The era of top influencers that started with illiteracy

Chapter 81: The War of the Three Giants

Finalizing a collaboration for an entire season of a variety show takes time.

Besides the tedious procedures of negotiating prices and contracts.

At this point, both sides are actually engaged in a mental game.

Of course, it may not just be two parties involved.

There are many more options.

Some people are confidently waiting for Shen Jian to join them.

Others, however, tested the waters and prepared to watch the fight unfold from the sidelines.

...

Uku Video headquarters building.

Content Director's Office.

"Director, according to the reports from the team below, it seems that Tencent and iQiyi will be increasing their efforts next quarter, focusing on promoting the variety show segment."

This year, apart from our "A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality," most TV dramas have fared quite poorly. I guess they're trying to make up for it with variety shows.

At the desk.

The man smiled slightly after hearing this:

"I guessed it long ago. The current top stars are over-hyped, and it's uncertain whether they can actually carry a drama. On the other hand, variety shows are the best test."

"Mr. Zhuang is right."

"By the way, Wei Ming, you said the other day that they also want to cultivate new variety show personalities?"

Wei Ming nodded and looked at Director Zhuang Zhuo:

"Someone in our operations department knows people there, so we found out some information. It seems that iQiyi is going to promote someone named Shen Jian, the newcomer who recently became popular in the first episode of 'Happy Singles 2'."

Zhuang Zhuo: "Does it have a lot of potential?"

Wei Ming shook his head: "It's hard to say, but Kiwi is clearly making a move. As for Tencent, we've heard some rumors these past two days that Wang Juan is trying to poach people."

"Oh?" Zhuang Zhuo's eyes flickered slightly, and he chuckled. "Wang Juan has been fighting with Ma Dong all this time, and now she's even trying to snatch up a newcomer. It's true that the film and television industry flopped so badly in the first half of the year that they're getting desperate."

"How about we get involved? But it's just a newcomer; there's no need to make such a fuss unless he really has potential."

Wei Ming: "President Zhuang, actually I noticed Shen Jian right after their 'Happy Single 2' aired. He's really quite good. I immediately sent an email to Yixin Entertainment, saying I wanted to collaborate."

Zhuang Zhuo smiled with satisfaction: "Hmm, well done, but don't be too eager. Offer a little more and raise the price. The important thing is to stir things up between Wang Juan and Ma Dong and make them even more intense."

Wei Ming: "President Zhuang, what if Shen Jian chooses them? I've seen this kid, he's quite funny, and he's likely to become famous. If we really want to cooperate, it would be best to offer him some decent terms."

Ma Dong from Kiwi is alright, but I'm worried about Wang Juan from Penguin. I've heard that woman is always a bit reckless; if she gets impatient and makes a huge offer, we'll miss our chance.

"No way, they're all seasoned veterans in the industry. What kind of celebrities haven't they seen? They won't lose their composure that quickly."

Zhuang Zhuo smiled crookedly, as if he had everything under control:

"Let Wang Juan and Ma Dong fight it out first, and then we'll secretly take down this newcomer and make them suffer in silence."

"Mr. Zhuang is brilliant."

Wei Ming gave it a thumbs up.

...

...

There's really nothing to do when you're not working.

Shen Jian could only act like a sloth at the company during the day.

Or he might just lie on the sofa and recharge.

Yang Tianzhen really stopped his acting classes.

However, according to Yoshiki's inside information, they are planning to find him a great comedy mentor.

Shen Jian was quite looking forward to it.

For his last stand-up comedy show, he sought guidance from Wang Jianguo and Xu Zhisheng.

Who knows which comedy star it might be this time?

Given Yang Tianzhen's connections in the industry, he wouldn't be surprised if she asked Huang Bo, Xu Zheng, or Shen Teng to come.

Shen Jian: "It's almost time to get off work. How about we have a get-together tonight? Let's invite Sister Yang and go eat hot pot together?"

"I have no problem with having a meal together, but can you at least straighten up and sit up? You're as lazy as can be."

Yang Tianzhen came in from outside and looked speechlessly at Shen Jian, who was lounging around like Ge You.

Liangmu: "President Yang already told you to get up. You've been too idle these past few days and have become a lazy bum."

Shen Jian straightened up, a tear sliding down his cheek, accompanied by his forceful and reasoned argument:

"Why are you saying I'm lazy? I haven't done anything these past few days!!"

[Drama Queen +1]

[Crying scene +1]

Ryogi: "..."

Lin Youyou: "..."

Li Si: "..."

Zhang Shan: "..."

Yang Tianzhen: "..."

The group rolled their eyes, speechless.

Brother, what is your point of rebuttal?

You know you didn't do anything, right? And you still have the nerve to argue...

Yang Tianzhen: "Can you stop crying like a crocodile? Even if you have nothing to do these days, you can study on your own, watch some performances, or even find a vocal coach at the company to learn to sing."

Liangmu: "Shen Jian, President Yang is right. You'll find that once you put in the effort, it's truly a pleasure. You need to learn to enjoy hard work."

Shen Jian wiped away his tears, his face serious: "You should know that I'm not the kind of person who craves pleasure at all!"

Yang Tianzhen: "..."

Ryogi: "..."

Lin Youyou: "Uh, excuse me, are you still having hot pot? I've already made a reservation."

Shen Jian: "Let's eat at Haidilao."

...

...

Kiwi Building, Content Department.

"Did you reply?"

"Yes."

"Do you agree to cooperate and want to reach an agreement as soon as possible?"

"Mr. Ma, Yixin's email..."

"What?"

"The higher-ups said that Shen Jian seems to have other plans for the time being."

"Um?"

The atmosphere in the office was slightly oppressive at that moment.

Ma Dong frowned, somewhat incredulous at the other person's reply: "You're not joking?"

Assistant Xiaowei looked at her helplessly: "Really not."

Ma Dong was dumbfounded.

You can believe that the invitation you personally sent to Shen Jian via email was rejected?

Is it that his position as the content director of iQiyi is not attractive enough?

So, besides those two number one enemies next door, who else does he have in this circle right now?

Who else!

"Impossible, absolutely impossible, take another look."

"After reading Mr. Ma's comments, it seems the other party is indeed politely declining."

"A polite refusal? Me?"

Ma Dong scoffed, "He's a newcomer. If he doesn't come to Kiwi to develop his career, what other resources can he get? Yang Tianzhen can't possibly arrange a big-budget drama project for him right away, can she?"

The assistant whispered a reminder: "Mr. Ma, do you think it's possible that the other two video giants have also made offers?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Dong's expression changed, and his previous confidence suddenly diminished by half: "How could they possibly... Wait, Wang Juan!"

"Not necessarily."

"It must be her!"

"..."

"This woman really has nothing better to do than try to steal a newcomer from me."

"Mr. Ma, what should we do then? Should we put the cooperation on hold for now?"

"No." Ma Dong's fighting spirit ignited: "We can't let this woman succeed. If Penguin wants to steal my person, then they'll pay a price. Go, send another email to Yixin and give her a direct offer."

"How many?"

"Eight hundred thousand!"

"A whole season? Should we first decide which project team it is, and then talk to the director?"

"No need, by the time you finish speaking, the daylily will be cold."

"But is this newcomer really that important?"

Ma Dong shook his head: "You don't understand. This isn't about whether someone is new or not; it's about the war between me and that woman."

"Well……"