Chapter 120: Threads of Controversy

Drama Promotion Forum

A post titled “Yan City TV Unafraid of Haofang Culture Endorsing Scenic Spots, Collaborates with Haofang Culture Again” has been bumped to the top, and the comments and likes have soared into the tens of thousands.

“Yan City TV has clearly tasted success.”

“They really aren’t worried that Haofang Culture might collapse.”

“And look at the announcement. This drama is bent on airing before the Cultural Tourism Festival, yet Haofang Culture’s official Weibo only announced the new drama’s kickoff a few days ago. How can that be enough time?”

“Probably it is. Although Yan City TV isn’t in the top tier, they lead the second tier. With their exclusive rights to Wulin Wai Chuan, they’re already hinting at a push toward the first tier. They must have planned every detail.”

“I’m telling you, Yan City TV definitely knows some insider secrets about Haofang Culture.”

“Most likely!”

“Honestly, I’m getting more curious about the Su Province Tourism Festival. They’re making such a big fuss—I really wonder what type of attractions they’re trying to promote.”

“Just like me. Theoretically, even though Wulin Wai Chuan hasn’t finished airing, its buzz is still strong! Having such a hit drama as backing is a dream endorsement that many scenic spots would kill for.”

Yet Mingsha County wasn’t satisfied; they had to push a new endorsement right at this critical juncture.

“Just wait, two months will fly by and everything will be revealed. If we miss this drama, we can always catch the live broadcast of the Su Province Tourism Festival.”

“Exactly—one of the two is bound to shine!”

Little did anyone know, while netizens were busy debating whether Mingsha County had overdone it, many were already preparing for the Mingsha Tourism Festival.

Yan City Second Ring Long Kingdom Ancient Architecture Research Institute

Director Li Jue leaned back in his chair, sipping tea while chatting with several vice-directors.

“Lately, Xiao Xu has been on fire; online, the rumors about Mingsha County have been exploding. Have you heard anything?”

“Are you talking about that costume light comedy filmed in Qixia Town?”

Liu Shan set his teacup down and said,

“Yes!”

“I watched it. It’s really good—even this old guy found it amusing, let alone the youngsters.”

Cao Jun added,

“But honestly, I’m really curious about what kind of ancient architecture Xiao Xu will come up with next! Their new drama seems designed to promote a fresh take on ancient architecture.”

Liu Shan nodded.

“By the way, Old Li, didn’t you call Xiao Xu to check on him?”

“No, I didn’t! Xiao Xu’s probably super busy these days, so I didn’t want to disturb him. But I was thinking, instead of a call, why don’t we pay him another visit?”

I have a feeling that whatever ancient structure Xiao Xu is launching this time will be out of the ordinary.

After a brief silence, Li Jue spoke up,

“Shall we head over there again?”

Liu Shan and Cao Jun exchanged a knowing glance.

“Yeah, Xiao Xu is juggling shooting, promoting ancient architecture, and managing construction—all for this Su Province Tourism Festival. As his family and as the designated poverty alleviation unit for Mingsha County, we must back him up.”

“Otherwise, his side will seem so weak that local authorities might think our Ancient Architecture Institute is empty-handed.”

Li Jue nodded in agreement.

“Old Li, with what you just said, we really should go over there, and we must find a way to boost Xiao Xu’s profile. If the Mingsha County Cultural Tourism Festival turns out great, it will be a boon for the whole county.”

Looking at it from another angle, doing well in poverty alleviation also enhances our Ancient Architecture Institute’s reputation.

Cao Jun expressed his wholehearted agreement.

“Then it’s settled! All our key staff will go and help Xiao Xu. By the way, sending just our unit might seem a bit thin. Old Cao, isn’t your old schoolmate in a leading position at the Long Kingdom Cultural Tourism Department?”

“Maybe you should give him a call and invite him along. If he can make it, it’ll count as our Institute’s support for Mingsha County.”

Li Jue shot a glance at Cao Jun and said,

“Yes, I was thinking the same—to ensure Xiao Xu isn’t left alone. I’ll meet him tonight and try to convince him to join us! If he comes, then all the leaders from Su Province will likely follow.”

“Who knows, we might even secure some favorable policies for Mingsha County.”

Cao Jun took a sip of his tea.

“Alright! With two months until the festival, let’s wrap up our current tasks so we can stick around a few extra days.”

Li Jue glanced at Liu Shan once more and said,

“Okay! Once everything is settled, we’ll give Xiao Xu a call.”

“I’ll contact him then.”

“Great!”

As the old saying goes, in the world of big shots, every circle is full of big shots; in the entertainment industry, everyone’s mind is on entertainment. Their perspectives and priorities are worlds apart.

Haishi

Tianchen Culture Headquarters

Yang Yuan stared at his computer screen, his brow furrowed for a long time as the screen displayed an announcement from Yan City TV.

“What on earth did we do to provoke Yan City TV?”

After a long moment of silence,

Yang Yuan slowly leaned back in his chair.

That afternoon, news began circulating in our circles that a top executive at Yan City TV had made an internal statement: certain directors and works from cultural companies were now permanently off their list.

Notably, Tianchen Culture was specifically named among those companies.

With news like that,

Yang Yuan found it impossible to feel at ease.

Although Tianchen Culture is one of the top cultural production companies in the country, usually collaborating with top-tier TV stations, Yan City TV is a unique case—often dubbed Little Dragon Kingdom TV!

Even if we were not cooperating with them, you wouldn’t dare mess with them.

Now, inexplicably, they’ve named us internally, and we don’t even know why. How unjust!

“Could Haofang Culture be behind this mischief?”

Lighting a cigar, Yang Yuan muttered to himself before quickly shaking his head. “Haofang Culture’s collaboration with Yan City TV is purely coincidental—their relationship isn’t that close! Besides, we haven’t recently provoked Xu Hao for any reason.”

Knock, knock, knock! Just as Yang Yuan was utterly baffled, the office door was suddenly knocked on, and Liu Qing’s voice rang out.

“Boss Yang!”

“Come in!”

Upon seeing Liu Qing, Yang Yuan sat up straight, asking, “Have you found anything out?”

After hearing that internal message, he had sent Liu Qing to gather information. Now that she’s here, she must have an answer.

“Boss Yang, I’ve got some news!”

Liu Qing exhaled deeply, her face a mix of resignation and helplessness.

“So, was it Xu Hao’s doing or did we somehow upset Yan City TV?”

Yang Yuan asked urgently.

“Boss Yang, it wasn’t Xu Hao and it wasn’t our fault.”

Liu Qing gave a wry smile and shook her head.

“Then who is behind it?”

Yang Yuan was stunned.

There’s no such thing as baseless hatred in this world—there must be a reason.

“Boss Yang, it’s because of the director Wan Shan of Chef Detective!”

“Wan Shan? What happened with him? How did Yan City TV get involved with him?”

Yang Yuan immediately crushed his cigarette.

PS: Many thanks for the support, subscriptions, and monthly tickets, Brothers. Lao Ba is deeply grateful!

Wishing all my brothers success in the New Year—may all your wishes come true.

Lao Ba also hopes that together we can progress, leave the past behind, and greet 2023 in our best form.

Once again, thank you all for your unwavering support!