Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 569 The First Online Feud

TV series

Generally, there are two types: year-end galas and year-end galas.

As the name suggests, these are large-scale TV dramas broadcast at the end of the year and large-scale TV dramas broadcast after the new year.

Both "Palace" and "Scarlet Heart" chose to be the year-end dramas.

Hunan TV originally planned to air two dramas, one as its year-end special and the other as its opening drama of the new year.

But it didn't work.

Both shows required that they must premiere before the other.

Ultimately, Hunan TV chose "Palace," and Tang Ren, in a fit of anger, sold "Scarlet Heart" to Beijing TV, with the only condition that it must be broadcast before "Palace," or at least at the same time.

Then, viewers are in luck, as there are two time-travel dramas to watch at the end of the year.

However, this also creates decision-making difficulties.

"Scarlet Heart" is adapted from a well-known novel, but "Palace" is produced by Star Entertainment.

It’s so hard to choose~
At first, they were secretly competing with each other.

When it comes to TV dramas, everyone still believes that ratings are king.

Both sides were trying to teach the other a lesson through viewership ratings.

The initial viewership ratings were indeed quite good, with the premiere episode breaking 5...

Five days have passed in the blink of an eye, and the ratings remain neck and neck.

Beijing TV felt like it had won because the ratings for "Scarlet Heart" had actually caught up with those for "Palace," which is Hunan TV, the number one channel after CCTV. Beijing TV never thought of beating it; being able to catch up was a victory in itself.

Hunan TV also felt that it had won, since "Scarlet Heart" was a well-known IP, while "Palace" was an original drama and did not have a built-in audience.

This drama actually caught up with the adaptations of big IPs, isn't that a victory?
Online discussions about the two dramas have been consistently popular, with Weibo even creating a dedicated comparison section for them.

The merits of "Palace":

The main cast is even more attractive, the pace is light and cheerful, and the main focus is on "enjoyment".

It has some similarities to "Beauty's Rival in Palace," but it's much lighter and more relaxed. Netizens call it a female-centric idol drama.

The advantages of "Scarlet Heart":
The costumes and props were well-done, the background music was great, the entire cast was beautiful, and the acting was decent.
Although Tang Ren uses the TVB model, he is indeed more meticulous in terms of costumes, makeup, and props than TVB.

Then there are the drawbacks.

The shortcomings of "Palace":
The costumes, props, and sets are mediocre, and the portrayal of the feudal system is rather childish.

The shortcomings of "Scarlet Heart":
The male characters are unattractive, the female lead has questionable values, and all the female characters are obsessed with romance.

I must say, the summary is quite accurate.

Yu Zheng even posted an article saying:
If you enjoy mindless, lighthearted dramas and just want something relaxing, watch "Palace"~
If you like romance-obsessed female protagonists and mindless, angst-filled novels, check out "Scarlet Heart"!
In other words, "Palace" is like fast food; everyone knows it has no nutritional value, but it tastes good.

"Scarlet Heart" is like a restaurant; it's famous, and many people come specifically for it. Those who like it are absolutely obsessed, while those who don't don't want to watch it even once.

Zhang Chen saw Yu Zheng's Weibo post, liked and reposted it, feeling that the other party's summary was quite accurate.

"Palace" is essentially an ancient version of "Meteor Garden" with a time-travel element, but the core elements remain the same.

The male lead and his two followers initially bullied the female lead. With his tacit approval, people in the palace also bullied her. She was rescued by the gentle second male lead, so the female lead initially liked the second male lead, who resembled Hua Ze Lei.

The second male lead appears gentle on the surface, but actually possesses a cunning and ruthless side.

The male lead is an ancient version of Dao Ming Si, brainless and naive but sincere, and he falls in love with the female lead because she rebels against him.

Once he falls in love with the female lead, the feelings he gives her are pure, intense, and unique.

So later on, the female lead discovers that the second male lead isn't as good as he seems. Moved by the male lead, she gets together with him and is willing to rewrite history for him, making him the emperor.

In comparison, "Scarlet Heart" is more realistic.

The halo that time travel bestows upon the female protagonist only makes some people like her, whether it's out of family or romantic love, but this liking is insignificant.

The insignificant part is that they won't treat the female lead as their only focus, nor will they make many concessions for her, let alone go against their own wishes for her sake.

While the female protagonist appears to be in the position of making choices, she is actually the one being chosen. Even though she eventually possesses the late emperor's edict ordering her to marry the fourteenth prince, she can only leave the palace with this edict after the eighth prince angers the fourth prince, and the fourth prince breaks up with her out of anger.

In terms of family affection, the emperor seems to treat her like a daughter, but unlike Xiao Yanzi, although he punished her with a beating, he actually gave Xiao Yanzi more power. The only time the female lead in "Scarlet Heart" rebelled against the emperor, the result was that she was punished by being sent to the laundry department to wash clothes for eight years.

The female protagonist was aware of all these situations. She knew her position and her powerlessness, so she was filled with anxiety and became depressed.

Overall, "Scarlet Heart" is more realistic.

But it's precisely because it's more realistic that it's so heart-wrenching; it's not easy to watch at all.

If we were to use a metaphor, "Palace" is like a beverage. Everyone loves to drink it, and it's widely accepted, but once you've had it, it's over and doesn't leave a deep impression.

"Scarlet Heart" is like a fine wine, with a more sophisticated taste and a longer aftertaste, but there are certain requirements for its consumption, and it can even harm your health if not handled properly.

Everything was peaceful until the eighth day when things took a turn for the better. On that day, the viewership ratings of "Palace" finally surpassed those of "Scarlet Heart".

Cai Yinong couldn't accept that "Scarlet Heart" would lose to "Palace," so she directly attacked on Weibo, angrily accusing Star Entertainment of plagiarism.

Plagiarism?

Copy my ass!
Yu Zheng, who is known as "Mother Yu," is not someone to be trifled with. He immediately responded on Weibo: "What, is the Qing Dynasty time-travel genre yours? Just because you make it, doesn't mean others can't?"

My filming a Qing Dynasty time-travel novel is plagiarism? Are all the Qing Dynasty time-travel novels on Qidian plagiarism?
Are all Taiwanese people this domineering?

This guy is indeed a cultured person; even when he's arguing, he doesn't forget to stay on topic.

One of the female protagonists in the TV series "Palace" has a catchphrase: "Are all people in ancient times this domineering?"

Then, Yu Zheng was warned by Weibo officials – do not engage in regional discrimination.

Yu's mother was very sensible and immediately withdrew Wanwan and replaced her with 'Tang Ren'.

Cai Yinong retorted, "You only made 'Palace' after losing the competition for 'Scarlet Heart,' what is it if not plagiarism?"

Yu's mother: "That's right, we only made 'Palace' because we lost the competition, but we wanted to make a Qing Dynasty time-travel drama, not necessarily 'Scarlet Heart'. Losing the competition doesn't mean we can't make other dramas..."

The two producers had a falling out, and the main characters in the show were naturally not spared either.

Both are female-centric dramas, so the female lead naturally has to support her boss.

Yang Xiaomi was the first to stand up and support Yu's mother.

"Even after time-traveling, she still acts all timid and subservient. She's clearly a modern person, yet she insists on being a man's appendage. How pathetic!"

Liu Shishi didn't know how to refute it, because that was indeed how the story went.

Don't let their shared background as Beijing girls fool you; their fighting prowess is on a completely different level.

It feels like even ten Liu Shishis tied together wouldn't be a match for Yang Xiaomi.

In the original timeline, the two became best friends because of "Chinese Paladin 3", but turned against each other because of "Palace" and "Scarlet Heart".

In this timeline, "Chinese Paladin 3" hadn't even been filmed yet, and the two weren't even friends, so Yang Xiaomi had no qualms about tearing each other apart.

When Cai Yinong saw that her protégé Tang Ren had been humiliated, she urgently called for reinforcements: "Aren't we in an alliance? Say something!"

A single arrow pierces the clouds, and a thousand armies rush to meet it. Wu Baige: "Art should maintain a basic level of decorum."

Chen Kuo-fu: "I watched 'Palace,' and it's very superficial, far less realistic than 'Scarlet Heart.'"

Liu Naicha: "Plagiarism is a very shameful act~"

Shu Dazui: "I want peace, not war. I'm looking forward to 'Scarlet Heart,' boycott 'Palace,' and hope everyone will pay attention to my movie 'If You Are the One'~"

Liu Naicha entered the scene because of Chen Guofu; he's Chen Guofu's mentor.
Shu Dazui was just joining in the fun, helping his own people, and incidentally promoting the movie.

Zhang Chen looked at it and thought, "Oh my, are you about to start a group fight?"

He immediately called Cao Guowei: "Pay attention to traffic generation!"

Then, the debate with the scholars begins:
"@Wu Baige, Wu·Mianmuwuguang·Sen, you can't even make a proper film like 'Red Cliff,' yet you still have the mind to meddle in other people's business?"

They keep talking about art, but is it art when Mengmeng stands up?
Do you know why I didn't scold you later? It was because someone asked me to give him face. Now I don't need to anymore; you came out on your own.

@Chen Guofu, if you don't even understand the basic types of TV dramas, don't make any comments. Do you even know what a "feel-good" drama is? You say "Palace" is superficial, but isn't "Double Vision" superficial too?

@LiuMilkTea, shut up. Plagiarism is a shameful act, but we didn't plagiarize. 2+1 is also a shameful act, but you really did 2+1~
@ShuDaZui, who gave you the courage to try and get attention from me? Please put on some clothes before you talk to me~

Hua Hua Hua~
Netizens were excited.

It's so satisfying to watch Zhang Chen roast people.

Especially the last two, they didn't give them any face at all!
The internet is full of applause and flowers~
Weibo is a really great thing; it even allows you to use it up close.

@Isn't that just like using a super move right up to your face?

Some uninformed bystanders are still asking around, "Can anyone kindly tell me what 2+1 means?"

Did you catch this in the mountains? 2+1 is just 3, isn't it?
A mountain? Oh, I see. Whose mountain is she?

Chen Guofu~
……

Di'anmen Cinema
At the promotional event for "If You Are the One," Shu Dazui, unaware of Zhang Chen's reply, was flashing her most charming smile at the audience.

On stage, Feng Xiaogang and his team were interacting with the audience when they suddenly noticed that several media outlets were receiving phone calls at the same time.

After hanging up the phone, these people all raised their hands to ask questions at the same time, and Feng Xiaogang felt a sense of foreboding.

It was too late to stop them; the host called out one of the people.

"Ms. Shu, what is your opinion on Zhang Chen's response?"

Shu Dazui was completely dumbfounded: "Zhang Chen replied, he replied?"

Fearing the situation wasn't escalating enough, the reporter grabbed the microphone and shouted, "Yes, we just received news that Zhang Chen's exact words in his Weibo reply were—'Who gave you the audacity to try and ride my coattails? Please put your clothes on before you talk to me!'"

In an instant, the scene fell silent.

Shu Dazui was stunned, Feng Xiaogang was stunned, Ge Daye was stunned, and the audience was also stunned.
This……

Xiao Zhang really doesn't give people any face!
Just as Feng Xiaogang was wondering how to handle the situation, Shu Dazui burst into tears and ran away, covering her face...

The media excitedly captured the entire scene.
In that instant, they even came up with a title!
Zhang Chen ruthlessly exposed his shortcomings, and Da Zui covered his face and walked away.

[Shu Dazui shed tears of regret~]

If only I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have done it in the first place.

[The sharp-tongued Zhang Chen unleashes his poison, leading to Shu Dazui's death~]

Feng Xiaogang was furious at the mess on the scene.

It was his idea for Shu Dazui to use Zhang Chen's popularity to promote his movie. Now that Zhang Chen had scolded him to tears, he felt like he had been slapped in the face himself. His blood boiled, he grabbed the microphone, and shouted angrily, "How can a man do such a thing..."

The reporters thought that was the end of their story for the day, but they were surprised to find that there was more to come.

The camera immediately changed direction, focusing entirely on Feng Xiaogang.

Feng Xiaogang continued his rant: "Zhang Chen is such trash, a beast! How could he say such a thing? Teacher Shu Qi is such a good person..."

Balabala~
Feng Xiaogang wanted to say more, but he was pulled off the stage by the other main creators.

The little cannon's head gets hot, but theirs doesn't.

Especially for Huayi Brothers, is film more important or people?
Of course, the movie is more important.

Are you really prepared to fight Star Entertainment to the death over an actor?
A roadshow ended up being a complete mess.
That afternoon, Zhang Chen learned about Feng Xiaogang's insults towards him.

The media loves nothing more than stirring up trouble.

The fact that Feng Xiaogang criticized him had already become a trending topic.

Zhang Chen publicly responded, @Feng Xiaogang:
I firmly believe that adults must take responsibility for their actions, and it cannot be excused by simply saying "lay down the butcher's knife and become a Buddha on the spot."

You call Shu Da Zui "teacher," I don't know what kind of teacher, but it's definitely not my teacher. Since you like being "Always" so much, then you can continue being one, but I'm not going to...

Hahaha~
At the same time, countless office workers were forced to burst out laughing while secretly browsing Weibo.

Zhang Chen, you're inhuman! You made me get yelled at by my supervisor.

But Always?

Hahaha!
I couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing again, which earned me another scolding from my supervisor.
hahaha~
Go ahead and yell, I can't hold it in anymore!
……

Backstage at Weibo, Cao Guowei watched the data climb steadily, his excitement beyond words.

Zhang Chencheng has lived up to my expectations.

Before the conflict with Stephen Chow's fans has been resolved, a new hot topic has emerged.

This single wave caused Weibo's popularity to surge exponentially.

Cao Guowei personally oversaw the operation.

"Operations department, allocate more resources to this event; put 'CJ7' on hold for now..."

Originally, "CJ7" was the Weibo hot topic that Zhang Chen had planned, but he didn't expect Cai Yinong to suddenly start attacking, let alone that the other party would launch a group attack.

At that moment, all he wanted to say was, "Let the artillery fire intensify!"

"The number of comments has peaked again~"

"The technical department should expand its capabilities to ensure uninterrupted service operation."

However, before the technical department could finish its work, problems arose on the review side.

"Boss, after Zhang Chen posted his reply to Shu Dazui, a lot of netizens followed up with comments, and some of them contained inappropriate remarks..."

"Something bad? What is it?"

"Uh... some movie stills of Miss Shu..."

Upon seeing this, Cao Guowei thought it was worth collecting and immediately issued an order: "Blurred images are acceptable, but original images must be blocked and warned. Those who refuse to comply will have their accounts banned!"

……

Fortunately, I didn't fail in my mission; I finished coding in my spare time today.
(End of this chapter)