Chapter Forty-Two: Tackling the Problem from All Sides

With a loud smack, Chang Le stormed out of the editor-in-chief’s office and slammed the file onto his desk, his face clouded with gloom. The new year had barely begun, and on his first day back at work, he’d already been called in for a severe reprimand—a blow to his mood that was hard to shake.

“In short, you need to find a way to resolve this. Otherwise, we’ll have to take the necessary measures.” The director’s words echoed in his mind, their meaning unmistakable. If this issue continued to escalate and the finger pointed toward the website, someone would have to take the fall. As the author of the controversial article, he knew he wouldn’t escape responsibility.

Fortunately, for now, the matter was confined to the suspicions of netizens online; there had been no further accusations, which allowed Chang Le to breathe easier. When he’d written the piece, it was partly to help Liu Feng vent his frustrations, but more so out of the instinctual drive of a journalist chasing a headline and the promise of attention. He hadn’t fanned the flames further, hadn’t hired ghostwriters to attack anyone—it had simply followed the momentum. Even if things escalated, it wasn’t a big deal; at most, he’d issue an apology, admitting to an incomplete investigation. After all, Lin Qihua had indeed been released from his contract, the group’s struggles could reasonably be attributed to him, and he did perform at a bar—these were facts. As for the bar itself, wasn’t it commonly viewed as a smoky, chaotic place? He hadn’t lied, merely made some reasonable inferences based on the facts. Press freedom allowed for some exaggeration—wasn’t that normal?

Yet, from the way things were unfolding, there was clearly someone orchestrating the situation behind the scenes—a professional marketer, no doubt. The calculated release of the promotional video, the coordinated assault on various social media platforms by paid commenters, all pointed toward a deliberate campaign. Their aim was obvious: to promote the bar, enhance its image, and expand its business. And since he had previously written about it, he was simply caught up in their wake. The wisest course was to remain silent and let things play out, confident he was not their real target. However, “Huayi” and Liu Feng, who were more directly involved, might find themselves in a difficult position.

Liu Feng was, indeed, in a bind. Deputy Director Long of the Artists’ Department had already summoned him, demanding an explanation for the New Year’s article. But what was there to explain? He’d merely felt uncomfortable seeing Lin Qihua thriving and had asked a friend to knock him down a peg—a common enough occurrence, hardly a big deal. Yet now it had come back to haunt him.

What he didn’t realize was that the Artists’ Department had never wanted to let Lin Qihua go; only under pressure from Young Master Guo, to avoid further conflict, had they agreed. The whole affair was a significant blow to the company’s image, so they’d hoped to handle it quietly. A year later, regardless of Lin Qihua’s performance, it wouldn’t matter anymore. Indeed, things had settled, just as they’d anticipated—until that New Year’s article stirred up a hornet’s nest. Not only did it launch a fresh assault on Lin Qihua, but it also dragged the company back into the spotlight, reigniting the controversy. If Lin Qihua were as the article described, it would be one thing—but the reality was quite the opposite, leaving the company scrambling to deal with relentless media inquiries.

And now, to make matters worse, the other affected party had made their move. Liu Feng was unaware of the “Tang Dynasty” bar’s background, but the company was not. They weren’t afraid, but saw no reason to pick a fight—better to avoid unnecessary trouble. Yet the bar had seized this opportunity, not out of anger, but to make the most of it. Their purpose was clearly not to confront the company, but Lin Qihua was, after all, a former artist of theirs. Now, with his talent and success proven, people couldn’t help but suspect there was some dark secret behind his departure.

If nothing else, the company was now besieged by media reporters determined to uncover the truth. Despite issuing a gag order, the relentless journalists would surely find something eventually. How would the company respond then? The PR department was already complaining about the overwhelming pressure.

Given all this, how could the Artists’ Department feel any goodwill toward Liu Feng, the instigator?

Liu Feng mulled it over and considered seeking help from Young Master Guo, but ultimately dismissed the idea; he’d only be scolded for his trouble. Better to lay low and admit his mistakes to the Artists’ Department. With Guo’s influence and the group’s circumstances, they wouldn’t punish him harshly. The key was to ensure that public opinion didn’t affect him personally. Who knew—perhaps the increased attention would even benefit the group. As long as they could prove that the group had improved after Lin Qihua’s departure, all doubts would be dispelled. Lin’s talent was undeniable, but if he couldn’t fit in with the group, that was simply how things were.

Yet, while he resolved to keep still, events rarely played out as one hoped.

Meanwhile, Sister Feng lounged languidly on the sofa, listening as Sister Mei reported on recent developments.

“In short, with a little guidance, netizens’ interest in both the bar and Lin Qihua is at an all-time high. Customer traffic has soared, and our influence is steadily expanding.”

“Excellent,” Sister Feng replied, a captivating smile curving her lips. “Let’s move on to the next phase. First, get the media involved—they’re sure to be intrigued by the idea of creating a new bar culture. We need to promote this concept thoroughly. Second, since Lin Qihua has already recorded his songs, have him upload them all. Let the facts speak for themselves and force that journalist to apologize. Third, if the new branch location is settled, start renovations and prepare to open. Spread the word that our goal this year is to launch branches in several districts of the capital, solidifying our position in this circle and laying the foundation for further expansion. Don’t worry about funds—I’ve got everything ready.”

“Understood,” Sister Mei nodded. “We’ve already recruited top-notch operations and band teams. You can rest assured, this is a golden opportunity.”

Sister Feng’s smile deepened. “Well, since they’ve handed us this opportunity, it would be a shame not to use it to the fullest.”

True to her efficiency, Sister Mei had, by the next day, arranged for the nation’s largest website, WaveNet, to publish a signed commentary by the renowned journalist Qin Mingwei in its entertainment news section: “Leading a New Bar Culture—Creating a High-End Venue for Music and Leisure.”

The article began, “Amid the recent whirlwind of promotional videos, I have watched closely. The question netizens care about most is: What exactly is this bar like? What is the truth behind the video? And how accurate was that New Year’s article? To find out, I visited the ‘Tang Dynasty’ bar and investigated the key concerns.

“My first impression upon entering was: ‘Am I at a concert?’ The surrounding stands, the lavish central stage—everything felt like a live show in a stadium. The various bar facilities and cocktail counters were cleverly integrated throughout, preserving the essence of a bar while greatly enhancing the sense of space and aesthetics. The environment was clean, stylish, and inviting—far from smoky or chaotic. When performances began, guests sat quietly and enjoyed the show, and if you wanted a drink, a simple press of a button summoned attentive service. Everything was leisurely and refined. I found myself falling in love with the place. Spending an evening here with a few close friends is truly delightful. Top-notch facilities, service, and performances—this is the bar’s greatest strength.

“I spoke with the manager, Sister Mei, who explained that ‘Tang Dynasty’ has always focused on being a music bar and recently underwent a comprehensive transformation. They have combined music, leisure, and the bar experience, breaking away from traditional stereotypes to establish a new bar culture: the music leisure bar. No longer a haven for shady dealings or unsavory characters, it’s now a place for friends to relax and enjoy stories, music, and drinks. Who wouldn’t like that? In my view, ‘Tang Dynasty’ is spearheading a revolution in bar culture—much like the transformation of internet cafés, once derided as dens of ill repute, but now, after upgrades and government attention, have become ‘net cafés’—chic spaces akin to coffee shops. Likewise, ‘Tang Dynasty’ is transforming the bar from a mere drinking hole into a high-end music and leisure venue, forging a new culture. In today’s thriving entertainment industry, I believe this is the future of bars, and ‘Tang Dynasty’ deserves our recognition.

“Secondly, regarding the band and lead singer featured in the promotional video: this is a remarkable group, once famous in the capital but in recent years somewhat faded. Since Lin Qihua joined as lead singer last year, they’ve been revitalized—every night’s performance is electrifying, and the band’s strength is undeniable. I’ve also learned that one member has already signed with a talent agency and is about to step onto a bigger stage, which surprised me. ‘Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty’ is their original work—not their only one, either. With many acclaimed songs and deeply moving live performances, I have become a fan myself, captivated by the joy and emotion they bring.”