"Come on, cheers!"

In the small courtyard, among the flowers and plants, beside the dining table, the moonlight is a blanket and laughter is the sound of wine.

Three adults raised their glasses together, and the glasses made a clinking sound when they collided.

"Teacher Tian, ​​thank you for visiting us today." Zhang Yuan's smile was as gentle as a drizzle, making people feel comfortable just by looking at it.

"Hey, don't say that. I still have to thank you."

The purpose of this meal was very simple, Zhang Yuan wanted to buy the company shares held by Tian Youliang.

There is no such label as Happy Mahua yet. The company is called New Element.

Tian Youliang, Yu Kai, and Zhang Chen each contributed 10 yuan more than a year ago, raising a total of 30 yuan to start this film and television company.

"Don't thank each other. We are all family and it is mutually beneficial." Cheng Hao, who was standing nearby, was wearing a red turtleneck sweater and sky blue jeans, looking quite casual.

"Yes, yes, we're one of us." Tian Youliang looked at Zhang Yuan and Cheng Hao with envy in his eyes.

"Fuck! How did our beautiful lady from the Central Academy of Drama fall into his hands?"

Not only did Cheng Hao not shy away from his relationship with Zhang Yuan, he also deliberately acted particularly intimate in front of him.

She would add more food to his plate and pass him paper from time to time. When she was not talking, she would quietly hold her chin and look at him intently.

This was all to strengthen their relationship in front of Tian Youliang.

However, how much of this was acting and how much was real, only she herself knew.

Seeing how good their relationship was, Teacher Tian let down his guard by about 80% and was able to talk about buying shares.

"Okay, we'll go to the Industry and Commerce Bureau tomorrow."

The two of them quickly reached an agreement, and Zhang Yuan even slammed 10 yuan in cash on the table.

"Oh, it's really hard not to get recognition." Teacher Tian sighed.

He originally wanted to make a TV series, and stage play was not his goal at all.

Now not only has the goal changed, but the attendance rate is so poor that he is questioning his life and his own abilities.

This is one of the reasons why he wanted to quit so much.

I don't play anymore!
"Before going to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau, we have to say hello to the other two." Zhang Yuan poured another glass for the other party.

"Yes, yes, you are very thoughtful."

We drank until quite late. Tian Youliang was actually a straightforward and carefree person. Like Brother Qian, he loved food and fun.

After seeing this person off, not only did I acquire the shares at cost price today, I also established a friendship, killing two birds with one stone.

"Good sister, just leave it there and I'll clean it up." Zhang Yuan stopped Cheng Hao who was about to clear the table.

"It's okay. I often work at home." Cheng Hao didn't want to be like Liu Qianqian, who had someone serving her at home every day.

"Let me do it, you go take a shower first."

"Didn't I say I would stay at your place tonight?" Cheng Hao glanced at him.

Zhang Yuan ignored her at all.

Cheng Hao put his hands on his hips angrily, then went to the bathroom with a towel.

Although he has a harsh mouth, his body is very honest.

……

The next day, he and Tian Youliang came to the Military Art Academy's small theater.

"I plan to sell my shares in the company to Zhang Yuan." Teacher Tian explained the matter concisely.

The two partners looked at each other.

I haven't seen you for a few days. How come you suddenly become my partner?
Director Tian has been wanting to withdraw and get his capital back for more than a day or two.

It’s just that the troupe’s business was so poor that the two of them had no spare money to pay him.

"This..." Screenwriter Yu Kai hesitated.

At this time, we still have to look at Zhang Chen.

"Please be sure to join our team!" He walked up and held Zhang Yuan's hand.

Director Tian makes a fuss every day, which is not good.

Zhang Yuan changed the performance and the audience's reaction with just a few words, which was beneficial.

After a quick thought, he knew who would be better to work with.

Besides, this person just reacted at this time.

"No wonder he only made a small suggestion before and then never showed up again."

“So you don’t want to work for nothing!”

"Well, since he is willing to buy the shares, it means that he must have a way to revive the troupe!"

Thinking of this, Zhang Chen understood that this was a good thing!
After explaining this, Shen Teng, who had just finished rehearsal, walked forward.

At this moment, he was no longer as handsome as the last time we met, and his face was filled with a sly smile.

“The suggestions you gave were very useful and the audience feedback was great!”

[Received thanks from Shen Teng, performance talent +1, comedy talent +1! ]

"It's because you are capable and quick to adjust." Zhang Yuan patted his arm.

After Zhang Yuan and Tian Youliang went to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau to complete the company's share transfer, Zhang Yuan called Teacher He Jiong again.

"You bought shares in the company?" Teacher He was also shocked by the news.

I asked him to help.

I know he cares about it, but he cares too much!
"You plan to spend money to start this troupe?"

"Yes, just consider it as paying for the sentiment."

When Teacher He heard this, his nose felt sore.

"Okay, I'll treat you to a meal when you come to Shonan someday."

[Received thanks from He Jiong, language talent +1, hosting skills +1! ]

After finishing all this, he returned to the small theater of the Military Art Academy.

"You're finally back." Zhang Chen greeted him with a smile: "Next, we still need to make some adjustments to improve the business of the troupe."

But Zhang Yuan waved his hand.

I know you're in a hurry, but take it easy.

This company is just in its early stages, and I only own more than 30% of the shares. And you expect me to devote my heart and soul to it?
It’s too little!

Just like Deyuan Society, if you want me to help revitalize it, that’s fine.

But I have to become the absolute leader of the company and ensure my long-term interests in the future.

"Let me first tell you a few factors that I think can affect attendance. Please listen."

"I'd like to hear the details." Zhang Chen said politely as he did that day.

"The right time, the right place, and the right people are all indispensable."

"According to what you said, there aren't many problems with the script and the performance, which means there aren't any major issues with the people involved."

"Then the problem lies in the right place and the right time."

"But as the saying goes, human hearts can be predicted, but the world cannot be changed. If you want to change the geographical location and the weather, that would be an act against heaven."

"The so-called geographical advantage is the place where you are performing now."

Zhang Yuan pointed at the theater.

"Old and dilapidated, right?"

Zhang Chen and Yu Kai laughed awkwardly for a while.

It’s an old, dilapidated house.

But just like home buyers, if you can afford a big house, who would want to squeeze into an old and small house?

“The theater is small, which limits the number of spectators.”

“Old and dilapidated, it affects the audience experience.”

"But this is not the most important thing. The most important thing is..."

"Sir, times have changed. Even good wine needs to be hidden in a remote alley!"

"Your theater is located on the campus of the Military Art University."

"The entrance to the Military Art Academy is very strict. Normal people have to ask a lot of questions before entering, which is quite troublesome."

"So the location of this venue determines that your customer range is extremely narrow!"

"So the first step is to change the performance venue!" His words were powerful, but the two partners looked embarrassed.

Don’t we want to change?
It’s because I can’t afford it.

Besides, a big theater, a good theater, is like a big shopping mall. If you are not a famous brand, they will not let you rent a shop.

How could a big theater pay attention to a small, unknown, and unremarkable theater troupe like them?

"This is the right location and the right time."

"The weather is something that can be created artificially."

"There is a saying in the opera industry: 'borrowing the wrist to support the wrist.'"

"Finding a big shot in the industry to praise you, or scold you, can increase an actor's popularity in a short period of time."

This is what was later called black and red is also red. The ancients hundreds of years ago had already mastered this operation.

This includes pairing young actors with old actors to raise their status. This method has been used in brothels for hundreds of years. The courtesans hang out with top writers and let them eat and sleep for free. Do they really value their literary talent?
“So, if you want to increase attendance, you have to increase visibility.”

“If you want to increase your visibility, you need big names to support you.”

“But whether it’s a big theater or a big star, it takes money.”

After Zhang Yuan finished speaking, he sat down on a folding chair in the audience and took out a cigarette.

“So, to do big things and succeed, there are three conditions.”

"First, money." He pointed with one finger.

"Second, money." He held up two fingers.

"Third, it's still money!" He held up three fingers.

If you want to make money, you must first have money. This is the so-called paradox of getting rich.

This is why the poor stay poor and the rich stay rich.

A poor man stands at a crossroads, juggling ten steel hooks, but he cannot catch any of his relatives.

Rich people wield swords, guns, sticks and clubs in the deep mountains and forests, and cannot disperse their ungrateful friends.

If you are poor, have no money, and no one helps you, you will always be poor.

If you are rich, have money, and have people to help you, you will always be rich.

Why do those rich people repair bridges and roads, eat vegetarian food, chant Buddhist scriptures, and act like justices of the peace in their later years?

Because they themselves know how bloody it was to make their first pot of gold.

After hearing Zhang Yuan's words, the remaining two dared not breathe a word.

you do not say.

Because the theater business is not good, now their friends are avoiding them for fear of borrowing money!

"You are right. We understand and agree with you."

"But I can't do it!" Zhang Chen said with a bitter face.

"Don't worry, I'm here to help you solve the problem of time and place."

"I'll pay for it!"

Zhang Yuan waved his hand domineeringly.

Zhang Chen took a look and immediately took out a lighter from his pocket and lit the cigarette for him.

"what do you mean……"

"Wait a minute." Zhang Yuan interrupted again: "I plan to pay, and it's a large sum of money."

"I estimate that the budget will be close to one million."

Hiss... Both of them took a deep breath.

one million!

These days you can buy two houses in the capital.

Are you just going to smash it into our small theater?

This is too fierce!
"You, are you willing to pay so much money?" Zhang Chen asked tremblingly.

In fact, what he wanted to ask more was, where did you get so much money?

"Of course, either don't do it, or do it to the best of your ability...but." He suddenly laughed when he said this.

"I'm spending money, so it can't be wasted, right?"

"Of course not. If we make money, you get the lion's share."

"That's natural." Zhang Yuan said bluntly.

"But as far as I know, you only spent 30 to build this company. I am now planning to spend nearly a million more. Consider me an investor, and you have to convert my shares into cash."

Only then did his true intentions come to light.

Only then did the two men realize that the seemingly kind "master" in front of them was actually like a ferocious tiger, intending to bite off a piece of flesh from them.

"Do you want to... buy out all our shares like Lao Tian did?"

"Oh, that's wrong. My principle is that everyone can make money." Zhang Yuan waved his hand quickly.

Nonsense, he still has to film, and he can't keep an eye on them every day. If he kicks them out, not only will he have to reorganize the team, but actors like Shen Teng may also disband, or leave with him.

No matter how you calculate it, it's not cost-effective. Don't be too extreme.

His principle is: live your life and let others live their lives too.

"My idea is to buy out your shares, increase my stake to 80%, and each of you will keep 10%."

Of course the other party disagreed, but the price was sky-high and the payment was low. Besides, they only had two choices now.

Cooperate with Zhang Yuan or wait for death.

In the evening, after a feast and clinking glasses, the two finally reached an agreement after getting drunk.

Zhang Yuan took 70%, and the remaining two took 30% in total.

Even though 70% of it belongs to others, that’s it. How many people want it but can’t get it!
Of course, the million-dollar investment Zhang Yuan mentioned was greatly exaggerated.

The first thing he did after acquiring the shares was to start taking advantage of them for free.

"Master Hou San, I need your help with something."

……

"Got it. I'll make the arrangements. That's a good thing."

Hou Yuewen agreed immediately.

Even Master Hou Sanye has taken a liking to him and wants to take him as his disciple, so it will be easy for Zhang Yuan to ask him for help.

What do you want from him?
Convenient location!

The Railway Art Troupe has an Erqi Theater in the capital. This is considered the troupe’s base in the capital. It is located within the Second Ring Road of Xicheng District and has convenient transportation.

The largest performance hall can accommodate 1200 spectators and is fully equipped with excellent specifications.

But although the Erqi Theater is so big and so good, its performances are now very depressed and its utilization rate is not high.

On weekdays, only the art troupe’s internal performances or some foreign drama troupes will come here to perform.

Three days of fishing and two days of drying the nets, this is what the theater is like.

But don't think that they are idle. They are in public institutions and ordinary people are not allowed to use them. They are afraid that you will dirty or damage it and cause trouble for them.

After all, the money earned belongs to the public and has nothing to do with us, the theater managers. It is better to have less trouble than more.

But Hou Yuewen is the deputy director of the art troupe!
With this relationship, it’s just a matter of words.

And because of his reputation, the long-term rental is very cheap. The rent of the small hall that can accommodate 300 people is not even as high as that of Guangde Building.

According to his plan, he was supposed to perform one show a week at the Military Art Academy.

When you go to Erqi Theater, there will be one show a day!
"Next, we have to deal with the issue of timing." Zhang Yuan thought about the million-dollar salary he had just earned from the crew of "The Chinese Paladin", and felt a little sad that he had to spend it before it even warmed up.

"Gan!"

"If you can't let go of the child, you can't trap the wolf."

“Only investment pays off.”

drop by drop...

Coincidentally, just when he was planning his salary for "The Legend of Sword and Fairy", his cell phone rang.

I picked up the phone and saw that the caller was Cai Yinong.

When the call was answered, a serious, dull and hoarse voice with a layer of gray came from the other end.

"Zhang Yuan, something has happened. The Chinese Paladin has encountered a big problem..." (End of this chapter)