Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 420 Victory

"As Soon As We Meet" debuted with an impressive 190 million views in its first 24 hours.

This view count was already very impressive, and it dominated the Facebook trending topics that day. The official Facebook of "As Soon As We Meet" also continuously posted celebration announcements on Facebook. Fans of Lydia, the lead actress, were elated, celebrating her as the queen of ratings!

However, the premiere of "Nirvana and Rebirth" two days later changed everything.

The official Facebook for the show remained silent for a full day, leading to online mockery and speculation of a poor performance.

"They must be hiding terrible numbers."

"Who would even watch that show?" another chimed in, adding fuel to the fire.

"This is hilarious. If they had beaten 'As Soon As We Meet,' they would have released the data immediately. Why haven't they reacted yet?"

"Is the staff at the official Facebook still asleep? Haha."

The silence from the official Facebook account was deafening, and the online mockery intensified.

Violeta's fans were anxious, urging the official Facebook for updates.

By 2 PM, with no news in sight, the criticism had reached a fever pitch.

Finally, at 8 PM, the official Facebook account made a move but not with the expected polished announcement.

Instead, a simple phone screenshot of the backstage viewership data was posted, revealing an astounding truth.

The screenshot clearly displayed a long string of numbers.

Hundreds, thousands, millions.

Gosh!

The 24-hour cumulative view count for the premiere of "Nirvana and Rebirth" was 300 million!

Three! Hundred! Million! Views!

Facebook erupted in disbelief and excitement as the news spread like wildfire.

Lydia's fans, who had been so quick to criticise, were now speechless.

The raw screenshot, devoid of any fanfare, spoke volumes about the confidence of the "Nirvana and Rebirth" team.

The unfiltered screenshot of the viewership data revealed that the "Nirvana and Rebirth" team hadn't planned on releasing it until they were repeatedly pressured. They hadn't even bothered to create a promotional poster, simply posting the raw data.

The Facebook post was flooded with tens of thousands of comments within a short time, silencing those who had predicted the show's failure.

Lydia's initial strategy to outshine Violeta's new drama had backfired spectacularly.

"Nirvana and Rebirth's" premiere view count dwarfed all other dramas airing concurrently, including "As Soon As We Meet," with a staggering 110 million view difference.

The show's unexpected success was a harsh blow to Lydia's camp!

Initially, "Nirvana and Rebirth's" official Facebook hadn't intended to release the data.

But after so much urging and fanning the flames, now that the data was out, it was clear who got the short end of the stick. Lydia's fans were no longer boastful.

Trending topics like "Nirvana and Rebirth's premiere view count exceeds 300 million!" quickly dominated social media.

While the public revelled in the excitement, industry insiders recognised the irony of the situation.

The highly anticipated showdown between Violeta and Lydia had ended in a decisive victory. Lydia had lost.

The theme of "As Soon As We Meet" was an old one. Although the lead had a certain draw, the fresh theme of "Nirvana and Rebirth" was more stimulating to the current audience's senses and more in line with their tastes.

The times had changed.

If there were no other dramas airing at the same time, "As Soon As We Meet" could have been the number one in ratings.

But now, second place is a certainty.

Violeta's commercial value soared with two hit dramas under her belt.

The official Facebook page of "Nirvana and Rebirth" gained 5 million new followers, and director Wendy's personal Facebook page also saw a surge in popularity.

Violeta's personal Facebook account skyrocketed to 40 million followers, solidifying her position as the most followed artist of her generation.

Despite the overwhelming success, the slow release pace of one episode per day left the audience craving more.

They soon discovered that the overseas version of the first episode was longer than the domestic one.

It prompted many to seek out the international version, inadvertently boosting its viewership.

"Nirvana and Rebirth" made waves not only in Chesia but also in Glorialand, where it achieved high ratings.

Wendy, the director, had strategically organised a promotional event with the mainly Glorialand cast before the drama aired, further fuelling its popularity.