Wang Dashao's startup, "Panda TV?"
Jiang Yuanyuan introduced at the right time: "Shishi, Spark Live, under Tengda Group, focuses on live streaming, while Huya Live focuses on games."
Both in terms of user base and market influence, it is significantly stronger than Panda TV.
"So, Zhang Zhao has returned to headquarters to take charge of the live streaming business?" Liu Shishi guessed.
He didn’t specify his exact position, but repeatedly emphasized that it was a good thing, saying that Tangren people were his own people and that they had priority to participate.
Cai Yinong recounted the contents of the phone call, his eyes gleaming with the shrewdness of a businessman, "He predicted that the live streaming industry would experience explosive growth in the future."
I figured Tangren was seeking diversification, and this might be a good opportunity, so I agreed. We'll discuss the details when we meet.”
Then, changing the subject, he asked, "Shishi, I remember you invested in an esports club?"
"Yes, Royal Club team, now renamed PW." Liu Shishi nodded in confirmation.
She rarely inquires about the team's specific operations, leaving everything to the manager. She only knows that the team currently relies mainly on sponsors for survival, with meager profits, and she occasionally needs to subsidize some of the profits.
Cai Yinong then proposed an idea: "I think we could use the PW team to test the waters? Tangren could establish a joint venture live streaming guild with the PW club."
PW provides professional esports players, team IPs, and game content; Tangren provides content production teams and artist traffic resources support.
For example, celebrities can be arranged to make occasional guest appearances and collaborate with players on game live streams to attract viewers. They can also be responsible for the guild's daily operations and commercial expansion.
The main concept is 'e-sports + entertainment,' and we'll start with a small-scale trial.
Without hesitation, Liu Shishi agreed: "Okay."
Since Zhang Zhao took the initiative to invite them on behalf of Tengda, this matter must be in line with Tengda's overall strategic plan. Both for public and private reasons, she is willing to make this happen.
She'll know the details when she gets home tomorrow and ask her husband, Song Ci.
Upon seeing the First Sister's approval, Cai Yi-nong immediately made the decision: "Then it's settled!"
I will then look for a person in charge who understands esports culture and has an entertainment mindset to lead the formation of an operations team, responsible for streamer management, content planning, and channel promotion.
She looked at Jiang Yuanyuan and said, "Yuanyuan, you will take the lead on this matter and liaise with the manager of PW Club to help me move it forward."
"No problem, Mr. Cai."
With the main matters settled, Liu Shishi then asked, "Sister K, Yuanyuan, I'm going back to Beiping tomorrow to rest and prepare for my pregnancy. Is there anything else I need to handle at the studio and the company?"
Jiang Yuanyuan immediately reported: "The studio is following up on the two movies, 'Wolf Warrior' and 'Brotherhood of Blades,' and is waiting for filming to begin."
Mentioning these two projects, Liu Shishi seemed to recall something and asked, "Are there any female roles in these two productions suitable for newcomers to the company?"
During the filming of "The Imperial Doctress", several actresses from Tangren Media, including Hu Bingqing and Yuan Bingyan, showed her great care and concern. It is reasonable for the studio to prioritize its own people in its investment projects.
"Wolf Warrior is a hardcore military film with very few female characters, so there weren't any suitable ones."
Jiang Yuanyuan quickly responded, "There are a few female characters in 'Brotherhood of Blades' with good roles. Their images and settings are quite suitable for Bingqing and Bingyan, so they can hone their skills."
"Well, if the roles are suitable, let's prioritize assigning them to them. You and Sister K can decide on the specific allocation; I won't ask about the details."
“OK, I will discuss it with President Cai and then implement it.” Jiang Yuanyuan nodded and looked at Cai Yinong.
Cai Yinong picked up the thread: "Aside from the miscellaneous matters of the company relocation, my main focus is on the preparation of the new drama."
The next plan is to try making an urban workplace drama, the plot of which is...
After a brief introduction, he added, "Sun Yizhou has been cast as the second male lead in the drama."
Sun Yizhou is currently the only artist signed to Yijie Studio, so Cai Yinong's move is undoubtedly a reciprocal gesture and a sharing of resources.
Mentioning Sun Yizhou, Liu Shishi suddenly remembered something else: "Has the airing date for 'iPartment 4' been set?"
"It's already decided. It will be broadcast during the National Day holiday, with four satellite TV stations—Anhui, Heilongjiang, and Hubei—plus Donghai TV, broadcasting it simultaneously."
Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing through her mind.
One of the conditions attached to agreeing to Huace Pictures' investment in "iPartment 4" was that the online broadcasting rights for this popular drama would be held by Toutiao Video.
Although there are certain differences between television viewers and online platform users, the joint broadcast by four satellite TV stations will undoubtedly divert a significant amount of attention and buzz from the exclusive online broadcast.
Seeing the displeasure on the eldest sister's face, Jiang Yuanyuan tentatively suggested, "Shishi, Huace really didn't do a good job in this matter. Should we... find an opportunity to retaliate appropriately?"
Liu Shishi raised an eyebrow, intrigued: "Oh? What specific ideas do you have?"
Jiang Yuanyuan immediately presented her initial idea: "...This is how it can be done. If it is handled properly, we will not suffer any losses, but it can effectively put Huace in a bad light, which can be considered a reciprocal gesture."
Liu Shishi pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly: "The idea is good. But we must find the right opportunity and project."
"Understood. Don't worry, Shishi, I will arrange everything." Jiang Yuanyuan smiled confidently.
In this lounge, in front of Sister Yi and Cai Yinong, she was a subordinate and junior.
But once she steps out of that door, with her status as the top executive agent and general manager of Liu Shishi Culture Studio, she is a figure of considerable influence in the entertainment industry.
Even with a large company like Huace, she has the confidence to maneuver effectively.
Liu Shishi instructed, "Okay, take good care of this matter. Remember, either don't do it at all, or do it cleanly and beautifully."
"Don't worry, Shishi."
After hearing the entire plan, Cai Yinong sighed with emotion, thinking that the younger generation was truly surpassing the older one, and Jiang Yuanyuan had also grown up.
Huace is being held in high regard by the top female star; they're bound to suffer this loss.
With the business matters settled, the three began to chat.
Liu Shishi fiddled with the petals of a violet flower with her fingertips, seemingly casually mentioning, "Sister K, Lao Yuan came to the film set today."
Cai Yinong remained calm and composed, saying indifferently, "When a contract expires, it's common to part ways amicably in this industry."
She felt helpless. The current situation is indeed awkward for male stars like Yuan Hong, born in the 1980s.
It boasts veteran actors at the top and rising stars at the bottom.
Since she doesn't carry any dramas herself, Tangren's resources are only enough to support Hu Ge alone.
In contrast, the new generation of talents, Jiang Jinfu and Lin Gengxin, who offer better value for money and have received a more enthusiastic market response, have naturally become the company's new focus for development.
From a business perspective, giving up on the lukewarm reception of Yuan Hong was a reluctant but inevitable choice.
She paused for a moment: "In the current industry landscape, the post-85 generation of actresses are showing exceptionally strong growth momentum, with their popularity with audiences and commercial value rising rapidly."
The company's strategic focus for the next three to five years will be on female artists, hoping to capitalize on this trend.
"Hmm." Liu Shishi sighed softly, "Let's cooperate again in the future if there's an opportunity."
Cai Yinong and the first sister were each lost in their own thoughts and remained silent for a moment.
Jiang Yuanyuan, on the other hand, had only a casual relationship with Yuan Hong, and at this moment she felt less sentimental and more pragmatic.
She pursed her lips, thinking to herself: Yuan Hong is not as quick-witted as Hu Ge in dealing with people, and she can't hold on tightly to the towering tree that is the First Sister.
In the fickle world of entertainment, if you can't establish yourself and can't find a powerful patron, you can't stay at Tangren Media and have no one to blame but yourself.
(End of this chapter)
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