I really don't want to be the top streamer anymore

The popularity of "Hanzawa Naoki" overseas has indeed far exceeded many people's expectations.

Most people believe that Feng Ge's so-called expansion into overseas markets was just a casual remark.

In reality, it's just a tactic of exporting to the domestic market.

After all, this drama has been promoted and distributed quite vigorously in China.

Even iQiyi (the company behind iQiyi) has shown great interest in this drama.

If it's truly a drama made specifically for the Japanese market, then it's highly likely that the domestic version will just be an add-on.

Although "Hanzawa Naoki" didn't become a huge hit, its popularity and viewership are already quite high.

To everyone's surprise, just one day later, the premiere data for "Hanzawa Naoki" in Japan had already been sent back.

……

"What? The premiere viewership broke records?"

"real or fake?"

When Qin Xian heard the news, he was visibly taken aback.

He actually hoped that "Hanzawa Naoki" could replicate the popularity of "Squid Game".

But upon closer reflection, it is indeed quite unlikely.

The success of "Squid Game" is not only due to the advantages of its subject matter, but also certainly has an element of luck.

This includes Xu Bai's series of choices back then.

Everything seemed to be just right.

Such situations don't always guarantee success.

……

But as it turned out, Qin Xian's idea was wrong.

The current popularity of "Hanzawa Naoki" is indeed somewhat unexpected.

"Not only did it break viewership records."

"Even on various forums in Japan, the level of discussion about this show is alarmingly high."

Qin Xian was somewhat surprised by what the marketing manager said.

Seeing Qin Xian's behavior, the manager couldn't help but speak up and express his opinion.

"Mr. Qin, you may not be aware of this."

"The workplace culture in Japan is indeed a bit outrageous."

"In addition, the story is set in their country, so the sense of immersion is definitely incomparable to that of domestic audiences."

"Most importantly, Feng Ge's new drama, in terms of style and filming, is completely in the style of a Japanese drama."

……

Qin Xian was taken aback.

Only then did he finally realize it completely.

It turns out that Feng Ge's expectations for the drama "Hanzawa Naoki" were indeed aimed at expanding into overseas markets.

So, the immense popularity it generated in Japan seems somewhat unbelievable to them.

Perhaps for Feng Ge, and especially for Xu Kong, everything was within expectations.

As for the domestic situation, judging from Feng Ge's attitude, she really doesn't seem to care much.

Because it wasn't primarily targeted at the domestic market and audience.

……

"Isn't Xu Kong a bit too monstrous...?"

None of this is anything difficult to explain or understand.

But for those who have been working in the film and television industry for so many years, they know how difficult it is to actually implement the idea of ​​expanding into overseas markets, which is often mentioned by some companies.

"I see……"

Qin Xian nodded.

Clearly, they had already seen through Xu Kong's ambition.

However, it's still impossible to accurately predict the extent to which Xu Kong will be able to achieve this.

For example, this time, it's clear that Xu Kong has the idea of ​​expanding into overseas markets.

It certainly wasn't something that came to mind on a whim.

This film, "Hanzawa Naoki," should reveal that his understanding of the Japanese film and television market may far exceed many people's imagination.

……

"Don't just sit idle, communicate with the publicity department."

"Could you share some related news and reports, especially about the performance and success of 'Hanzawa Naoki' in Japan?"

Qin Xian spoke up.

The manager was also taken aback for a moment, but quickly understood Qin Xian's idea.

"Understood, Mr. Qin, I'll go right away!"

Qin Xian is certainly not satisfied with the current performance of "Hanzawa Naoki".

Since this show has already become a hit overseas, we should try to boost the domestic market; the results should be quite good.

……

Not long after, news of "Hanzawa Naoki" becoming a hit in Japan quickly spread back to China.

"Hanzawa Naoki's premiere episode achieved a viewership rating of over 10, breaking the viewership record for Japanese dramas in the past decade!"

"A huge hit in Japan! Feng Ge's new drama has successfully opened up the overseas market!"

"The ultimate workplace drama! This show has captivated millions of viewers in Japan!"

"How exactly did Xu Kong manage to do it? Following 'Squid Game,' the Japanese market has also fallen!"

A series of exclamation marks, though they were all from marketing accounts trying to capitalize on the trending topic.

But it must be said that the effect is indeed very good.

Netizens also joined the discussion.

"Really? I can't stand this workplace drama, is it really that good?"

"I watched it, and it was really good. It's mainly about workplace revenge, which was quite enjoyable to watch."

"The pacing is amazing. Although it's not possible to fully immerse yourself in the Japanese workplace culture, there are many parts that are very relatable, especially the battle of wits between the protagonist and his boss."

"Actually, this drama has a large audience, but it's just that its popularity isn't as high as some of Xu Kong's previous dramas."

"I'll go take a look. I wasn't interested in it before because I heard it was a workplace drama."

……

Three days after its broadcast, "Hanzawa Naoki" once again became a trending topic due to its immense popularity in Japan.

As discussion surged, so did the data.

"President Qin, today's viewership has surpassed the premiere's!"

Upon hearing this news, Qin Xian couldn't help but clench his fist tightly.

That was the right move!

This show was already quite popular to begin with.

It just means it didn't reach the level of a blockbuster.

This time, thanks to its explosive popularity in Japan, the hype has indeed attracted even more viewers.

The most obvious feedback is the growth in data.

……

In the week following the broadcast of "Hanzawa Naoki", it did not suddenly become a hit.

But the data continues to grow at a remarkably rapid pace.

Moreover, there are online discussions about the plot, as well as many film and television bloggers actively recommending it.

This caused the show's popularity to gradually rise.

With few strong competitors at the same time, "Hanzawa Naoki" started to have a strong start and a wildly successful run.

"What?"

"It's already surpassed one billion views in a week?"

Tu Qiao'er, from Tudou Video, has actually been observing various data related to "Hanzawa Naoki" during this period.

In fact, Tu Qiao'er even felt that the data from the start of the broadcast was almost entirely due to Xu Kong's own popularity.

It's quite an achievement for a workplace drama to reach this level of viewership.

But who knew that the plot would take such a turn?

……

The fire in Japan and the related news reports have significantly increased its exposure.

Most importantly, the series started with a score of 9, and although it has now dropped to 8.8, in terms of word-of-mouth, there are almost no negative reviews.

Although it's not uncommon for companies to succeed through word of mouth in this industry.

But putting this in the context of a drama whose premiere ratings weren't bad feels a bit odd.

Tu Qiao'er was certainly aware of Xu Kong's abilities.

But deep down, I was still somewhat unwilling to admit that my judgment was wrong.

Is Xu Kong really that special that even a workplace drama can break the rules of the entire domestic market under his control?
Isn’t this a bit too outrageous?

……

Tu Qiao'er wasn't the only one with the same idea. Her colleagues in the industry watched as the popularity of "Hanzawa Naoki" soared, even achieving a commanding lead in viewership on Hunan TV, despite not being in prime time.

It's not just a workplace drama, it's a workplace drama whose main purpose is to expand into overseas markets.

In other words, Xu Kong and Feng Ge did not have high hopes for the domestic market.

It still went viral, so who can I reason with?
People's fear of Xu Kong continues to grow.

I initially thought that although the show performed well in terms of data, it wouldn't be considered a blockbuster.

But now it seems that it was indeed too early to be happy.

Even if there's a mishap, it still gives our colleagues some hope.

But such a record instilled a sense of invincibility and fear in the entire industry towards Xu Kong.

……

As for the most desperate party, it must be their old enemy, Changyun Film and Television.

To be honest, Changyun Film and Television has not had a very pleasant year so far.

Apart from the small profit made from the movie released during the Spring Festival.

Almost all other film and television projects were unprofitable, and most of them were large-scale losses.

More importantly, although Changyun Film & Television is currently experiencing a slight cash flow shortage, it has ample resources and talent reserves.

Making money isn't too difficult.

Even if you just hand it over to any manager, you can guarantee a corresponding profit.

But the most outrageous thing is that they have been completely targeted by Feng Ge's side!

Their projects always clashed with Feng Ge's schedule, even though Feng Ge never offered an explanation.

But anyone with eyes can see what the real intention is.

Now, even if they produce a new drama, no platform is willing to cooperate with them.

……

"President Zhu, more than ten artists have voluntarily terminated their contracts with us this month."

"The ones leading them are Du Qingyou and Yan Ling..."

Lu Hanwen walked in, took out a list, and placed it on Zhu Changyun's desk.

Clearly, this is not the first time the same situation has occurred.

Du Qingyou and Yan Ling are both top-tier actresses, and they had considerable popularity and buzz when they were in Feng Ge.

She is a top-tier actor who is currently very popular.

However, after joining Changyun Film and Television, it wasn't entirely without development.

However, the feedback they received was almost always from film crews outside the company.

Therefore, under such circumstances, choosing to terminate the contract with Changyun Film and Television is actually normal.

After all, the company didn't bring any benefits to the artists; in fact, it was a hindrance.

And they also want to split the profits with you from every film they make.

No one could accept this.

……

"Have you already tried to persuade them to stay?"

Zhu Changyun felt somewhat exhausted.

He was quite angry when artists first chose to terminate their contracts.

But now, as more and more people leave, things have calmed down.

Given the current situation, he really had no reason to keep these people around.

He also knew that many people who chose to believe in him and followed him to Changyun Film and Television were grateful.

They're probably talking behind my back now.

"We've communicated with them, but their attitudes are very firm."

Lu Hanwen answered.

At the same time, I couldn't help but add in my mind.

Even if they have to pay the penalty for breach of contract, they still don't want to stay at Changyun Film and Television. Isn't that a firm enough stance?

……

Moreover, Lu Hanwen is well aware that Changyun Film and Television is currently unable to retain most of its artists.

Originally, everyone had run away from Fengge.

Many people are seeking better development.

But in the end, he did not get what he wanted from Changyun Film and Television.

Therefore, it is entirely understandable that they ultimately displayed such an attitude.

Let's part ways amicably.

"Don't make things difficult for them..."

Zhu Changyun sighed, and finally spoke.

Lu Hanwen agreed.

Zhu Changyun hasn't completely lost his mind.

In fact, including himself, he had gradually become disappointed with Zhu Changyun.

For Changyun Film & Television, apart from a small number of people, there are actually many employees of the company, including its artists.

I've already given up hope.

……

Meanwhile, the outside world was in an uproar over the drama "Hanzawa Naoki".

However, it did not have much impact on Xu Kong himself.

Filming for Chinese Paladin 2 is still ongoing.

For him personally, the filming of this drama was not a deliberate pursuit of speed, and the pace was even deliberately slowed down.

I mainly spend time with Youyou and Shang Yuxin.

Although it was called a filming session, it actually felt more like a vacation.

He would sneak into Youyou's room at night or go to Shang Lvcha's place from time to time.

If we get up late, we might as well skip filming in the morning and let the crew rest.

Even Xu Kong himself felt that he was being a little too relaxed.

But after thinking about it, I realized that I only chose to film Chinese Paladin 2 in order to take a break.

If the shooting is rushed, it's not really necessary.

……

"Director Xu, get up! We're about to start filming!"

Shang Yuxin looked at Xu Kong lying next to her and couldn't help but remind him.

In fact, she is quite timid.

The main reason was that Xu Kong would sneak into her room at night.

If it were someone like Su Zhi, she wouldn't need to worry too much.

But it was Song Youyou who stayed with the crew.

She was still a little worried about being discovered.

……

"Snapped!"

Xu Kong casually took a picture.

Red marks appeared on the smooth, round surface.

This also startled Shang Lvcha.

"Director Xu, wait a minute..."

Although I do morning exercises quite often.

But Shang Yuxin still felt a little nervous.

I'm afraid someone might come looking for me later.

But the more it's like this, the more exciting it becomes.

I have to say, ever since I started messing around in Xu Kong's office, I feel like my body is becoming less and less like my own.

……

Unsurprisingly, I took another break in the morning.

Of course, the production crew has gotten used to it.

The atmosphere actually became more relaxed.

After all, the intensity of the shooting is on a completely different level compared to before.

Of course, even so, this is due to the high efficiency of filming.

The filming of Chinese Paladin 2 has only been going on for a little over a month, and it's already nearing its end.

Even at the current pace of taking breaks from time to time, it's estimated that filming will be completely wrapped up in about half a month.

...(End of chapter)