125 Thirdeded
While Miaoyi and Qiuying were still busy preparing for the recording, a storm had brewed on the internet for some time now.
The promises made to countless fans and onlookers about "Paradise" and "Seve" had finally been confirmed.
Surprisingly, TMY was planning to upload this dance on Bilibili!!
This thrilled many fans familiar with the ACG community.
"What the heck, TMY is on Bilibili? Come on, everyone, quickly give them a follow."
"*Warning! All units report to battle stations. This is not a drill! I repeat; this is not a drill!"
"Requesting command center to organize the operation!"
"Who needs a "command center"? The only two words I want to hear are "LEROOYYY JENKINSSS!!!."
(A/N: I am an absolute madman. A Leroy Jenkins reference in the year of our lord 2023? Shame on me.)
- - - - - - - - - -
In an instant, under this circumstance, a massive influx of users flooded into Bilibili's servers.
Tang Miaoyi's recently created Bilibili account, "TMY-Jing Qiuhua," which Yun Jie had just helped her set up, had already amassed over... two hundred thousand followers within a mere two hours!
"TMY-Jing Qiuhua"
Bilibili Official Verification Message: Prominent Chinese electronic music group T/A, flagship DJ under East Records, renowned singer.
This string of verification information was quite impressive, to say the least. Overall, it was undoubtedly striking. The account's profile picture featured a simple snapshot of An Qiuying and Tang Miaoyi together.
At the same time, this also indirectly showcased the quality and speed of Bilibili's operations. The process was lightning fast. The Weibo post had barely gone out, yet within less than 24 hours, the verification had been successfully completed.
A new account that hadn't even posted a video yet, with no activity whatsoever, already possessed tens of thousands of followers, on par with many well-established major content creators.
This made many other content creators deeply envious and resentful. Because if TMY's account continued to gain followers at this rate, breaking a million followers would just be a matter of minutes.
But this is an alternate world, right? Maybe Bilibili is a super-app that has 8 billion users, so one million new users isn't a big issue?
...No.
Bilibili wasn't that efficient.
Actually, did anyone actually think the answer to that question could be yes?
If you did, why are you even here? Go read a cultivation novel or something.
...
..
.
Wait, don't actually leave! I need validation!
- - - - - - - - - -
Why could Tang Miaoyi's account smoothly open up to the public so quickly? There were reviews, verification checks, real-name authentication, contracts, and numerous other procedures that were all processed in a short period.
The reason boiled down to the significance encapsulated in those three letters: 'TMY.'
A topic spoken about non-stop for the last three months – how could Bilibili let it slip? TMY's decision to choose their platform was undoubtedly a favourable situation for them. Naturally, they would classify it as a top priority, closely monitoring and handling it.
In fact, the headquarters of Bilibili was currently holding a meeting. The chairman and the major decision-makers were all present...
The topic under discussion at this meeting was related to TMY.
"I suggest sending someone to contact them. We should be able to sign that cooperation agreement. Our resources and conditions are quite substantial," a director mused, his hand on his pen. After a moment's thought, he spoke.
"What do you all think? If there are no other opinions, let's vote. This matter should be resolved as soon as possible," the man sitting at the head of the table said. He looked to be around thirty years old, dressed in a neat shirt and slacks, with a badge on his chest. Judging by appearances, he should be the central figure of authority.
"I second that..."
"Seconded..."
"Secon- Thirded? Thirdeded?..."
"...I have no objections either."
... The opinions were expectedly unanimous. Although the specifics of the discussion remained unknown, it seemed like a significant matter was being deliberated upon, and the atmosphere was serious.
"Good, then I'll personally get in touch with TMY. And then, Department Two should swiftly contact Riot Games. Let them know we've found our candidates and are ready to confirm with the Goryeo side..."
"It's time to activate the K/DA Project!" The young leader straightened up, his tone extremely serious.
- - - - - - - - - -
Time: The next day, December 19th.
Currently, Miaoyi was in a spacious dance studio with Song Ziyin and An Qiuying. The three of them wiped the sweat from their foreheads with small hands, and Miaoyi let out a long exhale.
"Come on, let's run through it again." Miaoyi finally understood why, when watching dance videos, the performers would be panting for breath after each routine. It was truly exhausting. After catching her breath, she said to Song Ziyin, "Don't make it so sultry. This is the Hua Kuai step, not the Hua Liu step."
"Am I dancing sultrily??" Song Ziyin hesitated for a moment, looking somewhat bewildered.
"Very sultry..." Miaoyi nodded solemnly. "If your gaze was sultry, that would be fine, even better. But you've been adding several squats instinctively... Are you afraid we'll pass the approval too easily?"
"Fine..."
Qiuying was also catching her breath. "The progress is almost there now. Let's take a short break and then do the next part. We don't have much time to get this right. Let's get everything done today so we can release it tomorrow."
"You've worked hard. I'll treat you all to a big meal tonight!" Miaoyi encouraged, "If we get this wave of things going, we can all share some funds, so let's give it our all!"
When money was mentioned, Qiuying was fine, but Song Ziyin's eyes lit up immediately.
In fact, just as Miaoyi had said, whether it was Song Ziyin, Qiuying, or anyone else she collaborated with, she always ensured they received their due compensation. After all, even close relatives keep accounts clear. No matter how good the relationship is, you can't disregard the effort others put in for you.
Although Qiuying had never really been willing to take anything...
Miaoyi took a sip of water, rested for a while, and then ordered some takeout. She planned to fill her stomach before continuing with the dance rehearsal.
Today had started at around 7 in the morning and had continued until now, around 12 noon. The three of them had been practicing the dance, and apart from Song Ziyin, both Miaoyi and Qiuying were not professional dancers. Sustaining this practice, their bodies were a bit strained... But luckily, it wasn't as taxing as performing live on stage.
Song Ziyin had found this practice studio. They hadn't even charged them any money. Since there was no place at home to practice dancing, they had to resort to a place like this.
The takeout arrived quickly. Within half an hour, while having their meal, the three young women started chatting again. Their conversation eventually turned to recording the dance video.
"I suggest not choosing the practice room version..." After a moment's thought, Song Ziyin said, "Otherwise, it might seem too perfunctory. Besides, the practice room version often gives the feeling of ongoing rehearsal, not achieving the formal standard."
"So, where else can we dance if not in the practice room?" Miaoyi continued munching down on her food without any concern for her image, "Are we supposed to dance at home? Well, that's actually an option..."
"How about recording everything outside? The Eushully Square is nearby and convenient." Song Ziyin suggested.
"No, no, no. Absolutely not. Don't be ridiculous. 'Paradise' must not be recorded outside!" However, when it came to the proposal of recording publically, Miaoyi immediately and rapidly negated it, shaking her head with a frequency rivalling that of a third-gear electric fan. The movement was so fast that one could almost see the afterimages.
"Why are you so resistant?" Song Ziying couldn't figure it out for a while.
Miaoyi said with an ugly expression on her pretty face: "You can wear other clothes, even kimonos and bathrobes, but I can't. I'm forced to wear a cat-girl outfit!"
