Age of Legends

Chapter 340 Feeling like a world away
Whether Zhang Chen believes what she said today or not, it was indeed a statement she made with great courage.

She held the teacup in her hands, finished the last sip, and reverted to the slightly naive Zhuang Yanyue. Only now, deep in her eyes, there was an unwavering, resolute determination.

"So, I'm not leaving."

On the last weekend of June, "Seven Days' Promise" aired its final episode. From the initial test in the first episode, to the explosive word-of-mouth in the third and fourth episodes, and the steady rise in the fifth and sixth episodes, the entire program has accumulated extremely high expectations in Fuzhou and even across the country.

Many viewers tuned in to watch the show on TV; it's truly unique for a self-produced variety show to reach this level. Even nightclubs, student dormitories, and beer stalls that used to be used for watching sports games all tuned their TVs to this channel, spontaneously organizing this "binge-watching" session.

This night was not just the end of the show, but also a collective confession of youth.

This was the final date they planned, and Yang Xiaole and Chen Xingrui spent a day together that was both funny and romantically heartwarming. Many people were actually watching this couple's date; it was a bit like a dating simulation game, watching the two characters end up together and smiling like doting aunts the whole time.

The two had a perfect day, from dating at a coffee shop to going to the zoo and the amusement park, until at dinner, Chen Xingrui pulled out a homemade miniature tape recorder.

He said he recorded all of Yang Xiaole's laughter today, and that Yang Xiaole would listen to it when he encountered something sad in the future, and that he would surely rediscover his love for life through that sunny laughter.

"Some people exist just like that, so that you don't encounter them and feel conflicted, but rather have a reason to love life even more."

Looking at Chen Xingrui, who was sitting earnestly by the candlelight, Yang Xiaole was completely stunned. Her eyes suddenly welled up with tears, and then she couldn't help but laugh out loud. As she laughed, tears streamed down her face again. Finally, she couldn't help but step forward and hug him. Chen Xingrui patted her back reassuringly. After sniffling for a while, she hit his shoulder a few times, saying, "You're a pervert! You treasure my laughter like it's a precious gem! You're a pervert!"

Chen Xingrui said, "That day when we went to the planetarium, I forgot to tell you that every star in the sky has its own frequency. The seemingly silent universe is actually full of signals from celestial bodies interacting with each other using their own frequencies, which is why we see those stars blinking. As for me, the only signal I receive is the one I hear you laughing."

This statement quickly became a classic quote. Many viewers applauded, exclaiming, "Heart Signal! It hits the nail on the head!"

"Good heavens, it turns out that this piece of wood is the most skilled at sweet talk in the entire season!"

Meanwhile, in Jingrui's group, Ma Hongrui, unusually free-spirited, accompanied Yang Jing to photograph flowers and birds in the park, to paint and sketch, and to spend slow-paced time together—times he would rarely do alone before.

Yang Jing could tell that this domineering entrepreneurial CEO had suppressed his personality and was accommodating towards her.

As the two walked side by side in the park, Yang Jing confessed: "After I finish my current work, I plan to go to the Northwest for a field trip. I may not be able to start a stable relationship right away."

This isn't a lie. The Three Kingdoms strategy art team at Wanxiang Jianghu is nearing completion, and Yang Jing did indeed go to the Northwest for a few months of museum research and study afterward. Although she is now a member of Wanxiang Jianghu, her vacation after the project is completed is guaranteed, and it's paid leave for further study. Zhang Chen has long planned to keep such a talented creator like her at Wanxiang Jianghu to be responsible for subsequent design and development.

Ma Hongrui displayed a maturity and composure hidden within his personality, nodding and saying, "I understand. I also know you have a travel column in the magazine, I'll keep an eye on it, and we can exchange emails. I'll definitely be the first to check back and give you feedback on your travelogues. I hope we'll have the opportunity to collaborate on future projects."

Yang Jing noticed that he used the word "still," which was quite subtle. So she gave him a meaningful look and nodded.

"Okay."

At the end of the final episode, Yang Jing, wearing jeans and carrying a backpack, turns around at the airport security checkpoint. Ma Hongrui, dressed in a suit and tie, stands in the distance, raises his Nokia camera as if taking a picture of something, then waves to her and gives her a thumbs up.

Yang Jing stood in his direction for a while, then gripped the strap of her bag tightly, her eyes resolute, and turned to walk into the security checkpoint.

"The Seven-Day Promise" has come to an end. However, the viewership surge it generated was considerable. According to CSM Media Research's ratings report, the ratings for the first few episodes steadily increased from around 1.5 to 2.5, building positive word-of-mouth. The final episode then reached a peak of 2.8, a testament to the power of accumulated strength. In Fuzhou, the viewership coverage was even wider and more extensive.

Many posts appeared in the entertainment sections of various forums, some of which were real-time discussions and comments about the plot.

"Who understands! Chen Xingrui was called a pervert for playing the recording, and my mom said I was laughing like an idiot. My dad said he wasn't this corny when he was pursuing your mom when he was young!"

"Frequency theory, frequency theory! I've learned it, I'll use this to confess my love from now on!"

"Although Jingrui and her partner didn't end up together, the respect and dignity shown by adults is far more valuable than any melodramatic scene!"

"Ma Hongrui mentioned a project that might be a collaboration opportunity. When have he and Yang Jing ever collaborated on a project? Could it be something like this? That guy's cunning; he's using a double entendre!"

The show's popularity is relatively high in first-tier cities, and is gradually catching up in second- and third-tier cities, remaining relatively stable.

The impact of "Seven Days' Promise" is clearly stronger on campuses and among young people.

Student dormitories, parks, cafes, bars—these are the places where discussions take place, with guests interacting, making dates, and sharing their inner thoughts. This is the effect of reality TV. Later, there were even live reality shows where two guests would simply be doing their own crafts in front of the camera, and the audience would still be endlessly discussing their mental state.

Meanwhile, the number of visitors to the Fuzhou planetarium, parks, and amusement parks visited by the show's guests suddenly surged, which is a typical example of the show's influence taking hold in reality.

Compared to these, the positive effect of "Seven Days' Promise" is actually very high within the television industry.

The program prompted advertisers to start paying attention to the potential of locally produced variety shows, especially the emergence of reality shows.

In this era, there is no unified phenomenon like trending topics, but various BBS forums reflect reputation to some extent.

The common ground for discussion among families, couples, and students is still love, friendship, youth, and growth.

Industry insiders have also commented that it's rare to find a self-produced variety show that has quality and a compelling story, rather than simply relying on hype and gimmicks. Looking at the production company, it's clear that many in the industry have a feeling this production company from Rongcheng is about to become highly sought after, whether by those imitating them, seeking their advice, or by content and advertising providers.

Jiang Rong's team was caught off guard by the surge in buzz and online traffic. Various brands contacted her through her channels to inquire about the studio's next program plans and future arrangements, while some brands began seeking future product placement and collaboration opportunities.

The provincial TV station also regarded this as a political achievement and publicized it extensively. Jiang Rong even had to travel to the provincial TV station to give reports and cooperate with the leaders' research.

I've also received word that many people in the industry are inquiring about her as the trader.

The good news about the ratings left her feeling somewhat surreal as she looked at the final score of 2.8. This number certainly wasn't exceptionally high, but it was enough to approach the top-rated shows nationwide.

It's fair to say that the nation's strongest provincial television stations and programs have now seen this program, which emerged from the mountains of their own province, approaching their feet. Although it ultimately didn't reach their heads but stopped at their waists, it was enough to make these giants take notice.

Only Jiang Rong knew that the domestic industry had taken notice of their reality show and of her as the mastermind behind it all. But the real planner was about to take the college entrance exam. It was this high school student who was able to stir up the audience's emotions in a short time, causing a nationwide discussion about the domestically produced program, triggering such a chain reaction, and even leaving a real mark on the growth of Chinese reality shows.

What kind of ability is this?
When he takes over the future, how will he stir up the tides of history?
　Thanks to Simon12345, Jingxinmengpiaokuang, Yuyuyuyuyu, Book Friend 20250910224621714, Dachuiquantangyoujia, and Dihuo for their generous donations.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)