Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 98 Domestic Investment

Over the next few days, Fu Yi spent his days handling company work and his evenings spending time with Zeng Li and Gao Yuanyuan.

Neither of the two women mentioned the audition for "Inception," and it's unclear whether they were uninterested or simply didn't want to bother Fu Yibai.

On August 10th, Fu Yibai arrived at Lieyang Investment Company.

"Mr. Fu."

Qi Yuan was in his early forties, tall and thin, wore glasses, and looked like a scholar.

He was recruited by Zhao Qi through a headhunter from an investment company with state-owned background. He had more than ten years of experience in the investment banking field and had handled several successful cases.

Fu Yibai nodded and followed him inside.

The office was at the end of the corridor. After entering the office, the two sat down on the sofa. Qi Yuan's assistant brought two cups of tea and then gently closed the door.

"Mr. Fu, I've done some preliminary research on the two directions you mentioned last time."

Qi Yuan took a document from under the coffee table and placed it in front of Fu Yibai.

"Online literature and video platforms are both on the verge of explosive growth."

Fu Yibai opened the document, and Qi Yuan continued to explain it beside him.

Let's start with online literature.

Qidian officially commercialized in 2003, implementing a VIP paid reading system, and it has been quite successful in the year since.

I sent someone to communicate with Mr. Lin from Qidian.com and mentioned the idea of ​​adapting your novel into a film or television series.

General Manager Lin did not object to Lieyang's acquisition.

However, the other shareholders were not satisfied with the acquisition price of 15 million and wanted Lieyang to add more.

Furthermore, during my conversation with General Manager Lin, I learned that Shanda's people had also set their sights on Qidian.

Some of those shareholders are now planning to sell at a higher price.

Qi Yuan closed the document and waited for Fu Yibai's reaction.

Fu Yibai leaned back on the sofa and tapped his knees lightly with his fingers.

"How much has Shanda offered?"

"The exact figures haven't been revealed yet, but from what I've heard, Shanda's asking price is around 20 million, which is significantly higher than ours."

Qi Yuan paused for a moment and continued, "I've had two private conversations with President Wu."

His attitude was rather delicate; he wanted a good price but also wanted to maintain the team's independence.

If a large corporation like Shanda were to enter, they would most likely be absorbed into the group.

If Lieyang is willing to raise the price, while promising to maintain Qidian's independent operation and not interfere with the content direction, Wu Wenhui's side should still be willing to negotiate.

Fu Yibai picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"How much does he want?"

"We can get it for between 23 and 25 million."

Qi Yuan spoke very steadily when he reported the numbers.

"But the price is much higher than we previously estimated."

If we buy at this price, the investment payback period will be longer.

Fu Yibai pondered for a while.

He acquired Qidian because he was interested in the future adaptation rights to Qidian's novels.

He didn't have much intention of interfering in the other party's company operations.

"Agree to his request, but arrange for someone to be placed under surveillance."

"clear."

"What about the video platforms?"

Qi Yuan pulled out another document from the bottom of the file.

"This field is even more chaotic than online novel sites now."

From 2004 to now, seven or eight companies have emerged in just six months.

Several companies I've contacted so far have expressed interest in receiving investment.

However, acquiring it would be somewhat difficult.

"You try to acquire it. If they disagree or the price is too high, we'll poach some talent with high salaries and build our own platform."

"Build your own platform?"

"That's right. Online video platforms are just starting out, and it's not too late for us to enter the market now."

With the right talent, it's entirely possible to surpass others.

"clear."

"I'm giving you another task."

Yuan immediately sat up straight and opened his notebook to take notes.

Are you familiar with any domestic animation or game development teams?

Qi Yuan paused for a moment, then shook his head.

I don't have much experience in this field.

"Is Mr. Fu planning to expand his business in this area?"

Fu Yibai leaned back on the sofa, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.

"It's 2004 now. Computer ownership is increasing, internet cafes are springing up everywhere, and the market size for online games is expected to reach 2 billion this year."

He paused, then continued, "It's the same on the animation side."

The TV shows are mostly Japanese and American content; domestic animations are either too childish or poorly made.

But this market will take off sooner or later.

Qi Yuan quickly took notes in his notebook, occasionally glancing up at him.

"Does Mr. Fu mean to acquire an existing team?"

"Acquire if you can, otherwise poach people."

Fu Yibai spoke in a calm tone, as if he were talking about something completely ordinary.

"As for games, both single-player and online games are worth watching."

We welcome anyone with strong technical skills, artistic talent, or creative ideas—anyone with potential is welcome to contact us.

The same applies to animation. For key animators, modelers, and screenwriters, as long as they have experience, if the compensation is right, they'll be signed.

Qi Yuan put down his pen and looked up.

"Mr. Fu, if I may ask, are you planning to invest in these two areas, or will you be doing it yourself?"

"Do it yourself."

Fu Yibai did not hide anything.

"Dawn plans to establish a game and animation company next year. We're starting the planning now, and we'll officially launch it when it's ready."

"clear."

Qi Yuan closed his notebook.

"Mr. Fu, with these projects progressing in multiple directions simultaneously, I might not have enough manpower."

Hiring.

Lieyang's current team configuration is up to you.

Budget is not a problem as long as things get done.

Qi Yuan stood up and looked at the young boss with his back to him, a complex emotion welling up inside him.

At twenty-four, she has a keen eye, acts decisively, and never hesitates to do things.

Most importantly, he always sees things half a step ahead of others.

"President Fu, I'll finish the research report as soon as possible."

"Um.

That's all. You can go now.

Fu Yibai got up and went behind his desk to review the work reports of Lieyang Investment over the past period.