With the Star Entertainment public relations department’s efforts, the news about Ning Ziqiang attempted suicide was quickly suppressed.
Despite the news about Ning Ziqiang going viral for a while, it still couldn’t compare to the buzz generated by the scandal with Zheng Lunlun.
The reason was simple. Zheng Lunlun was among the hottest celebrities at the time, hence Ning Ran was being pulled along by his fame.
However, Ouyang Qing’s purpose this time wasn’t to cause Ning Ran’s problems to go viral. Instead, her objective was to smear Ning Ran’s reputation in front of the Nan family.
Therefore, Star Entertainment mobilized its immense media network and managed to change the situation against Ning Ran quickly.
Through many influencer accounts, they ‘accused’ Star Entertainment of using the incident as a publicity stunt to promote their new series.
Their rationale was that Ning Ran had donated tens of millions to the poor who were living in the mountainous regions. Hence, it was impossible for someone so generous to ill-treat her father. Therefore the matter just didn’t make sense.
The articles had even included pictures of Ning Ran and Zheng Lunlun doing charity together, serving as evidence.
Despite making it sound like an accusation, it was an indirect way of clearing Ning Ran’s name.
After that, Star Entertainment quickly issued a statement to clear the air. They clarified that it was just an accident and it wasn’t a publicity stunt for their new series. Soon, they would release evidence to support their claim.
Both sides mentioned a ‘new series’ amidst their ‘war of words’, but neither explained what the ‘new series’ actually was.
Such subliminal methods of marketing quickly piqued the netizens’ interest. Soon, they were all trying to find out what the new series was all about.
After that, there were ‘insider’ leaks that stated the new period drama was Sound of Thunder 2, starring Zheng Lunlun and Ning Ran.
Instantly, the news set the internet on fire. Everyone was trying their best to find out what the plot was and who would be in the creative team.
In no time, there were multiple versions and rumors floating around.
However, Star Entertainment maintained their silence and didn’t comment anything about the movie, as if they were trying to suppress any information about the series.
Hunger marketing not only worked in the food industry but appeared to be equally effective in the entertainment industry too.
Such unofficial marketing methods were extremely effective as they led to everyone speculating when the series would be released.
After going through a media exercise and the fact that Ning Ran didn’t publicly explain Ning Ziqiang’s attempted suicide, the incident’s negative repercussions quickly dissipated.
They had managed to turn a devastating crisis into a huge marketing opportunity for their new series.
Amidst all sorts of rumors, Sound of Thunder 2 became extremely popular even before it was released, resulting in many netizens talking about it excitedly.
Even Zheng Lunlun’s fans joined in the debate. His female fans called Ning Ran an ‘ugly old hag’ who hung onto Zheng Lunlun’s coattails to gain popularity. They accused her of not deserving to be a ‘couple’ with Zheng Lunlun because she was too ugly.
Meanwhile, many other fans came to Ning Ran’s defense. They said if she was considered ugly, who else can be then considered beautiful?
All the debates and arguments were centered upon one thing, that was Ning Ran and Zheng Lunlun’s new series.
Although an official announcement had yet to be made, many netizens were already waiting with high anticipation.
Soon, the Sound of Thunder 2 was going to be officially unveiled in the midst of the debate.
Just like a legendary beauty having her veil lifted, the press conference for the release of the movie was packed with reporters.
All the members of the creative team behind Sound of Thunder 2 were present at the press conference. They were ready to be interviewed by the reporters.
Due to the highly anticipated nature of the series, the press conference was buzzing with excitement with many members of the media livestreaming it.
As Ning Ran was about to be interviewed for the first time, she had butterflies in her stomach.
She was so anxious that she kept having the urge to go to the toilet despite having just gone.
Wang Xiaoou’s expression was icy as usual. “No matter how nervous you are, you have to stay calm and keep yourself together. You are the female lead. If you lose your composure, all the hard work we have done before this will be wasted.”
Wang Xiaoou’s words ended up intensifying Ning Ran’s anxiety.
“Ms. Wang, stop giving her pressure. You’re only making her more nervous,” Cheng Xiangyun advised.
Ning Ran gave Cheng Xiangyun a grateful look and felt that she was the one who knew her best.
Wang Xiaoou disagreed. “She is being groomed to be a megastar. If she can’t even manage a little bit of pressure, how is she going to become one?”
Ning Ran felt like crying. Can I not be a megastar then?
“Do you remember what you have to be mindful of when you answer the reporters’ questions?” Wang Xiaoou asked sternly.
“Yes, I do.”
“Repeat them for me.”
“When faced with sensitive or aggressive questions, I should not answer them. As for tough questions, I should not answer them directly. No matter how rude the reporters are, I will have to maintain my smile and not show my frustrations,” Ning Ran repeated.
Wang Xiaoou nodded.
“You don’t have to be so nervous. Even if you have a slip of tongue, we can still salvage the situation as long as it’s not too serious.”
Damn it, you should have said that earlier! Ning Ran heaved a sigh of relief.
“But, it doesn’t mean you can shoot your mouth off. Every word you say must be considered carefully. Don’t just speak without thinking.” Wang Xiaoou hit a nerve again.
Ning Ran couldn’t help but admit that speaking without thinking was her greatest weakness.
Also, she couldn’t deny that Wang Xiaoou was an excellent manager. She could easily identify Ning Ran’s weakness.
“I understand, Ms. Wang. I will do my best.”
“Don’t call me Ms. Wang, just call me Ou will do. We are going to be partners for the long haul. Being too formal will only get in the way of work.”
“Alright, Ou,” Ning Ran agreed with a nod.
At that moment, a crew member entered and said that the reporters had waited for a long time and wanted to know when Ning Ran would appear.
Wang Xiaoou glanced at Ning Ran. “Are you ready?”
“Yes.” Ning Ran nodded and took a deep breath.
The interviewer was from an online media company. They had sent one of their well-known anchors over.
Right when the spot light was turned on and the cameras started to roll, Ning Ran began to feel nervous again.
It wasn’t her first time standing in front of the camera. But, it felt different from when she was filming.
During filming, there was still post-editing where any undesirable parts could be cut out later.
However, a live stream was different. Once a mistake was made, there was no going back as there was no way to edit it out. The only solution was to rely on the public relations department to manage the damage.
Standing behind the camera, Wang Xiaoou gave Ning Ran a thumbs up to encourage her.
After picking up a bottle of water and taking a sip, Ning Ran took the initiative and smiled at the anchor. “I’m feeling very nervous.”
It was a brilliant gesture to be upfront about how nervous she was. From then on, she no longer felt the pressure to hide her anxiety from the audience.
The anchor was a handsome man. He faced Ning Ran and smiled. “Ms. Ding, you don’t have to be nervous, we’re only going to have a chat.”
“Please go ahead.” After stating that she was nervous, Ning Ran’s anxiety began to ease.
Meanwhile, Wang Xiaoou beamed with pride. She had managed many newbies before. Compared to them, the lady in front of her seemed to be getting off to a pretty good start.
“Alright, let us begin now. Ms. Ding, to most netizens, you’re still considered relatively new. Hence, why don’t you make a self-introduction to us?” The anchor asked.
“Sure. Hello everyone. My name is Ding Mi. I am the lead in Sound of Thunder 2. In the series, I’m playing…”
