Seeing how excited the two of them were, Wang Yi had to give them a heads-up:
"However, this might not progress smoothly. For the first few seasons, it depends on whether Youku is willing to let go."
Shen Qianshan nodded:
"I understand, just let nature take its course. Our strongest asset at Xuanji is still our production capability. Even if we can't buy back 'Qin's Moon', we can still create more and better works."
"Very good, that's the right mindset!"
Wang Yi said with a smile.
He admired this kind of cockroach that never gave up.
He knew that Xuanji's representative works in his previous life were countless, and 'Qin's Moon' was just one of them.
Many people couldn't forget it, but it was just sentimentality.
Modeling, design, special effects, even the remastered version, were far behind.
Not to mention other later works, even the modeling of 'The Legend of Qin: Nine Songs of the Heavens' far surpassed 'Qin's Moon'.
In 2012, domestic animation modeling was extremely ugly.
This was also why Wang Yi wanted to draw a model to set an example for them.
Wang Yi drew a protagonist as a sample, requiring the production team to design other characters according to this standard, thereby improving the overall modeling level and preventing the protagonist's model from being too ugly.
There was no way around it, the current modeling was too ugly.
Not to mention the ugly modeling of the current 'Qin's Moon' and 'The Legend of Shushan', even 'Battle Through the Heavens Season 1', released in 2017, had terrible modeling, and Xun'er was slammed on trending topics.
Later, the entire cast underwent a major makeover, which finally silenced the critics.
As shown in the picture above, the current modeling was at this level, or even worse.
There was no way around it, it was a limitation of the era.
If Wang Yi didn't personally set an example, Xuanji, Ruosen, and Xingyi Animation would all create ugly protagonist models according to the current modeling standards, wouldn't that be the end?
In a few years, they would be completely outdated and no one would watch them.
Hundreds of millions of investments would all go down the drain, unless new funds were invested and everything was remade, which would be even more troublesome.
Therefore, Wang Yi decided to improve the team's aesthetics and overall modeling standards!
For example, the remastered 'The Legend of Shushan', where all protagonist models were still ugly after the remaster, was rejected by Wang Yi countless times.
If he wasn't bad at drawing, Wang Yi would have wanted to draw it himself to set an example for them.
In the end, Wang Yi communicated bit by bit, personally guiding the concept artists to revise multiple times, barely meeting Wang Yi's requirements, which led to the most exquisite modeling seen today!
'Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation' was also like this, also rejected by Wang Yi countless times due to ugly modeling, and was slowly revised under Wang Yi's guidance, which was very troublesome.
"As for the acquisition price..."
Wang Yi paused.
Without the copyright for 'Qin's Moon', Xuanji's value was greatly reduced, as current Xuanji only had this one work.
Shen Qianshan sighed:
"The IP copyright for 'Qin's Moon' is still in our hands, but the first three seasons and the fourth season currently in production have all been signed to Youku. If we can't buy them back, the fourth season will still be exclusively broadcast on Youku, but the subsequent fifth and sixth seasons can be exclusively broadcast on Xingyi Video."
Wang Yi understood Director Guan's meaning; the only problem was the first four seasons.
If Xingyi Video didn't have the first four seasons, releasing the fifth and sixth seasons later wouldn't be very meaningful.
New users wanting to watch the first four seasons would have to subscribe to Youku Premium to watch them on Youku, which would just drive traffic to Youku!
In that case, it would be better to directly release 'The Legend of Qin: Nine Songs of the Heavens' or other animations.
Simply put, either buy back all four previous seasons, or give up on 'Qin's Moon'.
Of course, buying them all back would definitely be the best.
Wang Yi waved his hand:
"Alright, we'll talk about 'Qin's Moon' later. The acquisition price for you is 100 million. In addition, Xingyi Media will provide Xuanji with two S-tier blockbuster annual series, to be advanced simultaneously. If you have the capacity, you can also produce another non-annual series, all of which will be S-tier blockbusters. The money you can earn each year will be no small sum!"
In his previous life, in 2015, Xuanji had already produced multiple high-quality animations.
Enlight Media acquired a 5% stake in Xuanji for 25 million, valuing it at 500 million.
Currently, Xuanji only had one work and not full copyright, far from being the animation giant of his previous life.
Wang Yi's valuation of 100 million was therefore reasonable.
Moreover, three S-tier annual series a year could make Xuanji incredibly profitable!
As expected, Shen Qianshan and Director Guan across from him had very interesting expressions.
Hearing the 100 million price, the two were still somewhat hesitant.
Their desired price in mind was 200 million, but they also knew that without complete copyright, 200 million would be difficult.
But upon hearing about two annual series plus one non-annual series per year, Shen Qianshan became excited! Director Guan was also thrilled.
Three animations a year, with Wang Yi providing the money and the IP, and them only responsible for production, earning big money with zero risk – it was simply fantastic.
This was much more appealing than demanding an extra 100 million.
Xuanji wanted to be acquired by Xingyi Technology precisely for continuous animation works and subsequent profits.
Shen Qianshan and Director Guan exchanged glances, nodded, and extended their hands with a smile:
"Chairman Wang, we have no objections!"
"Welcome to Xingyi Technology!"
Wang Yi said with a smile, extending his hand and shaking theirs.
Thus, besides Ruosen and Xingyi Animation, Xingyi Technology now had another top general under its wing — Xuanji Technology!
And with Xuanji's addition, Ruosen and Xingyi Animation would also feel increased pressure, leading to healthy internal competition and the creation of more and better quality animations.
Without rivals, there was no motivation.
Subsequently, both parties officially signed the contract, and Xuanji was wholly acquired by Wang Yi.
For subsequent integration, Jian Ziyan would arrange a professional team to be stationed at Xuanji.
Xuanji would decide on production matters, while Xingyi Technology headquarters would control financial matters and other aspects.
Meanwhile, Wang Yi discussed future new animations with Shen Qianshan and Director Guan:
"Currently, Xingyi Technology has many high-quality IPs. You've probably heard of them. You can choose one first to make an annual series! At the same time, recruit staff to prepare for a second seasonal series or a half-year series! In the second half of the year, produce a second annual series!"
"Okay, Chairman, no problem!"
Shen Qianshan was excited.
Wang Yi indeed wasn't just drawing a pie in the sky; three projects were directly arranged!
"For the specific annual series, which one do you favor? Feel free to pick, consider it a welcome gift."
Wang Yi said with a smile:
"Once this annual series is well made, Xuanji's position in the industry, and even globally, will see a significant improvement."
Shen Qianshan also knew the significance behind this.
One 'Qin's Moon' wouldn't bring much glory to Xuanji anymore:
"Chairman Wang, Director Guan and I have discussed it, let's go with 'Douluo Dalu'! We've read the original work and really like it."
"No problem!"
Wang Yi readily agreed.
'Douluo Dalu' from his previous life was produced by Xuanji, with 40 billion views, which was extraordinarily terrifying.
Most of the post-80s and post-90s grew up watching Ultraman, Naruto, and One Piece, while the post-00s and post-10s grew up watching Douluo, Battle Through the Heavens, and Ultraman.
It could also be considered cultural progress; it would not be good if they were constantly subjected to Japanese anime cultural output.
"Then 'Douluo Dalu' will be handed over to you for production. We'll give you 26 million first to make 52 episodes! But the standards must be high!"
"No problem!"
Director Guan's face lit up.
26 million for 52 episodes meant a production cost of 500,000 per episode.
For the previous 'Qin's Moon', Youku only provided 200,000-300,000 for production per episode, which was very poor and often delayed payments.
How generous was Wang Yi? With a standard of 500,000 per episode, 26 million was transferred in one lump sum!
"Chairman Wang, rest assured, the quality of 'Douluo Dalu' will definitely far exceed 'The Legend of Shushan'!"
Shen Qianshan patted his chest and guaranteed.
Wang Yi smiled knowingly:
"Very good, Xingyi Technology will not mistreat any employee who makes contributions!"
"Thank you, Chairman Wang."
Shen Qianshan was in a great mood:
"Also, for that half-year series, can we choose it together and push it forward at the same time!"
"Yes, you can choose,"
Wang Yi said with a smile, it was also time to put some pressure on Ruosen.
"Then let's choose 'Jade Dynasty'. Season 1 will have 26 episodes, which is perfect for a half-year series!"
"Good, you have good taste."
Wang Yi said with a smile.
Wang Yi was very relieved to entrust 'Jade Dynasty' to Xuanji, after all, Xuanji's strength was evident.
"Oh, right, the copyright for 'Qin's Moon' isn't settled yet, but we can create an entirely new prequel. This would have nothing to do with Youku."
Wang Yi remembered this.
"Prequel?"
Shen Qianshan was confused.
Director Guan's eyes lit up:
"Chairman Wang, that's brilliant, this is feasible. The story of 'Qin's Moon' takes place after Qin conquered the six states, and we can certainly create a prequel, narrating the process of Qin conquering the six states. It would be in the same vein as 'Qin's Moon', considered its prequel, and completely unrelated to Youku, allowing Xingyi Video to exclusively broadcast it!"
"I see, that's fine, it's a good idea."
Shen Qianshan nodded.
Subsequently, Wang Yi communicated the setting and plot direction of 'The Legend of Qin: Nine Songs of the Heavens' with Director Guan and General Manager Shen.
Afterwards, they would arrange for people to produce it themselves.
After all, 'The Legend of Qin: Nine Songs of the Heavens' was originally created by Xuanji themselves, and the original work was also from Xuanji!
Wang Yi made the final decision:
"First, focus on 'Douluo Dalu' and 'Jade Dynasty'. As for 'The Legend of Qin: Nine Songs of the Heavens', you can first develop the plot, then turn it into a comic, launch it on Xingyi Animation to expand its influence. By next year, once the plot is well developed and the IP's influence is high, you can film it and make it a half-year series!"
"Understood, Chairman Wang."
Soon, a series of news headlines swept across the internet:
[Xingyi Technology wholly acquires Xuanji, will adapt popular IP 'Douluo Dalu' from Qidian Chinese Network!]
['Douluo Dalu' and 'Jade Dynasty' animated, invested by Xingyi Technology, S-tier blockbuster, produced by Xuanji, worth looking forward to!]
[First, 'The Legend of Shushan' and 'Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation' swept Chinese animation, now 'Douluo Dalu' and 'Jade Dynasty' are poised for release, all S-tier blockbusters, Xingyi Video will become the new giant in anime!]
...
Seeing these news, all animation fans were excited.
Fans of 'Douluo Dalu' and 'Jade Dynasty' were even more delighted.
But Bilibili felt a huge crisis.
Xingyi Video's push into animation was a direct attack on Bilibili's home ground.
And equally furious was Youku!
President Liang Kuan cursed:
"Damn it! Xuanji, that ungrateful wretch, actually defected to Xingyi Technology. Truly a white-eyed wolf, impossible to tame!"
Vice President Duan Mingda, however, was helpless:
"There's nothing we can do. Xuanji has big ambitions and wants to make the fourth season to 'The Legend of Shushan's' specifications. Since we weren't willing to invest more, they naturally went to Xingyi Technology."
"This..."
Liang Kuan was speechless for a moment and couldn't refute.
He could only stubbornly say:
"But if they do this, what about the follow-up to 'Qin's Moon'? Are they not making it anymore?"
"Probably so. After all, Wang Yi offered more, so Xuanji will certainly prioritize 'Douluo Dalu' and 'Jade Dynasty'."
"Then it's over. 'Qin's Moon' Season 4 is having a difficult production, and our only animated series that can carry the flag on Youku will also be cut off. Alas!"
Liang Kuan was very helpless.
Duan Mingda nodded:
"There's nothing we can do, unless we cooperate with Xingyi Technology to jointly launch 'Qin's Moon' Season 4."
"Cooperation?"
Liang Kuan frowned slightly:
"How would that cooperation work?"
Duan Mingda explained:
"We can let Xingyi Video invest 20 million to re-model and make 'Qin's Moon' Season 4 an S-tier blockbuster. Once it's done, Youku and Xingyi Video will broadcast it together!"
Liang Kuan fell into thought:
"In that case, Youku wouldn't spend a penny, would get an S-tier produced fourth season for free, and could still earn membership fees and advertising sponsorships. That's certainly possible. But Xingyi Video probably won't agree!"
"Then give the copyrights for the first three seasons to Xingyi Video, that should be about right, shouldn't it?"
"Trade the crudely made first three seasons for a brand new S-tier blockbuster fourth season? That works, after all, the first three seasons have been broadcast for years and are worthless!"
"Yes, I estimate Xuanji doesn't want to give up the 'Qin's Moon' IP either, so they probably won't refuse. Anyway, Youku doesn't pay, and we get the fourth season for free!"
"This is fine, I'll leave it to you to handle."
Liang Kuan was in a great mood.
Getting the S-tier blockbuster fourth season for free, without spending a single penny, just thinking about it was delightful!
Youku in those years had not yet been acquired by Alibaba, so naturally, it didn't have Alibaba's tough stance.
To put it bluntly, they also didn't want to fall out too badly with Xingyi Technology over a 'Qin's Moon' IP.
It was better to pick up some benefits for free and know when to quit.
And Liang Kuan had his own agenda.
He could use this opportunity to do Xingyi Technology a favor and build goodwill!
If Youku collapsed, whether Xingyi Video acquired Youku later or he defected to Xingyi Video, there would be benefits either way!
He was very shrewd and naturally wouldn't narrow his options.
"Don't worry, President, I'll contact Xingyi Technology right away."
Soon, Duan Mingda's call was connected to Xingyi Technology.
Jian Ziyan received a report from her subordinate and approached Wang Yi:
"Chairman, Youku Vice President Duan Mingda wants to see you about something, saying he wants to give you a big gift."
"A Youku Vice President giving me a gift?"
Wang Yi smiled:
"Looks like it's about 'Qin's Moon'. Alright, put him through!"
"Yes!"
Soon, the call was connected:
"Chairman Wang, hello, I'm Duan Mingda from Youku, I've long admired your reputation!"
"President Duan, you're too kind,"
Wang Yi said calmly.
"First, congratulations, Chairman Wang, on wholly acquiring Xuanji and securing another top animation production company,"
Duan Mingda said with a smile:
"However, the animation copyright for 'Qin's Moon' Season 4 was signed to Youku, which makes things rather troublesome. So, I'd like to offer Chairman Wang a big gift: I'll give Chairman Wang 'Qin's Moon' Season 4, as well as the first three seasons!"
"Give them all to me?"
Wang Yi smiled.
Where in the world was there a free lunch?
"Tell me the conditions!"
"No conditions, the only condition is that after Xingyi Video finishes 'Qin's Moon' Season 4, you also let Youku broadcast it. One season for four seasons, quite a bargain, isn't it?"
Wang Yi thought for a moment:
"That's acceptable, but we will no longer distribute the subsequent fifth and sixth seasons to Youku."
"Naturally."
The later seasons hadn't been signed, so naturally they belonged to Xuanji and Xingyi Video.
"Alright, arrange for someone to sign the contract."
"Chairman Wang is straightforward!"
Wang Yi was very satisfied with this outcome.
Season 4, with 38 episodes and a production cost of 19 million, was distributed to Youku for free, which was equivalent to giving Youku 9.5 million for nothing.
However, trading 9.5 million for Youku's copyrights to the first three seasons and the fourth season was considered worthwhile.
From then on, Xingyi Video would directly own all copyrights to the first four seasons of 'Qin's Moon'.
Of course, Wang Yi would definitely remake them all!
The remastered first three seasons would naturally not be given to Youku.
By then, Youku would have the ugly first three seasons + an S-tier fourth season, while Xingyi Video would have all S-tier remastered first four seasons, followed by the fifth, sixth seasons...
How would users choose? Does it even need saying?
Youku probably wouldn't even imagine that Wang Yi would be willing to invest heavily to remake all three previous seasons to S-tier quality!
After settling this, Wang Yi immediately informed Xuanji:
"General Manager Shen, we've recovered the animation copyrights for the first four seasons of 'Qin's Moon', so we can start on the fourth season. In exchange, the fourth season will be freely distributed to Youku!"
"Thank you, Chairman Wang, thank you!"
Shen Qianshan was overjoyed.
As Xuanji's famous work, they had a strong attachment to 'Qin's Moon'.
"Chairman Wang, I'll arrange for people to continue working on the fourth season right away."
Wang Yi waved his hand:
"There's no rush for the fourth season, you can do it in the second half of the year. Here's what we'll do: I'll first invest 25 million to completely remake all 62 episodes of the first three seasons. The remastered first three seasons will start airing in March, two episodes a week, and finish airing by November. Then, we'll continue airing 'Qin's Moon' Season 4, one episode a week! Season 4 will have 38 episodes, with an investment of 19 million! All S-tier blockbusters."
"Thank you, Chairman Wang. This way, the first three seasons of 'Qin's Moon' can also be revitalized and reach new heights!"
Shen Qianshan was incredibly excited.
Chairman Wang truly kept his promises.
When he said remake all, he meant remake all!
He hadn't followed the wrong person!
Wang Yi smiled faintly:
"For now, Xuanji should focus on the 'Douluo Dalu' annual series and 'Qin's Moon'. If you have the energy later, you can work on 'Jade Dynasty', and 'The Legend of Qin: Nine Songs of the Heavens' can be put off until next year!"
"Understood, Chairman Wang, I'll arrange this immediately. At the same time, I'll recruit talent to build Xuanji into Xingyi Technology's premier animation production company. Producing three annual animated series simultaneously next year will not be a problem!"
"Very good!"
Wang Yi nodded with satisfaction.
In his previous life, Xuanji was that impressive, simultaneously producing three annual series: 'Douluo Dalu', 'My Senior Brother Is Too Steady', and 'Swallowed Star', with enough capacity to also make a half-year series.
Now with Xuanji's addition, Xingyi Video has advanced further, and surpassing Bilibili is only a matter of time.
Why did Wang Yi place such importance on animation?
Because the existence of annual and half-year series would make anime users continuously subscribe to memberships, and annual memberships.
Don't look at current animation viewers as just unemployed students.
In a few years, when they start working, they will be the main consumer group.
Wang Yi's focus on animation could also be seen as starting with students!
However, with Xuanji operating at full throttle, holding three blockbusters: 'Douluo Dalu', 'Qin's Moon', and 'Jade Dynasty', Ruosen's pressure significantly increased.
As Wang Yi expected, Ruosen soon came knocking.
Looking at Director Liu in front of him, Wang Yi couldn't help but chuckle:
"Director Liu, you never visit unless you need something!"
Director Liu gave an awkward laugh:
"Chairman Wang, you're too biased. Xuanji just joined, and you already gave them 'Douluo Dalu' and 'Jade Dynasty'. We Ruosen have been following you for a long time, you should be fair!"
Wang Yi smiled:
"I've been waiting for you all. Everything's ready for you. How about 'Battle Through the Heavens' for you?"
"'Battle Through the Heavens'!"
Director Liu's face lit up; this was an IP no less significant than 'Douluo Dalu'!
It could even be called the current textbook for fantasy!
"No problem, Chairman Wang, this is perfectly fine!"
Wang Yi continued:
"'Battle Through the Heavens' will also be an annual series, 52 episodes a year, and we'll give you 26 million. The standard is the same as Xuanji's 'Douluo Dalu'."
Director Liu nodded, understanding Wang Yi's intention.
The same major IP, the same production budget, and even similar release times!
This was clearly intended for Ruosen and Xuanji to compete against each other, an internal competition!
There was no other way; friendly competitors weren't strong enough, not even Bilibili was a match, so Xingyi Technology could only compete internally.
"Chairman Wang, rest assured, Ruosen is second to none!"
"Very good!"
Wang Yi nodded:
"The two annual series, 'Battle Through the Heavens' and 'The Legend of Shushan', should keep you busy for now. Once both are on air and stable, if you have spare capacity, I'll give you new animations!"
"Okay, thank you, Chairman Wang!"
"Also, once the 'Battle Through the Heavens' modeling sketches are done, show them to me immediately! If there are no issues, then proceed with the next steps."
Wang Yi was very worried that Ruosen's 'Battle Through the Heavens' modeling would be as bad as 'Battle Through the Heavens Season 1' and truly unwatchable.
"Yes!"
Director Liu's mouth twitched.
The modeling for 'The Legend of Shushan' had been rejected by Wang Yi hundreds of times!
The reason was always the same: too ugly!
Finally, several concept artists redesigned and modified it little by little according to Wang Yi's requirements, and only then was it completed.
And indeed, it was N times better looking than what they had done before, even the aesthetics and art style were not from the same era.
It seemed this time, it would again have to be refined by Wang Yi countless times and rejected many times.
"If only Chairman Wang could draw, he could just draw the models directly, and we'd follow them!"
Director Liu thought to himself.
There was no way around it; their aesthetic sense and Wang Yi's aesthetic sense were at least ten years apart, a whole era.
Anyone who had seen 'The Legend of Shushan' and 'Battle Through the Heavens Season 1' knew this clearly: compared to the later 'The Legend of Shushan' movie and 'Battle Through the Heavens' annual series, the modeling was simply not from the same era.
With the animation matters handled, Wang Yi no longer concerned himself with them.
Instead, he went directly to the television department!
As early as when they signed the television factory deal with Daocheng, Xingyi Technology was already recruiting television hardware R&D engineers.
After several months of recruitment, Xingyi TV's hardware R&D team was largely complete and could start work immediately.
High-quality content + smart TVs, this was precisely Wang Yi's new strategy!
Wang Yi gathered all the R&D elites for a meeting:
"The TV factory in Daocheng will be delivered in the second half of the year, so we need to finalize the TV R&D plan as soon as possible."
"Everyone will be divided into three teams. This time, we will directly develop three TV models: Xingyi Smart TV X40, Xingyi Smart TV X50, and Xingyi Smart TV X60!"
"X40, 40 inches, 1080P resolution. A mid-to-low-end TV processor is sufficient, 1GB RAM, 4GB storage. Positioned for mid-to-low-end, focusing on sales volume. Priced at 3999! Equipped with the XUI smart operating system."
These were the current standard configurations for 40-inch TVs.
(End of Chapter)