Chapter 189: A Grand Gesture, But It Costs Extra! (Please Subscribe)

Given Wu Feng's reputation and strength at this time, the Ma Brothers of the *Oriental Daily News* were easy to persuade.

Perhaps the Ma Brothers had significantly more cash flow in their hands than Wu Feng, yet they truly dared not offend him, not to mention that this was a great opportunity to make the *Oriental Daily News* sell even better.

He only briefly introduced the benefits of joining forces and the things the *Oriental Daily News* needed to do, and the Ma Brothers agreed quite readily.

To put it bluntly, the Ma Brothers really felt a bit guilty in front of Wu Feng.

Throughout Hong Kong, there was no telling how many pairs of eyes were fixed on them.

Should they reveal any flaws or handles, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Who wouldn't covet the massive cash flow in the Ma Brothers' hands?

If it weren't for the *Oriental Daily News* having considerable momentum and growing fame, someone would have likely lost their patience and made a move long ago.

As far as Wu Feng knew, the Ma Brothers at this time did not have the protection of the Ma family's peak-era power.

With the cooperation of the *Oriental Daily News*, it was much easier to persuade the other top-tier newspapers.

The logic was simple: if all the other top-tier newspapers in Hong Kong were participating, wouldn't it be too unsociable for your house alone not to join?

If there were truly a chance to take a step further, wouldn't it be a waste to miss the opportunity for nothing?

Ahem, *Ming Pao* did not get involved, and Wu Feng did not force them.

Once the Beauty Pageant begins, one can only hope *Ming Pao* doesn't regret it.

Asia Television started its promotion, and it soon attracted the attention of many viewers.

At this time, various syndicates, using their nightclubs as units, successively signed up the high-quality young ladies they had selected.

Of course, it was certainly not names like "Little Red" or "Ah Feng," but proper, formal names.

If they felt the names didn't sound good or lacked reach, they could be changed; just like with Dehua, his birth name Liu Furong was indeed a bit rustic and unremarkable.

Asia Television, Chairman's office.

"Wusheng, isn't this move a bit too big?"

Program Director Li Zhuanglie said helplessly: "And the expenses are quite staggering. It's just a beauty pageant; is such a grand gesture necessary?"

"If we don't do this, what will we use to attract viewers to this beauty pageant?"

Wu Feng's tone was indifferent as he retorted: "If we followed the Miss Asia model, how many eye-catching contestants could we pick?"

"Besides, my goal in holding this beauty pageant is to surpass Miss Asia and Miss Hong Kong!"

"I also agree with Wusheng's idea, but training every single contestant requires too much manpower and material resources, and Asia Television doesn't have that many hands!"

Li Zhuanglie gave a wry smile: "If we don't end up making a name for ourselves in the end, wouldn't we become a laughingstock?"

That's right, Wu Feng had made such a grand gesture this time that it gave Li Zhuanglie quite a shock.

"If we don't do this, what watchability does the beauty pageant have left?"

Wu Feng was also speechless; he hadn't thought it through so carefully before.

It was only when it came time to operate that he realized the problem was too big.

Most of the high-quality ladies in the nightclubs came from ordinary backgrounds and had no talent to speak of.

This wasn't the later generations, where even families from small counties would spend a lot to have their children learn certain talents—this is the so-called 'starting line.'

Wu Feng didn't know if the children of ordinary Hong Kong residents at that time were the same.

However, as the main force of the beauty pageant, if these high-quality nightclub ladies didn't have some talent performances, it would truly be unwatchable.

Therefore, Wu Feng proposed that Asia Television step in to provide the official contestants with a certain period of training.

It wasn't just talent; if they had other specialties, they could also be urgently cultivated.

This content could completely serve as a gimmick and behind-the-scenes footage for the beauty pageant, and its fresh format would be enough to attract many viewers; Wu Feng was quite confident about this.

Of course, if he wanted to do it this way, the cost would certainly be staggering.

And the manpower required was no joke, which was why Li Zhuanglie was so opposed to it.

"This..."

Li Zhuanglie was speechless; even for the Miss Asia pageant, one had to highlight the contestants' talents or abilities, otherwise, what would there be to attract viewers to watch? It wouldn't have any watchability.

If it were really just a competition of beauty, the top ladies in the nightclubs were not even inferior to those big stars.

But could the weight of the two be the same?

Although the main force of this beauty pageant was indeed the high-quality ladies from nightclubs in the Yau Tsim Mong area, the television station couldn't just report that openly, or what would the station become?

"Don't worry about the training expenses on the television station's side!"

Wu Feng's mind raced, and he had already thought of a partial solution: "I already have some solutions, but for the number of training instructors, the station will need to step in and recruit them temporarily!"

"If there's no problem with the funding, recruiting training instructors won't be difficult!"

Li Zhuanglie was happy at first, then said solemnly: "The talent training Wusheng mentioned is only a temporary, simple training; there is no shortage of instructors for this!"

"Oh, does the television station have enough people to film the contestants' performance during the training period as material?"

Wu Feng made his request: "This is quite novel, and I'm sure the audience will love to watch it!"

"As for that, the station isn't short of hands!"

Li Zhuanglie gave a wry smile: "It's just that it might affect the normal production of other programs!"

"Pay enough overtime!"

Wu Feng said nonchalantly: "The station doesn't need to force employees to stay for overtime, but for those willing to stay, you must pay enough overtime; they'll be working hard during this period!"

"If that's the case, then there's no problem!"

Li Zhuanglie said without thinking: "It's just that filming the contestants' training content might be fresh at first, but it will get boring after a long time, right!"

The salaries of Asia Television employees were not low to begin with, and if overtime was paid according to the rules, many employees would be willing to stay; there was no doubt about that.

Following Wu Feng's method, they could probably earn half a year's wages by grinding for two or three months; anyone who wasn't willing would have to be out of their mind.

"The contestants aren't wooden blocks!"

Wu Feng didn't care at all and chuckled: "Every once in a while, we can let the contestants undergoing training show off what they've learned, right!"

This sort of thing, in later generations, there were truly too many idol training programs.

When contestants participate in a Beauty Pageant, what they want is fame!

No matter what kind of fame it is, it is a good thing for them.

Once it passes through Wu Feng's various channels for monetizing traffic and is converted into a solid, golden cow of Hong Kong Dollars, that is what truly attracts the contestants; I fear the audience will love watching it too.

There is no need to say these things out loud.

As the most critical link, the television station can be said to bear a heavy responsibility.

"Alright then, the television station can give it a try!"

Li Zhuanglie nodded helplessly: "Can we start expanding the publicity now?"

"Not yet, let's promote it for a while longer!"

Wu Feng waved his hand and said: "Also, explain the talent training matter clearly, so as not to cause any misunderstandings!"

Seeing Li Zhuanglie nod to indicate he understood, he then continued: "The so-called talent training is not just about singing and dancing, but also sports and fitness, as well as the excavation of other special talents!"

"For these, it is best to let the contestants prepare themselves mentally from the very beginning; let's set the duration at three months!"

"That's such a long time, will there be contestants who can't take it?"

Li Zhuanglie was startled and hesitated: "Are we going to conduct closed-off training for everyone?"

"We will conduct half a month of closed-off training each time, and the other half of the month will be handled according to a normal work schedule; that should be fine, right!"

Wu Feng smiled: "Of course, the necessary binding clauses must be explained to the contestants in advance so they know what to expect, so it doesn't lead to any unpleasantness in the end!"

"With three months of training, there will definitely be some results; at the very least, it shows we aren't just going through the motions. The television station's attitude is crucial!"

Li Zhuanglie had nothing to say and could only nod to indicate he understood.

"But if we do this, will it affect the second 'Infinite Fighting Tournament'?"

"I don't care about that; Director Li, you need to handle it properly. With so many people at the television station, it's impossible that you really can't manage it all!"

Speaking to this point, Wu Feng smiled quite subtly and swept a faint glance at Li Zhuanglie without continuing the topic; he believed Li Zhuanglie was a smart man.

"Rest assured, Wusheng, I will definitely coordinate it well!"

Li Zhuanglie realized it instantly; he was depressed in his heart but kept giving assurances with his mouth.

It seems some programs will have to be ruthlessly cut.

The premise of not wanting to offend colleagues is that it does not affect one's own interests.

But it was very clear that if he didn't take some action, it was estimated that his position as Program Production Director might have problems, and that was his core interest.

Not to mention how Li Zhuanglie struggled within the television station, Wu Feng contacted Jing Kun.

Once the situation was explained, this guy also felt his scalp tingle.

"Indeed, a beauty pageant cannot just compare faces and figures!"

He also understood this principle and smiled bitterly: "Without going through some training, I fear they really won't be presentable!"

"At the very least, if put on a television program, it might really be embarrassing!"

"Therefore, my meaning is very simple!"

Wu Feng said directly: "If the major syndicates want to push people, then bring out real money!"

"I'm worried these guys won't be willing!"

Jing Kun said with distress: "It's already uncertain whether the ladies from my subordinates participating in the Beauty Pageant will have any results!"

"Before that, having to bring out real money as training fees is very difficult!"

"I don't care about that!"

Wu Feng chuckled: "You can tell those syndicate Big Brothers directly that if they are willing to pay, the television station will increase the exposure. As long as the ladies they push forward are capable themselves, it won't be difficult to gather a certain amount of popularity!"

"As soon as a contestant has a certain level of popularity, I will start the sales mode on my end!"

Speaking to this point, he paused and smiled: "With the example of the 'Infinite Fighting Tournament' right there, I believe they will make the right choice. Of course, if they aren't willing, I won't force them!"

"I've already given them the opportunity; if they can't grasp it, that's not my business. We just need to get all the benefits we are due; why worry about so much?"

"You're something, kid!"

Jing Kun was speechless and said gloomily: "So, since it's not you negotiating with those syndicate Big Brothers, you can stand there and talk without feeling the pain. But since things have reached this point, it can only be like this!"

Changing the subject, he smiled wickedly: "Qiankun Film and Television Company has recruited some actresses who will all participate in the Beauty Pageant; you'd better take care of them!"

"What about the ladies in your territory? Don't you have any ideas?"

"I've left this matter to my Underlings to handle; it depends on their own abilities!"

Jing Kun spread his hands: "I have thousands of Underlings and hundreds of ladies in my nightclubs; how could I possibly keep track of them all!"

"When the time comes, just point out the ones you want to focus on, and I will arrange it properly!"

Wu Feng waved his hand: "Of course, the person herself must be worthy; the television station can't be too blatant, it would really affect our reputation!"

"You don't need to worry about that!"

Jing Kun snorted coldly: "There are countless female stars who want to be in Qiankun Film and Television Company's productions right now!"

"If I didn't want to cultivate my own people, why would I go through all this trouble?"

The words sounded high-sounding, but wasn't it just wanting to compress film production costs?

From the very beginning, Qiankun Film and Television was imitating the methods of Fengrui Film and Television. Except for the types of films shot being slightly different, the rest of the work models and processes were almost identical.

The results were naturally quite good!

Qiankun Film and Television basically hadn't lost money yet, and this was the best example.

Fengrui Film and Television had its own artist department, cultivating its own stars through self-produced films.

Qiankun Film and Television was relatively lagging in this aspect; at the beginning, to save costs, they used ladies from the nightclubs in their territory, which could be considered playing themselves.

But by now, the situation was already very different.

Qiankun Film and Television started producing other types of films, so they couldn't keep using nightclub ladies.

Jing Kun did not mind this, but it was a pity that there were too few performance-oriented talents among the nightclub hostesses.

He could not possibly use proper, serious movies to cultivate talent, could he?

Because of this, he thought about learning from Fengrui Film and Television to establish his own artist department and cultivate his own stars.

As it happened, Wu Feng was about to launch a major beauty pageant, so Jing Kun thought about having the film company's newly signed artists participate in the competition to accumulate some fame.

In fact, they could even undergo training in acting skills through the training classes organized by the television stations right now.

Whether it was the famous Wireless Artist Training Class or Asia Television's own artist training class, the actual time spent on acting training was not very long; three months was enough to graduate.

Pure acting training, excluding other aspects of film and television knowledge, was just that simple.

Wu Feng could not be bothered to care about Jing Kun's idea of using someone else's chicken to lay eggs; since the television station had built the platform, the contestants participating in the beauty pageant would have the opportunity to receive training, and that was just how it was.

In fact, the beauty pageant that Asia Television had put together by this time had already deviated from its original intention.

How could a large-scale beauty pageant led by a television station only allow nightclub hostesses from the Yau Tsim Mong district to participate? If that got out, would the television station still have any face left?

Therefore, this large-scale beauty pageant was completely open to the entire Hong Kong and Macau region.

Wu Feng wanted to use this to make a huge profit while also creating a hit program, so naturally, the more momentum he built, the better; otherwise, how could he attract those second-generation rich kids and wealthy people to actively participate?

If he could induce them to spend large amounts of Hong Kong Dollar on their girlfriends or opposite-sex "friends" who were competing, that would be even better; there were simply too many profit points in it.

(End of this chapter)