At this moment, the comment sections of "Beginning" and "I Am a Singer" were in a bit of a frenzy.
Two groups of people were talking about different things, yet they still managed to overlap.
"Does anyone know why Da Fei withdrew from the competition?"
"No clue. Watching 'Beginning' right now. Maybe Da Fei's busy catching the killer."
"Don't be ridiculous. The show's production team just announced the Cool Music Band will be back next round. Everyone knows this is rigged."
"Da Fei was forced to withdraw? Threatened?"
"Definitely. Probably by the sponsors. Didn't you see they changed sponsors overnight? Da Fei's back immediately."
"Jingdong Shopping? What's Da Fei's connection to Jingdong Shopping? Is he that awesome?"
"I don't know. Did you guys understand Beginning? What exactly caused the explosion?"
"I have no idea either. I just want to know why Da Fei withdrew from the competition."
"Are you two even talking about the same thing?"
"Lin Qiqi is on! I love this police officer look. She's definitely my wife. Just the line, 'Prepare for a drug test,' completely hooked me."
"Damn, only three episodes. So empty."
"The next episode will probably reveal the killer."
"Will Da Fei be on the live broadcast next Saturday?"
"Will this show finish airing next Saturday?"
"..."
Liang Yin rubbed her temples. "Da Fei, my head hurts from reading the comments section. It's a mess."
Lin Chudong forced a smile. "No choice, it's the result of trying to ride the coattails. Did Director Hong promote it for me?"
"He did. Director Hong used his personal Weibo to retweet it, he kept his word."
"Yeah, that's tough on him too."
"Da Fei, what song are we singing in the finals?"
Lin Chudong frowned slightly. "Let me think about it. Even if we make it to the finals again, it won't be easy. According to the rules, we forfeited the last round, so our voting rate is zero. If we want to win the championship in the next round, we must crush Zhan Zhang Yiran's combined votes from both rounds."
Hearing Lin Chudong say that, everyone realized it made sense.
"It's going to be a bit tough."
Lin Chudong nodded, "It's okay, I'll think about it. We still have a week, no rush."
"Everyone, go to bed early."
The next day at noon, Lin Chudong had just woken up. He opened Weibo and was immediately bombarded.
It was all about wanting more content.
Yesterday's three episodes weren't enough to watch at all.
Lin Chudong gave a wry smile. He didn't get to decide how things were broadcast.
However, the first three episodes were probably for testing the rating index. The VIP content should be updated tonight.
The specific announcement hasn't been issued yet; they have to wait for the data testing to finish.
Lin Chudong finished washing up when Huang Wei suddenly called.
"Director Huang?"
"Da Fei, the results are out. Your test score for the first day is SS. This drama will undoubtedly become a SSS blockbuster. We'll give you the highest profit-sharing unit price."
Lin Chudong wasn't surprised. "Thanks for your trouble, Director Huang."
She was somewhat surprised to hear how calm Lin Chudong sounded.
"I watched the show last night. What happened with the withdrawal?"
"It's a long story, but luckily, there's another chance next week."
"Right, do well then. The timing of this drama's release is good. It can ride on the coattails of your I Am a Singer popularity. If I get promoted, I'll definitely treat you to a meal."
"Then I'll wait for good news from Director Huang. Will the VIP content be released today?"
"Yes, five episodes at noon, and then two episodes every Wednesday until the end."
Fifteen episodes in total, so it can only be updated weekly. If it were updated daily, the time would be too short. Everyone would finish watching it at once, and they would feel like the VIP membership wasn't worth it.
Lin Chudong hung up the phone and posted a Weibo, directly tagging Tianxun Video.
"Fans are asking for more episodes, can you release more? Can my three QQ suns have a conversation with your executives? If that doesn't work, I'll recharge for a red diamond."
The moment the Weibo post went out, the comments exploded.
"Hahaha, Da Fei, are you here to be funny? I have two QQ crowns, let me talk to their executives."
"Humble director, online recharge."
"There are only fifteen episodes in total, can't you just broadcast them openly?"
"Director, give us a spoiler, who is the murderer?"
"..."
Just over an hour later, Tianxun Video updated five episodes.
Da Fei's Weibo was much quieter in the following few hours, presumably because everyone was watching the show.
...
Tianxun Video. Huang Wei saw Lin Chudong's Weibo and smiled, giving it a like.
"How's it going? What's the membership recharge rate?"
"Thirty-nine percent, and it's still rising. It's already surpassed Sword and Hero's Fate."
"Good!"
Huang Wei excitedly slapped the table. This was the rhythm of a huge hit.
"Send me the statistics for these five episodes as soon as they're out."
"Okay, Director Huang!"
Back in her office, Huang Wei took out her phone and called Yan Chaoxu.
She already knew about Lin Chudong being rejected. Yan Chaoxu was her long-time rival, and today she could finally gloat.
On the other side, Yan Chaoxu was regretting things in his office. Seeing Huang Wei's call, he narrowed his eyes and answered it anyway.
"Director Huang, calling me in the middle of the day? Are you treating me to lunch?"
Huang Wei said, "Sure, what do you want to eat? Or, come to my company, we can watch Beginning while we eat. I'll get you a VIP membership."
Yan Chaoxu was silent for a moment, then snorted coldly, "You've got guts. You won your bet, is there a need to be so showy? What's your rating index?"
Huang Wei said, "Oh, it's just SS, nothing special. Director Yan, what haven't you seen? How's Surface doing? Did it reach S? I see it has a high rating."
Yan Chaoxu clenched his fist. This woman was really twisting the knife. She knew the rating was Li Zhilin's doing.
"Heh, not bad. Okay, I'm busy, I'm hanging up."
Yan Chaoxu didn't want to hear her bragging, so he hung up the phone directly.
He really misjudged this. The show actually had such a high rating index; he hadn't expected it at the time.
But even if he had, he couldn't have signed Lin Chudong. Li Zhilin had already cursed at him like that. If he signed Da Fei, wouldn't that be a slap in Li Zhilin's face?
Damn it, he missed out on a hit!
Yan Chaoxu felt more and more uncomfortable!
After the five VIP episodes were played, the reputation rose again.
The rating had already increased to 9.2!
Jia Lu enthusiastically watched it again and also bought a VIP subscription to support it. The landlady paid, and everyone in the company had a membership. Anyway, the money would go back to the company's pocket.
"Da Fei got blown up? Damn, I suddenly feel a little bad for Da Fei. He was actually pretty annoying before."
"Da Fei's acting was pretty realistic. Real detectives are just like that, young and impetuous. Sigh, it's a shame he died."
"Died? He can respawn, guys, chill."
"Exactly, it's only the fourth episode. There are fifteen episodes in total, what's the rush?"
"Da Fei is the director, how could he get himself blown up so quickly?"
"You guys are only on the fourth episode? I'm already on the eighth, the killer is that auntie."
"Damn, spoiler alert! Are you being polite?"
"Ugh, whatever, spoilers don't matter. You guys don't understand the emptiness after watching eight episodes."
"Lin Qiqi's performance is still so consistent, [Ready for drug test], my wife is so cute hahaha!"
"This drama, I have to say, the cost isn't high, right? They can use one take multiple times, over and over."
"Even though they reuse scenes, I don't find it annoying. That's the director's skill!"
"When did Da Fei become a director?"
"It should have been from 6 Your Mom."
"..."
Beginning's reputation is soaring, and all sorts of memes have already emerged.
Including the internet celebrity Ma Jinlong, who's also riding the wave to stir up some fun.
"Today I'm challenging myself to take a pressure cooker onto the bus. I'm all about keeping it real..."
As for Li Zhilin, things weren't looking good at all.
The ratings were high, but the views were terrible, clearly inflated by bots.
Even Li Zhilin's own fans couldn't stand it. They said they supported him, but they only commented and rated, without contributing any watch time, let alone subscribing.
Looking at the data report sent by Youmei Video, Li Zhilin clenched his fists, the knuckles cracking.
"Da Fei, that son of a bitch, dares to get involved in the film industry? Who does he think he is?"
Guan Lu stood behind Li Zhilin, massaging his shoulders.
"Looks like he really hitched his wagon to Lin Qiqi's star. Did you watch that show?"
Li Zhilin looked impatient, "I didn't watch it. What a load of crap, a cheapskate production team."
Guan Lu frowned, a look of worry on her face.
She had watched Beginning. It was truly captivating. She hadn't expected Da Fei to have this talent. This time, Li Zhilin's show was likely to be affected.
Tian Yingxiong was currently flirting with the beauties when he suddenly received a call from Wang Danian.
"Uncle, what's up?"
"Ugh, you didn't tell me Da Fei had this ability earlier! Do you know how much money I've missed out on?!"
Wang Danian's heart was bleeding. The show had exploded in popularity the moment it went online, with views already exceeding a hundred million. So much money was slipping through his fingers!
Tian Yingxiong said unhappily, "I already introduced him to you, but you didn't take him seriously. You're blaming me now?"
"Sigh, it's indeed my fault. No way around it, I misjudged him. Call Da Fei and tell him to look for me for his next show. I'll definitely invest in it, and he can decide the profit-sharing ratio."
Back then, they offered Da Fei 500,000 to get rid of him, and now his views are over a hundred million.
Even if they take it down now, they can still earn tens of millions. If they finish broadcasting everything, they might even earn hundreds of millions. They're really raking it in!
Tian Yingxiong said, "I'll talk to him later, but I can't guarantee if he'll cooperate."
Tian Yingxiong didn't even want to be a go-between anymore. You rejected him when he wasn't famous, and now you want to cooperate? Even his uncle wouldn't be so shameless.
Wang Danian wasn't the only one regretting it; Zhao Renlong, who was unemployed in Hengdian, was also regretting it.
At this moment, he had no roles to play and was wandering around the film and television base.
Seeing Deng Yong's resurgence, he was envious.
He took out his phone, hesitated for a long time, and finally called Lin Chudong.
"Hey, Fei-ge, it's Zhao Renlong. Haha, last time we didn't get to cooperate, it was my lack of foresight. Next time you have a project, be sure to hit me up, the price is negotiable, definitely the lowest in the industry. Okay, okay, I'll wait for your call!"
Lin Chudong's words on the phone were all polite formalities, which Zhao Renlong could naturally hear, but he couldn't do anything about it. He could only watch others' views and be envious.
Thinking about it, Zhao Renlong slapped himself.
What a fool! ...
Lin Chudong and Liang Yin came to the Hongyun Group headquarters again.
Wu Siping warmly received the two. "Da Fei, I knew you were talented, and you certainly didn't disappoint me. The marketing department said the advertising effect has been very good these past few days, and sales have increased a lot."
The product placement for Hongyun Mineral Water and beverages in the drama was very natural. The male and female leads always had to drink water, and they were both handsome and beautiful, so the beverages immediately became popular with young people.
Wang Pengtao, the boss of the Mongolians, was also there, looking frustrated.
"Da Fei, is it too late for me to sponsor you now?"
Lin Chudong forced a smile, "It's too late now."
"Sigh, next time I'll sponsor you guys too, just like President Wu does. If the collaboration is successful, I'll cover your band's milk for a whole year."
Lin Chudong quickly said, "No, no, no, I'm allergic to milk."
Wu Siping burst out laughing.
"Da Fei, now that this drama is a hit, have you decided what to film for the next one?"
Lin Chudong said, "Not yet, it's almost the New Year. We'll have to start filming after the holiday."
There are a few variety shows waiting to be filmed, and he also has to deal with the Spring Festival Gala. He probably won't have time before the end of the year.
After having dinner with the two bosses, Wu Siping might have been a bit tipsy and promised to sponsor ten million for the next film, with exclusive naming rights.
After they finished eating and drinking, Liang Yin drove them back to the company, she was a little excited.
"How much money can we make?"
Lin Chudong said, "For now, after deducting costs, it should be over ten million."
Liang Yin happily pinched her own thigh. She never dreamed they could make so much money.
Although they hadn't received the money yet, the contract was in place, so the money wouldn't disappear.
"Making TV dramas is really profitable."
Lin Chudong smiled.
"Movies are more profitable. Once we've established ourselves, we'll move into the film industry. We'll buy a building too, later on."
Liang Yin's face was filled with anticipation, already imagining the future.
"If we set up a film and television department, we'll have to change the name, right? To Cool Music Media Co., Ltd., right?"
"Right."
Liang Yin was delighted. "Da Fei, is it not good to use my name? Netizens say it sounds like Cool Cool Band…"
Lin Chudong smiled. "It's nothing. Your name has good feng shui. Isn't our company developing well? You're the boss lady; it's only right to use your name."
"Hehe, but you're still the one in charge of our home."
Lin Chudong smiled, also satisfied with the effect of Beginning. At this rate, it seemed they had a chance of earning hundreds of millions.
According to the profit split, even after taxes, he'd still get forty to fifty million. He could set aside twenty to thirty million for his next project and then open dozens of treasure chests with the rest – that would be awesome!
Of course, he didn't necessarily need to open so many. If he got an acting skill early on, he could save some money.
The more capital he had, the more he could invest in his next project, and he also needed to establish a film and television department for the company, which would cost quite a bit.
Right, and there was also a fighting skill! That was also one of his goals.
Being chased felt really unpleasant.
"Da Fei, Beginning has hit number one on the trending searches. The title is 'Why do I feel so empty after watching eight episodes of Beginning?' Haha, these netizens are really something."
Lin Chudong smiled. This kind of popularity would probably last about a month. Actually, not many people were paying attention to Da Fei as a director; it was mostly his original fans who cared.
Most viewers were still focused on the drama itself, and the male and female actors were the main focus for them.
Li Xiaomai's value skyrocketed, and the fee for inviting her had reached 100,000 yuan per episode. She never dreamed she could become popular.
Back at the company, Liang Yin was immediately surprised to see Li Xiaomai sitting in the reception room.
"Xiaomai, what brings you here?"
Li Xiaomai said, "Sister Liang, Fei-ge, many film and television companies have contacted me, wanting to sign me. I came to ask if your company signs actors. If you do, I want to join your company."
Liang Yin was stunned for a moment, and then she was pleasantly surprised.
"We are just preparing to establish a film and television department, but we are a new company. Have you considered it carefully?"
Li Xiaomai nodded. "I have considered it.
-----------------------
Completed English PDF of this fan-fic on my Patreon shop if you want to support and own the full fan-fic in one go. Just grab the PDF and binge the entire story from start to finish!
Guys, I've uploaded some High Quality english translated fanfic on my Patreon shop! Feel free to check it out-if you're interested, you can grab a copy and support me there.
Here are a few titles of recently uploaded fanfics:
New Addition:
" Fishing Harbor Spring Night (18+) "
" Villain: After I Laid Flat, the Female Lead Came Chasing After Me (18+) "
" Born Succubus, Hunted by Beauties (18+) "
" Starting Tokyo Life After Inheriting a Shopping Street (18+) "
" The Ceo Goddess Best Friend Begged Be a Stay-at-home Dad (18+) "
" Many Lustful Affairs in a Small Town (18+) "
" You Steal My Husband, I Seduce Your Son,I Won't Take a Loss (18+) "
" The Romance Strategy System Arrived After I Got Engaged "
" The God-Honour System: Starting from the Campus "
" The Goddess's Radiance Illuminates America "
" Tokyo: My Family Shrine is Very Big "
" The Testament of Sister New Devil and High School DxD (18+) "
" The Marquis Household's Vicious Matriarch, I Backhand Slap the Heir Awake 18+ "
" So It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists 18+ "
" Age of Gods: I have a chat group "
Your support means a lot-thanks in advance, legends!
many more are available 37+
patreon.com/RoyalStories
(End of Chapter)