However, what Wang Yi was worried about was Shanda Literature's excessive asking price! Shanda Literature's market value was currently at a high point.
In 2004, Shanda Literature's valuation was only 15 million.
In 2011, Shanda Literature, owning a host of novel platforms such as Qidian Chinese Network, Hongxiu Tianxiang Network, Yanqing Xiaoshuoba, Chunjiang Literature City (50% stake), and Rongshuxia, reached a terrifying valuation of over 5 billion, equivalent to two Dangdang.coms!
It wasn't until Shanda Literature's IPO failed in 2013 and core executives departed that its valuation was halved to 3.6 billion.
Goose Factory seized the opportunity, splurging 5 billion to acquire it at Shanda Literature's peak price!
Shanda truly couldn't refuse and happily agreed.
From then on, one era of online literature ended, and another glorious era began!
Wang Yi was stunned!
This year is precisely Shanda Literature's peak, so it likely won't be sold off cheaply!
Shanda is currently valued at 5 billion and still dreams of being an entertainment hegemon; he would only consider selling for at least 8 billion.
Even just Shanda's 50% stake in Chunjiang Literature City would likely cost hundreds of millions!
Can't afford it, truly can't afford it!
But it's fine, if I can't afford Chunjiang Literature City's shares, then I'll just empty it out directly!
With this in mind, Wang Yi decisively said, "Sining, list all the most popular online novels from Chunjiang Literature City over the years that haven't been adapted into film or TV for me!"
"Okay, Boss."
Wang Yi planned to go through the list and filter them one by one.
He would identify the Chunjiang Literature City novels that would become popular in later years, and acquire all of them while copyrights were dirt cheap in 2011!
As long as he got his hands on the copyrights for these hottest and most valuable novels, it would be equivalent to owning Chunjiang Literature City, roughly speaking!
At most, buying them all at the highest price in 2011 would only be 100,000-300,000 per novel, a sure profit!
This way, Meiyou Novel would have its library filled with these popular books, continuously profiting from subscription revenue.
Wang Yi could also select the most promising novels to be made into TV series!
Of course, Wang Yi didn't have time to be a director himself, spending a year or half a year on a set; that's unrealistic.
Professionals do professional things.
Wang Yi would be responsible for investment and project initiation; filming and the like would be better left to Noon Sunshine.
And Noon Sunshine is precisely the production company behind a series of hit dramas such as "Nirvana in Fire," "The Disguiser," "The Story of Minglan," "Qiao's Grand Courtyard," and more!
However, Noon Sunshine seems to have just been established and hasn't grown big yet; if there's an opportunity, he could invest a little!
In the next year or two, Wang Yi could invest tens of millions in a drama and earn hundreds of millions, no problem.
For example, "Nirvana in Fire" sold its first-round broadcasting rights for 300 million, with a second round still to come...
Online broadcasting rights also sold for hundreds of millions, plus subsequent income...
It was absolutely a huge profit.
Wang Yi would also keep the copyrights for novels not yet filmed, waiting a few years to sell them.
Copyrights acquired for tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands this year would sell for millions or tens of millions in copyright revenue a few years later!
What's more, there's Meiyou Novel, with a continuous stream of subscription revenue.
It could be called a highly profitable business!
Additionally, by poaching a group of editors and renowned authors from Chunjiang Literature City with high salaries, Meiyou Novel would be established!
This is how the online literature industry develops!
Even several other websites poached authors, renowned writers, and editors from Qidian...
They took the first step, Wang Yi will follow up, it's not too much, right?
At most, it's paying homage to predecessors!
No way, to get rich, you can't be a saint!
Then, comprehensively improve the treatment of Meiyou's premium authors to attract mid-to-high-level authors from Chunjiang Literature City to join Meiyou.
Subsequently, organize events like a million-yuan writing contest, arrange trending topics, make a big splash, and attract other talented authors to join.
This way, Meiyou Novel would develop!
Once Meiyou Novel takes off, Wang Yi can utilize resources from the film and television industry.
Especially with Wang Yi's generous investment in "Love Is Not Blind," his hands-off approach, respect for actors, and ability to provide valuable resources!
This earned Wang Yi a good reputation in both the film and television industry and the entertainment circle.
Definitely "a clear stream in the investment circle, a scoundrel in the capital world."
He once became the most sought-after partner for many artists, film and television companies, directors, and producers!
In the next year or two, Wang Yi will have Meiyou Novel with numerous copyrights in his left hand, and a host of stars, directors, and film and television companies vying for collaboration in his right hand.
Then, establishing a film and television culture company, combining the two, and launching a series of hit dramas would lead to both fame and fortune, no problem.
Once several consecutive dramas are hits, leaving behind the reputation of "Wang Yi's productions are always masterpieces," the capital world will rush to invest!
From these, Wang Yi would choose two powerful capitals with clean backgrounds, share some profits, and at the same time share costs and risks; everyone would make money together.
In this line of work, it's unrealistic for one person to monopolize profits.
As for whether Chunjiang Literature City would be crushed by Meiyou Novel by then?
Wang Yi didn't care.
A single industry will never compare to diversified development!
Chunjiang Literature City can only sell copyrights, but Wang Yi is different; in addition to copyrights, he can directly invest in film and television!
If Chunjiang Literature City truly collapses, Wang Yi will just acquire it.
"Sining, the Meiyou Novel department can also start preparations, specifically for mobile reading."
Wang Yi said, "But don't rush to recruit people. First, acquire copyrights and build the book library. If the library isn't set up, recruiting people is pointless!"
"However, online literature headhunters can be hired first to poach powerful female-oriented editors and authors. Talented editors can be recruited with high salaries, to start work as soon as possible and acquire books quickly."
"As for female authors and renowned writers, as long as their books are of good quality and they are willing to sign, we will directly buy out their works at a premium!"
"Whatever Chunjiang Literature City offers, we will rate based on quality, strength, and prospects, and offer 1.3 times, 1.5 times! For high-quality online novels with adaptation potential, even double the price is fine!"
"Okay."
Song Sining noted it down.
The platform isn't built yet, but poaching talent comes first.
Wang Yi planned that once the IT department completed the Meiyou inventory management system, they would start developing Meiyou 4.0, incorporating Meiyou Novel.
The library issue is a long-term one and needs to be prepared for now.
Whether it's acquiring copyrights, headhunting powerful renowned authors and writers from other sites with high salaries, buying out new books, or holding million-yuan writing contests, all these require time.
The fastest way to establish a book library is to create channels!
He would try his best to introduce female-oriented online novels from Chunjiang Literature City and other sites to Meiyou; they would provide the novels, Meiyou would provide the platform and traffic, and all royalties would be split fifty-fifty!
Even if the big site Chunjiang Literature City doesn't agree, other smaller sites shouldn't refuse.
In fact, this situation is common; for example, books from Qidian have appeared on channels like Mobile Reading, Huawei Reading, and Xiaomi Books.
One more channel means one more source of income, which is always good.
This matter still needs to be handled by Song Sining.
After the call, Song Sining was a bit dazed:
"Beauty factory, online literature copyrights, Meiyou Novel, channels..."
"You little brat, you're giving me so much work late at night?"
"Be a decent person!"
The next day.
Wang Yi didn't go to the company, nor did he stay idle at home.
Instead, he drove to the supermarket.
He bought milk, meat, eggs, Ejiao, peanut oil, fish, and more, filling up the trunk, then returned to his hometown, Qinglai Village!
During this period, he had been busy with work and hadn't visited the three elders.
His parents, however, went back frequently.
Now that he had some rare free time, he naturally had to fulfill his filial duties.
Wang Yi first went to his maternal grandmother's house, carrying large and small bags inside.
His maternal grandmother was a bit anxious:
"Xiaoyi, I'm just one person, why did you buy so many things? It's all money!"
Wang Yi was speechless:
"Grandma, they're already bought. It's a waste if you don't eat them, so eat more. Next time I come, I'll buy new ones! Don't save them!"
The elderly had experienced the poorest days, days without food, so when they had good things, they always hesitated to eat them, hesitated to use them, always saving them.
Saving them for their grandson, saving them to eat when guests came.
But as they kept saving, they would spoil and go bad...
Wang Yi remembered once, when he visited his maternal grandmother's house as a child, she excitedly took out apples and dates she had saved for him, stored in the cellar, but they had still gone bad...
Seeing a bag full of spoiled fruit, Wang Yi didn't mind, but his maternal grandmother was sad for a long time.
Even later, despite repeated persuasion from Wang Yi and his parents, his maternal grandmother couldn't change this habit.
Wang Yi had no choice but to buy more each time he went back.
He wanted his maternal grandmother to fully realize that there was truly no shortage, and if she didn't eat them, they would all go bad, then she wouldn't be reluctant to eat!
What made Wang Yi even more anxious was that the elder was too thrifty; she would cut off the moldy parts of spoiled food and continue eating it.
"Oh, stop moving things, stop moving things. I can't eat it all, really can't. Give it to your paternal grandfather!"
His maternal grandmother waved her hand hurriedly.
Wang Yi smiled:
"Those inside are for my paternal grandparents, these outside are for you."
"I'm this old, I really can't eat that much!"
"Then eat more, choose the nutritious ones!"
Wang Yi said, moving more items into the house.
Seeing this, his maternal grandmother could only help him move things together.
"Grandma, don't move, I can do it myself, don't tire yourself out."
"Hah, this is nothing, I can even go up a mountain!"
His maternal grandmother picked up the fruit basket and went straight into the house, effortlessly.
Being over seventy, she had been free of illness and misfortune all year round; her health was indeed very good.
His maternal grandmother had barely ever been hospitalized in her life; she gave birth to all her children at home.
Until twelve years later, she was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer...
Sickness enters through the mouth; Wang Yi made up his mind that he must correct the elder's eating habits!
"Grandma, never eat spoiled food, even if it's only slightly spoiled, don't eat it!"
As he spoke, Wang Yi opened the refrigerator and then looked around the kitchen.
He threw away all the questionable items.
"Also, don't eat overnight leftovers. Your grandson has started a business and is making money; health comes first, we don't lack this bit. Promise me, Grandma."
As he spoke, Wang Yi's eyes became a little moist.
In his previous life, he was simply careless and didn't pay attention to these things.
By the time it was discovered, his maternal grandmother was already in the late stages, and she passed away in just half a year...
"Okay, okay, Grandma promises you, don't cry!"
His maternal grandmother quickly said.
"I'm not crying, I'm fine."
After chatting with his maternal grandmother for a while, Wang Yi went to his paternal grandfather's house.
It was too hot, and the meat he bought could easily spoil, so he needed to put it in his paternal grandfather's refrigerator as soon as possible.
As soon as he entered, Wang Yi noticed the atmosphere wasn't quite right.
His paternal grandmother was sitting on the sofa with a fly swatter, her face grim.
His paternal grandfather was sitting by the Eight Immortals table, puffing on a cigarette, his expression also displeased.
It wasn't until they saw Wang Yi enter that the two elders brightened up and stood.
"Xiaoyi, you're here!"
His paternal grandfather walked over happily and took the items from Wang Yi's hands.
His paternal grandmother's originally dim eyes also lit up:
"Xiaoyi, stay for lunch. Grandma just cut some chives, I'll make you chive and chicken... chive buns!"
"Okay, I'll stay."
Wang Yi smiled, planning to visit his maternal grandmother again in the evening.
He could also find out what happened, most likely related to his third uncle.
Sigh, that good-for-nothing!
Wang Yi and his paternal grandparents moved all the items inside, forming a small pile.
"This lamb, beef, and pork won't keep, I'll put them in the refrigerator for you."
Wang Yi said, walking towards the refrigerator.
His paternal grandfather's expression changed sharply:
"Xiaoyi, I'll do it myself!"
But by then, Wang Yi had already opened the refrigerator, only to find it completely empty!
Nothing at all!
Wang Yi also opened the freezer compartment, which was also empty!
Vegetables, eggs, all gone!
It was as if it had been raided; even the pickled vegetables were gone!
"Third Uncle did this?"
Wang Yi's face turned cold.
"Sigh!"
His paternal grandfather said nothing, but a single sigh explained everything.
Wang Yi looked at his paternal grandmother, who sighed:
"A few days ago, your third uncle suddenly came back and raided the house again."
"We felt sorry for him, so we left him two hundred for living expenses, and gave him the other two thousand-plus to keep him from starving. But he, good for nothing, took those two hundred too!"
"Don't say anymore!"
His paternal grandfather reprimanded, not wanting Wang Yi to know these things.
"What can't be said? The third son is a total scoundrel!"
His paternal grandmother was furious:
"It's bad enough that he took all the money, but he even took the meat, eggs, and pickled vegetables from the refrigerator, and picked a lot of vegetables from the garden."
Wang Yi's face darkened.
The village was not close to the town, there were no buses yet these days, and his paternal grandparents' money had also been emptied out.
If he hadn't come, his paternal grandparents would have had to continue eating vegetables with steamed buns, without even a bit of meat or eggs!
No wonder his paternal grandmother wanted to make him chive and egg buns, but then changed it to chive buns!
What's more, this situation seemed to have happened more than once.
Otherwise, the two elders wouldn't have only slightly over 2,000 in savings!
Wang Qingzhi would transfer a thousand yuan to the two elders every month, and his paternal uncle and aunt's family would also give some.
In the village, the two elders only bought a little meat and oil, growing their own vegetables; two or three hundred a month was enough, and they saved the rest.
Saving over ten thousand a year was no problem; after a few years, they would have fifty or sixty thousand.
But in the end, only two thousand five hundred remained!
It could only be said that Third Uncle had ruined it all!
It's just that his paternal grandfather felt that the eldest and second sons had contributed too much, and was embarrassed to ask for more money, so he said nothing, even hiding it when they had no money left.
They would have to wait until next month, when Wang Qingzhi and the others sent living expenses again, to recover slowly.
Therefore, Wang Yi didn't know about any of these matters in his previous life!
After all, who could have imagined Third Uncle could be so ruthless?
It was bad enough that he wasn't filial to his parents, but he even robbed them clean!
Truly not a decent person!
"Grandpa, Grandma, if this happens again, tell me, tell my dad, tell my paternal uncle. We are all your family, there's nothing you can't tell us!"
Wang Yi earnestly said,
"As for Third Uncle, it's not worth getting angry over. I'll handle him later!"
Wang Yi made up his mind that he couldn't let Third Uncle continue to harm the two elders; he had to send him away.
Otherwise, no matter how many things Wang Yi bought for the two elders, or how much money he gave them, the third son would empty it all out, leaving nothing!
"Third Uncle, since you're heartless, don't blame me for being unjust!"
Wang Yi sighed, a plan forming in his mind.
He then put all the bought meat and eggs into the refrigerator.
Suddenly, the empty refrigerator became full again.
Next, Wang Yi pulled out an envelope:
"Grandpa, Grandma, here's two thousand yuan, please take it for now!"
It wasn't that Wang Yi didn't want to give more, but if he gave more, it would still benefit the third son.
No matter how bad the third son was, his paternal grandparents would still be soft-hearted.
After all, he was their own flesh and blood; as soon as Third Uncle complained, they would hand over the money.
Wang Yi decided it would be better to have Song Yang and Huang Cui visit more often.
He would have Song Yang and the others buy some meat and eggs for the two elders and give them some money each time they returned to their hometown, keeping a record for Wang Yi to reimburse.
Also, his paternal uncle needed to be informed.
Of course, his maternal grandmother also needed a share!
The elders were reluctant to spend money, and any money given to them would just be saved.
It was better to directly buy them things like meat, eggs, and oil...
"Xiaoyi, take this money back. Your dad will transfer it to me at the beginning of next month."
His paternal grandfather didn't want to accept it.
"My dad is my dad, and I am me. Grandpa, Grandma, please accept it!"
Wang Yi slipped the money into his paternal grandfather's hand.
Fortunately, this time he bought everything: meat, eggs, fish, peanut oil, etc.
Otherwise, today's meal would have been a problem.
That Third Uncle, he even took half a barrel of peanut oil...
Absolutely outrageous!
Wang Yi rolled up his sleeves and cooked a large table full of dishes with his paternal grandmother.
Laughter finally reappeared on the two elders' gloomy faces.
After dinner, Wang Yi chatted with the two elders for a long time before returning to his maternal grandmother's house.
The two talked about many things, including Third Uncle.
His maternal grandmother sighed with emotion:
"Your third uncle was so capable back then, starting companies, buying Mercedes-Benzes, truly impressive. Who in the ten-mile radius didn't know him? But now... he even steals his parents' money, meat, and oil! Sigh!"
I watched him build up his mansion, I watched him feast his guests, I watched his mansion fall!
It can only be said that unexpected success easily makes people arrogant.
And one's true nature determines their limits.
If it were Wang Yi, he would never start a business too aggressively, gamble, or enter a market he completely didn't understand.
Every business empire he expanded, every venture, was carefully considered, with strategies and escape routes planned out!
Even if it failed, it would be within controllable limits.
But Third Uncle was different; blinded by money, if someone dug a pit, he'd sprint a hundred meters and jump right into it!
After dinner, Wang Yi also took out two envelopes and handed them to his maternal grandmother:
"Grandma, keep this 2,000 yuan, don't be reluctant to spend it; buy whatever you want to eat. As for the remaining 2,000, hold onto it for now. If Third Uncle comes back to the village again, after he leaves, send it to Grandpa's side, 1,000 each time, and then tell me."
Wang Yi was afraid that Third Uncle might return for more, taking all the money and things he gave his paternal grandfather, so he could only make these arrangements.
"Okay, Xiaoyi, don't worry. I'll hold onto the money for your paternal grandparents for now. But as for mine, forget it; you've bought so many things, Grandma lacks nothing."
"No, you must take it, take it."
Wang Yi said with a smile, slipping it into his maternal grandmother's pocket.
It was just like when his maternal grandmother used to slip him money as a child.
Back home, Wang Yi told his parents about Third Uncle.
Wang Qingzhi was furious:
"The third son is too outrageous! He actually emptied out the money we gave our parents, took all the meat and oil, and didn't even spare the pickled vegetables! It's utterly despicable! Is this something a human would do?"
His paternal grandfather was strong-willed and cared about his dignity his whole life, saying nothing, so Wang Qingzhi didn't know about this!
"No way, I have to tell the eldest son, find an opportunity to catch the third son, and give him a good beating! It's too outrageous!"
The more Wang Qingzhi thought about it, the angrier he became, and he immediately called his paternal uncle!
(End of this chapter)
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