Chapter 4

Micro-movies are very popular in another dimension, but in this world, they only exist abroad and are called short films.

Therefore, Wang Shang decided to produce a micro-movie himself, upload it to the internet, and usher in the era of online micro-movies, thereby establishing his reputation as a director.

The micro-movie script Wang Shang prepared was "The Tree of Hope," which ranks among the top in China. It tells the story of a volunteer teacher who comes to a remote village in Yunnan to teach. His arrival brings hope to the impoverished children in the mountains. During the three years of his volunteer teaching, he worked without pay and even relied on support from friends to live. He also sang in bars and sold CDs to buy meat for the children.

The children's simple and innocent faces in the film are deeply touching. Their gratitude towards the volunteer teacher is even more heart-wrenching.

The script was completed, and Wang Shang began to rent film production equipment.

At this moment, a shocking piece of news came.

The King of Pop—Michael Jackson—had passed away!

He died due to heart failure and could not be saved in time.

Michael Jackson's death triggered global mourning, with nearly 1.1 billion people watching his public memorial service on television! The tickets for his last concert, originally scheduled to begin on February 13th of the following year, were sold out in just 4.5 hours, with a total of about 1 million tickets. However, the concert could not proceed as planned due to his passing.

In China, his fans spontaneously organized large-scale memorial services, with a total of over 100 million participants!

Although Wang Shang had just arrived in this world, the memories left by this body inevitably affected him, causing him sadness. At this moment, Wang Shang suddenly thought of another micro-movie.

"I won't shoot 'The Tree of Hope.' I will shoot 'Old Boy'!"

In another dimension, "Old Boy" was produced to commemorate Michael Jackson's passing. Shooting it now would be very timely.

"Old Boy" tells a story about "youth." Unlike other films, this 43-minute online short film, upon its release, spread like a virus across the internet. The themes of "youth" and "dreams" triggered a collective nostalgia among the 60s and 80s generations, with "tears streaming down faces" being the most frequently used viewing experience.

The first half of the micro-movie is filled with nostalgic and humorous elements, such as guitar playing, dancing like Michael Jackson, and pursuing the class beauty. Songs like "Flower Fairy," "Xiao Fang," "Sixteen-Year-Old Flower Season," "Sailor," "Stars Light Up the Night," and "Billie Jean," as well as old-fashioned items like brick-like cassette players, pagers, and handheld game consoles, all evoke the collective memories of the 60s and 80s generations. Almost everyone can find a reflection of their own youth in it.

Its performance on the internet was also incredibly successful. In just half a month, the online views of the film reached over 47 million (excluding offline viewing and other forms of forwarding). For a network short film without commercial promotion, such a rapid spread can only be described as "crazy."

With this in mind, Wang Shang stopped renting equipment and rushed home to write the script.

...

While Wang Shang was at home, focusing on writing the script, a piece of information began to circulate in the entertainment industry: "Wang Shang, who was expelled from the Magic City Media College, has written a TV drama script and signed with Great Tang International. He is currently preparing for the production."

This news reignited the media's interest in Wang Shang and the Magic City Media College.

"Instead of being crushed, he has boldly written a script and sold it?"

This news was intentionally leaked by Great Tang International to stir up the situation.

As expected, the media became excited again, rushing to the Great Tang International building for interviews.

Great Tang International first acted "puzzled" and then quickly responded, holding a large press conference.

Over a hundred journalists attended, half from major media outlets in Magic City, and many from other regions.

A Northern City journalist stood up and asked the Great Tang International spokesperson, Yang Lei, "Wang Shang had a history of sexual assault at school. Why did Great Tang International accept his script? Are you not afraid that the public will not accept it?"

Yang Lei feigned ignorance and countered, "Wang Shang had a history of sexual assault? I don't know about that. Do you have evidence? If not, there's no need to mention it."

Yang Lei knew there was a recording that could clear Wang Shang's name, but according to the plan, it would be released later when the public opinion was even more heated.

The Northern City journalist continued to press, "Are you suggesting that the Magic City Media College is deceiving the public?"

This statement immediately put Great Tang International in opposition to the Magic City Media College. The other journalists, hearing this, became even more excited.

As the spokesperson for a large company like Great Tang International, Yang Lei was not one to be easily intimidated. He deftly responded, "I have not made any comments about the Magic City Media College. The situation between Wang Shang and the college is unclear, so I will not comment."

Although Great Tang International was not afraid of the Magic City Media College, it preferred to avoid direct confrontation. The deal with Wang Shang was purely a business transaction.

Yang Lei then gave a few interviews, answering questions while avoiding the more sensitive ones.

The focus began to shift from Wang Shang to the TV drama script.

"Great Tang International believes that the script for 'The Legend of Zhen Huan' is excellent. Our editors have praised it highly. We are confident that we can produce a very good TV drama with it."

"It is an excellent Qing dynasty drama. It does not treat the characters in a light-hearted manner. The concubines, in their struggle for favor, go to great lengths to harm each other, engaging in intense political intrigue. The plot is meticulously crafted, with twists and turns, and the classical Chinese dialogue is profound and memorable, giving the drama a distinct and serious tone."

"It may even set a new trend!"

Yang Lei enthusiastically praised the drama, suggesting that it would be unparalleled.

The journalists took photos and began to show interest in the drama.

The press conference lasted nearly two hours, with most of the journalists focusing on the "feud" between Wang Shang and the Magic City Media College.

After the conference, various newspapers and online media exploded with headlines.

"Great Tang International believes Wang Shang is innocent!"

"Great Tang International questions the Magic City Media College, accusing it of harming a well-rounded student!"

"Magic City Media College strongly condemns Great Tang International for protecting a moral degenerate!"

"Moral decay, declining social standards, Great Tang International sells out for profit!"

Various sensational headlines emerged, making it seem as if Great Tang International and the Magic City Media College were in a bitter feud. Media outlets across the country followed suit, either portraying Wang Shang as a monster or the Magic City Media College as a den of corruption.

Great Tang International also hired many writers to fuel the controversy, adding to the drama. With no other major news besides the death of the King of Pop, the discussion about Wang Shang heated up again.

People love gossip and enjoy the spectacle, whether on Earth or in this world! The media's verbal battles increased sales, and the readers enjoyed the drama, using it for entertainment.

Through the media's hype, Wang Shang, who had never been taken seriously before, began to enter the public eye. The TV drama "The Legend of Zhen Huan," written by Wang Shang, became a focal point.

"The Legend of Zhen Huan" had not even started filming, but it was already a hot topic, remembered by countless people.

This media hype brought in significant profits for the media and entertainment for the readers.

However, the one who benefited the most was Wang Shang, a newcomer. Although his reputation was mixed, he was now known nationwide.

In the entertainment industry, fame is the most important. Even bad publicity is better than no publicity, which is why scandals and hype are common.

Great Tang International, capitalizing on the heated discussion, began to prepare for the production of "The Legend of Zhen Huan." The director had already been chosen, with several directors interested in directing the drama. In the end, the most influential and experienced director, Zheng Long, was selected.

Great Tang International, with its strong resources, carefully selected actors for each role within a short half-month.

The famous mainland actress Kong Li, with her bangs, simple bun, and light pink qipao, was considered to fit the character of Zhen Huan.

The famous Hong Kong actor Chen Jianbin, with his mustache, small eyes, and stout figure, exuded a mature charm, fitting the role of the emperor.

The casting was complete.

On October 5, 2000, "The Legend of Zhen Huan" officially began filming.

With a renowned director and a cast of stars, plus the recent media hype, the first day of filming attracted hundreds of media outlets for interviews.

However, Wang Shang kept a low profile and did not appear, disappointing the media who were eager to catch him.

Subsequently, Great Tang International released bits of information about "The Legend of Zhen Huan" every few days, including stills and lines, piquing the interest of many people.

Many people were already eagerly awaiting the drama's premiere!