Chapter 1551
Breaking the Ice
Compared to Zhang Yuan's boundless energy, Huang Xiaomao, who was over fifty years old, appeared extremely tired the next day.
Zhang Yuan saw it, but didn't say anything.
The two went to the Zhejiang TV building during the day and met with the head of the variety show department at the recording site.
"Teacher Huang, please go and talk to our three artists first, and chat about their recent situation."
"I'll be there in a bit." Zhang Yuan pointed to the backstage area: "I'll go meet the little boss first."
Huang Xiaomao nodded.
Indeed, let him handle the tough parts.
He went to comfort the artist himself.
"Director Chen, it's a pleasure to meet you." Zhang Yuan greeted a man wearing a baseball cap as he entered the back-end monitoring room.
When the other person saw him, they looked conflicted and confused, but showed no anger whatsoever.
There's really no other way...
I was dragged out of bed and scolded by my boss in the middle of the night last night.
Did the show's most popular celebrity use prohibited items?
It's one thing to be unaware of such a catastrophic disaster, but to turn against someone who does know about it is another.
How can we explain it if someone else exposes it?
The leaders naturally understood that their subordinates were up to something, they just hadn't said anything before.
Now that something has happened, they'll point it out in private.
Tell him to put away his little schemes and be prepared to take responsibility if he messes things up.
He also said that Zhang Yuan would come to meet him.
The dramatic changes in a short period of time left this person bewildered.
I've never encountered anything like this before.
We've always been the ones who can bully whomever we want.
The more stubborn you are, the more embarrassed I'll make you feel, that's how we'll show our strength.
What, not awesome anymore... Zhang Yuan thought to himself, but he couldn't say it out loud.
"Mr. Chen, there was a small misunderstanding before, I'm really sorry."
"You work so hard day and night for the program, it's really tough for you."
"Thank you for your contributions."
"I'm sorry I came empty-handed. I'll definitely bring you some specialties from the capital next time."
Plastic-sealed roast duck, canned soy milk, bottled Wangzhihe liquor...
When Director Chen saw that his hands were truly empty, he realized that the man was just talking nonsense.
If you wanted to bring it, you would have brought it earlier, even if it was just a few boxes of Yili liquor.
"I would love to work with you."
"Especially the one I mentioned last time, we can collaborate on the artists' performance contracts."
Zhang Yuan adopted an open and cooperative attitude.
"After this show ends, the popular artists will definitely receive a lot of performance offers."
"We helped make this person famous, so of course we can share the profits."
"I genuinely believe that this collaboration is worthwhile."
"So we should sit down and talk."
"I'll treat you to dinner after you finish work and get off work," Zhang Yuan said, expressing his gratitude without waiting for the other party's agreement.
Whether you like it or not, you have to eat this meal.
We must participate in this collaboration.
This is the reason he told Huang Xiaomao that things weren't over yet.
A local official is more powerful than a distant one.
I came today and took care of things.
The other side has temporarily ceased its attacks.
What if they take a break and then come back with a vengeance?
I'm seething with anger and want to get revenge, but I can't stay here all the time.
Therefore, the best solution is cooperation.
Let's cut a big watermelon and make money together!
At the same time, cooperation can help us find out who is behind it all.
After saying hello, I went to find Huang Xiaomao.
The lounge was crowded, and as soon as he arrived, many contestants rushed to take photos with him.
Zhang Yuan agreed to all of them, and at the same time noticed that the bald man was also there.
After whispering to her assistant, she asked her to shield her from taking a photo with this person.
To avoid leaving a stain.
They also understood that Lantai had no intention of immediately getting rid of the other party.
What does breaking the law matter? The key is having popularity and increasing viewership.
Then they called the three girls out and found an empty room.
"I have already taken care of the matter."
"Just keep recording, don't worry about the outside noise, just do your best."
Hearing him say that, the three female contestants breathed a sigh of relief.
At least I can stay; I won't be kicked out.
"I'll do my job, you guys do yours," Zhang Yuan said, his tone gradually shifting from gentle to serious.
"Everyone should do their own job."
"Instead of getting all excited at the slightest hint of trouble."
"I don't like people who are too clever for their own good, nor do I like people who think they are clever."
Yuan Ya and Wu Mochou followed his gaze to the dark-skinned girl, realizing something was amiss.
Then I remembered that a while ago, this dark-skinned girl complained to the two of them in private about the TV station wanting to eliminate them.
At the time, I felt that the other person was just venting their emotions and was in a bad mood.
Looking back now, it doesn't seem that simple.
They're not trying to... incite us to cause trouble with the company.
Some people do this: they go to watch demonstrations abroad.
Those who stir up trouble often start with great enthusiasm, but then back down halfway through.
In the end, those who got caught were all naive and hot-blooded young people.
The troublemaker achieved his goal and went back to his master to collect the money.
This is true both online and offline. The initiators usually disappear halfway through the fight, while only a bunch of real trolls keep arguing until their accounts are banned.
Many "smart" people in the workplace are like this: when problems arise, they don't step forward themselves but instead instigate those around them.
If there are a few hotheads, a real conflict might break out.
Sometimes there's no reason needed; it's just for fun, to incite people.
This is most common among middle-aged women.
Zhang Yuan believes it is related to hormonal changes during menopause.
Zhang Yuan stared intently at the dark-skinned girl, making her unable to lift her head.
The other two didn't fall for it, perhaps because they were nice people, or perhaps they were simply afraid and didn't dare to speak up.
In any case, when Zhejiang TV launched its attack, only one person ultimately complained.
Zhang Yuan immediately indicated that he could terminate the contract without incurring any consequences.
If you actually say that, the other party will back down.
Therefore, he saw through the other party's true nature, but he was presumptuous and timid.
Such people can't cause any real trouble.
"Don't test my patience limits, because my limits aren't high."
"Come with me tonight for dinner with the leaders of Zhejiang TV's variety show department."
He left after giving his instructions.
The three of them breathed a sigh of relief once he had completely left.
In the evening, after exchanging drinks, Zhang Yuan, once again acting like a brother, pulled the other person to drink.
But ultimately, we have to get down to business.
"You might as well tell me plainly, who should I cooperate with?"
He didn't believe the other party didn't want to make money, and wouldn't even take the money to keep it a secret.
To Zhang Yuan's surprise, Director Chen from Zhejiang TV subconsciously glanced at Jin Lei, the program director, who was also at the table.
Zhang Yuan's nerves tightened immediately.
The person who tipped me off, saying that Zhejiang TV was making trouble because they were unhappy that I had signed their artists, was Director Jin.
He was the one who said he wanted to take care of me in front of several celebrities when he was at my house before.
How come he's still around?
Is it a company in Shanghai?
Zhang Yuan suddenly said this, and then quickly observed Jin Lei's reaction.
Her lips twitched slightly, and her eyes subconsciously avoided her gaze.
We know!
The Qing Dynasty's greatest worry was not outside, but within the imperial court itself!
It turns out that it's not just the dark-skinned girl who's good at instigating others; there are others too.
If it weren't for my careful planning and meticulous strategy, this would have caused quite a problem.
"Director Jin, I remember you came from SMG." Zhang Yuan stopped asking about the person from Zhejiang TV and looked at Jin Lei instead.
"You were also in charge of organizing 'China's Got Talent' before."
"You should be quite familiar with the performance companies in Shanghai, right?"
"It's alright..." the man replied softly.
"If there is a collaboration, you can act as an intermediary."
"Please help me out." Zhang Yuan gave a "kind" smile.
They didn't expose all of this.
After finishing his meal, he returned to the hotel and, without taking a shower, sat silently on the sofa.
He also felt a little tired.
If you're not careful, someone can easily cause trouble; fatty meat is the easiest place for flies to swarm.
"Dandan, do me a favor and ask Director Jin to come over for a private chat." After a long while, he finally spoke, suppressing his emotions.
About an hour and a half later, the other person, who was staying at the same hotel, finally arrived at his place, albeit slowly.
"Director Jin, I called you here because I want to hear the truth."
"Let me give you a clear answer first: I will let bygones be bygones regarding what happened before today, no matter the reason."
"From now on, I need you to explain things to me in detail."
"The cooperation I mentioned remains valid."
First, draw a line for the other party.
The important thing is not to forgive past mistakes, but to hold those responsible accountable if something happens again.
"I keep my word, so you can speak with confidence."
Seeing that he couldn't get away with it, Jin Lei reluctantly confessed.
As he suspected, the incident occurred in Shanghai.
Zhejiang TV does not have a talent agency or a directly affiliated entertainment company.
Shanghai TV does have it, but it's not in the same relationship as Hunan TV and EE-Media.
Zhang Yuan initially guessed that it might be the company behind "My Show," the one that signed Xue Zhiqian and others in the early days.
They want to rob people to make money.
Unfortunately, it wasn't like that at all; he wasn't a small-time player. Behind Jin Lei was the editor-in-chief of "The Voice of China," who was then the head of SMG's variety show department.
This person has now left the television station and has their own company, where they work in performances, artist management, and other fields.
But this is not the end; we can go back.
If it falls again, it will fall on the head of the enormous creature.
It was someone he knew well, namely Li Ruigang, the current director of Shanghai TV and president of SMG.
"Don't make wild accusations!" Zhang Yuan stopped him.
"Just confess your own affairs."
It wasn't that he didn't want to make a big deal out of it, but he believed that people didn't have the time to mess with a few artists.
Because Mr. Li is very special; he not only works for Shanghai TV, but is also a member of the leadership team in Shanghai.
That's not all; he is also the head of CMC Fund, the first cultural industry private equity fund in China to be registered and approved by the National Development and Reform Commission.
The companies behind this fund are all state-owned enterprises.
Its Chinese name is the China Cultural Industry Foundation, which is the source of funding for CMC (China Media Capital).
CMC Capital Partners is the top-tier Shanghai-based cultural capital firm that later acquired TVB and invested in CAA, a giant North American talent agency.
At this time, they were in talks with DreamWorks to establish the "Oriental DreamWorks".
They're all doing big things, why would they bother with these nobody guys?
Therefore, he felt that this definitely had nothing to do with the top leader.
However, some of his subordinates went out and started their own businesses, relying on funds to establish companies and becoming appendages of the giant.
It's not surprising that someone would do something like this to make money.
He realized that director Jin Lei wasn't deliberately trying to trip him up, but was caught in the middle and had no choice but to do so.
Of course, not telling himself the truth already showed his previous attitude.
I'm a private company, while they have a provincial TV station on one end and a cultural industry fund in Shanghai on the other. It's clear which side I should choose to stand on.
If it were me, I would have done the same.
From his perspective, he must be very angry.
But if you put yourself in the other person's shoes... you're still angry, but not incomprehensible.
"Thanks a lot."
"I'm already very busy, and I still have to take care of things outside of the show."
Jin Lei suspected he was being sarcastic, but had no evidence.
"You can rest now. I'll handle the rest with the people in Shanghai."
I am tired.
The next day, he talked to Huang Xiaomao about the matter in detail.
After listening, Teacher Huang adjusted his glasses.
My mind is in a complete mess.
"How do you plan to handle this?"
"Like I said before, cooperation." After thinking it over all night, Zhang Yuan decided to set aside emotional factors and make the most rational judgment.
"You must be very tired. Go back to the capital and rest."
"We'll make some adjustments to the work arrangements. You'll be in charge of internal business, and I'll find someone else for external communication."
Huang Xiaomao thought to himself, "I went on a business trip and my authority was 'decentralized'?"
That's true, external communication isn't my strong suit, and I'm always traveling for work.
That's enough, let's leave it at that.
The other party had no choice but to accept it all.
I returned to the capital with Teacher Huang.
Zhang Yuan went straight to a press conference after getting off the plane.
"Painted Skin 2" held a high-profile "victory celebration banquet".
At this point, the film had been released for a week and had grossed over 4 million yuan!
It has already surpassed the total box office of the first film.
The most terrifying part was the first three days, which happened to fall on the 5th and 6th, coinciding with the weekend.
It grossed 3 million yuan in just three days!
The outside media and the audience were fine, but our colleagues were all shocked!
I've never seen a Chinese-language film rake in money so quickly.
Furthermore, it is being shown in Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.
Clearly, 4 million is not the end, but just the beginning.
All the main actors were present, and they prepared ice blocks and hammers with the number 400000000 written on them.
clap clap clap...
With each heavy hammer blow, ice flowers filled the air.
Producer Pang Hong was the happiest, because according to everyone's calculations, this film is very likely to break the box office record for Chinese-language films in mainland China.
He would then be remembered in history...
That's what he thinks anyway.
Some people are greedy for money, some are lustful, and some love fame.
Zhang Yuan is different.
I have to be all!
Pang Hong was in a great mood and even took the initiative to help "refute the rumors" and clarify the previous news about Zhang Yuan acting like a big shot.
Self-production and self-sales is considered to be one of them.
Zhang Yuan tried his best to hold back from swearing.
During the film's promotional period, you often have to do many things against your conscience.
Forget it, I've made so much money, I'll try not to swear.
During the interview, the reporter asked how everyone felt about the box office success.
Guan Xiaotong looked around and indicated that she didn't feel anything.
Yang Mi said some polite things like she was very happy.
The female lead also spoke clichés, but her acting was good, and the content was more sophisticated.
He expressed his gratitude to the production team for giving him the opportunity, saying it was an honor for everyone.
Xun Ge is amazing. He said directly that the high box office has little to do with me because I receive a fixed salary.
There's a certain amount of resentment hidden beneath the surface of honesty.
I feel like I've been cheated.
So who made the money?
Finally, the microphone was passed to Zhang Yuan, and the others all looked at him.
The two leading actresses were paid in the millions, and even then, it was close to a million, not a large million.
Yang Mi and Feng Shaofeng earned just over a million yuan in film remuneration, while Xiaotong, who had fewer roles, only earned a few hundred thousand yuan.
Zhang Yuan's salary of 500 million yuan is the highest among all the actors.
In addition, there is a "hundred-point" dividend.
That's only about 30% of the total revenue from films...
He estimated that he would eventually make a hundred million or two.
Not much, not much...
I've been to Hollywood before, so I have to follow their rules.
"What makes me happiest is not how much box office the film gets, or how much salary I can get as an actor."
The two female leads glanced at him sideways.
Go ahead and pretend, we're watching you pretend.
Earning so much money and still saying things like that.
The payment contract is confidential, especially for someone like Zhang Yuan.
So these two women estimate that he can earn tens of millions, or even 2 or 3 million.
Actually, this is a serious underestimate. If people knew the real numbers, their blood pressure would probably go up.
Therefore, a salary confidentiality system is essential.
Otherwise, seeing how much money others are making will make me lose all motivation to go to work.
"My idea is that I hope our film's box office will be surpassed," Zhang Yuan said confidently.
"Being surpassed proves that Chinese films are loved by audiences and are thriving."
"I hope more good movies will appear."
The female lead noticed that not only was she good at pretending, but she was also quite sophisticated in her pretense.
If I were to earn that much money, I would say the same thing!
At the dinner following the celebratory press conference, a group of people toasted him and asked him to buy them gifts.
Everyone knows he earns a lot, and they want to "scam" him.
"I'll buy you a bag. Pick one yourself, and let me know when you've chosen one."
Everyone else declined, but it would be right to give the little sister a gift.
"Wow, you're so good to your god-sister."
"Am I entitled to this treatment?" Yang Mi asked, feigning nonchalance as he approached her.
What do you want?
Zhang Yuan moved closer.
"How about we discuss your needs tonight?"
I've been really angry about the Zhejiang TV incident these past two days.
“We can also talk about my needs.”
Yang Mi smiled and whispered in my ear, "I have to catch a plane to another city in a bit, and I have to start work tonight."
Zhang Yuan sighed with slight dissatisfaction.
"Alright, go ahead and get busy."
"What about the gift?"
"Just text me what you want."
"Oh dear, we've already signed a contract. I want to be with you, but I have to work."
Zhang Yuan simply nodded and didn't say anything more.
Yang Mi pouted, knowing he was unhappy.
"How about you take me to the airport later, and we can hug in the car?"
"No need, just focus on your work," Zhang Yuan replied.
We can't have sex in the car, or someone will take pictures of us.
"Then when I return to the capital next time, I'll come to find you, okay?" Yang Mi said, squatting down beside him.
"How about we leave now and go upstairs to book a room by the hour?"
"If you speed it up, it should work."
Zhang Yuan shook his head helplessly.
Is anyone in a rush to do this?
It's not like we're having an affair.
"Relationships between two people are like filming a movie. Don't be perfunctory. It's not enough to just finish the job; the process is more important."
"Let's wait until you come back next time."
Yang Mi pouted, clearly unhappy. I kindly offered a suggestion, and you scolded me.
She was so busy that she completely lost all worldly desires, and even her emotions were exhausted.
Everyone has their own ambitions, and Zhang Yuan didn't intend to forcefully correct them; it would be useless.
After the group parted ways, he quietly went home.
Meanwhile, news of the explosive growth in the box office of "Painted Skin 2" has spread throughout the country.
His peers were all envious.
The release of this film also marks the official start of this year's box office battle! (End of Chapter)