HuaYu: Starting with Photography to Navigate the Entertainment Industry

the next day.

Although Xu Lang had fought for half the night, he was full of energy.

In the morning, I spent the entire morning in a meeting with Cai Yinong, Feng Zhicheng, and others in the conference room.

In the afternoon, Xu Lang went to the China World Hotel to say goodbye to Li Gongda, Liu Tao, and others.

Afterwards, he returned to Beijing with An Yixuan, Tang Yan, and Yang Ying.

After returning to Beijing, Xu Lang gave An Yixuan and Tang Yan some instructions and then stopped worrying about the specific audition process.

Ultimately, the audition is something the two of them have to fight for themselves.

Xu Lang focused all his energy on the release and promotion of "The Legend of Sword and Fairy".

Xu Lang has entered the busiest period since the release of his photo album.

After running back and forth for about ten days, Xu Lang finally finished arranging the first phase of the publicity campaign.

This time, the publicity campaign wasn't launched with the same fanfare and intensity as before.

It started with a post.

On December 10th, a post quietly appeared on the Chinese Paladin Alliance Forum (a non-profit player forum jointly initiated in 2003 by the owners of more than a dozen unofficial Paladin-themed websites):

"The TV series adaptation of 'Chinese Paladin' has drastically altered the plot, ruining a classic and destroying nostalgia. It's an heinous crime, and we urge all 'Chinese Paladin' fans to boycott it!"

This post doesn't contain much detailed information; it's mostly just emotions.

"Filming for the TV series 'Chinese Paladin' has wrapped up, and sample clips have been released."

Holy crap, that's an eyesore!

Modified beyond recognition!

Destroying a classic, ruining sentimentality, it's simply a waste!

Do they even know what the Legend of Sword and Fairy is?

Do you understand what destiny is, what the common people are, and what the ten-year agreement is?

They know nothing! All they care about is money! They're just after our nostalgia as veteran players, trying to squeeze every last drop out of us!

What are die-hard fans of the original work and the game most afraid of?

Without a doubt, it is:

Modified beyond recognition!

As the biggest IP in the domestic computer game industry, the Legend of Sword and Fairy has been the subject of growing concern among game fans ever since the announcement of its TV adaptation.

Xu Lang had previously used this sentiment when he hyped up the "young lady" topic.

In just one day, the post received over a thousand replies.

This post acted like a fuse, igniting the anxieties of fans of the Legend of Sword and Fairy series.

Immediately, the post was being frantically shared on the gaming sections of major websites such as Baidu Tieba, Tianya, and Mop.

Since the post didn't contain any actual content, most gamers were discussing and asking questions about the issues they were concerned about:

"What exactly is Zhao Ling'er like? Can she capture the liveliness and cuteness of the character from the game?"

"Between Zhao Ling'er and Lin Yueru, who is Li Xiaoyao's true love?"

"How drastically has the plot been altered?"

. . . . . .

Two days after the post went viral, it finally received a reply:

"Damn it, Zhao Ling'er has been made into such a mess, she doesn't look lively at all."

Furthermore, the Lin Yueru in my heart has been transformed from true love into a mistress!

cry!

Sigh, I'm not saying anything more, you can see for yourselves.

Following the post were several stills from the TV series "Chinese Paladin," including Zhao Ling'er's costume fitting photo, stills from filming, and a still of Lin Yueru looking heartbroken.

The moment these photos were released, the gaming community exploded.

"Holy crap, why did Zhao Ling'er get such an ugly hairstyle?"

"Is she still the white moonlight in my heart?"

"Give me back my beloved Yue Ru!"

This post became a hit in the gaming community and also started to spread beyond the gaming world.

Liu Yifei's fans, upon seeing her portrayal of Zhao Ling'er in the drama, joined in the condemnation of the "Chinese Paladin" production team.

"You photographed my goddess like this?"

"No way, is Liu Yifei's angelic beauty all fake?"

"If you ask me, Liu Yifei is just a blockhead with a beautiful face, only suitable for playing silly characters like Wang Yuyan."

. . . . . .

12 month 14 day.

The post is still gaining traction, attracting attention from the entertainment industry.

Whether it's print media or websites, reporters from entertainment tabloids are like sharks smelling blood, fiercely hunting down news about "Chinese Paladin" and Liu Yifei.

Print media entertainment sections are flooded with negative press releases:

Entertainment magazines such as *Contemporary Music* and *Entertainment Weekly* rushed to publish a special feature titled "The Curse of Game Adaptations," placing *The Legend of Sword and Fairy* alongside several previously unsuccessful game adaptations with sensational headlines:

Another classic ruined? The TV series adaptation of "Chinese Paladin" faces a collective boycott from players.

The entertainment sections of local newspapers also reprinted the news of "Liu Yifei's styling disaster," focusing on the gossip point of "the fairy sister's beauty collapsing," simplifying the conflict between different circles into a beauty gossip that the public loves to watch, and further expanding the scope of dissemination.

Furthermore, a well-known figure in the entertainment industry has made a definitive statement.

"The secrecy surrounding 'Chinese Paladin' wasn't handled well; leaked stills have surfaced. It's all over; even a god couldn't save it!"

Of course, the mastermind behind all of this was Xu Lang.

Although he was the instigator, Xu Lang also bore enormous pressure.

By December 15th, someone on the production team finally couldn't sit still any longer.

Feng Zhicheng, who was in charge of distribution, went to Cai Yinong in tears to complain.

"Mr. Cai, if you have a problem with me and want to fire me, just say so. Don't torture me like this, okay?"

As he spoke, he showed Cai Yinong text messages sent by the newsrooms of various television stations.

"Mr. Feng, I'm sorry, our station director said that we need to reconsider your drama."

"Old Feng, we've known each other for years. You bring me such a terrible drama. Isn't this a slap in my face? How am I supposed to work at the station after this?"

"Mr. Feng, I've been busy lately, so please don't come. It'll be a wasted trip, and I don't have time to deal with you."

Upon seeing these messages, Cai Yinong was also quite upset.

Feng Zhicheng added fuel to the fire.

"President Cai, I knew that kid was unreliable. You're handing over such a big task to him. Isn't that just wasting his time?"

"Old Cao from Zhongkai Culture (the audio-visual distributor) has called, saying he wants to terminate the contract. What do you suggest we do?"

However, Cai Yinong knew about Xu Lang's plan, and although she was also uneasy, she still had to persuade Feng Zhicheng.

After coaxing and persuading Feng Zhicheng to leave, Cai Yinong immediately called Xu Lang.

"My little darling, it's just a starting point, why are you making such a big fuss? We've already been thoroughly criticized, how are we going to salvage the situation now?"

Xu Lang was amused by Cai Yinong's words; he could tell that Cai Yinong was genuinely anxious.

After all, this was a drama she poured her heart and soul into.

"Mr. Cai, calm down."

Xu Lang spoke slowly and deliberately.

"You're destined for great things; how can you not handle this little bit of fluctuation?!"

After offering Cai Yinong a few words of comfort, Xu Lang hung up the phone.

At this moment, Xu Lang was taking Liu Yifei to the Baihua Recording Studio in Beijing.

Just after hanging up the phone, Liu Yifei's sweet laughter came from the side.

"Xu Lang, is President Cai about to give in?"

"Yeah, she told me she was going crazy and hadn't been able to sleep for three days, haha."

"Giggle!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei burst into laughter.

After a pause, she said with a hint of complaint:

"Xu Lang, you're really ruthless. Look at the stills you chose for me, they're so ugly. My godfather even called me personally and gave you a good scolding."

"what?"

Xu Lang never expected that even Liu Jinfei would be alarmed; how unjustly he was being scolded!

However, it was fortunate that he kept Liu Xiaoli by his side that Liu Yifei had the opportunity to go out to the recording studio alone with him.

"Haven't you heard the saying, 'The lower your expectations, the greater your surprise'?"

First, use unflattering photos to suppress market sentiment. Once the "one person, two immortals" photos are released, people will go crazy!

Hearing Xu Lang's absurd logic, Liu Yifei nodded in agreement.

"Xu Lang, I really didn't expect you to have so many bad ideas again."

"Learn more from me, you won't regret it!"

The two chatted and laughed as they arrived at the Baihua Recording Studio.

Once inside the studio, Xu Lang found the sound engineer, Chen Tong, and introduced him to Liu Yifei, while also giving her some instructions.

"Senior sister, this song 'June Rain' must be recorded by the day after tomorrow. I need to take it to 'Happy Camp' in a couple of days. Whether I can get on it depends on you."