Chapter 135 – Variety Show

Chapter 135 - Variety Show

"Amitabha..."

After Si Cui finished relaying the news, Zhong Xue's mother closed her eyes to chant a few phrases before daring to reopen them. She bulged her eyes, staring intently at the ratings as if trying to pierce through the screen.

"1.62, 2.12 – the ratings are real, we're going to be a hit!" Zhong Xue's mother trembled with excitement. Turning to Zhong Xue, she exclaimed, "Xiao Xue, you're going to be famous!"

"Mom, are you very happy?" Facing her mother, Zhong Xue didn't know how to react. Her smile was forced.

"Mom is truly delighted for you, Xiao Xue." Zhong's mother clutched her prayer beads and took out her phone. "I'll immediately share the good news with your father; he must still be waiting for an update."

Looking out the window, Zhong Xue heard her mother's and father's excited voices. She frowned, feeling uncertain about the future.

Is it enough that Mom and Dad are happy?

...

At Zhu Xiao's residence.

"Xiao Xiao, come to my office tomorrow to discuss the new agreement. The company has approved it, and your share will be increased to three percent. The penalty for breach of contract will also be adjusted accordingly, I believe you can understand that. Next year, we'll provide you with B-level resources and promote you vigorously among the new generation. A tailored marketing plan has been designed specifically for you."

Liu Ruhong, with her most radiant smile, highlighted the benefits of the new contract to Zhu Xiao.

"Senior Sister Hong, I haven't even appeared in the first episode yet. My performance hasn't been seen, yet the company has made its decision?"

Zhu Xiao was aware that "Si Cuichuan" had exploded in popularity, achieving significant success in its initial broadcast.

But the fact that the upper management held an emergency meeting in the middle of the night demonstrated the magnitude of the drama's impact.

After "Si Cuichuan" aired, advertisers, production companies, and talent agencies alike caught wind of the changing tide.

Zhu Xiao understood that this role in the hit series would provide him with an excellent launchpad as a newcomer.

With a substantial part in a highly popular show right at the start of his career, he could swiftly gain recognition.

Being a newcomer, his contract with the agency was stringent, with low penalties for breach, making him an attractive target for poaching.

Unintentionally, Zhu Xiao found success without much effort, and the company, like discovering a treasure, sought to secure him by raising the penalty fee, offering more resources, and increasing his share. It was a combination of incentives and deterrence to ensure his unwavering loyalty to the company.

Zhu Xiao was aware of his luck, but a swirl of mixed emotions also stirred within him.

Back then, it was he who had recommended Tang Fei for the role at the Happiness Hotel when she couldn't land any other projects.

Now, he had achieved what he desired solely through the first episode featuring Tang Fei.

Life was unpredictable; things could change drastically in just a few months.

Even if the company was waiting for his debut, claiming to see his potential, their straightforward approach now was easier for him to swallow than vague promises.

But he knew that the company feared delays, as they couldn't afford to wait. The second episode wouldn't air until after the new year. Who knew whom he might meet or what connections he could make during the holiday season?

A hen that laid golden eggs must be kept securely in its coop – that was the mindset of capitalists.

"Little Xiao, I've seen your hard work and talent. You just lacked an opportunity, a chance to convince the higher-ups. Now that opportunity has come. Will Sister Hong hold you back?" Sister Hong's smile in the video call was especially warm. She was planning for Zhu Xiao's future: "I've already secured a leading role for you in a new series, and you'll start filming right after the new year. With the contract signed, you'll receive your share from the new project immediately. As the one who discovered you, I won't do anything to harm you."

"Thank you for looking out for me, Sister Hong."

He wouldn't foolishly reject such a fortunate opportunity. It was a chance to prove himself in a new television drama.

"Then get some rest. See you tomorrow."

...

Inside the Happiness Hotel production team's rented factory space, He Zhou and Jiang Xiaoying were like two football fans possessed, shouting as the ratings climbed from 1.5 onwards.

He Zhou: "1.6!"

Jiang Xiaoying: "1.7, and it only took six minutes!"

He Zhou: "1.8! Charge! Higher! Up, up!"

Jiang Xiaoying: "Almost at 1.9! Ah! 1.9!! It's 1.9 now!"

He Zhou: "Break through 2 for me!"

Jiang Xiaoying: "Breakthrough!"

He Zhou: "It broke, it broke!"

Jiang Xiaoying: "We broke 2 million views!!"

He Zhou: "Auntie Tang, we've broken 2 million!"

He Zhou turned around and lunged at Tang Fei, abandoning his phone as he opened his arms to embrace her, hanging onto her body. "Auntie Tang! You've finally made it!"

He Zhou recalled the hardships Tang Fei had endured over the past few years and months, remembering how she used to economize by taking the slow green trains and being kicked out of her dorm by Yao Hui.

He thought about how his aunt would stay up all night practicing with the script, and how she went months without work, only able to repeatedly watch Zhu Xiansheng's performances.

Suddenly, He Zhou's eyes welled up with tears that he couldn't hold back. Hiding his face in Tang Fei's shoulder, he said, "Sis, Si Cuichuan is secure now. You're no longer just a topic-driven actress; you'll have a defining work from now on."

"Azhou, you've been with me for so long, and much of this success is thanks to you."

"Sis..." He Zhou took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice. "It's your own hard work that got you here."

"Master! You're amazing! Si Cui and Xu Wan look entirely different, and your subtle expressions and gestures make them seem like two separate people. It's like plastic surgery through acting!" Jiang Xiaoying dove forward, leaping up to cling to Tang Fei, sandwiching her between herself and He Zhou.

Jiang Xiaoying's enthusiasm stirred a sense of crisis in Tang Jiao. What would happen to her when she returned after the winter break?

With Jiang Xiaoying stubbornly tagging along, Tang Fei's sister was about to belong to someone else!

"Big Sister, Big Sister." Tang Jiao also approached, clueless as a headless fly about how to react.

Hanging onto two people, Tang Fei instinctively reached out at the sight of her sister's distress, patting Tang Jiao's little head to soothe her.

"Jiaojiao."

"You're the best, Big Sister."

Tang Fei sighed. Was she now a child queen, responsible for three immature souls?

She had lost in love but flourished in her career.

Today could be considered a failed confession, a breakup!

Recalling the original owner's rejections, there were likely enough suitors to form a platoon. Could this be... karma, as those who reject shall also be rejected?

Based on the number of rejections, wasn't she destined for a life focused on her career?

Tang Fei felt as if a few bold lines had flashed before her eyes: Boss Conquest, Failed! High stakes in love, beauty, please try again!

Sitting beside her, Tang Fei's parents exchanged a glance and smiled contentedly.

Tang Fei's mother nestled against her husband's shoulder. "We made the right choice coming here this time."

"Ah Qing, I used to be afraid to come, but now that we're here, it doesn't seem so bad. We should have visited Feifei earlier after letting her live on her own for so many years."

"We only came for Chinese New Year. It's fine. After all these years, no one will remember us."

...

At Jiangzhou TV, the production team of the upcoming flagship variety show, "Farm Goddess," was still diligently preparing. The most prominent guest they had booked was none other than the esteemed actress He Zhuhua, around whom they would build a supporting cast.

Despite lengthy discussions with He Zhuhua's agent, the guest list remained unsettled. The actress herself listened silently, offering no input.

In her forties, the award-winning actress maintained herself well, appearing no older than thirty. It had been a decade since she last participated in a variety show.

She agreed to join because this program served a dual purpose – not only was it a variety show, but it also facilitated the casting for the lead role in Qian Ying Qian Xing, the top production company within the system's flagship drama series, "Foster Mother." The television director, Mi Hai, was a close friend of hers, which was why she decided to lend her support.

Due to this connection, the lineup of guests was a battleground for various talent agencies.

Tang Fei's name was on the candidate list, but He Zhuhua's agent crossed out Tang Fei's photo with a red pen.

"This is Sister Zhuhua's decision."

The show's director team exchanged glances, feeling somewhat awkward as they sighed and placed Tang Fei's photo in the rejected pile.

He Zhuhua, bored, was scrolling through her phone, leaving the communication matters to her agent. As she scrolled, she stumbled upon news about Tang Fei. She had initially swiped past it casually, but when she saw a particular photo in the news report, she immediately stood up from her seat.