In Chen Pingjiang's envisioned grand entertainment strategy, streaming platforms, cinema chains, IP rights holders, film and television production companies, and animation production companies should form an upstream and downstream relationship, integrating the entire industry chain.
This would cover cultural and entertainment fields such as novel IPs, online video, films, comics, and animation.
The streaming platform is naturally Kuaibo, and Chen Pingjiang has already acquired a controlling stake in Kuaibo.
Wang Xin appeared very cooperative because he also received a large sum of money.
The negotiations for Kuaibo took Chen Pingjiang a lot of time, as Wang Xin was unwilling to give up Kuaibo's controlling stake.
However, Chen Pingjiang eventually issued an ultimatum: if his side could not gain control, the investment would be meaningless.
Ultimately, after long consideration, Wang Xin agreed to Chen Pingjiang's demand.
It's hard to know what's in people's minds.
Chen Pingjiang was not so generous as to casually hand over his lifeline to others.
Due to its unique nature, the streaming channel is destined to become one of the core businesses of the grand entertainment group.
In the future, it will follow the model of Tencent Video and iQiyi, supporting three major terminals: PC, TV, and mobile.
It will integrate various content forms, including copyrighted, co-produced, self-produced, user-generated content (UGC), professionally generated content (PGC), and live streaming.
The already registered film and television production company is named Renren Pictures, positioned as a full-industry chain entertainment platform with content production, internet promotion and distribution, IP authorization, comprehensive operations, and data services.
It will become the most important vertical business division of the grand entertainment group.
On April 26th, a joint press conference was held in Shanghai, primarily by Renren Network, Kuaibo, and Renren Pictures.
The press conference invited relevant executives from numerous domestic mainstream media, film and television companies, cinema chains, as well as many first-tier celebrity superstars.
The industry trembled for a moment.
Everyone had long felt this day would come, but always hoped it would be later.
They didn't expect it to arrive so soon.
There had long been signs that Chen Pingjiang would enter grand entertainment, but the real impact fell on Baidu and Tencent.
Firstly, Baidu had announced in January last year its investment in and formation of an independent video company, with Gong Yu serving as CEO of iQiyi.
Secondly, earlier this month, Tencent Video also officially launched.
Jack Ma of Alibaba once said publicly,
"The next decade belongs to the cultural and creative industries."
If all three BAT companies are entering the entertainment industry, how could the "R" as the leader not enter?
Moreover, Chen Pingjiang's previous acquisition of a controlling stake in Kuaibo was not news; a quick search would reveal it.
When Jia Yueting saw this news, he was stunned.
To be honest, he still had some confidence dealing with Tencent Video and iQiyi, but facing Chen Pingjiang, he instinctively felt a bit intimidated.
At the press conference, Chen Pingjiang announced a major development: the establishment of Renren Culture and Entertainment Group, fully venturing into entertainment-related industries, while also looking forward to collaborating with all partners to create the pinnacle of the domestic entertainment industry.
The newly formed Renren Culture and Entertainment Group will have Chen Pingjiang as Chairman, Wan Yuqian as CEO, and board members including Li Xi, Wang Xin, and others.
Among them, Renren Network will provide funds and resource support in exchange for shares in the Entertainment Group, while Kuaibo and Renren Film and Television will be wholly integrated into Renren Culture and Entertainment Group, becoming its subsidiaries.
After the new group is established, shareholders will include Renren Network, Wang Xin, Tianyuan Capital, Chen Pingjiang personally, and others.
If calculated in more detail, Renren Network's shareholders, including Sequoia China, Temasek Holdings, and IDG, will naturally become shareholders of Renren Entertainment.
Additionally, some other minor shareholders of Kuaibo will also receive a portion of the Entertainment Group's equity.
Of course, the largest portion still belongs to Chen Pingjiang personally and his Tianyuan Capital.
The equity conversion was exceptionally complex.
In short, the final result was that Chen Pingjiang personally held 42% of the shares, Tianyuan Capital held 17%, Wang Xin personally held 5%, Sequoia China held 6%, and all other minor shareholders collectively held 30%.
A reporter at the event asked,
"Chairman Chen, you could entirely use your personal wealth to invest in and form the Entertainment Group, so why did you bring in so many shareholders?"
Chen Pingjiang smiled and said,
"If I were to operate under my personal name, I'd be hogging the benefits, and people would surely resent me in the long run. And honestly, I can't achieve much alone; only by uniting all forces can we make the pie bigger.
The Entertainment Group will definitely need to leverage Renren Network's resources for promotion in the future, and it will also need to use Kuaibo's streaming platform for playback. How could they be independent of the Entertainment Group? That would certainly leave Renren Network's employees and shareholders dissatisfied."
"Besides, once Renren Network becomes a shareholder of the Entertainment Group, it can also drive up Renren Network's stock price, making me the biggest beneficiary. If you do the math, I still come out ahead."
The entire room laughed at Chen Pingjiang's candidness.
After the press conference, there was a reception to strengthen and maintain cooperative relationships.
Wan Yuqian was still a bit unaccustomed to leaping from being Renren Network Group's chief human resources manager to the CEO of the Entertainment Group.
"Senior, that evening gown is stunning,"
Chen Pingjiang was momentarily dazzled when he saw Wan Yuqian stepping out of the elevator.
The form-fitting design accentuated her slender waist, and the V-neckline made Wan Yuqian appear even more feminine.
Wan Yuqian rolled her eyes and complained,
"This thing is a pain to wear and inconvenient to walk in."
"You need to get used to it. As CEO of the Entertainment Group, you'll be attending many such occasions in the future," Chen Pingjiang said with a smile.
"Remember, you are no longer the CHO of Renren Network Group, but the CEO of Renren Culture and Entertainment Group. This is truly stepping from behind the scenes to the forefront, into the spotlight. From today onward, countless stars, directors, film crews, and production companies will want to win you over and curry favor with you."
Chen Pingjiang had given much thought to placing Wan Yuqian in this position.
Firstly, Wan Yuqian's personality was very suitable—she was charismatic and lively, yet could also maintain authority.
Secondly, she had rich work experience at Renren Network and was quite capable.
Among the veterans who started the company together, Li Xi and Gao Songbin were in a league of their own, serving as the heads of their respective groups.
Wen Yan and Miao Bingwei were less ambitious after marriage, but even so, they were senior vice presidents.
Shu Mang and Wan Yuqian were one quiet, one active.
However, Shu Mang's position was too sensitive, overseeing the finances, so she couldn't be easily moved.
After much deliberation, Wan Yuqian was the most suitable.
"Junior, don't you think I'm too young? Won't I fail to command respect?"
In private, Wan Yuqian still preferred to address Chen Pingjiang as "Junior."
"Then do you think I'm young? Can I command respect? Senior, you need to understand that what people respect is not you personally, but the position you hold, the power you wield, and the money in your pocket."
Wan Yuqian nodded,
"I can visualize it now."
Chen Pingjiang straightened his expression,
"Head up, chest out, project your usual 'Miejue Shitai' aura from the company. Once you step through this door, you are the undisputed Queen of Entertainment. Never bow your head, or your crown will fall."
However, instead of feeling nervous, Wan Yuqian glared at Chen Pingjiang,
"Don't think I don't know, you were the first one in the company to call me Miejue Shitai!"
Chen Pingjiang: "..."
"Ahem!"
Chen Pingjiang cleared his throat, then hooked his right arm, giving Wan Yuqian a challenging look.
Wan Yuqian understood, smiled sweetly, and gracefully took Chen Pingjiang's arm with her left hand.
...
When the two of them entered, they immediately drew all eyes in the room.
The top two leaders of Renren Entertainment Group!
The man behind the scenes and the woman at the forefront.
"Oh, Senior, I almost didn't recognize you, how did you get so beautiful all of a sudden?"
Gao Songbin grinned, chuckling.
Li Xi teased from the side,
"What? Falling for her? Go chase her if you're interested!"
Gao Songbin was speechless,
"I treat you like a brother, and you're thinking of harming me? Kidding aside, is a woman like Sister Wan meant for me? Only a capable man like Chairman Chen could tame her."
"You better not let them hear that, or you'll be in trouble,"
Li Xi said with a smile.
"They'll kill me if they hear? Besides, don't you think, if I really managed to get Senior, that would probably be the beginning of my miserable life. How could the boss allow the heads of two core groups to be husband and wife?"
"Uh, that's true."
"So, my life is very relaxed now, unlike you, a diamond bachelor who entered the besieged city of marriage so early. I want to keep dating and dating until I'm too tired to play, then I'll consider marriage."
Many acquaintances came to the reception, and Chen Pingjiang walked around, greeting each of them.
Wherever he went, people gathered around, introducing themselves or handing out business cards.
Of course, those without a name in the industry usually didn't dare to join the fun, fearing ridicule.
In the crowd, Chen Pingjiang saw Zhao Shaoyang and Ni Na.
Zhao Shaoyang had been transferred by Chen Pingjiang to Renren Film and Television, serving as a mascot and human stamp.
Ni Na had also been signed by Renren Film and Television; Chen Pingjiang had spent money to acquire her.
Having not seen Chen Pingjiang for a long time, Ni Na's excitement was palpable, her peach blossom eyes shining with radiance.
Usually, her meetings with Chen Pingjiang were private; this was her first time seeing him in a public setting.
Looking at her golden patron, surrounded like the moon by stars, Ni Na didn't quite dare to approach.
After all, she was still a nobody, an entirely unranked actress.
Wan Yuqian followed Chen Pingjiang's gaze, her eyes meeting Ni Na's.
She then exclaimed,
"This wouldn't be your little lover, would it? What beautiful eyes."
Chen Pingjiang looked at Wan Yuqian with some surprise, wondering if women's sixth sense was truly that accurate.
Did she discern his relationship with Ni Na at a glance?
"What are you looking at? I'm not blind. Her eyes are practically dripping when she looks at you. Is that Zhao Shaoyang next to her? I remember he was your roommate? If you say there's nothing between you two, I wouldn't believe it even if you killed me."
"Haha!"
Chen Pingjiang let out a dry laugh.
He knew Wan Yuqian's personality well; she was one to be humored.
If he argued, she'd corner him until he was speechless.
But if he ignored her, she'd soon get bored.
"Don't worry, I won't tell Yanyan. Anyway, I'd be surprised if you didn't have a few special friendships. A young, wealthy, dashing 'pure love warrior' can probably only be found in novels. You two chat, someone's calling me over there."
Chen Pingjiang didn't heed Wan Yuqian's chattering.
After they separated, he waved towards Ni Na.
If Wan Yuqian hadn't mentioned it, Chen Pingjiang wouldn't have noticed, but looking closely, Ni Na's eyes were indeed very beautiful.
The curve of her upper eyelids was quite pronounced and very deep-set, with long outer corners.
When she smiled, her eyes were as captivating as peach petals.
What was even more attractive was that when Ni Na smiled, her gaze was misty, making her appear very alluring.
"Brother Chen!"
"Mr. Chen."
Chen Pingjiang nodded and asked Ni Na,
"Shouldn't you be filming on the set of 'The Flowers of War' right now? How do you have time to come here?"
Ni Na stuck out her tongue and smiled,
"I don't have any scenes these days, it's all war scenes. Zhao Shaoyang said there was a reception, so he brought me along."
Zhao Shaoyang directly exposed her,
"It wasn't me who brought her! She clearly overheard me talking about the press conference and pestered me to bring her to see it. I think she missed you, Brother Chen."
Ni Na immediately blushed, gazing at Chen Pingjiang adoringly.
"Alright, I get it, we'll talk later."
After a few words, Chen Pingjiang didn't stay long.
"Chen... Chairman Chen?"
Chen Pingjiang had just turned and taken two steps when someone called out to him.
He looked back to see an unfamiliar person,
"Excuse me, are you?"
The middle-aged woman smiled charmingly and quickly offered a business card she held in both hands,
"Hello, Chairman Chen, I am Cai Yinong, CEO of Tangren Media."
"Oh, hello, hello. Tangren's name is well-known in the film and television industry,"
Chen Pingjiang truly hadn't expected such a big shot to arrive.
He wasn't familiar with Cai Yinong, but he knew Tangren well.
Tangren had launched many popular works: the 'Wu Xin: The Monster Killer' series, 'Scarlet Heart', the 'Chinese Paladin' series, and so on.
It had several film and television stars under its wing, including Hu Ge, Liu Shishi, Lin Gengxin, and Nazha.
However, Tangren also had many aspects that drew criticism.
After 'Scarlet Heart' premiered that summer, Tangren gradually began to decline.
The market itself was fiercely competitive, and Tangren also liked to "favor one person exclusively," without many resources, gradually leading to its other stars only playing supporting roles or having no roles at all.
Eventually, Nazha left, Shishi retired, and Tangren's reputation was only sustained by Hu Ge alone.
Presumably, Cai Yinong had also realized Tangren's current predicament, which was why she came to familiarize herself with Chen Pingjiang.
"Not at all, not at all. Tangren was just lucky and got an early start, but frankly, the pressure is very high now,"
facing Chen Pingjiang, Cai Yinong truly couldn't put on any airs, her face full of flattery.
Seeing Chen Pingjiang didn't respond to her words, Cai Yinong felt a moment of awkwardness, but quickly changed the subject,
"Chairman Chen, could I bring a few artists from our company to meet you? They all admire you greatly, and it would be good for them to see the world."
"Sure."
As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling person.
In the film and television industry, one still needs to show some respect to veterans.
Seeing Chen Pingjiang nod, Cai Yinong immediately smiled and turned around, waving her hand towards the distance.
Soon, one man and two women approached quickly, holding champagne.
When Chen Pingjiang clearly saw who they were, he broke into a silent laugh.
Ha!
Tangren's top actor and actress.
Who was the other one?
She looked somewhat familiar?
After racking his brain, Chen Pingjiang finally remembered—it was Nazha!
Hu Ge led Liu Shishi and Nazha over and first greeted,
"Chairman Chen, hello, I am Hu Ge."
"Chairman Chen, I am Liu Shishi."
Chen Pingjiang smiled and shook hands with both of them,
"I've long heard your names. I grew up watching your 'Chinese Paladin'; I almost cried when Ling'er died back then."
Hu Ge chuckled modestly,
"Chairman Chen, I'm only a few years older than you; please don't make it sound like I'm very old."
Liu Shishi also smiled and asked,
"Chairman Chen, did you watch 'Jian San' which aired last year?"
Chen Pingjiang shook his head,
"No, I haven't. My time isn't my own these days. I'll definitely watch it when I have time later; I hear it has a good reputation?"
"Then Chairman Chen must watch it."
When Chen Pingjiang shifted his gaze to Nazha, he hesitantly asked,
"And this is? I apologize, I'm a bit slow to recognize faces."
At this time, Nazha looked both youthful and pure, like a peach blossom yet to fully bloom.
Seeing Chen Pingjiang looking at her, Nazha was about to speak but suddenly stammered, flustered.
Cai Yinong, watching from the side, grew anxious and nudged her arm,
"Nazha, Chairman Chen is talking to you, say hello."
"Oh, oh, Chair... Chairman Chen, my name is Nazha."
"Uyghur?"
"Yes... yes."
As she answered, Nazha barely dared to meet Chen Pingjiang's eyes, as if Chen Pingjiang's eyes could discharge electricity, making her feel dizzy.
Seeing Nazha's lack of confidence, Cai Yinong apologized,
"I'm sorry, Chairman Chen, Nazha is still young. She just passed her art exam in February and is now a freshman in the Beijing Film Academy's performing arts department."
Chen Pingjiang waved his hand,
"It's fine. But to be signed by a company as a freshman is excellent."
Cai Yinong said,
"Yes, Nazha has excellent physical attributes. Next month, we have a drama starting production called 'Xuan-Yuan Sword: Rift of the Sky'. These three are the main actors in the series. Hu Ge and Liu Shishi are the male and female leads, respectively, and Nazha plays the second female lead."
To be fair, these actors from Tangren were actually quite good.
That year's 'Chinese Paladin' pioneered the xianxia genre, drawing huge crowds.
Chen Pingjiang also met Hu Ge and Liu Yifei through this drama, both of whom became immensely popular because of it.
Chen Pingjiang himself was very fond of the actor Hu Ge; whether it was his later works like 'Blossoms Shanghai', 'The Disguiser', or 'Nirvana in Fire', they were all rare and excellent dramas.
It was a bit regrettable for Nazha.
If you said she wasn't popular, it would clearly be a lie, but if you asked how popular she really was, it would be hard to say.
She signed with Tangren Media for 10 years, but ultimately chose to leave.
In the first five years of her contract, she was overshadowed by her senior colleague Liu Shishi.
After Liu Shishi left Tangren Media, Tangren Media's star-making ability plummeted.
Coupled with junior colleagues like Hu Bingqing and Li Landi catching up, it seemed unlikely for Nazha to reach new career heights.
Therefore, while Tangren Media was good, it was not suitable for a long stay.
Additionally, Nazha's own personality was a significant factor.
She seemed to lack ambition in her career, instead being purely a "love brain," repeatedly falling into pitfalls.
Chen Pingjiang pursed his lips, thinking,
"Such good potential, what a waste."
How excellent were Nazha's physical attributes?
Firstly, her exquisite face goes without saying, but critically, she also possessed an exotic charm not found in other women.
She was tall at 1.72 meters, with an incredibly good figure, busty, curvy, an amazing waist-to-hip ratio, and fair skin.
Why else would it be such a pity?
God truly opened one window for her, then closed another.
A love brain!
Hopeless!
(End of chapter)