The Entertainment Industry in Turmoil: Young Actresses All Want to Rise to the Top

Hours later, the public relations marketing campaign for "Legend of Lu Zhen" was fully launched.

Several meticulously crafted "in-depth drama reviews" and "industry observations" were completed at an astonishing speed and quickly distributed through their years of accumulated media channels.

[Looking at Female Narratives in Historical Dramas Through "Lu Zhen": Beyond Romance, Witnessing Growth]

[The Imperial Court and the Martial World: Workplace Wisdom and Survival Philosophy in "Legend of Lu Zhen"]

[Yu Zhengju's "Changes" and "Continuities": Upholding Historical Context and Innovating Female Expression]

……

The press releases were all sharply worded, praising "Legend of Lu Zhen" for "unusually focusing on women's wisdom in period dramas" and "realizing their self-worth".

"Unintentionally" mentioned that "some recent dramas have become obsessed with illusory love triangles, which may bring temporary sensory stimulation, but lack reflection and enlightenment on real life."

The drama cleverly draws parallels between palace intrigue and modern workplace struggles, praising its "realistic portrayal of power struggles and reasonable character motivations, making it a textbook example of ancient-style workplace dramas."

The implication is that "compared to stories that rely on cheat codes and destiny, Lu Zhen's every step of advancement is more precious and believable."

Emphasizing the "meticulous attention to historical details" and the "skill in creating three-dimensional female characters," the series is characterized as a "solid masterpiece of craftsmanship."

Rather than a "fast food product built on special effects and hype," it is a work of sincerity.

The press release meticulously crafted by Yu Zheng's side, once released, instantly ignited the opposing sentiments between the fans on both sides.

With the help of the organizers and the efforts of fans, topics such as #Legend of Lu Zhen: Female Power# managed to squeeze onto the trending list, but compared to the overwhelming popularity of topics related to #The Journey of Flower#, they still seemed rather meager.

However, the debate within the topic was exceptionally intense.

"What else can 'some dramas' do besides romance and destroying the world? Our Lu Zhen is the one who's truly focused on her career!"

"The fantasy romance is just for entertainment; Lu Zhen's growth is a realistic reflection that can inspire modern women."

"Admit it, Yu Zheng is genuinely skilled at portraying complex female characters and navigating political intrigue. Her work is far more solid than some 'blockbusters' that rely on special effects and marketing."

"I love dramas with a sense of historical weight, where every promotion is logical and well-founded, which is much more enjoyable to watch than those with cheat codes."

"Masterpieces vs. fast food products, those who know, know."

However, the ink-producing forces, not wanting to be outdone, quickly swarmed in and launched a counterattack from all sides.

"Hilarious! You're getting a sense of superiority from watching a TV series? You go about your official duties, I'll indulge in my epic romance, can't we just leave each other alone? Do you have to put one down to flatter the other to make yourself seem superior?"

"Real life is tough enough. After get off work, all I want to do is watch a nice fantasy drama to relax. What's wrong with that? Do I have to keep learning workplace Machiavellianism from dramas? Isn't that exhausting?"

"You say we rely on special effects and marketing? Please open your eyes and look at the quality of 'The Journey of Flower' in terms of its real-life sets, costumes, props, and special effects. In every aspect, it far surpasses yours!"

"Craftsmanship isn't something you can create with press releases; it's something the audience sees with their own eyes! Look at the popularity of these two dramas, and stop fooling yourselves!"

"Your Lu Zhen is striving to climb the ranks in the court, while our Xiao Gu is overthrowing the Three Realms for love and faith! Isn't that a manifestation of female power? Besides! Which requires more courage? Which has a greater emotional impact?"

"They're getting anxious! Are they jealous because Xiao Gu's viewership is so high?"

"This sounds too much like a press release. Is the next sentence going to recommend a self-help course?"

"A historical drama workplace textbook? Thanks, but I watch dramas for entertainment, not to work overtime."

Immediately afterwards, screenshots of over 100 million views on both platforms, a Douban rating of 8.5, and trending search data were directly posted in the topic of "Lu Zhen".

"True popularity cannot be hidden. Let achievements speak for themselves, not empty boasts from press releases."

On the other hand, the CP hype directed by Yu Zheng was also launched in full force.

Under immense pressure, Li Si contacted both Chen Xiao's and Zhao Liying's teams.

Chen Xiao's side is relatively smooth. His team has no objection to cooperating with the publicity and increasing exposure, and is even happy to see it happen.

The difficulty lay with Zhao Liying, but under the threat of being given "decrees," she ultimately compromised.

Soon, a batch of carefully selected and edited behind-the-scenes footage was released by fans.

Coupled with suggestive captions such as "Ahhh, they're such a perfect match!", "They're so sweet off-screen too!", and "Eyes don't lie!", the CP's popularity began to spread on platforms such as Weibo and Baidu Tieba.

On Hunan TV, the recording schedule for "Happy Camp" was quickly finalized, and naturally, the recording of the show will include game segments that require interaction between two people.

Viewers who were already immersed in the "Lu Zhen and Gao Zhan" storyline quickly picked up on these signals.

"I knew their eyes were locked in a passionate gaze on screen! They're definitely not strangers off-screen!"

"I've watched that GIF of him handing out water a hundred times! Chen Xiao's smile is so sweet and doting!"

"That picture of them reading the script side by side on set, they exuded a peaceful and serene vibe, they looked so good together!"

"Thanks to the fan site admin for the treat! This is the kind of sweetness drama fans should be craving! It's even sweeter than in the drama!"

"I heard he's going to be on Happy Camp? Are any of you ladies on the front lines recording it? Any spoilers or comments?"

However, proactive marketing by content providers (CPs) always has some negative impacts.

The two's die-hard fans immediately showed vigilance and rejection.

"I'm taking my Xiao Ge away. Focus on your work, don't create any CP (couple pairings) rumors."

"It's obvious that the production team and the actress are just trying to profit from this hype. Everyone, calm down and don't give them a second glance."

"It's clearly a forced pairing by the production team! Zhao Liying has said in previous interviews that she doesn't like this!"

"Those behind-the-scenes clips were so cringeworthy! Can't you please focus on Zhao Liying's acting? She portrayed Lu Zhen so well!"

However, they were powerless to change their publicity strategy and could only repost and emphasize the highlights of Zhao Liying and Chen Xiao's acting skills within a limited scope, trying to draw public attention back to the value of the actors themselves.

After all, it's obvious at a glance that this is a marketing tactic for the TV series. They can't possibly prevent their own siblings from filming a show just because they're possessive.

For the broader general public and the fans of "Hua Qiangu" who are immersed in the "Hua Gu CP" craze, the perception of this CP hype is quite subtle.

"Haha, so you're starting to copy our CP marketing here too? Too bad, 'Hua Gu' is a match made in heaven, you guys are just making sugar artificial."

"In terms of chemistry, Bai Zihua and Hua Qiangu are destined for each other, while Lu Zhen and Gao Zhan are... colleagues?"

"Instead of wasting time creating a romantic pairing, you should polish the script more. (doge)"

They don't think this threatens the status of the "Hua Qiangu CP" (Hua Qiangu couple). On the contrary, they think it's a kind of imitation and catching up, which further confirms the leading position of "Hua Qiangu".

At the same time, seeing that relying solely on fans and casual viewers was not enough to generate buzz and popularity, Yu Zheng immediately contacted several "data maintenance" companies with whom he had long-term partnerships.

Finally, the popularity of "Legend of Lu Zhen" gradually improved on public opinion platforms such as Weibo, Douban, and Tieba forums.

Other partners of "Legend of Lu Zhen" have also begun to invest resources and enter the market.

For a time, the "steady reputation" and "continuous popularity" created by "Legend of Lu Zhen" through press releases, CP topics, and fan comments actually formed a rivalry with "The Journey of Flower".

Yu Zheng's expression finally softened as he watched the increasing positive discussions and CP (couple pairing) topics about "Lu Zhen" appear online.

His combination of moves may not be able to ignite the entire internet like Shen Mo's, but it's enough to stabilize his base.

I may not be able to beat you, but at least I didn't lose.

Yu Zheng muttered to himself, a renewed fighting spirit rekindling in his eyes, "Let's see who can outlast whom. Your 'The Journey of Flower' better not give me any weaknesses; this is just the beginning."

-----------------

The immense popularity of "The Journey of Flower" did not stop at the stunning premiere and the buzz surrounding it.

As the plot unfolds, it continuously surpasses the audience's expectations, perfectly embodying the term "phenomenal."

Extreme tragic love stories always evoke the most empathy and heartache from the public, and the classic scene of the "Soul-Destroying Nails of the Immortal-Slaying Pillar" is undoubtedly the most turbulent wave in this emotional tsunami.

When Hua Qiangu was bound to the Zhuxian Pillar by heavy chains, her face was as pale as paper, her lips were bloodless, and her once lively eyes were filled with complex emotions.

Before the execution platform, Bai Zihua, dressed in white, remained spotless, but his back was so straight it was almost stiff.

His face was expressionless, but his deep eyes, when they looked at the gleaming, soul-crushing nail, caused his pupils to contract instinctively, and his knuckles to turn slightly white from the force.

The surrounding area was filled with a dense crowd of Changliu disciples and onlookers from various factions, some indifferent, some regretful, and some angry.

Ni Mantian's eyes were filled with undisguised jealousy and pleasure.

As the soul-piercing nails shot out of the air with a mournful shriek, they pierced deep into that frail body!

When the suppressed scream of pain escaped from her clenched teeth, blood bloomed like a glaring red plum blossom on her white dress.

Li Yitong's performance at this moment can be described as the pinnacle, extremely devastating.

The bulging veins on his forehead, the sudden burst of cold sweat, the eyes that blurred and then forcefully coalesced in agony, ultimately turning into a blank, lifeless void, and his trembling lips bitten until they bled...

Every frame vividly portrays the extreme physical and mental suffering.

Those trembling eyelashes and bitten white lips perfectly conveyed the fragility and pain that combined physical and mental suffering.

At this moment, the internet was paralyzed by collective heartbreak and anger.

The trending topics list was completely overwhelmed, with hashtags such as #XiaoGuTortured#, #LiYitong'sAmazingActingSkills#, and #BaiZiHuaYouHaveNoHeart# instantly topping the charts.

"Bai Zihua, open your eyes and look! She's being tortured for you!! (Blades)"

"I can't bear to watch anymore, every frame of Xiao Gu is like a nail piercing my heart!"

"Li Yitong's acting is amazing! Her eyes brought me to tears!"

"Screenwriter, I hate you! Why are you torturing our Xiao Gu like this?!"

However, the screenwriter's "knife" is far sharper than the audience imagined.

When Bai Zihua finally called for a halt, countless viewers, whose hearts were clenched with anxiety, felt a glimmer of hope, thinking that the cold-hearted master was finally going to protect his little disciple.

The reversed blade fell in an even more cruel way; he actually summoned the sword "Duan Nian" that he had given to Hua Qiangu.

"What is he going to do?!"

"Using 'severing all ties'? That was the first gift he gave to Xiao Gu!"

As the Sword of Severance hummed and trembled, resisting the command to harm its master, Bai Zihua forcefully activated his magic power, splitting the Sword of Severance into one hundred and one sword shadows.

"No--!!!"

Amidst the nearly suffocating gasps of the audience, sword shadows rained down, resolutely piercing Hua Qiangu's already wounded body.

This time, even the "severing of thoughts," which symbolizes protection, became a weapon of torture.

Public opinion exploded, with anger and confusion reaching their peak.

"Bai Zihua, are you out of your mind?! That's severing all ties!"

"How could they do this... This is even more heart-wrenching than the Soul-Sealing Nail!"

"He was clearly moved! I could tell! Why did he have to do it this way!"

"Oh no, 'Painting Bones' has a bad ending, how do we fix this?"

"Am I the only one who thinks... Bai Zihua is saving Xiao Gu?"

"With a spirit within him, Duan Nian could avoid vital points when stabbing Xiao Gu; this might be the only way he could save her life in front of everyone!"

Just as the outcry against Bai Zihua for being a "scumbag" was overwhelming and countless viewers were disheartened, the plot took a second, even more soul-stirring, turn.

After Hua Qiangu was taken away, Bai Zihua spoke in a terrifyingly calm tone in response to Mo Yan's warning, "Do not show favoritism."

"She is my disciple, and I can do whatever I want with her."

Then, to everyone's astonishment, he made the announcement in public.

"From this day forward, I, Bai Zihua, relinquish my position as the head of Changliu Sect."

Before he finished speaking, he waved his wide sleeves, and the remaining sixty-four Soul-Destroying Nails, which should have been borne by Hua Qiangu, were redirected and resolutely pierced into his own body without leaving a single one!

His white robes were instantly stained with blood, and his once upright figure finally swayed.

Though it stood firm, its face was as pale as a ghost, and only its eyes held a deep pain that no one could understand.

At this moment, the tide of the internet took a dramatic turn.

The topic page related to "The Journey of Flower" was bombarded with hundreds of comments every second.

"My God! 64! He took them all for her?!"

"Bai Zihua!!! (Tears streaming down his face) I wronged you!!!"

"What do you mean by 'I'll deal with my disciple'... He's using this method to snatch someone away in front of everyone, and then using his own life to atone for her crime!"

"Everyone's feeling sorry for Xiao Gu, but who's looking at our Master! He's suffered no less than Xiao Gu!"

"Severing ties to protect one's master is instinct, but a master protecting their disciple is like tearing out one's heart! It's more painful than severing ties!"

"There is no tragic ending in 'Painting Bones'! This is top-tier angst! It's an ultimate sacrifice for both sides!"

"That scene where Shen Mo, despite being tortured, still stood tall with a broken expression, was a masterpiece of acting! This is the real Bai Zihua!"

"Those who previously criticized Master, come out and apologize! His love is no less than Xiao Gu's, only deeper and more desperate!"

From extreme anger to extreme shock, and then to extreme pity and understanding, the audience's emotions were completely reshaped by Bai Zihua's resolute "substitute punishment" and "resignation".

This scene not only pushed the tragedy of the characters to an insurmountable peak, but also made the "love between the painted bones" transcend simple love, sublimating it into a destiny bond of bearing sin, defying fate, and running towards each other.

The viewership ratings soared to their highest point since the show's premiere, online viewership exploded, and social media buzzed for an extended period.

Countless viewers said they "cried until they were dehydrated" and "needed to recover for several days."

Li Yitong's "Broken Beauty" and Shen Mo's "Hidden Pain" are hailed as "textbook examples of tragic romance acting".

That night, "The Journey of Flower" was no longer just a popular TV series; it became a nationwide emotional trial and redemption ceremony.

It proved the saying in the most tragic way: behind the ultimate BE aesthetics lies another kind of graceful beauty, which is imperfection, unwillingness, struggle, and the willing burning of life.

With this epic episode, Shen Mo and Li Yitong firmly cemented their roles and acting careers on the pedestal of classic fantasy dramas.

"The Journey of Flower" propelled national sentiment and drama popularity to an unparalleled peak, while its ratings and online viewership far surpassed "Legend of Lu Zhen" by a disheartening margin.

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