Chapter 124: 《circulation》 Takes The Stage
“Has the publicity and distribution team come up with a plan yet?”
Xiao Liu instantly understood what Chi Ye meant by “plan,” and said bluntly: “They tried Peng Ci, but no one paid attention to us.”
Chi Ye: “……”
“Oh, not surprised.”
《Meng Xi Yuan》 is a Penguin big drama, and Penguin has a close relationship with Yue Na, so they definitely won’t “support” themselves in this aspect.
As for 《Deep Sea》 and 《Deng Ji Feng Chui Qi》, it’s the same reason.
“No problem, I’ve come up with some little tricks!”
Chi Ye asked about other situations again: “What about 《Deep Sea》?”
“《Deep Sea》 is broadcasting online and on TV tonight, following Central 8 prime time slot, it will take a few days to see the real ratings, but the online broadcast popularity is explosive, Kiwifruit station internal popularity has already broken 9500, and it looks like the opening day is a bit stronger than 《Meng Xi Yuan》.”
Penguin, Kiwifruit, and Ku Ying Station have completely different internal popularity algorithms. The currently recognized conversion equation in the industry is: Penguin Video’s popularity is approximately equal to one-third of the other two stations.
In other words, 《Meng Xi Yuan》’s 30000 internal popularity on Penguin Video equals 10000 popularity on Kiwifruit and Ku Ying.
The three have different algorithms, but the value is the same. As long as it breaks Kiwifruit and Ku Ying’s 10,000 （Penguin 30,000）, it’s the start of a hot broadcast.
《Deep Sea》 has dual top streamers + veteran actor joining, the lineup is indeed more attractive, and under the “niche genre” of spy war, it actually achieved 9500 internal popularity on the opening day at Kiwifruit Station, converted to Penguin Video’s algorithm, that’s 28500, 500 higher than 《Meng Xi Yuan》’s opening day.
“But this drama has genre issues, the subsequent increase probably won’t catch up to 《Meng Xi Yuan》.”
“Also… those dozen screenwriter teachers… is the revised script really okay?”
Xiao Liu made a professional analysis.
Chi Ye was noncommittal. No matter what, S+ and dual top streamers’ opening is very strong, as for the subsequent trend… it depends on quality and reputation.
However, Sister Qianzi should be very happy now, right?
……
Sister Qianzi was overjoyed. With 《Deep Sea》’s premiere performance released, Sister Qianzi felt that if possible, she could also become a clip, a happy clip!
Kiwifruit premiere 9500, expected to break 10,000 within three days. For a spy war genre drama, this is simply an unimaginable dream opening.
What’s more, she originally wanted to rely on this drama to rush for awards—Shang Youshu’s 《Meng Xi Yuan》 and Ji Hemming’s 《Deng Ji Feng Chui Qi》 are basically insulated from mainstream awards due to genre reasons.
She wants to surpass them in this aspect!
And now, the higher the popularity and better the performance of 《Deep Sea》, the greater her chance of winning awards. How could she not be happy?
Of course, while happy, the team also noticed Chi Ye Studio’s “Peng Ci moves.”
In response, Sister Qianzi directly said: “Step back a bit, who are you? Do I know you?”
Chu Han Zhou was even more direct: “A+ also deserves to speak loudly? Full of flop smell, please don’t approach me who has the aura of a spy war lead male protagonist.”
With the two leads stating their positions, the 《Deep Sea》 crew was even more “on strict guard,” not giving 《Circulation》 any Peng Ci opportunity.
In fact, 《Meng Xi Yuan》 basically did the same. Arthur even blocked Chi Ye’s WeChat, afraid that Chi Ye would ask him for drama promotion help—he needs to recognize his current position; Yue Na and Penguin are his camp.
However, the two crews were on strict guard, yet they didn’t expect “fish that slipped the net” to still appear.
Sister Shang, who has the highest recent popularity and vigorously supports the four young actors, on the premiere day of 《Deng Ji Feng Chui Qi》, posted promotion for 《Circulation》 and @ Chi Ye.
【Fate let us meet outside the chaotic world~@Chi Ye @Ran Qiao, follow 《Circulation》, enter the time loop train together!『Little train toot toot~』】
The entire 《Meng Xi Yuan》 crew, Yue Na, and Penguin were stunned and furious!
That night, Yue Na’s capital representative called Shang Youshu’s team, demanding she delete this 《Circulation》 promotion post.
The team was in a difficult position.
Sister Shang was surprised: “I promised Teacher Xiao Chi to help with cloud package and promotion. How can I go back on my word?”
“Reject it.”
She acted very calmly. Good temper doesn’t mean no temper. Yue Na is just one of the investors in 《Meng Xi Yuan》, Penguin is the biggest investor, and Penguin still has several dramas in cooperation with her, currently in the honeymoon period.
How could they get unhappy over one publicity Weibo post?
Sure enough, after Penguin got the reply, they only said a few symbolic words, and that was it, no follow-up.
Yue Na, seeing this, was even angrier, so in a fit of anger, they got angry for a bit, could only increase the publicity for tonight’s 《Deng Ji Feng Chui Qi》, turning anger into motivation, while still not wanting to give up targeting 《Circulation》 on the Ku Ying Platform.
But… before they could make a move, problems arose on their own side.
—15th, after 《Deng Ji Feng Chui Qi》’s premiere, Ku Ying popularity broke 9000, looking like another small hit on the rise.
But in terms of reputation and reviews, it was overwhelmingly negative.
Because 《Deng Ji Feng Chui Qi》 is adapted from a popular female-oriented modern idol drama IP. The original is clearly very well-written, but the drama version adaptation turned out full of stench.
To show the female lead’s “misery,” they added various sexual harassment plots. In the first 4 episodes, there were 5 instances of different forms of sexual harassment, practically a workplace disaster drama for women.
The female lead gets promoted all by “doing righteous deeds,” forcibly opening a golden finger. After being harassed, she even goes to comfort the criminal’s family… Similar “holy mother” plots made many long-awaited audiences and bystanders drop their glasses right from the start.
Reputation collapsed one-sidedly, Yue Na was a bit anxious, and Ku Ying Platform was anxious too!
“Paid commenters! There must be paid commenters deliberately smearing us! The drama hasn’t even aired fully, and it’s all one-star reviews. Isn’t that paid commenters?!”
“……This popularity has dropped a bit, down to 8900…”
“It’s back, it’s back, 9100 now…”
“We need to think of a way. This is quite a gap compared to the other two.”
Late at night.
Ku Ying Platform was “busy.”
The senior executive in charge of sources and publicity compared the trends of 《Meng Xi Yuan》 and 《Deep Sea》 that aired not long ago, and was clearly extremely dissatisfied with 《Deng Ji Feng Chui Qi》’s performance.
Fortunately, it’s after all led by one of the four great young actors Ji Hemming, with the female lead being quasi-first-tier little flower Li Qian, so after the initial fluctuations, the popularity stabilized.
But even a niche spy war like 《Deep Sea》 achieved 9500+ on opening day, and their modern idol drama actually dropped to 8900 at one point?
This won’t do!
“……Increase publicity and distribution expenses. This year’s first half financial report depends on this drama. This popularity isn’t enough yet.”
After a long time, the senior executive made a decision.
Ding ling ling.
At that moment, his phone rang. He picked it up and saw, then quickly answered: “Hello? President Jin…”
……
The reputation storm of 《Deng Ji Feng Chui Qi》 not only made Yue Na and Ku Ying anxious, but also Jin Ming as one of the investors!
Tonight he deliberately went home late to wait for 《Deng Ji Feng Chui Qi》’s excellent performance.
Now the performance is barely qualified, but with bad reputation, it can be expected to drop later.
He directly called Ku Ying. After exchanging for less than ten minutes, hearing that popularity stabilized, Jin Ming felt relieved and decided—continue to increase publicity expenses. This drama is clearly good!
Of course, besides publicity, he still wanted to use his “connections” to add chips to 《Deng Ji Feng Chui Qi》.
So he called his sister, wanting her to help get artists under her to do some promotion. Guang Ying Shi Meng is pulling now, but the reputation of artists under her still crushes his.
Additionally, Jin Xia’s side needs help too! Shang Youshu’s one promotion post made hot search; he felt his little niece has this strength too.
Then…
That night, Jin Xia posted five 《Circulation》 promotions in a row, and passed word through aunt: “You lost money again!”
Jin Ming was furious, chest pain +1.
……
“Is it really okay for you to do this?”
The 《Xing Ni》 crew, which was basically ready to start.
Sister Mi squinted at Jin Xia: “Treating your uncle like this?”
Empress Dowager looked up at her and muttered: “I just don’t want to help Yue Na. They did those things to Teacher Chi. I wish I could tear them apart myself.”
Sister Mi: “……”
That might be tough. With your little body, tearing Chi Ye is possible… because he probably won’t resist.
Empress Dowager hummed without speaking, continued to seriously record on the notebook: “Sister Shang… Sister Shi Shi… Teacher Yang Zi? Eh, Teacher Yang Zi actually rubbed off early this time?”
Sister Mi: “?”
Jin Xia’s fair fingers tapped her chin, thinking: “Who else… Sister Mi, who else helped Teacher Chi post drama promotion? Help me compile a list. I’ll thank them later!”
Sister Mi: “……You’re really a ‘virtuous helper’.”
“Sister Mi, don’t say it like that. I’m not a virtuous inner helper.”
Sister Mi: “Hm? Then what are you?”
Jin Xia said proudly: “I think I’m a virtuous helper for both inside and outside!”
Sister Mi: “……”
Oh my god, please be normal. Chi Ye really has to give you a thumbs up at least, or I’d look down on him.
“Got it!”
Jin Xia carefully put away the notebook, then looked at Sister Mi: “Has Teacher Chi arrived?”
“……He’s here. You’re sure you’re not holding a birthday party this time, right?”
“No, no. Last time I got roasted for a long time because of that.”
I think you want to spend it privately with someone, that’s why you’re not holding it, right?
Sister Mi complained inwardly, but she knew top streamers holding birthday parties are getting fewer, because it’s really not likable. Jin Xia’s career is already in a bottleneck period, so not holding it is good.
Just…
“《Circulation》 is about to air soon. Does he have time to accompany you?”
“Teacher Chi said that no matter how big the matter, he’ll put it down.”
Jin Xia thought and added: “Even bigger than the sky.”
Sister Mi: “……”
Just as she was thinking this, Chi Ye’s “travel-worn” figure appeared. He was carrying big and small bags, looking like he was going on a trip.
Seeing him like this, Jin Xia’s beautiful peach blossom eyes immediately narrowed, and she happily ran over: “Teacher Chi, why did you bring so many things!”
“Didn’t you say you wanted to go out and play for this birthday? Where do you want to go? I’ll go with you.”
Chi Ye was a bit tired.
Because he considered it a “private date,” he didn’t bring Xiao Liu this time.
“Mm~”
Jin Xia looked him over, the smile in her peach blossom eyes growing denser, but she stretched out a tender white finger: “I want to go… come with me!”
Without waiting for Chi Ye to react, she excitedly led Chi Ye into a small dwelling that the 《Xing Ni》 crew had just set up.
As soon as he walked in, Chi Ye felt the outside sounds suddenly disappear—this was actually a room with excellent soundproofing.
This is… this is for?
He blinked, inexplicably feeling a dry mouth.
This… isn’t good, right? Too fast…
“Teacher Chi, ta-da!”
Empress Dowager pointed to this “viewing room” she specially had someone temporarily set up: “For this birthday, spend it here with me, okay?”
Chi Ye was stunned: “Here? This… what is it for?”
He glanced around the small dwelling and found it arranged very “cozily,” not only with snacks and fruit, but also a high-end projector.
But after all, it’s temporary, so it definitely can’t compare to a real viewing room.
Moreover, they had already discussed before that for this Empress Dowager’s birthday, the two would go out to play together…
Such a good birthday opportunity, if missed, there won’t be time later…
But now this is…?
“Mm… I thought about it. When your drama airs, it’s my birthday, and accompanying me would delay your work.” Jin Xia shook her head, trying to hide her smugness but couldn’t: “So, I want you to spend it here with me.”
Chi Ye guessed something: “You want to watch a movie?”
Jin Xia smiled at him: “Accompany me to watch 《Circulation》!”
Chi Ye: “Not going out to play anymore? You’ve been looking forward to it for so long.”
“Not going.”
“I’ve prepared everything.”
“No problem, I haven’t prepared!”
Chi Ye was silent.
“Eh?” Empress Dowager puzzled: “What’s wrong, Teacher Chi? You don’t want to watch? Then… then we don’t have to.”
“No.”
Chi Ye looked back at the room door.
This room’s soundproofing is a bit poor…
Bah!
I must be damned. How could I have that thought just now…
“You can watch whatever you want. Want to see the moon up close? I’ll pick it for you!”
“Ah?”
Jin Xia opened her mouth, then laughed: “Teacher Chi, I’m not that greedy. I just want… you to spend my birthday with me!”
“How many?”
“Hm?”
“How many birthdays to spend with you?”
Jin Xia was stunned for a moment, a bit unsure how to respond.
Chi Ye stared at her and said straightforwardly: “Until death.”
Jin Xia: “……Although, but can you say something auspicious, Teacher Chi… I… I… aiya, don’t look at me like that… I’ll be embarrassed!”
She was a bit shy, lowering her little head, but afraid Chi Ye would “go back on his word,” she muttered: “I’m telling you, Teacher Chi, men must keep their word. If you said until death… then until death.”
Chi Ye didn’t speak again. He glanced at the suitcase behind him, then at today’s date and time, and had an idea in his mind.
……
With Jin Ming and Ku Ying’s several investors madly pouring money into publicity, 《Deng Ji Feng Chui Qi》’s popularity finally stabilized. Though still not surpassing 《Deep Sea》 and 《Meng Xi Yuan》, it at least lived up to the S+ name.
And in this “three kingdoms battle,” Penguin Video undoubtedly took the lead. As Chi Ye’s team expected, 《Deep Sea》’s popularity increase wasn’t as good as imagined due to genre and plot reasons.
《Meng Xi Yuan》 continued steady growth, showing the market’s favor for ancient idol dramas.
And in this situation, time came to June 30.
《Circulation》 will officially launch on Ku Ying Platform at noon today, premiering 4 episodes.
……
At the same time.
On a certain high-speed train, Chi Ye and Jin Xia were wrapped up tightly. Empress Dowager asked like a thief: “Teacher Chi… is it really okay like this? You really don’t need to work?”
Chi Ye replied: “Today, accompanying you for your birthday is my most important work.”
“How important?”
“More important than me.”
