Chapter 704
Public Relations Plan
Huang Xiaoming continued, "After all, Huang Lei, Huang Bo, and Deng Chao are all well-known artists in the industry with good reputations and many fans. If they speak out for me, it should be recognized by everyone and able to suppress those negative opinions. So I personally called them and explained the situation to them, hoping they could help me. Huang Lei and the others were very kind and agreed to my request, saying they would speak out for me."
Not long after, Huang Lei took the lead in posting a Weibo post to clarify things for me. He said that Xiaoming is a very hardworking and sincere person. Over the years, he has been working hard to improve himself, which we have all seen. He hoped that everyone could give him a chance and stop the malicious hype and hurting him. Huang Bo also posted a Weibo post, saying that no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. Xiaoming did not sing well back then, but he has been working hard to make up for it over the years. He hoped that everyone could pay more attention to his work and less attention to his negative news. Deng Chao also posted a Weibo post, jokingly saying that Xiaoming's "Nao Tai Tao" back then was indeed a bit funny, but he has improved a lot over the years. He asked everyone not to make fun of him about this anymore and to give us some face.
"After they posted on Weibo, at first, some netizens were indeed persuaded by them, and some voices in my defense appeared in the comments section, and the public opinion heated up a bit."
Huang Xiaoming said.
“At the time, I thought the plan was finally going to succeed, and I breathed a sigh of relief. But I didn’t expect Huang Bin to sabotage things again. He secretly contacted those bloggers and asked them to continue hyping it up. He also asked them to attack Huang Lei, Huang Bo, and Deng Chao, saying that they took my money to whitewash me and that they were not distinguishing right from wrong and were protecting me.”
“Those bloggers immediately followed Huang Bin’s instructions and began attacking Huang Lei and his group, posting malicious comments and articles, and even photoshopping some fake chat logs to fabricate evidence that they had taken money from me.”
Huang Xiaoming's tone was full of helplessness: "Huang Lei and the others originally meant well in helping me, but they got dragged into it and were attacked by netizens. Their fans also started tearing each other apart, and the scene was quite chaotic. Huang Lei and the others were also helpless and could only delete the Weibo posts that spoke up for me and stop participating in this matter. After they deleted the Weibo posts, those bloggers started to intensify their hype of my negative news, and the public opinion was even more intense than before. My reputation has completely plummeted."
"All three of these public relations efforts failed, and our team is completely out of ideas."
Huang Xiaoming gave a wry smile and said, "Guo Tingting and her team's publicity and public relations have also been under a lot of pressure lately. They've been working overtime every day to come up with solutions, but they still can't find a way to resolve it. I know that this matter is hard to quell, after all, Huang Bin has been pulling strings behind the scenes, and those bloggers are unwilling to stop hyping it up in order to gain traffic."
Jiang Yang looked at Huang Xiaoming and said softly, "Brother Xiaoming, you've had a tough time. It really hasn't been easy for you lately. Actually, I understand. The people around you don't want to talk to you about this, even though everyone knows, right?"
Huang Xiaoming nodded and said with a sigh, "Yes, you're right. No one around me will bring this up with me. You know, people in this circle are complicated. Everyone has their own thoughts, and no one wants to risk offending me or causing trouble for themselves. They're all afraid that if they talk about this with me, I might get upset and take it out on them, or if Huang Bin finds out, they'll face his retaliation. After all, everyone knows Huang Bin's power, and no one wants to offend him."
"There are also some people who just enjoy watching the drama unfold."
Huang Xiaoming continued, "In their hearts, they are actually happy to see me troubled by public opinion, to see my reputation collapse, and to see me lose endorsements. After all, the competition in this industry is fierce. If I fall, it means that they will have more opportunities to get my previous resources and increase their own popularity. So, they will not only not take the initiative to talk to me about this, but will also secretly pay attention to the development of public opinion, and even secretly forward those negative news and watch the show."
“For example, some of the artists in my company, I usually treat them well, provide them with resources and opportunities, but this time, when I was troubled by public opinion, they not only did not come to comfort me, but also secretly talked about me behind my back, saying that I deserved it and that I brought it on myself. They even secretly contacted Huang Bin, wanting to switch to Huang Bin's company.”
Huang Xiaoming's tone was full of disappointment and disheartening: "There are also some brands that I have worked with. Although they have not explicitly terminated their contracts with me, they have begun to distance themselves from me and stop contacting me, for fear of being implicated by me and affecting their brand image."
Jiang Yang nodded and said understandingly, "I understand, Brother Xiaoming. That's how this circle is. It's all about interests. There are no permanent friends, only permanent interests. When you're successful, you're surrounded by friends, but when you're down on your luck, all you'll have left are people watching the show. But don't be too sad, there's always a solution."
Huang Xiaoming smiled and said, "Thank you, Xiao Jiang. I'm already very happy to hear what's on my mind. Don't laugh at me, Xiao Jiang, but I've seen bloggers online analyzing that this is a gimmick I created myself, a deliberate publicity stunt to increase my fame."
After saying that, Huang Xiaoming couldn't help but laugh, his tone full of self-deprecation, and Jiang Yang laughed along with him.
Yes, this public opinion storm has indeed greatly increased Huang Xiaoming's popularity.
Whether it's positive or negative.
At least.
Now, when Huang Xiaoming is mentioned, everyone can think of him.
The problem is that while brand awareness increased, reputation collapsed.
I lost a lot of endorsements, and my income decreased significantly.
What's the point of this kind of fame that's more trouble than it's worth?
After laughing for a while, Jiang Yang stopped laughing, looked at Huang Xiaoming, and asked, "Brother Xiaoming, Huang Bin is here because of the endorsements you and Yang Ying are involved in, right?"
Upon hearing this, Huang Xiaoming's smile vanished instantly, his expression tightened, and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes.
If it were anyone else, he would definitely avoid talking about it. After all, this matter concerns his reputation and the interests of him and Yang Ying. But facing Jiang Yang, he did not hide anything. He slowly nodded and said, "It must be him. Do you think I don't know what he's thinking? After we broke up, he took all the resources with him and several artists from my company. Now, he has signed Zhao Liying and wants to make her the second me. He even wants Zhao Liying to replace me and Yang Ying."
"As you know, the top agents in the industry have this kind of ability."
Huang Xiaoming continued, "Huang Bin is that kind of person. He can persuade brands to value the artists he manages more, not me personally. Before, when I worked with him, those brands were willing to cooperate with me largely because of Huang Bin. Now that we've fallen out, and he's sabotaging my reputation behind my back, those brands will definitely waver. When their endorsements expire, they certainly won't renew with me; they'll choose Zhao Liying, who's managed by Huang Bin." "I've roughly calculated that in just these past few months, due to the impact of public opinion, I've already lost two major endorsements, and several others are about to expire, which I doubt I can hold onto either."
Huang Xiaoming's tone was full of helplessness: "These big-name endorsements bring me a lot of income every year, and they can also enhance my status and popularity. If I lose them all, my loss will be too great."
Jiang Yang frowned: "Brother Xiaoming, have you thought about how to deal with Huang Bin's suppression? We can't keep going on like this, can we?"
Huang Xiaoming sighed and said, "How could I not have thought of that? But right now, I really don't have any good ideas. Huang Bin has a lot of resources and connections, and many artists. I'm no match for him at all. Moreover, he's currently targeting Yang Ying in secret. I estimate that Yang Ying will be his next target. Yang Ying's reputation isn't very good to begin with. Many people criticize her for her poor acting skills and lack of work. If Huang Bin continues to create negative publicity for her, her reputation will definitely collapse completely. At that time, she will lose many endorsements and resources, and may even be eliminated from the industry."
“That’s why Yang Ying approached you in advance to get this song,” Huang Xiaoming said. “She wanted to use this song to solidify her image, get rid of the label of poor acting skills and no works, and improve her reputation. That way, even if Huang Bin tries to stir up trouble behind her back, she will have some confidence and won’t collapse at the first sign of trouble. After all, she is different from me. I have been in the industry for so many years and have certain connections and resources. Even if my reputation collapses, I can still hold on. But if her reputation collapses, it will be very difficult for her to make a comeback.”
Jiang Yang nodded and said, "I understand, Sister BABY has her own concerns. But, Brother Xiaoming, don't worry too much. This song, 'Clouds and Smoke Turn to Rain,' is of very high quality. Moreover, you've hired such a top-notch production team, and you also have the support of Huayi Music and Hong Kong music moguls. I believe this song will definitely be a hit after its release. At that time, Sister BABY's reputation will definitely improve, and even if Huang Bin wants to target her, it won't be so easy."
"Yes, that's what I think too."
Huang Xiaoming nodded.
A hopeful smile appeared on his face: "Now, I'm pinning all my hopes on this song. To be honest, I've even considered asking you to write a song for me."
As you know, although I have made many movies and TV series over the years, I have never had any outstanding works in music. The song "Nao Tai Tao" from back then has become a stain on my record.
If you could write me a good song, I'd like to record it properly and promote it well. On one hand, I want to make up for the regrets of the past; on the other hand, I also want to improve my reputation and get rid of the troubles caused by public opinion through this song.
Jiang Yang smiled and said, "Brother Xiaoming, no problem. As long as you don't mind, I'll definitely write a song that suits you when I have time."
You are very talented in film and television; I believe you will also have a great showing in music.
"Thank you so much, Xiao Jiang."
Huang Xiaoming smiled happily and said, "I'm relieved to hear you say that."
It's alright, Xiao Jiang, you don't need to worry about me. Those endorsements are gone, so be it. I have a wide range of businesses now. I not only make movies and TV series, but I also invest in some industries. I don't rely on those endorsement fees to make a living.
By the way, Baby mentioned something to me before, about Running Man. I've almost finalized everything for you.
Upon hearing the words "Running Man," Jiang Yang's eyes lit up instantly, and he quickly said, "Brother Xiaoming, thank you so much! You've worked so hard. I wonder how you managed to get it done for me? Will my artists be able to appear as guest stars on the next season of Running Man?"
Huang Xiaoming smiled and said, "Don't worry, you'll definitely be able to get on the exam smoothly."
The filming of the next season of Running Man will begin soon. I have already spoken with the main creative team and the selection team of Running Man, and I have also secured a spot as a guest star for your artist.
Actually, the main reason I can help you make this happen is because of my connections in the industry.
"The chief director of the Running Man program."
Huang Xiaoming said, "Director Yao and I have known each other for many years. We have worked together several times before and have a very good personal relationship."
Director Yao is a very loyal person, and he also recognizes your talent. He knows the quality of your songs and the potential of your artists. So, as soon as I mentioned this to him, he agreed to arrange guest appearances for your artists and give them appropriate screen time to ensure they get enough exposure.
"Secondly, there's Zhang Min, the selection coordinator for the Running Man program," Huang Xiaoming continued. "Zhang Min is in charge of selecting artists for the program and has a lot of say in it. Zhang Min and I are old acquaintances. I've helped her with some small favors before, such as contacting some artists to participate in the recording of Running Man. So, when I asked her for help this time, she was very happy to help me. She also told me that she would arrange suitable game segments for my artists based on their characteristics, so that they could fully demonstrate their strengths and attract more fans."
"In addition, I also contacted the investors of Running Man, who are the senior executives of Zhejiang TV."
Huang Xiaoming said, "I have a very good relationship with Director Li of Zhejiang TV. He values Yang Ying and me a lot and knows that we can bring high ratings to Running Man."
I mentioned to him that I wanted some of your artists to appear as guest stars on Running Man, and he was very supportive. He even spoke with Director Yao and Zhang Min, asking them to give your artists special consideration. (End of Chapter)