Translator: _Min_
Tang Haiqiu doubted his ears for a moment before he finally spoke, âWhat did you say?â
Even many domestic films could not achieve simultaneous domestic and international releases, much less TV dramas.
Securing international release dates was even more challenging than domestic ones, so they were typically delayed.
For a delayed international release, the production must catch the eye of international producers.
Despite the massive success of Tang Haiqiuâs last series âSword Immortal,â which exploded in ratings within the Great Xia Empire and remained a classic for ten years, no foreign producer bought the international broadcasting rights.
Such negotiations required connections.
Within the country, he could easily pick and choose his broadcasting slots with other networks, but even with Great Xia TV, he still needed Director Qinâs help.
Not to mention the difficulties of scheduling internationally.
Compared to other dramas, the xianxia genre was rather niche. Tang Haiqiu had never imagined his dramas reaching an international audience.
âIâm serious,â Si Fuqing said nonchalantly, âI know someone. I worked for him without pay; he told me to find him after I finish filming, and he would arrange the international broadcasting slot.â
Tang Haiqiuâs hand trembled slightly, his eyes sharpening, âWhat do you mean?â
âIâm asking if you could secure the international broadcasting rights?â Si
Fuqing smiled, âLocally, we can look to other channels, no need to stick with Great Xia TV. I remember Starlight TV has approached you before, offering the same prime-time slot during winter break.â
Starlight TV had an idol drama slot every evening at eight.
âBut if we also launch during winter break, youâll be competing against Tong Luoyunâs âGreat Zhao Dynasty,ââ Tang Haiqiu frowned, âThat wouldnât be good for you.â
The entertainment industry thrived on comparisons.
Certainly, with Si Fuqingâs current achievements and status in the industry, she couldnât compare to Tong Luoyun, the foremost among the top four actresses.
Tong Luoyun was not just an actress with hollow accolades, not like someone like Gu Zhinan who only won a questionable award; she was a frequently awarded leading actress who had already transitioned to international projects.
Originally, there was no basis for comparison between the two.
However, the trouble arose because Tong Luoyun was also discovered by Sang Yanqing. Her high achievements meant that marketing and media often used her as a benchmark against Si Fuqing.
Tang Haiqiu guessed that Tong Luoyunâs team suddenly decided to air the drama during this time partly because the winter break was a lucrative slot, and partly because they were tired of comparisons and wanted to affirm her status.
It was foreseeable that if âCrossing the Demon Realmâ didnât outperform âGreat Zhao Dynasty,â Si Fuqing would be harshly criticized.
For Si Fuqingâs sake, Tang Haiqiu preferred to delay the release.
Si Fuqing crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow, âDo you doubt yourself,
Director Tang, or do you doubt me?â
Stirred by a competitive spirit, Tang Haiqiu slapped the table, âAlright, Iâll contact Starlight TV right now. I usually donât like investing too much in promotions, but we need to create enough momentum for this drama!â He was determined to show everyone that the xianxia genre would never die.
Tang Haiqiu strode out.
âWho have you been working for?â Sang Yanqing asked puzzledly, âIsnât Mr. Yu enough?â
âItâs different,â Si Fuqing waved her phone, âA teacher and a boss are not the same. Shh, Sister Sang, I need to make a call.â
To spare her own heart, Sang Yanqing acquiesced smoothly and closed the door behind her.
As usual, Si Fuqing made a video call with Gu Wenzhu.
Ever since she had taken over the design drawings, the old man had a lot more free time.
âWhy so early today?â Gu Wenzhu put on his glasses, âIs your drama finished?â
âI was just about to discuss my drama with you, teacher,â Si Fuqing said, âItâs finished. I need an international broadcasting slot, ideally in late January.â
âAre you referring to International Film and TV Channel (IFTV)?â Gu Wenzhu mused, âTheir channel head is a good friend of Lingyun; he owes him a favor.
Iâll have him contact you directly.â
Si Fuqing nodded, her eyes narrowing like a foxâs, âTeacher, youâve been helping me so much; hasnât he ever suspected me?â
âNo,â Gu Wenzhu expression turned disdainful, âIâve given up expecting anything from him. What use is he?â
As for Si Fuqingâs identity, Qu Lingyun truly had no suspicions.
Gu Wenzhu was a fashion godfather who, like himself, had a strong appreciation for anything beautiful.
Si Fuqingâs appearance was undeniably flawless, a miraculous creation as if by divine craftsmanship.
Qu Lingyun did wonder how Gu Wenzhu knew Si Fuqing, but after a couple of evasive answers, he stopped paying attention..