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56. Chapter 56
"Chef is Here!" Episode 1 took the audience by surprise, with soaring ratings. The market for variety shows is limited, and success inevitably clashes with the interests of other programs.
In the second episode, Cai Yingying's performance left many viewers displeased. Soon, hidden competitors latched onto this, starting to negatively promote the show.
Mastering Variety Shows v: Thought I found a gem after the first episode. Was eagerly awaiting the second one, but Cai Ying Ying's atrocious attitude spoiled it for me. The way she treated other contestants was horrid. Her lack of seriousness while cooking resulted in a messy winter melon soup. Surprisingly, she wasn't eliminated. The segment where the judges critiqued her soup was edited out. If there isn't some backdoor dealing here, I'll stream myself doing a handstand!ăVideoă
Sci-fi Artistry: I noticed many were recommending this, and I was considering giving it a watch. To think there would be scandals lurking within! I'm relieved I haven't seen it.
Woolly Mammoth: There's really no need for such a vehement oath.
Agate Red: You can indeed invert this analogy, but it's unnecessary.
Veteran Beauty-hound: I was initially drawn to it for the handsome lad, but then Cai Yingying appeared with so much screen time, quite the turn-off.
Bubble Sounds: I also tuned in for the handsome lad, but if Cai Yingying isnât eliminated in the next episode, Iâll stop watching.
Little Frog: I had previously enjoyed dishes from the Immortal Feast, so when I saw the owner of Immortal Feast on this show, I started following. The show is decent, but Cai Yingying is definitely problematic. I hope she doesnât ruin it and wish the production team would address the issue. Cooking Gods, come forward!
Pythagoras Theorem: despise these kinds of scandals. turned to culinary shows to avoid the excessive editing in celebrity ones. Didnât expect this too. It's frustrating! Blocked!
Outraged Netizen: Cooking Gods! Come out and face the music!
The Boy Who Cried Wolf: Say no to scandals! Cai Yingying, get lost!
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With many online profiles talking about her, Cai Yingying grew restless seeing netizens' comments. She intended to tread a path of controversial fame, but the overwhelming negative feedback was not the scenario she wanted.
She desired to be the talk of the town. In her plan, she intentionally displayed an arrogant and obnoxious demeanor on the show. However, when her assistant chef accidentally cut his finger, she immediately showed concern and took over his tasks.
Of course, the assistant's injury was pre-arranged to facilitate her performance.
She aimed to create a character that appears arrogant and unreasonable on the surface, yet kind-hearted and gentle underneath - an arrogant yet lovable persona. This controversial image was crafted to leave a lasting impression.
Despite her constant complaints about dishes chosen by Zhuang Zhouyang and her seemingly careless cooking, she was confident about her Winter Melon Soup with Ginseng.
She anticipated that the final judges would appreciate her dish, establishing her competence. This would lead to a significant turnaround, deepening the audienceâs impression of her.
However, she hadn't foreseen that all her positive scenes would be edited out. Her multi-dimensional character failed to shine through, leaving only her off-putting side.
Hastily, after doing her makeup, she arranged to meet Jia Sibo at a hotel.
"Miss me?" After shutting the hotel room door, Jia Sibo let go of his gentlemanly facade, his gaze wandering over Cai Yingying.
Fresh out of the shower and wrapped in a towel, Cai Yingying teased with her seductive eyes, "If I didn't invite you, would you ever seek me out? Or are you too afraid of your old hag at home?"
Jia Sibo pulled her close, annoyed at the mention of his wife, "Why bring her up?"
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If not for her father's wealth supporting his career, he wouldnât have married that unattractive woman.
âI misspoke,â said Cai Yingying, noticing Jia Sibo's displeasure. "We shouldn't be discussing other women when we're together."
...
Only after appeasing Jia Sibo did Cai Yingying broach the subject that concerned her: "Did you watch the show? Why did they edit me in such a horrible light? So many are berating me. Can you release the unedited footage to clear my name?"
He had seen the show. Knowing her purpose in seeking him out, Jia Sibo picked up his phone from the bed. "Iâll check for you."
Jia Sibo called his associate, Han Xingyan, "Hey, Mr. Han, what's with the editing? Are you deliberately undermining me?"
Both being businesspeople, we might collaborate or get involved in the future. Initially, Han Xingyan did not wish to fall out with him over a single show, so he feigned confusion, saying, âMr. Jia, Iâm not sure I understand your meaning?â
âDonât play dumb with me, Han,â Jia Sibo chuckled coldly, âI asked for Cai Yingying to make it to the finals. Was this episodeâs editing a deliberate jab at me for that?â
Han Xingyan hesitated momentarily before explaining, âMr. Jia, itâs really not like that. I watched the episode too. Some shots were cut for pacing, not just hers. Other contestants also had their critiques edited down.â
Cai Yingying nudged him, prompting, âThe finals. Tell him I should be in the finals.â
Jia Sibo asserted, âSo, I need a straight answer today. Can Cai Yingying advance to the finals or not?â
Han Xingyan replied, âIâm afraid thatâs impossible. Our show prioritizes fairness. If Cai Yingying has the skills to proceed, we wonât eliminate her. But if she doesnât merit a spot in the finals, we wonât offer any shortcuts.â
âEnough of this,â Jia Sibo threatened, âIf you donât comply, Iâll pull my investment immediately. Finding a new investor right after a successful first episode isnât that simple, right? Think it over, Mr. Han.â
Click.
The call ended abruptly. Han Xingyan was not as flustered as Jia Sibo had expected. Calmly, he switched off the recording function on his phone and muttered, âWhat audacity!â
He summoned the head of their PR department and forwarded the recording, instructing, âRelease this online. Make as big a splash as you can.â
If civil discourse couldnât resolve matters, then it was time to sever ties with Jia Sibo.
âUnderstood, Mr. Han. Iâm on it.â
Soon after, the hashtag #CookingGodExposed was trending.
Celebrity Scoop v: "Cooking God Exposed! Cai Yingying in cahoots with investor to pressurize the showâs producers â producers stand firm against corruptionăRecordingă"
GossipMaster v: Major scandal! #CookingGodRecordingScandal, infamous philanderer Jia Sibo suspected of another affair!ăRecordingă
LittleFish: Kudos to the production team!
Cuckoo: About time someone called out that philandering man.
ChickPecks: Once a cheater, always a cheater.
DaisyBloom: So thatâs what happened! I was wrong about the production team. Go to hell, cheating man!
PuffedUp: Cai Yingying, get out of âCooking God!â You donât deserve to ruin such a good show!
NoMoreMustard: Hearing Cai Yingying wants a spot in the finals made me sick. Get lost!
SweetAndSourPork: If that scumbag pulls his investment, can the show continue?
HotpotLover: The producers must stand their ground and not give in!
EggplantInGarlicSauce: Iâm worried. It's rare to find a good culinary show like this.
AestheticPleaser: Please donât cancel it. I still want to watch those handsome guys.
King of Deduction: Given the release of this recording, it seems the show producers aren't afraid of Jia Sibo. They must have secured a new investor.
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"Chief Xing, I've sent the meeting minutes to your email."
Inside the company, the secretary finished reporting to Xing Lixuan and was about to leave.
"Wait." Xing Lixuan stopped him. "Can you contact the production team of 'The Chef Arrives!' and discuss sponsorship and investment with them?"
The secretary paused in surprise. He knew of the showâit was a popular culinary reality show that he was following. Yu Antong, Chief Xing's significant other, was a participant.
The latest episode stirred up quite a controversy. Netizens suspected foul play. Was Chief Xing investing just to protect his wife from the fallout?
The secretary thought he'd discovered a sweet inside story. Chief Xing really cherished his wife! Imagining little lemons circling around his head, he looked at Chief Xing, then thought of his own partner. Comparisons truly are odious. How he envied Chief Xing's wife!
A whirlwind of thoughts went through the secretary's mind. He then professionally inquired, "But Chief Xing, our company doesn't have kitchenware or food products to advertise. What should we propose in the negotiations?"
"Didn't we acquire an appliance company last year that's launching smart fridges?" Xing Lixuan picked out a minor project from his diverse portfolio. "Advertise that."
"Understood, Chief Xing."
Now the secretary was certain. Chief Xing was investing for his wife. Otherwise, there was no need to spend a hefty sum on advertising a subsidiary's minor project like smart fridges.
An idea popped into the secretary's head, "Do you want them to offer you a judge's seat?"
Xing Lixuan closed his pen and tapped it on the table, pondering for a few seconds.
Investing in the show would allow him to gain a say in its production, preventing excessive editing that might amplify interactions between Yu Antong and other contestants. But as for the judge's seat...
If he appeared as both Yu Antong's husband and an investor, it might invite allegations of bias and doubts about her abilities.
Even without highlighting interactions between Yu Antong and others, many netizens still teased about "Chef Yu's husband/wife." He dearly wished to appear on the show, asserting his relationship and reminding everyone that Yu Antong was his wife.
To appear might harm her reputation; to abstain might leave her vulnerable to admirers.
Torn between choices, he asked, "Do you watch 'The Chef Arrives!'?"
"I do, and many of our colleagues do as well," the secretary smoothly complimented, "Your wife is truly exceptional on the show. Every time I watch, I'm tempted to dine at Xian Ren Banquet. I'm so envious of you, enjoying her culinary skills daily."
Praising Xing Lixuan might have gotten the secretary reprimanded, but praising Yu Antong was always safe.
Xing Lixuan felt more satisfied hearing praise about Yu Antong than himself. He inquired, "What if I join the show and people question her skill, saying she won because of connections?"
Realizing who Xing Lixuan was referring to, the secretary promptly replied, "That's easy. Mrs. Xing's talent is undeniable. A single meal at Xian Ren Banquet will silence any critics."
The secretary added, "Of course, there might be some persistent trolls. But there'll be plenty of Xian Ren Banquet customers like me to defend her. They won't gain traction."
Xing Lixuan nodded in agreement. Indeed, Yu Antong's skills were indisputable.
"You make a good point," Xing Lixuan acknowledged.
Director Xing has always been strict about work, seldom praising anyone. Yet today, she easily won his approval. It seems the rumors about her being great at flattering were spot on!
The secretary silently congratulated herself on her wit, and confirmed cautiously, "So, they should offer you a judge's seat?"
"Yes," Xing Lixuan replied. "Proceed with the negotiation."
Author's Note: Secretary: Today's office lesson â how to tactfully flatter your boss.
Thanks to the angels who supported me with special votes or nutrient solutions between 2020-02-05 23:35:41 and 2020-02-06 23:55:54.
Special thanks to the angels who gave nutrient solutions: Autumn Fish - 5 bottles; Just Showing Off - 2 bottles.
I am deeply grateful for all the support. I will keep pushing forward!
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