Chapter 228: Starting your own business?

"If I can't even properly arrange for my own artists."

Wang Jinhua calmed down and asked:
"Then what qualifications do I have to sit here and discuss this with you?"

"Business is business, friends are friends, and the bottom line must be made clear first."

Zhong Zhen was unmoved:
"I also have to ensure that the capital invested can get a return, otherwise how can we talk about profit?"

She knew very well that at the negotiation table, relationships and emotions had to be put aside and only interests were the key.

Wang Jinhua suppressed her anger and said:

"Well, let me be frank with you. What if you can't guarantee your capital investment, or even miss business opportunities, affecting the company's operations?"

Zhong Zhen smiled slightly and said seriously:
“Regarding the funding issue, you can rest assured that as long as the equity is secured, the first investment can be 5 million.

In addition, I also plan to raise hundreds of millions of funds to build a large-scale cinema chain in first- and second-tier cities..."

Wang Jinhua thought to herself that it was hard to tell whether the other party's words were true or false.

Who knows if it's just empty talk.

She thought about it and said calmly:
"I have no doubt about Mr. Zhong's financial resources, but..."

In the final analysis, both parties are willing to cooperate, but they just can't reach an agreement on equity.

One party is worried that it will be exploited by the other party and will find it difficult to make a profit if it loses control;

The other party is afraid that the other party will set up a trap and make them lose all their money.

As a result, the two sides reached a stalemate.

However, Zhong Zhen is the investor after all, so his voice will naturally be louder, making Wang Jinhua feel a little insecure.

Of course, Wang Jinhua is not without a backup plan.

After such a test, half an hour passed by unknowingly.

Du Sheng was full and shook his head when he saw the two women were still going strong.

In terms of not giving an inch, he was really enlightened.

Wang Jinhua glanced at him, and suddenly remembered something, and said with a half-smile:
"Mr. Zhong, I was so engrossed in the conversation just now that I forgot to mention something.

I have discussed with Du Sheng before that if we set up a new company, I will reserve 7% of the shares for him."

"Is there such a thing?"

Zhong Zhen was slightly startled, and a hint of surprise flashed across his face.

She originally thought that this was just a war between herself and Wang Jinhua, but she didn't expect Du Sheng to suddenly join the battlefield.

This undoubtedly disrupted her plans.

In fact, Wang Jinhua originally didn't want to mention this matter too early, and planned to wait until the negotiation results came out before throwing this bargaining chip out.

But now that the negotiations have not been successful, she can only find another way and open a third-party battlefield.

"How did Ah Sheng join?"

Zhong Zhen asked doubtfully.

"My personal reputation + business opportunities + Fan Bingbing's contract + subsequent film and television drama cooperation..."

Du Sheng replied calmly:

"If we offer a discount, it's not impossible for Miracle Studio to be affiliated with us."

This was the condition he and Wang Jinhua had agreed upon before.

He can't keep doing small things in the form of a studio.

However, if we want to expand into the scale of a company, the foundation and resources are far too insufficient.

This newly formed company fully meets the prerequisites, provided that it takes the initiative.

Zhong Zhen was silent for a moment. Du Sheng’s joining was indeed unexpected.

The negotiations that seemed simple at first suddenly became complicated.

Seeing this, Wang Jinhua immediately seized the opportunity and proposed a new plan:
“Mr. Zhong, maybe we can cooperate in this way.

You invested 4500 million, accounting for 45% of the company's shares and served as chairman;
I brought all the artistes in, also holding 45% of the shares and serving as a director;

Du Sheng will hold 10% of the shares as an individual. What do you think of this?"

Zhong Zhen was stunned for a moment, then reacted.

I have to say that Wang Jinhua's move was very clever.

By introducing a third shareholder, a delicate balance is formed among the three parties.

No one person can control the company alone.

This "three-legged" situation not only stabilizes the company's management structure, but also leaves a certain amount of operating space for all parties.

Although he felt a little uneasy, Zhong Zhen had to admit the rationality of this plan.

She looked at Du Sheng deeply, and said with deep conviction:
"You are so smart, we have been talking nonsense for a long time, but it turns out that the one who eats melons is the key to the game!"

Du Sheng smiled slightly and assured both parties:
“Sister Zhen, although I am one of the shareholders, I will never interfere with the company’s daily decision-making.

As long as you can reach an agreement, I have no objection."

Zhong Zhen pondered for a moment and knew that this was the only way to break the impasse.

She looked at Wang Jinhua and said calmly:

"I recognize Ah Sheng's abilities, and his rapid rise is unparalleled.

If he is interested in joining, I would welcome him.

But 10% of the shares seems a bit shabby.”

She ignored Wang Jinhua's surprise and continued:

“Since we have decided on a three-party partnership, why not make the distribution of shares more equitable?

For example, if each of them occupies one-third, then everyone will be convinced and future cooperation will be smoother..."

The smile on Wang Jinhua's face seemed a little stiff.

He was obviously caught off guard by Zhong Zhen's move.

Even cleverly put her in a passive position.

Du Sheng, who was pouring tea for the two of them, smiled even more.

Zhong Zhen's move was indeed brilliant. If the shares were divided equally, no one among the three would be able to hold absolute control.

Even if the two of them joined forces, it would be difficult for them to control more than two-thirds of the shares. Obviously, Zhong Zhen's goal was still this.

Wang Jinhua quickly calculated in her mind and said:
"Du Sheng's prospects are indeed unmatched, but where does he get so much money to invest now?"

According to previous discussions, the registered capital of the new company exceeds 100 million yuan. If it is divided equally among the three parties, Du Sheng will have to invest at least 30 million yuan.

He was a popular young actor who had just risen to fame, and he was barely able to invest in "Legend of Sword and Fairy 1", so how could he easily raise such a large sum of money?

“There is no need to worry about funding.”

Zhong Zhen smiled lightly and said:
"My Zhong family can use our assets as collateral to provide him with a loan."

Wang Jinhua sighed inwardly and fell silent.

Wealth can sometimes change most things!

She glanced at Du Sheng who was leisurely drinking tea, and felt mixed emotions.

If this were really done, this guy might be moved by Zhong Zhen's generosity and turn to stand on the other side.

By then, most of the control will be indirectly grasped.

Seeing that the negotiations had reached a deadlock again, Du Sheng had no choice but to take the initiative to speak:

"Sister Zhen, your idea is novel, but it is still a little biased in some places."

Having said that, he observed the reactions of the two people:

"You mentioned introducing Miracle Studio before. You should know that it was founded by Ye Jingzhi and I. There are also artists such as Jia Jingwen, Yang Mi, and Liu Shishi, right?"

Zhong Zhen and Wang Jinhua nodded and turned around to wait for the next words.

Du Sheng smiled and continued:
“Since you want to achieve a more reasonable balance in equity distribution, let’s do this.

Sister Zhen accounts for 33%, Sister Hua accounts for 33%, Miracle Studio accounts for 26%, and I account for the remaining 7%.

This distribution method not only guarantees everyone's interests, but also conforms to the company's long-term development..."

Zhong Zhen and Wang Jinhua looked at each other and saw the surprise and admiration in each other's eyes.

Then they both fell into deep thought.

This is indeed a good idea.

With the development momentum of Miracle Studio, not to mention its two hit dramas and artists, its own valuation will not be less than 3 million.

Not to mention Ye Jingzhi's resources and connections behind him, the value of which is immeasurable.

Miracle Studios also owns equity in Huabang Charity.

Charity activities have always had a positive impact on the image of artists, and are very beneficial whether used for publicity or charity promotion.

More importantly, the addition of Miracle Studios can more effectively balance the company's internal equity structure.

Not so one-sided.

Zhong Zhen was also weighing the pros and cons.

She has been seeking control over the new company, but Wang Jinhua obviously will not let go easily and will only remain in a stalemate.

Du Sheng's proposal undoubtedly provided a roundabout way to save the country.

As long as she can get the support of Miracle Studios or Du Sheng, it will not be difficult for her to take control of the new company.

What's more, in terms of relationship, Zhongyao and Miracle Studio are closer.

In addition, this method of equity distribution not only maintains fairness and avoids internal decay, but also takes into account the future of the company.

This plan is definitely worth a try!
Thinking of this, the two looked at each other and finally nodded in agreement:
“This plan is acceptable.”

Seeing her approval, Wang Jinhua felt relieved and said:

"I think it's pretty good too."

"That's it?"

Du Sheng raised his glass with a smile:

"Then let's drink to our successful cooperation!"

Wang Jinhua picked up the wine glass and looked at Du Sheng with a complicated look in her eyes.

She didn't expect that the biggest winner today was Du Sheng.

The 7.5% stake he holds plus the 26.5% of Miracle Studios totals 34%.

If Du Sheng can win the support of the other party, he will become the company's largest shareholder.

Zhong Zhen was full of joy. The establishment of the new company meant that Zhongyao Pictures was no longer a small business.

If it develops well, it is not impossible to achieve the same success as entertainment companies such as Huayi and Rong Xinda in the future.

In addition, after winning over Du Sheng, the controlling rights are also guaranteed.

After reaching a consensus, the atmosphere at the table suddenly became relaxed and pleasant.

Wang Jinhua has already begun considering arranging for her artists to join "The Legend of Sword and Fairy 1" and "The Legend of Sword and Fairy 3", as well as to join Liu Dehua's upcoming "Huabang" charity show, in order to build momentum for the new company.

Zhong Zhen is considering whether to merge Zhongyao Pictures into the new parent company like Du Sheng did.

In addition to optimizing resources and enhancing competitiveness, this can also avoid huge financing pressure and facilitate preparations for listing.

Finally, everyone talked about the development direction and prospects of the new company.

As for the company name, the three of them unanimously agreed with the list provided by Ye Jingzhi:
【Interstellar Media】

This not only highlights the ambitious goals, but also demonstrates the grand ambition!

After the party, Wang Jinhua left early because she had to deal with the separation of Huayi.

Zhong Zhen glanced at Du Sheng who had stood up and said:
"If you need any funds, please let me know."

Du Sheng knew the purpose of this rich woman's expression of goodwill, and smiled and said:

"If the studio lacks capital to invest, I will definitely look for you, Sister Zhen, first."

The other party wants to win me over so as to indirectly control the new company.

However, it is hard to say now. Maybe in the future the other party will come to him and Star Media will become his one-man show.

So just accept this kindness.

"correct--"

Seeing Du Sheng being so understanding, Zhong Zhen was in a good mood and changed the subject:
"When does your K1 GP quarterfinals start?"

.........

(End of this chapter)