Chapter 334: Ceremony Night: Women Compete for Favor, Fan Xiaopang Dominates the Scene

At 7:30 p.m., the Weibo Night ceremony officially began.

This time was chosen primarily to accommodate the satellite TV channels broadcasting Weibo Night, as at 7 p.m., all major satellite channels must air the News Broadcast.

Thus, in this era, any ceremony broadcast live on satellite TV always starts at 7:30 p.m.

However, although the formal ceremony began at 7:30 p.m., the red carpet, backstage interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage had already been heavily released on Weibo and Tudou since the afternoon.

By the time of the live broadcast, over a dozen related topics had trended on Weibo.

Nowadays, Weibo still primarily relies on its client app, with users under a hundred million; though efficient, it still lags behind the mobile era.

Moreover, the trending list had only just been launched, with resources and attention still concentrated, and trending topics had a certain duration of heat retention; to enhance the value and influence of the trending list, Weibo tended to keep trending topics longer to boost Redu .

Thus, at this stage, the information turnover rate on the trending list was not fast.

Updates occurred hourly; ordinary trending topics, barring special circumstances, could remain on the list for half a day or even a full day, and somewhat popular ones often stayed for two or three days.

Especially hot topics, along with their related ones, sometimes remained on the list for over a week, though their rankings varied.

This was quite ideal, perfectly matching the current internet rhythm.

Internet users were growing gradually; before the 3G era arrived, giving them 5G or 6G pacing would overwhelm many.

At the same time, this approach greatly elevated the status and power of the trending list.

Making it onto Weibo’s trending list was equivalent to a massive advertisement; while not guaranteeing nationwide awareness, it could significantly boost fame on this platform.

Already, many had tasted the benefits; as Weibo further developed, many would come to regard appearing on the trending list as an honor.

When that point arrived, the trending list could offer far more possibilities.

Not to mention anything else—whether a topic trended, and which one—these two points alone could control most entertainers in the industry.

Returning to Weibo Night, under the current trending mechanism, with over a dozen topics already trending before the ceremony even began, the popularity was evident.

Considering Weibo’s loyal users, celebrity fans, gossip netizens, Tudou viewers, and satellite TV audiences, the number of people currently watching Weibo Night numbered in the tens of millions.

This scale couldn’t compare to CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala, but it was more than enough to surpass ordinary satellite New Year’s Eve galas.

Compared to other internet celebrations, which at this time leaned heavily online and were small-scale, it was overwhelmingly dominant.

At least, other internet company bosses watching Weibo Night were stunned by its scale and spectacle, while simultaneously cursing Yan Li for cheating.

Weibo Night was called an internet grand ceremony, but in reality, apart from Weibo itself, it was an entertainment feast orchestrated by Yan Li through his connections.

One hand held the most popular internet social platform; the other held half the entertainment industry—who could possibly compete?

Indeed, no one could compete!

Yan Li sat calmly in the center seat of the first row, watching the six hosts on stage.

Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, He Dan, Li Xiang, Liu Yiwei, Chunni

CCTV’s top male host contender, top female host contender, most famous entertainment host, former Hunan TV top female host, renowned host, Beijing TV top female host

This was the exact hosting lineup for the Spring Festival Gala or national events; the stars seated below, from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the mainland, glittered brilliantly.

Stars from Yi’an, Huayi, Chengtian, Haiyun… four of the Four Dan and Two Bing had arrived; all four top male stars were present; over a dozen popular artists from Hong Kong and Taiwan showed up—those not famous enough didn’t even get invited.

Coupled with several Weibo executives, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and special figures in the first row, many so-called top-tier stars were squeezed into the third row.

Someone like Yang Mi, not famous enough and dragging a child along, barely managed to sit in the fourth row, riding on Yi’an’s coattails.

At this seat, unless you stepped on stage or had special circumstances, the camera rarely caught you; the fifth and sixth rows were purely for filling seats, mostly just posting a Weibo to show off.

From this perspective, today’s guest lineup for Weibo Night was slightly excessive.

Normally, three or four rows of guest seats would suffice: first and second rows for current stars, third and fourth for fame, with perhaps one extra row for filler—this offered high cost-effectiveness and ensured guests didn’t come in vain.

But since it was the first edition, lacking experience, Yan Li deliberately aimed for grandeur.

Waste it if you must—this was the luxury feeling he wanted: first establish the Weibo Night name, raise its ceiling, and crush competitors into despair.

After the opening, Weibo’s chairman and CEO, Yan Li, took the stage to deliver a speech.

For the first Weibo Night, it was necessary to reinforce Yan Li’s and Weibo’s presence; placing the speech at the end meant no one would watch, so it had to be delivered early.

Yan Li knew such segments weren’t popular, so his speech was brief, without lengthy rhetoric.

“Respected guests, dear Weibo users and television viewers, good evening…”

Dressed in a tailored suit, Yan Li stood tall on stage, delivering his speech with vigor, drawing the entire audience’s—and all eyes watching Weibo Night—focus entirely on him.

Today, as Weibo’s founder and the absolute center of the venue, Yan Li was surrounded by stars, glowing with glory.

A person’s charisma is influenced by many factors.

In today’s environment, Yan Li’s wealth, status, and reputation were on full display; every move radiated the charm of a successful man, drawing admiration, envy, or desire from the audience below.

In the third row, Hu Siyan stared fixedly at the stage, nudged Li Xiao, and whispered: “Tonight, figure out a way to lure him to the Palm Springs.”

Yan Li was fine with her, and with Li Xiao only going to places she trusted, Palm Springs Apartment was their long-term base.

Li Xiao’s eyes flickered: “How do we grab it?”

So many people were here today; she wasn’t even sure how many had ties to Yan Li—luring him to Palm Springs was difficult.

Hu Siyan thought for a moment, then clenched her teeth: “Figure it out—didn’t you have those costume suits from Christmas? Modify them.”

“That’s that wild?”

Li Xiao stared at Hu Siyan in surprise—this woman was crazy herself, and at critical moments, she was even more reckless.

“Just tell me—will you do it or not?”

“I’ll do it.”

Li Xiao glanced at Yan Li on stage, firm and decisive—this guy felt incredible today; just imagining certain scenes made her want to rush to the bathroom.

In the same third row, Wang Ou stared dreamily at the stage, pulled out her phone, and sent Bai Bing a text: “Wait for me at home.”

She thought again, then sent another message to Wu Jiani—too bad Yang Rong wasn’t here; otherwise, it would’ve been safer.

In the fourth row, Jiang Xin held her phone, restless; after thinking, she still sent the message.

Given today’s situation, she wasn’t favored and had no allies—her chances of snatching him were slim, but she had to try anyway—what if?

In the fifth row, Kim-jie, with Wen Yongshan and Baby, watched Yan Li on stage and couldn’t help sighing.

“Come to the mainland, and you realize how powerful Master Yan is.”

Qin Lan didn’t want to relive the Bloggate scandal, and considering she’d soon film “The Beauty’s Heart Strategy,” Yan Li hadn’t pressured her—he’d arranged for Kim to bring them here to ride the yacht scandal’s heat.

The effect was good: before the ceremony, one trending topic had already appeared, boosting Wen Yongshan’s followers significantly and attracting many gossip-seeking netizens.

This thrilled Kim; Wen Yongshan had some fame in Hong Kong, but everyone knew the real future lay in the mainland.

So Kim had long wanted to break into the mainland market, but it wasn’t easy.

Mainland entertainers were rising; the halo of Hong Kong and Taiwan stars kept fading; established stars were fine, but newcomers and minor actors truly struggled to compete with mainlanders.

Many Hong Kong and Taiwan minor actors confidently headed north, only to return home with dusty faces.

Occasional appearances and minor fame, followed by no follow-up resources, meant they soon vanished into obscurity.

Thanks to the yacht scandal, though unflattering, at least they now had a label the outside world could remember.

That was good enough—many stars from obscure backgrounds started precisely with such labels; otherwise, there wouldn’t be so many outrageous stunts or attempts to ride others’ fame.

“Kim-jie, do you think we should…”

Baby’s eyes gleamed, eager; Wen Yongshan glanced at Yan Li on stage, then looked toward Kim, hopeful.

The yacht scandal had exploded, their interests aligned, and there were two of them, so Kim understood their situation with Yan Li fairly well.

In her view, the opportunity was nearly nonexistent, but they could at least boost their visibility.

Yan Li probably still found them somewhat novel; otherwise, even with the yacht scandal’s utility, he wouldn’t have arranged for them to come.

Kim didn’t expect Wen Yongshan and Baby to permanently attach themselves to Yan Li or earn his favor—it was too difficult.

Even Xiong Dailin was unstable beside the King of K-pop; how much more so with Yan Li, who had countless women around him?

But taking advantage of Yan Li’s current favorable attitude, they should soak up as much light as possible—please him well, and even a drop leaking from his fingers would be enough for Baby and Wen to eat and drink their fill.

“Be good, and absolutely know your limits. Fine, I’ll help you two figure it out.”

Kim gave a few warnings, still uneasy, and decided to personally consult with them on how to send the text.

In the first row, Li Bing glanced at Fan Xiaopang, thought for a moment, then sent a text—not only sent it, but waved his phone defiantly when Fan Xiaopang looked over.

Whether I get him or not, I’ll still annoy you!

Fan Xiaopang snorted, crossed her legs, and gave a dismissive posture.

Whether it was everyone here today or someone at home watching TV, trying to snatch him—anyone who showed up today, Yan Li wouldn’t leave with anyone else.

Not only did she have absolute confidence in herself, but even if Yan Li were momentarily blinded, she could forcibly drag him back.

Her peach-shaped eyes flickered toward Yan Li on stage—this suit looked good; later, don’t you dare take it off… keep the top on.

“...Finally, I wish everyone a blessed and auspicious 2009, and hope tonight becomes another memorable moment in your 2008. Thank you all.”

On stage, Yan Li finished his final words, bowed, and stepped down; the hall erupted in thunderous applause.

The hosts took control, beginning the award and performance segments.

Back at his seat, Yan Li pulled out his phone—dense with messages; luckily, he was used to turning off sound and keeping only vibration during meetings.

Hmm, each and every one of them had gone all out.

Yan Li was surprised at how these women had all gone mad—more notably, some actresses who previously had no connection to him had openly extended olive branches.

This is Weibo Night, not a concubine selection night—can’t you be a little more reserved?

Yan Li sighed internally, then put down his phone and focused on the stage—the first award had already been given: [Person of the Year], awarded to Dayao.

This year had several major events—the Beijing Olympics couldn’t be ignored; but in terms of popularity, Liu Feiren’s controversy was even greater, though it carried a negative connotation.