Free Web NovelChapter 201: Chapter 185: The Reasonableness of an Actor’s Campaign (Part 2)
Zog had watched the spectacle of several national elections, and in his experience, media publicity was crucial.
The whole thing seemed like a serious, solemn event, but if you really thought about it, it was a bit like a talent show.
They each vied for their own loyal fans, while the different fan groups attacked one another.
Once they had a fan base, they’d go after the swing voters. They didn’t necessarily need the undecideds to like them; making them hate the opponent enough was also a win.
They also had to constantly attend events to make their faces known.
Finally, the fans from all sides would cast their votes, one by one, to choose their head fan leaders, who would then cast their own votes to send their "star" to the top.
Strictly speaking, they could also send female idols or non-gender-conforming groups to their debut.
It was like a talent show Pro Plus Max version—a bigger platform, with higher participation, and a more valuable prize for winning.
"What if my rivals copy this strategy and run their accounts the same way?" the City Lord asked after listening.
"The content you see on the social network isn’t exactly uncontrollable; it’s just pushed based on data."
Zog rolled his red eyes.
Traffic is just a Little Dragon Lady for a Dragon to toy with.
"But doesn’t the social network’s slogan say, ’Say what you want to say, see what you want to see’?" the City Lord asked.
"That’s just for show."
Zog waved a claw dismissively.
"I have an even better method of publicity," Zog said, pulling out a script.
"This is a script that we can claim is based on you. If it’s convenient, you could even make a cameo or play a supporting role. It will bring you unprecedented fame."
’Zog never doubted the acting skills of his kind. You couldn’t get ahead without them. Just look at how the City Lord had elevated the conversation earlier—the tears came on command.’
’He could even control them with such precision that they shimmered faintly in his eyes without ever falling.’
’Most actors couldn’t be that smooth even with eye drops.’
"Become an actor..."
The City Lord was a bit hesitant about this proposal. Among past City Lords, there were quite a few who loved theater, some of whom had even performed on stage.
However, they all came to view these as reckless actions from their "immature phase" and refused to speak of them.
For someone with the status of City Lord, acting was far too undignified.
The lord of a city needed to maintain a dignified image.
’Besides, he assumed it would be a script that merely extolled the "glorious image" of a City Lord.’
’That kind of script wouldn’t be well-received. The Elves were tired of art that consisted only of praise.’
’They firmly believed that art which had lost its creative freedom could not be considered true art.’
It was just like their saying used to mock court artists: "A bird that cannot fly can only be called a chicken."
This saying suffered a bit from a poor understanding of biology.
If the Elves had any knowledge of the latest biological taxonomy, they would know that chickens *are* a type of bird.
"Take a look at the script. It’s not a long story; it’s in an episodic format, so it’s easy to get through."
Zog could see the City Lord’s hesitation.
’His hope for this script was to get the Elves completely addicted to binge-watching the show.’
’That’s why he had brought out this classic. Marketing was just a supplementary tool; the real truth was that a great work could stand on its own.’
’He had spent a lot of energy localizing this work, even roping in the City Lord, an Elf, to give the audience the pleasure of watching gossip about someone they felt they knew.’
The City Lord opened the script out of politeness, though he didn’t have high hopes. Some of the Zog Group’s Shadows of Evil were excellent, but many were also quite uninteresting.
However, the moment he started reading, he was completely drawn in.
He had never seen a play like this before.
After a long while, he finally spoke. "Is this... a political satire comedy?"
There was a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
He’d never imagined that the three words—satire, politics, and comedy—could be strung together, but that was exactly the feeling the script gave him.
If an Ordinary theater troupe wanted to film this kind of play, it would be somewhat suicidal.
But the Zog Group...
The City Lord glanced at Zog, who was sharpening his claws out of boredom. ’Truly, a dragon of great skill and even greater nerve,’ he thought.
’They would probably shoot it whether he agreed or not.’
As for the cameo...
"It’s a great story, but..."
The City Lord was about to refuse. There was no telling how the audience would react to such a script; the risk was very high.
But halfway through his sentence, a thought suddenly struck him.
’If I really want to be a successful City Lord, how can I do it without taking any risks?’
’A satirical comedy.’
’The Elves are tired of art that’s only praise... so aren’t they also tired of solemn City Lords who are all more or less the same?’
’Maybe... I should try changing things up.’
"...but playing a supporting role with too many scenes might not be possible with my schedule," he amended.
"A wise choice. You might not believe it, but being an actor is actually a positive buff during a campaign," Zog teased.
’He had originally planned an even more outrageous proposal.’
’Something like The Best Party—pure stunts and ultimate fun.’
’Something along the lines of: "Rule #1: We are independent and do not accept sponsorships from the rich or from corporations. However, if circumstances require it, this rule can be declared null and void."’
’A campaign in that style.’
’But upon careful consideration, it was still too outrageous.’
’The Best Party succeeded because of the right time and place—an economic collapse plus a public that had lost all trust.’
’Since it didn’t matter who they elected, they might as well pick someone who was at least a bit entertaining.’
’The Silver-White City State hadn’t reached that point yet.’
After striking this new deal, the City Lord asked, "I’d like to know, which team will ultimately be performing this script?"
From his experience watching Demon Vision, he knew the skill level between different teams varied greatly.
This script was tied to his great election endeavor. He had already swallowed his pride and allowed the Zog Group to poke fun at him; if the final product was still no good, it would be a massive loss.
"It will be handled by the New Drama Guild," Zog replied.
"The New Drama Guild?"
The City Lord had no recollection of this name, and besides, it sounded very unprofessional.
It sounded like a group that had been hastily put together just to spite the Drama Guild.
Unlike names like Shepherd or Huan, which sounded reliable.
"They’re the ones who filmed *Mechanical Warrior*," Zog explained.
"Huh?" The City Lord thought he had misheard. The style of that Magic Shadow Drama, with people fighting in Mechanical Armor, was completely different from the script he had just read.
"With my old bones, and being a Mage to boot, I can’t possibly film that kind of show."
"No, there won’t be any action scenes in this. *Mechanical Warrior* was filmed to make money. Their professional skills are top-notch."
Zog glanced at the clock in the room.
The items in the City Lord’s Mansion were indeed High Level; the clock could even display the year, month, day, and season.
It wasn’t easy to achieve such an effect with purely mechanical means.
"It’s the 10th. I’ll get you a ticket for tomorrow. It’s the New Drama Guild’s stage debut. Go see it, and you’ll know what their skill level is really like."
With that, Zog stood up and bid the City Lord farewell.
"No need to see me out. I wish you all the best." Then, he flew away from the mansion.
————————
「The next day. Royal City.」
Across from the Drama Guild headquarters.
The Sutton King’s Grand Theater.
Despite being named after the King, it still faced pressure to generate revenue.
Therefore, any troupe willing to rent the venue could perform here.
And because the price was extremely high—several times that of an Ordinary theater—and its reputation was great, not many troupes rented it, so there was no need to wait in line for a booking.
The New Drama Guild chose to hold its debut here. Ten percent of the reason was that it was the largest theater in the country, capable of holding several thousand audience members.
Prestige!
The remaining ninety percent of the reason was that this theater was located directly across from the Drama Guild—a taunt right in their faces.
A personal vendetta!
An invitation was placed on the desk of the Drama Guild’s Chairman.
He held the invitation, his hand trembling uncontrollably with rage.
’What was the meaning of this?’
’Out of respect for their former teacher-student relationship, he hadn’t *really* made things difficult for his old teacher’s New Drama Guild.’
’He’d only forbidden the guild’s actors from performing there, prohibited their affiliated stage suppliers from providing them with equipment, and arranged for a large group of critics to write negative reviews about them every day.’
’Just ordinary competitive tactics. What was the big deal? Did they really have to hold their debut right across from his headquarters?’
"Chairman, are we going?" his secretary asked.
"Go? Of course we’re going! They sent an invitation. It would be disrespectful not to go. I want to see for myself just how amazing this so-called *Prosecution Witness* is, and who will be the one making a fool of themselves in the end."
