Chapter 34: Murong Feng At "Work"
Perhaps Murong Feng's performance had made a good impression on these Hong Kong elites. In the following days, they ended up spending a lot of time together. Tang Qing, jokingly noting that Murong Feng was idle anyway, entrusted him with the "important task" of arranging activities for the trio during their leisure time.
Murong Feng truly completed this "task" quite well.
On the first day, Bao Zixian had to accompany his father to visit some high-ranking officials in Beijing. Liu Zekai couldn't wait to drag Murong Feng into a fencing match, and although Huo Siqi wasn't very interested in fencing, she was curious about Murong Feng and was willing to watch their duel.
That day's activity was a fencing match at the "Heavenly Sword" Fencing Club.
Liu Zekai, hailing from a jeweler's family, usually had a composed and steady demeanor, exuding nobility. However, once he stood on the piste holding his épée, he seemed to transform completely. His fencing style was swift and cunning, his thrusts powerful, and his movements unpredictable. Murong Feng found defending against him very challenging. When Murong Feng realized that defense wasn't working and switched to an aggressive strategy, he discovered that Liu Zekai's counterattacks were even more formidable, leaving Murong Feng drenched in sweat. Ultimately, their fencing match ended with a decisive 15:8 victory for Liu Zekai.
After removing his mask, Murong Feng looked at Liu Zekai with admiration: "Zekai, your fencing skills are definitely at the level of a top athlete! Even sparring with my coach wasn't this tough!"
Liu Zekai laughed heartily: "Murong, your fencing is pretty good too. Janney mentioned you've only been practicing for a little over a year, which is impressive! However, it seems like you haven't received guidance from a true expert and lack competitive experience. In critical moments, you don't have the same level of experience as I do. Don't forget, I was a member of the Hong Kong Fencing Team!"
Murong Feng nodded, understanding Liu Zekai's point. His coach, Wang Jun, had suggested that he seek further training from the club's foreign coaches, given his talent. However, Murong Feng had no interest in competing professionally and found dealing with English-speaking coaches cumbersome, so he didn't pursue it further.
Liu Zekai, thrilled by the match, exclaimed: "Murong, it's rare to find someone who enjoys fencing as much as I do. Next time you come to Hong Kong, I'll introduce you to some friends who also fence. They're even better than me, and you'll have a blast!" Murong Feng replied dejectedly: "It seems like you're having more fun than I am!" Huo Siqi, seeing his distressed look, giggled and said: "Zekai loves challenging people to fence. In Hong Kong, everyone avoids him. I didn't expect him to trouble you in Beijing!"
Murong Feng laughed heartily: "But fencing with Zekai is indeed thrilling and beneficial. How about another match?" Liu Zekai eagerly agreed. Watching the two put on their masks again and cautiously test each other's moves, occasionally striking each other, Huo Siqi began to understand why Tang Qing held Murong Feng in such high regard.
On the second day,
Coincidentally, renowned Belgian pianist Peter Ritzen's world tour had a stop in Beijing, performing at the Haidian Theatre that evening. Murong Feng, pondering how to entertain Huo Siqi, immediately bought five of the best seats upon hearing the news.
Upon learning about it, Huo Siqi jumped for joy: "Wow! How did I not know that Master Peter's world tour had started? He's hailed as a reincarnation of Liszt! Even my teacher praises his improvisation as extraordinary talent, a world-renowned musical genius! Thank you, Murong!" She was so excited that she didn't know what to say. Murong Feng, watching the usually elegant and classical music prodigy in such a state, couldn't help but marvel at the boundless allure of music. Why hadn't he studied music properly as a child?
Unexpectedly, Bao Zixian and Liu Zekai were both occupied that evening, accompanying their fathers to banquets. Left with no choice, Murong Feng had to play the role of protector, accompanying two ladies to enjoy the piano master's performance.
Although he loved listening to piano music, Murong Feng had never attended a live performance by a piano master. He was deeply moved. Watching Peter Ritzen play gave him a sense of time travel. Ritzen's demeanor was as elegant as a 19th-century European aristocrat. Beyond his graceful presence, his dazzling fingerwork and the ever-changing emotions in his music—sometimes melancholic, sometimes passionately exuberant—were enthralling. The atmosphere he created with the piano, whether in sorrowful or grand compositions, captivated the audience, making them feel as if they were transported back to the opulent classical era of two centuries ago.
Pieces like Chopin's Grande Valse Brillante in E-flat Major, Liszt's Liebesträume No. 3, Spanish Rhapsody, Vallée d'Obermann, Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, and Jasmine Flower carried the audience into a dreamlike state.
Peter Ritzen's performance not only fused with the piano but resonated in every corner of the concert hall, electrifying every listener's heart. The concert hall became a unified whole. Thunderous applause erupted long after the music had ended, with many still wiping away tears of emotion, immersed in the tender melodies.
Seeing Huo Siqi's tear-streaked, ecstatic face, Murong Feng realized that listening to piano CDs before had been a mere formality. Only now did he truly understand the mesmerizing power of a live performance by a true master. The infectious charm of music knows no boundaries, transcending time, space, and race. This is the essence of music's magic!
After the concert, Huo Siqi's attitude towards Murong Feng became much warmer, seeing him as a kindred spirit. She earnestly invited him to her upcoming solo concert in Hong Kong and promised to reserve the best seats for him. Murong Feng humbly agreed. Even Tang Qing began to envy how quickly Murong Feng could win people's favor; his charm was indeed extraordinary!
On the third day,
Bao Zixian excitedly informed Murong Feng that the publishing licenses for several of Tom Group's magazines had been approved by the National Press and Publication Administration. He would soon bring a team from Hong Kong to start setting up the mainland company. Murong Feng then worked with Bao Zixian to finalize the investment and equity distribution details. With this arrangement, Murong Feng gained shares in another company, and the valuation of Fengxing Company increased.
The Tom Group held 30%, with the 10% stake from Tom Beijing Media Company, Liu Xin held 15%, the core members of "Night Fox" Studio held 5%, and Ding Jun held 5%.
Although Liu Xin's shares decreased slightly, their value had risen from 20% of
After finishing these tasks, Murong Feng realized that the most challenging part of his promise to Bao Zixian was dealing with Ouyang Lanruo.
On the fourth day,
After much contemplation, Murong Feng decided to invite Ouyang Lanruo to dinner to discuss the new media company and extend an invitation for her to join.
Ouyang Lanruo was delighted to receive Murong Feng's call. After carefully dressing up, she drove to the Gemini Tower on East Chang'an Street, where they had arranged to meet at "Lan" Club on the fourth floor.
"Lan" Club, an upscale restaurant established by the South Beauty Group over two years at a cost of nearly
The highlight of "Lan" Club's exquisite luxury is its array of alluring crystal chandeliers. Among them are four black crystal chandeliers designed by Philippe Starck himself, crafted over two months by eight skilled artisans. Other dazzling crystal chandeliers come from some of the oldest royal crystal brands in France, such as Baccarat, as well as from Flos in Italy, Moooi in the Netherlands, and Preciosa in the Czech Republic.
The extensive use of colors with strong visual effects, interspersed with curved surfaces and oval decorations in the space, makes the entire "Lan" club look like a huge pearl of irregular shape, exuding a unique charm in its rebellious luster.
Because the club's name also includes the character "Lan" (Orchid), and since Ouyang Lanruo really liked the unique artistic design and the charming, romantic environment, she always chose this place for important meetings.
Murong Feng had already arrived. He wore a light-colored casual T-shirt and sat there relaxed and composed. In the understated yet luxurious setting, he was quite noticeable. Seeing him from afar, Ouyang Lanruo couldn't help but marvel at how he seemed to change every time they met. Now he looked every bit the aristocratic young gentleman, making it hard to imagine the previously destitute Murong Feng.
As Ouyang Lanruo approached, Murong Feng stood up with a smile and gallantly pulled out a chair for her, saying, "Sister Lan, it's been a while. You still look as radiant as ever!"
Ouyang Lanruo gave him a playful glance and sat down with a smile. "Xiaofeng, you busy man, how do you have time to invite me to dinner today? Where's your Ye Zi? Why didn't you bring her along?"
Murong Feng chuckled. "Sister Lan, you flatter me. I'm just a typical idle person. Ye Zi has been busy with a listing project lately, working overtime. I'll bring her to meet you next time!" Ouyang Lanruo noticed the smile on his face when he mentioned Ye Zi and felt a pang of sadness in her heart. However, she was skilled at hiding her emotions, and her outward demeanor remained cheerful and unbothered.
After Murong Feng asked Ouyang Lanruo to order, he ordered a bottle of red wine. They casually chatted about recent events while waiting for the food. Once the food and wine were served, Murong Feng raised his glass seriously and said, "Sister Lan, thank you for all your care and support. I toast to you!" Ouyang Lanruo, feeling a bit emotional, raised her glass and smiled, "A fine dragon in the making, your achievements are all thanks to your own efforts." With that, she downed her glass in one go.
Seeing her slightly sorrowful expression, Murong Feng was reminded of the days when he relied on writing to make a living. Feeling sentimental, he thought about how long they had known each other and the depth of their relationship. He raised his glass again with a smile, saying, "I haven't been to the magazine office much lately, causing you trouble, Sister Lan. I'll punish myself with another drink." With that, he drank another glass. Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Ouyang Lanruo felt much better and laughed, "It's no trouble at all. The company's girls can be quite a handful, so it's actually easier when you're not there."
After some light-hearted conversation, Murong Feng brought up the purpose of their meeting. He mentioned wanting to resign from his editorial position because he was planning to establish a media company in Beijing in collaboration with Bao Zixian of Tom Media Group. Ouyang Lanruo was taken aback. She had anticipated that Murong Feng wouldn't stay at Fashion Weekly for much longer, given his rapid rise, but she hadn't expected that he had already formed a connection with Bao Zixian from Hong Kong's Tom Media Group and was on the verge of becoming a key player in Beijing's media industry.
Feeling happy for him, she smiled and said, "Xiaofeng, congratulations! Your career is really taking off!" Murong Feng, looking a bit embarrassed, said, "Bao Zixian really admires your abilities and has asked me to invite you to join Tom Media as the chief editor. Would you be willing to consider it?"
Ouyang Lanruo was speechless with surprise. She hadn't expected Murong Feng to be trying to recruit her. Torn, she thought about how she would love to collaborate with Murong Feng to establish a new magazine company, but Fashion Weekly was her labor of love, and Peter, the owner of Ming Pao Group, had always trusted and relied on her. Leaving for Tom Media would undoubtedly be a blow to Peter. Weighing her options, she said, "Xiaofeng, I need some time to think about it. Peter trusts me so much, it's a tough decision." Murong Feng quickly replied, "Of course, Sister Lan. Take your time to think it over. I know this is sudden and difficult, but I really hope we can continue working together!"
Ouyang Lanruo nodded thoughtfully.
Murong Feng then intentionally changed the topic, humbly asking Ouyang Lanruo about the current state of Beijing's media industry and the operations of magazine companies. Ouyang Lanruo was happy to provide detailed insights, explaining the strengths and characteristics of various media companies, notable talents in editorial creativity and design, distribution, advertising, and more. Her comprehensive explanation helped Murong Feng shift his perspective from that of an editor to a broader industry view.
In recent years, China's media industry had been undergoing rapid and significant changes in terms of industry structure and output scale. Regulations on print media were gradually being relaxed, which was why Tom Media Group could quickly obtain new magazine publication licenses. Additionally, the rapid growth in the number of mobile and internet users in China, now the largest in the world, had led to a boom in emerging media industries represented by new mobile media and online media. Ouyang Lanruo remarked that Bao Zixian's investment in Fengxing Company was a brilliant move. The burgeoning sectors of mobile gaming and mobile internet would undoubtedly add more concepts and positive factors to Tom Group's stock market performance.
While the global financial crisis had caused stock prices of major media groups abroad to plummet and issued profit warnings, the domestic media industry in China had not been significantly affected. The strong growth of new media and the influx of private capital were making the future of China's media industry look very promising.
However, traditional media were still impacted, primarily by fluctuations in advertising revenue due to the economic crisis. For magazines, especially fashion magazines, the high costs of quality printing paper meant that subscription revenue alone couldn't cover expenses, making advertising a major source of income. For example, Fashion Weekly was facing challenges, and Ouyang Lanruo was working on creating a fashion website and other initiatives to leverage new media growth to offset the impact on traditional publishing and advertising.
Ouyang Lanruo told Murong Feng that Bao Zixian's entry into Beijing's media industry was well-timed. With traditional media facing challenges, many industry insiders were considering mergers and acquisitions, creating numerous opportunities in the market. She believed that besides publishing a few magazines, Bao Zixian likely had additional merger and acquisition plans. She praised him, saying, "Bao Zixian is known for his bold big money moves in the industry. His acquisition of Tom Group through a small newspaper company and subsequent backdoor listing shook the industry. His entry into Beijing this time is bound to stir things up again."
Murong Feng nodded. Hearing Ouyang Lanruo's analysis of the media industry, he felt a surge of ambition. This was indeed a time of dramatic change, driven by the financial crisis and the rapid growth of the new economy. Many traditional practices were being dismantled, creating numerous opportunities. With a solid foundation already in place, why couldn't he seize the moment and build his own business? He quietly assessed his resources.
With Tom Media, Huayou Films, and Fengxing Entertainment Information, he realized he already had a significant presence in the media industry, spanning traditional print media, television media, and new media. If he could integrate these companies effectively under capable leadership, rapid growth wouldn't be difficult to achieve! The idea of recruiting Ouyang Lanruo became even more compelling.
Initially, Murong Feng had only thought of recruiting Ouyang Lanruo at Bao Zixian's request. Now, after listening to her insights, he realized how valuable her help would be in running Tom Beijing Media. His mindset shifted, and he genuinely hoped she would join.
After dinner, as they left "Lan" Club and Murong Feng escorted Ouyang Lanruo to the parking lot, he earnestly said as she rolled down her car window to bid farewell, "Sister Lan, I really hope you can come and help me. Please consider it carefully and let me know!" Ouyang Lanruo smiled and nodded, waving goodbye as her blue Mini disappeared into the night.
Over the next few days, Ouyang Lanruo wrestled with her thoughts and finally decided to join Tom Beijing Media before Bao Zixian left Beijing. Overjoyed, Murong Feng and Bao Zixian invited her out again. The three of them discussed the structure and operations of the Beijing company, and Bao Zixian was impressed by her deep understanding of the media industry. Murong Feng's ability to persuade Ouyang Lanruo to join also increased Bao Zixian's regard for him.
In the days that followed, Murong Feng built a strong relationship with the Hong Kong elites. When the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce delegation left Beijing, there was a sense of reluctance. Fortunately, Murong Feng and Tang Qing would soon be heading to Hong Kong to attend Huo Siqi's concert, providing another opportunity to reunite.
In summary, Murong Feng's "work" finally concluded after their departure.
Coincidentally, after a busy period, Ye Zi also had some free time. They could now enjoy their sweet life together.
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