Chapter 373 The Future is Bright
"Why didn't Zhang Tianai from your company come today?
She is the second female lead after all, and many netizens say her role is more outstanding than mine, the female lead."
Yang Mi looked around and asked with some jealousy.
"Xiao Ai has been very busy recently. The company has given her a lot of new endorsements. Just like Reba, she has been very busy lately!"
Gu Wei smiled and explained.
"Tsk tsk~ It's normal to be busy.
In just over three months, she became the second female lead in a 1 billion box office movie and the leading female lead in a 2 billion box office movie, and her fame and status skyrocketed!
Isn’t it said on the Internet that she is the new generation box office queen!
This nickname used to belong to Bai Baihe~"
Yang Mi's tone was a little sour.
However, Zhang Tianai has indeed been very popular recently.
Because the movie itself was a big hit and the achievements were real, and Gu Wei's company kept buying hot searches and press releases, her popularity remained high.
After the box office of [The Richest Man in Xihong City] exceeded 1 billion, various brands came to the door one after another, hoping that Zhang Tianai could be their spokesperson.
At the same time, her commercial performance fees have also been rising.
It can be said that Zhang Tianai is now a hen that lays golden eggs, generating a steady stream of profits for Gu Wei's company.
As time passed, everyone drank some wine at the celebration party and the atmosphere became more and more lively.
"Brother, what are your plans for the third part of [Embroidered Spring Blade]?"
Everyone at the main table had just finished a drink together when Gu Wei approached Lu Yang and asked.
Hearing him say this, Yang Mi beside him also pricked up his ears to listen to Lu Yang's answer.
According to the routine of the first two films, she is unlikely to be the heroine of the third film. But it is better to be safe than sorry. Her character is not dead, and the last shot of the movie is still waiting for "Chen Lian". What if they get together again in the third film?
Lu Yang put down his glass and thought for a moment.
"Honestly, I don't have any idea at the moment. Based on the current performance of the film, a third film will definitely be scheduled, but I'm more worried that my lack of preparation will damage the reputation of the series!"
As he spoke, Lu Yang looked at Gu Wei with a wry smile.
"Junior brother, you should understand my mentality, right?"
Gu Wei nodded slightly.
He completely understood Lu Yang. The first two "Asian Blade" films were indeed rare masterpieces among domestic films. Both films had Douban scores of over 7 points, and the second film was even higher than the first, which was rare in a series of films.
Normally, the first film in a series is the most popular, and then the reputation of the subsequent films gets worse and worse until the last one can no longer be ranked.
Now that Lu Yang has laid such a good foundation, it also puts a lot of pressure on himself. He is afraid that the third part will not be good and will damage his reputation.
"Wait a minute, I'm going to take a break and slowly think about the rest of the story.
If I can’t come up with a good story, I won’t start filming easily.”
Lu Yang's face was firm and he had made up his mind.
Gu Wei patted his shoulder.
“I support you, brother.
Don't be in a hurry, slow work produces fine work. We have a good foundation, so it doesn't matter if it takes longer.
Feelings are something that can only be nurtured by high-quality works and time. Now we have the high-quality works of the first two, but we still lack time.
I believe that when the third film comes out, it will definitely set a new box office record for domestic martial arts films!"
After a satisfying meal and a few drinks, the celebration party ended with a wonderful experience.
Gu Wei went home with Da Mimi at her invitation, and it just so happened that he also had something to communicate with Yang Mi.
In the middle of the night, on the big bed in the master bedroom, Yang Mi collapsed limply beside Gu Wei, gasping for breath. Her towering chest rose and fell with her violent breathing. Sweat was clearly dripping from her temples, and the hair on her forehead was stuck together. She looked very uncomfortable.
But at this moment she no longer cared about these things. She lay motionless with her eyes slightly closed, recovering her strength.
The room was very quiet, and the only sound that could be heard was Yang Mi's heavy breathing.
"Sister Mi, what do you think about Jiaxing Media's financing?"
After a while, Gu Wei suddenly spoke.
Yang Mi, who was not asleep, slowly opened his eyes.
"Of course I support it. Only after raising funds can a company have more funds for development and a higher valuation. It will grow bigger and bigger like a snowball until it finally goes public and rings the bell. That's how everyone will benefit the most."
It seems that Yang Mi is positive about financing.
But this is normal. Most companies will go through the process of financing, expansion, refinancing, and expansion again during their development and growth, and finally reach a certain scale and strength to go public.
Especially some of today's star enterprises and Internet companies have developed in this way.
"I think financing is also a good thing. As the saying goes, money makes things easier. Only with sufficient funds can a company grow bigger and stronger.
Like Tangren Film and Television, which has maintained a small family-run workshop model, although the boss has always maintained a firm grip on the company, it has also missed many opportunities and was eventually eliminated by the market.
Gu Wei nodded and continued what Yang Mi said.
"So you agree to the financing?"
Yang Mi asked.
“Of course, but then again.
The ultimate goals of financing are nothing more than two: one is money, and the other is the resources brought by the financing party.
I have no shortage of money, and the resources in our film and television industry are beyond the reach of ordinary capital.
So I think if this round of capital doesn’t offer a good price, or if the attached conditions are too harsh, then there’s no need to raise funds.”
Gu Wei analyzed rationally.
Yang Mi couldn't help but nodded after hearing this.
"Sister Mi, I have my own company and I have no shortage of money or resources.
[Jiaxing Media] is not particularly important to me, but since I have invested money, I naturally want to make the company develop better.
As long as you listen to me, the company will definitely develop better and better, and eventually you will truly become a member of the capital circle!"
As Gu Wei spoke, he kept playing with it with his hands.
Yang Mi's attention was not here at all at this moment. She was thinking about the deeper meaning of Gu Wei's words and was attracted by the pie he painted.
Gu Wei stopped talking. He felt that he had made himself clear enough and believed that a smart person like Yang Mi would know how to choose.
He concentrated on what he was holding, thinking that he definitely had some credit for it.
Two days later, Gu Wei received a call from Zeng Jia and came to Jiaxing Media in person.
In the conference room, thanks to the narration by Investment Director Li Juan, he already knew all the information about this financing.
Simply put, a media company called [Shangshi Pictures] wants to raise funds from [Jaywalk Media].
Now, after a period of negotiation between the two parties, [Shangshi Pictures] plans to invest 300 million to purchase 20% of Jiaxing's equity. After the financing, Jiaxing's valuation will be 1.5 billion.
Of course, they are not giving the money for free. After all, Jiaxing’s current size cannot support a valuation of 1.5 billion.
[Shangshi Pictures] proposed a gambling agreement, requiring that from the date of signing the contract, [Jiaxing Media]'s after-tax net profit within three years must be more than 300 million.
If this goal is not achieved, Jiaxing Media must repurchase the 20% stake held by Shangshi Pictures at an annual rate of return of 15%.
"Mr. Zeng, what do you think?"
After reading the agreement, Gu Wei first asked Zeng Jia about her attitude.
“Of course, I hope to complete the financing in the end.
Only with sufficient funds can we do more. The company's goal is to produce as many high-quality dramas as possible and cultivate more well-known artists, all of which are based on funds.
Although the gambling agreement is a bit harsh, I believe Jiaxing Media will be able to complete it in the future."
It can be seen that Zeng Jia is very positive about financing.
This is not surprising, as she is an ambitious person in her career, and it has always been her wish to make Jiaxing Media a top company in the industry.
Moreover, after the financing, the shares held by Zeng Jia were suddenly worth hundreds of millions. It can be said that he became a billionaire overnight. Although it was only paper wealth, it was very tempting.
Gu Wei touched his chin and said nothing.
Zeng Jia was not in a hurry and waited for Gu Wei to express his opinion.
In fact, even if Gu Wei disagreed, she felt that with the total 70% shares held by Yang Mi and the other three, they could force the financing. However, this would cause a break with Gu Wei, which was not worth it.
She thought this was a very good thing and there was no reason for Gu Wei to refuse.
Of course, she doesn't know yet that Yang Mi, whom she relies on, may not be on the same page with her.
“That’s it, Mr. Zeng.
In principle, I agree with financing. After all, as you said, this is a good thing. The company's development and growth cannot be separated from rounds of financing.
After all, everything requires money.
But I think the requirements put forward by Shangshi Pictures are too demanding for Jiaxing Media at the moment!"
Taking advantage of this financing opportunity, Gu Wei has already figured out how to maximize his profits.
Zeng Jia frowned.
"What does Mr. Gu have to say?"
"A net profit of 300 million yuan after tax in three years is too high. Although Jiaxing Media can achieve it, there is no need to take the risk.
I think 150 million over two years is a safe number.”
According to what Gu Wei learned about Jiaxing's total revenue and net profit last year, after its actors gradually became famous, it was too easy for them to get a net profit of 150 million after tax in 2016 and 2017.
You should know that the original Jiaxing had a profit of 200 million in 2017 alone, and finally exceeded the bet.
"But Shangshi Pictures might not agree to change the gambling agreement like this."
Investment Director Li Juan interrupted.
She was the one who handled this financing, and she was more aware of the bottom line of [Shangshi Pictures].
“The ultimate goal of our financing is to obtain the funds needed for development.
Since the bet agreement has been changed, you might as well change the financing amount as well.
There is no need for [Shangshi Pictures] to take 300 million, subtract half of it and sell them 10% of the shares for 150 million.
I will invest the remaining 150 million yuan under the same conditions."
Gu Wei said proudly.
"This way, the amount of money we raise remains the same, but the bet becomes much easier and the risk is much lower."
"this"
Zeng Jia was a little hesitant. She, Zhao Ruoyao and Li Juan looked at each other, not knowing whether they should agree to Gu Wei's plan.
At this time, Gu Wei winked at Yang Mi who was sitting opposite him.
Yang Mi received the meaning from his eyes and coughed lightly.
“I think what Gu Wei said makes a lot of sense.
The valuation hasn't changed, the amount of funding hasn't changed, and this bet has lower risk and is easier to complete. Why don't we agree?"
"Mimi, do you really think so?"
Zeng Jia looked at Yang Mi and confirmed it.
"Yes, I think this is the best option."
Zeng Jia looked at Gu Wei opposite her again and gritted her teeth.
"Okay, Li Juan, use Mr. Gu's proposal to communicate with Shangshi Pictures and see if they agree. Then we can make a decision!"
"clear!"
Gu Wei achieved his goal and slowly leaned back in his chair with a smile on his face.
A few days later, Jiaxing Media completed its first round of financing, with a valuation of 1.5 billion and a financing of 300 million. After the financing, the company's shareholdings were Gu Wei 34%, Zeng Jia 20%, Yang Mi 16.8%, Zhao Ruoyao 12%, Shangshi Pictures 10%, and Li Juan 7.2%.
Although Gu Wei paid 150 million in cash, the market value of Jiaxing shares he held was 510 million.
The most important thing is that he is still the largest shareholder, and his shares together with Yang Mi's still exceed 50%.
After the contract was signed, Mr. Li from Shangshi Pictures shook hands with Zeng Jia, then turned to Gu Wei with a smile on his face.
"Haha, Mr. Gu is so courageous. In fact, if I knew that Mr. Gu would also be one of the financing parties in this round, it wouldn't matter whether there is a gambling contract or not."
"Mr. Li, you're too polite. Let's talk business. The current agreement is beneficial to all of us. Let's win together!"
Gu Wei smiled.
Of course he knew that the other party was just being polite. Now that the betting contract had been signed, what was the point in saying these things?
"Haha~ Win-win, yes, win-win!"
Zeng Jia felt a little uneasy as she watched Gu Wei chatting happily with Mr. Li from Shangshi Pictures.
Gu Wei's shares in Jiaxing Media have increased again, and she has a sense of crisis in her heart. Will the company she has worked so hard to build end up being used as a wedding dress for others?
He shook his head slightly to get rid of these thoughts.
Now the combined shares of [Shangshi Pictures] and Gu Wei are 44%, so she still has an absolute advantage. Besides, [Shangshi Pictures] is capitalized by Li Juan after all, and it may not necessarily stand with Gu Wei.
What really makes her happy now is that the company has 300 million in its account. Now, the three major business segments that she originally set, namely artist management as the core, film and television production as the carrier, and full industrial chain development, all have sufficient funds to develop.
The future is bright!
(End of this chapter)
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