Chapter 107: Third Public Discussion (Extra Update for Dou Bu Fa Ya's Monthly Votes)

This wave of operations instantly elevated “General Manager of Miscellaneous Affairs” Lin Xiang’s image in everyone’s hearts, making him appear towering and imposing. Even Guo Lei was thoroughly impressed, convinced that Xiao Kaitian’s decision to appoint Lin Xiang as general manager was indeed well justified.

Lin Xiang tucked his phone away and addressed the employees: “Everyone must remember what the core of Qixi Media Consulting’s consulting work truly is. It is consultation, not profit.”

The group shook their heads in agreement. Lin Xiang continued with satisfaction: “Therefore, whatever task Xiao Zong has entrusted to us, we will pursue it by any means necessary. As for any expenses or questionable tactics, those are not matters we should concern ourselves with. Do you understand?”

“Yes, General Manager Lin.” They answered in unison.

Lin Xiang’s strategy was worth emulating. With the demonstration of samples, the invitations extended to employees went much more smoothly this time.

“Professor Zhang, I know you don’t place much value on this two or three thousand attendance fee. Your primary interest lies in sharing your insights and guidance, so that these currently impetuous young people avoid taking detours.”

“Director Lin, we value your professionalism above all. No one in this region can compare to you. Naturally, the thirty-thousand-yuan attendance fee is an affirmation of your expertise. Um…”

After some negotiation, aside from a small number who truly could not attend for personal reasons, the majority of the targeted professionals agreed to participate. With experts serving as the draw, securing media invitations became considerably easier. Furthermore, given Qixi Media Consulting’s recent highly controversial topic, numerous local Haidu media outlets had already dispatched reporters.

This surge in attendance caused the discussion meeting to begin with an overflowing crowd at the First Haijing venue. The vast hall was packed to capacity, leaving staff like Yu Mei sweating profusely in their efforts to manage the throng.

“Old Wang, I didn’t expect you to show up as well. I thought you had no interest in this discussion meeting.”

“How can you say that? While the discussion meeting isn’t a serious academic exchange, it can inspire young minds. I believe Qixi Media Consulting’s work carries significant social meaning.”

“Precisely. Though we’re older, learning knows no bounds. I’m here with the mindset of absorbing knowledge.”

“Engaging with professionals from various industries has always been a cherished dream of ours.”

These were the exchanges among the expert group. Shifting to the media side revealed a different perspective.

“Have you heard? Su Entertainment and Media has issued a ban across the entertainment industry, comprehensively targeting Qixi Media Consulting. Is an elephant really stepping on an ant?”

“Li Qiuping has also reached out to the directors’ and actors’ circles, banning Chen Jingming. Do you think Chen Jingming is foolish for boarding such a sinking ship?”

“That may not be entirely accurate. Ants are small, but if they slip into an elephant’s ear, it could be uncomfortable. I’ve heard that behind Qixi Media Consulting lies a major conglomerate.”

“Bullshit conglomerate. It’s a company on the verge of bankruptcy, a branch of the Xiao family. The internet is buzzing with rumors that the boss is a fool.”

“I followed up on this project initially. The financing amount was enormous, and it seems to have stalled. How did it suddenly resurface?”

“No matter what, the entertainment industry will likely witness some riveting drama. That’s why the boss sent me here to uncover hot topics.”

“Look at Today’s Spotlight’s Wang Dong, and the man with him is the boss we just mentioned. It’s said Wang Dong penned a special column for Qixi Media Consulting. This is a full commitment, a last stand.”

“News thrives on speed and agility, fully capturing traffic potential. So in that sense, Wang Dong isn’t backing down.”

Students and individuals from various professional fields held differing views.

“Qixi Media Consulting claimed from the start that they would produce movies. I thought it was bluffing, but it turned out to be true. A science fiction film, almost a taboo in the Han and Tang film industries.”

“I watched the press conference. Other media outlets are irrelevant, but you should check Today’s Spotlight’s column. Those techniques seem exceptionally impressive. If realized, it would represent a revolutionary breakthrough.”

“That’s just science fiction props. Don’t be naive.”

“Expectations remain. This is my third time attending, not for the five-hundred-yuan attendance fee. I find this novel discussion format promising; it could become a trend in future commerce.”

“Companies willing to burn money can afford such risks. Ordinary enterprises wouldn’t bother unless R&D investment is insufficient.”

“Just this discussion’s theme feels overly sensitive. It’s framed as serving the film, yet something about it strikes me as odd.”

“Maybe it’s tied to the science fiction world-building background. Regardless, I’m very much looking forward to it. This time, a host of experts, professors, and industry figures will participate, along with reporters. It appears Qixi Media Consulting intends to confront the entertainment circle head-on.”

“Eat-melon spectators, sit back and enjoy the show. This year is sure to be spectacular.”

Across all groups, perspectives differed. This divergence is precisely why Xiao Kaitian had steadfastly insisted on hosting the discussion meeting, amplified by Zhao Qixi’s strategy, which rapidly heightened the buzz.

Students, being primary carriers of online traffic, further propelled matters. Their promotions on Weibo, Moments, and various groups swiftly flooded hot searches, propelling the discussion into the top thirty.

Of course, Tang Tian’s water army operations were indispensable. After monitoring the data, Tang Tian ordered a full-scale black campaign against the film Above the Abyss. Supporters of Qixi Media Consulting stood in clear opposition, with this negative narrative also surging into hot searches, firmly anchoring at seventeenth place.

Under Chen Jingming’s direction, Tang Tianxia had preliminarily established both a public relations department and an online monitoring department. The compiled data was then shared across the company’s senior management group, ensuring seamless information flow.

Xiao Kaitian pulled out his phone, scrolled through the group messages, and advanced precisely according to the plan. Satisfied, he set the phone aside, nodded to Guo Lei, and signaled the start of the discussion meeting proceedings.

With such a large turnout, attendees without invitation cards were barred from the conference room. Anticipating this, Guo Lei had already secured the second and third floors’ restaurants as a rest area for them.

Live streaming was arranged on site by dedicated personnel, so remaining in the restaurant, enjoying delicacies, and watching the broadcast simultaneously offered an appealing alternative. Everyone praised Qixi Media Consulting’s initiative, with further promotions and boasts circulating on various platforms.

By nearly ten o’clock in the morning, entry had concluded. The thousand-square-meter hall overflowed with people, reporters maneuvering cameras along the narrow aisles in a tight squeeze.

Under the watchful gaze of the crowd, Guo Lei stepped onto the podium in high heels, clad in a deep-blue women’s suit layered over a violet blouse, exuding commanding presence. Smiling, she placed her notebook on the lectern.

“Good morning, everyone. Thank you sincerely for attending Qixi Media Consulting’s third public discussion meeting despite your demanding schedules. I am your host, Guo Lei. I trust you have all reviewed the meeting guidelines in advance, so I will not detain you with further remarks.”

“I now declare the third public discussion meeting officially underway!”