Chapter 232: China!

The screening of "Wulin Waizhuan" was originally just a private exchange event.

But after those who attended the screening spread the word, it immediately caught the media's attention.

Thus, the screening that was supposed to end that same day.

Was instead requested by the low-level clerks sent by Yu Province Satellite TV to be held again tomorrow.

Although he was deeply dissatisfied with the satellite TV's conduct, Cheng Chen was a qualified businessman.

When offered an opportunity to receive tickets, he certainly wouldn't let it slip away.

If it's extended, then let it be extended.

But this extension clearly allowed many people to find out about it.

Oh, so Cheng Chen has another TV drama to sell?

Compared to "Langya Bang," "Tai Jiong," and "Crazy Stone," the promotion for "Wulin Waizhuan" was clearly much weaker.

But after this film-selling incident, "Wulin Waizhuan" instantly entered the public eye.

Compared to the TV drama itself, many were more interested in Cheng Chen's role as Screenwriter.

Whether it was the Black Humor of "Crazy Stone" or the historical power struggles of "Langya Bang."

"Wulin Waizhuan," this martial arts sitcom, clearly clashed in style with them.

Regarding this point, outside opinions varied.

"Cheng Chen is clearly better suited for fast-paced films like 'Crazy Stone.'

Perhaps 'Langya Bang' is brilliant, but it's still in production—we can only wait and see."

"The entertainment industry has many examples of actors who become directors, or singers who become actors.

But the Screenwriter position isn't just about writing a few songs, or being a director with someone else's help.

A Screenwriter relies on life experience and innate talent; clearly, this twenty-something kid named Cheng Chen can't handle it."

"My evaluation? A piece of trash! When people think of 'martial arts,' their first thoughts are the Jianghu, grudges, and vendettas.

Not martial arts skill levels, or bloody killings—large-scale, high-difficulty martial arts sequences are a must.

But according to the information released so far, 'Wulin Waizhuan' is merely a sitcom.

So I ask: how can a sitcom be 'martial arts'? Are they going to hang wires indoors and fight each other…?"

Online opinions about Cheng Chen's "Wulin Waizhuan" were mixed, with most people holding a wait-and-see attitude.

After all, this TV drama has already been fully produced and is about to be released.

Whether it's a donkey or a horse, we'll know when we take it out for a run.

Of course, Cheng Chen paid no attention to the online rumors.

When someone becomes famous, others will spare no effort to smear them.

Fame brings controversy—it's just envy.

Of course, for those who genuinely question his ability, after "Wulin Waizhuan" is released, they'll likely be speechless!

The screening opened quickly the next day.

Xinghuo Entertainment opened its doors not only to TV station staff coming to buy dramas but also to many media outlets.

This time, the buyers were clearly more numerous than yesterday, and judging from those who had come up to chat with Cheng Chen just now.

They were all real decision-makers who could approve purchases, unlike yesterday's low-level clerks…

"First, thank you all for your support. Since the news of yesterday's screening was released,

Some people have posted smear campaigns against 'Wulin Waizhuan' online."

Cheng Chen walked onto the stage wearing a black casual outfit, smiling as he took the microphone.

The reporters below the stage immediately perked up at Cheng Chen's words.

Was Cheng Chen preparing to counterattack the online comments?

But to their disappointment, Cheng Chen showed no emotional outburst or harsh language—he spoke calmly:

"If I say how good this film is, you'll all think it's just me blowing my own trumpet.

Many journalist friends are here—whether you praise or criticize, I leave it to you.

Let me make one thing clear: I haven't slipped anyone any red envelopes…"

Cheng Chen's words made the audience burst into laughter.

Nowadays, whether it's a press conference or a pitch event, as long as journalists are present, organizers inevitably hand out red envelopes.

A little "writing fee" or "tea money"—this has essentially become an unwritten industry rule.

So Cheng Chen had preemptively issued a warning.

Cheng Chen's opening remarks instantly put everyone at ease.

The opening theme song, catchy and addictive, played again, offering a fresh experience.

With the fast-paced music, "Wulin Waizhuan" jumped straight to Episode Nine:

"Tong Xiangyu Exhausts Herself, Mo Xiaobei Dreams of the Film Studio."

When the screen displayed "Episode Nine," everyone froze.

Isn't a screening supposed to start from Episode One?

Why are you skipping straight to Episode Nine? Will the plot still connect?

Of course, only those who hadn't attended yesterday had this thought.

Anyone who had seen the earlier episodes knew this drama didn't require watching in order.

Open any episode—it's brilliant. Of course, this is also one of the key features of a sitcom.

"Qiming, is this TV drama really as amazing as you said on the phone? I skipped several meetings just to come."

Xu Min, Director of Film Acquisition at Yu Province Satellite TV, asked his distant cousin Xu Qiming.

"Don't worry, Director Xu, I won't let you down!"

Xu Qiming assured him.

Having worked together for so many years, Xu Min understood Xu Qiming's character well—steady, cautious.

In truth, he was just mediocre, timid, and afraid to take responsibility, but a single sentence Xu Qiming said on the phone yesterday changed Xu Min's view of him greatly.

"Uncle, I guarantee on behalf of the TV station—if this drama isn't worth our purchase, I'll quit right away when I get back!"

Hearing the child's dialect forced out of him, Xu Min had never seen Xu Qiming like this before.

Xu Min also understood how vital this TV station job was to him.

Even though he was only a contract worker, it was his entire family's hope!

So, under Xu Qiming's guarantee on behalf of the TV station, Xu Min boarded a plane that very night...

Episode Nine of Wulin Waizhuan is a plot many can't forget.

Roughly, Xiao Bei quarreled with the innkeeper and decided to run away from home.

After renting Xiao Mi's beggar stall for one copper coin, he fell asleep and experienced a dream-travel—and it was a mirror-image travel.

Everyone in the dream was mirrored.

Xiao Guo became sweet and clingy, the Xiucai turned into a domineering CEO, Lao Bai pushed for marriage, but the innkeeper wasn't in a hurry.

Da Zui also became a strict boss.

Before leaving, everyone in the inn treated Xiao Bei like a princess.

Lao Bai massaged Xiao Bei's shoulders and pounded his legs, casually snatching his sunflower seeds to eat.

Xiao Guo brought Xiao Bei tangyuan, the Xiucai tidied his room, and Da Zui asked Xiao Bei for a fan to fan the fire hotter for boiling medicine.

Xiao Bei experienced all these things again during his dream-travel—but this time, he was the one serving others.

Ordered by the Xiucai to clean the room: "Find a single hair strand, and don't expect a tip."

Ordered by Xiao Guo to cook tangyuan: "More sesame, less sugar—sister's afraid of gaining weight."

He delivered the tangyuan to the wrong room; Lao Bai made him massage and pound her legs, gave Xiao Bei chocolate, and the innkeeper ordered him to wash clothes.

In the backyard, when Xiao Bei asked Da Zui for a fan, he got a reply: "Blow it yourself."

This time, Xiao Bei understood what it felt like to be ordered around.

This completely mirrored plot structure made Mo Xiaobei understand what respect meant.

In the end, Xiao Bei was swept out the door by Da Zui and returned to the beggar stall, where Xiao Mi passed by and gave him money.

The dream-travel began at the beggar stall and ended at the beggar stall—a perfect closed loop outside the mirror image.

At the end of this episode, the innkeeper soothing Xiao Bei to sleep was pure genius.

In the dream, because Xiao Bei had personality, the domineering CEO Xiucai gave him one hundred yuan.

And that one hundred yuan actually appeared in Xiao Bei's arms.

It was a dream, yet not a dream—absurd, hyperreal.

A textbook-level hyperreal dream-travel drama within a sitcom framework, executed effortlessly, with masterful simplicity.

In this episode, everyone in the room was stunned by this presentation style.

It looked like parody, yet contained profoundly deep truths.

Moreover, some small details and punchlines made people smile knowingly—never clichéd.

Laughter and joy echoed intermittently through the hall.

After watching a few more episodes, the punchlines remained dense, but many truths satirized the present day.

It made people feel it wasn't merely a sitcom.

Through comedic performance, it conveyed profound yet accessible lessons about Renshen.

This drama also had many supporting characters, yet each felt like a protagonist—with fully developed personas.

Each had their own storyline and unique traits.

Moreover, they used over a dozen dialects to tell this story.

So it never felt dull or boring—it was deeply immersive.

In this tiny inn, several strangers linked together one amusing and touching story after another.

From this perspective, Wulin Waizhuan was undoubtedly a success.

Many eyes unconsciously turned toward Cheng Chen, sitting in the front row.

Could this young man really be the Screenwriter of this drama?

Those seemingly absurd plots, those lines that sounded profound yet fun—truly worth pondering repeatedly.

Rebirth of the Booming Era

Xu Min finally understood why Xu Qiming had made him rush to Jingcheng overnight.

This drama was crucial for Yu Province Satellite TV.

Starting this year, Xu Min clearly sensed a seismic shift in the national TV market.

Competition grew fiercer; Yu Province Satellite TV and dozens of other provincial satellite channels escalated from aerial battles to full-frontal, comprehensive channel warfare.

This year, Pear Garden Spring launched its challenge across China.

Wulin Feng entered its second year, still fighting on the people's stage.

In the 24-hour national viewership ranking for provincial satellite channels, Yu Province Satellite TV ranked fifteenth.

First place was Xiangnan Satellite TV; second place was Hui Sheng, right next door to Yu Province.

Lu Sheng and Zhe Sheng satellite channels crushed them beneath their feet.

Even Qian Sheng and Sichuan Satellite TV ranked far higher than them.

Regarding cultural programs, Yu Province, the heartland of Chinese civilization, naturally had rich cultural elements.

But in television dramas, they had always been lackluster, never producing a standout hit.

So, upon hearing that neighboring Hui Sheng had secured Cheng Chen's "Langya Bang," the leadership of Yu Province Satellite TV began to think.

You, Cheng Chen, are from Hui Sheng—supporting your own station is understandable, but couldn't you just give me the secondary broadcasting rights?

Thus, under these circumstances, Cheng Chen's "Wulin Waizhuan" emerged suddenly—this was absolutely an opportunity for Yu Province Satellite TV!

Xu Min clenched his fists and made up his mind: he must secure this drama!

After the screening ended, Cheng Chen's side had already prepared tea and snacks.

As for alcohol, we'll drink it with the seller only after the deal is sealed.

"I believe everyone has already watched the drama—how was it? The fact that you're still sitting here listening to me, after what you saw in the theater, speaks volumes about our success."

Cheng Chen said with a smile.

All those people from the theater moments ago are now here, without a single one missing—what does that indicate?

It shows they're interested in this drama!

Hearing Cheng Chen's words, everyone scanned every person in the room—these were all their competitors.

But soon, Cheng Chen changed tone and said:

"However, I must remind everyone: today we are not discussing purchasing the drama.

You may return and report to your superiors—after all, no TV station's money comes from the wind.

Once we've determined the price, we'll settle it tomorrow—with anonymous bidding: whoever offers the most suitable price, we'll sell to them. Agreed?"

Hearing Cheng Chen's words, everyone froze—what? Not selling the drama today?

Yet this also relieved some, glad the decision wasn't due today—there was still room to maneuver.

Cheng Chen's decision won support from some, but clearly others had come solely for the drama's quality.

Cheng Chen's move put them at a disadvantage.

Still, they respected Cheng Chen's decision…

"We absolutely must get this drama—just don't know how much the others are prepared to pay."

When they stepped outside, the night had fully fallen.

Xu Min sat in the car and said to Xu Qiming beside him.

Generally, before purchasing a drama, TV stations estimate its viewership rating.

This serves as the benchmark for the drama's purchase price.

The basic factors ensuring a drama's viewership are no more than these:

Star actors and directors, strong market promotion, and widely recognized themes, among others.

But "Wulin Waizhuan" seemed to have no connection whatsoever with these "valuable" elements.

Had he not seen the drama's quality with his own eyes, Xu Min would never have risked buying such a drama.

It was now foreseeable that the drama's price would rise sharply.

After all, those who stayed were all here because of its quality.

And Cheng Chen had introduced anonymous bidding—each station, fearing rivals would snatch the drama, would surely push their bids to the limit.

One misstep on their part could mean losing out, missing "Wulin Waizhuan" entirely.

"Uncle, if we buy this drama, won't we finally have a chance to get the secondary broadcasting rights for 'Langya Bang' that the station has long wanted?

And we could also establish a partnership with Cheng Chen—his popularity and talent are obvious to all.

If he can make one 'Wulin Waizhuan,' can't he make a second one?"

Xu Qiming suggested from beside him.

Xu Min lit a cigarette, the red ember flickering in the wind, just like his thoughts…

"Done!"

…