Starting from a Fake University-Chapter 1574 - 831: Crackdown on Black Segments? Netizens’ Eyes Are Sharp!

Zhang Wu, though possessing a commendable vision for the future, understanding that the entertainment industry could no longer rely solely on flow-star celebrities and young male stars, found himself at odds with the views of the Group’s chairman, Chen Xueming.

Over at Q Entertainment Media Group, they had always adhered to the path set by Chen Xueming to cultivate top-tier superstars.

Even now, Q Entertainment Media pours vast amounts of funds annually into producing idol talent shows. Programs like "Idol 101" and "Create Trainee" demand hefty investments in promotion and marketing.

But truth be told, while Q Entertainment Media has indeed created a batch of seemingly top-tier young male stars over the years, these stars are paper tigers—superficially impressive but lacking real substance. Their appeal is mostly confined to hardcore fans, earning virtually no favor among casual viewers and often provoking widespread disdain due to over-marketing.

Thanks to these self-cultivated top-tier young stars, the casts of nearly all Q Entertainment Media’s productions are overwhelmingly populated by their own flow-stars, occasionally paired with a few veteran actors. However, instead of drawing attention to the veteran actors, these poor-quality productions have tarnished their reputations.

"Mr. Zhang, you must remember—I’ve said this not just once, but countless times: What drives this era? It’s flow. Whoever controls flow commands the key to wealth; this principle applies to celebrities too!"

Chen Xueming was giving Zhang Wu yet another "lesson."

"Yes, yes, Mr. Chen, you’re absolutely right," Zhang Wu concurred.

Zhang Wu knew his words would never sway Mr. Chen’s fixed mindset. He had no choice but to agree and go along.

"Feiyue Media, Feiyue Media—you better not think you’ll have it easy this time. I’ll personally handle the situation regarding The Legend of Fairy Sword." Chen Xueming declared through gritted teeth, "Mr. Zhang, make sure your Penguin Video releases several blockbuster dramas soon. Even if it means buying copyrights, I don’t want to see Penguin Video languishing in mediocrity again this year!"

"Got it, Mr. Chen, I’ll do my utmost," Zhang Wu replied.

Though his response was affirmative, deep down, Zhang Wu was already contemplating an escape plan. From his perspective, if Penguin Video—and even Q Entertainment Media—continued down their current path, the end was inevitable.

Rather than enduring constant frustration within Penguin Group, it might be better to start plotting a new personal course sooner.

But where could he possibly go?

AiYi Video?

Obviously not. AiYi Video was also partially owned by Penguin Group—it was essentially under Q Entertainment Media’s influence as well. Bilibili was similarly out of the question; its shareholder structure mirrored AiYi Video’s, with Penguin Group holding stakes.

Considering this, most video streaming platforms domestically were already inextricably linked to Penguin Group’s shadow.

But after a moment’s reflection, Zhang Wu thought of one company.

A video platform entirely unaffiliated with Q Entertainment Media, one that was, in fact, a direct competitor.

That’s right.

At that moment, the company Zhang Wu had in mind was none other than Feiyue Media’s Feiyue Home streaming media platform.

Zhang Wu had previously experienced Feiyue Home streaming media platform using an alternate account. From a user’s perspective, it was truly exceptional. Moreover, Feiyue Home streaming media embraced methods akin to overseas platforms. Unlike foreign platforms that might display advertisements, Feiyue Home was entirely ad-free.

It was rumored that Feiyue Home streaming media didn’t even have an advertising department.

Actually, two years ago, Zhang Wu once suggested to the senior leadership at Q Entertainment Media Group to develop a major platform akin to Feiyue Home streaming media, integrating games, music, film, and various cultural entertainment sectors to enhance competitiveness while providing users with a better experience.

However, the top executives of Q Entertainment Media dismissed his suggestions. Their reasoning centered on the fragmented nature of Penguin Music, Penguin Video, and Penguin Games, which made unification not only impractical due to inter-departmental rivalries but also detrimental to their ability to squeeze profits from Leek Users.

If consolidation were achieved, wouldn’t Leek Users only need a single VIP subscription?

But with Penguin Music, Penguin Video, and Penguin Games operating separately, Leek Users were forced to subscribe to multiple VIP services. This way, funneling profits from the Leeks’ wallets was immensely gratifying.

While Zhang Wu considered Feiyue Media, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

Would Feiyue Media even consider hiring him?

After all, he was the head of Penguin Video and had been the opponent of Feiyue Media for so many years.

But for the sake of his future and his dream of fostering the rise of domestic film and television, Zhang Wu, after thorough deliberation, decided that if the chance arose, he might attempt to reach out to Feiyue Media.

Meanwhile, over at Q Entertainment Media Group, after his call with Zhang Wu, Chen Xueming immediately instructed his subordinates to take certain actions aimed at the current breakout success of Feiyue Media’s Xianxia drama The Legend of Fairy Sword.

Q Entertainment Media’s tactics against The Legend of Fairy Sword were utterly despicable. They deployed internet trolls to smear the drama, and even used trolls on Douban to lower The Legend of Fairy Sword’s ratings, hoping to drag down its score and reputation.