Writing Web Novels In America-Chapter 101 Goldman Sachs’s Goodwill

The next morning, in New York City.

Wang Jian sat in his office, looking at the array of soap opera magazines sent over by the website staff.

These soap opera magazines provided their own evaluations of the currently airing TV dramas.

And regarding Prison Break, the consensus seemed to be, "The plot doesn’t hold water at all, it’s purely the screenwriter’s fantasy!"

"Disgusting! If even this kind of series can be broadcast on CBS, the United States is doomed! The American TV drama market is ruined!"

"The actors are attractive, but other than that, there’s nothing good to say."

Were the critics’ ratings for "Prison Break" really so low?

Wang Jian, refusing to believe it, continued flipping through the magazines.

Finally, on the last magazine, he saw the only positive review.

"After ’Friends’ swept the ratings charts, sitcoms seemed to become the mainstream of TV dramas overnight.

The stale jokes and rigid acting of the imitators are so obvious that they make the audience cringe through their screens.

However, recently, a series named ’Prison Break’ airing in CBS’s morning slot, with its premise of a female protagonist entering prison, is surprisingly refreshing.

I suggest those incompetent screenwriters watch closely and learn what exactly an ironic comedy is all about."

Uh...

God damn ironic comedy.

Wang Jian took a sip of strong tea, feeling the faint bitterness spread in his mouth.

At that moment, Tom walked into the office, handing Wang Jian a document.

"This just came in, a ratings report faxed from CBS."

"Just tell me," Wang Jian said, opening a drawer of his office desk and stuffing the soap opera magazines into it.

"Yesterday, during the same time slot, ’Prison Break’ ranked first in viewership ratings."

"The current audience numbers are not high enough, probably because it is dragged down by the low viewership of the morning slot."

"CBS expects that by the third episode of ’Prison Break,’ it will reach the standard for renewal."

Hmm?

Wang Jian, who was just heavily bashed by the soap opera magazines, perked up and immediately grabbed the viewership rating list.

"By the way, as a result of the broadcast of the TV drama, the number of paid readers of the ’Prison Break’ novel serialized on the website has also significantly increased."

"And, most of these readers are female!" Tom continued.

At the same time, in the Goldman Sachs building in New York,

The junior partner Lehman, who was in a good mood and enjoying his hand-brewed coffee, also received the viewership rating list from his secretary.

Then, his eyebrows furrowed deeply.

What?

That crummy script could get first place in the ratings during its broadcast slot?

Unconvinced, he picked up the phone and called the staff at CBS.

A few minutes later, Lehman hung up the phone, his gaze unfocused as he looked around his office in a daze.

Then, using swear words he would normally never utter, he lamented, "How can there be so many idiots in the United States?"

"Sir, the website project leader wants you to stop by his office," the secretary’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Understood."

Lehman took a deep breath, straightened his suit, and left his office.

A short while later, inside the project leader’s office,

"Sit down," the old man ordered from in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, back facing Lehman.

"That adapted TV drama has started airing, right? What are the specific viewership ratings?"

"Uh..." Lehman’s voice became somber, "Ranked first in its time slot. According to CBS, reaching the renewal standard is not a big issue."

"Does that mean we have almost certainly lost the bet?" The project leader turned around, his gaze sharp.

"We could contact CBS and have the ratings adjusted..." Lehman’s voice trailed off.

"Nonsense." The project leader walked over to Lehman and stared down at him, "What’s the name of our investment bank? What are we called on Wall Street?"

"Goldman Sachs Investment, the ’White Knight’?" Lehman looked up at the project leader.

"And what’s our investment strategy?" The project leader’s gaze still carried formidable pressure.

"Do whatever it takes to eliminate other investment institutions from a successful project before it goes public, even if it means engaging in battle!"

Like a student being reprimanded, Lehman recited the mantra that had been drilled into him since his first day at Goldman Sachs.

"And when a project continues to bring in profits, never act rashly."

"So you do remember." The project leader pointed at the computer screen, "Then what do you make of this?"

Lehman looked up at the computer screen.

Displayed on the screen was the rapidly expanding data from the website.

The comic adaptation of the website’s work "Arcane Throne" was currently ranked second on the annual comic sales chart;

And its namesake game was contending with "Diablo" for first place on the annual game sales ranking.

The physical book "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone," co-published by the website and Random House, was also swiftly climbing the bestseller list.

And "Prison Break," co-produced with Goldman Sachs, was top of its time slot in viewership ratings.

At that moment, the project leader spoke again, "Even without these, just look at the rapidly growing number of users and the payment rate on that website. This investment is surefire profit!"

He walked behind Lehman and placed his hands on Lehman’s shoulders, "So what do you think we should do?"

Feeling the growing weight on his back, Lehman answered quickly.

"On the one hand, use the pressure from other investment institutions to fully align the website management towards us."

"On the other hand, while the website continues to bring us profits, let Goldman Sachs’ influence protect and maintain the website’s value."

"Correct answer." The old man removed his hands from Lehman’s shoulders, "Then you know what to do?"

"Yes, uncle." He stood up, his eyes fixed on the project leader.

"Very well, go attend to your work."

Lehman bowed to the old man and then left the office.

However, he muttered to himself, "Wang Jian, pray to God that your luck continues."

A few minutes later, the phone rang in the website’s office.

Wang Jian picked up the phone and casually asked, "Hello, who is this?"

"This is Lehman from Goldman Sachs."

"As per the bet agreement, you want Goldman Sachs’ help in promoting the ’Literary Creators Charity Fund’s’ tax-exempt status."

"Therefore, there will be a banquet tonight on a cruise ship at New York Port. Some of the guests invited are politically connected."

"At that time, we hope that as the responsible person of the website applying, meaning you, can be in attendance."

"’Prison Break’ hasn’t completely met the renewal standard yet, has it?" asked Wang Jian, as he took out the viewership list again and began to scrutinize it.

"Goldman Sachs has full confidence in the website, in you. We don’t mind showing Goldman Sachs’ goodwill through concrete actions."

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