Chapter 168: Chapter 37 Ah! Uncle, you are bullying someone!
Sun Dacheng nodded.
"Their professional skills are mediocre, but they’re very obedient and do whatever they’re told. They’re much more useful than the graduates from prestigious schools. I’ve seen my share of those types in Hengdian. They haven’t even made a name for themselves, yet they already act all high and mighty. Some even look down on short dramas while they’re shooting one.
"They talk about how one day they’ll shoot feature films, break into the mainstream film industry, and become big stars. Do they have any self-awareness? The path to becoming a mainstream actor or star was closed to them long ago, yet they’re still trying to squeeze their way in."
"Is that so?" Sun Dasheng nodded. It seems the old saying, "no investigation, no right to speak," is a golden rule.
In Sun Dacheng’s eyes, graduates from prestigious universities were less useful than those from vocational colleges.
"What about the behind-the-scenes crew, like cinematographers? You still have to use people from prestigious schools for that, right?" Sun Dasheng asked.
"Fresh out of school, those from prestigious institutions naturally have much stronger professional skills than vocational graduates. But they also need practice. Without dramas to work on, their professional skills will quickly atrophy. The cinematographers and lighting technicians on our short dramas now are making obvious progress. With a bit more experience, I believe they won’t be any worse than the graduates from prestigious schools," Sun Dacheng assured him with conviction.
"It’s just that their ceiling might be lower. It’s a pipe dream for them to become top-tier cinematographers like Christopher Doyle or Gu Changwei, but you don’t need that high of a level to shoot a simple short drama. The skills they’ll gain through experience will be more than enough."
"Alright, do it your way," Sun Dasheng said, giving him the authority.
Because he was a complete amateur, he wasn’t going to make the mistake of telling a professional how to do their job.
Sun Dacheng was pleasantly surprised. He had thought he would have to argue a bit to convince his cousin. It turned out the information he’d hastily prepared hadn’t gone to waste.
Keno Capital’s first acquired company, Xinli Media, underwent a corporate restructuring.
The original film and television division was spun off into a new company. The live broadcasting department was also spun off into the newly established XinXin Media, which focused on live-streaming e-commerce. As a result, the large company was left with only its short video department.
The next day, Xinli Media’s manager, Yu Xiaoqiang, stood blocking the chairman’s office door, lamenting loudly.
"Director Sun, our company is in a terrible state! A huge chunk was carved out just like that, and now we’re left with a lonely short video department. You have to be fair to us! You can’t play favorites when we’re all part of the same company."
It was a truly heart-wrenching display.
"Alright, stop the fake wailing. You can’t even squeeze out a single tear. Your acting is terrible," Sun Dasheng interrupted him unamusedly, gesturing for him to come in.
"Heh heh heh..." Yu Xiaoqiang followed behind, still proclaiming his grievance. "Director Sun, I may not be able to cry, but I truly am heartbroken. Our once grand media company now barely has anyone left."
Sun Dasheng had his secretary bring in tea, then waved her out.
After the door closed, Sun Dasheng sat in his executive chair and took out a cigarette. "Alright, I’ve heard your sob story. Now, tell me what kind of support you need from me."
Yu Xiaoqiang quickly stepped forward to light the chairman’s cigarette.
"Chairman, since the company has spun off all other businesses, I want to focus on digging deep into the short video field. I want to make Xinli Media the next Wuyou Media in the industry."
Sun Dasheng took a light drag and then stubbed out the cigarette. He said in a neutral tone, "Oh? You have such big ambitions?"
"I support you in principle, but how much money will you need?"
This last sentence was the most important. Money was the panacea for all problems.
Yu Xiaoqiang sheepishly held up his thumb. "An initial investment of one hundred million."
Seeing the chairman’s expression darken, he quickly added, "This one hundred million will be used to poach top influencers from other companies and increase our advertising budget on Douyin. By creating continuous buzz, we’ll make Xinli Media an overnight sensation in the short video domain."
"Once the company becomes famous in this field, this initial investment will definitely be recouped later. We could even earn much more!"
He began painting a beautiful picture for the chairman. Unlike when pitching to other investment firms, he even skipped the PowerPoint presentation. This was his own company’s big boss, and a wealthy one at that. As long as he could sell his vision, securing the investment would be a piece of cake.
Unfortunately, he was mistaken. His big boss had absolutely no desire to bite into the metaphorical cake he was offering. Besides, in his plan, this company was meant to incur losses and go bankrupt just so he could gain experience. If that was the case, why the hell would he invest?
"What you’re saying sounds great, but talk is cheap. Go write up a detailed proposal first. I’ll decide on the investment after I’ve reviewed it," Sun Dasheng said, playing for time.
"Director Sun, even if this big investment needs more consideration, could you inject some capital into Xinli Media for now? The company’s cash flow is about to run dry, and as you know, you’re the one who spun off our most profitable department."
His words were reasonable and well-justified.
"Fine. I’ll inject another ten million into your company. But you must show me a profit afterward. Otherwise... there won’t be any point in discussing a one-hundred-million plan."
The chairman’s words put considerable pressure on him.
「That evening, at the No. 1 Courtyard Apartment.」
When he returned home, the three girls were on the sofa, chatting and laughing excitedly.
"Uncle, you’re back," Li Sili said, coming over to get his shoes.
Sun Dasheng patted her head. "What are you all so happy about?"
"Uncle, you don’t know? Si Han and Yu Qing acted in a short drama for your company, and it’s gone viral online!" Li Sili was also happy for her two friends.
"Oh? I seem to recall something like that. I was so busy today I almost forgot. Good thing you reminded me."
Actually, he hadn’t forgotten at all. He had even brought a large celebration cake, but he had left it outside the door to surprise them.
"Ta-da! Look what this is!" Sun Dasheng said, pushing the door open.
Outside stood a box as tall as a person, immediately capturing the three girls’ curious gazes.
"You can bring it in, but be careful. The contents are fragile," Sun Dasheng reminded them.
The three of them brought the large box inside without much trouble and placed it on the dining table.
Sun Dasheng revealed the surprise. As he slowly lifted the box, a large, custom-made cake was revealed. On it were the names of the three girls, inscribed next to the word "Congratulations."
"Wow! Uncle, you tricked me! You knew all along but just pretended you didn’t," Li Sili said, scooping up a bit of cream and smearing it on Sun Dasheng’s face.
She burst out laughing. "Haha... Uncle’s a cake man now!"
She laughed triumphantly, but a moment later, a large hand full of cake smeared it all over her face.
"Ah! Uncle, you’re a bully!"