Chapter 43 1/2

In these months, Sheng Quan, of course, hadn’t been idle. Because her main focus was on “cultivator,” most of the people she chose to invest in were related to the crew.

Under her management, the life value feedback was maintained at just the right level.

She even endured not drawing lottery tickets. Yes, now she had the capital not to draw. She didn’t draw just to experiment with whether the results of the lottery could be stacked.

Fortunately, the efforts of those who had a heart for it paid off. With the collective efforts of the entire team, “Cultivator” made it to the New Year’s release schedule.

At this point, the role of the investors became evident. Everyone worked tirelessly, displaying various talents, and Starlight Entertainment played a significant role in determining the release date.

Fang Zong, with his two small mustaches, had the widest network in the film industry. This time, he could be considered to have made a significant contribution among the investors.

Among all the investors, Sheng Quan, who had already invested $300 million (the funding over the past few months), was undoubtedly the leader among leaders. So, being able to contribute this time showcased her strength, making Fang Zong quite proud.

“The competition in this year’s New Year’s schedule is indeed fierce. Films like ‘Iron-Blood Boss,’ ‘My Happy Mom,’ and ‘Five Treasures Happy Home 2’ cover adventure, comedy, warmth, and excitement elements. Despite that, we still managed to secure such a high first-day screening, almost catching up with ‘Iron-Blood Boss.'”

He made a great contribution, and everyone was happy to praise him. Even Sheng Quan raised her cola to toast him.

As for why she didn’t drink alcohol at this seemingly pre-celebratory dinner, not even the most perceptive Fang Zong asked.

She had thrown three hundred million out there. What’s wrong with not drinking alcohol? She didn’t force them to accompany her to drink cola.

He was busy envisioning the future: “As long as ‘Cultivator’ makes its debut, the next part is almost ninety percent secured. Hahaha, everyone, we might be aiming for awards next.”

This wasn’t Fang Zong daydreaming too optimistically. After the completion of “Cultivator,” they indeed had an internal screening, inviting well-known critics to judge. In the end, they received an impressively high approval rate of 80 percent.

It’s worth noting that they invited audiences of all age groups, male and female, young and old, even foreigners. An eighty percent approval rate was considered very high.

The evaluation from Wang Zong’s film critic friends gave everyone reassurance:

“This movie, whether it’s the script design, editing, sound, and picture, or the emotional impact of scenes and special effects, exceeded expectations. The actors’ performances are so realistic that even audiences who never watch fantasy-related works will likely be moved. If the full score is ten points, I give it 9.9 points.”

Such an all-encompassing positive review was the main reason all investors focused all their efforts on “Cultivator.”

There weren’t many “unexpected” things in life. If most people say a movie is not good or won’t succeed, it might still have a chance to rebound in one or two decades due to changing times.

However, if most people say a movie is good and will be a hit, then it will definitely be a massive success. There’s no suspense, and the only difference lies in whether it’s just “successful” or “super successful.”

The investors’ job was to push “Cultivator” as much as possible towards being super successful.

The promotion of “Cultivator” was indeed well executed.

During this period, various fantasy works had gained some popularity, and now it was time for them to give back.

After releasing some exciting clips of “Cultivator” and effective promotion, a heated atmosphere was created. Many netizens who enjoyed fantasy works were pleasantly surprised.

Naturally, they didn’t know that from the beginning, the preference for fantasy cultivation had been promoted through “training.”

However, it wasn’t something that absolutely no one could discern.

Before the release of “Cultivator,” a netizen posted a picture of their movie ticket and expressed anticipation for this movie that had sparked recent interest in fantasy cultivation. Some netizens, however, noticed a blind spot.

Caramel Flavor Spectator: [My favorite cultivation novel; the author said it was a customized work. My favorite cultivation manga is also sponsored by a wealthy patron. Now look at the timing; it’s just when the shooting location of “Cultivator” was exposed.

Although one could argue that the live broadcast of fantasy cultivation was too mind-blowing, I still feel that there aren’t so many wealthy patrons. The movie side must have been preparing for the release in advance.

Think carefully: how badly had cultivation genres cooled down before?

How come, just as a cultivation movie is about to be released, cultivation genres suddenly flourish?

[I can only say, what a grand strategy.]

This speculation indeed had some logic and evidence. Some people thought she was overthinking, while others believed that even if it was a grand strategy on the movie side, what’s wrong with that?

Orange Meow: If high-quality cultivation novels are driven by capital, I just want to say, please push more! Push vigorously! ]

Casual Maple Moon: As long as the movie is good, they can promote it however they want. [As long as it’s good.]

Ah Ah Strange Today Wants to Become European: [Don’t say, I heard that Sheng Quan is the biggest investor in this movie. [According to her personality, she might just customize various cultivation works because she likes them.]

Even If I Can’t Bite the Nut: Is it possible that the people who catch Sheng Quan’s eye are all talents? ]

Soaring Eel: Right, have you guys noticed the Daoist in the released clips of Cultivator? We’ve seen many monk settings, but this is the first time I’ve seen a martial arts setting. When he burst his clothes, my jaw almost fell off! That impact, that explosive feeling—I could feel it even through the screen. And when I checked, he is also an artist under Starlight Entertainment.

Daily Name Change of the Landlord: [Upstairs, haven’t you heard a saying? Starlight doesn’t sign ugly people. [Look at the artists they’ve signed so far; even An Baixing can be considered a cheerful, young, handsome guy.]

This is where the netizens’ indifferent attitude towards being pawns in the grand scheme, as expressed by the original poster, becomes quite evident. Some even actively expressed, “If this is playing a big game, please play more.”

The entertainment industry has never lacked attractive individuals. However, there are always instances where actors with connections but lacking in acting skills or appearance seize opportunities.

At such a time, Starlight Entertainment emerged in the entertainment industry. With a chairman clearly discerning in taste and possessing a high aesthetic sense, he promoted individuals with both good looks and talent, which naturally made audiences rejoice.

Hot Pot Fell in Love with BBQ: [This is right!] The entertainment industry is for entertainment—to see faces and bring joy to the audience. Sheng Dong did a great job! ]

Shang Bo: You can tell how carefully the crew worked on “Cultivator” just by watching the clips. [It’s’sare to see such a sincere domestic film; I’ll support it no matter what.]

Glass Candy: Am I the only one who noticed that everyone appearing in all the clips is handsome or beautiful? [As a face dog, I’ve bought my ticket.]

Cute Foodie: My favorite Yan Hui was discovered by Sheng Quan. Sheng Dong’s taste is exceptional! ]

Pepper Salt Seal: [Whether the cultivation genre is trending due to marketing or promotion, as long as it pleases me and is good, I’ll support it.]

Many viewers held such thoughts, but there were more who didn’t care about these aspects. Some genuinely liked cultivation genres; some came to see clips they stumbled upon; and others were there for their favorite stars.

Yu Miao came for her favorite star.

She liked the actor, Shen Lu.

In the eyes of the fans, Shen Lu’s opportunities have always been a bit unfair. Despite her excellent acting skills, she often got roles in peculiar dramas. The only drama that gained her some fame was still criticized.

Yu Miao was a semi-old fan. She watched Shen Lu’s journey, witnessing her transition on Weibo from occasional middle school syndrome posts to gradually becoming more business-like.

Until she joined the “Cultivator” crew, Shen Lu’s Weibo gradually became lively again.

Sometimes she posted selfies with a bag of roast duck, alongside photos with other cast members: “Today, the director praised me. Haha, the director said she could tell I’ve been working hard in secret and rewarded me with her roast duck.”

Sometimes, she shared pictures of small grass growing in the set’s floor tiles: “A small grass that’s been fighting with the props team, props team with all kinds of shovels, and they all grow differently. Haha, Sheng Dong said, after finishing the shoot, we won’t shovel them anymore; let them grow freely.”