Chapter 402: Nazha, the Heavenly Beauty?

Inside the number two Golden House, Wei Jin was fiercely whipping Nazha.

The first round of broadcasting for *Eastern Palace* has ended, and the rights for the second and third rounds have also been settled.

So, the young girl couldn't wait to make an appointment with her boss for a poker match.

Just as Wei Jin expected, tragic romance really is a Dharma Treasure for ratings.

*Eastern Palace* has become a complete hit!

The ratings went from 1.4% at the premiere to breaking 3% during the first climax, and since then, they have almost maintained a high level of 2.5%.

By the time the drama was halfway through, it was already maintaining over 3%.

By the final stages, the ratings broke 4% directly.

On the night of the finale, it even soared to 4.38%.

It's simply incredible!

If nothing goes wrong, this has almost secured the title of this year's ratings champion!

So much so that the second and third round broadcast rights were scrambled for by numerous television stations, selling for a sky-high price of 3.2 million from 13 local stations, even higher than the first round! Even overseas distributors have taken a liking to *Eastern Palace* and are currently in contact with Shanhe Media, preparing to introduce it to their own countries.

Crucially, the word-of-mouth online is also quite good; although there is a lot of scolding, the audience's ratings are not ambiguous—it's a clean sweep of praise, a classic case of "mouth says no, body says yes."

On the Tudou video website, in just over a month, the view count for *Eastern Palace* has approached the 1 billion mark, and its online popularity can be called the undisputed number one!

In this day and age, online view count data hasn't been crazily inflated yet; although the statistical methods of various platforms differ slightly, generally speaking, being able to break 100 million in a short period is considered quite good.

Those that can accumulate over 1 billion views across the entire web are almost all classic old dramas or annual blockbusters.

The people over at Tudou are overjoyed.

Besides this, the drama has also sparked widespread discussion and attention both online and offline.

According to a report from the company's public relations department on public opinion monitoring, a debate regarding the male lead triggered a group war among netizens on Tianya, with everyone splitting into multiple camps to post and argue.

In one sub-forum, over 70% of the posts were related to *Eastern Palace*, almost forcing the moderator to resign.

And offline, terms like *Eastern Palace*, Li Chengyin, Qu Xiaofeng, and the Wangchuan Couple have also become popular nationwide.

It even brought fame to the drama's filming locations, Dunhuang and Bashang.

This year during the Spring Festival, many people took their families to the filming locations to check in and take photos, and the scenic spots even developed some *Eastern Palace* plot-related projects for tourists to experience.

Without a doubt, *Eastern Palace* is not just a blockbuster, but a phenomenal one.

And as the female lead, Nazha has become so popular that she has no friends left.

From the start of the drama until now, her Weibo follower count has increased by over 2 million.

You have to know, even though she previously appeared in *Passengers* and the company did a lot of marketing for her, over these past two years, Nazha's Weibo followers only maintained a level of around one million.

After all, she only had a supporting female role in a movie, had very few works, and relied entirely on beauty marketing.

But now it's different; Qu Xiaofeng has become Nazha's representative work, and wherever she goes, there are audience members who recognize her.

Many audience members can't even call her by her name, they just know to shout "Xiaofeng," and her national popularity has directly soared! According to reports from Zhang Xu, the number of press releases for this young girl has skyrocketed in a short time to a level comparable to a quasi-first-tier star.

While marveling at Nazha's explosive popularity, Wei Jin played his cards without hesitation.

Today, at Wei Jin's request, Nazha was wearing her hair in twin tails, dressed in a small leather skirt, with her heaven-defying long legs wrapped in a pair of 7B black silk stockings, looking like a sexy dealer dealing cards online.

Sensing the weakening speed of his opponent's card playing, Wei Jin asked with concern, "Nazha, are you still okay?"

At this moment, Nazha was supporting herself on the pillows with both hands, arching her waist into an astonishing curve, her charming face flushed with color.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on her high, straight nose; clearly, she was running out of stamina in this card game.

"Boss, I'm still okay."

Facing her boss's concern, Nazha nodded without hesitation.

Having finally gotten a chance to play cards alone, how could she let her boss leave disappointed?

"Good, then let's continue."

After the clouds dispersed and the rain stopped, Nazha gently cleaned up the traces for Wei Jin, then snuggled up beside the man like a pet.

Although they had entered a ceasefire, Wei Jin's hands were still stroking Nazha's long, black-silk-clad legs.

"Boss, does the company have any roles suitable for me coming up?"

Wei Jin turned his head to look at the young girl; why did this sound like she was coming to settle scores? But speaking of this, he had indeed broken his word.

After pondering for a moment, Wei Jin pinched the young girl's cheek.

"Nazha, do you like acting?"

"Of course."

Nazha nodded; although she wasn't very bright, she knew that only works could keep her popular.

"Then if *Eastern Palace* had flopped, would you still like acting?"

Seeing a look of confusion appear in the young girl's clear but foolish eyes, Wei Jin pulled her tighter into his arms.

"In other words, do you like the feeling of acting, or the pleasure that comes after becoming famous? If you keep acting but can't become famous, would you still like it?"

"This... Boss, how could such a thing happen?"

Nazha was a bit dazed at this moment; didn't the boss say he would promote me? Or does the boss have a new love, and I've fallen out of favor? "Nazha, there are too many things like this in the circle. A role like the female lead of *Eastern Palace*, Qu Xiaofeng, which fits you perfectly, is almost impossible to find."

To be honest, Nazha's acting talent is limited, and most importantly, she is a bit like Liu Shishi; her eye acting is too lackluster.

Even Zhang Songwen, who is responsible for training her, could only tactfully state that there is still a lot of room for improvement for Nazha.

Coupled with her exotic appearance, there really aren't many acting paths suitable for her, which is the main reason why the company didn't arrange her for subsequent dramas.

Nazha also understood; the boss doesn't think highly of her continuing to develop on this path as an actress, and there are indeed many artists in the circle who rise like the morning sun only to disappear like a shooting star in the daylight.

"Then Boss, what should I do?"

Having enjoyed the feeling of being super popular, Nazha couldn't accept fading away just like that, and she held onto Wei Jin's arm tightly.

Reaching out to pinch the young girl's pretty face, Wei Jin gave her a reassurance.

"After you finish your current schedule, wait until the second half of the year and go be a Resident Guest on *Keep Running*."

This is the route Wei Jin could think of that was more suitable for Nazha; since she didn't have enough talent to be an actress, then she should just be a star.

It also happened to be a good time to complete this matter while taking advantage of the major adjustment of guests for this season of *Keep Running*.

"Mm, Boss, I'll listen to you."

Nazha followed the flow of the conversation; for her, acting wasn't a necessity, but being famous was a must.

She was, of course, very familiar with *Keep Running*, the company's ace variety show. The company's senior artist Jiang Shuying had relied on this show to maintain her popularity even after having no works for several years. More importantly, Jiang Shuying had more Weibo followers than she did.

"Boss, I've never participated in a variety show before. What do I need to do? Should I be like Sister Shuying?"

"No need, you just need to let go and have fun."

Wei Jin shook his head. Jiang Shuying's persona on the show leaned toward the path of Yang Ying from his past life, but Nazha was clearly not that type; she was more suited for the "Stupid Beauty" route, and she only needed to be herself.

"The company will keep doing this show. If you perform well, this will become your foundation. Becoming a first-tier actress will be no difficult task."

"Mm, Boss, thank you."

After speaking, Nazha took the initiative to turn her body, exposing her firm, perky buttocks to Wei Jin, letting the man fondle them, and then lowered her snow-white swan-like neck.

"Hiss... very good."

Early the next morning, Wei Jin gave Nazha another fierce education; after all, she would soon begin intensive promotional activities, so he had to replenish her protein.

Afterward, Wei Jin arrived at the company, busy with his new script.

Near noon, a knock on the door sounded.

"Senior Brother, I'm back."

"You kid, not bad. I thought you were abroad, dazzled by the foreign women, and couldn't bear to come back. Don't just stand there, come in and sit."

Looking at Lu Yang, who was standing at the doorway wearing a T-shirt and looking like a slacker, Wei Jin smiled and teased.

"Senior Brother, you can't just say things like that. I don't even have a girlfriend yet."

Lu Yang didn't stand on ceremony; after sitting down, he retorted. He was a proponent of pure Amour, and he couldn't let his reputation be ruined.

"Besides, as soon as things at school were finished, didn't I come right back?"

Speaking of this, Wei Jin didn't know what to say.

The big gathering at Beijing Film Academy a few days ago had already become a laughingstock in the industry.

The saying goes, "A son does not mind his mother's ugliness, and a dog does not mind its family's poverty." Conversely, parents usually don't mind their own children either.

But this time, Beijing Film Academy had truly displayed the act of "despising the poor and fawning over the rich" to the fullest.

Ostensibly, it was an open invitation for Beijing Film Academy alumni to gather, and many actors who graduated from Beijing Film Academy were looking forward to it.

But unfortunately, those invited were at least second-tier actors in the industry, or those with connections and backgrounds. As for those who were struggling, they couldn't even enter the gates of their alma mater.

This operation was very blatant, simply outrageous! However, although the industry was laughing at it, those who went definitely benefited. At this moment, many people were probably still envious.

This was very ironic! After grumbling about the school's ridiculous operation, Wei Jin looked at Lu Yang.

"You've rested long enough this time, right? What are your plans for the next step?"

Lu Yang shrugged, "Just got back, I'll get over the jet lag first. In two days, I'll go to the screenwriting department to pick a script, and if there's a suitable one, I'll get back to work."

"Mm, that's fine, but don't wait too long. Not a single new project has started this year yet."

Wei Jin had no objections. Workers were people too; even sweatshops had to rotate shifts, but he couldn't let this guy rest for too long.

Through the results of his previous few films, this kid had long been worth millions, with a house and a car. Wei Jin was afraid he lacked motivation; after all, he was too young.

"Senior Brother, don't worry, my hands have been itching for a while."

"By the way, go to the legal department later and re-sign your contract. Studio benefits."

Although this kid's achievements weren't exactly dazzling, he had been following him for five or six years, working hard without complaint, so it was time to upgrade his benefits.

"Hehe, then thank you, Senior Brother."

Lu Yang had a smile on his face but didn't ask further; he knew Wei Jin wouldn't treat him unfairly.

"Alright, get lost."

After dismissing Lu Yang, Wei Jin was just about to bury his head in preparing his script when the phone rang.

"Hello, Brother Wang?"

"Little Brother, *Heartbroken Fairy Tale* starts early next month. Have you finalized the candidates on your end?"

"Mm, let's go with Tian Ai. The second female lead in *Ex Machina* before, Brother, you still have an impression of her, right?"

Since this girl had already offered herself on the night of the annual meeting, Wei Jin naturally wouldn't be heartless after the deed.

Although *Heartbroken Fairy Tale* was a low-budget romance film, for the fledgling Tian Ai, it could be considered a decent resource. Having a role to play was better than sitting at home doing nothing.

"Alright, let's get together again when we have time."

"Good."

After hanging up the phone, Wei Jin continued to bury his head in his new script.

As expected, in the afternoon, Wei Jin received a call from Tian Ai.

After pondering for a moment, Wei Jin did not refuse.

Honestly, this girl's figure was indeed good; her waist-to-hip ratio was very exaggerated, and certain positions were quite stimulating. That night there were too many people, so he hadn't taken care of her properly.

Besides, he had just sparred with Nazha this morning, and having another round with Tian Ai tonight—wasn't this the very definition of Xu Kaicheng's happiness?

Arriving at Golden House No. 4, the woman was already dressed up inside.

Looking at Tian Ai's new outfit, Wei Jin exclaimed, "Good fellow!" Without a doubt, this was definitely carefully prepared.

Before him, Tian Ai had her big wavy hair draped loosely, and a palm-wide black bandeau top held her handful of breasts up, making them look firm and perky.

Her legs were wrapped in buckled stockings, paired with a T-back, perfectly highlighting the ratio of her round, perky buttocks to her waist.

"Boss, thank you."

As Tian Ai spoke, she took the initiative to crouch down.

"Mmm~~~"

Wei Jin could tell that this young woman must have done her homework; in just one month of not seeing her, her ability had improved quite a bit, and she could even coordinate very well for certain long-take shots.

A few minutes later, Wei Jin patted her pretty face, "Alright, Tian Ai, leave the rest to me."

Zhang Tianai slowly stood up, a blush appearing on her slightly aggressive-looking face as she posed in the way Wei Jin liked, "Very good, Tian Ai, you have great intuition."

"Oh~~~"

As Wei Jin shifted into drive, released the clutch, and stepped on the gas, the ninety-five-percent-new car began to start.

Wei Jin had to admit that this woman was indeed a perfect frame with good talent; it seemed he would have to try and develop this "new car" more often in the future.

And so, that night, Wei Jin drove and attempted many high-difficulty maneuvers, and it was estimated that the ninety-five-percent-new car was worn down to ninety-percent-new.

(End of this chapter)