Chapter 8

Xinghui Culture and Media Co., Ltd. was thus established with investments from Derong Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. and Xingxiu Foreign Trade Co., Ltd. The company's registered capital was only 500,000 yuan, but it had 80 million yuan in capital. The first step was to spend 2 million yuan to acquire a stake in Jinhong Culture Company, turning it into a subsidiary of Xinghui Culture and Media Co., Ltd. Li Hong, Aheng, and another founder of Jinhong, Jinhua, each held 10% of the new subsidiary. Of course, Shen Zhenghui was too busy to pay attention to the specific capital operations and the allocation of equity and debt. Shen Xingguo and Liu Dekai both sent people to the newly established company to assist Shen Zhenghui and Liu Xin. Fortunately, although Shen Zhenghui delegated specific tasks to them, he still maintained control. These two people were merely the eyes and ears of their respective parents in the company.

With ample capital, a comprehensive layout was about to be launched. The first step was to enter Hong Kong and set up a base there, preparing to publish a Hong Kong version of the comic magazine. Regardless of the outcome, the groundwork had to be laid first.

Next came the part that Shen Zhenghui didn't particularly enjoy—networking. Through Liu Dekai's connections, they first reached out to Deputy Mayor Xu Daohang, then to Propaganda Minister Wu Renhai, aiming to secure a legitimate magazine number. Once this was achieved, the related operations would follow, and the future prospects would be limitless.

However, Minister Wu seemed uninterested in this kind of networking. "Do you need to come to me for something as trivial as a children's magazine?"

"Well, getting a magazine number is quite difficult," Shen Zhenghui said with a forced smile.

Minister Wu responded indifferently, "Magazine numbers are precious assets of the publishing house. We can't just let them slip away."

"Of course, we're not afraid to spend money, but even with money, it's not easy to get a magazine number. That's why we have to ask for your help, Minister."

"I can't really interfere with that. We should respect the opinions of the publishing house!" This was clearly a polite refusal. Even in 2017, such a statement would be recognized as a lie.

Shen Zhenghui cursed himself for his lack of composure. Who said that someone from the publishing house would definitely care about the publishing house? He felt frustrated and somewhat hesitant. "Minister Wu, you're right. We'll communicate with the publishing house again. If we encounter any difficulties in the future, we'll seek your guidance."

Liu Dekai, who was toasting, felt a sense of satisfaction from Shen Zhenghui's awkward social skills.

"Minister Wu," Liu Dekai said, though he wasn't close to Wu Renhai, his tone conveyed deep sincerity. "This is my future son-in-law," he patted Shen Zhenghui's shoulder. "Ah, he's just out of school, full of ambition, but a bit impetuous. We, the older generation, want to help and support them to avoid detours. Please criticize him if he makes any mistakes!" As he spoke, Liu Dekai poured himself a drink and downed it in one gulp. "I sincerely thank Minister Wu for coming. It's a rare opportunity to meet you. I'll drink first, and you can follow at your leisure..."

Minister Wu's stern face broke into a smile as he picked up his small cup and drank half of it in one go.

"Minister, you're too kind. Please, take it easy," Liu Dekai said with genuine pleasure. Liu Xin, standing nearby, glared at Shen Zhenghui and hurriedly refilled her father's glass.

Shen Zhenghui was a bit dazed until Liu Dekai glared at him. "Xiaochen, drink up!"

Shen Zhenghui quickly picked up his glass and drank it in one go.

Minister Wu's smile was somewhat playful. In the private room, there were only three people from Liu Dekai's side, while Wu Renhai was accompanied by his secretary, a not-so-young man who rarely spoke but was very efficient in his actions, pouring drinks and serving dishes with agility.

Shen Zhenghui adopted a respectful and attentive demeanor, looking at his "future father-in-law" with a slightly anxious gaze.

Liu Dekai felt greatly satisfied. "Minister Wu, I'm a rough man, just a builder." The fat man played his role well. "My daughter," he took Liu Xin's hand, "is like a child, always worrying me. She doesn't want to take over my construction company; she just loves drawing comics." Liu Dekai said bluntly. "I've invested a lot of money in this, but it's just a small-scale effort. Here," he pointed at Shen Zhenghui, "Xiaochen is a top student from the capital university. His father is my friend, and he's willing to help Xin Xin. I have to support them!"

Minister Wu and his secretary's smiles softened.

"But I really don't know anything about this!" Liu Dekai clapped his hands. "I had to swallow my pride and ask Mayor Xu for advice. He said it's all under your jurisdiction. So, we came to you."

Wu Renhai's eyebrows twitched. "You want to do something big?"

"Big!" Liu Dekai nodded eagerly. "The kids want to achieve something, and we, the rough men, want to add some cultural flair. But if we don't succeed, wouldn't we be letting you and Mayor Xu down?"

Wu Renhai laughed lightly and looked at Shen Zhenghui and Liu Xin again. "Tell me about your plans."

Liu Dekai gave Shen Zhenghui a look and spoke first. "It's a rare opportunity to meet Minister Wu. If we go into too much detail, it would be like asking you to work in your free time. I'll give a brief overview: we want to get a magazine number and start in Pengcheng and Hong Kong. With the return of Hong Kong, we can promote cultural exchange and strengthen ties between the two regions."

Minister Wu remained noncommittal. "And then?"

"The comic magazine is the first step. If it succeeds, we'll build an animation park, produce animation series, and develop related merchandise, creating a complete industry chain."

Minister Wu's expression turned thoughtful. He frowned and glanced at his secretary.

The young man, Yang Chao, immediately interjected, "Have you considered the special nature of the Chinese market? What about piracy?"

"We believe the market is improving. Our country is about to join the WTO, and foreign countries will have copyright requirements. Of course, we'll focus on the Pengcheng and Lingnan markets to ensure a baseline income, and we also rely on the animation series," Shen Zhenghui explained.

"Animation series!" Wu Renhai stroked his chin and glanced at Liu Dekai. "You're well-informed!"

"Ah? What do you mean?" Liu Dekai feigned surprise.

"The documents have already been issued. The central government is subsidizing domestic animation series..." Wu Renhai's eyes twinkled. "Mr. Liu, you're quite resourceful!"

"Ah, I really didn't know." Liu Dekai quickly clarified. "My daughter has been interested in this for years, and I just want to help her."

"Alright, alright," Wu Renhai waved his hand and pondered. "But this is a good thing." He looked at Shen Zhenghui. "Can you produce an animation series this year?"

This was a daunting task.

Although the process was out of Shen Zhenghui's control, the outcome seemed positive, which was enough.

Shen Zhenghui repeated "calm down" several times in his mind and responded with a steady tone, "If we work hard, it's not impossible."

Minister Wu nodded without speaking.

This was a small episode in a series of networking efforts, but it was an important step. It also gave Shen Zhenghui a glimpse into the complexity of the relationship between officials and businessmen. In the end, Minister Wu did not give a clear answer, but soon the Southern Media Group approached Jinhong Culture Company, offering to sell a magazine number for an annual management fee.

Although Shen Zhenghui knew the future of the Southern Media Group, he still accepted this offer with a smile. The annual fee of 100,000 yuan was not expensive, and he wished to sign a 30-year contract, but it was only possible to sign for five years at a time.

The combination of the Shen and Liu families, with capital stirring capital, and the support of various parties, led to the publication of Jinhong Comics. The municipal government approved a plot of land for an animation park, and Xinghui secured a large area within it. The framework of the animation company was established, and an advertising company capable of producing animations was acquired. The animation department was separated and moved into the park, starting to recruit staff. Due to the shortage of personnel, some of Jinhong's employees were also brought in to help. Money flowed out like water, and a group of future artists and workers were hired. When Shen Xingguo and Liu Dekai saw Shen Zhenghui's group plan—Xinghui Media would develop into a comprehensive entertainment group encompassing film, animation, real estate, and the internet—they almost had a heart attack from Shen Zhenghui's ambitious vision.

For Li Hong, Aheng, and others, it seemed like the realization of their dreams, but the rapid spending made them uneasy. With the publication of the magazine, they felt a sense of anxiety and fear, as the huge investment and uncertain returns made them apprehensive.

Shen Zhenghui, while brainstorming the plot for "Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf," was secretly cursing the corruption of officials. He already knew that several mayors, Minister Wu, Liu Dekai, and Shen Xingguo had reached an agreement. Once the animation subsidy was credited to the company's account, it would be distributed to several so-called investment companies under Xinghui Media, which were almost all... well, you know.

However, Shen Zhenghui believed he could still make money from animation, but the collusion between officials and businessmen was truly frustrating. This made him understand why future capitalists would clamor for a clean slate, disregarding past actions. If Mayor Xu and Minister Wu were investigated in the future, Shen Zhenghui would be implicated. At this point, all he could do was to conduct business as formally as possible, at least on the surface, to avoid any obvious mistakes. This, in turn, prevented him from simply fabricating garbage to make money.

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