Huayu: This director is so eager to improve.

The night the interview program aired,

The clips of "Qi Yue's Interview Response" spread virally on major platforms such as Weibo, Tieba, and Bilibili in various edited versions.

The public reaction was like a lake surface tossed with a boulder, with ripples spreading outwards and colliding fiercely.

Some opponents gathered together and went to Qi Yue's Weibo account to hurl insults.

"Sophistry! A fallacy of semantics! Using historical complexity to cover up current problems!"

"Unfollowed. It's better not to watch anything directed by this kind of director!"

"Seemingly rational, but actually indifferent, lacking empathy for the vulnerable!"

However, compared to the opponents, Qi Yue's supporters actually constituted the majority this time.

"Did you really hear what Director Qi said? Or are you letting narrow-minded ideas take over your already limited minds?"

"That girl was clearly looking for trouble, and she got her comeuppance, huh? That's satisfying."

There were even some onlookers who loved watching the drama unfold, fanning the flames below.

For example, a business tycoon left a comment under Qi Yue's Weibo post.

"The decline of NX will lead to the decline of the entire GZ, and this is a problem that we should reflect on."

This move caused a huge stir, and while further increasing the hype, it also drew some attention to Qi Yue.

Of course, some industry insiders and media outlets reacted more calmly. Some people posted articles pointing out that Qi Yue's speech was a complete publicity stunt to promote his new drama!

Regarding these widespread controversies, Qi Yue and Tongfan Studio's stance is...

No comment.

He only reposted a new concept art image of "Day and Night" on his personal Weibo account.

The caption reads: "In preparation."

......

"Wow, your studio looks pretty nice."

A clear voice came from outside the door, interrupting the concentration in the office.

Qi Yue, who was working on revising the storyboard for "Day and Night," looked up. Guo Fan had already gone out to greet him.

"Sister Xu! Why did you come all this way in person? Please come in!"

The door was pushed open, and Xu Wei, dressed in a smart business suit, walked in, her high heels clicking crisply on the floor.

"Director Qi, I never would have guessed! You're now the President of the United States and a famous figure!"

Xu Wei sat down in the chair opposite Qi Yue, her tone teasing.

"Sister Xu is joking."

Qi Yue remained expressionless and gestured to his somewhat flustered assistant beside him.

"Xiao Bai, pour tea for President Xu."

"Yes, boss." Bai Mengyan hurriedly went to prepare.

"for you."

Xu Wei took a document stamped with a red seal from her briefcase and pushed it in front of Qi Yue.

"The big boss has approved the investment budget for 'Day and Night.' Eighty million, no more, no less."

"real?!"

Guo Fan jumped up from his chair instantly, his face beaming with barely suppressed joy.

Eighty million! Keep in mind that their budget for filming "Yu Zui" was a paltry three million, so this is a huge upgrade!

"Sister Xu! You're amazing! Didn't the big bosses have always had reservations about our budget? They thought investing so much in a web series was too risky!"

Guo Fan is right. Even with the success of "Yu Zui," 80 million is an astonishing figure for a web series that hasn't even started filming yet.

It's worth noting that a popular medical drama that aired on a major television network this year only had an investment of 5000 million yuan; such a scale is enough to make any investor weigh the risks repeatedly.

Xu Wei took the black tea handed to her by her assistant, her gaze sweeping over the young and beautiful woman with interest.

"Hey Director Guo, your work environment is pretty good, aren't you? You even hire such pretty young women as assistants? No wonder you've been so distracted when you're reporting to me lately."

Bai Mengyan's face flushed bright red, and she was at a loss for what to do.

Guo Fan waved his hands anxiously, "Sister Xu! Please don't joke like that! Xiao Bai is still a college student; he's here purely for an internship!"

Xu Wei chuckled softly, stopping her teasing and steer the conversation back on track:

"To be honest, the fact that the big boss agreed so readily this time is really thanks to Director Qi's recent series of dramatic moves."

She picked up her teacup and took an elegant sip.

"Director Qi, the whole internet is talking about you, about 'Yu Zui,' about your 'shocking' interview remarks, and even the name of the project 'Day and Night' has been brought into the spotlight. The popularity, attention, and controversy are all at the top of the list."

"The data department has conducted an assessment, and the pre-broadcast hype and audience anticipation for 'Day and Night' have already surpassed the vast majority of top-tier satellite TV S-level projects in the same period."

She put down her teacup and leaned forward slightly.

"Director Qi, tell me the truth, was that interview something you planned all along? This publicity stunt is a classic example."

The office fell silent, and Guo Fan and Bai Mengyan both looked at Qi Yue.

Qi Yue picked up the approval document, carefully examined the seal and numbers on it, and gently stroked the words "Eighty Million Yuan" with his fingertip.

"Sister Xu, if I told you that all of this was just a coincidence, would you believe me?"

Xu Wei stared at him for a few seconds, then suddenly laughed and shook her head:

"You're quite the character. Alright, whether intentional or not, you've won this round. I've secured the money for you. Now,..."

Her expression became more serious.

"Director Qi, Director Guo, with an investment of 80 million, countless eyes are watching, and expectations have been raised to this level... 'Day and Night' can only succeed, it cannot fail, and it must surpass the success of 'Yu Zui'. The pressure is now officially on you."

Qi Yue's smile faded. "The money's in place. Leave the rest to us."

"Great!" Xu Wei stood up. "I've been waiting for you to say that. My team will coordinate with you on the subsequent contract and funding processes as soon as possible. I look forward to hearing good news about your filming start."