32 More to Go

TMY's latest hits, "Paradise" and "Seve," are stepping onto the sales shelf!

As the clock strikes twelve on the same day, the grand stage is set – iTunes, Light Cloud Music, and YouTube all lift their curtains simultaneously, unlocking the premium download gates for these two songs, accompanied by a massive promotional blitz.

And here's the exciting part: it's TMY's second stint on the international stage... but with a twist. This time, it's not just the locals she's dazzling, but also those in faraway lands who are watching curiously.

These two moments in her career? Let's just say they're as different as night and day.

- - - - - - - - - -

On the 22nd of December, early in the morning, the energy at Miaoyi's house was palpable. The day was set apart from the rest – after dinner, Yun Jie, An Qiuying, and Miaoyi congregated in the living room, each wearing a serious expression as they delved into their discussion.

And what was the topic under scrutiny? The official promotional strategy for the release of the new EP singles, "Paradise" and "Seve."

Preceding Miaoyi's grand debut, she had been somewhat enigmatic to the majority. This added an air of caution to their promotional blueprint. Back then, Miaoyi's publicity was modest, limited to a handful of Weibo posts.

However, times had changed. Miaoyi was no longer a hidden treasure. She had not only burst onto the scene but also pulled off a stunt by dancing in a cat-girl suit to her own music. With this newfound exposure, she could now openly and unabashedly promote "Paradise" and "Seve" without reservation. Momentum was their ally.

The contract Miaoyi inked with East Records was surprisingly accommodating, granting her significant creative autonomy. Such artistic freedom might make other stars green with envy.

With their videos setting Bilibili ablaze, Yun Jie believed that now was the prime moment to seize. Waiting risked squandering the opportunity.

Yet, Miaoyi's reaction was strikingly composed. Her response of "Oh" seemed to imply a lack of concern about the hype waning.

But Miaoyi had every reason not to fret. Yun Jie might have overlooked this aspect. After all, "Paradise" was so scorching hot that even if Bilibili itself sank, the flames of hype would continue to blaze.

However, Yun Jie did have a point. While Miaoyi was confident, she was open to following the logical path of the promotional plan. It made sense to stick to the playbook.

"So, how should we tackle the promotion?" Yun Jie, crunching on a bag of chips, not acting as if in the presence of a gold medal producer, "Miaoyi, any thoughts?"

Miaoyi mumbled back, "Ideas? My mind is preoccupied with being a professional slacker – gaming, sleeping, and spending money."

Yun Jie was momentarily stumped. He then turned his gaze to Qiuying: "And what about you?"

"Lost, too," Qiuying shook her head, "I'm no expert in PR and marketing."

"In that case, let's roll with my plan," Yun Jie concluded, observing his two young protégés' baffled expressions: "I'll brief the higher-ups at East Records, and then we'll get the gears turning. Let's organize a press conference for the EP launch. If that suits you, Miaoyi, get to work on the materials. I'll round up some journalists to attend."

Miaoyi's reaction seemed like a double take, "Press conference?"

"Yeah, why the surprise?" Yun Jie couldn't quite fathom Miaoyi's astonishment, "It's pretty standard procedure, isn't it?"

Indeed, when it came to introducing new music, premiering films, or launching books, press conferences were the go-to choice. They summoned media to gather firsthand content, subsequently spotlighted on prominent online platforms and television. It was a tried-and-tested formula.

Consider Miaoyi's recent appearance on the show "Grilling Show." In essence, it functioned like a press conference. Without that show's reveal of her upcoming novel "Dragon Clan," would "Tangrenyi Culture," a nearly bankrupt publisher, have garnered such rapid interest so quickly?

This sudden surge in interest was akin to a stampede of fans rushing to catch a glimpse of the rarest unicorn. Or perhaps it was more like a mob of bookworms pouncing on the latest juicy novel, their excitement palpable in the air. Whichever way you sliced it, the exposure on the showcase had undoubtedly triggered a sensation.

Moreover, given Miaoyi's current fame, the idea of hosting a conference just for a single release held water. Despite its brevity, the event's potential to accumulate honours and accolades was no laughing matter. If those achievements were physical, they'd need a whole new room in Miaoyi's house to store them – maybe even a whole new house!

From Yun Jie's eagle-eyed perspective, this conference was a golden ticket for Miaoyi to step up and promote her new single. East Records and Light Cloud Music were both on board, eagerly pushing for her to make appearances. They understood the worth of Miaoyi's massive and devoted fanbase. In their eyes, the puzzle pieces were already aligned, and the picture was clear.

"I'm not going, no way. Can't we brainstorm something else?" Miaoyi's immediate reaction was an unequivocal headshake coupled with a visible lack of enthusiasm. It was already late December, and the weather had only gotten worse during the last few weeks. Organizing a press conference in this freezing atmosphere was not on Miaoyi's cozy to-do list. And let's not forget the impending terror – arranging a press conference meant she'd have to write a press release! Ugh, the horror!

"Cough... Well, apart from a press conference, there are other paths we could tread," Yun Jie chimed in calmly, as if she were presenting a menu of options at a high-class restaurant.

"Speak up! Anything except a press conference will do!" Miaoyi's words burst forth without a second thought, like popping open a fizzy drink that's been shaken for too long.

But Yun Jie, with her sly smile, had something to bring to the table: "Maybe you've momentarily forgotten, but you're in debt. Remember that promise to dance 'Paradise' thirty-three times? So far, you've only paid with one dance. If you can muster up the energy to deliver the remaining thirty-two dances in that legendary cat-girl suit, you might just find yourself out of the press conference pickle. The new single's sales could very well go through the roof."

"..."

Life has an uncanny way of playing its cards – especially when it involves unpaid debts. Had it not been for Yun Jie's timely reminder, Miaoyi might have conveniently swept that pledge under the proverbial rug.

But alas, the veil of memory was lifted, and Miaoyi's inner lamentations grew louder. Of course, that part! How could she have allowed that dreadful promise to escape her mind?

Desperation, it seemed, knew no bounds...

"So, are you ready to embrace the fate of thirty-two more 'Paradise' dances just to escape the clutches of the press conference?" Yun Jie's chip-munching inquiry was almost whimsical.

Qiuying, on the brink of laughter, struggled to contain herself, her petite frame trembling with suppressed giggles.

"...," Miaoyi: "Fine, I'll surrender to the press conference. Let's move forward, team. Qiuying and I shall handle the press release."

And with that firm pronouncement, Miaoyi came to a resolution: she'd never again plunge headlong into a daunting vow, regardless of the situation. It was a lesson learned through sheer terror and an experience she was in no rush to repeat.