"I never dreamed that a martial arts movie could sell $100 million at the U.S. box office. Director Chen, could you help arrange a meeting with Mr. Li, the director of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon? I heard he's in Beijing these days."
"No chance this time. Director Li will be flying back to North America tonight after attending the premiere of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. He's busy with his new film."
"New film? Another martial arts movie?"
"No, it's an English-language crime film."
"Why not continue with martial arts? It's both prestigious and profitable."
"You don't understand, Mr. Wang. Big directors like him, who can get Oscar nominations, don't like to repeat themselves. Besides, isn't Director Zhang working on one now? $30 million, 250 million yuan. I just wonder when I'll get to work on a project that big. It'd be worth dying for."
"Don't say that, Old Feng. Didn't you just work on a project for Jinshu? A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And your starting point isn't low."
"Heh, that's all thanks to Director Chen's favor."
"Speaking of Jinshu, Director Zhang's Kangxi Incognito Travel and Super Girl—according to the newspapers, both the TV series and the reality show topped the ratings for the year. That's incredible. Director Chen, I won't beat around the bush. I heard you're recruiting lately. How about including Huayi?"
In the private room at Meizhou Dongpo, Wang Da suddenly steered the conversation in this direction, causing the lively atmosphere at the table to noticeably freeze.
Even though everyone knew how massive Jinshu and its behind-the-scenes boss were, it was clear that adding another player would inevitably mean dividing the resources further, leaving less for everyone else.
Chen Qing had just eaten a piece of duck tongue paired with caviar. She accepted a napkin handed to her by the attentive Xiao Xu, wiped her mouth, and looked at Wang Da. "Mr. Wang, I'd like to know—are you looking to dabble in the film industry because it seems glamorous, or are you planning to make it a serious business?"
Wang Da quickly replied, "Of course, we're treating it as a serious business. Director Chen, Mr. Liu here can attest to this. The advertising industry is becoming increasingly competitive, and we want to pivot while we can."
Mr. Liu from Hairun had also started in advertising.
This wasn't surprising.
The golden age of marketing in the 1990s had not only propelled companies like Giant, Kongfu Jiajiu, and Sanzhu Oral Liquid to success but had also sparked a boom in the advertising and planning industry. With some resources and connections, anyone could make a fortune in this field. Unfortunately, as companies like Giant began to collapse in recent years, it became clear that advertising wasn't a cure-all. Coupled with increasing competition and higher professional standards, the advertising industry's heyday was coming to an end.
This was a significant reason why companies like Huayi and Hairun had begun transitioning to the film and television industry in the late 1990s.
"Then I'll have someone contact you to discuss the details," Chen Qing said after hearing Wang Da's response. She then turned to the others at the table. "You've probably all heard some rumors recently about revitalizing the film industry. On the TV side, with provincial satellite channels launching one after another over the past two years and policies becoming more open, the industry's golden age is just beginning. The market is vast, and there's enough room for all of you to thrive. And if, in the future, you feel that China can no longer contain your ambitions and want to expand abroad, I can provide the platform. I'm sure none of you doubt that."
After Chen Qing finished speaking, everyone at the table, regardless of their inner thoughts, nodded in agreement.
"Also, once when I was discussing a speculative project with my boss, he scolded me with a line that I think is worth sharing with all of you," Chen Qing continued. The room fell silent as everyone listened intently. Chen Qing's gaze swept across the table before she said, "My boss told me that China is currently a place where you can get things done, so don't always think about投机. I think this applies to the film and television industry as well. While it's inherently a speculative field, if you stay grounded, you can go far."
The room was silent for a moment as everyone digested Chen Qing's words.
After all, aside from Lin Zhao, who was still processing everything, everyone else knew exactly who Chen Qing's "boss" was.
The truth was always there, but when spoken by different people, the impact could be worlds apart.
Simon Westeros saying that China was currently a place where you could get things done—just that one sentence was enough to settle the restless minds in the room while also stirring their ambitions. Over the years, China had been continuously opening up, but many people's biggest fear was that suddenly, one day, they wouldn't be able to do business anymore.
Simon Westeros' judgment couldn't be wrong.
After a moment, Feng Kuazi, who was skilled at keeping the atmosphere lively, raised his glass and said, "Everyone, let's toast to the golden age of China's film and television industry, and to the words Director Chen just shared with us."
Chen Qing graciously raised her glass first, and the others followed suit.
The atmosphere quickly became lively again.
Chen Qing only stayed at the lunch for about an hour before excusing herself, as she had other arrangements for the afternoon. Everyone stood to see her off, with Xiao Xu, who had just become her "little sister," particularly reluctant to let her go. Unfortunately, she didn't even manage to get Chen Qing's contact information.
Chen Qing gestured for everyone to return to the private room but asked Wang Da to stay behind. She asked him, "Mr. Wang, if we're going to collaborate, you must have looked into my conditions, right?"
Wang Da nodded. "Director Chen, we have no issues with your terms."
Of course, they had done their homework.
Less than 50% equity? No deal.
Additionally, they couldn't establish their own talent management department and had to prioritize using actors from Jinshu's management company for their projects.
Even though the Wang brothers had accumulated more wealth over the years compared to companies like Enlight and Hairun, these conditions were still acceptable.
The main reason was that the behind-the-scenes boss of Jinshu was a figure of immense influence. Aligning with him meant an instant entry into the industry's top tier. Without his resources and connections, the brothers might have had to struggle for years to find their footing, and even then, success wasn't guaranteed.
"In that case, I'll arrange for someone to discuss the specifics with you soon," Chen Qing said, then subtly shifted the topic. "By the way, I remember you mentioned at the start of the lunch that you were investing in Director Chen's The Emperor and the Assassin?"
Wang Da was puzzled but replied, "We're just minor investors—5 million yuan, to make some connections. Fortunately, Director Chen didn't mind."
"In that case, there's no need to back out. Consider it a lesson," Chen Qing said casually, then asked, "Have you been in touch with any other projects recently?"
When Wang Da heard Chen Qing refer to it as a "lesson," his heart sank. While they were indeed minor investors in The Emperor and the Assassin, 5 million yuan was by no means a small amount for the brothers.
It seemed Jinshu had a very negative outlook on The Emperor and the Assassin. However, Wang Da then recalled that Jinshu had also invested in the film. Why was that?
After a moment's thought, he realized the answer.
Director Chen's The Emperor and the Assassin was filmed at the Jinshu Film Studio. Whether it was the initial 70 million or the subsequent additional funding, the money would ultimately flow back into the studio, essentially moving from one hand to the other while also strengthening the studio's industry chain.
Quickly piecing this together, Wang Da was tempted to back out. After all, 5 million yuan was enough to produce a TV series. But since Chen Qing had already spoken, he could only treat it as a lesson.
He didn't forget to answer Chen Qing's question: "There are two others. One is Devils on the Doorstep, a war film that Jiang Wen is preparing, and the other is a TV series currently being written by the team behind I Love My Family. It's called The Psychiatrist."
"Let's talk about The Psychiatrist later. As for Jiang Wen's project, don't touch it."
Wang Da was puzzled but didn't hesitate. "No problem."
Seeing how cooperative he was, Chen Qing smiled and offered a bit more explanation. "I understand that you're interested in collaborating with Jiang Wen because his last film, In the Heat of the Sun, did well at the box office. However, both the script and Jiang Wen himself have significant issues. If we weren't considering collaborating, I wouldn't have said a word about this."
"Director Chen, I understand."
Chen Qing finally shook hands with Wang Da. "Then I look forward to working with you."
As Chen Qing was about to leave, Wang Da, mustering his courage, stopped her. "Director Chen, could my brother and I attend the premiere of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon tonight?"
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was set to officially release in China the next day. Although the distribution rights belonged to China Film Group, Jinshu had taken the initiative to organize a premiere at the Jinshu Cinema in Xidan, also using the event to promote their own theater.
Thanks to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon's success overseas, aside from Director Ang Lee and the two lead actors, whom Jinshu had invited, many big names in the domestic industry would be attending the premiere to show their support. Even high-ranking officials would be present.
This was a rare networking opportunity.
Seeing Wang Da's request, Chen Qing didn't hesitate and agreed with a smile. "I'll make the arrangements. You'll also receive invitations to the post-premiere reception."
Wang Da nearly bowed in gratitude. "Thank you so much, Director Chen."
Chen Qing waved her hand lightly. "As I said, focus on doing good work. The road is long."
"Of course, of course."
As he watched Chen Qing leave, Wang Da couldn't help but feel a pang of regret over the 5 million yuan that might go down the drain. The contract hadn't been signed yet, so they could still back out. But after considering Director Chen's reputation and Chen Qing's words... forget it. Consider it a cost of making connections.
In any case, today's lunch had far exceeded his expectations.
After all, to build connections and break into this circle, the Wang brothers had spent the past six months attending countless dinners, eagerly picking up the tab and playing the fool. They had spent hundreds of thousands just on meals. Being able to attend Director Chen's fundraising gathering in the morning and this lunch were the results of months of effort.
Finally, their efforts were about to pay off.
As he thought this, a server happened to walk by. Wang Da stopped them and settled the bill, feeling more satisfied than ever, before returning to the private room.
---
On the other side, Chen Qing brought Lin Zhao back to the courtyard in Mao'er Hutong near Dongzhimen. After entering, she looked at Lin Zhao, who was following her, and asked, "Still haven't figured out who my boss is?"
Lin Zhao was stunned for a moment, then shook her head.
She had actually been quietly pondering this question.
During Chen Qing's meeting with Vanke's Mr. Wang in the morning, she had mentioned her boss's name, but Lin Zhao hadn't had the chance to overhear.
At the construction site in the western suburbs, Mr. Liang, the project manager, didn't know who the behind-the-scenes boss was, so Lin Zhao naturally didn't gather any information there either.
Then there was the lunch.
While everyone in the private room had a rough idea, Lin Zhao was the only one completely in the dark.
However, since Chen Qing wasn't the official representative, casually mentioning someone, even to flatter them, might backfire. So even though Chen Qing had brought up her boss, the savvy individuals in the room pretended not to understand, and no one explicitly mentioned the name.
This left Lin Zhao, who had been paying attention all morning, without any concrete information.
The main issue was that Lin Zhao lacked the necessary context.
After all, she had only arrived in Beijing less than a week ago, and her previous life had been far removed from Chen Qing's world.
Otherwise, the fragments of information from the lunch would have been enough for her to piece things together.
Seeing this, Chen Qing decided to keep her in the dark.
Lin Zhao couldn't help but feel a sense of inferiority, thinking she was useless. She followed closely behind Chen Qing and, after a moment, finally found a topic to break the silence: "Do you live here alone?"
"Of course not. Do you think everyone is as free as you?"
Lin Zhao shut her mouth again.
Chen Qing, of course, didn't elaborate.
Currently, the women with fixed residences in the Mao'er Hutong courtyard included Chen Qing, Jill Peckett, Zhao Anni, Zhu Momo, Mo Wuling, Li Youhu, and Teacher Yu.
Coincidentally, all these women were currently in town.
After the Rose Garden project was finalized, Jill Peckett and Zhao Anni had spent the past few months working on a new high-end apartment project.
Located near Wudaokou in Zhongguancun, they had secured a two-hectare plot and planned to develop four 32-story high-end apartment buildings, with units starting at 180 square meters, along with a supporting community clubhouse.
This decision came after their boss noted the surprising lack of high-end apartments in Beijing.
Actually, there were quite a few.
But Chen Qing suspected that the real reason was that their boss couldn't buy them one by one, so he decided to build his own.
He even personally named the project.
Universal Center.
Chen Qing thought the name was quite good but couldn't help asking why he chose it. Her boss replied that "Cosmic Center" sounded too tacky.
Strange logic.
In any case, the project was modeled after the high-end apartment project developed by Lievenson Group in Lujiazui, Shanghai, along the Huangpu River.
The Lievenson International Apartments in Shanghai had begun construction two years ago and were expected to be completed next year. The project also covered two hectares, featuring four main buildings and a clubhouse, with unit sizes starting at 180 square meters. However, all the buildings in Shanghai would reach 45 stories, while the Beijing project was limited to 32 stories due to approval restrictions.
Chen Qing remembered her boss once saying he wanted to make all the Lievenson International Apartments into large single-floor units and name them "Lievenson Premier," pricing them at 100,000 yuan per square meter and refusing to lower the price.
But it was just talk.
No one thought they could sell, and her boss didn't push the idea.
Even so, the Lievenson International Apartments were still very high-end, and her boss made no secret of his intention to hold onto most of the units.
The Universal Center apartments in Wudaokou would follow the same model.
Ultimately, the Westeros system wasn't short on funds, and whether it was the river-view apartments in Shanghai or the Universal Center in Wudaokou, which offered views of Tsinghua and Peking University, Chen Qing could see that these were highly保值 assets. As long as cash flow wasn't an issue, holding onto them would only increase their value, making them a growing long-term investment.
Aside from Jill and Zhao Anni, Zhu Momo had been busy with her modeling career during the summer and was currently in Beijing filming a commercial, leaving early and returning late. However, once the Central Academy of Drama's fall semester began, Zhu Momo would head straight to North America.
The fall fashion weeks were about to begin.
Finally, Li Youhu was in town for the promotion of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The premiere was that evening, and she had been recording TV programs during the day.
Thus, none of them were around during the day.
Chen Qing brought Lin Zhao into the inner courtyard, drank a bowl of sobering tea prepared by Jiang Shanwu, took a short rest, changed into a professional suit, and set off again at 2:20 PM.
Lin Zhao followed as usual.
Then, when the two arrived at a certain high-level government office near the Huangchenggen area, Lin Zhao was truly shocked.
Just a few months ago, she had been a low-level clerk with no official rank, and she hadn't even been able to keep that job. How had she suddenly found herself at the highest levels of power?
______
(≧◡≦) ♡ Support me and read 20 chapters ahead – patreon.com/INNIT
For every 50 Power Stones, one extra chapter will be released on Saturday.