Chapter 757: Night of the Peak, Si Fuqing Ascended to Top-tier! (1)
It’s fair to say that in his many years at Starlight TV, the network head had never seen double-digit viewership ratings.
A decade ago, when the internet was less pervasive and television was the mainstay in every household, ratings could reach such numbers.
How many people were glued to their TVs last night?!
Originally, Starlight TV had acquired “Crossing the Demon Realm” mainly because of Tang Haiqiu and the reputation of its predecessor, “Sword Immortal.”
The network head had been genuinely concerned whether Si Fuqing, a completely new actor, could carry such a major series.
He had initially hoped that breaking a 1% viewership rating would be a success.
Little did he know, it would add an entire digit!
It was foreseeable that the ratings would continue to explode.
Looking at the peak ratings for the second episode, the network head was ecstatic, “Well done, everyone has worked hard. I’m going to the finance department right now to arrange bonuses for you all!”
Securing the exclusive broadcast rights for “Crossing the Demon Realm” was the best decision he had made during his tenure.
With “Crossing the Demon Realm,” Starlight TV was set to make a killing this holiday break!
And with potential reruns during the summer, the network’s value was sure to increase.
The network head was practically floating as he left.
The statistician, also pleased about the bonus, couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed that even as an insider, he could only watch the show like everyone else at 8 PM each day.
He sighed and went online to see the discussions about the show.
**
Meanwhile, at the premiere of the movie “Seeking the Lost.”
The hall was packed with people.
Moreover, so many were still arriving that the production had to call in additional security to prevent a stampede.
The director was stunned, “Why are there so many people today? Our movie’s theme wasn’t expected to do this well.”
“Seeking the Lost,” a film about child abduction, had secured a New Year’s Day release largely through the efforts of the LI family, despite not being one of the more anticipated family reunion dramas.
The producer was just as confused, “I have no idea.”
But veteran actress Tao Yunxi, playing the female lead, smiled and offered, “Si Fuqing’s first drama premiered yesterday. I watched it; she’s really charismatic and performed wonderfully. I think they’re all here for her.”
“That can’t be it…” the director stuttered, overwhelmed by the turnout, “It can’t be this crazy right?”
Si Fuqing had a small role in “Seeking the Lost,” playing Tao Yunxi’s daughter, which meant they appeared together on screen.
The media were eager to interview her.
However, in “Seeking the Lost,” Tao Yunxi was the main attraction, and Si Fuqing had limited screen time. The media were cautious, afraid of sparking another round of criticism.
Tao Yunxi didn’t mind sharing the spotlight, even steering the conversation towards Si Fuqing, “Did you know my daughter is becoming popular? I’m so happy. Have you all seen ‘Crossing the Demon Realm’ last night?”
The media finally relaxed and turned their microphones toward Si Fuqing.
“I’m actually more skilled in films than TV dramas,” Si Fuqing nodded, “I enjoyed working with Mom Tao. On February 4th, New Year’s Day at midnight, don’t miss our movie at the theaters.”
Si Fuqing’s role in “Seeking the Lost” was starkly different from her character Sui Yan.
The premiere invited professional critics, who unanimously praised it.
After the screening, the producer approached with a serious demeanor, “Miss Si, let me thank you on behalf of Yuzhi. The more attention our movie gets, the easier it will be to find his child.”
“You’re welcome,” Si Fuqing nodded, “We’ll definitely find him.”
The producer sighed, “Ah, it’s been twenty years, we can only hope.”
He looked at the crowded venue outside, then said, “Miss Si, considering this crowd… should I ask Yuzhi to send a helicopter to pick you up?”
With so many people, wouldn’t she get overwhelmed?
“No worries,” Si Fuqing smiled, “I can be transparent when I want to.”
The producer was puzzled.
Using the power of Yin-Yang and Five Elements, Si Fuqing slipped away unseen by the media and her rapidly gathering fans.
Yuejian picked her up, shrugging, “I got blocked by your fans, yet you’re the relaxed one.”
She couldn’t help but remark, our little junior sister is really popular.
The two headed to the hotel to meet JI Xingzhi and Old Master JI.
On the way, Si Fuqing received a call from Yu Tang.
“Wow, Qingqing, this is huge,” Yu Tang was excited on the phone, “EmperorSpeakMovies, a critic who has roasted every celebrity, actually praised you!”