The battle for traffic in Chinese entertainment

Chapter 517 The Little Circle That Should Have Been Dead Long Ago

Compared to Dong Xuan, who is prone to giving up, Zhang Junning is much more career-minded.

She came to the mainland to develop her career early on, taking on both leading and supporting roles, making her a true workaholic. Now she is also consciously and proactively transitioning to behind-the-scenes production.

Despite being criticized for her poor acting skills, her hard work, rationality, intelligence, and good manners are widely recognized.

After considering it, Xu Xing arranged for her to replace Teacher Fan at Netflix.

In fact, in terms of organizing and filming, Teacher Fan is much better than Zhang Junning, who is just starting out.

Back then, she served as a producer herself, creating works such as "Rouge Snow," "The Golden Era," and "The Empress of China." Although "The Empress of China" was full of flaws, it generated exceptionally high buzz and viewership ratings, demonstrating that she truly understood what audiences wanted to watch.

This is one of the reasons why Bajaria invited Professor Fan to join Netflix in the US Congress, given his past achievements.

Therefore, Bajaira offered a formal job, rather than a nominal mascot like celebrities joining a company in the era of internet fame.

If Ms. Fan were still stuck at home picking her toes, she would definitely be more than happy to enter a new phase of her life.

But now she has gotten the opportunity to go to Hollywood for "Don't Look Up" and has a deeper understanding of the relationship between Hsu Hsing and Netflix. She knows that even if she can only work around mainland China in the future, as long as she sticks to Hsu Hsing's coattails, she can become a glamorous star again.

Professor Fan was not interested in Netflix's offer.

She prefers being in the spotlight, and she knows that although Xu Xing has warned her several times in the past year not to cause trouble during her comeback, Xu Xing still prefers her to be in the spotlight.

Xu Xing was most enthusiastic when she was wearing her formal dress.

Teacher Fan's primary task in life now is to please Xu Xing. In order to prolong the flowering period, she spends several hours every day just on maintenance. She strives to be available 24 hours a day, all year round, and has no time to work behind the scenes.

She also knew that this opportunity would allow Zheng Rong to further expand her influence within Netflix, enabling Xu Xing to arrange for a more suitable person to take the position, and ultimately benefit her as well.

If Teacher Fan doesn't take the job, Xu Xing's first thought is to contact her agent, Qiu Likuan, in the island province.

Sister Kuan is truly capable of matching her skills.

But for Sister Kuan, even if she were asked to be Netflix's Asia-Pacific content director, she would politely decline after consideration. She has absolutely no need or interest in working for Netflix; being a leisurely big shot is much more relaxed and comfortable.

Only true working-class people would be particularly interested in a content manager position in a small island province.

Therefore, after considering it, Xu Xing did not call Sister Kuan to tell her, and finally decided to push Zhang Junning to grow up a bit too fast.

Zhang Junning would still be very happy to do so.

After finishing the two projects, "Lights Out" and "Chase," she recently chatted with Xu Xing on WeChat, mentioning that many other projects had approached her for production. However, she said, "I know I can't be too ambitious. I need to see if I can do it well first."

They are very self-motivated and have a lot of energy.

The current position of content director for the island province is essentially Netflix funding Xu Xing's development into a producer, allowing her to oversee four or five Netflix projects a year. If they can't develop her into a producer...

Then let's just play the role of the intellectual and artistic goddess, Xu Xing, honestly!

When she regained consciousness, Ms. Zhang Junning's gold-rimmed glasses were blurry, her long hair was disheveled, and her watery eyes looked at Xu Xing with tenderness and infatuation.

Ms. Zhang was deeply moved by Xu Xing's unconditional trust and support.

Since her debut, she has faced countless criticisms, with many calling her a "pretty face but no substance." Xu Xing not only created the critically acclaimed character Ivy for her in "Detective Chinatown," but also invested in a film to give her a challenging role, fully supported her transition to production, and even pushed her onto Netflix before two of her production projects were even released...

To be honest, Zhang Junning had a feeling of unworthiness and inadequacy.

There are many haters who criticize her, but Ms. Zhang is really clear-headed and self-aware. She genuinely feels that sleeping with Xu Xing is at least a worthwhile investment for her.

Although she initially went along with it half-heartedly, and felt wronged as Xu Xing's methods became increasingly "perverted," Zhang Junning realized that Xu Xing's approach was the most suitable for her after Xu Xing helped her confront herself countless times.

Zhang Junning is also a very grateful person. She has remembered the kindness of Teacher Fan, who was kneeling next to her, for helping her during the filming of "The Empress of China".

Xu Xing's feelings for her now are countless times greater than those for "The Empress of China".

...Could it really be because she studied law?
And Xu Xing's lawyer sister—

Zhang Junning made a decision: he would find more opportunities to visit Yu Murong in the future!

I'll try to learn a bit of the essence of her makeup and styling...

Gazing tenderly at Xu Xing who was smiling at her, Zhang Junning felt... that from now on, she would be willing to do anything, no matter how shameful, for Xu Xing.

Even surpassing Teacher Fan.

After carefully cleaning up Xu Xing, Teacher Fan looked up and saw Zhang Junning, who was staring at her, and couldn't help but tease him.

"Ningning has such a great presence; she didn't break down even under those circumstances. I'm so envious. No wonder her dad likes her so much!"

"..."

Zhang Junning snapped out of her daze, and the flush that hadn't yet subsided returned.

She was so lost in thought just now that she felt endless regret that she couldn't be with Xu Xing for life.

"I'm glad I still like him~ It's been so long since we last met, I was so worried that he wouldn't like me anymore~"

She acted coquettishly, a state that Zhang Junning rarely displayed, even in bed.

"Sister Ning is so wonderful, how could I not like her?"

Xu Xing couldn't help but laugh out loud.

I helped her straighten her hair, took off her gold-rimmed glasses, gently patted her cheek, picked her up and leaned her against the back of the sofa before pouring the decanted red wine.

Zhang Junning knew that Teacher Fan was here. After she and Teacher Fan rehearsed together, the two maintained a closer relationship and friendship.

When she encountered problems while working on "Lights Out," she often communicated with Teacher Fan.

However, although Teacher Fan knew that Xu Xing had decided to push Zhang Junning into Netflix, she did not tell her in advance, and kept it a surprise.

When Zhang Junning arrived, he was told that he immediately became so emotional that he hugged Xu Xing's leg and wouldn't let go. Now that it's halftime, they finally have time to talk about serious matters.

Filming for "Light the Night," which was delayed in the first half of last year due to the pandemic, has basically wrapped up after resuming in the second half of the year and will soon begin post-production. According to Netflix's plan, it will be released before the end of the year.

The scale of investment in this drama has attracted much attention in the entertainment industry of the island province.

Especially after the global success of "Childhood Games".

The island's media outlets gave extensive coverage to "Light the Night," a drama that was still in production and originally only known to a select group of drama fans.

From the project's initial conception, to the completion of the script, to project approval, to Pei Yu Digital's bold gamble, to the numerous difficulties encountered, to lamenting the backwardness of Taiwan compared to mainland film and television investment, to the interest of various "Taiwanese big names" in joining, to Netflix's decision to purchase the project early and bear the risk, to the revelation that Hsu Hsing persuaded Netflix to buy it, to the denial of the revelation and accusations of embellishing Hsu Hsing's image, to Erika, the Asia-Pacific Content Director, personally admitting to accepting Hsu Hsing's advice...

We've tormented Yukito a thousand times over in this island province, yet he treats us like his first love! We're truly born awful!!!

In short, this January, the entertainment news on the island province's internet, besides reflecting on its backwardness every day, was all about discussing the hope of everyone in the island province, "When the Lights Come On."

While reflecting on why the insults hurt Hsu Hsing, otherwise "Childhood Games" would have been a Taiwanese drama; at the same time, they were grateful that Hsu Hsing still cherished their friendship and persuaded Netflix to agree to buy "Above the Lights," preserving a glimmer of hope for Taiwanese dramas.

Interspersed among these rumors is the story of actress Zhang Junning persuading Xu Xing, who then persuaded Netflix to make her the producer of such a large project.

—Now, netizens in the island province are also enthusiastically posting "Goddesses should serve Xing Sheng well." In addition, Xu Weining is also filming Xu Xing's "Sheep Without a Shepherd 3" in the mainland. "Xing Sheng and Shuang Ning" is the hottest gossip there. Under any news about the three of them, the young people in the island province are going crazy with excitement, telling Xing Sheng to be gentle, counting on their fingers which goddess can be sent to Xing Sheng, asking about Aunt Zhiling's situation, and chatting about the extra episode of the three flowers gathering at the top.

With such high popularity right after filming wrapped, "Light the Night" is already a runaway success even before it has started.

As long as the quality isn't too bad, it's hard to say what will happen outside of Taiwan after it goes live, but I expect it to be a huge hit within Taiwan before it's fully stocked.

Therefore, Xu Xing was quite confident that this drama would give Zhang Junning an excellent resume. However, with such high expectations from the people of the island province, Zhang Junning became even more uneasy.

"I'm really worried about what will happen if... I don't even want to think about it, I don't know how I'll face you."

Zhang Junning gave a wry smile.

Teacher Fan kissed her cheek.

"Tie yourself up tight, baby. You have to trust your dad; he's the one who wants you to succeed the most, and he's also the most forgiving of you. If all else fails, just keep pestering your dad to take you for a walk in the park tonight. Prepare a few different outfits, or add some props to events, like in the bathroom, hallway, or emergency exit. You can even sit on your dad's lap and do a live stream for your fans... With such a sincere attitude, your dad will definitely forgive you!" She loved to joke around like that.

Zhang Junning laughed a little shyly, after all, the atmosphere was serious now, even though Xu Xing would occasionally measure her legs and pat Teacher Fan's butt.

His smile still held a hint of seriousness.

The pressure she was under during this period was immense. The "Light the Night" project was already huge, and then suddenly this incredibly successful "Childhood Games" came along—not entirely unexpected, since it was written by Xu Xing, it was expected to be successful. But it was still too successful…

"Lights Out" was her first time producing a film...

The more successful "Childhood Games" becomes, the more hype the island province puts on "Lights Out," and the greater the pressure on Zhang Junning.

Therefore, the moment she saw Xu Xing at the villa, she couldn't help but want to kneel down, crawl over, and frantically pester Xu Xing to help her relieve her stress.

Then Xu Xing suddenly told her that, without her ever proving herself, she had been promoted to a Netflix executive position. Adding to this a year's worth of pent-up, morbid longing, Zhang Junning herself felt that she had just become a true slut, a puppy, a hot weapon…

Now she believes that she can do everything that Teacher Fan can do for Xu Xing.

To hell with intellect and rationality! Zhang Junning just wants to be a pure... person in front of Xu Xing right now.

Unfortunately, that didn't work. Teacher Fan's seductive and shameless persona was the most suitable, and Xu Xing loved to personally destroy her fake seriousness and mask, and enjoy her fall into depravity... Sigh!

Just like now, Teacher Fan's side is ablaze, and Xu Xing's hand gestures and the way she looks at him are blatantly obvious.

There was water on her side, and Xu Xing's smile was warm, her eyes clear.

"When Sister Ning was producing, did she interfere with the work of the director and screenwriter?"

"Basically none." Zhang Junning shook his head. "My main focus this time is learning. I know I can't give unsolicited advice yet."

"That's fine then. Even if this show fails, it has nothing to do with you."

Xu Xing smiled.

Regardless of what Zhang Junning thought, Xu Xing was relieved, but worried that she would give bad advice.

Judging from her choice of another film, "The Chase," Ms. Zhang Junning seems to lack a grasp of the market and has some artistic inclinations.

Fortunately, Zhang Junning would listen to and follow Xu Xing's instructions, even if he didn't fully understand them.

Xu Xing's criticisms of the script for "The Chase" included many aspects that she thought were very good, and she still had the screenwriter revise them.

Zhang Junning initially wanted to transition into producing because she did have some artistic sentiments, but Xu Xing's expectation for her was that she could achieve commercial success.

The position of head of original content in the island province further illustrates this point.

She is trying hard to learn, try hard to understand, and try hard to change.

"It's related, it's most related to me. I can't fail, I can only succeed!"

Zhang Junning pursed his lips, becoming more and more determined as he spoke.

Xu Xing praised her.

Following up on the topic of "Light the Night," Zhang Junning also took the initiative to talk about her position as Netflix's content manager. After being moved and delighted, she calmed down and also felt the many difficulties.

The island dramas performed only moderately well on Netflix.

"I really find it difficult to make a 'Childhood Games' movie."

Zhang Junning sighed.

"Don't overthink it. Just make sure it's better than last year's island drama. I'd find it hard to make another 'Childhood Games'," Xu Xing laughed. "With my next drama, everyone's expectations will start to be disappointed."

"No, not at all," Zhang Junning shook his head vigorously, then smiled gratefully, "Thank you."

She felt that Xu Xing was just trying to comfort her.

"Really, don't put too much pressure on yourself. Being a manager doesn't mean you have to do everything yourself, act in your own films, or direct your own movies. Netflix has its own management team, and you've dealt with them a lot, haven't you? Just treat it as a management job, and make good use of the most capable people in the island's film and television industry."

"Zhengrong will also help you oversee things, provide you with capable people, and help you build a good team. Before the project is finalized, hold more meetings and ask for opinions. If there are any problems, Erika, Sister Kuan, and I will all help you solve them. It's really not as difficult as you think. Sister Bing can help too."

No sooner had Xu Xing finished speaking than Teacher Fan interrupted.

"Absolutely! Ningning, let's work together to help Baba manage the film and television industry in the island province!"

Teacher Fan sat up straight from Xu Xing's lap, his face feigning seriousness, and even clenched his fist and swung his arm.

The atmosphere was fantastic; Hsu Hsing and Chang Chun-ning couldn't help but laugh.

After the three of them finished laughing together, Zhang Junning's expression visibly relaxed.

Afterwards, Zhang Junning talked about his feelings about the changes in the island province.

Mainly the entertainment industry.

The impact of "Childhood Games" is just a microcosm. The expansion of Chinese entertainment influence in Southeast Asia initially gave the island's entertainment industry a sense of opportunity, leading to a wave of excitement.

It wasn't until the cold reality told them that it was just an outflow of mainland China's cultural and entertainment strength that they once again deeply realized their backwardness.

This time, "Childhood Games" has given us another boost. Hong Kong dramas used to perform worse than Taiwanese dramas on Netflix. Now that Hong Kong dramas can do it, Taiwanese dramas can definitely do it too!

The key to "can":

Netflix.

Xu Xing.

This month, a large number of Taiwanese capital investors in mainland China are even more eager to repair Xu Xing's relationship with the Taiwanese entertainment industry. Zheng Rong's response is: the relationship has never changed, it has always been like this.

Because Zheng Rong has always used actors from Taiwan, such as Zhang Junning, Xu Weining, Aunt Zhiling, Qiu Ze, etc.

Therefore, the entertainment industry in the island province could only focus its efforts on Zhang Junning and Qiu Likuan.

Chiu Li-kuan even called Hsu Hsing to complain that they used to be so arrogant, but now they shamelessly bother her.

Once Zhang Junning's position as Netflix's content director for the island province is officially announced, they will only become more enthusiastic.

Nothing much has happened yet, but some pro-independence groups in Taiwan have already started criticizing the entertainment industry, saying that people in the industry are discussing how to fawn over Hsu Hsing and how to embrace the mainland every day.

Of course, there were also those who were arrogant and could wait for Disney+ to save them, but unfortunately, none of the projects that went to Disney+ received a response.

Netflix's investment in island dramas comes after Erika achieved success in Southeast Asia with island dramas before joining Netflix.

Disney+ doesn't have that kind of sentiment.

Disney+ prioritizes mainland Chinese dramas, Korean dramas, Japanese dramas, and Hong Kong dramas tagged with "Childhood Games," which have much stronger production capabilities.

Ultimately, it's just a small, local entertainment industry circle that should have been dead long ago.

The music industry in mainland China has been overtaken by viral hits from Douyin (TikTok), with local young people preferring to embrace Hsu Hsing and K-pop. The total box office revenue for films throughout the year is less than half that of a single Hsu Hsing film, and television dramas are barely surviving, with viewers mainly limited to Taiwan. Despite a major marketing campaign in mainland China, their popularity continues to decline.

The plate is too small.

After reminiscing, Zhang Junning brought up the film "Silent Kill" again, confirming that it would be released during the May Day holiday.

Xu Xing was still encouraging her, saying that she acted very well and that the box office performance would be good, so she buried herself in Xu Xing's arms with a "hmm".

The deeper it is buried.

Teacher Fan also enthusiastically joined in.

The tsunami and thunderstorm exploded again!

(End of this chapter)