216: Chapter 216, Center Stage Debut

The group returned to the banquet hall. Yang Mi had arranged excellent seats for Chen Shaoping and the others, a moderate distance from the stage, neither too far nor too close.

He glanced around but didn't see Wang Bo or Yang Mengmeng.

They were probably with the other actors, waiting to go on stage directly later.

Soon, the time reached 1:08 PM.

A tall woman with long black hair, wearing a yellow deep-V long dress, walked onto the stage.

"Welcome, esteemed guests, for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend Jiaxing Media Company.

To witness the launching press conference of the grand ancient costume fantasy wuxia drama, 'three lives, three worlds, ten miles of peach blossoms'.

This drama will be directed by Lin Yu, known as the 'foremost female director of ancient costume dramas'. The main actors include: Yang Mi, Zhao Ting, Reba, Wang Bo, Jiang Kai, Bai Yimin, Liu Lin, Yang Mengmeng, and others.

The script was painstakingly refined over two years by our renowned lyricist and composer, Young Master Ping.

Let's welcome the drama team to make their grand appearance!"

Chen Shaoping, sitting below, exclaimed, "Good heavens!" after listening to the female host's introduction.

If he hadn't been sure that it was the script he had given out, he would have thought this 'Young Master Ping' was someone with the same name as him.

This female host was too good at exaggerating; no wonder she had a big mouth.

The phrases 'painstakingly refined' and 'spent two years' had absolutely nothing to do with him.

He lightly coughed, dispelling the awkwardness in his heart.

Just then, two female receptionists in formal dresses approached Chen Shaoping.

They bent down, simultaneously covering their V-necks with one hand, and whispered softly.

"Young Master Ping, General Manager Yang also invites you to come up."

"Please!"

Chen Shaoping tidied his clothes and followed the two ladies towards the stage.

He had already cursed Yang Mi several times in his mind.

If she wanted him on stage, she should have notified him in advance so he could prepare.

Was she trying to see him make a fool of himself?

Upon reaching the stage, Yang Mi deliberately made room, allowing Chen Shaoping and Director Lin Yu to stand in the center.

She stood to Chen Shaoping's right.

The female host smiled and said, "Now, both media friends and other friends interested in this drama can ask questions."

As soon as she finished speaking.

Many people raised their hands, holding them high, eager for the host to see them.

Chen Shaoping smiled slightly, knowing full well that there were definitely shills arranged by Yang Mi among them, and more than one.

The female host pointed to a woman in the middle of the front row and said loudly, "This lady from the media, please ask the first question."

The woman stood up, as if she had expected it, "Hello, Ms. Yang Mi! I'm Deng Ai from 'First News'."

"How high are your expectations for this TV series? Can it compare to 'palace jade'?"

Yang Mi's expression was calm, the corners of her mouth turned up, and she said resolutely, "I believe the ratings for this drama will greatly exceed 'palace jade'."

"Please note my wording: it will greatly exceed, not just exceed."

She was indeed full of confidence.

This drama had the best script, the best director, and the best actors.

It possessed all the conditions to become a phenomenon-level TV series.

"It seems General Manager Yang is very confident; I look forward to it." Deng Ai sat down, satisfied.

"Next, you," the female host said.

An old scholar-like man stood up, "I would like to ask Director Lin, how do you evaluate the script of this TV series?"

Lin Yu, in her fifties, had a kind smile and was full of energy.

Hearing the question, she smiled, "The author of the script is right here, so your question puts me in a difficult position."

"It's easy to offend people, especially directly."

Chen Shaoping heard the teasing, joking tone in her voice.

He also smiled and replied, "Director Lin, just imagine I'm asleep, or directly pretend I don't exist."

"That way, when you praise me, there might be more effusive words."

"Don't worry, I have thick skin; no matter how much you praise me, I won't be shy, I'll just accept it gracefully."

"Haha."

Below the stage, there was a stir and continuous laughter.

Some people on stage also couldn't help but laugh out loud.

This caught Lin Yu off guard; for a moment, she didn't know how to respond.

However, she quickly laughed, "I haven't even said anything yet, and the author is already asking for praise, truly..."

She paused for a few seconds, then continued, "Truly deserving of praise, great praise. Whether the story of this script is wonderful or not is yet to be seen; it requires the audience's verification.

I believe this will be a groundbreaking work, and I am honored to be the director of this drama."

"What's truly remarkable is the detailed nature of this script. From camera setups, shot divisions, scene arrangements, to even costumes and headwear, everything is explained one by one.

I dare say this will be the easiest work I've ever filmed, capable of significantly shortening the production cycle."

"Let me put it this way: in my thirty-plus years in the industry, I have never seen a script as detailed as this one.

It doesn't seem like it was written by one person at all; it's more like it was slowly polished by a team with clear divisions of labor."

"Online, people say that I, Lin Yu, like to revise scripts, but that's because those scripts weren't good. This script, I've studied for a long time, and I don't dare to change a single word; any change just feels inferior to the original."

"After filming this drama, I expect I'll become even more picky when encountering scripts written by others."

"Ah, in the future, I'll definitely be called a 'fussy' old woman. When that happens, you media folks, please be kind with your words and don't scold too harshly."

After saying so much in one breath, Lin Yu's face was not red, and she wasn't out of breath. She was calm and composed, turning to look at Chen Shaoping with a beaming smile.

"Young Master Ping, are you satisfied with my praise?"

As soon as she finished speaking.

The entire hall erupted in bursts of laughter, and the atmosphere reached an unprecedented high.

Chen Shaoping showed a troubled expression, shook his head, and sighed before speaking.

Everyone was somewhat confused; after all that, he still wasn't satisfied?

He didn't even crack a smile.

Lin Yu didn't understand.

Yang Mi was puzzled.

They were all waiting for his next words.

"If I were a media reporter, I'd already have the news headline thought out."

"Oh, I'd love to hear it!" Lin Yu interjected.

"Shocking! Confirmed! 'Young Master Ping' is not one person, but a team, and Chen Shaoping is just one of them; he deceived everyone."

Lin Yu was choked by his words, her face flushed with anger, and she scolded, "You brat, you're taking advantage and still acting coy, you really have thick skin."

"Hahaha!"

Another wave of laughter!

No one expected his thought process to be like that.

Deng Ai's eyes lit up, and she stepped forward, sincerely saying, "Young Master Ping, on behalf of 'First News', I invite you to join our team."

"With your knack for finding news angles and naming, I will strongly recommend you to become our associate editor-in-chief."

Chen Shaoping looked around, raising an eyebrow slightly, "Are there no other media outlets that want to recruit me?"

Seeing no one respond, he grumbled, "Only one company, it's hard for me to negotiate terms."

Below the stage, there was another burst of good-natured laughter and applause, and even Yang Mi beside him couldn't help but glance at him with a smile.