Chapter 174: Cultural Showdown: A Surprise Drama Launch

Haofang Culture’s new drama is suddenly launching tomorrow?

Ran Xiangfei was stunned at first, then felt an inexplicable thrill as his anxious heart instantly eased.

Just moments ago he had worried that failing to secure Mingsha Tourism’s application would put him in a bind. Now it seems Mingsha Tourism might be playing games—dropping a surprise drama to boost their credentials for the film festival application, and then stalling the process.

“Haofang Culture really is ruthless! They can shoot a TV series without breaking any laws, so why all the stealth?”

Qi Haoyong couldn’t help but complain again.

“Mr. Qi, stop complaining for now. You’ve done all you can, and with the film festival season nearing, we just wait for news. As soon as I hear anything, I’ll call you immediately.

Besides, the new drama’s success depends on its reception, right?”

An upbeat Ran Xiangfei reassured him.

“Boss, Haofang Culture’s previous two rushed dramas were huge hits. And given that they’ve been working on this one in secret for so long, its quality must be exceptional.”

Qi Haoyong exhaled deeply.

“Mr. Qi, it’s not a sure bet. Even top cultural companies can flounder with a bad drama—it’s impossible to guarantee every show is a hit.”

“But…”

“Enough. Just stick to your pace.”

“Alright, then. Thank you so much!”

“No problem!”

“Thankfully, my resolve was strong enough—I almost got hoodwinked into the sudden drama launch. And you, still playing the game! Fine, if you want to keep pretending, enjoy it. We’ll see who gets nervous in the end!”

He hung up the call.

Muttering to himself, Ran Xiangfei picked up his tea and sipped slowly. Meanwhile, the drama forum had completely exploded with chatter—everything under the sun was being discussed!

“This is so sudden!”

“I thought the series would only debut after the Lunar New Year.”

“So, what’s going on? When things don’t add up, there’s always something fishy! Could it be that Mingsha Tourism is about to open Oasis 3 before the New Year, and this drama was rushed to bolster the bid?”

An experienced netizen speculated.

He noted that Haofang Culture’s first drama was to promote Qixia Town and the second to back the tourism festival. So the sudden launch of a third must have a purpose.

“That can’t be it!”

“Why not?”

“I just returned from Mingsha County a few days ago. While there was a sign pointing toward Oasis 3 at the end of Qing Brick Avenue, the road there was completely unpaved—a barren stretch of sand. How do you open it? Even if you do, you’d have to pave the road first, right?”

“Then why is it?”

“I suspect it’s to support a bid for a film festival.”

“A film festival bid?”

“With the Long Kingdom Film Festival scheduled for the end of March—and it happening in the West this year—Mingsha wouldn’t pass up such a golden opportunity. Rushing a drama could be a clever move to boost their bid. After all, the West boasts several film cities, especially in Ning’an, where many films have already been shot!”

Although Mingsha has two hit dramas, its settings remain somewhat limited.

“This guy makes a good point. I agree—otherwise, it wouldn’t match Mingsha Tourism’s style at all,”

“Guys, this is a drama forum. Can we focus on discussing this show? We can debate the film festival later, alright?”

“Discuss the drama? With Haofang Culture behind it, the quality is bound to be top-notch!”

“Exactly. Just wait until the new drama drops tomorrow night.”

Once the topic shifted to the show itself, many netizens quickly chimed in.

“Hold on—did you forget? This drama stars Hu Xiao, and its casting stirred up quite a bit of controversy back in the day.”

“What about Hu Xiao? Back when Tiger Leopard Band was being torn apart by critics, his fanbase on the charts surged past 30 million—he’s undeniably a top-tier star! That’s why I trust the judgment of Mr. Xu from Haofang Agency.”

“I feel the same. I wasn’t too optimistic about Langya Pavilion and Hu Xiao at first, but now you can’t easily dismiss a Haofang Agency talent.”

“Alright then. But if the drama turns out to be subpar, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

While external chatter swirled, neither Mingsha Tourism nor Haofang Culture made any moves. The only sign of activity was a new drama announcement on Haofang Culture’s website—posted only after the Yan City TV ad went live. It almost seemed like Haofang Culture wasn’t taking the drama seriously.

In reality, the offices at Haofang Agency were buzzing with activity.

“Xiao Wang, what’s the reaction on the forum right now?”

Xu Xin approached an employee and asked.

“Mr. Xu, people have already started mentioning Hu Xiao on the forum!”

The employee responded in a hurry.

“Good, keep steering the conversation. Find a way to shift viewers’ focus to Hu Xiao. As long as the show’s ratings stay steady, Hu Xiao can reclaim his top-tier status!”

Xu Xin patted the employee’s shoulder.

“Alright, Mr. Xu!”

The employee nodded emphatically.

In the past, hearing this might have seemed unrealistic, but ever since Tiger Leopard Band was propelled beyond their peak, Xu Xin’s abilities had earned the admiration of every staff member.

In Xu Xin’s hands, any artist could soar if the opportunity arose.

“Also, Xiao Li, call Tiger Leopard Band later. Have them post a tweet with the caption: ‘Hu Xiao’s new drama premieres on Yan City TV tomorrow at 8 PM—Brothers, show some love!'”

After a brief pause, Xu Xin turned and added,

“Just because Haofang Culture and Mingsha Tourism aren’t promoting doesn’t mean Haofang Agency won’t. Tiger Leopard Band is already a top star with mostly new fans—a tweet can be far more effective than countless TV ads.”

“Understood, Mr. Xu!”

Nearby, a young man quickly responded.

“Xiao Ma, please post more about Hu Xiao’s past on the forum soon. It’s best to give young viewers a complete picture of him.”

“Got it!”

Just as Xu Xin was busy promoting her talent, a staff member hurried over with an urgent look.

“Mr. Xu, an interview team is waiting for you downstairs!”

“Interview team?”

Xu Xin raised an eyebrow. “It seems to be from that flagship mediation show on Yun Province TV. The mediator mentioned he wants to resolve the conflict and misunderstanding between you and manager Li Ying. He even said Li Ying wishes to personally apologize and hopes for a second chance,”

the staff member murmured.

“Li Ying?”

Xu Xin’s face darkened. What more was there to say with her? Who needs a mediation team? Does the conflicted party always have to accept help?

No one should be advised to ease their pain without hardship—they’d forgotten how she once orchestrated the breakup between Haofang Agency and Mingsha Tourism.

“Tell security: No filming is allowed in the guesthouse area without permission. Kick them out!”

Coming back to her senses, Xu Xin immediately ordered.

She really didn’t have time to get entangled with such people.

“Understood, Mr. Xu!”

The staff member quickly nodded and left.

“Xiao Ma, you and your team must be ready. Once the drama premieres, monitor the user reviews—especially any remarks on Hu Xiao’s acting, and record every word.”

Xu Xin shot a long glance in the direction the staff member had gone before turning back to coordinate the work.

Time flew by, and before long it was 8 PM the next evening. Amidst heated discussions and widespread attention, Langya Pavilion premiered punctually on Yan City TV.

In front of the TV,

Viewers included not just those concerned about Hu Xiao’s performance or the drama’s excitement, but also people like Qi Haoyong anticipating Haofang Culture’s next flop—and of course, those waiting for Haofang Agency to push their star.

Especially the staff at Haofang Agency,

who sat at their computers with hands poised on the keyboard, ready for battle.

At 7:58, then 7:59, as the screen slowly came to life, Haofang Culture’s third drama began.

A brutal battlefield, bloodied armor, and a father’s scarred form.

“Xiaoshu, live on—fight for the Crimson Flame Army, live on!”

…

Mei Changsu once again awoke in a nightmare reminiscent of the bloody battle at Meiling 12 years ago. He caressed the character ‘Lin’ carved on the Crimson Flame Army’s armband, his heart heavy, and fell silent for a long time.

In Da Liang, Langya Pavilion’s head, Lin Chen, received news that the least influential Sixth Prince of North Yan had been designated as Crown Prince.

Meanwhile,

King Yu of Da Liang, who was touring Jiangzuo, and the Crown Prince in the capital both learned that the Sixth Prince rose to prominence by securing the secret ‘Talented Prodigy—Master of All’ from Langya Pavilion’s cherished scroll.

Thus,

all factions began their hunt for the Talented Prodigy.

The scene shifted again, revealing that the Talented Prodigy, Mei Changsu, had already appeared on a ‘river’.

At this point, the protagonist’s background and appearance had been clearly established, and Langya Pavilion was now prominently featured on screen.

As usual, viewers and netizens began sharing their initial impressions of the drama and the main character.

But when Haofang Agency’s staff started refreshing the forum comments, they were instantly stunned.

At first, there were a few comments about Hu Xiao,

“Based on the character setting, Hu Xiao’s journey mirrors that of the protagonist in some ways. After his injury, his calm demeanor makes him a perfect fit.”

“Hu Xiao’s look is impressive.”

Soon, however, the discussion veered off course.

“Langya Pavilion? Isn’t that just Mingsha’s new ancient building?”

“More like the sixth landmark!”

“From the visuals, those distant trees suggest a winter shoot, but this Langya Pavilion is as solid as they come, and the mountains behind are real too.”

“Mountains? You mean Mingsha has actually built a genuine mountain backdrop?”

“Seems so.”

“My dear, let’s not start with the mountains—the ingenuity of Langya Pavilion’s mechanisms is at least five stars!”

“Absolutely!”

“Overall, Langya Pavilion feels mightier than Tingchao Pavilion, especially the underground level with its intricate mechanisms and magical message transfers—it’s almost fantastical!”

“Exactly. The wooden spiral mechanism under Tingchao Pavilion works on the same principle as a watermill. Yet this one seems even more intriguing.”

“So the big question is: When will Langya Pavilion officially open to the public?”

“Same question here!”

“Does anyone here work for Mingsha Tourism? Tag them!”

And just like that, a few minutes later,

the comments on Haofang Agency’s forum left the staff completely baffled.

“What should we do about this?”