How can you become a star without money?

Chapter 202 The Time of a Song

The media industry is basically on call 24/7.

Timeliness is life.

Especially when it came to news of the fire at the Shinto restroom, Nomi Airi immediately said goodbye to Wang Yao and visited him again the next morning with gifts to apologize.

When it comes to apologizing, the Japanese do have a complete and pleasant process.

Wang Yao plans to prioritize hiring Japanese people as the head of the public relations department in the future.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Wang, things happened so suddenly last night, I was a bit rude." Nomi Airi's black-rimmed glasses couldn't hide the dark circles under her eyes, she looked like she had stayed up all night.

The physical constitution of the Japanese and Koreans has always been a mystery. It seems that they have evolved to eliminate sleep time. No matter if they had a hangover or stayed up all night the day before, they can always be at their workstations on time the next day.

"I saw the news. Is it serious?" Wang Yao asked curiously.

"Yes, it's quite serious. The suspect seems to have planned this all along, setting a trap on the staff's only route, preventing them from providing immediate assistance or calling the police."
Moreover, it seems that a professional accelerant was used, causing damage to the main structure of the building. The site has been sealed off, and it will most likely need to be rebuilt. "Nomi Airi hesitated for a moment before telling them what she could.

"That's a real shame," Wang Yao said with regret.

Nomi Airi raised an eyebrow slightly. She naturally knew what Wang Yao, a Chinese, was regretting. She narrowed her eyes slightly and said, "A nationwide manhunt has begun, and a reward has been offered. I wonder if we can find the suspect."

“In general, this kind of thing is unlikely to be an individual's doing. If it was planned by a group, they would have prepared an escape route, maybe even leaving the country by sea or plane,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

Lin Zhiling went to film a movie with the crew, so the translator became Li Xiaomu, who remained calm.

"It's quite likely that this was planned by a gang. Many leftists have been summoned for questioning. Mr. Wang probably isn't interested in these things," Nomi Airi said with a meaningful smile.

“Of course, I’m a legitimate businessman.” Wang Yao nodded with a smile.

"Shall we continue our conversation from last night?" Nomi Airi asked with a smile.

“Okay, I admire Bunshunsha’s objective stance and integrity as a media professional, so I hope we can reach a cooperation agreement. In the future, we can share information about entertainment news. I have a social media platform that will be launched in Japan in the future, and I would like to invite your company to create a special column on it,” Wang Yao said.

"That means there are two things, exchanging information. What does Mr. Wang mean?" Nomi Airi raised an eyebrow.

“Bunshunsha has its own information channels in Japan, and I have the same in China. I need Japanese entertainment news to bring freshness to the platform users. After all, if it's just about domestic celebrities, netizens will get bored. They need to check out foreign news occasionally to relax,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

Nomi Airi nodded, roughly knowing that what Wang Yao really wanted was some content that was inconvenient to publish in Japan but was highly topical, which was indeed a strength of Bunshunsha.

As for the benefits, it did provide Nomi Airi with a new idea. Indeed, some external news is needed to bring new stimulation to the readers.

“I think this idea is not bad. We have a similar cooperation with Korea’s Dispatch, and we are willing to accept it. However, the cost of news exchange varies depending on the level of exchange,” Nomi Airi said after a moment of contemplation.

“That’s natural.” Wang Yao nodded, and the two parties reached a verbal agreement.

Wang Yao plans to create a marketing account specifically to report news from Japan and to filter content to demystify the Sakura Party in China.

The reason why the public was influenced by some public opinions in the early days was that, until 2015, Chinese public opinion had little voice both internationally and domestically. Not only could it not be disseminated, but it also could not be disseminated in, which created an information barrier. In addition, the misinterpretation and misleading by the lackeys of the "little Japanese" in China spread poison to countless people.

As long as one voice can break down the barriers, at least the absurd situation of kimonos being brought into Nanjing will not occur. Popular science and demystification should start with entertainment gossip.

"As for joining social media, the internet has indeed developed very rapidly in recent years. Our company is also preparing to launch our own website. We are not opposed to cooperation if it is a non-exclusive platform. But could you show me what type of social media it is?" Nomi Airi said with a smile.

Wang Yao handed over the tablet and showed the mobile version of Mulan Street during the beta test.

Mulan Street is a text and image platform. It doesn't matter if you can't read the text. The fresh waterfall layout and simple and smooth display immediately appealed to Nomi Airi as a girl.

"Oh? This is a type I've never seen before. We usually use Twitter and Facebook, and Mixi is used domestically. I like the way this platform is presented, and it's available on mobile devices?" Nomi Airi said with some surprise.

Mixi is Japan's largest domestic social media platform, similar in model to Renren.com, but its market share has been gradually eroded by Twitter and other platforms.

“Yes.” Wang Yao then took the opportunity to introduce the platform features and product seeding advertising model of Mulan Street.

Nomi Airi's eyes flashed with a strange light after hearing this. Although she didn't understand the internet, as a media professional, she naturally knew how much influence information had on users. The advertising revenue of Wang Yao's model might bring a disruptive impact to the world.

Although Nomi Airi is in her early thirties, she still has the mindset of a young person and is more open to new things. She has witnessed the impact of the Internet on print media in recent years and has suggested to her mother and family many times to try new things, but they were all rejected because of the stubbornness of those old-fashioned people.

Because the group had tried digital business (MMS subscription) in 07 but failed and lost a lot of money, they believed that the Internet was not suitable for them.

These are the structural dilemmas that most traditional print media around the world are unable to overcome in a timely manner.

Although Mulan Street is not a purely information-based social media platform, it may provide Bunshunsha with a new channel to keep up with the times!
"It probably won't be easy for Mr. Wang's platform to enter the Japanese market," Nomi Airi thought to herself.

“Indeed, but I have a good relationship with Yahoo’s global CEO, so I might need to rely on their help in the early stages,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Nomi Airi was startled and began to scrutinize Wang Yao once more.

Yahoo's influence in Japan is undeniable; its search engine and e-commerce businesses are almost monopolistic. How could Wang Yao possibly have connections with them?

Who exactly is this young man?

"Oh? I didn't expect Mr. Wang to be so prepared. I was just worrying unnecessarily." Nomi Airi smiled.

“Distribution channels are indeed important, but for social media, content is actually more important. That’s why I need a high-quality content output partner like Bunshunsha. Not only your company, but I’ve also recently met with several other media outlets, including Weekly Economics and Bungei Shunju.” Wang Yao said with a smile.

Nomi Airi frowned slightly, feeling somewhat displeased. So, we were just one of them after all.

"It seems this platform primarily targets female users. Compared to other media outlets, Bunshun has a unique advantage, and our editors are well-versed in female users' preferences. Mr. Wang is right; platform channels are important, but content is equally important. I think we can further deepen our cooperation on content," Nomi Airi said seriously.

"For example?" Wang Yao asked.

“Bunshunsha has invested in Mulan Street.” Nomi Airi smiled and continued before Wang Yao could refuse, “We provide support with content style tailored to the Japanese market, as well as exclusive news priority exposure. Bunshunsha is the largest entertainment weekly in Japan, with a conservative estimate of nearly 2000 million users, and it also has its own network of contacts in Japan.”

For any company that wants to operate internationally, the most difficult hurdle is localization.

This localization encompasses many aspects, the most important of which are culture and connections.

Wang Yao wanted Mulan Street to establish itself in Japan, and he needed to rely on localization. His original plan was to cast a wide net and see which media outlets, large and small, in Japan were interested in the Mulan Street model, and then form joint ventures. Before Nomi Airi, Wang Yao had already met with three media outlets, but none of them took the bait.

Unexpectedly, Nomi Airi is quite sensible.

“Mulan Street will indeed open a branch in Japan, but Yahu has already given a valuation of 2 million US dollars.” Wang Yao pondered for a moment.

"A platform that doesn't even have any users yet?" Nomi Airi exclaimed softly, her eyes widening. This situation could only exist if Wang Yao was the current CEO's gigolo.

"Although it hasn't started in Japan yet, Mulan Street has already accumulated nearly 400 million users in China, with monthly revenue approaching 5000 million US dollars. The business model has been proven by Yahu." Wang Yao said with a smile, painting a rosy picture.

Anyway, this kind of thing is unverifiable. Even if Nomi Airi can find Sun Zhengyi, Sun Zhengyi can't verify it with Carroll, because the other party has no obligation to explain the investment intentions to the subsidiary. Most importantly, Carroll did say during dinner that if Mulan Street appeared in Silicon Valley, it would be worth at least $2 million, although it was just a joke.

Upon hearing this, Nomi Airi's mouth dropped open. She hadn't expected that Wang Yao's platform had already matured, and with the backing of the capital giant, Yahoo! International, she suddenly felt a little less confident.

With a valuation of $2 million in the angel round, wouldn't it become another Japanese Yahoo!?
Bunshun has been around for decades, and its valuation is less than $3 million. What kind of monsters are these internet companies?!
“I would certainly welcome Bunshun to join us; it would definitely make up for our shortcomings. But how to join is another question,” Wang Yao said with a mocking smile.

It seems to be a sarcastic remark.

"Would it be convenient for me to have some information about Huaxia Mulan Street, preferably a financing plan?" Nomi Airi asked, frowning.

“No problem.” Wang Yao nodded.

The two exchanged pleasantries for a while, but Nomi Airi, busy with work, took her leave to go back to the board of directors to discuss the cooperation on Mulan Street.

"President Wang." Li Xiaomu returned after seeing Nomi Airi off and was about to speak.

“Brother Xiaomu, I’m someone who only cares about results.” Wang Yao interrupted him directly.

Li Xiaomu was stunned when he saw Wang Yao's warm smile.

News of the fire at the Japanese toilet reached China immediately.

Ms platform was the first to report it, causing a huge uproar. Everyone thought it might be fake, but as the platform reposted more and more news from Japan, its credibility became higher and higher.

Moreover, many netizens suddenly discovered that Ms has lowered the registration threshold. Previously, the absurd requirement of real-name registration and 100 questions made most netizens hesitate to register, and even became a meme, saying that Ms is an internet aristocracy. But this time, real-name registration and 10 questions are all that's needed to successfully register and participate in comments!
Previously, when there were trending topics on MS, many people could only like them but not comment, and some content was only visible to members. Now that registration is finally open, many netizens who used to be just lurking on MS have registered and commented in a retaliatory manner.

However, during use, it was found that Ms's UI design seems to have changed. Not only is the overall website interface more comfortable and streamlined, but the interaction design is also somewhat similar to the old Sina Weibo, but it is smoother and easier to use.

The music function, which was originally mixed with social networking, has been separated into a secondary page, but it can have a built-in player. This means that you can play music and browse social posts on MS without having to open other music software such as Qianqian Music, Penguin Music, and Kugou Music separately.

The previously mixed functions have been completely clarified, while remaining compatible at the same time!

Moreover, the UI of the most important music section seems to have borrowed from Apple's IT. The interface is simple and clear, and in addition to lyrics, the playback interface also has a novel comment pop-up.

In addition to the regular music platform's song charts, there is also a larger scrolling 'Hot Comments Chart'.

"Xu Changqing is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine, and its greatest efficacy is in treating snake venom." The comment on "Preference," the popular background music from the game "Chinese Paladin 3," received over 20,000 likes and instantly brought tears to the eyes of many viewers.

A man simulated the pain of childbirth, reaching level 12 without any response. The doctor, alarmed, immediately stopped the machine. The man, laughing and crying at the same time, said, "So this is what it hurts like! That's why you couldn't make it."

'I hope he eventually marries a girl like me, so he'll always remember me, but I'm also afraid he'll end up marrying someone like me—if she's like me, why isn't it me?'

"Getting 59 points is more painful than getting 0 points. The most painful thing isn't never having had it, but being so close to having it."

'There's no such thing as bitter candy in the world, except for her wedding candy.'

"I used to be happy with just a bottle of Coke, but now that I'm older, I need to drink five bottles of beer to feel even slightly less sad."

One poignant and captivating comment after another leads to the corresponding song. What was originally an ordinary song becomes instantly transformed with the storytelling of the top comments, while an already excellent song is elevated to legendary status after being paired with the top comments.

I never knew listening to music while empathizing with other people's regrets could be so moving!
Ms's music comment jumping function opened a new world for many netizens. Before 2006, music listeners liked to listen to songs on repeat, wishing they could listen to the same song for a lifetime. This was mainly due to the habit left over from the record era. When we were young, records and cassettes were expensive, even pirated ones. So we had to listen to a record until it was "uninteresting" before we felt we had made our money back. Therefore, listeners 10 years ago were very loyal and devoted, which created the golden age of music.

After 2006, the proliferation of MP3/digital music lowered the barrier to entry for all music and reduced the silent costs for listeners. As a result, simple and catchy pop songs became popular, and the habit of 'playlist looping' began to take hold again. However, the root cause was still a single preference and a reluctance to try other types of music because of a lack of immersion.

However, the advantage of popular music is that listeners first immerse themselves in the story and emotions, and then immerse themselves in the music. This way, the listener's brain will automatically match the melody and lyrics with the music, because the story and emotions they have already evoked resonance. When the music enhances the atmosphere, the combination of the two will stimulate a greater dopamine response.

This is why short videos can quickly capture the market.

Ms.'s combination of storytelling, emotion, and music has a huge impact on listeners in this day and age because it indirectly expands the audience of music to other groups.

Whether you love reading stories but not listening to music, or you're highly sensitive and don't like listening to music, you'll become a music listener after being immersed in these popular comments.

In addition, users can comment and share their thoughts under the songs, receiving empathetic or sarcastic social feedback. With this setup, on average, each MS user will spend at least 5 to 10 minutes on the website, which is the length of a single song.

This time is either used to browse popular music reviews or to switch back to the main interface to browse news information.

If this continues, netizens who are used to this way of accessing the internet will feel awkward when they return to purely informational platforms like Weibo or purely music platforms like Tencent and Kugou. They will feel like something is missing.

This is also the main reason why TV dramas can't compete with web dramas, web dramas can't compete with short dramas, and short dramas can't compete with short videos with commentary. User habits are the core of capturing users' minds.

Then add a little bit of high-quality content or value.

Ms gained a significant advantage in a short period of time due to her priority reporting on the Japanese toilet incident. Coupled with the 'long-cherished wish' accumulated by other netizens over the previous months, her registration and page views surged.

Over a million new registered users were added overnight.

Finally, I can get revenge in lane!
However, this temporary surge in traffic did not attract the attention of other social media platforms until the potential influence of the 'Hot Music Comments' feature after the major redesign and upgrade of Ms was discovered, which sent shockwaves through all domestic social media platforms.

Especially the old waves.

Adding a built-in music player is a major focus for Weibo in the second half of the year, with the aim of increasing user engagement time. The old Sina Weibo has now officially surpassed 50 million registered users, with daily active users consistently in the tens of millions, and is bound to exceed 100 million by the end of the year.

However, reaching 100 million users is only a potential goal; the deeper goal is to gain more users' usage time.

(End of this chapter)