Chapter 248 The Yellow Bird Behind
At this time, in the high-level conference room of Zhao's Cinema, people from two different parties were in a tense confrontation, as if a storm of change was brewing.
Different from them, Su Yun, who was at the center of the storm, was sitting in the middle of the long conference table, looking calm and composed.
Seeing her unfazed look, the leader of the group of small shareholders sitting on the right immediately slammed the table heavily: "Su Yun, what do you mean by this?!"
"What's the point? Just attend the regular meeting normally." Su Yun sneered and looked up at him. "As for my work performance, it seems that it is not your turn to care, right?"
"It's easy for you to say that. Everyone knows that the interests of us shareholders are closely related to the interests of the Zhao Group. How can we not control you?!" Another small shareholder with white hair and beard was so that he blew his beard and glared. "The Zhao Group spent so much time and money on the film "Blade Runner", and they hired you to do the post-production angry, but what's the result?!"
"Not only did the box office only reach 33 million US dollars, most of the media in the overseas market also gave this movie rave reviews, including famous American film critics such as Siskel and Albert... Zhao invested more than 100 million Hong Kong dollars in this! And he spent a lot of money to invite so many big-name stars!" The older small shareholder became more and more excited as he spoke. Not only were people on his side trying to persuade him, but even Su Yun, who was watching from the side, lines was a little worried that the old man would get angry and do something bad at any time.
"Film production is a business that has its ups and downs. It's too arbitrary to put all the blame on Su Yun alone." Zhao Qiming couldn't stand these so-called "old officials" the most. Not only were they old-fashioned and inflexible, they also did things in a way that hindered the company. Over the years, many of his reform proposals were jointly resisted by them for various reasons, and therefore could not be implemented.
The most frightening thing is that these people are particularly good at taking advantage of their seniority. They usually sit in the conference room and give orders without saying a word, thinking they are working hard for the company - in fact, they hardly do any work, and if they do, they often make things worse. ways to make things difficult for them every day.
When the Zhao family finally achieved some results, these old guys rushed in with an attitude of "taking all the credit and putting the blame on others", and insisted that it was because of their good leadership that the Zhao family was able to achieve such good results.
"That's right. Where in the world can you find a business that only makes money and never loses money?" Zhao Lizhong was younger and more energetic. He was even more disgusted with these old shareholders who had completely different styles from him. He immediately followed his elder brother's words and said, "Uncle, how about you introduce one or two companies to me so I can invest in them?"
"I am the person easiest to talk to. Even when I ask someone to take my place in mahjong with my aunts and sisters during the holidays, the winnings are always given to them and the losses are counted towards my account. I am definitely not a rogue who would blame others for my losses."
His nonchalant attitude made the old shareholders, who were used to being flattered, furious. "Sixth brother, how do you discipline your son? Young people are so disrespectful to their elders, won't they cause trouble in the future?!"
"Hey, don't talk nonsense. I don't know how much I respect the elderly and love the young - Mary, don't you think so? Recently, not only have I been organizing a film awards ceremony, but I'm also helping the Po Leung Kuk and the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals to organize a charity gala. I've also confirmed that I can invite many big-name stars to come and help with the charity performances and raise donations!" The Po Leung Kuk and the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals are old social service and charity organizations in Hong Kong, so what Zhao Lizhong said was justified.
"Don't get too excited. It's better to be low-key. Otherwise, some people will think that you are disrespecting them by telling them the truth." Su Yun responded casually.
"You're right. You need to be low-key and humble. If not, some people will dislike you--" Zhao Lizhong, a naughty kid who was used to being spoiled and controlled, rarely met someone who shared the same opinion as him. He immediately became more aggressive, and the last sentence of his words was full of weirdness.
"Li Zhong, how do you talk to your uncles?" Looking at the two like-minded people singing the same tune and looking very energetic, Zhao Rifu, who was sitting in the center seat on the left side of the conference table, frowned and finally stepped out to shout.
He certainly understood how upset these shareholders were about the loss of this investment. After all, it was such a large investment - and this was Zhao's third failed external investment.
Perhaps Zhao is really incompatible with the science fiction film industry, which is the most expensive, the most profitable and the most risky. He has made three consecutive large investments, and on the surface, he has also found famous overseas companies to cooperate with. The script, actors and staff have all been carefully selected...but all three times, without exception, he lost a lot of money.
He was able to manage through the failures of his previous two investments, but this time was the most financially expensive and time-consuming, and it is completely understandable that these small shareholders would be angry after failing again.
But emotionally I can understand it, intellectually I cannot accept that they are making trouble at this time: just like I understand that Su Yun is not a saint who can succeed every time.
It's not like he hadn't seen the finished product of "Blade Runner". Even someone like him who has watched countless movies felt that it was a rare masterpiece after watching it. From the story to the production, it had reached the highest level at present and even surpassed the highest level of the current era... As for why the box office ended up being a failure, to be honest, he was somewhat puzzled.
"It's very simple. This film has indeed surpassed the highest level of the current era." In response to Zhao Rifu's question, Su Yun simply stated her conclusion, "It's not bad, but too good - so good that today's era cannot understand it and is not worthy of it."
"Just like Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey in 1968, this movie called Blade Runner 2019 is beyond its time and can only be misunderstood by the world."
"So, it will take until 2019 for people to rediscover the 'greatness' of this film?" A sneer immediately came from the right.
"It won't take that long." Su Yun smiled calmly, "I believe and can guarantee that within ten years at the latest, people's evaluation of it will undergo a complete and earth-shaking change, and this film will become the most outstanding and representative science fiction film in the entire 1980s."
She was not making this up. A few years later, the audience and many film critics who had given negative reviews to the film changed their previous criticism and began to praise the film.
In addition to the fact that the quality of this film itself is excellent enough to become a symbol of the times, the "personal goods" that Su Yun filled in based on the memories of later generations, the accuracy of those "predictions" of various things in the future world hidden in the details, will also make new and old audiences who see fantasy become reality exclaim in amazement as time goes by.
All this movie and she needed was time; but these people in front of her wanted to carve the words "quick success and instant benefits" in the most prominent place on their faces.
"It's a good thing that you have this ambition, and I also recognize the quality of this movie." Zhao Rifu's years of experience in the film show that the quality of Blade Runner is undoubtedly excellent. "However, you seem to be too focused on the quality of the film and forget the key point you should focus on."
But the problem is that this film, whose subject matter is not good enough to win awards and whose quality cannot be converted into profits, is indeed a major failure for Zhao, who has always paid more attention to the commercial value of films.
What's more, Su Yun's next film is "The Rooftop Postman", which is intended to win awards - this is another film that will not make much money even if it is successful.
It has to be said that Su Yun has lost her former sensitivity to the commercial success of films as she has grown older. She has joined several films directed by Zhao, and each of them has a taste of literary and artistic core mixed into commercial films.
If this mixture of the two is done well, it will result in a huge profit like "Brewster's Billions" that will make people jealous; if it is done poorly, it will result in a loss like "Blade Runner 2019" that will shock the industry.
It's a good thing that Su Yun wants to do both, but it has delayed the current business: she can say these words now, and it is estimated that she had already thought of them during the film production process.
But for the sake of the "quality" of the film, she gave up the fundamental requirement of her job as a film production consultant: making money.
Although he, as the top person in charge, also has the responsibility for not discovering the problem in time, Su Yun's practice of concealing the truth even though he had already discovered the problem would definitely lead to him being punished with a minimum of suspension or even an investigation by relevant departments if it were exposed.
Zhao Qiming, who was caught in the storm, glanced at his father's calm face, and then glanced at Su Yun's nonchalant look as if everything really had nothing to do with her. He felt conflicted in his heart: during this period of confrontation, he naturally thought of what his father was thinking.
Su Yun is indeed responsible for the box office failure, but Zhao's internal coordination is sufficient to keep her in mind by making a few more typical commercial films to make up for the loss. If she is driven away by the shareholders, it will not only be too cruel, but will also be of no benefit to Su Yun or Zhao.
Since Zhao Liming could think of it, Zhao Rifu certainly could not have thought of it, but he thought of more: considering that Su Yun had indeed worked hard in Zhao's company over the years and earned a lot of money for Zhao's company - although it was not enough to cover the loss this time, it at least offset the two and reduced most of Zhao's original losses.
Whether from the perspective of talent or from the long-term development of the Zhao family, Zhao Rifu felt that he should protect her this time.
Moreover, why these shareholders suddenly targeted Su Yun, who had little interaction with them, was itself a suspicious point that needed to be guarded against.
Saving Su Yun was not only for the long-term development of the Zhao family, but also to be able to see clearly what these former companions were thinking now.
Thinking of this, Zhao Rifu once again turned his gaze to the shareholders across from him, "So, what do you think about Su Yun's problem this time?"
"Of course we can't keep someone who has done something wrong." The old shareholders said one after another, "And it's not just this one mistake. I heard from a tip that Su Yun is not only working with a game company in Japan, but also doing film and television business. It's not just as simple as just acting in a TV series!"
"If she had other plans to compete with her peers, then she would not have given her all in this Blade Runner project but was secretly making trouble. This would make sense..."
"That's ridiculous. I also run Future Dream Studio in the United States and have participated in the investment of many companies. If you insist, most of them can cause business conflicts with Zhao's." Su Yun sighed, "I was invited to join as a 'foreign aid'. Without sufficient strength, how can I deserve to sit in this position?"
"Besides, do you think that my small studio, which focuses on post-production special effects and has only produced a few popular TV series, can compete with Zhao's?"
"If you want to develop a company as big as Zhao's, I believe that you, the old veterans who have accompanied Zhao's business, are more familiar with the intricacies than a newcomer like me."
Faced with Su Yun's shamelessness in trying to use the reasons that could have been used to frame her for having ulterior motives as proof of her strength, several shareholders who had already felt confident of victory were speechless and at a loss for words.
But if they can't seize the opportunity today to get Su Yun away from the Zhao family, Jia Ning's plan might change in a way they don't want to see...
Especially since Su Yun also had contacts with Zhao Liying in Japan. If Su Yun continued to develop in this way, Zhao Liying would be brought back to Hong Kong as a result - then, Zhao Rifu would definitely not give up on the Zhao family!
Recalling the time when they were secretly negotiating with Jianing about the share transfer, Jianing's requirement to take the dominant position, the shareholders with different thoughts gritted their teeth and made up their minds to simply tear each other apart.
"In short, we don't support Su Yun, the so-called production consultant who seems to have ulterior motives, to stay in Zhao's!" The old shareholders stood up one after another to express their attitudes, "If you, the Zhao family, insist on protecting her, we will apply for a detailed investigation!"
"You can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want - on what basis do you apply for a detailed investigation?" This detailed investigation is nothing more than asking the police's commercial crime department to come over. No matter if Su Yun is guilty or not, her reputation will definitely be damaged once she is taken away by the police, and reporters may even write nonsense about her. Zhao Liming was immediately furious.
"Su Yun, as a consultant for film production, has seriously neglected her job this time, causing Zhao to suffer a huge financial loss..." The veteran shareholders refused to give in. "We are not as easy to bully as the Li family. Either give us a solid reason for the mistake, or - let the police judge for justice!"
"You are going too far!" Zhao Lizhong was so angry that his eyes turned red. "What do you mean by this? Mrs. Li also attends the TV station's anniversary celebration every year. If the rumors are true, will the Li family still associate with the Zhao family?!"
The Lee family co-founded TBB TV station with the Zhao family. Later, due to economic development and soaring land prices, the Lee family's business focus shifted and they put their focus back on the real estate industry, which was their forte.
Because the family business focus shifted from the film and television industry back to the real estate industry, the Lee family later revised the cooperative relationship with the Zhao family, took a step back, and allowed the Zhao family to take sole control of the TV station.
However, this also led to many malicious media outlets making up stories that the Zhao family harmed the Li family and secretly used tricks to catalyze internal conflicts within the Li family in order to seize control of the TV station.
"Whether the rumors are true or not, you know it in your own minds. You were able to drive away your partners who were equally powerful as you back then, so now you don't care about driving away us, the old ministers who helped your Zhao family build the empire..." The elderly minority shareholder with white hair and beard once again relied on his age advantage and acted like a loyal minister who was about to be abandoned when the rabbit was dead. "When your uncle first came to Hong Kong from Southeast Asia to open a company, on the first day of the opening, his peers invited people to send two fires to celebrate. In the end, it was us, the old ministers, who tried our best to rebuild the company that was burned to ashes..."
"We were useful and wealthy back then, so we were given some of the Zhao family's shares. Now that your Zhao family is the only one in power, it's time for us outsiders to 'step down and let your talents take over'!"
"But, nephew, as your elder, I still have to warn you. If you do things too radically, no one will help you anymore..."
The words sound high-sounding, but every word is actually intended to sow discord.
"Who is useful and who is useless, who can help and who can't, my old eyes can still see clearly..." Zhao Rifu looked at them and sighed deeply, "Old Chen, we were all friends who risked our lives together back then, why do we have to do this?"
Hearing his father's words, Zhao Liming's mood became even more complicated: even at this point, his father still missed the old times.
These people are relying on this old friendship to become more and more arrogant and presumptuous.
"Since you, the Zhao family, don't care about us old officials, we don't have anything to say to you. It's none of your business who we sell our shares to!" The old officials and shareholders responded one after another. "Of course, we won't sell our resources directly to our opponents like Zhao Lao Er did, but if we come across a suitable price, we will naturally make a move..."
Hearing them talking about the internal power struggle in the Zhao Group in Hong Kong, Zhao Rifu felt guilty: "My second brother decided the wrong direction and held the company back. If he had continued to follow his way, the Zhao Group would never have been as glorious as it was in those years..."
"I know that you all blame me for not being able to keep Liying, which resulted in the Zhao family having no successor for a long time..."
"You can't be blamed for this. After all, Zhao Liying is just your nephew. Who would leave the family property to their nephew from the next room instead of their own biological son?" Someone on the opposite side immediately said something in a sarcastic tone.
"How many times have I said that Liying chose to leave on his own. If he wants to come back, I will definitely keep him as the general manager of Zhao Corporation..." Zhao Rifu sneered as he recalled the past. "Okay, after all, you are doing so many things today just to help Chen Congying of Chia-Ning to acquire Zhao Corporation. Don't think I don't know anything!"
"You Zhao family members are the big bosses, and we younger ones can't do anything over you..." The old shareholders said, and then played the emotional card, "Sixth brother, the film and television industry is not doing well right now, and we brothers haven't had an easy time in recent years..."
"But the real estate industry is different. You have seen the development of Jianing in the past few years. In just a few years, it has created a business empire that is even more powerful than the so-called film and television empire of our Zhao family. The Li family chose to leave the film and television industry and re-enter the real estate industry. Your second brother also chose to invest in real estate after leaving the Zhao family... All these things prove that the times are different now. Wherever you can make a lot of money, that's where people will yearn for."
"If Liying were still here, he would also think that cooperating with Jianing is the right path..."
"Who said I would send Zhao away?" Before the old minister and shareholder finished his words, Zhao Liying's hurried figure had already opened the door of the conference room.
Facing the shocked expressions of the crowd, Zhao Liying took a breath and then continued, "I'm sorry, I'm a little late because I have to deal with some matters in Japan."
"How could you?!" The old shareholder who was trying to persuade him was horrified.
"Several years ago, Ms. Su Yun and I started working together on the film and television business in Japan, so I haven't been back all these years, which has caused some misunderstandings." Zhao Liying smiled faintly, "However, although I am now doing business in Japan, I still own 5% of Zhao's shares, which still gives me some room to speak."
"I will definitely not agree to Jia Ning's invitation to cooperate this time."
"Do you know to what extent the Zhao family can rise in the future if the cooperation with Jianing is successful?!" someone couldn't help but shout.
"Of course I know that this cooperation invitation is very beneficial, but I still support my family's traditional business more." Zhao Liying replied calmly, and then walked in front of Zhao Rifu again.
There was no need for words. The two uncle and nephew, who had once worked closely together, only needed to look at each other to understand the deep meaning in each other's eyes: these small shareholders and Jianing used all means to promote the signing of the contract, so there must be a problem.
Due to Zhao Liying's interruption, the original topic could no longer be continued.
However, thinking of what Zhao Liying said before, the old shareholders had to turn their attention back to Su Yun: "Let's talk about Zhao's current losses first... However, Su Yun has another company in Japan that is engaged in film and television business. Why don't we know about it?"
"Are we the only ones who don't know, or does everyone in the Zhao family... not know?"
As long as they get rid of Su Yun, the troublemaker, first, they will be able to persuade the Zhao family to sign the contract even if Zhao Liying comes back.
Zhao Liying has been away from Hong Kong for so many years, and he will definitely not be able to do a good job in Hong Kong films for a while after returning. Therefore, the only person who can possibly turn the current situation around for Zhao is Su Yun, the foreign aid who can open up overseas markets.
But even though the film and television industry can earn foreign exchange, the investment and returns are far inferior to the real estate industry, not to mention the greater risks - Su Yun has a glorious record of making movies for so many years without any real losses, isn't it just because of the failure of "Blade Runner" that all his thousand years of hard work was lost in one day?
This not only gave them the best excuse to get rid of Su Yun, but also served as a reminder to them that the Hong Kong film and television industry, which was impacted by Hollywood blockbusters, was no longer as easy to survive as before.
Well, since it was a rare opportunity for them to board the huge ship of gold, Jia Ning, they must not lose this hard-earned ticket because of other people or things.
Seeing that they were clearly trying to prove that Su Yun had ulterior motives, Zhao Liming was both angry and confused, but because he didn't know the inside story, he could only wait quietly for Su Yun or Zhao Liying to come forward to explain.
Su Yun took a step forward and was about to speak when several figures walked in from outside the conference room again. The leader was Huang Misheng, who was supported by the two sisters of the Zhao family.
"I think I should answer this question."
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