Chapter 859: Chapter 358: Piles of Top Influencers_2

His company is Magic City Shining World, and this year they invested in quite a few web dramas and online films. I agreed to fund them and signed the talent over.

Wang Anyu doesn’t have a company, so it didn’t take much effort.

Hou Minghao’s company wants to collaborate with our marketing team. By the way, boss, can I exclude the expenses from using your online influencer group from the one million budget?”

“Exclude it.”

Su Huai was beyond impressed — Alex really knows how to utilize every resource to its fullest potential.

Everyone in Xingyu’s upper management is aware of Mr. Su’s external influencer group. No one knows the exact number, but they’re incredibly effective, and for the past few months, they’ve been relentlessly targeting Dilraba Dilmurat and Gulnazar.

The super topics on Weibo for these two actresses are now practically unbearable to look at. The “smart legion” doesn’t engage in underhanded tactics–no rumors, no manipulating photos, no dredging up old scandals or anything. They just flood their discussion threads with positive energy.

For instance, the engine upgrades for domestic fighter jets, producing over ten thousand posts in less than a day.

Or conversations about the South China Sea situation, international politics, support for police officers, and spreading inspiring stories about Zhang Guimei…

Their fans tremble amidst the overwhelming flood of information, unable to understand it, control the narrative, or even report it appropriately. Demoralized, their spirits are shattered.

Jiaxing and Tang Ren are on the verge of losing their minds. Mimi even publicly called out Xingyu by tagging their official account on Weibo: “How can you bully people like this?!”

Xingyu: “???”

They only replied with three question marks, feigning innocence.

Su Huai heard that these two companies are preparing to offer some film and TV resources to placate Xingyu and apologize for reconciliation.

It was mentioned by Zhang from the content production department, but Su Huai didn’t probe further.

Currently, Xingyu’s content production department is just a fledgling operation–it has a structure but hasn’t truly started to produce anything. Right now, they’re mostly working as assistants for others.

Thus, Zhang is fully supportive of Alex and Susan.

Their boy bands and girl groups–they believe that regardless of who achieves fame and cultivates a few promising stars for film and TV, the content production department will finally have its moment on stage.

“Well done.”

Su Huai offered a word of praise, then asked, “I understand how the company managed things, but how did *you* convince them personally?”

Alex gave a sly, mischievous smile: “It’s no secret that Iqiyi is planning ‘Idol Trainee.’ If we weren’t weaker compared to Ge Fuhong in content production, I’d practically fight to take over their show!

Since stealing the show isn’t feasible, how about crashing the party with our group instead?

These people I’ve selected–if not washed-up older stars, then they’re freshly graduated students with limited prospects. When I promised to invest resources to make them famous, of course they jumped at the chance.”

Su Huai glanced over. Tan Jianci and Xiao Zhan, born in 1990 and 1991 respectively, are already approaching their late twenties but still haven’t made a name for themselves. It seems about time for them to take one last shot.

As for the remaining group, born between 1997 and 2000, they’re still quite young.

“It wasn’t easy for you to bring them together. Well done–thank you for your hard work.”

While Alex had been boasting moments ago, now he shifted to humility, refusing to take credit.

“Oh, it’s all because you’ve developed Xingyu so well! Our company has so much name recognition, but most of our standout stars are streamers and influencers–especially female ones. There are plenty of unexplored opportunities for men, so when I approached them, it was barely any effort; they were all eager to give it a shot.”

“Alright, let’s keep working hard. I’m very satisfied with your talent selection. If you need any additional resources, just come directly to me for approval.”

Having shown full support, Su Huai paused for a moment and then asked, “So there’s no way to steal ‘Idol Trainee’ after all?”

With the talent now in hand, Su Huai’s ambitions began to grow.

It wasn’t about gaining one or two new male influencers, but since the opportunity had fallen into his lap, why wouldn’t he take advantage of it?

Alex shook his head regretfully: “Ge Fuhong is the goddess of Taiwanese variety shows, and there are quite a few Taiwanese executives in Iqiyi. They’ve teamed up to dominate this territory, and it’s tough to break through.

But later, if we invest some money and handle the marketing, we should be able to secure a collaboration partner status and claim the best debut positions.”

“Forget it,” Su Huai said, shaking his head and deciding not to push further.

“Just focus on building them up. Provide resources, offer training, but make sure to be mindful about stepping over boundaries. The entertainment industry is different. Xingyu is strong in certain aspects but has weaknesses in others.

I’ll leave you with three guiding principles: fully respect the entertainment industry, fully respect the acting potentials of these trainees, and fully respect content creation.”

Alex nodded seriously: “Understood, Mr. Su!”

With that, their conversation ended. Su Huai didn’t talk further with the boy band but instead announced: tonight, they would host a banquet to welcome everyone.

They picked a private dining venue for a gathering. All available top executives led by Su Huai attended.

The top livestreamers, with Yuji heading the group, came from six of the biggest platforms.

Representing influencers, Quanquan brought along a mixed group of male and female personalities.

This lineup highlighted Xingyu’s appreciation and respect for the new boy and girl groups.

As the party grew more vibrant and lively, Su Huai took time to chat individually with everyone, mainly to assess their personalities.

Overall, they were good folks.

Among the men, Su Huai had the highest opinion of Xiao Zhan, followed by Wang Anyu. These two were the least frivolous and seemed to enjoy thinking things through–a rare trait in the entertainment industry.

The remaining four had their quirks, but nothing major.

Smooth-talking, vanity, hyperactivity, simplicity–as long as it’s within limits, these aren’t inherently flaws.

Among the women, Su Huai liked Zhang Zining’s personality the most. She didn’t fight or compete, remained serene and demure. Though she might struggle to gain mainstream popularity, putting her in charge as the team leader brought peace of mind.

As for Yang Chaoyue… right now, she seemed quite insecure, but her genuine personality was endearing. She didn’t waste energy on self-sabotage and had a carefree spirit that made her great friend material.

Not to mention, her authentic beauty was remarkable, though her figure left much to be desired.

At one point, she unknowingly found herself seated next to Pei Shuyu. She subtly puffed out her chest, only to collapse within two seconds, causing several colleagues who noticed to burst into laughter.

Before the party ended, Su Huai raised one last glass.

“Xingyu isn’t a family. Don’t expect the company to feel like one, and don’t force your colleagues to become family members. This is a rational reminder I want to provide to everyone.

But Xingyu *is* an excellent platform. Our collective goal as staff is to ensure that no talent or unique trait of yours will ever be overlooked.

What you must do, however, is to refine yourselves–brighten the dim areas and polish the aspects that already shine until they gleam brilliantly.

If you achieve this and the company’s traffic doesn’t reach you, then it’s our fault. I will be the first to take responsibility.

But if the company’s enormous reach turns its focus on you and you fail to seize the chance, I won’t blame you, nor will I feel disappointed. That accountability lies with your own emotions. Xingyu will simply move forward like a roaring machine.

At last, I sincerely hope that during the next or following shareholder meeting, some of you will rise as new S+ tier artists, earn shares, and become true partners in this massive platform. Cheers!”

“Hooray! Cheers!”

The group erupted in cheers, raising their glasses in unison. The artist unity banquet concluded successfully.

At this point, Su Huai wasn’t sure how far Xingyu was going to expand.

A steady flow of top male stars, a lineup of top-tier female influencers, platform influence, and public visibility–what is still missing?

Film production?

Long-form video content?

Movie theaters?

But none of these issues can be resolved quickly. They need careful planning over time.

Because of this, Su Huai realized he might finally get some time to rest…

As soon as this thought crossed his mind, he felt an uncontrollable longing for crystal blue seas, sunny beaches, pastoral landscapes, and mountain retreats.

However, he was certain about one thing–his vacation had to include Gu.

Back at the hotel, he shared his idea with her immediately, and Gu was thrilled.

“Really? There’s finally some time? How about heading to your hometown? I’ve wanted to visit Northeast rural areas for so long!”

“Home?”

This idea wasn’t initially part of his plan, but hearing Gu’s suggestion, a summer countryside retreat sounded pretty good…

“Alright, then. Get prepared and decide who to bring along. Do you think Grandma would enjoy heading out?”

Cheng LiHua was enthusiastic, leaving the old-timer Wang behind, while taking Wu and others ahead as a scouting party.

Gu Tongshu didn’t want her daughter staying at Su Huai’s relatives’ house, so she offered up the estate over there.

It was only now that Su Huai learned that Gu owned farms, ranches, and forests in Hei Province. Northeast specialties? Old Man Deng had more expertise than Su Huai…

Whatever, no need to compete in that arena. Residence is residence, no matter who owns it.

Actually, if Su Huai returned home, he’d be more concerned about what to eat daily–Miss Hong Juan’s skills in the kitchen would terrify everyone in the household.

With the date set for July 20th, fresh off his exams, Su Huai boarded a private plane with Gu… or perhaps, Gu dragged him onto the plane, bound for his cool, relaxing hometown.