Chapter 10
“This music travel program, I believe I’ve made it clear, has no investment value.” Yu Congyan stated frankly.
Originally, Yu Congyan wouldn’t bother with this kind of small, quarterly investment. If it weren’t for Old Man Yu insisting he come and dampen Yu Xuan’s arrogance, he wouldn’t bother coming to headquarters to do this thankless task.
But now he understood why he was needed.
If they didn’t find someone knowledgeable to filter out truly suitable investment projects, with Yu Xuan’s tendency to spend the entire budget in one go, no amount of liquid capital would be enough.
These entertainment companies were just deceiving laymen, hyping up their programs to the skies, but few were actually worth investing in.
“CEO Yu, this program has been a long-term investment project for our company for years, and we’ve always provided funding by default.” The presenter on stage, also the program’s screenwriter, had thought this was just a formality. He was taken aback when suddenly interrupted, wiping his sweat to hide his embarrassment.
Usually, Yu Xuan made the decisions at the company’s investment intention meetings, and they only needed to fool the layman crown prince, inevitably adding a lot of fluff to the proposals to skim some profit.
As long as they said their program would definitely be a huge success, Yu Xuan would readily agree to invest.
Unexpectedly, Yu Congyan was personally attending this quarter’s investment intention meeting.
This actual person in charge seemed to have done his homework, seeing through their embellished data at a glance.
“This program’s viewership ratings have been declining for several consecutive quarters, while the appearance fees for guests have been rising. I don’t see any reason to continue investing in such a program.” Yu Congyan said coldly.
Judging by the program’s introduction, it only took two short seasons to turn this program from highly anticipated to niche and unpopular. There was probably no chance of revival.
The presenter on stage still wanted to put up a fight, saying tactfully: “CEO Yu, invitations have already been sent to the program’s guests. It’s not appropriate to withdraw funding now, is it?”
The outside world already assumed this program was under the Yu Group. Suddenly withdrawing funding and canceling the show would inevitably have a negative impact on the Yu Group’s reputation and even its stock price.
“That’s the PR department’s job.” Yu Congyan didn’t budge.
It was just the right time for a break.
The presenter hurriedly called the director team to report the emergency, looking extremely flustered.
Taking advantage of the moment when no one was around, the assistant whispered in Yu Congyan’s ear: “CEO Yu, headquarters’ intention is to invest in this program, after all…Shao Huan is also one of this season’s guests.”
The director team had probably already informed Old Man Yu. The old man, having built his business from scratch, valued his reputation.
The two families were old acquaintances, and the program wouldn’t cost much at most. It could be considered an investment in maintaining their friendship.
Yu Congyan was noncommittal, tapping his finger on the proposal in his hand, “This program isn’t worth investing in. Even if we use the saved money to curry favor with the Shao family, it’s better than throwing it into a bottomless pit.”
Instead of investing in this unpopular program to help Shao Huan pursue his so-called “artistic dreams,” it was better to use the money to help the Shao family in times of need.
The latter would definitely bring greater economic benefits.
Seeing that pressuring from above didn’t work and the crown prince was determined to withdraw funding, the program’s screenwriter panicked.
He anxiously approached Yu Congyan, trying to emphasize the program’s advantages: “Our program has great potential, integrating music and travel, which can also boost local tourism. It has been approved by the cultural and tourism department!”
“The reputation has been declining since the production team was changed in the second season. The promotional collaboration with the cultural and tourism department was also poorly executed, resulting in a lot of backlash.” Yu Congyan responded calmly.
The screenwriter became even more anxious: “We’ve also invited famous singers from home and abroad, the fans are very enthusiastic, and we even released several merchandise items recently.”
“Sales were dismal, followers were bought on social media, and the growth rate from the lottery can’t even compare to a C-list celebrity.” Yu Congyan hit the nail on the head.
That C-list celebrity was Xia Wansheng.
Since the five million lottery was announced on social media, Xia Wansheng’s follower count had skyrocketed, becoming the fastest-growing new blogger this week.
Many curious onlookers also joined the fun, reposting, following, and pushing the topic to the top of the trending list.
Especially since the draw was tomorrow.
It was the last day to participate in the lottery, and everyone was notifying their friends and family, afraid to miss this last chance.
The program’s screenwriter felt a wave of despair, pleading: “Our program is just facing temporary difficulties, CEO Yu, please give us another chance…”
Even he felt his words were weak. He racked his brains, stalling for time, trying to find something to grasp onto this lifeline from the Yu Group.
“By the way, this time we’ve invited Xia Wansheng, who comes with his own buzz. He faced online backlash before, but recently his fan base has grown rapidly. His popularity will definitely help boost the ratings!” The screenwriter grasped at straws, not even knowing what he was saying anymore.
Such a flimsy excuse, the CEO would have to be out of his mind to believe it.
Besides, he had heard that Xia Wansheng seemed to have pestered Yu Congyan before. What if, upon hearing his name, the CEO became even more determined to refuse investment?!
“Xia Wansheng is one of this season’s guests?” Yu Congyan suddenly asked.
Xia Wansheng’s mentioned comeback was to participate in such a costly, time-consuming, and unremarkable program?
Well, it was better than staying home being emotionally unstable all the time.
The screenwriter couldn’t understand what he meant, saying nervously: “We have that intention, but it’s still under discussion, nothing is finalized yet.”
What was going on? Did CEO Yu hate this celebrity who had pestered him before so much that he wanted the program team to deliberately smear him?
Yu Congyan called his assistant, “Would investing in this project affect other investment plans this quarter?”
The assistant looked troubled: “It would, CEO Yu, after all, it’s not a small amount.”
The glimmer of hope in the screenwriter’s eyes was extinguished again. He was probably going to lose his job this time.
“Then proceed with the branch company’s investment plan. Future collaborations will be directly handled by your side, saving my elder brother from complaining.” Yu Congyan said.
Taking this project under his control would also allow him to observe Xia Wansheng’s changes up close.
He didn’t want Xia Wansheng being bullied on the program and then putting on another window-jumping act at home.
Yu Congyan looked at the screenwriter, his expression complex: “Remember to take good care of him.”
Report any problems directly to him, to prevent things from spiraling out of control.
Just consider it paying for peace of mind.
The screenwriter: !!!
He hurriedly said: “Don’t worry, I’ll inform the director team and make sure to take extra care of Xia Wansheng!”
At first, the screenwriter didn’t react, thinking it was about taking care of Shao Huan, after all, their families were old acquaintances. He was about to say “Shao” when he noticed Yu Congyan’s unusual expression and realized he meant Xia Wansheng.
And to “take extra care” of him. The screenwriter sensed a menacing tone in those words.
It seemed CEO Yu really hated Xia Wansheng, who had pestered him before.
He was even willing to lose money just to have Xia Wansheng be criticized by everyone on the program.
The cooperation was finally successfully concluded. Yu Congyan signaled his assistant to see the guest out, and the others also filed out of the conference room.
Yu Congyan stood up and looked at the skyscraper across the street through the floor-to-ceiling window.
At the end of his past life memories, he had lost everything he had worked for for many years at the entrance of that building.
The past was vivid in his mind. After being reborn, he immediately bought the opposite floor as a constant reminder.
The assistant knocked on the door, “CEO Yu, the guests have left. The screenwriter would like to invite you to the program’s launch ceremony.”
“I’m busy.” Yu Congyan didn’t even bother asking when it was.
“But they said there would be a surprise for you, related to Xia Wansheng.” The assistant, having worked alongside Yu Congyan for many years, naturally knew of their past connection, so he mentioned it.
Yu Congyan: “…”
He had a feeling that anything related to Xia Wansheng wouldn’t be simple. It was better to go and see for himself.
“Put it on my schedule.” Yu Congyan didn’t want to take any chances.
It would be good to keep an eye on things. If anything went wrong, he could intervene immediately.
The assistant was inwardly shocked, “Understood, I’ll make the arrangements right away.”
It seemed the relationship between these two was truly irreconcilable.
The CEO was even going to the program launch ceremony personally, probably to sternly warn Xia Wansheng not to overestimate himself.
Cui Se Bar had just opened for business when a group of well-dressed, rich second-generation heirs walked in.
The waiters, recognizing the familiar faces, rushed to greet them.
These were all wealthy patrons, and each one of them was a hot-blooded young man easily swayed. If they could please these masters, the tips they casually threw around would be enough for several months’ salary.
“Brother Shao, are you going racing later? A friend of mine has connections, we can reserve a section of the mountain road on the outskirts of the city for a spin.” One of the lackeys tried to curry favor.
“Last time, I don’t know what deserted place you dragged me to, and you dared to call it a newly built professional track. If you try to fool me again this time, don’t blame me for turning on you.”
Shao Huan was joking with his companions when a reminder popped up on his latest phone from his personal assistant, “Brother Shao, the new program’s cast has been announced. Xia Wansheng is one of the guests.”
It was finally settled.
It was worth the effort and money he spent recommending Xia Wansheng to the director team and his own company, all so he could personally expose Xia Wansheng’s singer-songwriter persona on the program.
He had to personally witness Xia Wansheng’s downfall, being abandoned by his fans and ultimately banned from the industry, to finally appease the injustice in his heart.
Since their debut, everyone had been comparing the two of them, but everyone thought Xia Wansheng was more talented.
Shao Huan always believed Xia Wansheng must have used a ghostwriter, and he wanted to expose this to the world, but his agent stopped him.
“You’re spreading rumors,” his agent said coldly, “Whether Xia Wansheng uses a ghostwriter is just your speculation.”
“He couldn’t possibly write so many songs in such a short time! I’ve talked to him, he doesn’t even know basic music theory!” Shao Huan said angrily.
This program was the perfect opportunity to see what tricks Xia Wansheng could pull under the 24/7 livestream cameras.
“Hey, Brother Shao, this name sounds familiar, Xia Wansheng?” One of the lackeys saw the message and said curiously.
“Isn’t that the celebrity who’s holding a five-million lottery? I reposted it too.” Someone else chimed in.
“Enough!” Shao Huan suddenly interrupted coldly.
Shao Huan turned to face them, his already thin lips completely bloodless, looking frighteningly cold: “No one is allowed to mention the name Xia Wansheng in front of me again.”
Shao Huan vowed to himself that he would expose Xia Wansheng’s true colors on the program for all to see.
Just wait and see.
