Chapter 295: Promises, Ultimatums, and Cutting Projects

At the celebration banquet, socializing and networking are always indispensable.

Wei Jin is naturally the undisputed center of attention today; several major producers are gathered around him, their faces full of smiles, with Fiber Optic's Old Wang being the most prominent among them.

An investment of 32 million in exchange for 60 million in net profit counts as Fiber Optic's single largest profit this year, finally filling the hole left by *Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen*; Wang Zhangtian feels that the decision to send Liu Yan to Shanhe Media back then was simply spot on.

Throughout the banquet, people constantly come over to toast him, and in this regard, Wei Jin refuses no one.

Before long, Wang Zhonglei walks over holding a wine glass.

"President Wei, congratulations."

Wang Zhonglei's tone is somewhat wistful; such a large piece of meat, and Huayi didn't get to take a bite, which is practically equivalent to a loss.

"Thank you, and I must also thank Huayi for letting me earn a profit along with you, haha."

A few days ago, taking advantage of the momentum of *Passengers* breaking one billion, Huayi publicly announced that they had secured a share of *Mojin: The Lost Legend*; the capital market responded one after another, leading to three consecutive daily limit increases, which allowed Wei Jin to earn a large sum, so he naturally has to express his gratitude.

"So President Wei, this kind of cooperation is truly a win-win for both sides; for next year's new projects, please do give us a chance."

"It is still too early to discuss this matter; let's talk about it when the projects are officially launched, haha."

After some polite pleasantries, Wei Jin does not give a commitment; in the capital market, one follows the trend, but film box office ultimately relies on production, promotion, and theater chains—Huayi has no advantage in these three areas, so they are naturally not the first choice for cooperation.

"Alright, I hope President Wei will look after us when the time comes."

Seeing that Wei Jin is not letting anything slip, Wang Zhonglei's heart sinks, but thinking of Huayi's recent major moves, he doesn't place that much importance on the film's profit after all.

"By the way, President Wei, please do us the honor of attending the group's annual meeting this year; there will be matters regarding shareholder dividends to announce."

"Oh? Dividends already? Is it in cash?" Wei Jin teases intentionally.

"Haha, President Wei is joking; Huayi is currently in a period of rapid progress and aggressive expansion, so there will be no cash dividends for the time being. We are preparing to distribute dividends to shareholders in the form of additional shares."

"Hmm, alright, notify me in advance; if the time is suitable, I will attend."

"Additionally, I also hope President Wei will not sell off your shares in the short term; Huayi's stock price still has a lot of room to rise."

"Rest assured, I have it in mind."

Wei Jin nods; currently, Huayi's stock is only priced around 40, which is still far from his target price, so it is impossible for him to sell now—at the very least, he should wait until *If You Are The One 2* is released, right?

The leader from the China National Space Administration is also very happy today, pulling Wei Jin aside to chat for a long time, encouraging him to make more similar science fiction films in the future to showcase the strength of a major nation's aerospace industry, and subsequently showing concern for his new film next year.

"Director Chen, next year's new project is still a space sci-fi film, but it leans more towards a disaster film, so it can't be filmed on location; however, regarding the parameters, perhaps I will need Director Chen's help."

Most of the shots in *Dixing Yinxing* are computer effects and CG composites, involving some equipment parameters that require the cooperation of the China National Space Administration; most importantly, the Tiangong-1 in the script hasn't even been launched yet.

"As long as it doesn't violate confidentiality regulations, there is no problem in principle; come over and discuss the specifics when the time comes."

For the leader of the China National Space Administration to say this much is equivalent to giving a commitment, so Wei Jin is naturally in a great mood; coupled with the previous matter of the Extended Key, he takes the initiative to raise his glass and drinks it all in one go.

"Thank you for your strong support, Director Chen, I toast you." — After the bustle, Wei Jin helps Gao Yuanyuan back to Ceng Li's side; Da Meiyuan is already somewhat unsteady on her feet at this moment.

There is no helping it; as the lead actress of a billion-box-office film, she is destined to be the target of congratulations in the circle tonight, and Wei Jin can do nothing about such occasions.

However, a mature sister knows how to take care of people; Li Jie knew the two had social engagements tonight and had already prepared honey water in advance, and had even drawn a bath in the tub.

"Li Jie, you are so good, mua."

Taking the still-warm honey water, Wei Jin drinks it in one gulp, then pulls Ceng Li into his arms and kisses her.

"Yes, Xiao Jin is right, Li Jie, you really are too good; let us two pamper you tonight, mua, mua, mua."

Gao Yuanyuan, with the drunkenness going to her head, holds Ceng Li's face and starts kissing her.

"Alright, Yuanyuan, you're drunk; hurry up and come with me to rest."

While speaking, Ceng Li passes her arm under Gao Yuanyuan's armpit, preparing to help her to rest.

"Who says I'm drunk? Why rest so early? Such a beautiful night, let's fly together, Li Jie, just submit to me, haha."

Watching Gao Yuanyuan letting herself go, Wei Jin and Ceng Li look at each other, feeling somewhat helpless.

It takes a great deal of effort for the two to get Gao Yuanyuan onto the bed, and Da Meiyuan still looks like she wants to get up and party all night.

"Xiao Jin, you go take a bath first; I'll get some hot water to wipe Yuanyuan down."

"Mm, Li Jie, thank you for your hard work."

Ceng Li's generosity moves Wei Jin quite a bit; he hugs the great beauty and gets affectionate for a while, and just as he intends to go take a bath, his phone in his pocket rings unexpectedly.

Seeing the caller ID, Wei Jin is somewhat surprised; why is Jiangsu Province TV calling so late? "Director Zhou?"

"President Wei, congratulations on the huge box office success; it's like this..."

Listening to the narration on the phone, Wei Jin's brows knit together.

"Director Zhou, I will give you an answer as soon as possible; mm, that's all, goodbye."

Hanging up the phone, Wei Jin falls into deep thought; although he knows that variety shows have a lifespan, he didn't expect it to come so soon.

"What's wrong, Xiao Jin?"

After finishing with Gao Yuanyuan, Ceng Li comes out of the room and, seeing Wei Jin still sitting on the sofa, cannot help but ask.

"It's nothing, just some business matters at the company."

Wei Jin does not want to say more, standing up to wrap his arms around Ceng Li's slender waist.

"Is Yuan Yuanjie asleep?"

"Mm, she acted crazy for a while, then fell asleep."

"Since Yuan Yuanjie is asleep, then Li Jie, let's enjoy a world for two tonight."

While speaking, Wei Jin has already considerately undressed the great beauty, and his intention to play like mandarin ducks in the water is already obvious.

"Mm."

How could a big sister in her thirties refuse a strong and wicked younger brother? She takes the initiative to shed the restraints on her body, revealing her curvaceous figure.

Wei Jin lowers his waist and squats, picking Ceng Li up in a princess carry and walking with long strides towards the bathroom — early in the morning, a ray of sunlight pierces through the floor-to-ceiling glass, waking Wei Jin from the biological clock he has formed over a long time.

Opening his eyes and feeling the body heat of the two beauties beside him, Wei Jin feels a sense of lingering aftertaste.

Grabbing a Dharma Treasure in each hand, Wei Jin is just about to start a morning workout when the phone rings again.

In order not to wake the two beauties, Wei Jin tiptoes out of bed and goes to the study to answer the phone.

"Director Xu?"

"President Wei, there's been a bit of a problem with the filming of *Flying Swords of Dragon Gate*."

A few minutes later, Wei Jin hung up the phone, his face filled with indignation.

He truly hadn't expected that Juli Pictures would be so reckless; they had agreed to have Li Lianjie make a guest appearance, yet ten days had passed and they still wouldn't let him go.

Li Lianjie was also losing his sense of priority—was the personal favor to Cui Baozhu more important, or was the face of the seven major investors here more important? Adjusting the filming schedule for one person? Did Li Lianjie really think his reputation was greater than the heavens? However, before Wei Jin could employ his methods, a strange number called again.

"Hello?"

"President Wei, this is Cui Baozhu. It's like this, could you see if Li Lianjie's schedule can be coordinated? We here..."

Without waiting for the other end of the line to continue, Wei Jin spoke up and interrupted.

"Ms. Cui, I don't care about your filming schedule. The contract between Li Lianjie and *Flying Swords of Dragon Gate* was signed long ago. You tell him that if he hasn't returned to the set by tomorrow, our contract will be void."

Seeming to wait for the other side to digest this, Wei Jin paused before continuing.

"Additionally, a word of advice: if *The Sorcerer and the White Snake* still wants to be screened in Mainland China, it would be best if neither you nor Yang Zi continue to obstruct it."

On the other side, the *The Sorcerer and the White Snake* crew.

Hanging up the phone, Cui Baozhu's expression was uncertain. She had dominated Hong Kong for so many years, and no one had ever shown her such a lack of respect. "Sister Baozhu, how did it go?"

Li Lianjie was feeling some regret now; he had most likely offended someone this time.

"This President Wei is very aggressive. He says you must return to the set tomorrow."

Following Cui Baozhu's explanation, a look of panic appeared on Huang Shengyi's face. She was all too clear about Wei Jin's influence; the fates of Lu Chuan and Zhang Weiping were not far off as cautionary tales.

If she really offended this great deity and it resulted in her first film being unable to be screened, the loss would truly outweigh the gain.

"Sigh, Sister Baozhu, I said it before, the investors on that side are not to be trifled with. Now it's turned into this..."

Li Lianjie was truly speechless. He had intended to leave two days ago, but he couldn't withstand Cui Baozhu's constant pleading. And this Juli Pictures was truly unreliable—it was clearly supposed to be a guest appearance, but damn it, they had almost rewritten the script to make him the male lead.

"I must go back, Sister Baozhu. You can ask around in Hong Kong about how much influence Wei Jin has; he does what he says he will. Furthermore, I am indeed in the wrong here. I only hope he doesn't take his anger out on your film..."

"But what about my scenes here? We can't just film halfway and change it again, right?"

"There have already been quite a few action scenes these past few days. If you edit them, it should be enough. Just adjust the script. That's it, I'm leaving first."

Li Lianjie greeted his Assistant and team, then hurried toward the airport, leaving Huang Shengyi and Cui Baozhu in a state of disarray—Wei Jin no longer concerned himself with the antics of the *The Sorcerer and the White Snake* crew; he had already issued his ultimatum, and how they chose was their own business.

Arriving at the company, Wei Jin recalled the call from Director Zhou of Jiangsu Province TV last night and gave instructions to his Assistant.

"Zixuan, notify the Variety Department that we are having a meeting in two hours."

Regarding the variety show matter, he had already made up his mind.

"Understood, Boss."

After Wang Zixuan left, Wei Jin browsed the news online and saw quite a few interesting things.

The Hundred Flowers Awards held a while ago had canceled the Screenplay Award, provoking collective protests from all screenwriters, including industry insiders.

As an Oscar Best Screenplay winner, Wei Jin also voiced his support on Weibo.

After making a fuss for so many days, the association finally took a step back under public pressure, promising to apply to restore the award. It really wasn't easy.

However, one has to say, the status of domestic screenwriters is truly too low. Many screenwriters who are dissatisfied with their situation have gone to various websites to write novels; this is damnably speechless.

Among the news, Wei Jin saw information about *The Monkey King*.

This 3D fantasy film, which claimed an investment of 500 million, released its character posters, and the cast was quite luxurious.

Zhen Zidan, Zhou Runfa, Aaron Kwok, Peter Ho, Joe Chen, Kelly Chen—it must be said, the Hong Kong circle still has guts. This film was greenlit before the release of *Passengers*. At that time, the ceiling for the domestic film market was less than 700 million in box office. With an investment of 500 million, one wonders how they planned to break even.

Looking at Zhen Zidan's Monkey King character poster, Wei Jin felt a bit nostalgic. Their first collaboration was on *Painted Skin*; at that time, he hadn't felt that this person was so arrogant.

But with the popularity of the *Ip Man* series, this person became famous, but also became conceited.

*Blades* and *Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen* served as a wake-up call for him. If he still couldn't see himself clearly, he would likely be finished next.

While lost in thought, his Assistant Zixuan knocked and entered.

"Boss, the time is up, the Variety Department is all here."

"Hmm." — "President Wei."

"Hello, President Wei."

In the conference room, everyone stood up in unison, their tones filled with respect. Not to mention that Wei Jin was the group chairman, his endless stream of variety show ideas alone was enough to earn the admiration of these variety show veterans.

"Hello, everyone."

Wei Jin greeted everyone with a smile; he had always treated his employees well.

"Don't be constrained, everyone sit. Let's have a simple meeting today to discuss some things."

Wei Jin actually rarely asked about the affairs of the Variety Department; if it weren't for the fact that it involved the cancellation of a variety show, he wouldn't have stepped in.

"*If You Are The One* has been online since December 2008. Currently, the average viewership rating has slipped to 2.28%, and the average viewership share has also dropped to 7.13%. The peak period of this program has already passed."

Wei Jin picked up the teacup handed to him by his secretary, took a sip, and continued.

"I have decided that after this year is done, we will sell the copyright directly to Jiangsu Province TV."

As soon as these words were spoken, whispers immediately broke out in the conference room.

Chen Tao, the team leader in charge of the *If You Are The One* project, immediately stood up, his face showing some nervousness and confusion: "President Wei, although this project's viewership ratings are a bit worse compared to the company's other variety shows, the nature of its weekly broadcast throughout the year, as well as its broad social discussion, gives it high topicality."

Speaking to this point, Chen Tao was also a bit helpless; a variety show with an average viewership rating breaking 2 was really not low.

But unfortunately, the other variety shows produced by the company were truly too dazzling. The average viewership ratings for the first two seasons had both broken 6, and at their peak, they had even nearly broken 10. Even though this season had declined, it still steadily maintained above 5, which could be called a national-level variety show.

*Keep Running* was no less impressive, with an average viewership rating breaking 5 and peaking directly over 7. Even the slightly lesser *Masked Singer* had an average viewership rating breaking 3, and occasionally, when a viewership explosion occurred, it could even break 4. These all belonged to phenomenal variety shows.

By comparison, the viewership ratings of *If You Are The One* were indeed a bit lacking.

However, as the person in charge of this project, he still had to fight for the interests of his team.

"Moreover, *If You Are The One* also provided the company with quite a bit of revenue last year. Even if the viewership ratings drop this year, at the very least it will bring in tens of millions. To sell it off just like this, isn't it too much of a pity?"

"Your words have some truth, but have you thought about how much more revenue this program can continue to bring if we drag it out?"

Wei Jin was not angry that his decision was refuted by a subordinate; on the contrary, he was happy, as this meant the channels of communication were open.

"I don't know if you have noticed, but Jiangzhe Satellite TV has already launched a similar dating variety show, and several other television stations have similar plans."

Regarding the matter of plagiarism, Wei Jin really had no way to deal with it; the threshold for this type of dating show is too low, relying almost entirely on creativity.

And things like creativity do not have copyright, or rather, should one tear off the mask of civility and get tangled up in lawsuits with other television stations? It is completely not worth it.

"One can imagine that the future competition will be very intense; that is the first point. The second point is that because the level of social discussion is too high, there have already been some negative voices in public opinion."

Seeming to give the people at the scene time to react, Wei Jin paused before continuing to speak.

"Whether it is a further decline in ratings under intense competition, or bearing the risk of potentially being ordered to rectify, neither is a good choice for the group."

Wei Jin's words caused Chen Tao to fall into thought; the company's variety show revenue is all linked to ratings, and a decline in ratings means a decrease in revenue. This is still secondary; if they were truly ordered by the relevant departments to rectify, it would be equivalent to smashing the golden signboard of Shanhe Media, and for the group, the loss would be immeasurable.

"President Wei, I wonder how much Jiangsu Province TV is offering?"

"Negotiations have not yet taken place, but according to my estimate, their psychological price point should be one hundred million."

"Alright, I have no more questions."

Chen Tao was persuaded, or rather, he was defeated by the benefits.

Every department at Shanhe Media receives commissions based on departmental revenue, and each project team separately receives a share based on team revenue.

Since the revenue from If You Are The One will become less and less, the team's revenue will also decline accordingly.

Since Jiangsu Province TV is willing to pay a high price for a buyout, then he might as well take this huge bonus and lead the team to put their energy into a new variety show.

"Rest assured, I won't let your team sit idle. Once the remaining episodes of If You Are The One are finished, you will take your team and work with Vice President Zhang to be in charge of the I Am a Singer project. Do you have any problems?"

Wei Jin said to Chen Tao; over this past month, Zhang Yipei and the planning team had already perfected the Singer project, and it was time to launch it.

"No, there are no problems at all. Thank you, President Wei."

Chen Tao hurriedly stood up, looking at Wei Jin with gratitude in his eyes. With such a pie falling from the sky, how could he not catch it immediately?

The team leaders of the other few variety show projects also looked at Chen Tao with envy. With the copyright of If You Are The One selling for a high price and immediately taking over a new variety show, this guy's luck was too good.

Wei Jin generally does not interfere with the project assignments of the Variety Department. The reason he designated Chen Tao to be in charge this time was also because he felt that cutting off a variety show that was still profitable would somewhat affect his team's performance, so he took the opportunity to give him a boost.

"Alright, today's meeting ends here. Vice President Zhang, please launch it as soon as possible; Mango TV is already impatient, haha."

"Understood, President Wei."

Second update today (End of chapter)