After a while, Qin Baichuan phoned Bureau Chief Liu to provide the update.
Bureau Chief Liu answered the phone. “You’ve already asked them, Old Qin? How long have they started filming? How long more will it take for them to finish?”
“They’ve finished filming.”
“Mm, they’ve… WHAT? They’re done?!” Bureau Chief Liu’s voice suddenly became louder. “Can you say that again?”
“I’m still going to say the same thing no matter how many times you ask me to repeat it. They’ve finished filming!” Qin Baichuan said energetically. “Hurry up and arrange a prime-time slot in China Central Television.”
“No, wait… They’re ‘finished’ finished?” Bureau Chief Liu looked a little stunned. “This is China Central Television we’re talking about. How long have they been filming? Are you confident of their quality?”
“Probably around two months. They ought to have wrapped everything up by now. Stop delaying and arrange that time slot!”
“I’ve never heard anyone in the industry make a TV series that can be completed in less than two months.”
“And now you have. That kid’s not just any normal person.” Qin Baichuan smiled.
Bureau Chief Liu patted his half-bald forehead, unsure whether to laugh or cry. He was already completely lost for words
He was in the radio and television industry. His scope in China Central Television’s broadcasts was television series. Although he was not a professional producer, he could be regarded as someone who knew some of the industry’s ins and outs.
It stood to reason that he knew how other people’s crews create their television shows and he was also well aware of the process involved. In his opinion, it would take at least three months to prepare a series with 30 to 40 episodes, and the prerequisite was that it went smoothly without facing any problems.
Some crews even had to film for half a year, while others might have to be filmed for two or even three years. A myriad of uncertain factors was present in the process of filming, with last-minute changes of venues and actors switching around being quite commonplace.
As for Drawing Sword?
It only took less than two months, and the actors looked like a bunch of rookies without any acting skills.
What exactly was the situation? Was it really ready for release?
Bureau Chief Liu was under great pressure. It was China Central Television for goodness sake and prime time, no less. The situation was unique, and he would be making a fool of himself if Drawing Sword ended up being a flop.
…
Miracle Island.
Ye Lingchen hung up, smiled, and said to everyone. “It’s time to set the time slot. We have a television channel ready. Old Qin is very reliable when he handles things and he’s managed to spare us the review.”
“Ah, really?” Everyone looked over in surprise.
“We’re going to be on China Central Television this time, and it’ll probably be prime time too. This will be different from ordinary entertainment programs.”
“F*ck. China Central Television? That good?” China Central Television and ordinary television channels were completely different ends of the spectrum. Even Li Jing felt as though his heart was about to jump out, while the others all had shocked looks on their faces.
“Well, Young Master Ye, do we need to reshoot any scenes? If some of them aren’t filmed properly, then—” Li Jing could not help saying.
There was a need to treat it with extreme caution since it was going to be shown on China Central Television. Everyone began to feel an increasing amount of pressure.
“That’s not necessary,” Ye Lingchen smiled and said.
The next day.
Ye Lingchen started editing the entire series all by himself.
There were actually a lot of interesting tidbits throughout the filming process. It would come up to 50 episodes if all of them were added in, but Ye Lingchen had to edit it to about thirty-six episodes. Watching each scene genuinely made him feel very satisfied.
Time to start.
One hour.
Two hours.
Three hours.
Ye Lingchen sat in front of the computer. His fingers flew about quickly as he focused on the job at hand.
That afternoon, Qin Baichuan personally came to visit him.
“Little Friend Ye, is everything really okay with the show? I’ve already booked the slots with the bureau, so please don’t mess up.” Qin Baichuan went straight to the point when he arrived.
Ye Lingchen smiled and said, “I’ve just finished editing. Would you like to check it out?”
“You’ve finished editing already?” Qin Baichuan was given another shock. “Does that mean it can be broadcast right away?”
“Yup. It took me an entire morning to get it done.”
Qin Baichuan frowned. “I have to say, you’re very efficient. Too efficient.”
Ye Lingchen remarked casually, “I can manage. I don’t like to procrastinate. My strength doesn’t allow me too.”
Qin Baichuan shook his head helplessly. “There’s too many episodes, so I won’t watch it. It should be fine as long as you don’t embarrass me.”
“How could I possibly? Why would I pull a fast one on you when my own reputation is at stake?” Ye Lingchen said. He did not raise the possibility of funding, because firstly, it was a request that he agreed to before purchasing Miracle Island. Therefore, it was inappropriate to be taking any money. Besides, he was not overly concerned with money. If his show made it to China Central Television, he would be able to amass even more popularity, as that was the most important thing to him.
If he really did want money, he could still do so from the copyright once Drawing Sword became popular.
“By the way, have you arranged the time slot?” Ye Lingchen asked.
Qin Baichuan thought for a while and said, “It just so happens that one of the shows in China Central Television’s prime time slot will end next month, but Bureau Chief Liu of the National Television Bureau suggested to postpone it.”
Ye Lingchen raised his brows. “Huh? Why?”
“Relentless Swordsman and Best Time are two huge shows that have received lots of attention. They’ve already passed the review and should be released next month. Bureau Chief Liu said that these two TV series have stellar lineups, and two little fresh meat are starring in them too. They came prepared and are ready to hit the peak. The competition is too great, and Drawing Sword should avoid that as best as possible. After two months, it’ll be easier to achieve better results once there was no competition in the TV series.”
Bureau Chief Liu was being kind, and at the same time, he was really afraid that China Central Television’s television series would be slaughtered by the other channels. After all, male teen idols may be wimps, but their popularity was evident and there was no need to change an already tried and tested formula.
Of course, Ye Lingchen had other ideas.
“Next month then.”
“What?” Qin Baichuan was a little surprised.
“Going up against those little fresh meat is just what I’m looking forward to.” Ye Lingchen grinned.
“You sure?”
“I’m sure.” Ye Lingchen smiled and continued, “Old Qin, you’re a martial artist right, where’s your ruthlessness? Isn’t this TV series aimed at shooting down those little fresh meat? To promote martial arts and make men look more like men? Are you conceding before the battle even began?”
“Um…” Old Qin opened his mouth, then smiled bitterly, “I was completely swayed by Bureau Chief Liu’s coaxing. He kept droning on and on about how awesome and appealing those little fresh meats are. Then there’s that social media following too. F*cked me all up. I’m not afraid of him. Let’s do this!”
“That’s right. If you want to face them head on, then it’s time to show them what we’re made of.”
Many people would think they were crazy for going against male teen idols using a military-themed show. It was a mere wishful thinking.
“Hey Kid, can you take it easy for a bit? Can you guarantee the ratings? You’d better wipe the floor with those two little fresh meats!” Qin Baichuan exclaimed.
“Just watch,” Ye Lingchen answered.
‘I can’t possibly be satisfied just by wiping the floor with them!
‘What I want is to annihilate them!
‘How many little fresh meats have I destroyed now? My journey has always been to teach them how to be a person! How to be a man!’
