novelraw Chapter 117 I'll give you face, you have to give me face too.
Chapter 117 I'll give you face, you have to give me face too.
Chapter 116 I'll give you face, you have to give me face too.
Lin Feng returned to the headquarters of Tianyu Media and was filled with emotion. The first time he came here was during the New Year's Day of 2009 when he passed the audition for "Meteor Shower" and officially signed with Tianyu Media. This time, which is the second time he came here, it was during the New Year's Day of 2012. Exactly three years had passed. Time flies!
When Lin Feng first came here, he was a little nervous and even a little afraid of the "overbearing terms" of Tianyu Media's agency contract. But this time, with the same agency contract, Lin Feng was much more confident and relaxed. Moreover, Lin Feng found that the interior decoration of Tianyu Media had changed a lot. It was more spacious and luxurious than before. It seems that Tianyu has made a lot of money in the past two years!
What's even more interesting is that Lin Feng noticed that on the "artist wall" right at the entrance, his own portrait was prominently displayed and hung in the middle, next to Li Yuchun, Deng Shuang, and others. He never expected that he would now be Tianyu Media's "golden brand".
Moreover, when Lin Feng entered Tianyu Media, he was warmly received by the female staff members, and many celebrities also came to greet him.
"Lin Feng, you're so handsome! Could I get your autograph? Thank you!"
"Ah! I never expected to see Lin Feng on my very first day with EE-Media! I'm so happy!"
"Hello Feng, I am Li Si Danni, a contestant from the 2011 Super Girl competition. I also acted in the movie 'Buddha Mountain' with you and Fan Binbin. Please give me your guidance."
Logically speaking, employees of EE-Media should see celebrities frequently, but why were they all so enthusiastic towards Lin Feng, acting like his own fans? Lin Feng had to go to great lengths and get several autographs before he could finally get rid of this happy trouble.
At that moment, Lin Feng spotted Yao Jia in the distance. He took the initiative to greet Yao Jia, the producer of "Meteor Shower," who had discovered his talent, saying, "Sister Yao, it's been a long time! Have you been busy lately?"
"I came here to take over the work at the transfer point, but I see you quite often, not only on TV, but also in real life. I know I wasn't wrong, you're a big star now."
During the audition for "Meteor Shower", Yao Jia immediately took a liking to Lin Feng. She knew that Lin Feng would definitely succeed, but she did not expect that Lin Feng would succeed so much, and so quickly. His achievements in the past three years are more than others' efforts in a lifetime!
Especially in 2011, Lin Feng was a force to be reckoned with from the beginning to the end of the year. With four consecutive blockbuster works, including "Palace," "Buddha Mountain," "Love is Not Blind," and "The Legend of the Banquet at Hongmen," Lin Feng became a legend. It could even be said that the entire year of 2011 belonged to Lin Feng.
Even now, standing next to Lin Feng again, Yao Jia can feel Lin Feng's powerful charisma, as if she can't help but be attracted by his charm when she's with him.
"Sister Yao, you're flattering me too much. What am I? I'm still on my way!" Lin Feng said modestly.
"Excessive humility is arrogance! I know you're quite busy. Are you here to see President Long? She just mentioned you to me and has been waiting for quite some time."
"Well then, Sister Yao, I'll head over now. Let's chat again another time!"
When Lin Feng said goodbye to Yao Jia, he suddenly realized that Yao Jia's appearance was too coincidental. Could it be that Long Danni had arranged it on purpose? If it really was Long Danni's intention, then she had underestimated Lin Feng. Lin Feng was a grateful person, but he was by no means a stubborn person. He would never give up what belonged to him, and he would not forcibly take what did not belong to him.
When Lin Feng saw Long Danni again, it was in that familiar conference room, the same conference room where Lin Feng had signed the contract. He still remembered the interrogation-like questions Long Danni had asked him, as if she wanted to conduct a "full-body scan" through this method.
"Are you willing to sell yourself as a commodity?"
"Would you be willing to use your father's vegetative state to create an inspirational and inspiring image?"
"How did your acting skills improve so much?"
Do you have a girlfriend now? You have to report to the company if you're dating!
"Given equal conditions, do you prioritize actor salaries or the cast and crew?"
Lin Feng almost lost his composure at the time, but through his own efforts and by using the system's "Business Negotiation Card," he successfully circumvented the "overbearing clauses" in Tianyu Media's agency contract, which led to the current renegotiation of the agency contract.
This time, Long Danni was more smiling at Lin Feng than ever before. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, she readily handed him a management contract. "Lin Feng, this is the top-tier management contract in the industry. It's a 10/90 split, and you get complete independent operation of your own studio. You're in complete control of everything. It's like an independent subsidiary within Tianyu Media. We at Tianyu are very sincere. Actually, this management contract is the same as Li Yuchun's renewal contract, but at least it's a renewal. Yours doesn't have any additional conditions. We've been working together for three years already. I've strongly supported many things you've done before, including your participation in 'Buddha Mountain.' Even though I wasn't optimistic, I didn't stop you, did I?"
Even things you didn't want to do, including the variety show "Super Sunday," I shielded you from them all in the end, so I didn't cause you any trouble!
Lin Feng, you can see my sincerity, right? Tianyu Entertainment hasn't treated you unfairly, has it? And I never intended to tie you down for so long; I just wanted to fulfill the remaining two years of your management contract.
This agency contract is indeed good, and Long Danni is indeed very sincere. However, this is not what Lin Feng wants. What he wants is complete independence. But Lin Feng has also benefited from Tianyu, so he can't remain silent. "President Long, to be honest, Tianyu has treated me very well. To put it bluntly, without Tianyu, there would be no Lin Feng today. Moreover, you have been very kind to me and tolerated many of my willful actions. I am very grateful to you!"
Including the new brokerage contract you just gave me, it is indeed top-notch and shows great sincerity. I am very grateful for your recognition of me, and there is nothing to hide about that. However, this is not what I want. What I want is complete independence. Even if it is an internally independent subsidiary, it is still a subsidiary!
Of course, I, Lin Feng, have benefited from Tianyu Media and am very grateful to President Long. I certainly can't just walk away, so I've come up with a "win-win" solution. Would you like to hear it?
Even if I terminate my contract with EE-Media according to the contract, I will pay the full amount of the 1000 million yuan penalty. In fact, we can choose not to announce the termination until my agency contract ends.
In other words, during this period, I will still be recognized as an artist by Tianyu Media, and Tianyu can continue to use me for publicity, but they must guarantee my legitimate interests. I will also continue to participate in some of Tianyu Media's important events.
"Also, if I ever invest in a movie or something in the future, I can allow Tianyu Media to invest; it would be my way of repaying Tianyu. Mr. Long, what do you think of this plan?"
Long Danni remained silent, lost in thought. She considered Lin Feng's plan and decided it wasn't bad. Firstly, it protected Lin Feng's brand; secondly, the 10 million yuan penalty for breach of contract was equivalent to 5 million yuan over two years. If it were a "10/90" split agency contract, Lin Feng would earn at least 50 million yuan. Long Danni didn't doubt that Lin Feng could earn that 50 million yuan; she doubted that he could earn that much from a purely agency contract.
After all, Lin Feng's real profits come from investments, and Tianyu Entertainment can't take a cut of that.
Finally, Lin Feng agreed to allow investment in the film, which was very attractive to Long Danni. With the huge success of "Love is Not Blind" alone, Tianyu Media made a net profit of 13.2 million yuan.
Long Danni thought for a long time before saying carefully, "Your plan is not impossible, but I need to consider it. I also need to report to the senior management of Mango TV and try to persuade them. I personally think it is quite good. However, if Tianyu Media can be allowed to invest in your two film and television dramas, I am very confident that I can help you persuade the senior management of Mango TV."
"Sure! Two movies are no problem, but I also need Deng Shuang's management contract."
Lin Feng revealed his true purpose: he never cared about his management contract because he had a great deal of autonomy, but Deng Shuang's management contract was more stringent, and it wouldn't be easy for him to get it back.
"Deng Shuang's management contract is unacceptable! Her contract is different from yours, and it's an 8-year contract. Only 3 years have passed so far, and there are still 5 years of golden harvest period ahead of her. Don't say Mango TV disagrees, I won't agree either."
"President Long, even though Deng Shuang's management contract is different from mine, the 10 million yuan penalty for breach of contract is the same. Moreover, I can allow Tianyu to invest in two movies. You know, I helped Tianyu earn 13.2 million yuan from the previous movie 'Love is Not Blind'!"
At the same time, I guarantee a profit; if there are any losses, I will fully cover Tianyu's investment. How about that? Is that acceptable?
"This won't do! If you leave, and then Deng Shuang leaves, what will Tianyu Media have left? And how am I supposed to explain this to Mango TV?"
"President Long, you need to understand one thing: the reason I'm talking to you so frankly is because I respect you and am grateful to Tianyu, not because it has to be this way!"
I could easily throw out 2000 million and leave with Deng Shuang, or even take her to court. Perhaps I wouldn't even need to pay that much to terminate the contract!
The reason I was willing to spend 2000 million yuan to continue promoting Tianyu artists and even agree to Tianyu investing in two movies was so that everyone could save face!
"But I can't just give you face and you don't give me face, can I? It's a two-way street, don't you think, Mr. Long?" Lin Feng's tone remained unchanged, but the aura around him became serious and earnest.
Long Danni suddenly realized that Lin Feng was no longer the naive young man who auditioned back then. He was now an absolute A-list star in the industry and a big shot who could manage film and television projects. This was beyond Long Danni's control. She almost made a critical mistake by not recognizing the situation. The one who truly held the initiative in this negotiation was Lin Feng. It was Tianyu that needed him, not the other way around. If he wanted to play with Tianyu, then they could; if he didn't want to, no one could force him.
Without even considering it, Long Danni said, "Fine! Let's do it your way. I agree to terminate the contract, and Deng Shuang's management contract will be transferred to you as well."
However, we need to make this clear: this termination agreement must be kept strictly confidential. For the two years under this contract, you will both be artists of Tianyu Media, and you must continue to participate in necessary activities organized by Mango TV. Otherwise, I won't be able to explain it to Mango TV!
"Alright! Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Long. In that case, please transfer the contracts of my current team members, including Hu Shan and Xu Wenjia, to me as well!"
"Great! Lin Feng, you've hollowed out Tianyu Entertainment! I bet you've been planning this all along!" After everyone started talking, Long Danni became more relaxed.
"Mr. Long, what are you saying? Who doesn't want to climb the ladder? Who doesn't want to be their own boss? Actually, with your abilities, you're perfectly capable of starting your own business, and I'd definitely be the first to support you!"
"What? You still want to poach me?"
"No, I was just saying that the internet has risen to prominence, and television stations are destined to decline. I'm just giving you a heads-up."
"Thank you! Actually, I've felt it myself. The internet has become more and more powerful in the last two years, but I can't live without it now. I'd also like to try and see if I can take Tianyu to the stock market, but thank you for reminding me."
"Mr. Long, no matter what, I still want to thank you one last time for your support along the way! Thank you so much!"
"Alright! Let's not get sentimental and just follow the rules. By the way, you have to pay the full amount of your breach of contract penalty, not a penny less! Otherwise, I really won't be able to convince Mango."
"Don't worry, Mr. Long, I don't need this little bit of money right now. I'll transfer the money to you in a couple of days."
Terminating the contract is not wrong; you just need to pay the penalty for breach of contract. That's fulfilling the contract! But wanting to terminate the contract without paying the penalty is going too far!
Just like the two "Star Girls" Huang Shengyi and Zhang Yuqi, Huang Shengyi wanted to terminate the contract without paying compensation, would Stephen Chow agree to that? Zhang Yuqi paid compensation according to procedure, and later Stephen Chow even invited her to film "The Mermaid".
As long as he could get back his agency contract with Deng Shuang, why would Lin Feng care about 20 million? Besides, he still had 100 million in hand. Even after deducting the 40 million he had set aside for Deng Shuang's house, he still had 60 million. Moreover, a few days ago, Lin Feng checked Hu Shan's tax situation. Corporate income tax requires deducting various production costs first. He found that he now had nearly 68 million. In fact, if Lin Feng hadn't wanted to give the house to Deng Shuang, he could have bought the house in the company's name and further reduced his tax expenses.
To get things done quickly, Lin Feng promptly transferred the money to Tianyu Media, officially reclaiming his management contract with Deng Shuang. He then immediately called Deng Shuang, saying, "Xiao Shuang! I got your management contract back from Tianyu Media!"
"Really? Lin Feng, you're amazing! I knew nothing could be accomplished without you! Does this mean I won't have to share my earnings with Tianyu anymore?" Deng Shuang on the other end of the phone was excited and could hardly believe it.
"Hmm! From now on, the money you earn will be yours. No, even though Tianyu Entertainment won't split the profits, I, the shrew, will still get a share. Let me think about how much I want to give you."
Well, that depends on your performance. If you perform well, you'll get fewer points; if you perform poorly, you'll get more. Are you scared now? Will you be obedient from now on?
Lin Feng had intended to scare Deng Shuang, but Deng Shuang directly replied, "I'll give you everything I have! I can help you make more money in the future, and that way I can also help you out!"
"Silly girl, why would I care about this little bit of money? You can keep it for yourself, take good care of your parents, and save up for your dowry!"
"Yeah, my parents don't need it. I'll only marry you. I'll give you all my money, and I'll listen to you in everything! Um, when are you coming back? I'm starting to miss you again."
"I miss you too! But I have to get things done with a few companies and a Weibo Night event, so I'll be back in a couple of days. You focus on filming!"
Previously, Lin Feng had worked on several scripts and, in order to register the copyrights, had Hu Shan establish a film and television company called "Fengrui Film and Television." The investment in "Love is Not Blind" was also made under this company name. Now that Lin Feng has officially terminated his contract with Tianyu Media, he feels he needs to re-plan his future development path for better future development. So, he established three companies in one go. One of them is the previous "Fengrui Film and Television," which is mainly responsible for film and television investment, film and television production, and other film and television-related content.
One is "Fengrui Copyright" service company, which is mainly responsible for copyright business. Lin Feng has included all his previous song copyrights, as well as previously registered script copyrights, including Korean copyrights and Hollywood copyrights, into this company.
The third one is "Fengrui Investment," which is mainly responsible for investment.
Of course, Lin Feng also has a celebrity studio called "Lin Feng Studio," which is just a formality, under Tianyu Media, mainly used to release information to the public.
In reality, the three companies mentioned above are the ones actually operating behind the scenes.
Lin Feng now values "Fengrui Investment" more. When Deng Shuang recommended "WeChat" to him, he thought of the future "Douyin" and ByteDance.
This super company, which could rival Tencent in the future, has not yet been established. Lin Feng has a great opportunity to participate in his first venture capital investment, and this is his only chance. Once ByteDance gains momentum and enters the capital market's field of vision, Lin Feng will no longer be qualified to invest.
Beyond capital returns, Lin Feng values the influence of the "Toutiao Group" in the entire mobile internet era, as well as its influence in the film and television industry.
Yes, this is indeed an opportunity!
Lin Feng didn't want to miss out, so he arranged for Hu Shan to make contact a long time ago. However, Zhang Yiming was doing well at "99fang" and had no plans to quit his job and start his own business.
Just as Lin Feng was still waiting patiently, the copyright service company "Fengrui Copyright" opened for business first. He received a call from Hu Shan, who said that a Hollywood company had taken a liking to the script in Lin Feng's hands.
"Which one do you like?" Lin Feng asked Hu Shan to register several scripts.
"Several! Let's talk about it when we meet later."