Chapter 154: Chapter 148: Mango Ain’t Shit? (Part 2)
"Hasn’t this become common knowledge in the entertainment industry? Is Mango Media’s information really that closed off?"
"President Gu should be aware that Long Dan Ni has some conflicts with our Mango. Our board has asked me to come and explain the situation to you to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings between our companies."
"Conflicts?"
Gu Bai replied with a question, then handed Principal Wang a cigarette and lit one for himself.
"President Zhang is quite diplomatic with his words. There are many companies and artists in the entertainment industry that have conflicts with your Mango. Does that mean I have to inform you before I decide to collaborate with anyone?"
"President Gu, you’re overthinking it. We don’t mean that, but we hope you can carefully consider your collaboration with Wajijiwa."
Gu Bai exhaled a smoke ring and waved his hand: "President Zhang, I’m a businessman. Whoever can make me money, I’ll collaborate with them. You should understand this, right? Besides, Wajijiwa has already been acquired by me and is now a subsidiary under our Black Swan Capital. You want me to consider carefully.
How should I consider? By reorganizing or bankrupting the company?"
Hearing Gu Bai’s retort, Zhang Yong didn’t know how to continue the conversation.
He started blaming the board members internally; everyone knows Black Swan Capital is hard to deal with, yet they sent me here to show some muscle. Judging by Gu Bai’s tone, he doesn’t consider Mango Media significant at all.
"President Zhang, I’m not familiar with your conflict with Long Dan Ni, nor do I want to understand it. However, she’s now the general manager of my subsidiary, so if you want to resolve things openly, I’ll give your Mango some face. But if you really can’t get past this, then I have no reason to give you face.
Do you understand?
If you don’t, it’s okay. Just convey my original words to your board."
Gu Bai never intended to give them any face; after all, who will give face to the more than two hundred million RMB I spent?
The conversation had reached a point where Zhang Yong knew there was no need to discuss the matter concerning Black Swan Entertainment further. Obviously, Gu Bai wouldn’t compromise on this issue, making the industry ban on Long Dan Ni by his company a laughingstock.
Now, Long Dan Ni is not only making a fortune collaborating with Tencent on Future Son, but she also has the backing of a capital giant like Gu Bai, thriving in the industry. Why would they bother with Mango’s face?
"Alright, President Zhang, there’s no need to discuss this topic further. If your Mango still can’t accept it, have your board members come and talk to me directly."
Zhang Yong’s expression was somewhat awkward after hearing Gu Bai’s words.
He clearly understood the implication: Zhang Yong’s status doesn’t qualify him to discuss these matters with me.
As the general manager of a group valued at hundreds of billions, Zhang Yong was considered prominent in high society. Yet, facing Gu Bai’s words, Zhang Yong really had no way to refute.
A professional manager is just a professional manager.
Especially someone like him who doesn’t even hold shares and earns only a fixed salary—a glorified title, perhaps, but an employee is still an employee, forever unable to compare with a capital giant like Gu Bai.
After a brief pause, Zhang Yong adjusted his expression.
"President Gu, we didn’t come just for this matter today. Our Mango is seeking collaboration with President Gu."
"Oh? Let’s hear it."
"Mango TV wants to be the first to acquire television rights for the drama ’Fuyao,’ led by Black Swan Capital."
Lately, the heat surrounding ’Fuyao’ has remained high. With an investment of 850 million breaking the Hua Country’s drama investment record, the crew doesn’t even need promotional efforts as media eagerly pick up the story. The current hype for ’Fuyao’ far exceeds that of the past iteration, growing more than tenfold; this case exemplifies how buzz can emerge even before airing.
To be honest, in the previous cycle, even though ’Fuyao’ was profitable, its reputation took a hit. With Gu Bai now involved, the first thing he did was replace the male lead, and suggested increasing investments in costumes and settings, thereby compensating for the worst points of reputation compared to the past cycle.
Even if the reputation of this drama remains shaky, it shouldn’t be worse than before.
As for why Mango Media contacted him while the drama was still filming, Gu Bai wasn’t surprised.
Not many networks have the capacity to take on this drama. Mango TV is one of the top contenders. Besides Mango, Blueberry Channel also contacted Xiao Qiang recently, subtly probing for information.
Where the drama will air is up to Gu Bai as the largest investor, as long as it doesn’t affect other investors’ interests. That’s why Mango Media reached out to Gu Bai.
"Oh? Your Mango has high hopes for this drama?"
Zhang Yong answered honestly: "Judging by the current buzz of ’Fuyao,’ this drama is destined not to lose money."
As an experienced media person, Zhang Yong saw things clearly.
Yet Gu Bai remembers that last cycle, Mango TV wouldn’t even offer 500 million for rights, and Blueberry Channel eventually scooped it up for 800 million. With Mango TV’s stinginess, how much would they offer this cycle?
Thinking about it, Gu Bai said flatly: "President Zhang, you know the investment alone for this drama has reached 850 million, so regarding the rights, after discussing with the investors, any offer below 1 billion won’t be considered."