Xingning City, noon, Hanlixuan.
The restaurant in front of him still looked familiar to him the last time Muxuxing visited.
The same box, the same meeting with the top executives of Yunsu Group. The irises on the wallpaper along the way were still in full bloom, and even the spots of light scattered through the French windows were exactly bright. The only difference was that last time it was just one person, but this time almost half of the animation community gathered.
No, there is a slight difference.
The last time he came here, he was somewhat uneasy because he did not understand Yunsu's purpose. This time, because he had already predicted Yunsu's next behavior, he felt more like watching a movie he had already seen once, calmly waiting for what was destined to happen.
The waiter walking in front opened the door of the box at the right time. Mu Suxing's eyes passed over the representatives of various animation production companies, some familiar and some unfamiliar, and he saw the middle-aged man sitting in the center at a glance.
It's a new face.
I just don't know if it was because the branch president who met him last time messed up and was fired by his superiors, or if Huaying Animation finally became a little bit important in Yunsu's eyes, so they sent someone more senior over
The latter obviously noticed him, and now he showed an impeccable smile and said politely: "This is Mr. Mu from Huaying Animation, right? Hello, Mr. Mu, I am Gareth, the vice president of Yunsu Group headquarters."
It seems that it has been replaced with a higher level.
Muxuxing thought carelessly, with a standard business smile on his face: "Hello."
He was in a relaxed mood at the moment, and simply greeted everyone present, then calmly sat down in the empty seat next to his friends in the circle, and was not in a hurry to speak. Another representative of a small company who was invited could not help but said impatiently when he saw that everyone had taken a seat:
"Mr. Gareth, now that everyone is here, just tell us what the Yunsu Group wants from us."
Gareth did not keep the secret and said with a smile: "I believe everyone here should have guessed why I am here. I am here on behalf of Yunsu Group to discuss a cooperation with you."
"cooperate?"
He Hongfeng raised his eyebrows and said bluntly: "Excuse me, the animation style promoted by Yunsu Animation seems to be different from the usual style of our respective animation companies, right?"
As the helmsman and signature producer of Luofeng Animation, He Hongfeng still has a considerable degree of prestige in the animation circle. As soon as he started talking, other animators followed suit:
"I'm sorry, Mr. Gareth. We at Feisha Animation are just a small workshop. We don't have any big ambitions. As long as we can freely create works that we like, we'll be satisfied." This was a direct refusal.
"It is an honor to receive the invitation from Yunsu Group. We will consider it."
This kind of situation where someone says they are willing to consider it but actually has no intention of asking about the specific project is obviously a tactful refusal.
As if he didn't notice the obvious resistance in everyone's eyes, Gareth shook his head and said, "I know that perhaps Yunsu Group's recent behavior has caused you to misunderstand. Please allow me to explain - Yunsu has no intention of acquiring your company or studio. What I want to discuss with you is a true win-win cooperation."
No one answered.
Muxuxing reached out his hand and slowly poured himself a cup of tea. The pale golden tea flowed down the spout of the pot, making a slight but clear sound.
This should have been a harmless action, but it became particularly noticeable during the intervals when Gareth was speaking and everyone was silent.
Gareth paused, and continued as if nothing had happened: "Regarding Yunsu Group's plan, I will not hide it from you now. During this period, Yunsu Group has been integrating its novel, comic, animation, film and television, and game companies, preparing to create a business chain with IP as the core."
"We have actually been preparing for this work for several years, and we believe that this year is the best time to realize this complete commercial chain."
Thanks to Yunsu Group's past achievements, He Hongfeng had no favorable impression of Yunsu Group, which was now entering the animation industry with great fanfare. At this moment, he was too lazy to listen to the other party's long talk and asked directly: "What does your company mean?"
Gareth said: "We hope to work closely with you on IP development."
This is what it means to want the copyright of their work.
For animation companies, selling copyrights of all aspects of their works is a very common thing, and it is also something that producers welcome. However, when everyone heard Yunsu's answer, their hearts sank.
On the surface, this seems to be a win-win cooperation.
They provide IPs, and Yunsu Group helps operate them. With Yunsu Group's connections in other industries, if they take over IPs, their economic benefits will inevitably be maximized, and everyone can make money together, which is quite pleasant.
But what is the reality
Looking at what Yunsu Group has done in various industries since its establishment, the only word that can accurately describe this big capital is undoubtedly "capital".
To put it bluntly, the purpose of capital is to increase capital value. Since economic benefits are the first priority, the lower the risk and cost of each project, the better.
Take cloud speed gaming as an example.
It’s not that Yunsu Group can’t make conscientious games, but there’s no need to take this risk. If they can make a lot of money just by copying the gameplay of similar games and changing the game’s skin, then why would they risk failure to research equipment and explore new gameplay
What's more, the cost of the latter is also much higher than the former.
Why bother standing and working so hard when you can lie down and count money
As a large capital, Yunsu Group's move will undoubtedly have a devastating impact on the entire gaming industry.
As Yunsu Games brought about the trend of assembly-line games, more production companies followed Yunsu Games' safe production style and krypton gold-first operation methods in order to avoid losses. Small production companies did not receive the support and attention they deserved, and went bankrupt one after another.
It would be fine if the latter went bankrupt simply because of its lack of strength, but Yunsu Games was ruthless towards truly powerful gaming companies.
The reason is actually very simple.
There are visible routines in Yunsu games, but the games of some game companies have raised the standards and aesthetics of players for games. When the aesthetics of most players are raised by players who truly value both fun and commerciality, who will buy their reskinned games
Without asking specifically, He Hongfeng could guess the intention of Yunsu Group this time - it was just a repetition of the old tricks, repeating their familiar routine in the animation circle.
An IP can be reused from novels to comics, animation, film and television, and games. One IP can generate profits in all aspects. If it is adapted into film and television, it can also add the effect of popular stars. With this set, wouldn’t it be a sure win
But what about looking at it from another perspective
When novels, comics, animation, film, television, games... and even celebrities, the entire entertainment industry is all streamlined and can be solved through marketing and packaging through traffic, what will be left for the Blue Star Entertainment Industry
He Hongfeng considers himself not to be a man with global ambitions, but he is also unwilling to become an accomplice of Yunsu Group in destroying the Blue Star Entertainment Industry.
No matter what he thought in his heart, he couldn't openly give the other party face and tear his face directly, so he just said politely: "At present, Luofeng Animation does not have a suitable IP. If there is a suitable opportunity, we will consider it."
His words were tactful, but his refusal was evident. Gareth was not annoyed by this reply, but smiled and looked at the others: "What do others think?"
Although he was asking for everyone else's opinions, almost all the animation producers present turned their heads subconsciously as if they had discussed it beforehand and looked at Mu Xuxing, who was sitting next to him and remained silent.
Mu Suxing was not as polite as He Hongfeng. He said briefly but bluntly: "Not interested."
The two industry leaders expressed their opinions, and the people who were originally hesitant suddenly seemed to have found their backbone and followed suit:
"I want to think about it again."
"This matter is too big for me to decide. I may need the company's top management to hold a relevant meeting before I can give Mr. Gareth a definite answer."
Those who were sent by their respective companies to negotiate with Yunsu Group were not fools. Considering what Yunsu Group had done in other industries, its purpose was obvious. But Yunsu Group invited only production companies that valued high-quality animation. They were not interested in this cooperation that seemed to make a lot of money but could actually make the animation industry stagnate for at least a few decades.
However, surprisingly, up to this moment, Gareth did not show any sign of displeasure on his face. Instead, he continued the topic as if nothing had happened and said, "Then I look forward to your responses."
…
The lunch ended hastily with everyone eating without tasting the food - except Muxuxing. As the person who was regarded as the leader by everyone in the whole meeting, Muxuxing acted like a passerby, drinking tea calmly at the beginning and eating as if nothing had happened at the end, without asking any questions or questioning.
When Gareth asked about it, his attitude could only be described as perfunctory.
Everyone left, and He Hongfeng followed Mu Suxing's footsteps as soon as he stepped out of the box. He said depressedly: "It's already this late, and you can still eat?"
Muxuxing asked curiously: "When?"
Of course, this is a critical moment for the survival of the industry!
He Hongfeng wanted to say this, but he felt that he was already old and still had to act in such a childish way. He looked at Mu Suxing helplessly and said, "I'm talking to you about something serious."
"I'm serious too." Muxuxing said, "This has just begun, why are you in such a hurry?"
As they were talking, they had already left Hanlixuan. He Hongfeng wanted to chat with him, so he looked up and saw that Huaying had come to pick him up. He said, "Do you want to go back? I drove here, how about I take you there?"
"Wait a little longer," Muxuxing said, "The fun has just begun."
Good show
What's the show
He Hongfeng was confused, but Mu Suxing didn't explain, so he had to give up the idea of going to get the car first and followed Mu Suxing step by step. After leaving the restaurant, the latter went directly to the hotel opposite and booked a suite for five hours.
He Hongfeng thought he had the same idea as him, and followed him in, saying strangely: "It's just a chat, there's no need to book a room..."
Before he finished speaking, Muxuxing opened the curtains. He Hongfeng subconsciously looked through the open window. Whether intentionally or not, the room they booked was right opposite Hanlixuan. From this angle, the entire front door of Hanlixuan was in full view.
It was at this time that he saw the animation producer who had just rejected Yunsu's request for cooperation and was the first to leave Hanlixuan, after looking around nervously, stepped into the door of Hanlixuan again.
He Hongfeng was stunned.
Without further confirmation, he could guess the reason why the other party came back. After all, they had already had lunch just now, so it was impossible for this person to come back just to eat, right
Considering that Gareth was the last person to leave the box—or perhaps had not left at all—the implication of this was obvious.
Maybe the other party came back on his own initiative, or maybe Gareth made a phone call and promised superior contract terms, which led to the other party coming back, but at this point, these are actually not important.
What’s important is that this alliance, which he thought could at least hold out for a while, collapsed directly the next second after they left the box.
"Did you know that they would go back on their word?" asked He Hongfeng.
However, this time, before Mu Suxing could speak, he gave his own answer: "Yes, Yunsu Group is clearly going to make a big move. This kind of cooperation is very profitable. As long as the profit is high enough, it is impossible for no one to be tempted. I guess they just wanted to use this as a bargaining chip to raise the price."
Not every animator is an idealist.
For profit-oriented businessmen, these are just routine operations.
And these are just the beginning.
Ten minutes later, as the animator hurriedly left, another animator also appeared at the door of the restaurant. The two suddenly bumped into each other, but as if they had never seen each other before, one drove away without looking back, while the other walked in as if he had not seen a single thing.
At this point, even someone like Stanley Ho, who is not well versed in business, understands Yunsu's intention.
No wonder the other party was not in a hurry at all when facing everyone's rejection in the box, because he knew that under absolute interests, someone would definitely take that step, and once someone took the lead, even if he or Mu Suxing wanted to organize a coalition to protest, it would only end in nothing.
Three hours later.
When another familiar face came out of the restaurant, He Hongfeng was almost numb.
It was at this moment that the mobile phone that Mu Suxing had casually placed on the desk when he came in suddenly rang.
He Hongfeng thought it was just an internal call from Huaying Animation. He was absent-mindedly thinking about Yunsu Group's affairs, but he heard Mu Suxing say indifferently: "Didn't I say that I have no interest in cooperating with you?"
This is... Yunsu Group's phone number
Although it was clearly not a call to him, He Hongfeng suddenly became nervous.
Unlike Mu Suxing's indifference, Gareth's attitude at this moment can be described as "sincere": "Mr. Mu, I know that your company has had conflicts with Yunsu Group in the past, but what I want to say is that that is a thing of the past. This time, we sincerely want to cooperate with Huaying. As long as Mr. Mu is willing, Yunsu can discuss the specific conditions."
"As the saying goes, there are no eternal friends, only eternal interests. What do you think, Mr. Mu?"
Muxuxing: "Not interested."
Even the tone was exactly the same as the rejection in the box.
Gareth was not discouraged: "Mr. Mu, you may not know the specific situation of the business chain we have built. Huaying has irreplaceable IP boutiques, and we Yunsu have the most extensive experience in IP development and promotion. This cooperation is an indisputable win-win for both Yunsu and Huaying."
"If you still want to refuse, at least give us a reason, right?"
"The reason..." Mu Suxing touched his chin and said seriously, "I said it's for the overall development of the animation industry. Do you believe it?"
…
Hearing this, the man who had been calm and at ease from the beginning until now twitched his mouth, but he was actually stunned.
Industry development? What is that
As the representative of Yunsu Group, Gareth believed that both his attitude and the sincere contract in his hand were enough to show Yunsu Group's attention and sincerity to the cooperation with Huaying. In fact, unlike the lofty acquisition declaration during the first meeting with Muxuxing, Yunsu came this time with the sincerity of a good cooperation.
One side creates the IP and the other side promotes the IP. Everyone makes money together. Isn’t that great
As for the previous conflict between the two parties, Yunsu Group did not take it to heart at all. Although the two parties had a quarrel due to Yunsu's acquisition and Huaying's counter-attack, the senior executives of Yunsu Group believed that these could be compromised under the absolute interests. As long as Huaying was willing to cooperate, they did not mind apologizing to Huaying for what happened in the past.
Not only that, the terms in the contract that Yunsu Group prepared for Huaying were also quite favorable, just because they were worried that Huaying would refuse.
As long as there are big enough common interests, they are not afraid that Huaying will not agree.
Thinking of this, after a brief moment of daze, Gareth quickly recovered.
In his opinion, no one can resist being moved by the profits behind the Yunsu business chain. Mu Suxing's "for the development of the industry" is just an excuse for not having enough chips. He frowned and said, "Mr. Mu, I am here to cooperate with Huaying with sincerity. If you are not satisfied with anything, you can just raise it directly. It is boring to talk like this."
"Okay," Mu Suxing shrugged, "In that case, I can only tell the truth."
Gareth felt relieved, thinking that there was a turning point. He was just about to seize the opportunity to pursue his opponent, when he heard Mu Suxing say, "I think it's more comfortable for one person to have the cake all to himself. What do you think, Mr. Gareth?"
Just relying on Huaying Animation, do you dare to follow the example of the industry leader and monopolize the market
Gareth just thought it was funny, but considering the other person's face, he did not reveal his true thoughts, but advised earnestly: "Mr. Mu, you may still be too young and don't understand the ins and outs of doing business. In our industry, if we want to really grow, we have to learn to share. If we only think about eating alone, we will often end up losing more than we gain."
"You make sense," Muxuxing agreed, "Then how about this, if Yunsu Group is willing to give Huaying a share of the game pie, we Huaying will also give you a share of the animation pie, how about that?"
Gareth shook his head: "I came here with full sincerity, but Mr. Mu has such an attitude. It seems that we can't discuss this cooperation."
Muxuxing was not polite: "Then let's not talk about it."
The phone was hung up with a beep.
He Hongfeng looked at him and said, "If you don't give me face like this, I'm afraid Yunsu Group will not let it go."
Mu Suxing didn't care. In fact, from the moment he stepped into Hanlixuan until he hung up the phone, his expression hadn't changed. When he heard He Hongfeng's concerns, he didn't take them to heart. Instead, he asked back nonchalantly, "Will Yun Su let it go if I refuse politely?"
The answer is of course no.
If Yunsu Group was really that easy to talk to, several other industries wouldn't have been so devastated by it.
Thinking of this, He Hongfeng felt even more depressed.
After discovering that at least half of the producers who came with him had turned back, his original plan to discuss countermeasures with Mu Xuxing was now abandoned.
Yunsu Group is coming with great momentum. Small and medium-sized production companies that could not cause much impact on the situation have already been acquired by it. Among the animation companies capable of creating high-quality IPs, there are also many that are attracted by the benefits of cooperating with Yunsu. In comparison, the power of these opponents is so small that it is insignificant.
Under such circumstances, no matter what he discussed with Muxuxing, it would be useless.
However, even He Hongfeng, who had almost given up hope, did not expect that the next day after he and Mu Suxing left in silence, an article denouncing Yunsu Group suddenly spread on the Internet and quickly became a hot topic!
The article gives detailed examples of the good things that Yunsu Group has done in the novel, comic, game and other industries. It also analyzes and points out Yunsu Group’s ill intentions in targeting the animation industry, and the negative impact that Yunsu’s business chain may have on the entire Blue Star Entertainment industry. It is hoped that everyone can stand up and boycott Yunsu together!