Chapter 99: A Trip to Shanghai

The Magnolia Award, full name the Shanghai Television Magnolia Award.

Together with the Huaxia Television Feitian Award and the Huaxia Television Golden Eagle Award, it is known as one of the three major awards for Huaxia television dramas.

The threshold for the awards is also very high; 150 expert judges were specifically invited, and combined with external internet data, a completely fair, just, and open judging method was adopted, basically relying on the actors' acting standards and the quality of the works to select the final awards.

However, absolute fairness is very difficult; wherever there are people, there is a world of intrigue. One must know that even the Oscar and the European Big Three can be lobbied.

The Magnolia Award represents the official backing of Shanghai and is also the facade of the Shanghai Circle, though for some reason, there are an unusually large number of foreign films nominated for this year's Magnolia.

However, as a phenomenal hit, Wei Jin believes that *Lurking* will definitely have a harvest tonight, relying on its super high ratings and social impact.

Shanghai Television broadcast hall.

Wei Jin brought the *Lurking* crew to the scene, immediately causing a burst of exclamations.

The media reporters at the scene pointed their long lenses and short cannons at Wei Jin and the others one after another. It could be seen that the main focus was on Ceng Li; after all, *My Love from the Star* was still airing, and it was truly too popular.

After accepting a round of interviews from media reporters, they finally managed to enter the inner venue and sat in the front-row seats arranged by the organizers.

"Li Jie, you are truly beautiful tonight; you simply outshine everyone present. Those foreign actresses aren't even fit to carry your shoes."

Wei Jin looked at Ceng Li beside him; in a cyan evening gown, the skin beneath her neckline was as fair as frost and snow, glowing with whiteness, making it hard not to attract attention.

"You have a glib tongue, only knowing how to coax me. It's not as exaggerated as you say."

Although Ceng Li gave a feigned reproach, she could not hide the sweetness on her face, very much enjoying Wei Jin's praise.

"By the way, how is the recording of Liu Yan's new show going?"

After their trip to Cannes, the relationship between Ceng Li and Liu Yan had become increasingly close, so she asked with some concern: "It's almost there, it should be broadcast by the end of the month, I believe that after this show, she will be able to gain a firm foothold in the hosting circle."

*Boys and Girls Rush Forward* has been recording for a week and has not yet been broadcast. The production of variety shows usually involves recording more in the early stages to save up enough broadcast duration, and then starting to record while broadcasting.

"That's good, she should be very happy to be able to do the career she likes."

Ceng Li highly agreed with Wei Jin's arrangement; everyone's path is different, as long as one is happy and likes it.

"Li Jie, I don't like hearing that. She is very happy by my side, every night..."

Wei Jin's expression was somewhat playful as he leaned close to Ceng Li's ear and said:

"Oh my, you're impossible. Who told you these things? You never have a serious moment all day."

The two were laughing and joking, completely disregarding Sun Honglei sitting to the side, making "Huaqiang" look embarrassed.

"Wei Jin, you kid, pay attention, it's starting soon."

As the director of this drama, Teacher Jiang Wei naturally also arrived at the scene, and seeing that the awards ceremony was about to begin, he couldn't help but give a reminder.

Hearing this, Wei Jin restrained himself a little, and soon, as the host took the stage, the awards ceremony officially began.

The hosts of the Magnolia Award tonight are Chen Chen and Lin Hai, which is also the top hosting configuration of Shanghai Television.

Tonight, *Lurking* won five major awards, including Best Television Drama, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Actress.

As the proceedings continued, Wei Jin noticed that Sun Honglei's breathing beside him was a bit rapid, his fists clenching and unclenching.

It could be seen that Brother Huaqiang, this old veteran, was also a bit nervous, and Wei Jin patted him on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, Brother Honglei, there will definitely be a harvest tonight."

Hearing this, Sun Honglei also felt a bit self-deprecating; he had debuted for so many years, how could he still not be as open-minded as a young man.

Relatively speaking, Ceng Li's performance was much better, after all, she was someone who had already won a Cannes Best Actress.

The most relaxed was naturally Wei Jin, leaning back in his chair, legs crossed, posture dashing, his expression as usual.

Finally, it was time for the major award presentation segment.

"Nominated for the Best Screenplay Award are: Wei Jin for *Lurking*, Stefan Kolditz for *Dresden*, Sandro Petraglia and Stefano Rulli for *La meglio gioventù*, Zhang Bing for *Men on the Road*, and Stephen Butchard and Dierk Enders for *Comet*."

The host kept them in suspense, opened the small slip of paper, glanced at it, and then continued: "This is a story about faith. Different from the past use of grand narratives to describe mainstream themes, it uses language that is extremely life-oriented and realistic to shape characters. Congratulations to Wei Jin for *Lurking*, winning the Best Screenplay Award!"

The cameras at the scene turned, and Wei Jin wore a smile; his calm and composed appearance had quite a bit of the demeanor of a general.

After hugging his colleagues from the crew one by one, Wei Jin walked onto the stage. After a round of thank-you platitudes without any substance, Wei Jin returned to his seat. He himself was not keen on winning awards, and perhaps he was more or less clear about his own worth, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

However, everyone did not think so; they only thought the young man was not arrogant or impetuous. Countless gazes from the scene converged on him; the achievements Wei Jin had currently attained were truly too dazzling.

The love in the corners of Ceng Li's eyes was clearly revealed. Although she knew Wei Jin's talent, Li Jie still felt honored that Wei Jin was recognized.

*Lurking* being able to stand out among a crowd of foreign crews made the faces of the audience at the scene show a few more smiles.

The subsequent competition for Best Actress did not exceed Wei Jin's expectations.

"Nominated for the Best Actress are:

Aglaia Szyszkowitz for *The Truth Under 1200°*,

Kelly Macdonald for *The Girl in the Café*,

Felicitas Woll for *Dresden*,

Emma Lung for *The Dilemma*, Ceng Li for *Lurking*."

Among the string of foreign names, Ceng Li was prominently listed, and the screen also played classic clips from several television dramas.

The nominees in the audience were all a bit nervous; it seems foreigners cannot avoid being conventional either.

Ceng Li was quite calm, not because she didn't care, but because she trusted Wei Jin's judgment.

Soon, the award presenter revealed the suspense:

"The winner is, Ceng Li for *Lurking*!"

Hearing this, Ceng Li stood up elegantly holding her skirt, and after hugging Wei Jin, she walked slowly onto the stage.

"Thank you Magnolia, thank you to the judges for the affirmation."

Ceng Li held the trophy in her hand, and while she was still speaking, she thought of the scene of winning the award at Cannes; all of this was brought to her by Wei Jin.

"Thank you Director Jiang Wei for your guidance, thank you Brother Honglei for taking care of me in the crew, thank you to all the members of the crew, and finally, I want to thank Wei Jin. Being able to know you is my luck."

Ceng Li's speech was generous and appropriate, unhurried, making everyone in the audience nod one after another, secretly saying that she is worthy of being a Cannes Best Actress, her aura is indeed powerful.

"Will *Lurking* sweep the Magnolia tonight?"

"It is indeed possible, after all, it is last year's ratings champion, a phenomenal mainstream television drama that even the official media personally stepped in to praise."

"Take a look, the organizers invited so many foreign production teams; it's impossible to let them go home empty-handed."

The reporters in the audience whispered among themselves; they had assumed this year's Magnolia Award might belong to the foreign teams, but unexpectedly, *Lurking* had already saved face for domestic television dramas with two consecutive major awards.

The subsequent Best Actor Award was indeed presented to Sun Honglei of *Lurking*.

When the answer was finally revealed, Brother Huaqiang was actually no longer nervous, appearing very composed on stage; after all, he was a veteran who had been in the industry for over a decade.

Unfortunately, the subsequent Best Director award slipped through the fingers of Jiang Wei, being presented to Henrik Volor from Germany for *Speer and Hitler*, while the Jury Grand Prix was awarded to the British film *The Girl in the Café*, which at least left some face for the international friends who had traveled from afar.

"It is a great honor for me to present the Gold Award for Best Television Drama."

The presenter was somewhat excited and, with a smile, read out the name: "Wei Jin, *Lurking*!"

The venue erupted in thunderous applause; everyone was exclaiming in wonder. By sweeping the four major awards—Best Actor, Best Actress, Oscar Best Screenplay, and the Gold Award for Best Television Drama—*Lurking* was undoubtedly the biggest winner of the night.

After the awards ceremony concluded, Wei Jin exchanged pleasantries with the organizers and some of the jurors before departing.

The next day, Wei Jin met with the primary target of this Shanghai trip.

"President Wang, long time no see. I hope you have been well."

"President Wei, please sit. Congratulations; *Lurking* has truly swept the board this time."

Although Wang Wei was not in the film and television industry, the news about *Lurking* sweeping the Magnolia Awards was already flying everywhere today, so it was not strange for him to offer congratulations.

"You are too kind, President Wang. It is all thanks to the favor of the judges."

Wei Jin exchanged polite remarks before stating his purpose.

"Regarding the financing, I would like for you to hear my proposal."

"So you mean Sina has already agreed to invest? If that is the case, it is indeed a better choice."

After hearing Wei Jin's proposal, Wang Wei had to admit that the resources Sina possessed were absolutely a great choice for Tudou.

The two then began to negotiate the financing amount and the equity to be transferred, eventually reaching an agreement.

Tudou would transfer 25% of its shares to be claimed by the second-round investors, with a financing amount of 10 million USD.

After the adjustment, Wei Jin held 35% of Tudou's shares, Sina held 10%, and Wang Wei held 55%.

After the agreement was reached, Wei Jin called over his legal counsel and signed an additional agreement to hand over to Wang Wei.

"President Wei, you... you are..."

Wang Wei looked at the acting-in-concert agreement in his hands, feeling quite moved.

"President Wang, I just want to tell you that while we may not have been dealing with each other for long and you may not know my character well, I am investing more in you as a person. So, please trust me; this is my sincerity."

From the earlier negotiations, Wei Jin had already discovered that Wang Wei was very wary of the shares he held, so this agreement was to show him that he would never interfere with the company's operations.

"President Wei, thank you for your trust. Please also believe that I will never let down my investors."

Wang Wei was truly moved. Where else could one find a shareholder who was generous with money, could bring in resources, and yet would not interfere with the company's operations? This time, he truly had no more doubts about Wei Jin.

Afterward, Wang Wei insisted on taking Wei Jin out for a meal to express his gratitude, and Wei Jin readily agreed.

During the meal, the two exchanged ideas, and Wei Jin offered quite a few suggestions, including the mass purchase of television drama copyrights.

He remembered that the major video websites that emerged later engaged in copyright price wars, spending a significant amount on this expenditure. Now, taking advantage of the fact that competitors had not yet reacted and that the price of online copyrights for television dramas was extremely cheap—basically dirt cheap—was absolutely a huge first-mover advantage.

Subsequently, he clearly stated that future financing should proceed according to plan and that he would provide full support. After these words, Wang Wei was nearly ready to pull him aside to kowtow and become sworn brothers. The new book is online, this is the second update today; I humbly request all readers to provide subscriptions and bookmarks. Thank you all!

(End of chapter)