As soon as Chen Fei hung up the phone, the chief producer Li Dong approached him with a stern face, handing him a notice.
"The TV station has already issued a public announcement. If the ratings don't meet the standard this month, these programs will have to prepare for suspension. Look, our 'History Talk' is ranked first, with the lowest viewership among all variety shows. Do you know how people look at me now? With pity!"
Li Dong's eyes welled up with tears and he choked, "Ten years! We've worked hard together for ten years. We were so glorious back then, the TV station's flagship variety show, our ratings never dropped out of the top three. Now, we're always last. In others' eyes, we're definitely destined to be canceled."
Chen Fei glanced at it twice and put it down, saying confidently, "The ratings for this episode will definitely rebound. I believe in Han Zhao."
"Even if he's handsome, he's still a newcomer with no fan base. Do you really think he can become famous overnight? How many people have truly become famous overnight these past few years? Besides, the entertainment industry is not short of handsome guys. By using him, you're gambling the entire program."
Li Dong's voice was quite loud, quickly attracting the attention of those around.
Chen Fei frowned displeasedly, "Keep your voice down."
"I will speak loudly. I haven't done anything wrong, so what can't be said?" Li Dong directly addressed Han Zhao's direction, "I want certain people to know what they are shouldering. This is not a simple recording, but it concerns the survival of our program. If there's no determination to win, I think it's best to change people."
Han Zhao was listening to the staff explain the recording precautions. He heard the sound and looked back, seeing his boss walking towards him. A smile immediately appeared on his face, "Boss, why are you here?"
Quan Jiu came to his side and smiled, "After all, this is your first appearance. Such a memorable event, and I, as the boss, must come to see it."
Han Zhao heard the voices from over there and subconsciously looked back.
"Don't take it to heart. Just perform well. Newcomers have to withstand doubts from all sides," Quan Jiu encouraged him.
Han Zhao's eyes curved, looking relaxed, "Okay."
Quan Jiu looked around again, "Then you prepare well, and I'll go look around elsewhere."
Only after she walked away did Han Zhao retract his gaze and continue listening to the staff's arrangements. As for Chen Fei and Li Dong, they were still arguing about the casting.
"Even if he becomes famous overnight, how much traffic can he bring? Zhong Chuan is different. Zhong Chuan already has a reputation and is well-liked by the audience. Only if he participates in the recording can we guarantee the ratings for this episode.
You also know that Zhong Chuan's schedule is tight. I've been pestering his agent for a long time before they agreed to come. And you, by using a newcomer, have overshadowed Zhong Chuan. It's fine if I'm embarrassed, but you can't drag the entire production team down with you."
Chen Fei frowned slightly, "Zhong Chuan knows very little about history. You know how rigorous 'History Talk' is about historical knowledge. Unexpected situations can arise at any time during the recording. If the guest's historical knowledge is not solid, wouldn't that damage our own reputation?"
"Then give him a script! Which variety show doesn't have a script now? If 'History Talk' continues with its old methods, it will be difficult to survive in this era. We are on the verge of being canceled, and you still haven't reflected on it?" Li Dong said angrily.
"I prefer to call it craftsmanship," Chen Fei insisted. "This society is all about fast consumption. Very few people are willing to delve into the word 'craftsmanship' anymore. Everything is fleeting, forgotten after a glance. What's the point? What I want is not a brief moment of brilliance, but something that can be passed down forever.
Also, not using a script is my basic principle for making variety shows. I need guests to present their most authentic selves, which is what the audience truly wants to see."
Chen Fei was exasperated and finally gave up, "Fine, you are the chief director, you have the final say. As the finale of the last episode, I hope your departure won't be too unsightly. And you guys..."
He raised his voice, addressing the staff present, "Find your way out early. 'History Talk' has reached its end. Some of you have been with me since the beginning of the program, and some have joined recently. Regardless, I thank you all."
The staff looked at Chen Fei and Li Dong, either confused or shocked. In fact, they were aware of the disagreement between the director and the producer, and most of them sided with the producer Li Dong. Although it was undeniable that the newcomer Han Zhao had potential, in a matter of survival, everyone felt it was better to play it safe rather than take risks.
But clearly, they had no say in the decision. So most of them silently watched Chen Fei, some even resentfully looking at Han Zhao with unfriendly expressions.
Although Han Zhao felt a bit disappointed, seeing his boss looking at him, he suddenly felt re-energized. It was okay, no matter the outcome, at this moment he would give his best effort and not let anyone down.
Seeing the confidence in Han Zhao's eyes, Quan Jiu was completely relieved and left the recording site.
The hall next door was the recording site for the new talent show "Youthful Dance." One hundred energetic boys and girls were gathered in the center of the hall, listening to the host explain the rules of the competition.
Quan Jiu paused to listen for a moment, and then, just as she was about to turn away, a somewhat familiar figure appeared in her sight.
Jiang Mengmei.
Quan Jiu recalled the last time she saw Jiang Mengmei. She was indeed an artist from Tianyu Entertainment. As for the reason Jiang Mengmei could join Tianyu Entertainment, Quan Jiu naturally thought of Chu Rong.
What attentive care, her sister is the company's design director, and her sister is an artist under the company. Chu Rong, Chu Rong, you really take good care of these two sisters.
Quan Jiu smiled self-deprecatingly, turned, and left.
...
After touring the film and television building, Quan Jiu exchanged more than twenty business cards, all from well-known directors, agents, and TV station staff in the industry.
When she returned to the recording site, the program had already started recording. Quan Jiu simply greeted Bai Lin and left early.
However, as soon as she reached the first floor, she received an unknown call.
She had obtained this phone card after returning to the country, and it had not been publicly disclosed. The owner of this unknown phone number must have been introduced by someone she knew, so she answered the call.
The caller introduced himself as Zhang Xin. Quan Jiu searched her mind but indeed did not recognize such a person.
"May I ask if there's anything?" she asked politely. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Her voice was neither too high nor too low, calm and friendly, even conjuring an image of a gentle and intellectual person in Zhang Xin's mind.
He was starting to believe Chen Fei's words and immediately said enthusiastically, "Boss Quan, hello. I am the chief director of 'Heartbeat Rhythm.' I was classmates with Chen Fei, and he recommended you to me, thinking you are very suitable for my program. Can we schedule a time to meet? I sincerely want to invite you."
Quan Jiu felt a little amused. Chen Fei was quite efficient. She had just exchanged business cards, and he had already introduced her.
She hesitated for a moment, not refusing immediately, but instead asked, "Do you know anyone inside 'Smiling All The Time'?"