Chapter 128: Rivalry in the Air
by xennovel“Are you sure it’s Eggplant TV?”
As soon as the news broke, one viewer asked immediately.
Eggplant TV is actually Haishi TV; it only earned its nickname because its logo resembles an eggplant.
Speaking of ratings…
Eggplant TV is undoubtedly the top-tier channel in the Long Kingdom.
“Confirmed! Eggplant TV and Tianchen Culture just posted updates on their official Weibo.”
One viewer not only replied but also shared a screenshot.
“Just after Yan City TV and Haofang Culture’s announcements, Eggplant TV dropped a new drama within half an hour—clearly stirring up trouble!”
“I’ve heard Eggplant TV has a great rapport with the Director Association.”
“Honestly, Eggplant TV is already top tier and never short on viewers. Plus, the two leads of Chef Detective, Deng Liang and Wang Ran, are first-rate stars. This time, Yan City TV is definitely in trouble!”
“Gotta admit, the Director Association’s move was ruthless! With the Mingsha Tourism Festival right around the corner, if things go south, the festival’s popularity will definitely take a hit.”
“This move not only reprimands Yan City TV but also gives Haofang Culture a solid blow.”
“Exactly—now it’s all about who can snag the higher ratings.”
“Mm!”
9 PM.
For Haishi’s young crowd, the night was just beginning, with hardworking folks unwinding in every corner.
In the city center, inside the lavish VIP lounge of a grand five-star hotel, a group of men in their fifties was chatting animatedly over clinking glasses.
Among them were Yang Yuan from Tianchen Culture and Wan Shan, the director behind Chef Detective.
“Little Yang, there’s no need to fear Yan City TV. Just look at the support from Eggplant TV—your company’s dramas will always have a broadcaster.”
As he spoke, a man with a red wine glass approached Wan Shan and Yang Yuan.
The man, Ran Xiangfei, had made several films in his early years. Besides serving as the vice president of the Film Association, he was also the deputy leader of the Long Kingdom Iron and Coal Art Troupe.
The Long Kingdom Iron and Coal Art Troupe is directly under the Long Kingdom’s cultural department, its rank roughly equivalent to that of a provincial satellite TV station.
“Old Ran and I were dorm mates back in the day, though neither of us chose the system!”
Wan Shan exchanged a glance with Yang Yuan before adding,
“Yes, Director Wan is right. I was overthinking earlier. How about I down a drink as penance?”
At that,
Yang Yuan quickly forced a smile and gulped down his red wine.
“Haha, straightforward! I like that!”
Ran Xiangfei gave a thumbs-up.
“Director Yang, I don’t know what you were waiting for. That drama Wulin Wai Chuan was a hit, but it’s been months. Are you really scared to square off against a drama hastily thrown together for the tourism festival?”
“When it comes to comedy, my old schoolmate is second to none!”
After a brief pause, Ran Xiangfei added with another thumbs-up gesture.
“Exactly! Just because Haofang Culture once deliberately played rival to us doesn’t mean I can’t dish it right back at them!”
Wan Shan also turned his gaze toward Yang Yuan.
“Sir, I’m a bit worried about Su Province’s tourism festival. Mingsha Tourism’s ancient architecture setup is truly impressive—National Day generated quite a buzz because of it.”
Yang Yuan couldn’t help but smile wryly.
Although he smiled and nodded, he was still deeply uneasy, fearing that a forced showdown with Haofang Culture might backfire.
No other reason.
If others don’t understand Xu Hao, and you still don’t get him—if he were easier to manage, Mingsha Tourism wouldn’t be what it is now.
“Tourism festival? No matter how grand a scenic spot is, visitor numbers are limited. How many fans do our Director Wan and the two leads have? They’re not even in the same league! Just sit back and watch the ratings roll in.”
Ran Xiangfei patted Yang Yuan on the shoulder.
“Yes, exactly. You’re spot on.”
Snapping back to reality, Yang Yuan quickly added,
“Come on, let’s go over and toast our old friends at Eggplant TV.”
“Alright!”
Meanwhile,
In Wudi City, at the Ancient Building Courtyard in the city center, Xu Hao, Han Xiaoqing, and another man sat under a tree, sipping tea in utter relaxation.
To enhance the charm of the guesthouse area, Mingsha Tourism had purchased several eight-year-old ornamental trees to plant along both sides of Qing Brick Avenue in Wudi City, as well as in Qixia Town.
“Xiao Xu, you really have to see it to believe it. It’s breathtaking—the construction is superb!”
Glancing at Han Xiaoqing and then Xu Hao, the man laughed.
He was none other than Director Han of Yan City TV.
During National Day, Han Xiaoqing had called saying she’d come, but due to some matters, they didn’t meet until after the holiday.
“Director Han, you’re too kind!”
Xu Hao responded with a laugh.
“Director Han? No! Given your close ties with our Xiaoqing, you should just call me Uncle Han. ‘Director’ feels too formal!”
Director Han immediately waved his hand dismissively.
“Alright then, Uncle Han. So, what brings you here this time?”
Noticing Director Han’s enthusiasm, Xu Hao welcomed him.
“To be honest, I was worried that Haofang Culture might crumble under the pressure from the Director Association. I thought I’d come to bolster their courage, but after hearing all your exploits along the way, it seems unnecessary! If it weren’t for Xiaoqing mentioning that you’re a Level-One Researcher at the Ancient Architecture Institute, I might not have come.”
Director Han took a small sip from his tea.
“It’s all coincidences, and these days TV dramas rely on audience acclaim.”
“That’s no fluke—it’s your talent. Besides, sometimes dramas don’t depend solely on word-of-mouth. The folks in the Director Association aren’t as principled as you think. If they’re unwilling, even a well-received film or drama could be taken away from you,”
“But you’re from the Ancient Architecture Institute, so that’s a different story.”
Director Han slowly set his tea cup down, his expression turning serious.
“Oh?”
“That’s just how the industry works—no field escapes a little corruption.”
Director Han furrowed his brows. Just as he was about to continue, Han Xiaoqing, who had been silent, suddenly put down her phone and said,
“Third Uncle, I just saw online that Eggplant TV has announced its premiere, scheduled exactly like Xue Zhong’s slot.”
“You mean that Chef Detective drama?”
Both Xu Hao and Director Han turned to look at Han Xiaoqing.
“Mm!”
“What do you think, Xiao Xu? I told you the Director Association isn’t as simple as you imagine.”
Looking back, Director Han smiled as if he had expected this all along.
“Third Uncle, this means the two dramas are literally pitted against each other. With big names among both the directors and actors—and comedy thriving on ratings—this will be a fierce battle.”
Han Xiaoqing couldn’t help but look a bit worried.
Unconsciously, she began to worry about Xu Hao’s prospects.
“Don’t worry; I have full confidence in Xiao Xu’s project. Having known him as long as you do, you know what he’s capable of.”
Director Han gave Han Xiaoqing a meaningful look,
which made her blush and feel a bit embarrassed, while even Xu Hao looked slightly awkward.
That remark left plenty to the imagination.
In truth, Director Han wasn’t just consoling himself or feigning calm—he had already learned from the station’s editorial team about this project’s quality and excitement. Whether it’s a comedy or a ratings-hungry mystery thriller, Yan City TV isn’t scared.
“Forget Eggplant TV for now. Xiao Xu, do you have any plans for Haofang Culture’s next project? Yan City TV is eager to continue collaborating with you.”
Director Han smiled and then looked at Xu Hao.
“The next project?”
Xu Hao hesitated for a moment.
“Mm!”
Director Han nodded emphatically.
Sometimes it isn’t about having more partner companies; one top-quality partner is all you need—and Haofang Culture is exactly that.
Two high-quality dramas are enough to prove Haofang Culture’s strength!
Moreover, it will show the Director Association that even without their in-house directors, TV stations can still deliver quality shows.
“Director Han, to be honest, Haofang Culture hasn’t settled on its next theme yet. We were considering developing an oasis centered on ancient architecture commerce, but we’re torn between a period historical drama and sticking with ancient martial arts.”
Xu Hao was frank—after all, Yan City TV is somewhat indebted to Haofang Culture, and with such a formidable partner, they definitely want to continue the collaboration.
“Ancient architecture commerce? You really…”
Director Han couldn’t help but shake his head in amazement.
He noted that while other cultural companies chase market trends, producing what the audience demands, Xu Hao creates dramas based on what needs to be built.
Yet, his dramas always turn out to be astonishingly high in quality.
If this model continues, this desert area could one day become a super IP hub—where the benefits of successful IPs effortlessly sustain the entire scenic spot.
“It’s forced, we have no choice. The area is simply too short on commercial appeal.”
Xu Hao shook his head with a bitter smile.
Although National Day is over, after deducting accommodation and other expenses, Mingsha Tourism netted around 30 million in seven days. Earning 30 million in just a week is impressive, though it did expose some shortcomings.
If Mingsha Tourism had more commercial ancient architecture, their profits would soar even higher.
“Do we really have to stick to period historical dramas and martial arts dramas?”
After a pause, Director Han asked,
“Director Han, do you have any good suggestions?”
“Actually, there’s a rare kind of drama in today’s market. Making it might be a great choice—but it demands an exceptionally high-quality script.”
“What kind of drama?”
Xu Hao asked anxiously.
“A period power struggle drama! Unlike traditional historical dramas, you can set it in a fictional world. This way, your ancient architecture commerce isn’t limited by a rigid royal city setting.”
“Period power struggle?”
Xu Hao was taken aback as a three-character idea for a period power struggle drama suddenly flashed through his mind—a drama that was an Earth sensation when it first premiered, complete with exquisite period settings.
The more he pondered it, the more fitting the idea seemed.
“How about it?”
“Director Han, thank you for the guidance. Haofang Culture will launch a period power struggle drama next. However, we can only start planning after the tourism festival. Although desert construction is nearly finished, the opening ceremony is still in full rehearsal.”
Coming back to his senses, Xu Hao made up his mind immediately.