Chapter 104 Different Stances

Liu Pan looked at Shen Ya with suspicion: "Sister Ya, isn't this number set too low? Although we can't compare to those popular idols, if we work harder, reaching two or three hundred thousand in sales shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Shen Ya looked at the group and said calmly, "Because all 100,000 of our copies are physical magazines."

"Huh?" Le Sitong's eyes widened. "Sister Ya, why? Usually, we keep a portion of the physical copies, one for each person as a souvenir, and the rest are all digital versions. Why are there so many physical books this time?"

Shen Ya patiently explained, "Zhang Qilin has a new play going to be released. After we get these magazines, we'll try to send them to more people so that more people know that the Beijing People's Art Theatre will be showing a new play in May."

"Then our kickbacks will be less?" a girl wearing glasses muttered under her breath.

Liu Pan and Le Sitong nodded in agreement.

"Yixin, we haven't gained Zhang Qilin's trust yet—"

"Shouldn't we use good results to prove our sincerity?" Ren Yixin asked eagerly.

Shen Ya looked at her, her tone still calm: "Do you think Zhang Qilin cares about these things? He's performing in plays at the Beijing People's Art Theatre. No matter how impressive your sales figures are, it's not as important as getting some audience members to support him at the venue. That's what he really needs."

After listening to Shen Ya's words, the group seemed to be deep in thought.

Shen Ya continued, "Zhang Qilin's focus is on the stage. Letting him gain recognition through his works will help his future development."

Liu Pan pondered for a moment: "Sister Ya, I think I understand now. If we send the magazine to more potential viewers and let them know about Zhang Qilin and his plays, it will directly help with the play's box office and make it easier to gain Zhang Qilin's approval, right?"

Shen Ya nodded: "That's right. We can distribute these magazines to universities, cultural venues, cafes and other places where young women gather in Kyoto, so that they can learn about the performances of the Beijing People's Art Theatre through the magazines, thereby encouraging more people to go to the theater."

Le Sitong's eyes lit up: "Sister Ya, I think we can also collaborate with the Beijing People's Art Theatre. We can contribute money to buy some of the play tickets and unite with drama clubs from various universities to hold a magazine-buying event that gives away tickets. This will not only attract students but also make the magazine more marketable."

"Perhaps, we can also expand into more circles of theater enthusiasts through the connections of the drama club."

Shen Ya's eyes showed admiration: "That's a good idea; it will make our publicity more precise. As for the theater tickets, we need to discuss the details of the cooperation with the Beijing People's Art Theatre to ensure that both parties can benefit."

Liu Pan added from the side, "Sister Ya, we can also include some exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and photos of Zhang Qilin during the play rehearsals in the magazine, but we need to contact Sister Meng for this, as she has all of Zhang Qilin's information."

Shen Ya smiled and said, "I'll contact Sister Meng. You should get the cost calculations done as soon as possible, and try to bring the materials to talk to the Beijing People's Art Theatre tomorrow."

"Okay," they all nodded in unison.

10:00

Pu Cunxin's office.

Pu Cunxin looked down and flipped through the documents on the table.

Yi Yangbo, the head of the publicity department, explained from the side: "—This is our publicity department's plan. Through these publicity activities, we can expand the influence of the play and double the box office of 'Rickshaw Boy'."

Pu Cunxin listened to Yi Yangbo's introduction and nodded in satisfaction.

Then, pointing to a name on the document, he asked, "Why is Zhang Qilin required to participate in every item? Didn't you tell them that Zhang Qilin is still an intern and should focus on his studies and not participate in outside activities?"

"Puyuan, times have changed, and the media also needs buzz," Yi Yangbo said with a wry smile. "In our play, apart from Yu Zhen, who is a household name, Zhang Qilin is also known to a wider audience. The others are only influential within the industry."

"Yesterday I went to Kyoto TV and CCTV to have a discussion with the relevant program teams. The program teams looked at the cast list and were very direct. There was no problem with publicity, but Yu Zhen and Zhang Qilin could not be missing."

After a moment of contemplation, Pu Cunxin said, "Director Yi, I understand that publicity needs attention, but Zhang Qilin is still an intern. If he participates too much in external activities, he will inevitably be distracted and it will also have a negative influence on other interns."

Yi Yangbo said helplessly, "Puyuan, the current form of publicity is different from the past. The media and the audience are more interested in actors who have a lot of buzz. Although Zhang Qilin is an intern, he has accumulated a lot of popularity online during this period, and many media outlets recognize him."

Pu Cun looked at Yi Yangbo and said in a serious tone, "Director Yi, we can't just look at the immediate benefits. Zhang Qilin is currently at a critical stage of his development. We can't let the noise from the outside world disturb his mindset. We need to consider his long-term development."

Seeing Pu Cunxin's firm attitude, Yi Yangbo adopted a very humble stance: "Pu Yuan, I understand what you're saying, but his involvement in the promotion will attract more attention to the play and greatly help boost box office revenue —"

Pu Cunxin waved his hand: "Interns are not allowed to participate in outside activities for two years after entering the academy. This has been a rule of the Beijing People's Art Theatre for many years."

"Puyuan will only be a few days away, it won't interfere with Zhang Qilin's studies," Yi Yangbo argued.

Pu Cunxin's expression remained serious: "Director Yi, rules are rules. For many years, Beijing People's Art Theatre has adhered to a rigorous teaching and practice philosophy. Interns should focus on basic practice. Getting too involved in external activities, even if they don't conflict with their schedules, may disrupt their mindset."

Yi Yangbo still tried to persuade him: "Puyuan—"

Pu Cunxin interrupted Yi Yangbo: "It's decided then. All the other actors in 'Camel Xiangzi' can participate, but Zhang Qilin should focus on his studies."

Seeing that Pu Cunxin had said this, Yi Yangbo left the office helplessly.

Watching Yi Yangbo's departing figure, Pu Cunxin leaned back in his chair.

He sighed helplessly to himself.

He wouldn't be so cold-hearted if it were just simple publicity.

But the person Yi Yangbo was carrying wanted to use this publicity to break the long-standing tradition of the Beijing People's Art Theatre, which was something he could not allow.

After leaving Pu Cun's office, Yi Yangbo walked to an empty corridor, picked up the phone, and dialed a number.

As soon as the call connected, Yi Yangbo said respectfully, "Director Wang, Director Pu does not agree to let Zhang Qilin participate in the variety show promotion."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by Vice Dean Wang's unhurried voice: "As expected, go to the film crew now and announce the participants for the promotion, and add Chen Mo, who clashed with Zhang Qilin a few days ago."

"Okay, Dean Wang, I know what to do."

1:30 pm

Yi Yangbo went to the dressing room.

At this moment, the actors on set were busy with their own tasks, some rehearsing their lines, and others practicing their movements.

Yi Yangbo walked in, clapped his hands, and attracted everyone's attention.

"Everyone, please stop for a moment. I have something to say." Yi Yangbo cleared his throat and said, "Regarding our promotional activities for 'Rickshaw Boy,' as I mentioned before, the participants have now been confirmed. In addition to Teacher Yu Zhen and the other lead actors, Chen Mo has also joined this promotional activity."

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback at first, and then exchanged glances.

In this production crew, Yu Zhen is the most famous, and the one most well-known to the audience is Zhang Qilin.

The media interviews a couple of days ago showed what everyone saw.

Why not use Zhang Qilin, whom the audience knows, instead of adding Chen Mo, whom not many people know?

I don't know what the hospital is thinking.

Chen Mo was reading the script in the corner when he heard his name called, and he was taken aback.

He never expected that he would be involved in this publicity campaign, but he quickly realized what was going on, stood up and said, "Director Yi, I will definitely do my best and live up to the trust placed in me by the institute."

He didn't know why the hospital wanted him to go, but he knew it was an opportunity.

Zhang Qilin was able to disrupt his plans because of his own popularity, which kept the media focused on him.

If he can use this publicity to generate buzz, he won't suffer this kind of loss again.

Some people in the dressing room looked at Zhang Qilin, who was reading a script in the corner.

Zhang Qilin's face remained expressionless.

After Yi Yangbo left, the dressing room returned to its busy state.

Discussions about the choice of spokesperson for this publicity campaign are rampant.

Zhou Baocheng and the others walked up to Chen Mo and loudly congratulated him.

Zhang Qilin ignored the surrounding discussions and remained focused on his own affairs.

Zhou Baocheng and the others glanced at Zhang Qilin from time to time. Seeing that he didn't react, they assumed he was putting on a brave face and laughed even louder.

They had spent five or six years at the Beijing People's Art Theatre, climbing their way up from extras, and had very few opportunities to face the media.

This opportunity to promote the film with the crew is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for them.

Hearing Zhou Baocheng's laughter, Zhang Qilin just found it laughable.

No matter which TV station it is, they always cater to different audiences when they broadcast programs.

The main selling point of this drama is Yuzhen, so all the shots will definitely be focused on Yuzhen.

For an unknown person like Chen Mo, it's already good enough if the host mentions him, let alone expect him to become famous with just a tiny bit of screen time.

That's even harder than winning the lottery.

9:00 AM the following morning

-

During the break, Zhang Qilin and several interns were chatting in a corner.

Just then, a voice chimed in: "Qi Lin, it's been a long time."

Zhang Qilin looked up and saw that it was Yang Yu, so he greeted him with a smile: "Hello, Brother Yang."

The boys sitting around Zhang Qilin also politely greeted him, "Hello, Teacher Yang."

However, they showed no intention of getting up.

Yang Yu frowned slightly: "Please move aside, I want to talk to Qi Lin about something."

Zhao Hong and the others did not immediately give up their seats, but instead turned to look at Zhang Qilin.

Seeing the interns' reaction, Yang Yu was taken aback.

He's only been gone a short while, and Zhang Qilin has already won over these people?

Zhang Qilin nodded slightly, and Zhao Hong and the others stood up and made way for him.

Yang Yu suppressed his surprise, put on a warm smile, and sat down next to Zhang Qilin.

"Brother, you and they are—"

"It's nothing, we were just discussing performance techniques. What's up, Brother Yang?"

Seeing that Zhang Qilin was unwilling to talk about it, Yang Yu didn't want to get to the bottom of it.

He put his arm around Zhang Qilin's shoulder, leaned close to his ear, and whispered, "Brother, I feel sorry for you."

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