Gan Zhen and Zhou Fei both saw the situation clearly, their expressions growing increasingly grim.
If the two of them did not accept Wang Yi's full acquisition, then Director Kong and the other two core figures would withdraw from Noon Sunshine, sell their shares, and join Xingyi Technology!
Once the three core figures left, Noon Sunshine, which had just been established three months ago, would become an empty shell and be completely finished!
What should they do?
Wang Yi's expression remained calm, simply sipping tea and watching the show.
But Gan Zhen and Zhou Fei felt as if they were sitting on pins and needles.
The tide had turned, the situation was out of control!
Seeing Wang Yi's assured demeanor, Gan Zhen panicked and dared not continue to ask for an exorbitant price:
"Chairman Wang, I'll sell! No need for 16 million, a valuation of 10 million will do!"
Wang Yi continued to drink his tea, offering no response.
If Gan Zhen had asked for a 10 million valuation initially, Wang Yi might have considered it.
But for a small company just three months old, asking for 16 million, trying to extort Wang Yi, then 10 million wasn't even worth considering!
Just six million!
Take it or leave it!
If they didn't sell, then he would just take Director Kong and the two other core figures and build a new team!
Seeing this, Zhou Fei sighed,
"Okay, Chairman Wang, you win. I'll sell at a valuation of six million!"
"You..."
Gan Zhen's face changed dramatically, hating Zhou Fei for giving in,
"Are you crazy? We should at least fight for 10 million!"
Zhou Fei shook his head,
"Once Director Kong and the two others withdraw, Noon Sunshine won't even sell for 3 million, let alone 6 million!"
"This..."
Gan Zhen was speechless for a moment, but what Zhou Fei said was the truth.
The core of Noon Sunshine was the iron triangle lineup of Director Kong, Director Li, and General Manager Hou!
If it weren't for them, there would be no Noon Sunshine!
Zhou Fei took a deep breath,
"I invested 480,000, holding 16% of the shares. Now I'm selling for 960,000. In three months, it has doubled in value, which is enough. You invested 1.02 million and will get back 2.04 million, earning 1.02 million in three months, which is also very good!"
"This..."
Gan Zhen thought about it.
Although unwilling, he had no choice but to agree.
Doubling the investment in three months was already a very good return.
After all, Noon Sunshine had just been established and had no works.
And the iron triangle had become Wang Yi's people, so the general trend was lost!
"Good!"
Wang Yi nodded in satisfaction, scanning the other shareholders,
"I will buy back everyone's shares at double the price. Any objections?"
"No objections!"
"No objections!"
Everyone shook their heads; double the buyback was more than acceptable.
At least they doubled their money!
"That's good. Thank you all for your support."
Wang Yi breathed a sigh of relief.
Acquiring Noon Sunshine for six million was simply a bargain, an incredible bargain!
It was practically a steal.
Subsequently, the legal team drafted the contracts, and everyone signed on the spot.
"I've already informed finance; the money will be in your accounts today. If there are good opportunities in the future, we can continue to cooperate."
"Thank you, Chairman Wang."
Everyone echoed.
With this, Wang Yi fully acquired Noon Sunshine for 6 million!
Afterward, all other shareholders left, leaving only Noon Sunshine's internal personnel.
"Gather all senior executives; let's have a meeting first!"
Wang Yi said.
"Okay!"
General Manager Hou nodded.
Soon, all senior executives arrived in the conference room.
General Manager Hou first introduced each executive and their respective responsibilities.
Wang Yi listened quietly, forming a preliminary impression:
"I won't say any grand-sounding words; let's directly discuss the next arrangements:"
"First, Noon Sunshine will be integrated into Xingyi Media, becoming the Xingyi Media Noon Sunshine Branch. From now on, everyone will be employees of Xingyi Media."
After careful consideration, Wang Yi decided that Xingyi Technology would not only focus on film and television but also expand into music, so he might as well change the company name to Xingyi Media!
No one had any objections to this.
Noon Sunshine had just been established and lacked a reputation, making fundraising and finding actors difficult.
But with the name Xingyi Media, it would be much easier to buy copyrights or find actors.
A person's reputation casts a long shadow.
The name Xingyi Technology was incredibly useful right now.
"Second, I am very optimistic about your abilities and character, and I do not plan to make drastic personnel changes."
Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
In a word, professionals handle professional matters.
Wang Yi would not be like Ali, where laymen manage experts, leading to one acquisition after another failing.
Wang Yi continued,
"On the contrary, I will only provide more resources and financial support, and at the same time, arrange personnel to oversee financial and personnel approvals."
To put it plainly, hiring decisions and spending decisions would still be made by the Noon Sunshine Branch itself.
However, they would eventually need to report to the financial director and HR director appointed by Wang Yi and provide reasons.
If there were no issues, they would be approved.
Many senior executives nodded; this was only natural.
If even this wasn't managed, then if Noon Sunshine's people acted recklessly and spent money carelessly, Wang Yi wouldn't know and would become a scapegoat.
This was unrealistic.
"Third, General Manager Hou will serve as the President of Xingyi Media Noon Sunshine Branch, and Director Kong and Director Li will serve as Vice Presidents. Other personnel positions will remain temporarily unchanged and will be adjusted later based on needs and work performance!"
The Noon Sunshine iron triangle was what Wang Yi valued most, so they would naturally be given important roles.
"We will not fail Chairman Wang's trust!"
The three said, beaming with joy.
"Fourth, all employees' salaries will be raised by 10% first!"
"Thank you, Chairman Wang."
Everyone was excited.
A 10% increase all at once was significant.
And from Wang Yi's tone, this was just the beginning!
"That's right, Xingyi Technology has a complete career advancement system, and so do all of you. As long as you perform well, promotions and raises every year are normal. But if you can't keep up with the company's development, then I can only say I'm sorry. The development speed of Xingyi Media will become very fast, extremely fast."
Wang Yi continued,
"Fifth, establish the Xingyi Media Artist Management Department, and sign some promising artists. The strict requirements are: online acting skills and potential for development!"
Saying this, Wang Yi took out a list and handed it to General Manager Hou:
"First, go find the artists on this list for negotiations. As long as the signing fee is within a reasonable range, sign whoever you can. If you can sign for ten years, that's best, you can offer a higher price."
Most of these actors were the go-to actors for Noon Sunshine in his previous life, with excellent acting skills.
Blockbusters like "Nirvana in Fire" and "The Disguiser" all starred them.
While they haven't become hugely popular in 2011 and celebrity fees aren't exorbitant, sign them directly!
Five years later, the fee for a leading traffic star would be tens of millions, even hundreds of millions, which Wang Yi wouldn't be able to afford.
That crazy era was completely unreasonable, so it's better to sign them in advance.
General Manager Hou looked at the names of the artists on the list and nodded:
"Don't worry, Chairman, many of the actors on the list have worked with us before when we were at Shanying. Coupled with Xingyi Media's name, it shouldn't be a big problem. However, Hu Xiaoyao is Tangren's top star, so Tangren probably won't let him go."
Wang Yi waved his hand,
"It's fine. Tangren is currently cultivating new male artists, even letting Hu Xiaoyao play a supporting role for them. Offer more money, negotiate, and there's still hope for Tangren to transfer him!"
"If a one-million transfer fee isn't enough, then two million. If two million isn't enough, then three million, or even five million!"
Wang Yi said generously,
"If Tangren's appetite is too big, exceeding five million, then forget it."
These days, artist fees weren't high.
"Okay, Chairman Wang, I'll go negotiate personally!"
General Manager Hou replied.
Wang Yi nodded,
"You can also sign other capable actors you like. However, before signing, report it to the HR director for approval."
He had no other intentions; Wang Yi needed to investigate whether they would get into trouble.
Those who were prone to scandals weren't worth signing, as it would only cause trouble.
The artists on this list were all very capable, with excellent acting skills and promising futures.
For example, the three male leads and several female leads of "The Disguiser"...
For example, Zhao Xiaodao, who was just starting her acting career and hadn't yet become famous.
Of course, there were also several veteran actors, such as Marquis Yan and Marquis Xie from "Nirvana in Fire," and Gao Qiqiang from "The Knockout"...
These veteran actors, with their explosive acting skills, must be signed.
They would be Wang Yi's exclusive actors in future dramas!
With them, not only would the roles be more brilliant and create more famous scenes, but they could also guide and improve the acting skills of the younger generation!
"Sixth, establish a Film and Television Copyright Department, and extensively acquire copyrights for classic old dramas and movies. Buy out exclusively what can be bought out. Of course, for new TV series and movies, if they have potential, they can also be reported to the headquarters. After headquarters review, buy out the exclusive online broadcast rights."
Wang Yi continued:
"And scripts! Whether you're a producer or a director, if you see a promising script or project, you can directly compile the information and send it to my email. If suitable, we'll buy it out, invest in it, and film it!"
Upon hearing this, Director Kong and the others were excited.
Wang Yi was providing them with all-around support; as long as they had a project, they could submit it.
If Wang Yi thought it had potential and approved it, the project would be immediately established, funded, and filmed!
In the past, making a drama, from conception to project establishment, to financing, to shooting, would take over a year, plus filming and post-production, it would take two years to complete.
But now, with Wang Yi's comprehensive support, approval, project establishment, funding in place, and casting could all be completed within a month...
It was even possible to establish the project and finish filming in the same year!
With funds in place, efficiency was that high.
"Seventh, besides film and television, we must also do music. In the future, the film and television productions from Xingyi Media must not only be high-quality with good acting, but even the OST theme songs must be excellent. Like 'Chinese Paladin,' the moment the intro plays, everyone can recall the plot and immerse themselves in it!"
Director Kong strongly agreed,
"Chairman Wang is right. Although this is a high requirement, it is indeed commendable! In the future, we should raise our standards to create classics."
"Well said, high standards to create classics!"
Wang Yi nodded, then took out a stack of documents and handed them to General Manager Hou:
"At the same time, establish a Music Copyright Department to acquire all the music copyrights listed above. Buy out exclusively what can be bought out. The headquarters will allocate funds! And sign all the singers on the list!"
General Manager Hou nodded, but his brows furrowed slightly,
"Chairman Wang, do we have to sign all three QQ Music giants? Aren't they just online singers?"
In 2011, although the three QQ Music giants were popular, they had no significant status and were still referred to as online singers...
Wang Yi would not let them go; he would directly spend money to sign them!
Even ten years later, these three would still be shining in their respective fields.
One became the new King of OSTs.
One became the music director of Ocean Butterflies Music.
Even the most low-key one became a boss, contracting a large number of hit songs on Douyin!
With these three, would they still lack theme songs in the future?
Whatever theme song was needed, it could be provided!
And Xiao Xi, a singer Wang Yi liked very much in his previous life, but unfortunately, heaven envied her talent...
Now Wang Yi decided to sign her too, giving her a good platform and good development.
Facing General Manager Hou's disbelief, Wang Yi calmly said:
"General Manager Hou, we must look at problems with a developmental perspective. Don't think they are just online singers now, and their fans are still underage. In a few years, when their fans start working, the entire era will belong to them!"
"I understand."
General Manager Hou suddenly realized.
Wang Yi said meaningfully,
"We can give up on the post-60s and post-70s generations, but we cannot give up on the post-80s, post-90s, and post-00s. They are the future. Only by winning them can we win the future."
"So that's it. Thank you, Chairman Wang, for your guidance."
Not only General Manager Hou, but even Director Kong and the others were greatly shocked.
Wang Yi's viewpoint was absolutely correct!
The inconspicuous minors of today were the core of the future era!
"Acquire both film and television copyrights and music copyrights, with funds allocated from headquarters..."
General Manager Hou was stunned.
Each of these tasks was massive, costing a lot of money, tens of millions, even hundreds of millions.
But for Wang Yi, it was just a matter of a single sentence.
No way around it.
Copyrights would only become more and more expensive!
Xingyi Technology wanted to build an ecosystem, a platform, smart TVs, and short videos; buying copyrights was the only way forward.
If they didn't spend these hundreds of millions now, they would have to spend billions more later!
"Finally, the first TV series we will be preparing to shoot next is 'Nirvana in Fire'! Investing 80 million, the project is established today. We aim to complete casting and preparation work before the New Year, start filming, and release it in the second half of next year!"
Everyone was excited to hear this.
Before Wang Yi's acquisition, Noon Sunshine's first work was nowhere in sight, only beginning production three years later in his previous life.
After Wang Yi's acquisition, a project immediately followed, a large production of 80 million, established on the same day, and filming to begin before the New Year!
One could only say the efficiency was astounding.
Or rather, it was good to be rich.
At this point, the meeting concluded, and the senior executives left in high spirits.
Only General Manager Hou and two others remained in the conference room, full of fighting spirit.
General Manager Hou spoke first,
"Chairman Wang, I've read the novel 'Nirvana in Fire,' it's excellent and very impressive. But the script is an issue..."
A novel couldn't be filmed directly; it needed adaptation.
And adapting a novel would take two or three months!
Wang Yi waved his hand,
"Don't worry, I previously arranged for Sister Hai, the original author of 'Nirvana in Fire,' to act as the screenwriter for the adaptation. Counting the time, it should be nearing completion. Once you've prepared the actors, filming can begin directly."
Sister Hai, the author of "Nirvana in Fire," was not only a writer but also a first-rate screenwriter.
Many of Noon Sunshine's dramas in his previous life were scripted by Sister Hai.
Wang Yi took out his laptop and sent the completed script to the three.
"You guys go back and read the script first. I'll create a group chat and add Sister Hai, the screenwriter, to it. If there are any questions, we can all communicate together!"
"Okay!"
The three replied, very surprised, not expecting Wang Yi's efficiency to be so high.
Clearly, he had been preparing "Nirvana in Fire" for a long time.
If they were only looking for a screenwriter now, the script would take two or three months to complete.
Casting preparations would mean filming couldn't start for half a year...
Wang Yi had great foresight, so he had naturally started preparations early.
"As for casting, I also have some preparations; they are all talented actors. Most of them are artists we've signed. Having a stable and capable team of exclusive artists will greatly benefit our subsequent development."
"Yes, Chairman Wang, your insight is brilliant!"
Director Kong strongly agreed,
"I've also read the original novel. Who do you have in mind for the male and female leads?"
"Male lead is Hu Xiaoyao! Male second lead is Wang Kai."
"Hu Xiaoyao... his image and temperament match the positioning of Mei Changsu. His acting skills, strength, and popularity are all first-rate, absolutely no problem!"
Director Kong mused,
"Wang Kai as the male second lead is also no problem. We've worked with him before; he's a very promising artist. He's not famous yet, but he has a bright future."
"That's right, if these two can be signed, try to sign them both,"
Wang Yi said with a smile.
"Yes, sign them! They can be given important roles in the future."
Director Kong was very excited, feeling a sense of meeting a kindred spirit.
He and Wang Yi saw eye to eye, their philosophies on hiring being completely identical.
"As for the female lead..."
Wang Yi sighed, thinking of replacing the female lead from his previous life:
"Let's leave it open for now, everyone can see who's suitable. Or choose one from the artists we sign later. It's best to cultivate our own female top star for Xingyi Media!"
General Manager Hou nodded repeatedly,
"Chairman Wang is wise; this aligns with our long-term interests. Tangren cultivated several female top stars. Yang Mi before, and now Liu Shishi, both are incredibly popular. We also need to cultivate our own female top star. Does Chairman Wang have any suitable candidates in mind?"
"Zhao Xiaodao!"
Wang Yi said.
He wanted to give the female lead of "Nirvana in Fire" to Zhao Xiaodao.
There was no other way.
Liu Tianxian, Liu Shishi, and other flower actresses were already popular, having become the leading stars of other companies, making them difficult to poach.
And Zhao Xiaodao wasn't famous yet, just starting to show her potential, which made her perfectly suitable to acquire!
As for Gulina, Wang Yi could have her join Xingyi Media with just a word, but unfortunately, while this girl was indeed beautiful, her acting skills were...
To be a flagship female top star for Xingyi Media, possessing both beauty and acting skills, it still had to be Zhao Xiaodao.
As for Boss Yang, she could be signed after her contract expired.
"Zhao Xiaodao? Qinger from 'My Fair Princess'?"
Director Li instantly remembered,
"She's very good, with the potential to be a top female star!"
Director Kong also said,
"It's her! I also think she's good, and we can focus on cultivating her!"
General Manager Hou immediately said,
"Then I'll poach her tomorrow. A small actress who's just gaining some fame is easy to deal with!"
"Good, it's settled then."
Wang Yi made the final decision.
Subsequently, the group discussed some details and other matters.
It wasn't until the afternoon that Wang Yi was seen off.
Director Kong's expression was complex,
"Being acquired by Chairman Wang was our most correct decision!"
Director Li smiled,
"Indeed, the previous Noon Sunshine developed slowly. With Chairman Wang, it immediately took off."
General Manager Hou also sighed,
"It's truly incredible; the acquisition was completed just like that. How do I feel that Chairman Wang acquiring Noon Sunshine was as casual as buying groceries?"
If it were anyone else, acquiring Noon Sunshine would involve several rounds of negotiations and slow discussions...
But when it came to Wang Yi, he just came in, announced the acquisition, negotiated, and bought it directly...
It was just like buying groceries!
Director Kong laughed,
"Six million is a lot of money for others, but for someone like Chairman Wang, who earns hundreds of millions a day, it's just pocket money. Isn't that just like buying groceries?"
General Manager Hou nodded,
"True, haha. But this is good too. In the future, if there are good projects, Chairman Wang investing 100 million is just like going out for dinner."
"You're quite good at self-comfort. But what you said makes sense; clinging to Chairman Wang's leg means we no longer have to worry about funding. As long as the project is good, as long as Chairman Wang values it, it can be approved the same day, and funds can be disbursed the next!"
Director Li also said,
"What you said is reasonable. 'Nirvana in Fire' is an excellent project, and it's our first. We must go all out to make it a hit. Strive to become an annual blockbuster like 'Palace' or 'Scarlet Heart,' and win the number one spot in ratings!"
"Yes, let's work hard together!"
"Let's work hard together!"
Subsequently, the entire Noon Sunshine began its frantic busyness.
Those acquiring copyrights acquired copyrights, and those poaching artists poached artists!
Although Xingyi Media's Imperial Capital headquarters was also acquiring copyrights, professionals handled professional matters.
Their efficiency was still not as professional as Noon Sunshine's!
This was also why Wang Yi acquired Noon Sunshine.
Advancing on both sides simultaneously was more efficient.
After all, copyrights increased in value every year, at a higher rate than housing prices.
Wang Yi was not idle; the next day, he went to LeEco headquarters.
It was also located in Zhongguancun in the Imperial Capital, not far from Xingyi Technology Industrial Park.
Boss Jia warmly welcomed Wang Yi's arrival, enthusiastically introducing LeEco's business landscape:
"Boss Wang, you are absolutely right. To run a business, you must diversify! Only through diversified development can there be a way out, can one succeed, and can one go further!"
Wang Yi was silent: "..."
'I was just bluffing Bosideng about diversified development, how did I manage to fool Boss Jia as well?'
'Did I try too hard?'
Noticing Wang Yi's expression change, Boss Jia thought Wang Yi strongly agreed and continued:
"LeEco Pictures was just established this year, aiming to become an internet film company, to create content, to build platforms, and then to make hardware, software, and applications! Ultimately forming an all-encompassing LeEco ecosystem of 'platform + content + hardware + software + application'!"
Wang Yi's expression was complex.
LeEco in his previous life did exactly this.
The idea was sound, and development was fast, but the diversification was too aggressive.
Making mobile phones and TVs was one thing, but they also wanted to make cars!
Didn't they know that cars were a bottomless pit? Ten companies try, eight fail.
Moreover, crossing over into high-end cars right from the start, one could only say their courage was commendable...
Even Wang Yi had no problem making mobile phones, tablets, or TVs, but he would not consider making cars in the short term!
The water was too deep, and the investment too great.
Simplest example: a mobile phone costs three thousand, production cost is 1500, stocking a million units is only 1.5 billion.
But what about new energy vehicles?
A single car costs hundreds of thousands, even millions...
Investing 1.5 billion wouldn't even be enough for R&D; it wouldn't even make a ripple.
LeEco in his previous life went bankrupt because of car manufacturing...
However, currently, Boss Jia didn't seem to have plans to build cars yet.
Regarding Boss Jia's diversified development, Wang Yi could only smile slightly:
"Boss Jia has vision and courage! I hope you can become the Steve Jobs of our Xia Country!"
"The Steve Jobs of our Xia Country!"
Boss Jia beamed, very fond of this title:
"Chairman Wang, we hit it off immediately. To be honest, my goal is to become the Steve Jobs of Xia Country. No, not to become, but to surpass!"
Wang Yi: "..."
Boss Jia was full of vigor:
"What Old Man Qiao achieved, I will do better. What Old Man Qiao couldn't achieve, I can also do!"
Wang Yi was utterly speechless.
What could he say?
He could only say,
"Go for it, you can do it!"
"Thank you, Chairman Wang, for understanding and recognizing my vision!"
Boss Jia was in a great mood, thinking:
'Chairman Wang understands and recognizes me so much, he must be optimistic about LeEco's future. It's only natural for Chairman Wang to invest in LeEco next.'
Boss Jia's greatest ability was to paint a rosy picture and hype concepts.
An ecosystem concept not only harvested shareholders but also harvested celebrities, the wealthy, and even the richest man!
It was outright cross-industry robbery, indiscriminate harvesting!
How dare Wang Yi invest?
On the contrary, this time, Wang Yi wanted to counter-harvest Boss Jia.
He immediately interrupted what Boss Jia was about to say:
"Boss Jia, I came today with something I'd like to ask for your help with!"
"Ask for my help?"
Boss Jia smiled:
"Chairman Wang, just because you recognize and understand me so much, anything you need help with, just say the word. I, Old Jia, will go through fire and water to help you to the very end!"
First, paint a picture, let Wang Yi see LeEco's great future.
Then, show unwavering loyalty, let Wang Yi see Old Jia's integrity!
Next, Wang Yi, in his excitement, would naturally invest in LeEco.
After all, how much shrewdness could a nineteen-year-old student have?
To harvest Wang Yi's investment, this help was essential!
Wang Yi smiled slightly,
"It's like this, I'm very optimistic about a TV series called 'Empresses in the Palace.' But I heard that Boss Jia bought the exclusive six-year broadcast rights for 20 million. I wonder if Boss Jia would be willing to part with it?"
"'Empresses in the Palace'?"
Boss Jia frowned slightly, a bit reluctant.
Wang Yi continued,
"Boss Jia, don't worry, you won't lose out. You bought it for 20 million, I'll pay double, 40 million. What do you think?"
"40 million?"
Boss Jia didn't answer directly, but his mind raced:
He was quite optimistic about "Empresses in the Palace" and didn't want to sell it in principle.
But LeEco had invested in and introduced many good projects this year, such as "The Bullet Vanishes" and "The Expendables 2," which would be released next year!
If the price was right, selling "Empresses in the Palace" was fine, as there were many other dramas and movies.
Moreover, it was hard to refuse Chairman Wang's request!
Besides, Wang Yi offered double the price, a net profit of 20 million, which was definitely a bargain!
More importantly, since he wanted Wang Yi to invest in LeEco next, he couldn't refuse.
If he refused Chairman Wang, then forget about the investment!
Chairman Wang invested 3.5 billion in BYD, so he probably wouldn't invest less in LeEco!
For an investment of three to five billion, what was a mere "Empresses in the Palace"? Not to mention he could earn 20 million!
With this, Old Jia sighed,
"Chairman Wang, I'm also very optimistic about 'Empresses in the Palace.' If it were anyone else, I would definitely not part with it. But since Chairman Wang has spoken, please take it!"
Wang Yi smiled at Old Jia's 'generosity,' and couldn't help but sigh,
'He's truly a man destined for great things, no wonder several richest men and so many celebrities were harvested by him. Such charisma! Tsk tsk tsk...'
"Thank you, Boss Jia, thank you."
Wang Yi smiled slightly and immediately took out the contract:
"To be honest, this drama is very important to me. Thank you, Boss Jia."
"It's a small matter, a small matter!"
Boss Jia had someone look at the agreement.
There were no problems, so he signed it directly.
Wang Yi breathed a sigh of relief:
"Boss Jia, give me an account, and the finance department will immediately transfer the forty million."
At this point, all copyrights for "Empresses in the Palace," except for the first round of TV broadcast rights already sold, including the exclusive online broadcast rights and all other rights, were now in Wang Yi's hands!
And they were exclusive, permanent copyrights!
(End of chapter)