Chapter 112: A Surge in the Ratings

Ren Long’s house wasn’t far from Yan City TV. Half an hour later, he arrived at the entrance of the data department.

“Are the ratings still holding steady?”

The moment he saw the editor, Ren Long’s first words were about the data.

On his way over, although Ren Long was excited, he couldn’t hide his worry. These days, buying ratings wasn’t uncommon, and if the premiere’s ratings were artificial, there’d be no reason to celebrate.

“Director, the ratings curve is exceptionally solid now—it’s at 1.1. This isn’t one of those manipulated figures!”

The editor, seemingly aware of Ren Long’s thoughts, stood up and made room while speaking.

“1.1? My goodness!”

Ren Long gasped, drawing a sharp breath.

A 0.9 rating during the midnight slot was already alarming, but 1.1? Imagine the numbers during prime time—it’d be phenomenal.

“Director, we just checked the comments on the drama forum. They’re all high praise! It shows the quality of this drama far exceeds our expectations. It’s nothing like those run-of-the-mill promotional shows.”

The editor couldn’t help but add further.

“Have you seen the content yourselves?”

Ren Long pounded away at his keyboard.

With ratings surging like this, even a fool would know this drama isn’t the typical promotional fare. In fact, its quality has surpassed that of many major domestic companies.

“I’ve seen it! It’s hilarious, and when it settles down, it actually provokes thoughtful reflection. Plus, the actors deliver such fluid performances—it’s incredibly rare.”

The editor hurriedly continued.

“Have you checked? Which culture company produced it?”

“It was produced by a company called Haofang Culture. Registered just two months ago, the director on record is a newcomer named Fang Hou. The legal representative of the company is also Fang Hou, and all the actors are fresh faces with no entries in any encyclopedias.”

“Good! I’ll call the director of our station shortly. Tomorrow, we can negotiate transferring the timeslot and buying the rights. It’d be a shame to waste such a show by relegating it to the midnight slot!”

While staring at his computer screen, Ren Long added casually,

“Call right away? The director is likely already off duty.”

“No choice—our station is desperate for potential hits like this. If we get a few more, we might just break into the top tier.”

“Alright then!”

“Also, keep watching the series to see if the quality drops in later episodes. That will affect our bidding price.”

“Okay!”

At 2 a.m.

After two episodes of Wulin Wai Chuan had finished airing, the drama forum was nearly overwhelmed by posts about Wulin Wai Chuan. Whether it was the initial post or subsequent discussions, nearly every comment was about the show.

“A masterpiece! Absolutely a masterpiece!”

“Only two episodes and it’s over already? It left me wanting more!”

“Absolutely! Not only is the story great, but the main characters are top-notch. In just two episodes, several uniquely charming actors have left a lasting impression—especially that endlessly chatterbox scholar!”

“Heh, I also find the stingy landlady quite entertaining.”

“No, the real star is the bumbling constable. His performance is off the charts hilarious!”

“I have a feeling these actors are going to become big stars!”

“Definitely!”

“I just never expected such a brilliant show to be scheduled in the wee hours.”

“That’s normal. I just looked it up. This show is produced by a company called Haofang Culture—a new company without much clout. It’s natural for their dramas to be aired during the late slot.”

“Haofang Culture? Let me search for it!”

The forum was buzzing with all sorts of comments, especially from seasoned critics who began digging into Haofang Culture’s background. After all, a good company signifies a quality production.

Sure enough, further digging revealed even more information.

“Registered in Mingsha County, Wei City, Su Province. Doesn’t that place ring a bell?”

“Mingsha County? I recall that poverty-stricken county that once trended on social media. The one famous for the All-Wood Tengwang Pavilion!”

“Yes, that’s the one!”

“So this drama was shot there as well?”

“Presumably. I saw an interview on Long Kingdom TV News Channel where they visited an ancient town there—it was called Qixia Town, likely the same one featured in the drama.”

“Who would’ve thought that such an unremarkable impoverished western county could produce a show like this? Truly, you can’t judge a county by its appearance.”

“Intriguing. This county has definitely piqued my curiosity.”

“Haha, same here!”

Meanwhile, as the forum continued to unearth details about Haofang Culture, in the Second Ring of Yan City,

Han Xiaoqing was sound asleep when a sudden, insistent phone ringtone jolted her awake.

In the dark, she fumbled for the light, squinted at her phone, and answered the call.

“Third Uncle.”

“Xiaoqing, I need to ask you something. Was that promotional drama project you recommended filmed in the desert?”

The voice on the line was unusually animated.

“Mm, what’s up?”

Han Xiaoqing yawned, finally feeling a bit more alert.

“The quality of this drama is off the charts! Its airing on our station’s late slot reached an astonishing 1.1 rating! Your friend was far too modest—it’s clearly a top-tier period comedy, not just another run-of-the-mill promotional piece. Had we known sooner, it wouldn’t have been scheduled for the midnight slot.”

“Huh? That high?”

Han Xiaoqing was instantly taken aback.

Though she wasn’t in the entertainment industry, family gatherings meant she often heard her Third Uncle babbling about ratings. She knew well what a 1.1 rating signified.

Ratings during Yan City TV’s prime time rarely hit 1.1.

At the time, Xu Hao mentioned that a drama was hurriedly shot in Qixia Town. She hadn’t thought much of it, assuming it was just a promotional clip.

“You’re absolutely right, Uncle. We really owe you for pushing such a quality drama during our lean period.”

“So, what’s next?”

Regaining her composure,

Han Xiaoqing quickly asked,

She couldn’t explain why, but seeing her Third Uncle so excited filled her with a subtle sense of pride.

“Why don’t you get in touch with your friend and see if we can buy the exclusive broadcast rights for the satellite channel? Or, just give me his number so I can negotiate directly!”

Yan City TV director Han Lijun quickly revealed the true reason for the call.

Previously, Yan City TV had signed a minimal revenue-sharing deal with Haofang Culture for the drama’s broadcast, covering only the airing profits and not subsequent rights. Now that the show is trending, not only is its premiere a hit, but even reruns are expected to draw solid ratings. And with exclusive satellite rights, rival stations will be cut off.

This strategy effectively prevents competitors from sharing in the ratings.

“Exclusive broadcast rights for the satellite channel?”

Han Xiaoqing suddenly understood.

“Yes, just for the satellite channel. Rights on video platforms will remain with your friend.”

Han Lijun quickly explained.

“Oh, Third Uncle, how much are we planning to pay per episode?”

Switching to business, Han Xiaoqing couldn’t help but ask again.

“Based on our station’s current top rate, it’s two million per episode! And if your friend agrees to sell all platform rights, the price would be even higher!”

Han Lijun continued.

“Two million? That’s steep! If memory serves, the drama had only just started airing.”

“Yes, but our editorial team has reviewed the forthcoming episodes. There’s no doubt it won’t falter after a strong start.”

“Alright then, I’ll call my friend right away.”

“Okay, Xiaoqing, hurry! Once the deal is sealed, Third Uncle will treat you and your friend to a feast.”

“Got it!”