Chapter 44

"I never expected the box office to be so successful," Yan Kai reported to his boss, "I thought breaking even would be good enough!"

"Then you underestimate us capitalists. Would we invest in something that doesn't make money?"

"Who knew if it would make money at the start?" Yan Kai countered, "I never dared to imagine it would make so much money. I'm not Hayao Miyazaki."

"The current performance is still far from Miyazaki's!"

"Doesn't that mean there's still room for improvement?"

Chen Zhenghui looked at Yan Kai seriously, "Damn, it's been so long since I last saw you, and you've learned to flatter people!"

Yan Kai smiled awkwardly, "So, what's the company's next plan?" he asked.

"Continue hiring, maintain the production of 'Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf,' aim to release one animated movie per year, and explore other themes."

"Other themes?"

"Besides goats and wolves, we can try bears and Taoist priests, uh, no, bears and humans. I'll write something up for you on this topic."

"Oh," Yan Kai blinked, "Will we continue sending people to Japan?"

"Of course," Chen Zhenghui said, "Japan is about to start an 'EVA' fan animation series, and they are desperately short of animators. My idea is to hire more people, let them practice with our animations, and once they have a solid foundation, send them to Japan for further training. What do you think? The specific number of people and plans will depend on the expansion of the Japanese company. According to my calculations, we will be in a state of continuous hiring for the next five years. I'll give you a written plan."

Yan Kai continued to stare at Chen Zhenghui, not moving.

"Do you have something else?" Chen Zhenghui blinked.

"Boss, I want to talk about my future and plans," Yan Kai finally spoke up.

"Sure," Chen Zhenghui stood up, "Let's have a cup of coffee and sit on the sofa, it will be more relaxed." Chen Zhenghui stood up, and Yan Kai went to the automatic coffee machine to pour himself a cup and another for Chen Zhenghui.

"Thanks, do you have any concerns about your future?" Chen Zhenghui asked, taking the coffee.

"Um," Yan Kai coughed, "Although the company treats me very well, and you have entrusted me with important tasks, and I have achieved some results, deep down, I don't really like my current job."

Chen Zhenghui widened his eyes, "You don't like making animations? Or do you want to go back to comics? Maybe you and Aheng can switch positions."

"No, no, that's not it," Yan Kai waved his hands, "I just don't like making these low-age animations." After hesitating, he said firmly, "Although the performance of these animations is good and very satisfying, I still want to make something that isn't specifically for children."

Chen Zhenghui put down his cup and rested his chin, "You need to understand," he said, "that kind of animation is generally hard to pass the censorship."

"It's not that difficult if the theme is positive and uplifting," Yan Kai said cautiously.

"When will your own comic be finished?"

"Uh, I basically don't have time to draw it," Yan Kai said regretfully, "I feel that if this continues, I will become useless."

Chen Zhenghui understood. This guy was a generation influenced by Japanese anime, and deep down, he looked down on anthropomorphic animations. He had to submit to life before, but now that he has achieved some success, he wants to return to his original ideals.

Chen Zhenghui touched his upper lip, "I have a question, don't be angry," he said.

Yan Kai was taken aback, "Ask."

"Is another company trying to poach you?"

"Uh," Yan Kai's eyes moved, and he finally admitted, "Yes, a company is trying to poach me," he quickly explained, "But I haven't agreed. They want me to make animations and animated movies like 'Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf,' which is not my goal. If it's this kind of animation, I would definitely stay in the company."

"Then others must have been poached too?" Chen Zhenghui raised his eyebrows.

"Uh..." Yan Kai also put down his cup, "Yes, I know several people, including Huang Wei, have been poached, but no one has agreed."

"Day, this is about waiting to see the company's next move," Chen Zhenghui clapped his hands, "Director Yan," he said, "You are all old-timers in the company, from the beginning, from animations to animated movies, you have worked hard and made great contributions. But you also need to see the current market and environment. I want to align with Japan, but what is the current situation of domestic anime magazines? The ACG industry is integrated, and it's not easy to develop in our country. Looking at the domestic market, I think Jin Hong is still the best. What do you think?"

Yan Kai felt his mood sink.

"Does the company not consider diversifying the themes?"

"Rather than diversification, it's more about adult-oriented content. I understand your thoughts. You don't want to make animations for children, but for young people and adults. I understand this idea. But you need to see the current environment. Our magazines are already struggling, and as for animations, who would buy them? Domestic TV stations won't buy them, and even if they do, they won't dare to broadcast them."

"It's not that sensitive."

"It is that sensitive," Chen Zhenghui said, "Aheng has always wanted to animate 'Shaolin Authentic,' ask him where he's stuck. You don't even have the authorization from Shaolin Temple. Drawing comics using the name Shaolin Temple, they might not pursue you for now, but you'll be in big trouble later. Not to mention the setting, try submitting the script to the broadcasting authority and see if they approve it."

Yan Kai was startled, "My theme won't be like that."

"It's the same, Director Yan," Chen Zhenghui waved his hand, "Do you think I like making anthropomorphic animations? Of course, I can't deny that it makes money, and capitalists won't give up on profitable projects. But in terms of taste and intelligence, I am the same as you." Chen Zhenghui patted Yan Kai's shoulder.

"I want to try Taiwan," Yan Kai said firmly.

"Don't be in a hurry," Chen Zhenghui said, "I was planning to talk to everyone tomorrow, but since you came, I'll tell you now." Chen Zhenghui stared at Yan Kai seriously, "For someone like you, making 'Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf' is a waste of talent. So, I'll promote a few people from your team to take over this project. Profitable projects should continue, and it's also a way to cultivate talent. Additionally, I have a few options for you."

Yan Kai took a deep breath.

"Obviously, you won't choose to continue making animations in the company, so I'll give you a few months off," Yan Kai's face changed, "During this time, finish 'Snow Coconut.'"

"A few months isn't enough," Yan Kai smiled bitterly.

"Then you might never finish it in your lifetime," Chen Zhenghui sighed, "Gonzo is starting a new animated movie, you can go and learn."

"Go to Japan?"

"Don't want to?" Chen Zhenghui asked.

Yan Kai frowned, "Then will I be making Japanese animations in the future?"

"If you don't like that, what about Taiwan?"

"Huh?"

"We already have a foothold in Hong Kong, and we need one in Taiwan," Chen Zhenghui said, "If you want to make animations, these two places are large enough markets."

"Can you still invest in Taiwan?" Yan Kai couldn't believe it.

"Of course, the capital will be officially unrelated to me, but it will be considered Japanese capital."

Yan Kai looked hesitant. Taiwan's local comics, influenced by Japan, are also very strong.

"You won't be going alone; Japan and Jin Hong will be your backing," Chen Zhenghui said.

"I still want to make animations," Yan Kai said.

"Sure, but in Taiwan, you need to be careful about the themes, and because of the integration of ACG, it's also necessary to start a comic magazine."

"Do we have enough people?" Yan Kai questioned.

"Don't worry about that," Chen Zhenghui said seriously, "Although it's in Taiwan, the focus is on Asia."

...

Jin Hong is a great platform. In the domestic comic market, magazines have been closing down due to intense competition, leadership idiocy, and policy intervention. Only Jin Hong, supported by the Pengcheng municipal government and Chen Zhenghui's substantial capital, has rapidly developed. By the end of 1998, Jin Hong was fully self-sufficient and thriving. Li Hong and Aheng were fully engaged in management, especially Aheng, who had an unusual obsession with the Hong Kong market. What Chen Zhenghui had initially used to deceive Minister Wu actually became a reality under Aheng's leadership. The traditional version of Jin Hong Comics was published in Hong Kong and sold well.

The closure of other magazines and the development of Jin Hong have gradually concentrated the excellent authors in the mainland. The magazines have become thicker and more popular. Li Hong took this opportunity to discuss with Chen Zhenghui the possibility of publishing different styles of magazines for different readers, such as girls' and boys' magazines.

Chen Zhenghui tapped on the table, looking happily at the now robust management team. Many mid-level personnel he didn't recognize, but their pen names and stage names were familiar from his past life. Everyone stopped whispering and listened to the boss.

"I am very pleased with our current achievements. From our movies and magazines, it's clear that domestic anime authors can survive. Of course, we want to thrive, but we also need to recognize the challenges we face. We shouldn't just complain about the sky, the earth, and the air, or blame the Soviet Union and the United States. The current situation and challenges are real, and we need to accept and solve them. We need to look beyond the mainland market to the Japanese market, where we already have a solid foothold, and the Hong Kong market, which we have entered. We need a goal and a concept for future market expansion. Once we agree on this, everyone should work towards this goal with a unified mindset."

"Following this East Asia-Asia-World strategy, our company will be in a state of rapid development and expansion for the next ten years. Each of you here is a key player in the company's expansion. I know many of you joined this industry out of love, but here, I want to make a material commitment and guarantee to all of you." Chen Zhenghui paused, seeing the excited and eager expressions below, "Pure ideals alone cannot sustain us for long; we need a solid material foundation." He continued, "So, I have some ideas about the company's equity. I think all employees should have the opportunity to own company equity, and our company should always belong to our employees, not as a tool for my personal profit or a means to raise money in the future. I hope everyone treats this as a true career, their own career."

Everyone started whispering.

"I hope that 99% of the equity will belong to all of you in ten years, and I will retain 1%," Chen Zhenghui continued.

All faces changed.

"Let's start with a union committee!"

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