Chapter 249 Actors Are In Place
It took a full two hours of strolling to explore most of Zhuozheng Garden. The reason it wasn't fully explored was that some areas were under maintenance and not open to the public, so there was no opportunity to check in and take photos.
After leaving Zhuozheng Garden, the two took a taxi back to Oriental Gate. It was getting late, and it was time for a meal.
"How about we have a buffet tonight? This durian barbecue buffet looks really good!" In the hotel lobby, Zhang Yuanying sat on the sofa, looking at food recommendations on her phone app, and asked Jiang Shu, who was beside her.
Being able to understand Chinese was undoubtedly the key for her to have a better and deeper travel experience in China.
"I'm fine with anything, it's up to you," Jiang Shu said to Zhang Yuanying without looking up from his phone screen.
"Then let's go with this durian barbecue buffet!"
Korea is an island nation, so seafood is abundant. However, in China, seafood buffets are often the most expensive.
Even a buffet without seafood, even with unlimited durian, wouldn't be very expensive.
Having just completed a task and received a "huge sum" of money, Zhang Yuanying was eager to spend it.
This wasn't a company settlement where she could save what she didn't spend. If she didn't spend this money, it would truly be useless just sitting there.
"What are you looking at?" Zhang Yuanying curiously leaned over.
"I'm looking at today's overall group data, mainly ITZY's comeback daily report." Jiang Shu didn't shy away, letting Zhang Yuanying lean over and look.
A table came into view, and Zhang Yuanying stared at it for a while but couldn't understand what it meant.
This was also the reason Jiang Shu didn't shy away from her.
Even if he showed her, she wouldn't understand.
But he couldn't show it to the camera; there would definitely be people in the public who understood.
"How are things looking?" Zhang Yuanying asked curiously when she heard ITZY's name.
"The data is very impressive, almost catching up to your IZONE," Jiang Shu said with a smile.
"Then it seems we have a rival," Zhang Yuanying said with a cheerful smile, not showing a hint of nervousness on her face.
"Whether they're rivals or not, we'll have to see when they clash," Jiang Shu said with a smile, then exited the page.
"I'm going to make a call. We'll go eat after I'm done."
"Okay," Zhang Yuanying nodded obediently.
Jiang Shu stood up with his phone and walked aside, dialing Li Duohui's number.
The phone rang for a short while before being answered, as if the person on the other end had been waiting for the call.
"President nim!" Li Duohui's respectful voice came through the receiver.
"I've reviewed the proposal. It's a good idea, but the launch time is too late. Starting the momentum so close to the comeback will inevitably limit its reach."
"We considered building momentum for ITZY now, but the marketing and finance departments calculated the required investment, and the amount far exceeded our budget. Even with increased investment, it's still not enough, and we need to ensure sufficient profit," Li Duohui explained.
"We can change our approach, from leading public opinion to guiding it. Fans' spontaneous actions are also very good, aren't they?" Jiang Shu said with a smile.
"Do you mean to have the trolls in the fan groups guide the fans to execute our plan?"
"Yes."
"But this introduces too many uncertainties. Once the fan base gets out of control, our public opinion risk control might not be able to stop the momentum in time," Li Duohui raised her concerns.
"If we want to save resources and achieve the best results, some risks must always be taken." Jiang Shu didn't care. How could there be risk-free money-making ventures?
Even the US Mint printing money has to worry about printing too much affecting the global financial market.
"Alright." Li Duohui's working style was always cautious; she was never willing to make risky decisions. Especially after being warned by Jiang Shu recently, she had become even more prudent in her actions.
However, this time it was Jiang Shu's direct order, so she could only comply.
"Regarding the fan groups, mainly guide ITZY, build momentum for ITZY. What I want to see is a battle between two strong contenders, not IZONE fans' overwhelming attack."
"I understand what you mean."
Only a battle between two kings, vying for the sole top position, can generate enough influence.
An overwhelming victory never provides a stronger viewing experience than a hard-fought win after an evenly matched contest.
The objective gap between ITZY and IZONE isn't actually that large. Wangdao Passion has already been built up, and now that ITZY has officially entered the top-tier ranks, they absolutely have the qualifications to challenge IZONE.
What's missing now is an opportunity, a "rebellious" opportunity.
Since their debut, IZONE has been recognized as the pinnacle of second-generation girl groups, even though the group has been active for less than a year.
And such a top-tier girl group is also the king of girl groups in the eyes of countless people. As concepts like "reaching the top," "white paper," and "K-pop history" proposed by Jiang Shu were adopted by the cultural and entertainment departments and widely spread in the K-pop world, IZONE's ascent to the position of demon king was almost a foregone conclusion.
ITZY has repeatedly surpassed its own limits, and now it has reached the position of the first-ranked group below the king. In fact, many people and ITZY fans have long been wondering if ITZY could challenge IZONE.
However, due to IZONE's overly powerful dominance, and with "Gee" sweeping across Asia at this time, even if a few brave souls boldly declared "ITZY is not weaker than IZONE," the result was still widespread ridicule.
Such a situation was naturally unfavorable for DM Entertainment's upcoming plans.
The top-tier second-generation girl group must be from their DM Entertainment. As for whether this top-tier group is ITZY or IZONE, that depends on their own abilities.
Now that the actors are in place and the script has been prepared, the stage for the performance must also begin to be set.
The story of the hero challenging the demon king, while old-fashioned, is a reliable trope that works.
The demon king IZONE is ready, and the preconditions for the hero ITZY have been met. So, the next step is to prepare the hero's reputation for challenging the demon king.
You may be strong, but to challenge the demon king, you ultimately need external forces like reputation.
And this kind of reputation, in the entertainment industry, is called public opinion.
"Then let's get to work. I hope to see supporters for ITZY before the company officially announces the battle of the two kings in July."
A hero challenging a demon king, a small king challenging a great king, both need to have their own supporters. A strong momentum is also a kind of ability.
"Yes." After Li Duohui agreed on her end, Jiang Shu hung up the phone and turned to look in Zhang Yuanying's direction.
This great demon king's most solid center position was probably pondering what to eat later.
Jiang Shu couldn't help but smile.
Liu Zhimin was his ex-girlfriend, but from an outsider's perspective, the true eldest princess of DM Entertainment has always been this underage girl in front of him.
Liu Zhimin, on the other hand, ultimately lost her name in this second-generation peak showdown.
But it doesn't matter...
The next era belongs to her.