Huayu Entertainment: Starting with Exorcising Evil from a Film Queen

When Li Guoli called to tell Zhang Ze that "Chinese Paladin 3" was ready to be broadcast, Zhang Ze was full of surprise.

"Director Li, shouldn't we do some pre-broadcast promotion?"

These days, whether it's a movie or a TV series, the lead actors are always sent out to promote the show before it airs.

During the period when "The Dream of the Red Chamber" was airing, Chen Kun and Li Xiaoran were constantly on the go, participating in various programs, interviews, and variety shows, attending whichever gave them exposure.

She even participated in an episode of "Happy Camp".

Logically speaking, a popular drama like "Chinese Paladin 3" that already has a strong following should at least be promoted before it airs. Although he is a supporting actor, he is also a lead actor, so he should have been notified to run promotional activities before the broadcast.

And now it's already being broadcast?

Li Guoli's voice carried a hint of anger as he explained the reason: the satellite TV stations had been trying to lower the price, with some even offering extremely low buyout prices.

So Li Guoli discussed with Cai Yinong that since they didn't want it, he wouldn't broadcast it on satellite TV either. After that, he directly found a local TV station that offered the highest price and sold the first broadcast rights.

Since the premiere wasn't on a satellite TV channel, Li Guoli figured there was no need for the lead actors to go on promotional tours; they could do it after the broadcast.

However, Li Guoli also told Zhang Ze that he doesn't need to make appearances now, but if the response is good after the broadcast, he will still have to make appearances. So he called to tell Zhang Ze to reserve his schedule in advance.

Zhang Ze readily agreed.

The broadcast platform for "Chinese Paladin 3" was set on local TV stations, adopting a strategy of broadcasting locally first and then on satellite TV.

In October, with the first episode of "Chinese Paladin 3" appearing on television screens, a viewing frenzy for fantasy dramas officially began.

In the opening scene of the TV series, Hu Ge's character Jing Tian still has that carefree, rebellious look, which brings a familiar and endearing quality to the audience.

As the plot progresses, Tang Xuejian, played by Yang Mi, appears, and her feisty and spoiled image immediately captures everyone's attention.

The daily bickering between the two in Yong'an Pawnshop is full of laughs, and the lighthearted and pleasant rhythm quickly attracted a large number of young viewers.

Online discussions about "Chinese Paladin 3" have begun to gain momentum.

"It's here! The Legend of Sword and Fairy series finally has a sequel!"

"Jing Tian and Xue Jian are such a perfect couple! I love their bickering yet loving relationship!"

"MiMi is so beautiful! This character is even more lively than Guo Xiang!"

When Xu Changqing, the chief disciple of Mount Shu, first appeared on screen, the direction of online discussion subtly shifted.

It was a long shot offering a panoramic view of the Shu Mountains. Amidst the mist-shrouded peaks, a figure in a white Taoist robe stood against the wind. Even just a silhouette exuded an ethereal, otherworldly aura.

The camera slowly zooms in, turning to face the subject.

Clad in white, his hair flowing like a waterfall, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, his face was handsome yet dignified. Holding a whisk, his eyes were cold yet compassionate, as if bearing the weight of all living beings under heaven.

With just one appearance, without any lines or unnecessary actions, the character Xu Changqing is like a traditional Chinese ink painting, deeply imprinted in the hearts of the audience.

At that moment, countless viewers watching on television had the same thought.

Who is this actor?

"Holy crap! This guy is ridiculously handsome!"

"Who's in this role? Is it a newcomer? I've never seen them before!"

"My mom asked me why I was kneeling while watching TV. That's true ethereal grace!"

"His looks and charisma completely outshine all current male leads in period dramas, okay?"

As the plot unfolds, the charm of the character Xu Changqing is further amplified. His responsibility to the world and its people, his unwavering love for Zixuan across three lifetimes, and the struggles and perseverance deep within his heart constitute an incredibly rich and three-dimensional character.

His love story with Zi Xuan, in particular, has become a source of deep regret for countless viewers. A love spanning three lifetimes, a destiny intertwined, unrequited love, and an inability to forget.

When Xu Changqing chose to forget Zixuan for the sake of the world, the two drank the potion of forgetfulness back to back, but then secretly spat it out at the same time after turning around. Countless viewers in front of the television shed tears at that moment.

After this episode aired, the hashtag #XuChangqingZiXuanIsHeartbroken# immediately topped the trending charts on various forums and online communities.

Zhang Ze's name, along with the character "Xu Changqing," spread across the entire internet overnight.

His personal Weibo followers began to skyrocket at an alarming rate.

100,000, 500,000, 1 million...

Every time the numbers were refreshed, they jumped significantly upwards. The comment section and private message inbox were flooded with enthusiastic viewers.

"Brother, you're so foolish! Why did you drink the potion of forgetfulness?!"

"Brother Ze, are you looking for a girlfriend? If not, are you looking for a wife?"

"Please, please pair him with Tang Yan'er already! Give Bai Doufu and Zi Xuan a happy ending!"

The numbers on the reputation panel were also jumping wildly.

[Reputation +1!]

[Reputation +1!]

……

The popularity of "Chinese Paladin 3" made Zhang Ze's name known far and wide, and even the news about "the most handsome Uncle Fu" from a while ago was dug up again.

The online discussion was overwhelming.

"Holy crap, Uncle Fu and Xu Changqing are played by the same person? That acting is incredible, they're like two completely different people!"

"No wonder Uncle Fu looked so familiar; his good looks are undeniable!"

Zhang Ze became an overnight sensation.

This surge of popularity came so fiercely that it even exceeded his own expectations.

He originally thought that the character Xu Changqing might become popular, but he didn't expect it to become so popular that it was discussed all over the internet, which is already a phenomenon.

My phone has been beeping non-stop ever since the TV series started airing.

Yang Mi sent a message: "Congratulations, Master Zhang! Congratulations on becoming an overnight sensation and famous throughout the world!"

She followed it with a string of smug emojis, as if she herself had become famous.

Ever since she kissed Zhang Ze at the airport, this girl has been acting like she's let loose, launching a fierce offensive and calling Zhang Ze all the time.

Zhang Ze never refused anyone's call, and their conversations always started with gossip and casual chatter before moving on to private topics, ending only when Yang Mi hung up the phone, blushing.

Hu Ge then called directly. It was noisy on the other end of the line; you could hear the crew having a meal together.

"Old Zhang, you're famous! The whole internet is talking about you! When are you coming to Shanghai? I'll throw you a celebration party!"

Tang Yan's text message was even more direct: "Congratulations on becoming famous. Remember to bring a few extra changes of clothes when you're on your way to promotional events."

Clearly, this was planned in advance.

Zhang Ze told her not to forget to bring Zi Xuan's clothes.

On set, aside from the expensive costumes, the main actors' clothes can usually be taken home after filming.

After all, these clothes were made specifically for them, and even if they didn't want them, the production team would eventually dispose of them.

In addition, Zhang Ze reminded her to wear stockings, as he also wanted to try it out and see what it was like to have both Chinese and Western styles.