Chapter 800: Taking over ByteDance shares

Emperor Motion Picture clearly has self-knowledge, and there are quite a few clever tricks.

At noon, they scheduled *Cook Up a Storm*, starring Nicholas Tse, Tiffany Tang, and Michelle Bai, for February 10th, the second half of the Spring Festival slot, hoping to eat some soup and water.

After all, if they moved the release date earlier, let alone eating the soup and water overflowing from the Spring Festival film market, that would be courting death and being cannon fodder.

"You mean, Mani Fok brought Bai Bing over to audition for *Dying to Survive*?"

"Mm, that's right, she even greeted me when she saw me just now. Looking at her intention, she still wants to meet Lin Dao, to see if there are any human relationships to walk, so as to buy insurance."

Yue Jun teased Lin Nan and Liu Yifei with a smile. In his opinion, actually, Bai Bing playing that role is also okay.

Because with Bai Bing's appearance and figure, mixing in bars and nightclubs in the film, relying on dancing to support a terminally ill daughter is very convincing.

The most important point is that Emperor Motion Picture is a long-time old friend and partner of their own company, so the fat water doesn't flow to outsiders.

"I remember she seems to have a daughter herself? Thinking about it this way, it is indeed possible to audition for that role."

Liu Yifei's long eyelashes fluttered gently, looking at Lin Nan with a serious thinking expression, "In terms of acting skills, it is completely possible to substitute real emotional feelings."

Lin Nan could hear that Liu Yifei was considering this issue for him from the perspective of company interests and human relationships.

"Let's see how Chairman Han and Jia choose. If they choose her, or if she is among the candidates, I am of course willing to give Emperor Motion Picture face." Lin Nan smiled; he indeed couldn't be an exception.

At the same time, *Dying to Survive* audition scene.

Standing in front of Han Jia, Han Sanping, and Jiang Xuerou was Tan Chao, who had just finished auditioning. Although not from a professional class, her resume was quite good.

She was chosen by Lou Ye and participated in *Spring Fever* to enter the industry. Of course, this film was directly banned by the bureau, the kind that dies when seen.

The reason: Lou Young Master was in the period of being banned from directing, filming on location in the mainland without permission, and it was a same-sex, large-scale theme; took it to Cannes to participate in the competition without permission, and publicly bombarded and attacked the Film Bureau in front of foreign media...

"*Mr. Tree*, produced by Jia Zhangke and produced by Ren Zhonglun; *Cock and Bull*, produced by Lin Nan Pictures and directed by Cao Baoping..."

Han Sanping read the resume with interest; although he hated Lou Ye, he wouldn't implicate the "Lou Girl."

"Acting skills are no problem, can you dance? The kind that is enchanting, like pole dancing?" Han Jia sized up Tan Chao's appearance and figure, and asked bluntly; she felt that the other party could be on standby.

This question made Tan Chao a bit embarrassed, and she answered a bit apologetically: "I haven't learned to dance."

"That means you still have to learn a little, there are quite a few shots in the play." Han Jia's ambiguous words made Tan Chao's heart beat faster; is there a chance?

"Alright, there will be staff notifying you of the audition results later." Jiang Xuerou said at the right time; the meaning was very clear: you can leave.

"Thank you Chairman Han, Director Han, Director Jiang, then I'll go out first." They are all smart people, Tan Chao immediately bowed and said goodbye.

Five minutes later, when Mani Fok led Bai Bing in, Han Sanping smiled helplessly; old acquaintances!

"You guys are really important! Does Emperor Motion Picture not have agents and assistants anymore? You, the director and big housekeeper, were sent out?" Han Sanping spoke first, teasing.

"Chairman Han is joking, isn't it because Bai Bing is the only actor of mainland nationality under Emperor Motion Picture, so of course we have to attach importance to it. Chairman Yang asked me to send his greetings to you, and also to Screenwriter Han and Director Jiang, good morning."

A brief exchange of pleasantries, and the atmosphere at the scene changed instantly. Anyway, the distance between the two sides was directly pulled in by a large margin.

Ten minutes later, the audition ended.

Han Jia miraculously discovered that this Bai Bing was also very suitable! At least in terms of appearance, she was the most outstanding; and she had a daughter, so emotional scenes were very easily substituted.

After Mani Fok led Bai Bing away, the three in the conference room discussed it. To be precise, it was about the deliberation of the role.

"In all fairness, this role has quite a lot of scenes, but it's not heavy. The acting requirements are not high, after all, the core of the story is not on her." Han Sanping said with a hint.

"Dad, you can just say you want to set this actor, and you're still paving the way." Han Jia rolled her eyes, performing another "father-kind-daughter-filial" scene.

"To be honest, I also think it's okay to give it to her." Jiang Xuerou smiled and stepped down, and Third Master Han put away the black face of looking at the "leaky little cotton-padded jacket."

"When there are several actors suitable for a role, the importance of human relationships and interpersonal relationships is reflected.

When I was still the vice chairman and general manager, Yang Shoucheng was the Hong Kong capital that leaned towards the mainland earliest, which is also the reason why only Emperor Motion Picture is flourishing in the mainland on the Hong Kong side."

"You can just say that Chairman Yang has been flattering you and surrendering to you from a long time ago, and that's it. Is it necessary to be so complicated? And even reminiscing.

Before, when I was at China Film Group and at home, I didn't see less of Chairman Yang smiling at you, this is really a long time, and the friendship is deep!"

Han Jia said with disdain again, but she was also affirming her father's status in the world, so there was a smile on Han Sanping's face.

"Give you face, just her. As for acting skills, that's Lin Dao's job; if the on-the-spot performance doesn't work, he'll go and train her."

"I'm also selling Yang Shoucheng a face. In addition, you have to know, adding an actor from a Hong Kong company is also 'correct'!"

Watching Third Master Han "teaching" Han Jia without any avoidance, Jiang Xuerou kept a low profile. Of course, she was indeed inclined to give the role to Emperor Motion Picture.

November ended, and the film market entered the last month of this year amidst "vigorous" excitement.

At 9:30 AM, the stock prices of Enlight, Emperor Motion Picture, China Film Group, and Shanghai Film Group, with the explosion of the 232 million box office data on the third day of *Operation Meigonghe*'s release, also started the Nth consecutive day of opening red!

Among the four listed companies, Enlight's rise was the most fierce. Because it is not only the producer of *Operation Meigonghe*, but also the exclusive distributor of the film.

"This is the most correct development model for listed companies in the film and television industry, the stock price is determined by the box office and profit!"

"788 million box office in 3 days, simply terrifying."

"I heard the cost was only 200 million, is that true, Chairman Ren?"

At the premiere ceremony of *Sword Master*, Tsui Hark, as the executive producer, looked at Ren Zhonglun with a smile and asked.

"Mm, the cost is 200 million, and it has already started to make a profit on the third day of release." Ren Zhonglun was in a good mood and responded directly.

They saw Wang Zhonglei, Yu Dong, and others on the side, with traces of envy flashing in their eyes, but vaguely with some resentment, heartache, and unwillingness.

Similarly, Tsui Hark and Derek Yee were also envious; there is no one who doesn't like money, and for directors, this kind of terrifying box office is even more fascinating!

Only Zhang Qiang from Alibaba smiled and didn't take it seriously, didn't care at all, and even put eye drops, "Didn't invite Lin Dao today? Why don't you see his figure? Or is it not giving face?"

Hearing this, Ren Zhonglun immediately lost his good face.

Yu Dong hurriedly explained, "Two days ago, Director Yue had already notified me that Lin Dao really couldn't come today because Weibo is holding a shareholders' meeting."

"Alibaba is also a shareholder of Weibo, don't you know?" Wang Changtian walked over and retorted unpleasantly.

"It seems that the original shareholders are holding a meeting, while Alibaba entered later, not an original shareholder. Should not have been notified, right?! Haha..." Ren Zhonglun directly added a knife.

Sure enough, Zhang Qiang lost his good face, but he still supported a smile:

"Alibaba really wasn't notified. However, for Bona's financing banquet in the evening, I don't know if Lin Dao will come? Don't let a shareholders' meeting open from morning to night."

Regarding this question, Yu Dong was also speechless, because Lin Nan didn't give a clear statement whether he would come or not, "Should come."

While *Sword Master* was continuing its lively premiere ceremony, Weibo was a bit "desolate."

In the small conference room, Lin Nan had been drinking tea for ten minutes, but the main topic hadn't started yet; all original shareholders or shareholder representatives and a group of executives were waiting for Cao Guozhia.

When the last notice was given the day before yesterday, they were specifically told not to be late, but at this moment he was delayed for more than ten minutes, saying he was answering a call from Chairman Zhou.

"Sorry, everyone, there was indeed an important matter delayed just now, but it is also about the main business of today's meeting."

Suddenly, the office door opened, and Cao Guozhia walked in with big strides, saying sorry repeatedly.

"Chairman Cao, since it's handled, shall we start?" A shareholder suggested.

"Mm, good. Send out the prepared documents." After Cao Guozhia took his seat, he immediately ordered the secretary.

Not long after, they saw that on the rectangular conference table, there was a data report in front of everyone, which was all the conflicts and disputes between Weibo and the ByteDance system over the past year or so.

"I believe everyone has heard a little bit about today's theme. Because Weibo has their shares and invested in them, some things are very troublesome to handle.

Now there are more and more places where both sides compete, and it has reached the point where they take the initiative to grab food from Weibo's mouth, and even if they take one more bite, we will take one less.

Therefore, I plan to sell all the ByteDance shares owned by Weibo, so that once there is a head-on conflict and competition later, we won't be tied up, and we can let go and do it..."

"Chairman Cao, let me say a word, the development prospect over there is very good, why can't our two companies cooperate for a win-win?"

"Hehe, cooperate for a win-win? This is the funniest proposal I've heard this year. It's impossible to cooperate; it's impossible on my side, and Zhang Yiming is not willing on that side either, neither side will back down..."

The arguments in the conference room rose, and Lin Nan also understood the intention of Cao Guozhia's special ventilation with him before—there were quite a few people who opposed him.

Although he is a big shareholder, Lin Nan remained silent throughout, and just voted when necessary.

After more than half an hour of arguing, Cao Guozhia was tired; the process had reached this point and didn't need to go on; arguing with them was just respecting the shares in their hands.

"Vote to decide. Shareholders who support me selling all ByteDance shares, please raise your hands."

As Cao Guozhia's words fell, Lin Nan responded first. The group of opposing shareholders looked at him belatedly. They were played!

Lin Nan's support, plus Sina's shares and Cao Guozhia's own, still need to vote? This doesn't even need to count the few small shareholders who support Cao Guozhia!

"Hahaha, thank you Lin Dao for your support, then this matter is settled. Today I will have people notify ByteDance, and release the words..."

"Chairman Cao, can I ask, how many ByteDance shares do we have?"

Lin Nan's voice interrupted Cao Guozhia's words, and everyone looked at him suspiciously, including Cao Guozhia.

The latter frowned, his eyes with scrutiny, and finally tentatively asked: "Does Lin Dao have any ideas?"

Lin Nan did not deny it, but nodded with a smile, "There are some ideas. I think if you want to sell, why not sell to me?

Weibo wants to completely disconnect from ByteDance, and transferring it to me doesn't affect this result, right? And I can also become a link and buffer between the two companies, in case there is a chance for both sides to cooperate in the future..."

For Lin Nan's "request," Cao Guozhia had no objection; selling to anyone is selling. He nodded with a smile and said:

"That's fine, although there was an agreement signed before, the object of selling shares needs to be recognized by ByteDance, but Lin Dao, you are an original shareholder of Weibo, this can also be considered an alternative 'internal digestion,' should be no problem."

"Then how much is it?" Lin Nan asked impatiently.

"1.2%."

"So little?" Lin Nan was stunned, and said it subconsciously.

"Lin Dao, it's actually not little." Speaking of this, Cao Guozhia looked at the other shareholders present: "Since our main business has been discussed, I won't delay everyone's time, we can adjourn. Lin Dao, go to my office and chat."

Hearing the "order to evict guests," everyone got up. Don't want us to listen, we are too lazy to participate!

Five minutes later, Lin Nan sat on the sofa in Cao Guozhia's office, and the latter also continued to explain:

"ByteDance is a bit special, every financing is an invitation-based financing. In the C-round financing in June the year before last, they took out 20% of the shares and raised 100 million US dollars, Weibo only got 1.2%, and other big heads were taken by financial institutions... The market value over there should be around 10 billion US dollars at present.

Lin Dao, I said this to tell you that there are many, many shareholders in ByteDance, 1.2% is really not little;

And Zhang Yiming is very confident, he said the year before last that in the future financing, the shares released will never exceed 10%, because ByteDance will definitely not be short of money by then!

In addition, Lin Dao, do you know why I moved this meeting to today?"

"Why?"

Lin Nan didn't understand very well. But through Cao Guozhia's words, he heard a piece of information: in two and a half years, ByteDance's market valuation skyrocketed from 500 million US dollars to 10 billion US dollars!

"On the 30th of this month, it is the D-round financing over there, only releasing 9% of the shares, still invitation-based.

Therefore, Weibo must set the matter of selling shares in advance, so that I can communicate with that side: D-round financing, Weibo exits, doesn't follow."

"So, I need to deal with the problem of 1.2% equity being diluted on the 30th, and continue to invest money?" Lin Nan said with a smile.

"That's right."

Cao Guozhia nodded; he has known Lin Nan for 7 years, and can be considered an old friend. He will remind him of what should be reminded; anyway, Weibo is definitely going to withdraw from ByteDance.

"Alright, I'll follow up, I'm almost poor to death." Lin Nan said through gritted teeth, with a painful look of cutting meat.

"Lin Dao, don't pretend to be poor, no matter how much you pretend, it doesn't match the facts, haha..." Cao Guozhia pointed at Lin Nan with one hand and teased wantonly.

Suddenly, his laughter stopped abruptly, his eyes sharply staring at Lin Nan, and he said a baffling sentence: "Lin Dao, your luck is really good!"

"How to say?"

"I just remembered one thing."

"What thing?"

"Today's meeting, I entered the venue ten minutes late. Does Lin Dao know who I was talking to on the phone?"

"Who?"

"That one from 360." Cao Guozhia paused, then looked at Lin Nan's vaguely guessing eyes, and sighed:

"That's why I said Lin Dao, your luck is really good! That one also wants to clear everything, he entered during the B-round financing, it was in September 2013. If Lin Dao, you have an intention, I can help you ask..."

"Alright, then thank you so much, Chairman Cao!" Lin Nan couldn't suppress the excitement in his heart, his voice was excited, and he thanked him repeatedly.

"Does Lin Dao think highly of ByteDance?" After Cao Guozhia nodded and agreed to help, he threw another question to Lin Nan.

"If Weibo has no competition with ByteDance, would Chairman Cao sell those 1.2% shares?" Lin Nan asked as an answer.

"I know." Cao Guozhia shook his head with a smile.

"Does Chairman Cao know how many shares Chairman Zhou has?"

"How many specifically, I don't know. But it should be between 1.5% and 2%? Does Lin Dao want all of them?"

"Want all of them. *Operation Meigonghe* is making money, isn't it? This is where there is money to spend." Lin Nan nodded in response, without any concealment of his appetite.

"Also, Lin Dao, you are the most profitable director in the film and television industry, and your investments outside are not few. Wait for my news, help people to the end, I will try my best to help you get everything done before the 30th."

"Thank you, Chairman Cao." Lin Nan couldn't suppress the smile on his face, and thanked him sincerely.

... ===== CHAPTER 801 =====