The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my penthouse, illuminating the documents spread across the sleek black desk in front of me. Skyline Media's state of affairs lay bare—a chaotic mess of failing projects, dwindling investor confidence, and mismanagement.
But I didn't feel overwhelmed. I felt exhilarated.
"System," I said, tapping my fingers on the desk, "we need results. What's the fastest way to generate buzz and revenue?"
> Host, Skyline Media's strongest assets are its dormant intellectual properties and underutilized star talent. I recommend reviving a blockbuster franchise and securing high-profile partnerships.
"Sounds good. Let's make it happen. Start with the talent roster—who's available?"
> Scanning… One moment.
The System displayed a list of names, and one stood out immediately: Jiang Wei, a former A-list actor whose career had plummeted after a public scandal. His reputation was tarnished, but his talent was undeniable.
"Perfect," I said with a smirk. "Get me Jiang Wei. I want him leading our comeback project."
Later that day, I found myself sitting across from Jiang Wei in a private booth at an upscale café. He looked nothing like the charismatic superstar he once was. His face was gaunt, his eyes tired, and his clothes were plain, a far cry from the designer suits he used to wear.
"Lin Feng, right?" he said, his voice hoarse. "I'm surprised you wanted to meet with me."
"Surprised?" I asked, leaning back in my chair. "You're one of the best actors in the industry. I'd be a fool not to want you on my team."
He laughed bitterly. "Best actor? Maybe a few years ago. Now I'm just the guy who can't get a job because everyone's too scared of the tabloids."
"Exactly," I said, my tone sharp. "You've been written off. People think you're finished. But I don't. I think you've got one more great performance in you. And I'm giving you the chance to prove it."
He studied me for a long moment, suspicion and hope warring in his eyes. "What's the catch?"
"No catch," I said. "Just results. If you deliver, we both win. If you don't, well… you've got nothing left to lose, do you?"
Jiang Wei hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. I'm in. What's the project?"
"Leave that to me," I said with a grin.
The next few weeks were a whirlwind of activity. The System provided me with a blueprint for success, and I followed it to the letter. First, I greenlit a massive action-adventure film titled Eclipse Rising, a high-octane spectacle that would showcase Jiang Wei's talents and appeal to a global audience.
The script, written by one of the industry's top screenwriters, was a masterpiece, and the budget I allocated ensured cutting-edge visual effects and top-tier production quality.
But that wasn't enough. The System reminded me that buzz was everything.
> Host, the media is the key to shaping public perception. Shall I generate strategies to maximize publicity?
"Do it," I said.
The result was a series of perfectly timed leaks and teasers that had the entertainment world buzzing. Photos of Jiang Wei on set, cryptic trailers, and exclusive interviews flooded social media, reigniting his fanbase and drawing attention to Skyline Media's revival.
One evening, as I reviewed the project's progress, my phone buzzed with a message.
Tang Yue: "Impressive. I didn't think you had it in you."
I smirked, replying simply: "This is just the beginning."
The night of the first official press event for Eclipse Rising arrived. Held at a grand venue in the heart of the city, the event was a spectacle in itself. Red carpets, flashing cameras, and an eager crowd of reporters and fans created an electric atmosphere.
Jiang Wei walked confidently onto the stage, his transformation complete. The tired, broken man I'd met weeks ago was gone, replaced by a charismatic star radiating confidence.
As he spoke to the audience, his voice steady and passionate, I stood backstage, watching it all unfold.
> Host, your strategy is succeeding. Public sentiment toward Skyline Media and Jiang Wei is shifting dramatically.
I nodded, satisfaction coursing through me. "Good. Now let's keep the momentum going."
But success rarely comes without obstacles.
The following morning, as I arrived at the office, my assistant greeted me with a worried expression.
"Mr. Lin, we have a problem," she said.
"What is it?" I asked, already bracing myself.
"Zhao Group just announced a competing project. They're claiming it's bigger and better than Eclipse Rising. And they've scheduled their release for the same date."
I clenched my jaw. Zhao Group. My ex-girlfriend Zhao Yue's family business.
"Looks like they're trying to undermine us," I said, my voice cold.
> Host, this move is a direct challenge. Shall I prepare countermeasures?
"Do it," I said, my mind racing.
The System provided several options, ranging from aggressive marketing tactics to subtle sabotage. But I had something else in mind.
"System," I said, "arrange a meeting with Zhao Yue. Let's see how far she's willing to go."
> Understood, Host. Meeting scheduled.
I leaned back in my chair, a cold smile forming on my lips. If Zhao Yue thought she could beat me, she was in for a rude awakening.
This was my game now, and I wasn't playing to lose.