AFVSIBS **Chapter 217: Zhou Chen Refuses to Engage in Hype Campaigns**
Cheng Qiang is a smart man. After seeing today's online buzz, he immediately guessed that it was a well-orchestrated drama by the director of "Music 2023", Wei Wentao, and Zheng Shulong.
Such tricks are very common in the entertainment industry, and he couldn't possibly be unaware of it.
He knew that Wei Wentao's hype campaign wouldn't just stop there; they would definitely continue to roll out bigger moves.
After all, the biggest star participating in "Music 2023" right now is not Zheng Shulong, but Chen Xiaoyu.
According to normal logic, it wouldn't make sense to forgo hyping up the biggest star and instead hype up other artists.
So, Cheng Qiang planned to fight fire with fire.
He and his assistant had already discussed a plan to hype up Zhou Chen. The reason for inviting Zhou Chen over this time was to get his opinion on the matter.
As long as Zhou Chen agreed, they could proceed immediately.
Moreover, Cheng Qiang was confident that with Zhou Chen's popularity and heat, even a little hype would surpass everything else in terms of public interest and buzz.
"I can't say for sure. We'll have to wait until Zhou Chen arrives and ask for his opinion," Cheng Qiang thought for a few seconds before answering his assistant.
"Alright, I'll go out and see if they've arrived yet."
Just as Cheng Qiang's assistant was about to step out, Zhou Chen and Wan Fangfang arrived.
She immediately led them into the office Cheng Qiang had arranged.
This office was quite private, and as soon as Zhou Chen entered, he guessed they were there to discuss something important.
"Zhou Chen, Fangfang, please have a seat and enjoy some tea. We'll talk slowly," Cheng Qiang warmly invited them to sit down.
"Thank you, Director Cheng. May I ask what important matter you invited us here for?" Wan Fangfang asked directly after sitting down.
"Have you seen today's hot search?"
"Director Cheng, are you referring to the rumors about Zheng Shulong and Yang Hanhang dating?"
"Yes, exactly. This matter has dominated the trending searches and entertainment news headlines today," Cheng Qiang confirmed.
"Yes, I've noticed. But this incident benefits 'Music 2023' the most, since Zheng Shulong is participating in that show and mentioned it in his clarification post, making many people aware that 'Music 2023' is airing on the 1st."
Wan Fangfang, being a seasoned manager in the industry, immediately analyzed the situation.
"That's right, you make a good point. The real beneficiary here is the 'Music 2023' program. So, I can conclude that this incident wasn't spontaneous but was orchestrated by them," Cheng Qiang analyzed.
"Director Cheng, then why did you call us here?"
Zhou Chen asked directly.
"I wanted to discuss how to respond to 'Music 2023's' tactics to grab traffic and attention. As you know, our 'International Music Concert' and 'Music 2023' are both airing on the same night, with ours starting a bit earlier. However, even so, our program's effect and ratings will inevitably be compared by industry insiders."
Cheng Qiang did not hide anything and told Zhou Chen the situation frankly.
"There's nothing to fear. A show's ratings depend on its content and the performers' performances, not on hype," Zhou Chen stated.
"What you say is certainly true, but with 'Music 2023' making all these moves, we can't just do nothing. So I wanted to discuss a hype plan for you, to maximize your popularity and heat. What do you think?"
"I disagree. I refuse any hype behavior," Zhou Chen responded without hesitation.
"Yes, Director Cheng, Zhou Chen seeks genuine engagement, so we appreciate your concern, but let's not go with the hype plan. We are confident that we can bring unprecedented ratings to the 'International Music Concert'. Please rest assured about this."
Knowing Zhou Chen's character, Wan Fangfang knew he would never accept Cheng Qiang's hype proposal, so she immediately explained to Cheng Qiang.
"Alright, since that's your stance, I'll respect your decision and cancel the hype plan. However, for the sake of our show's traffic and ratings, I hope you can help promote the 'International Music Concert' as much as possible."
Before Zhou Chen arrived, Cheng Qiang had already anticipated that Zhou Chen would refuse. He was just trying his luck in case Zhou Chen agreed unexpectedly. Hearing Zhou Chen's refusal, he gave up.
He didn't force Zhou Chen and chose to respect his decision.
"Thank you for understanding, Director Cheng. Rest assured, I will do my best to promote the 'International Music Concert' within my capacity. The fact that 'Music 2023' is resorting to hype to boost attention and ratings shows they're nervous. You have even less reason to worry," Zhou Chen reassured.
"Good, with your word, I'm at ease. How's your new song coming along? Confident about it?"
Although he had previously asked Wan Fangfang privately, Cheng Qiang wanted to confirm it with Zhou Chen in person.
"The new song is very well-prepared. There won't be any issues," Zhou Chen affirmed.
"Good, good. Hearing that from you, I'm completely reassured. Let's not talk about hype anymore. Let's go out and find a place to have lunch and chat about other things."
Seeing the confident expression on Zhou Chen's face, Cheng Qiang no longer had any worries.
So, after a brief chat, they went out for lunch together.
After that, they each went their own ways.
Last night's sudden appearance of Yang Hanhang prevented Zhou Chen from having a good night's sleep.
Now that there was nothing scheduled for the afternoon, he turned off his phone and went to bed for a good rest.
Yang Hanhang did the same. Her drunkenness last night left her without proper rest, and now she needed ample sleep to recover.
However, before sleeping, she chose to send Zhou Chen a text message:
"Zhou Chen, thank you for your help last night. I'm so tired and need a good sleep. I'll treat you to dinner once I wake up."
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