Chapter 308 - 305: Dialect Version Goes Online

Chapter 308: Chapter 305: Dialect Version Goes Online

On January 5th, production on the first three seasons of the Sichuan dialect version of *Cat and Mouse* was complete. Jiang Xia watched the new version with the entire project team.

Although the dubbed content differed slightly from the original, it wasn’t a major issue. After all, the soul of the project was its dialect-based parody.

Moreover, to make it more accessible for audiences from other provinces, the post-production team thoughtfully added subtitles. Combined with the original hilarious animation, this made the jokes even more frequent and impactful.

Even Li Weiya had to admit that, compared to the original, the dialect version had a special charm. The dialogue between Feng Cheche and Fake Experienced was inherently comedic. Locals found it relatable, and the comedy was turned up to the max.

At least, she really liked it.

"Godmother, you can start contacting the TV stations in Sichuan and Chongqing," Jiang Xia said. "We currently have three seasons of the dialect version. We’ll sell the broadcasting rights as a package deal for 100,000 per season. Of course, that’s just for the first run. If they want to renew, they’ll have to sign a new contract."

Li Weiya nodded. "Alright, I’ll get in touch with them right away. But isn’t 100,000 per season a little high?"

She was well aware that producing the dialect version had required very few resources. They had only hired a few locals from Sichuan and Chongqing as voice actors, so the cost was pitifully low.

"It’s not high," Jiang Xia said with a smile. "Those TV stations aren’t stupid. Even if they only buy one season to test the waters, they’ll quickly buy the second and third seasons once they see the ratings climb."

As someone who had lived through it, he knew this from experience. What 90s kid hadn’t been completely obsessed with the dialect dubs of *Cat and Mouse*? Back then, they could recite entire episodes from memory. If students put that much energy into memorizing their textbooks, far fewer would be failing their language classes.

"By the way, Godmother," Jiang Xia added, "we need to sign these voice actors to long-term contracts. As long as the official version of *Cat and Mouse* continues to be produced, we have to keep making the dialect version."

He wanted to build the most influential IP, which meant the buzz had to be constantly maintained. First, he would conquer the domestic market and become the most popular animation, then he would look for an opportunity to break into the international market.

Jiang Xia was confident that the quality of *Cat and Mouse*’s animation and gags was high enough to make the entire world fall in love with the frenemy duo.

Li Weiya nodded. "Got it."

She thought for a moment, then asked, "Does that mean we can start planning dialect versions for other regions, too?"

"Exactly."

Jiang Xia nodded. "Our official version currently releases one season every two months, while we can produce a dialect version in about a week. So, we can absolutely use different regional dubs to maintain the show’s popularity during the official version’s hiatus."

Even with the same content, different voice dubs create a completely different experience. This means many people who watch the Sichuan dialect version might then go and watch a Northeast dialect version. If so, Jiang Xia’s objective would be achieved.

Li Weiya could almost picture the absurd scenario.

In the future, you could be watching TV, and as soon as *Cat and Mouse* finishes on one channel, you could flip to another and find a different version of *Cat and Mouse* just starting. It could be on 24 hours a day—morning, noon, and night—with seamless, back-to-back airings of different versions.

She had to admit, Jiang Xia’s move was brilliant. The production costs were low, but the potential returns were limitless. When this generation of kids grew up, they would be lifelong, loyal fans of *Cat and Mouse*.

It was a shame they had missed the submission window for domestic animation awards back in July and August. Otherwise, *Cat and Mouse* would have certainly won something this year!

"Ah Xia, aren’t your and Yanwan’s final exams coming up soon?" Li Weiya asked.

"Yep, they’re in the next two or three days."

"Alright, you two should focus on studying for your exams. Don’t worry about things at the company."

***

「January 7th, 8:00 AM.」

Jiang Xia walked Lin Yanwan to her exam hall. The School of Fine Arts’ first exam was that afternoon. With one exam per day, she would likely be finished before January 18th.

"Darling, you remember our bet, don’t you?"

Lin Yanwan’s face flushed slightly. Of course she remembered the bet. It was about... using a condom. ’If I lose,’ she thought, ’my treasured innocence is done for!’

"Hmph! You should be more worried about yourself!"

Lin Yanwan was full of confidence. She had spent far more time studying than Jiang Xia, so it was only natural that she would get better scores.

Watching his girlfriend walk into the exam room, Jiang Xia smiled. He skirted the crowd, found a random study room, and started reviewing in earnest while he waited for her exam to end.

’To be honest, I’m not sure I can actually beat her,’ Jiang Xia thought. ’When it comes to academic talent, Yanwan is way better than me.’

’I did last year’s practice exams a few days ago, and I’m confident I can score at least an 80 on every subject. Getting over 90, though... that’ll depend on luck and the grader’s mood.’

’But it shouldn’t be a problem,’ he reasoned. ’The bet is based on our overall GPA, and I have P.E. to boost my score. It’s not impossible for me to get a perfect score in that class.’

The morning flew by. Lin Yanwan spent the entire exam period checking her work, only leaving with the rest of the students at the very last minute.

"Babe, you really don’t give an inch, do you?" Jiang Xia said with a look of mock exasperation. "I thought you might turn it in early."

Lin Yanwan couldn’t help but gloat internally. "I have some more bad news for you," she said, full of confidence. "I’m getting at least a 90 on that test."

With that, she patted Jiang Xia’s shoulder with a straight face. "Comrade Jiang Xia, it’s your turn to give it your all this afternoon."

Jiang Xia’s expression soured. The pressure was on. His afternoon exam was Introduction to Animation Art, a class he’d skipped quite often. His coursework grade was probably not great, so even if he aced the exam, his final score would likely only be in the low eighties.

The two of them then followed the crowd to the cafeteria for lunch. That afternoon, Jiang Xia entered the exam hall with Su Qing. Su Qing, in fact, had even less time to study than Jiang Xia; he had to keep up with his assigned project tasks every day, even during finals week.

But for most students, as long as you didn’t fail and it didn’t affect graduation, it was good enough.

Time flew by in a blur of tense exams. Jiang Xia and Lin Yanwan traded victories, though it was more accurate to say he lost more than he won. However, when it came to the physical education exam, Jiang Xia brutally and effortlessly scored a perfect 100, while Lin Yanwan barely scraped by with a passing grade.

He had Su Qing’s daily morning training sessions to thank for that; otherwise, it wouldn’t have been nearly so easy.

On January 18th, Jiang Xia finished his last exam. As he walked out of the School of Art Building, he happened to run into Lin Yanwan, who had also just finished.

"Honey, I’m sure I got at least a 90 in Animation Art and Design. It’s not too late for you to surrender," Jiang Xia teased.

"Hmph. The official scores aren’t out yet," Lin Yanwan sniffed. Her P.E. grade might have dragged down her average, but she was certain she’d scored much higher than Jiang Xia in several subjects—perhaps even perfectly. It was still anyone’s game.

Jiang Xia shrugged. Tsinghua usually released grades within two weeks of the final exams. Though he wasn’t sure if he could actually beat his girlfriend, he couldn’t afford to lose the battle of bravado.

The university’s official winter break began on January 20th. Most students headed home right after their last exam, but Jiang Xia couldn’t. With his coursework finished, he could now devote all his energy to producing *Slam Dunk*.