Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 174 Interview
At 9 a.m. on January 2, the studio of Beiping Television was brightly lit and the atmosphere was lively.

A female host, with impeccable makeup and an elegant demeanor, wearing a black dress, stood calmly and confidently in front of the camera, microphone in hand, speaking eloquently:

"I am your host, Li Yajing. It is a great honor to meet you all here again. Welcome to watch our 'Beiping Interviews' on time."

In this episode, we've invited the director and lead actors of the highly anticipated TV series "Hello, Old Times" to share behind-the-scenes stories and filming experiences.

He then turned his gaze to the passageway on one side of the studio, a sincere smile spreading across his face:
"Next, let's give a warm round of applause to director Ma Xin, lead actress Liu Shishi, and Jia Nailiang to welcome them to our show!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Ma Xin, who had been waiting backstage for a long time, led the male and female lead into the studio, and the audience below the stage immediately burst into enthusiastic applause.

A small portion of these audience members were carefully selected by the production team, while the majority were die-hard fans of the Zhenhua Trilogy who specifically signed up for this interview to express their support for "Hello, Old Times".

The host led the guests to their carefully arranged seats in the center of the hall and said with a warm smile, "Welcome to the three of you. Please have a seat."

Ma Xin, dressed in a brown-gray jacket, appeared composed and easygoing. He smiled, nodded, and naturally sat down on a sofa chair.

He has been in the industry for several years and has done dozens of interviews, both big and small. He is very familiar with this kind of interview and feels no pressure at all.

Standing next to him, Jia Nailiang was dressed in a black suit with an elegant bow tie, showing that he took the appearance on the show very seriously and wanted to show his best side to the audience.

Liu Shishi wore a simple white dress adorned with red patterns, exuding vitality and style. Her smooth, glossy long hair cascaded gracefully over her shoulders, giving her a fresh and natural aura, like a blooming lily.

Liu Shishi and Jia Nailiang sat together on the bench in the middle, and then the host Li Yajing sat opposite the director, and the interview officially began.

"Director Ma, as the final installment of the Zhenhua Trilogy, do you think 'Hello, Old Times' can surpass the previous two in terms of success?"

Li Yajing used a bait-and-switch tactic, subtly hinting at her intention to extract more information.

The station has already given her instructions, hoping that today's interview can uncover more exciting moments from the production team to promote "Hello, Old Times" which airs tonight.

The first two installments of the Zhenhua series were also broadcast on Beiping Satellite TV. The TV station had high hopes for the third installment, selecting it as the opening drama of the year, and naturally hoped that more hot topics would support the attention of this TV series.

Ma Xin held the microphone, leaned slightly back in his chair, and wore a confident smile.

"It's expected that the show will perform better, after all, the first two installments have already established the Zhenhua series' reputation and accumulated a certain number of loyal viewers. I believe that 'Hello, Old Times' will definitely be loved by the audience."

The young director is full of vigor and ambition. It is no exaggeration to say that since receiving training from Tengda Culture, his career has taken off like a rocket, advancing rapidly. He is the most successful among the new generation of directors.

While his classmates were still struggling in film crews, he was already able to independently direct a TV series broadcast on satellite channels. The difference was enormous.

Upon hearing this, the host smiled slightly. Talk shows need guests who dare to speak their minds in order to attract viewers.

If you encounter a cunning old fox who speaks flawlessly, never falls into a trap, and always leaves room for maneuver, then it's truly pointless.

Unable to get any useful information from the director, Li Jingya then steered the conversation toward the two lead actors.

"Director Ma, what do you think of the performances of the two young actors in this drama?"

Ma Xin turned his gaze to the male and female leads and nodded slightly: "Shishi and A Liang are both very hardworking actors. They performed excellently in the drama, and I am very satisfied."

He was speaking from the heart; he wasn't trying to put on a show or say nice things because he was on a TV program.

Although the male lead, Jia Nailiang, is usually glib and acts like a rich kid, he is very serious when filming. He is a graduate of the Beijing Film Academy, has a solid foundation, and his acting skills are quite good.

As for Liu Shishi, she is beyond reproach. Although she is the boss's wife, she is not spoiled or willful. When acting, she is honest, diligent, and her performance is commendable.

After warming up the audience, Li Yajing, seeing that the time was right, turned her attention to the two lead actors.

With a barely perceptible smirk, he asked, "What differences do you two find between each other on and off screen, or are there any striking contrasts in your images or personalities?"

Jia Nailiang glanced at Liu Shishi, and seeing that she didn't intend to speak first, he hesitated for a moment before speaking first: "Shishi gives me a good feeling both on and off screen, there's no obvious difference."

Because she herself is quiet and reserved, and her image and temperament fit the role of a school beauty, it can be said that the role and she are a perfect match.

After speaking, he looked at Liu Shishi with a hint of curiosity in his eyes, wanting to hear how she would evaluate him.

"So, Shishi, what are your impressions of Jia Nailiang himself and the character Lin Yang?"

Liu Shishi sat gracefully, a reserved smile on her face, and slowly said, "I think there is still a big gap."

The host's eyes lit up, eagerly anticipating what interesting viewpoints Liu Shishi would offer, as contrasting topics are often what capture the audience's interest.

Jia Nailiang and Ma Xin also focused their attention on the female lead, feeling that Liu Shishi was making a fuss over nothing. At this point, it would be enough to simply praise her and give her a perfunctory response; there was no need to express any unconventional ideas.

"Song Ci, the author of the Zhenhua series, once said that you might meet Yu Huai or Sheng Huainan, but you could never meet Lin Yang because he is too good."

Yu Huai will run away, Sheng Huainan will hesitate, only Lin Yang is a die-hard Yu Zhouzhou believer. Nai Liang's portrayal of Lin Yang is an artistic interpretation; there are differences between real people and their artistic portrayals.

Liu Shishi murmured softly, her words seemingly filled with reminiscence, sighs, and a hint of relief.

She felt happier than Yu Zhouzhou, having met someone who was equally willing to devote himself to her. For her, only Song Ci was the real Lin Yang.

Li Yajing was slightly stunned. Liu Shishi's words were like a key, opening the floodgates of memory and making her recall the innocent days of her school days, and how she had once fantasized about meeting someone like Lin Yang who was willing to give everything.

However, she quickly came to her senses. As an experienced host, she clearly knew what the audience wanted to hear most.

Skillfully taking over the topic, naturally steer the conversation towards Song Dynasty poetry; that screenwriter's popularity and fame far surpass those of the guests in front of them.

"Is this very evocative passage really from a Song Dynasty poem?"

Liu Shishi smiled and nodded: "It's true!"

Seeing that Ma Xin and Jia Nailiang also looked interested, Li Yajing asked with a hint of inquiry and curiosity:
"It seems that Director Ma and the male lead are unaware of this. Shishi, did Song Ci say this to you alone?" "Yes!" Liu Shishi nodded again, smiling sweetly and admitting it gracefully.

"Oh! Oh! Oh!"

The audience immediately started to cheer and make funny noises. The fact that the two could privately discuss topics like youth and love clearly indicated that their relationship was not ordinary. Who wouldn't want to hear gossip about the female lead and the rich screenwriter? Who could refuse!

The host lived up to expectations, expressing the audience's sentiments: "You have a good relationship with Song Dynasty poetry?"

Liu Shishi revealed a little information, half-truthfully: "I have known Song Ci for a long time. I am a die-hard fan of his books and also the moderator of Song Ci's online forum."

We occasionally keep in touch on QQ. He was the one who introduced me to the lead role in "Hello, Old Times," and I was later fortunate enough to be chosen by Director Ma.

Ma Xin stood by helplessly. Others might not know the truth, but he certainly did. The female lead was subtly showing off her affection, directing and acting all by herself, while he had to play a supporting role.

He cleared his throat, then loudly echoed, offering a few words of praise: "At the time, I felt that Shishi had an excellent image and temperament, and playing a school beauty would be a natural fit for her."

"There's another interesting story like this!" Li Yajing nodded in satisfaction. Isn't this even more interesting than the TV series itself?

He pressed on, "Shishi, you've had contact with Song Ci. What kind of person do you think he is?"

Without hesitation, Liu Shishi firmly replied, "Very handsome!"

Li Yajing couldn't help but smile; the young nobleman's good looks were universally acknowledged online. The audience below the stage also burst into laughter, clearly not surprised by the answer.

"What about other aspects?"

Liu Shishi pondered for a moment, wondering what kind of person her Mr. Song really was! She thought to herself, then slowly spoke:
"How should I put it? I feel that he is a romantic at heart, yearning for the purest and most beautiful love! So although there are twists and turns in the Zhenhua Trilogy, they all have a happy ending."

She understood everything. Given Song Ci's looks, wealth, and status, the fact that he stayed with her alone was undoubtedly because they were childhood sweethearts and he was deeply in love with her. However, he was also an extremely pure person at heart.

Amidst her flurry of thoughts, Liu Shishi paused briefly before continuing:

"By the way, I have some good news to share with you all in advance. The fourth book in the Zhenhua series, Song Ci, is currently being written. The book is titled 'So Many Years' and is expected to be released in April."

This book maintains its consistent style, telling the story of Li Ran waiting for Chen Jianxia at the end of the road ten years after their separation.

With this chapter finished, the story of Zhenhua High School will come to an end. So, thank you, Mr. Song, for giving us, who have beautiful fantasies about youth and love, a perfect ending.

The news caused an uproar in the audience. Everyone thought the Zhenhua series had ended, but they never expected there would be a fourth installment. It was a pleasant surprise for book fans and drama fans.

Li Yajing was delighted to hear this. The exclusive news from Liu Shishi could attract enough attention to this episode and also promote "Hello, Old Times" at the same time. It was a win-win situation.

"The two actresses, Yu Zhouzhou and Lin Yue, become a couple in the drama. What are your requirements or expectations for your other half in real life?"

Li Jingya's question is very pointed. Celebrity romances are generally a very sensitive topic, and a poor answer can easily lead to negative consequences.

Jia Nailiang answered first: "It depends on fate. First of all, our personalities must be compatible. As for the rest, it depends on how well we get along."

The host stared at Liu Shishi again after her standard answer, secretly hoping she could surprise him once more.

Liu Shishi bluntly stated, "I hope to find someone like Mr. Song!"

Upon hearing this, the audience erupted in cheers and commotion. Everyone was moved by Liu Shishi's frankness and applauded her courage in openly expressing her appreciation for Song Dynasty poetry.

Li Jingya thought to herself, "My best friend, you're awesome!"
"Shishi, your standards are a bit high. Everyone knows Song Ci's qualities; his looks, talent, and wealth are all top-notch! But since Song Ci is your ideal type, did you express any interest in him when you met him before?"

Liu Shishi sighed, seemingly with great regret, and said in a pretentious manner, "Mr. Song has a well-educated, gentle and beautiful childhood sweetheart. Their love is stronger than gold, and no one else can interfere."

Another bombshell announcement! The host and audience were thrilled, saying they were thrilled to have gotten so many juicy stories about billionaires today.

Director Ma Xin rolled his eyes. Liu Shishi was just praising her own wares. After the audition for "First Love," he and Teng Huatao already knew about Liu Shishi's relationship with the chairman. The childhood sweetheart she just mentioned was herself.

If their relationship is ever exposed, they're doomed!
The cameraman in the distance didn't know why Ma Xin made that expression, but he faithfully recorded the scene because he instinctively felt that there must be an untold story behind Ma Xin's eye-rolling.

The host, Li Yajing, then engaged in further conversations with the three individuals, discussing several topics before the interview drew to a close.

Time passed quietly amidst conversations and laughter, and after about three hours, the recording was successfully completed.

The abundant footage will be carefully edited and ultimately condensed into an hour and a half of exciting content, which will be presented to a wide audience on their screens.

Backstage at the recording, the atmosphere was peaceful, as Tengda Culture and Beiping TV have always had a close partnership. Ma Xin and his two companions bid farewell to the TV station's program crew.

Before leaving, Li Yajing sincerely said, "Thank you for your hard work today, Director Ma and the two teachers. Your wonderful performances added a lot to this interview."

Ma Xin quickly responded politely, "Teacher Li, you're too kind. Recording a program is a process of mutual learning and improvement. We and the production team are also helping and supporting each other."

"Teacher Li, can you tell me when this interview will air?" Liu Shishi inquired, as her fans were eagerly awaiting the show.

Li Yajing smiled gently and said, "Because it's to coincide with the broadcast of 'Hello, Old Times,' this episode will be broadcast on the weekend of the 6th. If you're interested, the three of you can watch yourselves on TV."

After a pleasant exchange, everyone shook hands and said goodbye. The three members of the crew took the elevator to the parking lot.

As soon as they entered the elevator, seeing no one from the TV station, Ma Xin couldn't wait to ask, "Shishi, is President Song really working on the fourth installment of Zhenhua?"

"Really? It's already halfway done!"

Ma Xin nodded thoughtfully. He was not qualified enough to direct a feature film on his own, so he could only continue to make TV series to gain experience. The Zhenhua series, which had a good viewership, was undoubtedly the best choice to accumulate experience and improve his reputation.

He wanted to ask Liu Shishi to act as a matchmaker, but seeing that Jia Nailiang was an outsider, he held back. He and Liu Shishi were going back to the "First Love" film crew tomorrow, so they had plenty of time to plan and strategize.

(End of this chapter)