Chapter 96: The Excellent Patron: A Portrait of the Women of North TV

By June, the SARS situation had improved somewhat and begun to recover.

Due to SARS, the television market flourished, and all TV stations engaged in fierce competition.

Because of the market environment, there were no absolute losers—each station's relevant data rose significantly.

Yet at the same time, a few winners reaped the greatest benefits.

For example, "Conquest."

Jinmen TV's premiere of "Conquest" ended with an average viewership rating exceeding 5.5 and a peak rating surpassing 10, ranking as high as second in its time slot.

This figure was Jinmen TV's highest-rated drama of the year, and also the highest since last year.

This meant "Conquest" was likely to become Jinmen TV's 2003 annual viewership champion.

Having tasted success, Jinmen TV almost seamlessly arranged a repeat broadcast of "Conquest" in the afternoon slot, just one day after the premiere.

Although the repeat's viewership was lower than the prime-time premiere, its performance in the same time slot was clearly better.

Not only did it remain in the top three since its debut, it also secured three consecutive first-place rankings in its time slot.

Jinmen TV's management was overjoyed—having tied for first place with CCTV and several top-tier satellite channels, even in the afternoon slot, they felt thoroughly satisfied.

During a media television interview, Jinmen TV openly stated they planned to rebroadcast "Conquest" again in the midnight slot after the current midnight drama ended.

This panicked Hebei TV, which angrily accused Jinmen of violating the code of conduct.

As a result, Hebei TV, originally scheduled to air "Conquest" in mid-June, moved its premiere forward, launching the drama in prime time just days before the end of May.

Coincidentally, "Conquest"'s primary competitor this time was "Jade Guanyin," which was wildly popular on local channels and, due to SARS, had been directly uplinked by Jingcheng TV to snatch viewership.

Perhaps because it was a repeat, "Conquest" did not perform as strongly as on Jinmen TV's premiere and was firmly overshadowed by "Jade Guanyin."

Yet its stable top-five ranking and multiple entries into the top three pleased Hebei TV, which usually ranked low.

Before the prime-time run of "Conquest" even finished, Hebei TV scheduled a repeat—directly in the second prime-time slot.

This led to Hebei TV broadcasting four consecutive episodes of "Conquest" throughout the entire evening.

Viewers finished the finale and immediately started the second run from the beginning.

Their eating habits were even worse than Jinmen TV's!

Hebei TV didn't care—they were happy because "Conquest" was popular, their reports looked good, their leaders had political achievements, and the station made money.

A poor station that usually only got scraps and broth, they had finally tasted meat—why care about manners? Fill the belly first.

Yet the consecutive repeats by both satellite stations, though somewhat exhausting "Conquest"'s potential, also made the drama wildly famous.

Media outlets compiled a list of dramas that aired during SARS.

"Conquest" ranked third, behind only "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" and "The Golden Powder Family," with "Jade Guanyin" ranking below it.

Then came "Da Zhai Men 2," "Pink Women," and "The Divine Doctor Xi Laile," which had premiered earlier in the year and been rebroadcast multiple times.

Notably, "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," which Seeing Yan Li had previously tried to piggyback on, was delayed for various reasons and missed this surge in popularity.

No one knew whether Big Beard Zhang regretted it or was relieved.

Despite the greedy behavior of Jinmen and Hebei TV, several satellite channels still came to negotiate rights for "Conquest."

Among them, Jingcheng TV offered the most sincere bid.

Perhaps they had witnessed the frenzy in Jinmen and Hebei and wanted a share, or perhaps they aimed to combine "Conquest" with "Jade Guanyin"—two hit crime dramas—to build a brand and seize the market.

In any case, Jingcheng TV's offer was high: a total of 6.2 million yuan, nearly matching the combined price paid by Jinmen and Hebei TV.

But this price came with conditions!

Jingcheng TV required Seeing Yan Li to sell the prime-time broadcast rights to only one more satellite station within three months—in other words, pay them to reduce competition.

Originally, Jingcheng TV had wanted to buy all first-run broadcast rights outright and prevent Seeing Yan Li from selling to anyone else.

But Seeing Yan Li's price had scared them off, so they settled on this clause.

Seeing Yan Li agreed.

As previously mentioned, the market was limited—no more than three or four satellite stations could air the same drama simultaneously.

Otherwise, viewership would scatter and resources would be wasted.

After the three stations in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei secured "Conquest"'s rights, most of its profits had already been divided.

Unless Seeing Yan Li dumped the rights at rock-bottom prices, few other stations would be interested.

But if he dumped them, he would enrage the three northern stations beyond repair—unless he quit the business entirely, he could never do such a foolish thing.

Thus, while Jingcheng's clause imposed a restriction, it posed little problem—Seeing Yan Li couldn't find more buyers even if he wanted to sell more.

In fact, Seeing Yan Li even used Jingcheng's clause as a tool to raise prices.

When negotiating with the final station, he clearly stated this was the last chance to acquire first-run broadcast rights—any further deals would be for second-run rights after three months, at which point they'd only get scraps.

Hunger marketing! Highest bidder wins!

Combined with the system's market probing, Seeing Yan Li successfully sold "Conquest" to Chongqing TV for 5.3 million yuan.

Three of the four direct-controlled municipalities had partnered—too bad Shanghai TV, with its large resources and audience mismatched to "Conquest"'s style, didn't join; otherwise, Seeing Yan Li might have swept all direct-controlled municipalities.

6.2 million + 5.3 million, plus the previous 7.2 million from the two satellite stations and DVD rights, totaled 18.7 million yuan.

Even after accounting for PR and tax expenses, Seeing Yan Li was now a genuine millionaire.

Not to mention "Conquest" could still earn revenue from second-run, third-run, and local channel broadcasts—though prices would plummet, he'd still bring in several million.

One "Conquest" brought Seeing Yan Li at least 20 million yuan in profit.

"You really need to strike it rich."

After doing the math, Seeing Yan Li reflected deeply—how long would it take to accumulate such wealth by acting, stock trading, or running small businesses?

Then Seeing Yan Li began allocating the 20 million yuan he had already received and would soon receive.

2 million yuan for buying a house and car, daily living expenses.

5 million yuan for stock trading and opening internet cafes, with specific operations to be adjusted based on circumstances and stock market returns.

The remaining 13 million yuan, Seeing Yan Li planned to invest entirely into Yi'an Film & Television—1 million yuan for company operations, the remaining 12 million yuan for film and television projects.

Of course, just 12 million can barely support one or two production teams—funding is tight, and the risks are high.

But Seeing Yan Li had no intention of monopolizing it all himself.

These days, few film and television companies invest in productions by selling off their pots and pans; like Seeing Yan Li, they lack funds and face too much risk, so they all seek outside investors.

The advantage of the film and television industry is its fame—there are always suckers—ah, patrons—eager to dabble in it.

Once you convince them properly and offer some perks, you use the patrons' money to shoot the drama; when it makes a profit, the studio takes the big cut, and the patrons get a small share.

Even then, the patrons thank you.

Because there are plenty of immoral bastards who use filming as a front, simply to swindle patrons' money.

They hastily assemble a crew, hire two stars, turn on the cameras, shoot something flashy, money flows in like water—but what they produce is garbage.

Don't ask the patrons questions; if you do, they'll say, "You don't understand art." Check the accounts? Everything's clearly documented—no flaws whatsoever.

In the end, the drama can't be sold and gathers dust in storage; the patrons have no recourse but to accept their bad luck.

Seeing Yan Li still has some integrity—he doesn't plan to swindle anyone, let alone do it with such heartless cruelty; he aims for mutual benefit.

He eats meat, and everyone else gets some too—though he eats the most.

Seeing Yan Li already has a solid target—provided by the system—

Coal boss!

According to monthly intelligence, over the next few years, coal bosses with vast idle cash will flood into the entertainment industry waving their banknotes.

These coal bosses don't treat money as money—they spend extravagantly, and except for bedding actresses or pushing mistresses into dramas, they rarely interfere in production operations; even if they lose money, they won't dwell on it, and if things go well, they'll invest again.

Goodness!

Such an outstanding patron—damn, Seeing Yan Li was so moved he nearly drooled.

He'd long wanted to connect with these coal bosses, but lacked leverage; now, with "Conquest" as his banner and a modest fortune of his own, he could start building ties.

As long as he can meet a few patrons and raise funds, the project won't be a problem—even if he can't find suitable investors, he can organize the deal himself.

In this circle, everything is scarce—except scripts and directors and actors desperate to climb the ladder…

————

In mid-June, the SARS situation in Jingcheng further eased, on the verge of full reopening.

At least Seeing Yan Li and Qin Lan's Nongguangli community had finally lifted restrictions; though they still couldn't roam freely, they could apply for brief outings.

After being cooped up for nearly two months, Seeing Yan Li went out himself.

Beidian was still under lockdown—he couldn't meet them—but he could send supplies; Seeing Yan Li bought four packs of food and essentials, sending three to Dong Xuan and one to Huang Shengyi.

Because Seeing Yan Li slipped two packs of good cigarettes to the guard, they gave a cursory check and delivered the supplies in batches to the two girls.

Dong Xuan was on the phone with Seeing Yan Li when Guan Yue took the large package from the guard and couldn't help cheering.

"Supplies arrived! Long live Lao Dong! Long live Seeing Yan Li!"

"Masks, disinfectant, chocolate, bread… shampoo, bath gel—even sanitary pads and underwear—wait, what's this?"

Guan Yue pulled out an unassuming box, thinking it was socks; just as she was about to open it, Dong Xuan snatched it away anxiously.

"Give me that."

"Oh, a little secret."

Guan Yue smirked; the two roommates teased and tried to snatch it to see.

During the commotion, the box accidentally opened—inside was a plastic bag containing 20,000 yuan.

Guan Yue snatched the money and shoved it into Dong Xuan's hands: "What's going on?"

Dong Xuan tucked the money away, her fair face glowing sweetly: "He was afraid the supplies weren't enough, so he slipped in some cash—so I could buy anything else I needed from classmates."

"Hmm, quite thoughtful."

Guan Yue and the two roommates praised him aloud, but their tone and expressions were tinged with envy.

With the school locked down so long, supplies were rationed per person—basic food and necessities weren't lacking, but inconveniences inevitably arose; bartering was unreliable, so cash became hard currency.

To be honest, Seeing Yan Li wasn't the first to send things to school—but no one else sent such a complete, generous package.

At least Guan Yue and the others hadn't heard of anyone whose family or boyfriend sent more than Seeing Yan Li.

Tong Dawei wasn't in Jingcheng, so Guan Yue got nothing; comparing him to Seeing Yan Li, she'd already started keeping a little black book on the guy.

"Hey, Lao Dong, the next dorm has a computer—why don't we…"

Dong Xuan clutched the money to her chest: "Don't even think about it. Seeing Yan Li works hard for his money—he was locked in a hotel before, who knows what he suffered through? As soon as he got out, he sent me all this—I have to save this money to pay him back."

Guan Yue: "..."

She'd tell Seeing Yan Li later—otherwise, this dumb girl would hoard the money until she gave birth.

Always so clueless—Seeing Yan Li gives her money and she won't spend it? Does she want to attract a pack of foxes to steal it?

…

Meanwhile, in another dorm, Huang Shengyi, who'd also received a package, discovered the envelope Seeing Yan Li had secretly tucked inside; she opened it, counted the cash, and was thrilled.

5,000 yuan!

Senior brother helped big time!

Bian Xiaoxiao, her roommate, flipped through Seeing Yan Li's gifts, feeling envious.

"Shengyi, your boyfriend treats you so well."

"Oh, I just mentioned in a text message offhand, and he sent all this—and insisted on slipping me cash."

Huang Shengyi casually waved the bills in her hand, successfully drawing attention and envy from her roommates, then tucked them away with a hint of pride.

One roommate, tired of Huang Shengyi's showiness, deliberately said: "Shengyi, when are you going to introduce us to your new boyfriend? Every time we ask, you dodge."

Huang Shengyi immediately deflated: "He's too busy—wait for the right chance."

The roommate snorted: "Busy? Or is he someone you can't show off?"

Since breaking up with Jia Nailiang, Huang Shengyi claimed to have a new boyfriend—and her finances have steadily improved.

But her behavior didn't look like dating—she only went out on dates every so often, rarely talked on the phone, and stammered evasively whenever her new boyfriend was mentioned, unable to explain anything clearly; they all guessed she was being kept by a wealthy man.

"You…"

Huang Shengyi couldn't hold back her anger, but Bian Xiaoxiao persuaded her to calm down.

She was the only one in the dorm who knew who Huang Shengyi was with, and genuinely believed Huang Shengyi's choice wasn't that terrible.

Master Yan was young and handsome, generous with his spending; though he was flirtatious and irresponsible, it didn't really matter.

Just treat it as a secret relationship—if there's no chance to rise in status later, break up anyway. Given Master Yan's conditions, Huang Shengyi isn't at a disadvantage; it's far better than some girls at school who cling to old, ugly men, whose money feels disgusting to spend.

"Xiaoxiao, only you understand me."

Huang Shengyi was deeply moved by Bian Xiaoxiao's support, squeezing the money in her hand.

"I'll take you shopping later—ignore that shrew."

Bian Xiaoxiao nodded with a smile; since Huang Shengyi was with Master Yan, the former had money but no one to accompany her, so Bian Xiaoxiao could tag along for meals, drinks, and entertainment, while when Huang Shengyi was with Jia Nailiang, she could at most get a share of fruit or snacks.

She wholeheartedly supported Huang Shengyi being with Master Yan!

————

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(End of Chapter)