Chapter 403: The Uncrowned King
"Many newspaper offices only have private offices for their executives; your place is quite different," Jiang Shu said, looking around.
Most newspaper offices use a long-table setup, where editors-in-chief and department heads sit together.
D Dispatch, on the other hand, is set up more like a company.
"Here, our department heads and editors are separate. The editor-in-chief manages proofreading, while department heads manage writing. Plus, the reporters under the department heads often go out for assignments, so their treatment is much better," Jin Zhongting explained.
Jiang Shu nodded upon hearing this.
"You certainly adapt to local conditions."
He picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip of hot water.
"I came to see you this time because I need your help with something."
"Chairman Jiang, please speak," Jin Zhongting said, sitting up straight.
Jiang Shu had been his benefactor, and his promotion was inextricably linked to Jiang Shu. Jin Zhongting would do his best to fulfill Jiang Shu's requests.
"I will give you some insider information about Park Hongjun, the acting CEO of YG."
Jin Zhongting's eyes flashed.
He had been working for over two years. Even though he was still a young man in his early twenties, it didn't mean he was still the naive newcomer he was before entering society.
YG...
That company, which had countless ties to DM Entertainment.
"Yang Hyun-suk will be released from prison in a few months. During this time, I need you to mobilize your reporters to complete this information as much as possible."
"Taking down one of the four major acting CEOs, I believe this scoop will be a big one for you."
"More than just a big scoop," Jin Zhongting said with a smile. "It'll be a huge achievement even for the department head and editor-in-chief."
Reporters are known as the uncrowned kings of the entertainment industry. If they could bring down one of the four major acting CEOs at the top, this achievement would completely propel D Dispatch to the throne of the uncrowned king!
As soon as Jin Zhongting thought of personally bringing down Park Hongjun, he became uncontrollably excited.
Becoming a department head was unlikely, but there were several vacant editor positions. He might be transferred to the editorial department to serve as an editor.
An editor is on par with a team leader, but an editor's authority is greater than a team leader's. It might seem like a lateral move, but it's actually a promotion.
Watching the excited Jin Zhongting, Jiang Shu also smiled.
Jiang Shu had information on Park Hongjun, but it wasn't complete. Although he could bring Park Hongjun down, if he was going to do it, he wanted to make sure he was completely finished.
Who is better at this kind of thing than reporters?
These entertainment reporters are all like detectives from Conan.
"Take your time investigating; there's still plenty of time."
There was still some time before Yang Hyun-suk's release, leaving Jin Zhongting with ample time.
"Yes," Jin Zhongting said, his enthusiasm undiminished. This was an opportunity for promotion and a raise. Even though it was still early, he showed no signs of slacking off.
Seeing Jin Zhongting so excited, Jiang Shu didn't pay too much attention.
Only by tying one's interests to those of the executor can a plan be executed more effectively.
Just then, a knock sounded. Both men looked towards the door. Besides Sun Zhixiu, there was a man whom both Jiang Shu and Jin Zhongting recognized.
"Why is President Li here?" Jin Zhongting mumbled.
"It would be strange if he didn't come," Jiang Shu said with a smile, then stood up.
Li Mingjiu, the founder of D Dispatch, walked into Jin Zhongting's office with Sun Zhixiu.
"Chairman Jiang, you suddenly visited. I just received the news. I apologize for the oversight," Li Mingjiu said as soon as he entered, apologizing to Jiang Shu.
"I came to catch up with Zhongting. President Li, there's no oversight to apologize for," Jiang Shu said with a chuckle.
"No matter what, Chairman Jiang, the entire company is honored by your visit to D Dispatch."
Everyone likes to hear pleasantries and flattery.
Jiang Shu chuckled and accepted it all.
Until he knew whether the other party was just being polite or had another motive, he would respond to all changes with no change.
Seeing that Jiang Shu didn't respond, Li Mingjiu's eyes shifted slightly, and he spoke again.
"I just happen to have some matters I wanted to consult with Chairman Jiang about. I was planning to visit you at DM Entertainment. Isn't this a coincidence?"
"Oh? What is it?" Jiang Shu asked with a smile.
"I hear your company is releasing a limited group?" Li Mingjiu asked tentatively.
Both Jin Zhongting and Sun Zhixiu were surprised. A limited group?
Hadn't DM Entertainment just debuted two groups? What new moves were they making?
"President Li, your information is quite well-informed," Jiang Shu said, looking at Li Mingjiu with a half-smile.
The information about Girls' Generation wasn't top secret. A project that had already entered the planning stage wouldn't be strictly confidential.
But even so, if Li Mingjiu didn't have an insider in DM Entertainment's planning department, he wouldn't have access to this information.
"In our line of work, one always needs their own methods." Jiang Shu's words were an indirect admission of the information's authenticity, and Li Mingjiu smiled and responded.
Jiang Shu nodded but didn't reply.
He was considering who in the planning department was most likely Li Mingjiu's "inside man."
Seeing that Jiang Shu wasn't engaging, Li Mingjiu, eager to get some exclusive news, immediately spoke up.
"D Dispatch wants to get the exclusive on this limited group. I wonder if Chairman Jiang has any interest in that?"
He did know someone in DM Entertainment's planning department, but the information about the limited group was the most they could reveal. Any more specific details would violate the project's non-disclosure agreement, and if it were ever found out, it would be a disaster.
At this level, the "leak" was still a borderline act, something that could be considered minor or major.
But if Jiang Shu agreed, D Dispatch would be able to get the exclusive on this limited group, and legitimately!
Li Mingjiu had been an entertainment reporter for over ten years. His keen sense of smell and rich experience told him that DM Entertainment's limited group would be a hot topic!
"That's possible, but what do we get in return?" Jiang Shu asked with a smile.
"D Dispatch also has a lot of experience in promotion," Li Mingjiu tried to get something for nothing.
"We at DM Entertainment don't lack promotional capabilities," Jiang Shu said with a calm smile.
Who didn't know that DM Entertainment's marketing and public relations departments were unrivaled? Why would they need D Dispatch's help?
Li Mingjiu wasn't bothered that Jiang Shu didn't take the bait; it was just an attempt.
"We have some big scoops that we can exchange for some resources," Li Mingjiu began to bring out his real bargaining chips.
All transactions between entertainment companies are based on resources and money.
This kind of transaction wasn't suitable for money, so it could only be done through resource exchange.
"Then it depends on how big the scoop President Li has is."
Li Mingjiu smiled.
"I guarantee it will be an eye-opener for Chairman Jiang."
