I am Really a Superstar 3

by Little Merger

Zhang Ye was originally a mundane college graduate with aspiring dreams to become a star, but unfortunately has below average looks and height. However one day, he woke up and suddenly found himself in a parallel world!It’s like the same world, but wait a minute…many brands, celebrities and even famous works from his world changed and are gone in this new world!

16. 1291 - 1320

I am Really a Superstar #Chapter 1291: The wedding invitation gets revealed! - Read I am Really a Superstar Chapter 1291: The wedding invitation gets revealed! Online - All Page - NOVEL NEXT

Chapter 1291: The wedding invitation gets revealed!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

Later that afternoon.

In the courtyard of Old Wu's family's house.

Zhang Ye's parents were here, and Old Wu's parents were present too.

The outside world blew up as an earthquake ripped through the entertainment circle. Foes from all over show business came together to denounce Zhang Ye as the industry-wide boycott resurfaced once more after seven years. Regarding this news, even the common people already knew about it, much less the industry insiders. The commotion outside even reached a point that it shocked the Heavenly Kings and Queens. However, the people who were in the courtyard had no reactions to it. They were chatting and laughing as they busied themselves with the wedding invitations.

Zhang Ye's mother said, "You were boycotted again?"

Zhang Ye threw his hands up. "Looks to be so."

"Can't you live a day without causing trouble?" his mother asked.

Li Qinqin smiled and said, "This shows how upright Little Ye is. He abhors evil."

Upright?

Abhor evil, my ass!

You just haven't seen him scamming others!

His mother smiled but did not say a word.

Wu Zeqing also smiled.

Wu Changhe held up a wedding invitation. "Are we inviting Old Sun?"

Li Qinqin said, "Oh, he must be."

Wu Changhe said, "Daughter, what about your colleagues?"

Wu Zeqing smiled. "I've already written them all down. We'll just follow the invite list."

"Son, what about the media?" his mother asked.

Zhang Ye shrugged and said, "I'm not familiar with the media."

Wu Zeqing laughed. "Leave it to me. I'll write a list."

One by one, the wedding invitations were written.

Ring, ring, ring. Zhang Ye's cell phone chirped noisily. It was like he was already expecting it as he said to everyone with a laugh, "See, the calls are starting."

Wu Zeqing said, "Go and answer it then, I'll handle it over here."

His mother said in amusement, "You've been using the same ringtone forever. Shouldn't you change it?"

Zhang Ye walked a little further away and answered the call. The moment the call connected, the extremely anxious voice of Xiaodong came on. Before Zhang Ye could even get a word in, she was rambling: "Zhang'er, Zhang'er, something bad has happened. You've offended them for real this time. Hurry up and think of a way out. The industry has called for a total boycott of you and there's no room for discussion. I know that you're already used to this. The radio station, the TV stations, the literary world, the crosstalk world, and so many others have done it to you before. But it's different this time. It's the sponsors of showbiz who have called for the boycott. You're stuck with no way out. Do you have any idea on how you might deal with it? Hai, don't bother saying anything, how could you possibly have a way to deal with this. The situation now…"

After speaking for a full two minutes, Zhang Ye was finally able to cut in.

Zhang Ye gave a sardonic laugh. "Sister Dong."

"Yes?"

"Can I speak now?"

"Of course, please."

"Send your address to me."

"Ah?! What for? Are you thinking of taking refuge at my place?"

Zhang Ye nearly fainted. Take what refuge! He said: "I'm going to send the invitation to you."

"What invitation?" Xiaodong said in surprise.

"My wedding invitation, of course," Zhang Ye said.

"What? You're still in the mood to hold your wedding?"

"Pfft, why would I not be in the mood? And also Amy's and Xiaoxian's addresses too. Are you all going to come?"

"You've got a really big heart. Yes, yes, how can we not attend your wedding? Even if they've already called for the boycott, we will still go. But you've got to think of something. Otherwise, your future in show business will be—"

"Send your address, I gotta hang up."

Xiaodong yelled: "Hey, hey, hey, wait!"

He hung up.

Yao Jiancai called as well.

"Zhang'er, has the wedding been postponed?"

Zhang Ye was taken aback: "Who did you hear that from?"

"From the media, the industry, that's what everyone is saying," Yao Jiancai said.

Zhang Ye laughed and said: "Don't listen to their crap. I'm going ahead with the original plan. Oh yeah, send me your address. I'll get the wedding invitation sent overnight. My wedding's on the day after. Bring your wife and daughter too and let's have a good time."

Yao Jiancai rolled his eyes. "You're already having a good enough time!"

Zhang Ye laughed: "Haha, it'll be even better on the day of."

They hung up.

The third call arrived.

It was from the studio.

Ha Qiqi was panicking like mad. "Director Zhang, we're done for!"

"What are you talking about? I was just about to call you." Zhang Ye ordered: "Hurry up, can you bring our studio's staff over? It's time I needed some help from you guys!"

Ha Qiqi said: "Everyone?"

Zhang Ye affirmed: "Yes, gather everyone!"

Ha Qiqi gasped. "Are we going to fight Zhao Chipeng?"

Zhang Ye didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "Fight? I need you guys here to help me send the wedding invitations. I still have a lot of things to prepare over here, so hurry up and come over and help."

He received more than a dozen calls in a short period of time!

Zhang Xia.

Chen Guang.

Ning Lan.

Everyone was calling him.

It was just as well, since Zhang Ye was supposed to call them up anyway to tell them about the wedding!

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Zhang Ye's composure left his friends in disbelief. The flames are already licking at your eyebrows and there isn't much time left, so why are you still so calm?

Are you serious, Lord Zhang!

This is an industry-wide boycott we're talking about!

All of his friends were quite confused.

…

That the same night.

There was only a little more than a day left until Zhang Ye's wedding!

The media was still libeling him!

His foes were still denouncing him!

His industry peers continued to boycott him!

One by one, more and more insignificant people jumped on the bandwagon as unexpected celebrities and industry insiders came forward to denounce Zhang Ye!

The momentum was completely one-sided!

Their voices were too strong!

Nobody could restrain their excitement!

The scourge was finally going to be gotten rid of!

Many who had been bullied by Zhang Ye were in tears!

Many of them couldn't wait to celebrate the victory with a string of firecrackers!

They had been waiting far too long for this moment!

They had been waiting way too many years for this to happen!

And it was at this time that Zhang Ye's wedding invitations arrived at their designated destinations.

…

Old Chen's house.

The doorbell of the villa rang.

Chen Guang went to open the door. "Who is it?"

"I am Little Zhou from Zhang Ye's Studio. Hello, Teacher Chen." A young man took out a wedding invitation and passed it to him. "Teacher Zhang's big wedding will be held the day after tomorrow. He sincerely invites you and your wife and hopes that you can be there."

Chen Guang nodded. "Alright, I understand."

The door closed.

Fan Wenli also came over. "The wedding invitation is here?"

Chen Guang gave a wry smile and said, "Zhang Ye sure is kind."

"Yeah," Fan Wenli said, "I thought that he would cancel the wedding."

The wedding invitation was very refined and beautiful.

When he flipped it open, written on it was:

Groom: Zhang Ye.

Bride: Wu Zeqing.

sincerely invite you to grace us with your presence.

Chen Guang was stunned for a bit. "The bride is—Wu Zeqing?"

Fan Wenli was also startled. "Eh, why does this name sound a little familiar?"

"I find it familiar too. Which celebrity is it?" Chen Guang asked.

One second.

Two seconds.

All of a sudden!

Chen Guang jumped. "Fuck!"

Fan Wenli exclaimed, "Wu Zeqing? Which Wu Zeqing?"

Chen Guang said, "Could it be that Wu Zeqing?"

Fan Wenli started sweating. "Surely not! Th-This cannot be!"

…

At Old Yao's house.

The doorbell rang. His daughter, Yao Mi, went to answer the door.

When she returned, she said, "Dad, Mom, Uncle Zhang's wedding invite has arrived."

Old Wu's wife took it from her and had a look. She was stunned. "The bride is someone called Wu Zeqing? Who is it?"

Yao Mi was taken aback. "What did you say?"

Old Yao's wife pointed at the invitation in confusion. "The bride is Wu Zeqing."

Yao Jiancai, who was in the living room, was slack-jawed. "W-What did you say? Who is the bride?!"

"Did someone step on your tails? What is it?" Old Yao's wife was quite confused. She waggled the invitation. "It's written here that the bride's name is Wu Zeqing."

Yao Jiancai took a large step and came up to her. "Impossible! Let me see!"

Yao Mi also ran over in a frenzy!

When they flipped open the invitation, the bride's name stood out!

Yao Jiancai screamed, "What the!"

Yao Mi shrieked, "My God!"

Old Yao's wife still did not understand. "What does that mean? What's the matter?"

Yao Jiancai said in shock, "Don't you know who Wu Zeqing is?!"

…

At a newspaper firm.

Quite a few people were still working overtime.

"Are we still going to attend Zhang Ye's wedding?"

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"The chief editor says there's no need to go anymore."

"Are we really not going?"

"Yes, the chief editor is really good friends with President Zhao. With the industry-wide boycott, we must reduce our coverage of Zhang Ye so that he will gradually disappear from the public eye."

"Oh, I see. I understand."

"Alright, it's time to knock off."

At this moment, an editor came stumbling in. "Quickly come and see this! Come and see this!"

Everyone was wondering what had happened.

"What is it?"

"Why are you running!"

"An invitation? They've sent Zhang Ye's wedding invitation?"

"Just leave it, we won't be going."

The editor shouted, "Speak after you've read the bride's name!"

They opened the invitation.

When everyone saw it, they were shocked out of their minds!

"Holy fuck!"

"Holy shit!"

"Fuck this!"

"Fuck!"

Everyone was dumbfounded!

"Something big has happened!"

"Quick, quick, quick, go and tell the chief editor!"

"Something big and terrible has happened!"

Someone stupidly asked, "So…do we still attend Zhang Ye's wedding on the day after tomorrow?"

Everyone instantly turned their heads and looked at that idiot like he was an idiot!

…

At Zhang Xia's house.

Her daughter came over. "Mom, it's the wedding invitation."

Zhang Xia sighed and took it from her. "Got it."

Her daughter asked, "Are you worried for Teacher Zhang?"

Zhang Xia said with a frown, "Yes, I am. I can't even help him out, so I feel really bad. Little Zhang is in big trouble this time!"

Zhang Xia flipped open the wedding invitation.

Then her eyes grew big as saucers. She dropped the wedding invitation onto the floor.

"Mom?"

"Yes."

"What's wrong?"

"Haha, it's nothing."

"Why are you laughing then? Weren't you just feeling worried for Teacher Zhang?"

"There's no need anymore."

"Why? Didn't he meet with some trouble?"

"It's someone else who has met with trouble now!"

"What do you mean?"

Her daughter picked up the invitation and read it. "The bride is Wu Zeqing? Who is that?"

Zhang Xia looked at her daughter. "This is someone who those people cannot afford to offend even if they team up." With a pause, she laughed and said, "Today's show business has got to be the most wonderful and exciting day since its inception!"

…

Feiyu Entertainment.

One of the companies which called for the industry-wide boycott.

A roar suddenly sounded from the president's office!

"Zhao Chipeng!"

"Zhao!"

"You motherfucker!"

The employees who were passing by outside all looked at one another!

What happened?

Why was President Zhou swearing at President Zhao?

Weren't the two of them tight business partners?

…

Xiaohai Media.

Another one of the companies which called for the industry-wide boycott.

"Zhao Chipeng!"

"You idiot!"

"You fucking idiot!"

"I've been fucking dragged down by you this time!"

…

Xiangtian Records.

Yet another one of the companies which called for the industry-wide boycott.

"Zhao Chipeng!"

"Fuck you!"

"Goddamn you!"

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Chapter 1292: Zhao Chipeng in tears!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

Tang Dazhang's home.

Several crosstalk actors who had gathered to celebrate Zhang Ye's impending departure from the entertainment circle looked terrified after receiving a call!

"Impossible!"

"This is impossible!"

"It must be a same name!"

"Right, it has to be someone with the same name!"

"Quick! Go and check what's going on!"

…

At the Writers' Association.

Meng Dongguo, who had had a great feud with Zhang Ye, posted another official denouncement of Zhang Ye and was feeling very satisfied as he prepared to knock off from work.

The door opened.

A colleague came in with a look of horror on his face. "The identity of Zhang Ye's wife has been revealed!"

Meng Dongguo sneered and said, "So what? What has that got to do with us? He won't be able to last a few more days anyway. Probably not even a day more."

His colleague swallowed hard.

Meng Dongguo asked curiously, "What's the matter?"

His colleague wiped away his sweat and said, "Zhang Ye's wife is called Wu Zeqing!"

With the news, Meng Dongguo plopped back down into his chair!

…

At A-list celebrity Jiang Hanwei's house.

Holding his phone, Jiang Hanwei's face turned green!

"What?"

"It's true!"

"Are you fucking kidding me?"

"Old Jiang, why would I joke with you!"

"This is impossible!"

…

At Xiaodong's house.

The three wedding invitations were lying on the table.

Amy was dumbfounded!

Xiaodong was dumbfounded!

Li Xiaoxian was dumbfounded!

"W-What is going on?"

"Zhang Ye is soaring to the skies!"

"This is such a huge joke!"

…

At Beijing Television.

Hu Fei was shocked!

Xiao Lu was astonished!

Hou Ge's hand was trembling!

Dafei nearly fell out of his seat!

All of them had received an individual invitation, and they almost went crazy after reading it!

"Oh, God!"

"Can someone tell me this isn't true?"

"If it's really true…then…then someone is going to look like an idiot!"

"Yes, Zhao Chipeng is going to end up as that idiot!"

…

The wedding invitation was exposed!

The invitation and its contents spread rapidly!

The groom was Zhang Ye, the bride was Wu Zeqing, and the wedding was going to be held at a famous hot spring resort in the suburbs of Beijing in the morning on the day after tomorrow. There was even a note at the bottom: Do not send or bring gifts.

For those who received the invitation, they immediately realized what was happening. For those who did not receive it, they soon found out from their friends. The entertainment circle was only so big, and there were only so many people in the industry. Everyone was connected to one another, so the news spread very quickly. This invitation from Zhang Ye had stunned the entire entertainment circle at this moment. Some people were so astonished that they were left trembling at the news, while others turned pale, were in shock, or were left with jaws dropped!

The literary field was shocked!

The crosstalk world was shocked!

The Go world was shocked!

The calligraphy world was shocked!

The education world was shocked!

It was an earthquake!

Show business was going to experience a shake-up!

Because they had encountered an unprecedented turn of events!

Because they had encountered a situation that they could not even begin to imagine!

Everyone turned their attention to Tianfang Entertainment!

…

And as the company in the middle of it all, all the ranks of Tianfang Entertainment, from top to bottom, were silenced!

When Zhao Chipeng and Tianfang Entertainment's upper management saw a picture of the invitation, every one of them was slack-jawed!

A vice president was so scared that his knees buckled under him!

A shareholder nearly fell out of their seat!

The president's secretary was livid!

The president, Zhao Chipeng, blanched!

"Why did it turn out like this?"

"How did things become like this!"

"We're done for!"

"This—"

"We're doomed!"

"President Zhao!"

"President Zhao, what do we do!"

"President Zhao, say something!"

"President Zhao!"

Everyone was panicking!

The calls were also coming in like crazy one after another!

Zhao Chipeng's cell phone never stopped ringing!

"Zhao! Fuck you!"

"Zhao Chipeng! You've screwed us over big time!"

"Old Zhao, you fucking set me up!"

"Zhao Chipeng, you stupid idiot! If you wanted to die, you should have just died alone! Why the hell did you have to drag us down with you! You even dared to order an industry-wide boycott on the husband of the SARFT's chief? Screw your sister! You've fucking killed us all!"

One!

Five!

Ten!

His cell phone was exploding with a flurry of calls!

Each and every one of his old friends and business partners was cursing and swearing at him without end!

It had always been the SARFT that would issue a ban on them!

It had always been the SARFT that would give them trouble!

It had always been the SARFT that would stop their television series from broadcasting, or stop their films from getting a release, or not approve of their activities!

But today?

The situation was actually reversed!

They were going to boycott the SARFT's chief's husband?

At this moment, they felt like they were the boldest idiots in the world!

Zhao Chipeng was forced to answer the calls and listen to the callers rant before hanging up in shock. Then he would answer the calls again in a mechanical fashion before hanging up again. Throughout this, he did not say a word!

His legs turned to jelly!

He was perspiring as beads sweat kept rolling off his head!

"President Zhao!"

"President Zhao!"

The company's upper management had lost their backbone!

Zhao Chipeng looked at them and finally opened his mouth to say something. "So what if she is the SARFT's leader?"

What?

The upper management was stunned as their eyes filled with admiration!

Zhao Chipeng said again, "So what if it's Chief Wu?"

What are you planning?

The upper management was shocked again as they appeared moved by his words!

Zhao Chipeng said loudly, "So what if he is Chief Wu's husband?"

That's right!

So what if it's them!

Can they bully others in such a way just because she is from the SARFT?

Can they repress them just because she is the chief of the SARFT?

All of them were touched to their cores by Zhao Chipeng's spirit. They were fascinated by him and felt that their President Zhao was very impressive. He was even a role model to them!

Zhao Chipeng raged on indignantly, "So what if Zhang Ye and Chief Wu are getting married? Can she do whatever she wants just because she is in a leadership role? Does being a leader make her any different from anyone else?" He was so angry that his lips were trembling. This roused everyone who saw him behaving like this. He suddenly said, "Can she decline to take any gifts for her wedding just because she is a leader?"

Everyone was stunned!

Zhao Chipeng said angrily, "How can she do that! Just look at this invitation. Just look at what they wrote on this invitation. This is really pissin' me off! They are totally disrespecting our traditional Chinese culture! Chief Wu is being too clean-fingered 1 this way, she's being too careful about it! But she can't allow there be an example of this happening, can she? Otherwise, how will the others deal with such acts in the future? Right? How will they know how to handle such situations? A leader getting married is essentially the same as the average person getting married! There shouldn't be anything special about it!"

Everyone was pretty dumbfounded!

A vice president stared wide-eyed. "Ah?"

A supervisor: "Ah?"

A secretary: "Ah?"

When Zhao Chipeng saw that no one made any move after what he said, he got furious and quickly shouted, "What are you all ah-ing for! What are you all doing still standing there! Hurry up! Quickly prepare a huge gift so that we can send it to Chief Wu for her wedding! Do you people need me to fucking spell it out?"

Everyone said, "Ah?"

"Go quickly! Fuck!"

"Under...understood!"

Everyone nearly fainted at that!

The invitation letter explicitly stating that there shouldn't be any gifting?

So you were actually angry about this?!

Everyone rushed out of the room!

PR!

Relying on social ties!

Finding a way!

Preparing the gift!

Tianfang Entertainment was in chaos!

Zhao Chipeng silently sat by himself at his desk for a long time. His nose tingled and his eyes suddenly welled up with tears!

This had turned into something big!

This had really turned into something big this time!

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Chapter 1293: The SARFT's son-in-law!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

This night was destined to not be a quiet one.

In fact, it was going to be a very long night.

An invitation had set off a storm in the entertainment industry. Tianfang Entertainment bore the brunt of it as they got pushed to the forefront. They were undoubtedly in the most trouble as the entire company frantically tried to remedy things. But everyone else knew that their actions were too little, too late. That industry-wide boycott order had instantly become the biggest joke in the industry—one that could keep being repeated for a lifetime and still get a laugh.

How could it be like this!

Hasn't this fellow always been butting heads with the SARFT?

Didn't this fellow used to fight the SARFT?

Didn't this fellow get banned by the SARFT on more than one occasion?

This was the worst hooligan of the entertainment circle and the greatest thorn in the industry. This bastard who had offended almost all the people in the business had suddenly become the son-in-law of the SARFT?

"President Zhao, it's not going to work out!"

"The PR isn't going to help against this fallout!"

"The leader that I know over there is not answering my calls!"

"We can't get in contact with Chief Liu either!"

"President Zhao, no one wants to deal with us right now, and we can't send the gift either!"

"Please make a quick decision!"

"President Zhao, the shareholders have requested a board meeting!"

"President Zhao, the celebrities under our management are all panicking, please decide how we should deal with this!"

Zhao Chipeng's face paled as he listened to his subordinates' reports. Finally, he picked up his phone and called one of the executives at the SARFT who he was on good terms with.

Du du du.

It went through, but no one answered.

Zhao Chipeng tried calling again.

After two rings, it was cut off.

Zhao Chipeng was sweating by now. He made a third call before someone finally answered. "Chief Wang!"

"What is it, Old Zhao? I was sleeping. Let's talk tomorrow if there's something."

"Chief Wang, you've got to help a brother out!"

"Help you? How am I supposed to help!"

"About Chief Wu and Zhang Ye, that's simply—"

"I also received the invitation just today."

"This is really too sudden. If I had known that he was together with Chief Wu, would I have been so crazy to pick a fight with him? Chief Wang, you've got to give me some support. We're really out of ideas. What's the situation with Chief Wu? Did Chief Wu mention anything?"

"Chief Wu didn't say anything at all."

"Phew, that's good then."

"Good? Are you really dumb or just playing dumb? Just look at what you've done. What is this? Disregarding Zhang Ye's status and just basing it on Han Di's matter alone, who doesn't know what actually happened. Do you think the public is blind to what really happened? Do you think that the SARFT does not know what went on? But look at what you did. You've committed a wrong and still pushed the blame onto Han Di. You even tried to force him into a corner? When Zhang Ye came forward to say something, you still coerced your colleagues to spare him no rest? Old Zhao, you've become too pompous!"

"I've done wrong! I'll admit it!"

"Handle your own problems then."

"Chief Wang!"

"Let's end the call here. Don't contact me anymore in the future."

The current Zhao Chipeng was like an unimportant and smelly piece of dog shit on the street. Anyone who saw him would avoid him.

Elsewhere.

The board meeting was convened.

When Zhao Chipeng came in, all the other board of directors were present. There was a very heavy and serious atmosphere in the air. Everyone had stifled expression on their faces.

A director said, "Old Zhao, there are only two paths we can take now."

An elderly director said, "One, you take this all on yourself. Two, you bring the company down with you. You may decide how you want it to be."

"This problem was caused by you in the first place. Those other media companies might still have a chance of making things right, but that isn't the case for us."

"Chipeng, why don't you take a back seat."

…

Online.

The people were still heatedly discussing the issue.

"What will happen in the future?"

"Who knows what they'll do to Zhang Ye?"

"Hai, is Teacher Zhang really done for?"

"The industry-wide boycott has already been ordered. The same events from seven years ago are happening all over again!"

"It's difficult to bring up the things that happened in the past, since many of the things that Zhang Ye did were rather controversial. But there's definitely no fault with Zhang Ye regarding this issue!"

No one wanted to see Zhang Ye leave show business. There was only one such person like him, so it wasn't simply a matter of having one less person like him around. If he were to go, there wouldn't be another like him!

All of a sudden, someone shouted in bewilderment:

"Eh, look at that!"

"What is it?"

"Tang Dazhang's Weibo post has been deleted!"

"Ah? He really did do so!"

"That post denouncing Zhang Ye has been deleted by him?"

"Eh, another crosstalk comedian has deleted their post too!"

"What are these people up to?"

"Who knows, maybe they got hacked?"

"Fuck! Quickly come and see this! Everything has been deleted! They've all deleted their posts!"

"Everyone did?"

"Yes, all of them!"

The people were very surprised!

Everyone?

How was that possible!

They went to check through all those Weibo accounts in disbelief and were dumbfounded!

The crosstalk world!

The literary field!

The calligraphy world!

The education world!

The entertainment circle!

All of the Weibo posts from those who had censured Zhang Ye had disappeared completely at this moment!

Then the netizens noticed an even more shocking thing happening!

Beijing Crosstalk Association's official Weibo: "Congratulations on Teacher Zhang's big wedding. May your love last forever!"

Beijing Writer's Association: "May you both be blessed with a child soon, sending our congratulations!"

A-list celebrity Jiang Hanwei: "Congratulations."

The studio of the B-list celebrity, Li Yu: "Best wishes."

Crosstalk actor Tang Dazhang's Weibo: "May your love last fore."

Feiyu Entertainment's official Weibo: "Congratulations and felicitations! May you both have what your hearts desire!"

Xiangtian Records' official Weibo: "A match made in heaven! Great auspiciousness to the newlyweds!"

Even Tianfang Entertainment posted on Weibo. "No words can fully express our congratulations! Today is an exciting and momentous day! Wishing Mr. Zhang and Mrs. Wu a happy marriage!"

The netizens were dumbfounded!

Everyone looked like they had fucking seen a ghost!

"What's going on?"

"Congratulations on the big wedding? Weren't you people just scolding Teacher Zhang a while ago?!"

"Damn, did these people have too much to drink?"

"What are they doing?"

"God knows what madness has come over them!"

"Tianfang Entertainment also made a Weibo post? And they mentioned something about having no words? No words, your sister! Exciting? Exciting, my ass! Didn't you people order the industry-wide boycott? Weren't you all bent on sparing Teacher Zhang no rest? So how can you be excited!"

"Are these idiots having a fit?"

"A mass hacking?"

There were those who gave a speech!

There were those who offered their congratulations!

There were those who Liked the post!

All everyone could see were countless familiar faces appearing below the Weibo post Zhang Ye used to announce his wedding. A great deal of them were those who had denounced him earlier, and some others were people like the entertainment industry's artists and personnel who had remained quiet all this time. At this moment, all of them were appearing like cabbages being sold in the market. Some of the celebrities were even unheard of and were really just small-timers in the industry. Of course, there were also many big names who showed up to offer their congratulations!

Zhang Ye's fans were dumbfounded!

Han Di's fans were dumbfounded!

The people were simply unprepared for this happening!

This change was too sudden. Do you people have any integrity left!

And what came later was an even more astonishing event!

"Tianfang Entertainment's President Zhao Chipeng announces his resignation as president!"

"Zhao Chipeng steps down from his position!"

"Tianfang Entertainment takes the initiative in terminating Han Di's contract!"

"Han Di becomes a free agent!"

"Zhao Chipeng apologizes to Han Di over Weibo!"

"The truth is out, Han Di cleared of all grievances!"

The news headlines came one after another!

The people were crazy anxious now.

"What just happened?"

"They just issued the industry-wide boycott this morning but have already given up on it by this afternoon? What kind of a joke is this?"

"Something bad must have happened!"

"I know, but what?"

This farce continued for quite a while!

By the end of it all, Zhang Ye's wedding invitation was leaked!

When the people saw this, everyone very nearly passed out when they realized what was going on!

"The bride is Wu Zeqing?"

"Chief Wu from the SARFT?"

"How's that possible!"

"What the hell is with this turn of events?"

"Holy fuck!"

"Holy fuck!"

"Holy fuck 10,000!"

The netizens blew up at this!

The public was stunned!

Zhang Ye had become the SARFT's son-in-law?

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Chapter 1294: At the venue of the wedding ceremony!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The next day.

A day before the wedding ceremony was to take place.

The outside world was still causing an uproar!

The people were still in shock over the revelation!

This news had come too suddenly for the entertainment industry. It was too earth-shattering. Immediately, everyone in the country, including the media, turned their attention to Zhang Ye and his wedding. Until they could see it with their own eyes or hear it with their own ears, many of them refused accept this truth!

On the highway.

Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing, together with their families, were heading to the hot spring resort. The hotel over there had been cleared out, and it was the final day of the preparations. There was still a lot to get done, and the stage had to be set up as well. There was also a rehearsal that they needed to do, so it was a really busy day for them. The staff from Zhang Ye's Studio had already come down in advance to set the place up.

In the sedan.

Zhang Ye was making quite a few calls.

…

"Little Zhou, is the Chinese Kwa ready for collection yet?"

"They said that they should be able to get it completed by today."

"Don't just leave it at that, we need it tomorrow."

"Alright, I'll go and hurry them up."

"Bring it back before the afternoon."

"Understood, Director Zhang."

...

"Director Zhang, the reporters are in a frenzy. The main entrance to the resort has been totally blocked off!"

"What? How many of them are there?"

"There are over a hundred reporters from more than thirty different media outlets!"

"Hold them off for now. Don't let anyone get in and let them know that we will not be giving any interviews!"

"OK, we're coordinating with the resort's security."

"We'll be arriving very soon."

"Drive in through the rear entrance. I'll be waiting over there."

"Alright."

…

"Director Zhang, the representatives from the endorsement companies have arrived."

"OK, I got it."

"So what do we do with them?"

"Host them for now. We'll talk about the rest when I get there."

…

The call ended.

Zhang Ye's voice had gone hoarse from talking so much.

Seated next to him, Wu Zeqing handed him a bottle of water.

Zhang Ye's mother asked, "What was that about endorsement companies?"

Zhang Ye said pretentiously, "I was just going to talk about this. Well, I'm getting married, aren't I? As such, those brand names that I'm endorsing have all come looking for me. They're hoping that they can make use of the wedding ceremony to give their products some exposure. Heh, isn't that causing trouble? It's my big day and I'm expected to advertise for them? I'll chase them all away the moment we get there! This is so infuriating!"

His father smacked his lips and said, "Why are you chasing people away on your wedding day?"

Zhang Ye said firmly, "I have to! I must chase them all away!"

Li Qinqin smiled and said, "Little Ye, what's there to get angry about?"

Wu Changhe added, "It's no big deal displaying a few of their products. Aren't you their spokesperson?"

Zhang Ye said in anger, "But how can we allow that?"

Wu Zeqing said, "Just let them do it, it's only a minor thing."

I can't, Old Wu." Zhang Ye shook his head.

Li Qinqin spoke, "There's nothing wrong with that, Little Ye. Let me have the final say on this matter. Other celebrities also take care of the brands they endorse at their weddings. Those companies have all invested so much money and given so much advertisement exposure to you. The endorsement fees they paid you are also top in the industry, aren't they? Therefore, you cannot let them miss out on something like that. How can you even think of chasing them away? Surely that wouldn't look good on you, right? Isn't it just having a few small product placements at the wedding? I'll decide on it then, just let them do it."

Zhang Ye blinked. "Is that really fine?"

Li Qinqin said, "Yes, it's no big deal."

"Alright then, I'll listen to you." Zhang Ye had no choice but to agree with her.

Up ahead.

They finally arrived at the hot spring resort.

When the car pulled into the hotel, everyone who got out of the car was dumbfounded!

Toothpaste!

Jewelry!

Mineral water!

Milk!

Soap!

The reading app!

Sanitary ware!

People from over a dozen of Zhang Ye's endorsed brands crowded together!

Behind them, all kinds of advertising placards and signs, including an advertising inflatable, had been put up!

"You're finally here!"

"Teacher Zhang!"

"Teacher Zhang, where should we place these?"

"Please help us find a spot!"

Chattering came from every direction.

His mother was stunned. "Little Ye, why are there so many of them!"

Zhang Ye gave a sheepish smile and said, "I'm endorsing quite a few brands."

His father stared at him. "But this is too many!"

Li Qinqin and Wu Changhe were also startled and were slow to react!

Zhang Ye went forward and started ordering them around. "Everyone, please line up, and don't be in a rush. Just calm down and listen to what I have to say. Those who are from Family Spring, please put your advertising placard up at Zone A where the reporters will be entering. I will be arranging for manpower to ensure that every reporter and celebrity attending the ceremony tomorrow will get a bottle of your water in their hands. You will be the designated brand of water at the venue!"

The people from Family Spring said, "Thank you, Teacher Zhang!

Zhang Ye shouted, "What about the milk? Where's the dairy manufacturer?"

A few of the dairy employees hollered back, "We're here, we're here!"

Zhang Ye pointed at them. "Good, you guys are also one of the designated drinks. Did you bring along your ad placard today? Good, place it over here. Right, secure it properly. It might get windy tomorrow."

Installation.

Inflation.

Within a short span of 20 minutes.

The reception area was almost filled up with advertisements. There were even some that could not be placed due to a lack of space. The entire area looked quite lively!

Zhang Ye's mother called out, "Enough! Don't place any more things here!"

A distance away, Zhang Ye told some workers, "There's still some space, try to squeeze a few more in!"

His mother got mad and went up to Zhang Ye and gave him a beating!

Zhang Ye turned tail and ran away. "Aiyo, Mom! What are you doing!"

"Watch how I'll kill you!" His mother was incensed!

Wu Zeqing just stood there and laughed.

Li Qinqin and Wu Changhe hurriedly went over to pull her back.

"In-law!"

"Aiyo, In-law, don't hit him anymore!"

"The media is out there watching!"

Finally, Wu Mo and Fat Sis arrived!

When Wu Mo saw the place, he exclaimed, "Ah? Everything has been arranged already?" He turned around and got his workers to unload the vehicle. "Hurry, hurry! Get everything down from the vehicle and quickly set it up!"

Fat Sis was also getting her people to unload their items.

Li Qinqin was stunned. "Why are you two here as well?"

Fat Sis said, "To put up the advertisements for my new game, of course."

Wu Mo followed up with, "Teacher Zhang is the spokesperson for our Brain Gold Company. Since he's getting married to my aunt, it would be wrong if I don't advertise a little to make sure that the millions in endorsement fees are well spent."

Li Qinqin said, "B-But there's no space anymore!"

Wu Mo looked around and finally pointed at the main stage. "That's my spot!"

Wu Changhe very nearly beat someone up as well. "That's where the bride and groom will be standing!"

Wu Mo blinked and said, "They can just stand nearer the front. My placard can be placed behind them."

Fat Sis came over to snatch the spot. "Get lost, this is my spot!"

"Aunt! I found this spot first!" Wu Mo said in panic!

Fat Sis and Wu Mo nearly came to blows!

Zhang Ye quickly came over to break them apart. He came up with a bad idea and said, "Mo'er, just pass some Brain Gold to Uncle. When he arrives and make his entrance, the media will surely turn their attention to him. Once the cameras are all focused on him, just get Uncle to drink some Brain Gold to boost his spirit before entering. That'll ensure that the entire process will get recorded!"

Wu Mo said excitedly, "Right, right! That's a good idea!"

Wu Changhe nearly vomited a mouthful of blood. "You want me to drink that? Your sister! What would I have to boost my spirit for!" Wu Changhe went up wanting to hit him. "Get over here!"

Zhang Ye turned and ran. "You guys discuss it amongst yourselves!"

Li Qinqin said to Wu Zeqing, "Daughter, hurry up and give him a talking to!"

But Wu Zeqing couldn't care less. She just smiled and said, "This is the reception, not where the wedding ceremony will be held, so just let him handle it. It does look pretty good, doesn't it?"

"What do you see here that makes you say that it looks good?" Li Qinqin was at her wits' end.

An hour later.

The setup was complete.

Everyone felt rather confused when they saw the place!

Was this the reception area of a wedding ceremony?

Why did it look more like a trade fair!

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Chapter 1295: The big wedding (Beginning)

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

On the day of the wedding.

In the morning, in the Beijing suburbs.

At the hot spring resort.

Today was Zhang Ye's wedding day, and all the big local media outlets had sent their representatives here. It still wasn't time to enter yet, as over 100 reporters stood in a long snaking line outside the resort. They were all waiting to be admitted so that they could get a good spot the moment they got in. The reporters' vehicles were parked together, and there were sightings of the media everywhere. Several television stations were even doing a live coverage of the event from outside the resort.

Before long, it was almost time.

The reporters were going to get admitted into the venue with the invitations in their hands.

"Hey, don't squeeze!"

"Aiyo, slow down a little!"

"Who stepped on me?"

"Motherfucker, are you rushing to reincarnate?!"

"Aren't you rushing as well!"

"It's my business that I'm rushing, what does it have anything to do with you!"

When the doors were opened, a large number of reporters flocked into the venue. None of them were walking, as everyone ran straight for the open-air garden of the hot spring resort where the reception area was situated! The invitation that Zhang Ye's Studio had sent out to the media was different from other guests'. It included some details like requests for the media outlets' representatives to arrive before a certain time, the location of their activity area, and a list of barred items. It was written very clearly on the invitation that the reporters could freely take photographs from their activity area during the reception. But for the official Chinese-style wedding ceremony that would be taking place afterwards, none of the reporters would be allowed in the venue. This meant that the reception during the first part of the wedding was just for show to let the public know about it and to account to the media. The actual wedding ceremony would not be witnessed by any media and only the bride and groom's close friends and relatives would be allowed to attend.

In the open-air garden.

Many of the reporters were dumbfounded by what they saw the moment they arrived!

"Ah?"

"What the heck!"

"W-Why are there so many advertisements out here?"

"Is this a trade fair!"

"How are we supposed to avoid framing all of that in our pictures!"

"Pfft!"

"Zhang Ye, that joker!"

"Only he can come up with so many surprises!"

"That's right! That fellow is always able to come up with things that nobody expects!"

"How maddening! Isn't this as good as telling us that if we want to get firsthand news of his wedding to report about, we have to advertise the brands that he is endorsing as well? There are so many advertisements around that we won't be able to avoid capturing them when we take photos or videos of the wedding, yet he is not allowing us to join in for the actual ceremony. He just wants to make us do all the hard work and not be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor? Your sister! This is the first time I've seen such an immoral celebrity! He's really making full use of the media this way! Zhang Ye hardly ever gave interviews in the past, so I was wondering why he was so generous this time!"

"Did you think that this fellow's behavior was only like this recently?"

"You're still inexperienced and don't yet understand Zhang Ye well enough, hur hur. When you get to know him better, you'll learn that there are only things that you wouldn't expect, and nothing that he wouldn't be capable of doing. This fellow is the most unique oddity of the entertainment circle. Everything that he does will surely be different from others' actions. If you even start to measure him with common sense, you'll have already lost the game!"

"Enough talking, let's hurry and get a good spot. Even if his intentions are to plaster all our photos and videos with those advertisements, we still have to do our job. If we don't, how will we answer to our bosses when we get back?"

"That's right, the guests should be arriving soon!"

From this moment on, the wedding officially began.

The reporters on the inside were guided by staffers from Zhang Ye's Studio, while Wu Zeqing's secretary, Bai Li, was in charge of overseeing the outside entrance where the guests were welcomed. The entrance was very important, and a lot of candidates had been considered to take charge of it. In the end, none of them got chosen. No matter how they considered it, Secretary Bai was still the most suitable candidate of all. She was familiar with those from the entertainment industry since she had dealt with them before, while she also knew those from the SARFT. As such, whether it was Zhang Ye or Wu Zeqing's friends and relatives, she basically knew them all.

Outside.

At the entrance.

Secretary Bai was holding the fort.

Chen Guang arrived together with his wife, Fan Wenli.

Fan Wenli smiled and said, "Secretary Bai?"

They had heard of Secretary Bai's name long before today. It was not only because she was Wu Zeqing's secretary at the SARFT, but also because she came from a rather important background. Her father was the head of one of the provincial television stations.

Secretary Bai smiled and welcomed them. "Teacher Chen, Teacher Fan, you've arrived? Please head inside. There will be someone to receive you in there."

After passing her, Chen Guang whispered, "We'd better not try anything funny today."

Fan Wenli laughed and said, "I know."

Chen Guang said in regret, "Back then, I thought that we would be able to enjoy ourselves and have a lot of fun when Zhang Ye got married. But now that it turns out that he's marrying Chief Wu, there's no chance of that anymore!"

Fan Wenli giggled, "Pfft."

A large group made up of over a dozen people arrived and walked over.

Peking University's Dean Pan Yang of the School of Mathematical Sciences was leading the way.

Peking University's Dean Chang Kaige of the Chinese Department was beside him, along with Su Na and the rest of the Chinese Department following them.

Secretary Bai smiled and went up to them in greeting. "You all must be friends from Peking University, right? Welcome, welcome. Quick, please go inside."

Pan Yang said in surprise, "Oh, Secretary Bai knows us?"

Secretary Bai gave a congenial smile and said, "Of course. You're all Teacher Zhang's colleagues and friends, as well as Chief Wu's family."

This was rather true. Wu Zeqing used to be a vice president at Peking University, so to claim that they were her family was not wrong at all.

The group of them entered the building.

Pan Yang smiled and said, "This is quite a spectacle."

Chang Kaige said happily, "But of course! The bride has a rather special status after all."

Su Na marveled, "Professor Zhang has really done it this time!"

Professor Zeng said, "More than that! He's gone to Heaven this time!"

Out of nowhere, two people arrived at the entrance.

Secretary Bai's eyes narrowed as she put out her hand to stop them. "Please produce your invitations."

Those two people had wanted to sneak their way in but ended up utterly embarrassed.

The man gave a sheepish smile as he said, "Secretary Bai, I'm Old Sun."

Secretary Bai looked at him. "Oh, it's President Sun."

The two were from one of the companies that had called for the industry-wide boycott, Xiangtian Records, and were the vice president and his wife. They even brought along a gift, though no one knew what it contained.

President Sun hurriedly said, "We came specially to offer our congratulations to Chief Wu and Teacher Zhang on their wedding. This is a gift that we prepared; it's just something small to show our sincerity. We—"

"Please take it back," interrupted Secretary Bai. "We are not accepting any gifts."

President Sun's outreached hand froze in midair. "Alright, we'll take back the gift. So can we…"

They were just about to shamelessly make their way in when Secretary Bai blocked them off with her arm. "You can go back as well."

The two of them could do nothing and had to leave dejectedly.

Then another entertainment company's representative arrived.

"Secretary Bai."

"Please leave."

"About Chief Wu…"

"Please leave."

Secretary Bai stopped another person from entering. She did not allow anyone who had no invitation to take a step in.

They all knew Secretary Bai and the background that she came from, so no one dared to flip out against her and could only walk away with a wry smile. They had wanted to use the wedding day to ease the relationship tension and express their companies' attitudes, but they never expected they would meet with such a setback even before they could get in. However, they were not frustrated by this nor the least bit angry. There was no choice, after all, since they were the ones who came out calling for Zhang Ye's head just two days ago with that industry-wide boycott order of theirs. The main issue was that they were being totally unreasonable about that matter in the first place. They had been having things their way for too long and were too arrogant, so when they learned that an artist actually dared to be defiant against they funders, they immediately responded to Zhao Chipeng's call for an industry-wide boycott of Zhang Ye. But to their complete surprise, they met with someone who was even more powerful than them and tripped all over themselves!

Therefore, how could they dare to still be angry?

It was already a very nice gesture that they didn't get kicked out by the bride's people!

Around them, quite a few reporters and people in show business spotted this. Every one of them could only give each other a look and then pretend they didn't notice it. But in their hearts, they were already drawing in a cold breath.

President Sun?

Boss Qi?

President Chi?

President Jia?

Which of them were not big shots of the entertainment industry?

Which of them could not summon the wind and the rain in the entertainment industry?

But as it stood? These people couldn't even get past the door?

If something like this had happened at any other celebrity's wedding, it would simply be unimaginable. By coming to attend your wedding, it meant that they were giving you face. Even if they didn't have a wedding invitation, they wouldn't have been chased away like this. However, anyone could understand that Zhang Ye's wedding was different, because this wasn't any ordinary celebrity wedding!

It wasn't the groom that was extraordinary!

But that the bride was someone too important!

If a person were observant, they would notice that the entrance was starting to fill up with an increasing number of flower baskets. For some of the guests who just arrived, they would be stunned by the sight of these flower baskets. This was because the two rows of flower baskets stretched for more than 300 meters. Later on, they even ran out of space and could only stack them up behind the entrance. This was as good as a sea of flowers, and anyone who saw it would surely jump back in fright!

There were more than 3,000 flower baskets!

Who had ever seen something like that before?

No one would have ever fucking seen something like that!

And if you were to check the names of those who sent them, they would all be quite recognizable!

Tang Dazhang!

Li Yu!

Jiang Hanwei!

Zhang Yuanqi!

Dong Shanshan!

Zhang Xia!

Tianfang Entertainment!

Purple Light Entertainment!

XX Entertainment!

XX Media!

XX Records!

Honestly, the guests who were invited to Zhang Ye's wedding did not number that many. Any B- or C-list celebrity's wedding could easily have guests that outnumbered those who were here today. This was because at the level of a B-list celebrity, one's social network would already be very broad. Celebrity friends they were familiar with or had worked with before would number at least fifty, if not a hundred. But it was slightly different for Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing. Due to Old Wu's status, she did not have that many friends or colleagues. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye's temper had led him to offend many, many people. As such, he had even fewer friends than Wu Zeqing. So the number of guests invited to their wedding was not that many either.

And yet, the flower baskets that had been sent over numbered so many more than any celebrity wedding had received!

About eight or nine years ago, an A-list celebrity invited over a quarter of the entertainment circle's people to their wedding, and that was a spectacular sight to see. At that time, it had shocked the media and citizens!

But today!

For Zhang Ye's big wedding!

They received flower baskets from almost the entire entertainment industry!

This spectacle was never before seen, nor would it be seen again in the future!

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Chapter 1296: The big wedding (Middle)

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

In the open-air garden.

At the wedding venue.

The media was already in position.

The relatives of the bride and groom had also arrived. They had all been ushered into the venue in advance, while the celebrity guests were required to walk the red carpet for the reporters to take pictures. Because of that, they were all held in the waiting area and would enter the venue one by one. As for Zhang Ye's colleagues from Peking University and Media College, this wasn't required of them as no one would know who they were even if they walked the red carpet, nor would there be any reporters taking pictures of them. As a result, all of them were brought in by the staff of Zhang Ye's Studio the moment they arrived.

At this moment, there were only two celebrities inside the venue.

One of them was Beijing Television's Dong Shanshan.

The other one was Central TV Sports Channel's Yu Yingyi.

Both of Zhang Ye's old classmates had been asked to be the emcees of his wedding.

Dong Shanshan was holding a microphone and standing at the innermost area of the red carpet. She looked at the cordoned off reporters on both sides of the red carpet and said with a smile, "Dear friends of the media, distinguished guests, friends and relatives, good morning. Today is a day worth remembering as it is the day that my old classmate takes a step into married life."

Yu Yingyi brought up her microphone and said with a smile, "We were classmates with Zhang Ye in university for many years and also colleagues of his, as well as really good friends too. When he invited us to host his wedding, we refused him at first. Shanshan and I are both still single while he's already going to be married. Do you think we will not be affected by that?"

Wang He.

Hu Feifei.

Old Wang.

Their group of old classmates clamored, "Of course we're affected!"

Everyone laughed.

Not far away on the red carpet, Zhang Ye could be heard shouting, "Hey, hurry up and don't say those useless things. I've been waiting forever!"

The reporters also laughed.

Yu Yingyi said, "See, the groom is already getting nervous."

Dong Shanshan said loudly while laughing, "So then, let us welcome today's most handsome, most charming, and most enviable groom, Zhang Ye!"

Cheers sounded from all around!

Applause thundered!

The reporters were immediately excited as they aimed their cameras!

Zhang Ye, who was wearing a tuxedo, walked in via the red carpet.

The reporters shouted.

"Slow down!"

"Teacher Zhang, please walk slowly!"

"Turn around for us!"

"Look over here!"

"Go even slower than that!"

"Teacher Zhang, please wave to us!"

"Aiyo, that awful toothpaste ad is too glaring!"

"Can someone go and take away that Brain Gold ad!"

Kacha, kacha. The lenses all zoomed in at him!

Zhang Ye was quite cooperative and allowed the reporters to get as many pictures as they wanted.

When he reached the inside of the venue, Zhang Ye relaxed and went to greet his friends and relatives.

Fang Weihong came over. "Teacher Zhang, congratulations!"

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sister Fang, Sister Zhang isn't here?"

Fang Weihong said, "Sister Zhang is filming overseas over the course these days and couldn't make it today. But she still got me to come over to congratulate you."

Zhang Ye said, "Alright then, feel free to have a seat anywhere you like. Please forgive me if I didn't take good care of you."

Fang Weihong smiled and said, "Go on and handle whatever you need to."

Several of his old classmates came over.

Wang He greeted, "Zhang'er!"

Hu Feifei fumed, "You're not much of a friend!"

Old Wang belly laughed. "Yeah, you hid the secret too well!"

Xiaoqian said, "You don't know this, but when we heard the news of your wedding, we fell to the ground. You're so impressive in getting Chief Wu marry you!"

Zhang Ye grinned. "Hai, it's nothing much."

Wang He laughed and said, "Will there be any crashing of the bridal chamber since this is a Chinese ceremony?"

"Of course." Zhang Ye said happily, "Crash it all you want."

Xiaoqian rolled her eyes. "Get lost!"

Hu Feifei burst out laughing. "Out of everyone who is here today, who would try to crash your bridal chamber? Alright, you don't have to stand around to entertain us. Go do what you have to and take care of those people from the SARFT. We're all your friends, so it doesn't really matter to us."

Zhang Ye said, "Alright, I'll go over to them first then. The official ceremony won't be taking place here. There won't be any reporters either and it'll only be us, so let's talk again later."

Over at the SARFT's group.

Old Wu's colleagues and subordinates were all having something to drink. There was a catered buffet, and it consisted of both Chinese and Western food. There were also red and white wines available, with nothing missing. But it was obviously a little quieter here. The rest of the guests mostly knew each other as they came from the same industry. All of them could make small talk upon meeting each other. However, the guests from the SARFT were a little lonelier. At this place, there weren't too many people who could really chat with them. After all, the SARFT as an overseeing authority in the entertainment industry made their roles very special. To mention those who were usually in contact with them, they were usually people from entertainment companies, as well as some executives of the television stations. But if you were talking about the celebrities in show business? There really weren't any opportunities for them to speak directly with the SARFT. Their fields were too different, and they had nothing in common to talk about!

However, it was different now!

Today, a celebrity from the entertainment industry was finally able to speak directly with the SARFT!

Zhang Ye went over to them and said, "Everyone, sorry for not hosting well."

A chief quickly said, "Mr. Zhang, you're too polite."

A division head said, "Mr. Zhang, congratulations to you!"

Another division head said, "Congratulations on your wedding. May you be blessed with a child soon!"

Zhang Ye said, "Thank you!"

Instead, it was the group of people from the SARFT who were feeling a little excluded and somewhat embarrassed. They had also had quite a rivalry with Zhang Ye. It wasn't anything official, but there was a lot of behind-the-scenes fighting that took place. For example, the banned artists of which Zhang Ye was part of, and an earlier instance where Zhang Ye was listed on the SARFT's blacklist and was identified as the top target. Still, in the end, Zhang Ye became their leader's husband just like that. They didn't know whether to laugh or cry. They didn't really know how they should interact with him. But since he was their leader's husband, they might as well just address him as "Mr. Zhang." It wouldn't be wrong to be more polite to him in any case.

His three sisters were also here!

His eldest younger sister said, "Brother!"

His second sister asked anxiously, "Where are the celebrities? Where are they?"

Zhang Ye went over and said, "They're all at the back and will be here soon."

His third sister blinked and said, "Can we freely ask for autographs and photos with them?"

Zhang Ye laughed. "Of course, please ask them all you want. If they don't give in to your requests, come and look for me!"

"Long live our brother!" his third sister said very excitedly!

Zhang Ye looked into the distance and called out, "Chenchen, stop running around!"

Chenchen was over at the buffet chomping down on food. She said with her mouth full, "OK."

Zhang Ye asked, "Where's your aunt?"

Chenchen gestured with her chin. "Handling the reporters."

As Zhang Ye's agent, Rao Aimin did not have it easy today.

Turning around, he saw his friends from the Ministry of Public Security's Internet Surveillance Bureau arriving!

Fan Yingyun was walking at the front. "Teacher Zhang, congratulations!"

Dong Zhiqiang.

Fang Xiaoshui.

Meng Yi.

They were all colleagues of Zhang Ye's when he was attached to the Internet Surveillance Bureau. They took part in the Sino-Korean hacking war together, but of course, they did not know that Zhang Ye had taken part in it.

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sister Fan, Director Dong, Little Fang, I thought you guys wouldn't be coming."

Fan Yingyun flicked her hair and said, "How can we not come to your wedding? We would throw aside all our work just to be here!"

Awhile after greeting them, Zhang Ye pulled Fan Yingyun aside. "I was just looking for you. Come, come." He then shouted across the room. "Sister Ha, Brother Zuo!"

When Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo heard him, they ran over.

"Director Zhang?"

"What's the matter?"

Zhang Ye smiled and pointed at Fan Yingyun. "You've never had the chance to get to know each other, but since we've all gathered here today, let me introduce you to someone. This is an old friend who has been fighting alongside me ever since my debut. Her name is Fan Yingyun, and she's also the current leader of my fan club. She's in charge of managing all the other fans too, although she doesn't care about what goes on internally. All she does is lead the group to fight."

When Ha Qiqi heard that, she responded in awe, "Big Saber Bro?"

Zhang Zuo was also dumbfounded. "Big Saber Bro is a female comrade?"

Fan Yingyun shrugged. "Yeah."

A woman?

And she was even such a beautiful woman?

The two of them were very surprised. They'd both witnessed how Big Saber Bro had led the online fan club to slay whoever scolded Zhang Ye. But that dominance was totally mismatched with this very beautiful woman standing before them!

His mother shouted, "Little Ye, Grandpa and Grandma are calling for you."

"Coming, coming!" Zhang Ye said to them, "Have fun talking, guys. I have to leave."

His family.

His friends from Peking University.

His colleagues from Media College.

Zhang Ye greeted his guests one by one, leaving himself with barely any time at all.

On the red carpet, it was finally time for the celebrities to enter the venue.

Everyone turned their attention over there.

The reporters even looked like they were injected with adrenaline!

Dong Shanshan raised her microphone and said, "Let's welcome our celebrity guests for today, Chen Guang and Fan Wenli!"

The couple walked in slowly, all smiles.

Yu Yingyi said loudly, "A warm welcome to our famous director, Li Ke!"

The best Chinese film director, Li Ke, was also here.

Dong Shanshan said, "Let's welcome the famous songstress, Teacher Zhang Xia!"

Zhang Xia was dressed in a gown that looked very ceremonious.

Yu Yingyi said, "Let's welcome the not famous crosstalk actor, but famous actor, Teacher Yao Jiancai and family."

Yao Jiancai and his family were here too.

Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Please welcome Spring Garden's Xiaodong, Amy, and Li Xiaoxian."

With every person introduced, Zhang Ye stood there and welcomed them with a hug before exchanging a few words.

There were not a lot of celebrity guests with slightly less than 20 names announced before the red carpet event was completed.

However, it wasn't until Dong Shanshan and Yu Yingyi came around to announcing the last person's name that all of the guests, friends, relatives, and reporters at the venue got fired up!

Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Let's have our last guest walk down the red carpet now!"

Yu Yingyi said in awe, "This guest is quite amazing. It's a foreign friend."

Dong Shanshan looked at everyone. "Can anyone guess who it is?"

A foreigner?

Who was it?

Would a nationalistic young man like Zhang Ye have any foreign friends?

Yu Yingyi said at the top of her voice, "Please welcome international film star—Lillian!"

Watching the redhead walking down slowly on the red carpet!

The media was shocked!

The guests were stunned!

Lillian was here?

She's an international superstar!

Zhang Ye and Lillian had only performed one song together at the Olympics opening ceremony. Was their friendship this strong? Was Zhang Ye so influential that he could invite her?

The reporters snapped shots like crazy!

The atmosphere at the scene was thrust to a high!

This was a guest that pleasantly surprised everyone!

Lillian elegantly strode towards Zhang Ye where she whispered with a laugh, "Hello, fellow smoker."

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Chapter 1297: The big wedding (End)

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The celebrity guests had all arrived!

It was a star-studded event!

There wasn't a lot of them, but those who were here were all big names!

Soon, the reporters requested that the celebrities separately have their pictures taken with Zhang Ye.

Ning Lan.

Zhang Xia.

Chen Guang.

Lillian.

They had their pictures taken two by two, and it was capped off with a group photo.

Especially for an international superstar like Lillian, the media would definitely give special attention to her. If it weren't for the security lines that demarcated the reporters' activity area, the big group of them would have already rushed up to her. Zhang Ye's junior martial sister, Yang Shu, and several security personnel were over there holding them back. Anyone who came into the restricted area would be pushed back by Yang Shu, leaving quite a few the security personnel casting sidelong glances and wondering who this mysterious bodyguard of Zhang Ye's was. With just a few simple movements from her, it was enough to deduce that she was definitely a very skilled expert. Over there, Zhang Ye had just had two pictures taken with Lillian when his three sisters excitedly came flying over to request a group picture with her. When Lillian learned that these three were Zhang Ye's younger sisters, she naturally obliged.

On the large screen display in the open-air garden, congratulatory video messages by the different celebrities were being shown as well.

The Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi's video recording appeared onscreen. "Zhang Ye, congratulations on getting married. I'm overseas and can't make it back for your wedding." The video turned to show buildings in the style of Western architecture behind her. "See, I wasn't lying. I really couldn't make it, so here's my blessings to the both of you. Don't pick on me about this, alright?"

Next up was A-list celebrity Huo Dongfang's video. The setting was a hospital. "Teacher Zhang, I injured my leg two days ago while filming and am currently hospitalized. I'm sorry I couldn't attend your wedding, but I'll be discharged in another few days. Let me make it up to you with a meal for my absence. So then, may you be blessed with a child soon, congratulations!"

The celebrities who couldn't make it to the wedding had all sent blessings in their place.

It was almost time.

It was also getting more and more boisterous.

Finally, Shanshan raised her microphone and said, "Ladies and gentlemen."

Yu Yingyi smiled and said, "Our honored guests."

A hush fell over everyone in the open-air garden as they looked at the two wedding ceremony emcees.

The reporters knew that the main event was about to begin and couldn't help but feel invigorated!

Dong Shanshan scanned the crowd and said, "Next, we'll welcoming the most beautiful bride as she makes her appearance. Is everyone looking forward to seeing her?"

"Yes!"

"I'm looking forward to it!"

"Wow!"

"The bride will be coming out soon!"

"Where's the applause!"

Screams!

Applause!

Everyone was cheering unreservedly!

Zhang Ye was also greatly looking forward to it. He did not see Old Wu try on the wedding dress yesterday as she and her family deliberately did not allow him to see it. And this morning, he hadn't seen Old Wu yet either, so he was really curious about how his wife would look in the wedding dress.

Yu Yingyi said loudly, "Now then, let's have the bride make her glamorous appearance!"

The applause was very enthusiastic!

However, there was no sign of any activity on the red carpet.

Dong Shanshan laughed and said, "Let's welcome her again!"

Applause and cheers rang out again, but there was still no one to be seen.

Dong Shanshan was amused. "Oh, it looks like our bride is not so easy to invite out."

Everyone laughed, knowing that this meant there should be some door games 1 happening.

As expected, they immediately saw some people from Wu Zeqing's side of the family appearing on the red carpet. Her best friend, Xin Ya, and her sister, Fat Sis, were walking over with a large group of other women.

Zhang Ye was looking all around for Wu Zeqing. "Where is she?"

But he watched as Xin Ya, who was leading the group, broke into a smile. "Professor Zhang, if you want to see the bride, you'll have to get past us first."

Zhang Ye said with a chuckle, "You have games lined up?"

Xin Ya smiled and said, "Do you know what it means by life has its ups and downs? You've offended me in the past, so it's time that you paid me back for it."

Everyone laughed and jeered.

"It's time for the games!"

"Teacher Zhang, do your best!"

"Zhang'er, don't wuss out!"

"It'll be really shameful if you lose!"

"If you lose, you won't be getting married today!"

Most of the people here had heard about the fight between Peking University and Tsinghua University. The ones who led the groups that fought over the students were Zhang Ye and Xin Ya, respectively. But who could have thought that of these two youngest bright mathematicians of China, one turned out to be Wu Zeqing's husband, while the other was her best friend? This was such a dramatic development, but also what everyone loved seeing. The media also felt very excited!

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sure, Professor Xin. Please lay down the rules of the game."

Xin Ya nodded in satisfaction. "Alright, I'm gonna say them then."

Zhang Ye said domineeringly, "Sure, I'll accept anything."

Fat Sis raised her fingers and said, "There are three tests."

A niece 2 of Old Wu's said, "Uncle-in-law, if you don't successfully complete the three tests, my aunt will not be coming out. At that time, you can return to wherever you came from."

Three tests?

So they were really serious about it?

But do you all think that this bro is afraid?

Zhang Ye shrugged and said, "Alright, I accept the challenge."

Xin Ya clapped her hands in glee. "Serve up the Four Treasures of the Study!"

The staff who were helping out immediately went to bring out the items one by one. Clearly, it was prepared in advance. Moreover, Zhang Ye and his studio's staff were not in the know. Obviously, Old Wu's friends and relatives were deliberately doing this to Zhang Ye, and it was also one of the more traditional activities that took place in Chinese weddings. No one was unfamiliar with the practice.

When everyone saw the items being carried out, they were taken aback.

What was this?

What were they going to compete on?

Xin Ya had already opened her mouth to explain. "For the first test, let's compare our literary skills."

Zhang Ye chuckled hard. "Who's competing with me?"

"I'll compete with you," Xin Ya answered with a giggle.

Zhang Ye smiled without saying anything.

Xin Ya smiled and said, "Don't be too happy yet. Have a look at the topic first before you say anything." She then laid out an already written scroll. "For the first test, we're going to compete on— one-syllable essays 3 ."

One-syllable essays?

What was that?

A lot of people could not understand it.

Only those teachers from Peking University's Chinese Department had an expression of shock on their faces.

Seeing this, Xin Ya explained, "I'll give everyone an example first. This is a one-syllable essay that I wrote earlier. As long as Teacher Zhang can come up with a similar one, it'll be considered my loss."

Zhang Ye sneered and said, "You wrote that?"

"Yeah," Xin Ya said unashamedly.

Zhang Ye rolled his eyes at her. "If you wrote this, I'll swallow this piece of paper whole!"

Xin Ya said, "Don't worry about who wrote it. Are you going to accept the challenge or not?"

Next to them was a projector, a computer, and a large screen. That scroll was very quickly displayed for all to see. When everyone saw it, they gasped!

The original writing was: Xī xī xī, xǐ xī xì. Xí xī xī xī xī xī xǐ, xí xī xì xì xí xǐ xī. Xī xī xī, xì xí xī. Xí xī xī xī xī xī xì. Xī xī xī xī xǐ xí xī.

Its meaning was: The rhinoceros (xī) of the Western (xī) River (xī) loves (xǐ) to play (xīxì). Xi Xi (name: Xí Xī) brings (xī) the rhinoceros (xī) out to the river (xī) every evening (xī xī), and carefully (xì xì) washes (xí xǐ) the rhinoceros (xī). The rhinoceros (xī) sucks up (xī) water from the river (xī) and sprays it playfully (xì xí) onto Xi Xi (name: Xí Xī). Xi Xi (name: Xí Xī) laughs (xī xī) and hopes (xī) that the rhinoceros (xī) will stop (xī) its antics (xì). Unfortunately (xī), the rhinoceros (xī) carried on (xī xī) playfully (xǐ) teasing (xǐ) Xi Xi (name: Xí Xī). The essay depicted a scene where a child named Xi Xi was playing with a mischievous rhino on the Western River.

So this was what a one-syllable essay 4 was?

The entire essay only consisted of words of the same syllable?

And it even had to link up into a coherent story?

What the heck!

Wasn't this too difficult!

Who could come up with a reply against that!

A lot of the media's personnel were floored!

Many of the celebrities saw stars from the array of homophones on the scroll!

They had all seen their fair share of relatives and friends of brides who did their best to make things difficult for a groom. There were cases where they would be made to drink a lot, or eat an apple in an awkward way, as well as many other types of wedding games that were played. But it was the first time they witnessed anyone being put in such a difficult spot by a literary question. These people were indeed learned; they were a bunch of psychos!

Chang Kaige, the dean of the Chinese Department at Peking University, said, "I know this essay. Wasn't it written by Tsinghua University's Old Wang? When did it become your work?"

Old Wang?

The famous language professor at Tsinghua University's Chinese Department?

Xin Ya was not embarrassed by this at all. "In any case, the topic has already been given. It's a one-syllable essay. Let me have a look at my watch." She looked down, then said, "We're getting close to the auspicious hour. Professor Zhang, you can slowly think of how to answer it. Take your time, or you could also have your friends and relatives discuss it with you. But if you don't come up with an answer before the auspicious hour, the bride will not be coming out."

Dong Shanshan laughed from the stage and spoke into the microphone, "The bride's team has made their move. Will the groom be able to accomplish this test?"

Yu Yingyi said with a laugh, "This doesn't look good."

"Zhang'er!"

"Go for it!"

"Think hard!"

"This topic is too difficult!"

"Does anyone have an idea? Help him out."

"This person from Tsinghua is terrible!"

"Any friends from Peking University? Quickly help Teacher Zhang out!"

Zhang Ye's friends and relatives were all shouting.

But faced with this kind of crazily difficult topic, they couldn't offer any help at all. Even people like Peking University's Chang Kaige, Su Na, and Professor Zeng were unable to do anything about it.

Looking at them, Xin Ya gave a smug smile.

The bride's team was also smiling.

But Zhang Ye just looked at the topic and turned to Xin Ya, Fat Sis, and the others with a smile. He said, "Is that it?"

Xin Ya was taken aback. "Ah?"

Old Wu's niece was startled. "What?"

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "This is the question you're talking about?"

Xin Ya said, "Yes, it's this one. Give it a try if you dare."

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Chapter 1298: The big wedding (End, Pt. 2)

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

One-syllable essays.

In the history of this world, there were very few records of such essays, and as a result, very little that could serve as reference. At most, there were only one or two such works. Unless it was someone who specifically studied classical Chinese, most academics from the Chinese Departments could only take a step back in its presence. Therefore, what was this relaxed attitude that Zhang Ye had? There was even a hint of mockery in his smile? The hearts of Xin Ya and the others were beating wildly. Could this fellow even know how to write an essay like that? Surely not, right?

Xin Ya emphasized, "It has to be written by you."

Zhang Ye lightly acknowledged her.

Xin Ya said, "It won't count if someone else has written it before."

Zhang Ye acknowledged her again.

He was already standing in front of the table and picking up the brush.

Quite a few celebrities gathered around, as did those from Peking University and the SARFT. They all crowded together in curiosity to see how Zhang Ye was going to complete this task.

Xin Ya had her eyes on him.

Fat Sis blinked.

The reporters were feeling doubtful.

Zhang Ye started moving the brush!

He didn't even think about it and was already writing it out. He read as he wrote.

" Jī jī jí jī jì. 1 "

"Jī jī jī, jī jī jī. Jǐ jī jǐ jǐ jí jī jí. Jī jí jí, jī jī jí, jī jì jǐ jì jī jí jì. Jī jì jì jì jī, jī jì jí jī jī jǐ jì. Jī jí jí, jì jí jì, jí ji jǐ jí jī jí jì. Jì jí jì jī jí jí jí, jì jí jǐ jī jì jī, jí jī jī."

Xin Ya was stunned!

The reporters were dumbfounded!

The people from Peking University were staring in shock!

The surrounding guests could barely react!

"H-He really wrote it out?"

"What is its meaning?"

"Is it a correct answer?"

"Can anyone translate it please?"

"Is there a flow to it? Does it link into a story?"

"Surely this is too quick, right? Does he not need to think at all?"

Xin Ya was a mathematics academic, so she couldn't understand what was written here either. She questioned it. "Professor Zhang, you better not have written this randomly. We won't accept it just because the syllables are the same. It has to tell a proper story too!"

Was there a story to it?

Teacher Su Na from Peking University's Chinese Department giggled before helping Zhang Ye translate it. "A flock of chickens (jī jī jī) were clucking (jī jī jī) as they crowded onto a ridge between a water wheel and the river. Several (jǐ) of the chickens were crowded (jǐ jǐ) together (jí) on the rocky (jī) ridge (jí). The water wheel (jī) was turning extremely (jí) fast (jí), and the chickens (jī) were extremely (jí) hungry (jī). They attempted to use their wings (jì) to hit (jī) and catch the fish (jì) in the water to eat. But standing around the water wheel (jī) and thistle (jì) area (jī), they were too far away from the water surface and couldn't reach the fish. So they thought (jì) of using the fast turning (jí) water wheel (jī) to hit (jī) the fish (jì). But the extremely (jí) fast (jí) speed that the water wheel (jī) was turning at scared (jì) away the fish as they quickly (jí ji) shoaled (jǐ) together (jí) and found a way to escape through the gaps (jí jì) in the rocks(jī). With the fish (jì) all but gone (jí jí jí), the chickens continued being hungry and kept clucking as a result."

She finished translating it!

There was silence throughout the venue!

Damn!

Damn!

Damn!

How could that be?

He really wrote something?

He really made it into a story!

Professor Zeng suddenly applauded. "Good one!"

Chang Kaige also said excitedly, "Good one, Professor Zhang!"

"Beautiful!"

"This is so impressive!"

The people from Peking University got very excited over this!

Professor Zhang had gained a lot of face for Peking University!

Zhang Ye smiled as he looked at Xin Ya and Old Wu's team of people. He pointed at the Xuan paper and said, "Is this what you meant by the test?"

Xin Ya was speechless.

The bride's team was speechless.

Zhang Ye said with a chuckle, "So that was the first test? You even wanted me to get it solved before the auspicious time? I don't think we need to wait that long. I can keep writing them all day and night if you want more of them. Do you believe me, Professor Xin?"

He then picked up the brush again.

Zhang Ye wrote and recited at the same time.

"' Shī shìshíshī shǐ. 2 ' Shí shì shī shì shī shì, shì shī, shì shí shí shī, shì shí shí shì shì shì shī, shí shí, shì shí shī shì shì, shì shí, shì shī shì shì shì, shì shì shì shí shī, shì shǐ shì, shǐ shì shí shī shì shì, shì shí shì shí shī shī, shì shí shì, shí shì shī, shì shǐ shì shì shí shì, shí shì shì, shì shǐ shì shí shí shī shī, shí shí, shǐ shì shì shí shī shī, shí shí shí shī shī. Shì shì shì shì."

Su Na explained, "In a stone (shí) den (shì) was a poet (shī shì) called Mr. (shì) Shi (shī), who was a lion (shī) addict (shì), and had resolved (shì) to eat (shí) ten (shí) lions. He (shì) often (shí shí) went (shì) to the market (shì) to look (shì) for lions (shī). At ten (shí) o'clock (shí), ten lions had just (shì) arrived (shì) at the market. At (shì) that time (shí), Mr. (shì) Shi (shī) had just (shì) arrived (shì ) at the market (shì). He saw those ten lions, and using (shì) his trusty (shì) arrows (shǐ), caused (shǐ) the ten lions to die (shì shì). He brought (shí) the corpses (shī) of the ten lions back (shì) to the stone (shí) den (shì). The stone den was damp (shī). He instructed (shǐ) his servants (shì) to wipe (shì) it dry. After the stone den was wiped (shì), he tried (shì) to eat (shí) those ten lions. While (shí) he ate, he realized (shì) that these ten lions were in fact ten stone (shí) lion corpses. Try (shì) to explain (shì) this (shì) matter (shì)!"

Everyone was dumbfounded!

Xin Ya began sweating!

Chen Guang gasped!

Fat Sis could only muster a wry grin!

Everyone was looking at Zhang Ye as though they had seen a ghost!

Then, that was followed by yet another essay.

Zhang Ye wrote and recited at the same time:

"' Rén rén rěn rèn. 3 ' Rén rén rén rén rén rěn rén, rèn rén rén rěn rén rèn rén.[If everyone (rén rén) were a benevolent (rén) person (rén), they would know how to be patient (rěn) with others (rén). People who know (rèn) benevolence know how to endure (rěn) those who attack (rèn) them.] Rén rén rén rěn rén rén rèn, rén rěn rén rén rén rén rén.[A benevolent (rén) person (rén) endures (rěn) everyone (rén rén) who attacks (rèn) them. If people (rén rén) can endure those who attack them, it means they know benevolence.] Rěn rén rén rén rèn rén rèn, rèn rén rèn rén rèn rén rén.[Benevolent (rén) people (rén) who endure (rěn) others (rén) allow (rèn) themselves (rén) to be attacked (rèn). Only those who are benevolent (rén) would allow (rèn) others (rén) to attack (rèn) them.]"

Xin Ya: "...$%*()*%*()! !"

Then came the fourth one.

It was actually a couplet this time!

Zhang Ye's calligraphy was beautiful and dazzling!

"First line: Qí qī qǐ qí, qí qī qī qì, qī qì qī qí.[Mr. Qi (qí) and his wife (qī) were playing (qǐ) Go (qí). Mr. Qi angered (qì) his wife by cheating (qī). Mrs. Qi walked away (qì), leaving behind seven (qī) stones (qí).]

"Second line: Yī yí yí yǐ, yī yǐ yí yí, yí yí yī yǐ."[Yi (yī) and Yi's aunt (yí) were moving (yí) chairs (yǐ). Yi started leaning (yǐ) against the chairs, making Yi's aunt uncertain (yí). Yi's aunt left (yí) one (yī) of those chairs behind.]

He could do it in essay form?

And even with couplets?

Everyone felt like kneeling!

Zhang Ye was getting ready to write a fifth one.

Xin Ya quickly caught hold of him. "Enough, enough already, don't write any more. Consider this your win."

Zhang Ye didn't know whether to laugh or cry as he said, "What do you mean by 'consider this my win,' Professor Xin?"

"You've passed the first test, alright?" Xin Ya rolled her eyes as she had no choice but to announce that Zhang Ye had successfully completed this task.

The guests couldn't help but cheer loudly!

"Good!"

"That was nice!"

"Beautifully done, Teacher Zhang!"

"That was so wonderful!"

"Hahahahaha!"

"Professor Zhang is so cool!"

"He's truly deserving of his top literary award!"

"Competing on literary skills, who have we been afraid of?"

Everyone got a kick out of watching this!

Even a lot of the reporters were covered in goosebumps as they felt that this feat was too fucking awesome!

In truth, even Xin Ya was very shocked right now. The others might not know and thought that this was just them putting on a show. Some of them could even have thought that this was prearranged and that the essays were prepared beforehand. But only Xin Ya and Old Wu's team of friends and relatives knew that they had not discussed this with Zhang Ye prior to now. He did not know that they would set him up with this sort of question. Zhang Ye had really answered it on the spot!

What the heck!

Are you on steroids?!

Xin Ya felt very frustrated. In the field of literature, Zhang Ye was indeed too strong!

At the back.

Zhang Ye's classmates were all having a good laugh.

Hu Feifei said, "Zhang'er is too good at showing off. I give him a hundred points!"

Wang He laughed and said, "I give him a thousand points!"

Xiaoqian said, "I freaking give him ten thousand points!"

Old Wang said in amusement, "This fellow is too good at showboating!"

"But only he can show off like that!" Old Zhou was also convinced.

On the stage.

Dong Shanshan announced, "It looks like the outcome of the first test is a pass. Congratulations to Zhang Ye for successfully making it into the semifinals. He's now one step closer to seeing his bride appear."

Yu Yingyi laughed and said, "Now for the second test, what kind of a topic has the bride's team come up with?"

1. Narration on an Assembly of Starving Chickens on a Rocky Sandbar

2. https/en./wiki/Lion-Eating_Poet_in_the_Stone_Den

3. Patience of a Benevolent Man

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Chapter 1299: The big wedding (If this doesn't end, I'm a scaredy-cat)

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

He had successfully made it past the first task.

The topic that they had set was crazy difficult!

But Zhang Ye's answer to it was even crazier!

Xin Ya glanced at him. "Are you ready for the second test?"

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Can I grab a bite first?"

"Have anything you want. You'll need the nutrition." Fat Sis chuckled. "But if you don't clear all three tasks before the time is up, I'm afraid that the bride won't have anything to do with you."

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright, I'll have a quick bite then."

Across the room, Zhang Ye's grandpa and grandma couldn't be more anxious.

His grandma said, "Could the bride really end up not coming out?"

Zhang Ye's mother said in amusement, "All of these are just games to get everyone in the spirit of things. They are just for fun and laughter, so how could they possibly not let my daughter-in-law come out?"

His father said, "Let's just watch the festivities."

His grandma heaved a sigh of relief. "That's better, that's better."

Everyone knew that this was just to provide entertainment.

The reporters knew this.

The guests knew it as well.

As an example, for the first task that was given, the bride's team did not actually think that Zhang Ye could successfully complete it. They had intended to stump him with the opening task, and if he could not answer it, all he would have to do was hand out some red packets or say a few nice words to plead with them and they would have allowed him to skip it and go directly to the second task. All this was done deliberately to put him in a difficult situation, as well as an attempt to earn some red packets from him. But to everyone's surprise, Zhang Ye actually answered a question like that without even breaking a sweat. So how could the bride's team just leave it at that? All of them were trying to restrain themselves as they prepared to give Zhang Ye something "good" next.

Otherwise, it would look too embarrassing.

Yet anyone who knew Zhang Ye would know that this fellow was naturally a very competitive person.

Get him to throw in the towel?

That would be impossible!

After a quick bite, Zhang Ye was full. "I'm good."

Xin Ya smiled. "Then can we give the next test?"

Zhang Ye gave a calm smile. "Come, I'm ready to continue."

A hint of malevolence shone in Xin Ya's eyes as she said, "So, the second test will consist of three questions. We will give the keywords and you will have to write and compose a song on the spot using them. After that, you will be required to sing it for everyone here."

Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "Three questions? Then you should consider that three different tests, shouldn't you?"

Fat Sis harrumphed. "We will count it as only one test."

Zhang Ye threw up his hands. "Whatever, there's nothing I can say to that."

Everyone laughed.

The reporters were also excited!

Composing songs?

And there would even be three of them?

Were they going to get to hear a new song from Zhang Ye?

But quite a few musicians who were present exchanged glances with one another when they heard that. Write a song spontaneously? It was easier said than done. Even composing a song on their own would be a problem, much less composing a song based on a subject given by others. Among the singer-songwriters in the industry, how many of them could do it?

Xin Ya even added, "On top of that, the requirements for you to clear this test will be: First, it has to match the subject that we give you. Second, you cannot just sing whatever; it has to be good. It will only count if at least 95% of the people here think it's good. It won't pass if the song is not well-written either."

Damn!

Wasn't this as good as trying to finish him off?!

Chen Guang and Fan Wenli were left speechless!

Zhang Xia didn't know whether to laugh or cry!

Ning Lan was already preparing to have a laugh at Zhang Ye's expense!

It was already very difficult writing a song, and even more so if it had to be written in accordance with a subject. But now, they were basically asking him to compose a classic! They wanted him to write a song that almost everyone would approve of? How could that be possible!

Xin Ya said, "Of course, you can also get help from your friends and relatives."

Chen Guang, Zhang Xia, Xiaodong, Amy, and a few others were all involved in music, so they might be able to offer some ideas.

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "So what's the subject?"

Old Wu's niece said, "For the first question, we know that Uncle-in-law has written many poems, right?"

Zhang Ye smile and said, "Yes, I've written quite a few before."

The bride's team had clearly discussed it beforehand.

Fat Sis said with an evil laugh, "Then we want you to use one of your poems to write a song for our Zeqing."

Everyone was stunned.

A poem?

How could he do that!

Zhang Ye also fell silent for a moment.

Xin Ya laughed and said, "Well, can you?"

Zhang Ye grinned. "Sure."

He walked up to the front. Looking at the instruments placed there, there was a piano, a drum set, and a guitar. He bent down and chose the acoustic guitar, then tuned it.

Xin Ya was stunned.

Fan Wenli was dumbfounded.

Don't you need to think about it first?

Don't you have to conceptualize something first?

The guitar sounded as Zhang Ye started strumming. It sounded like a ballad!

A soothing melody played 1 !

It filled the air!

"When you are old and grey and full of sleep.

"When you are old and unable to walk, nodding off by the fireplace, reminiscing your youth.

"How many loved your moments of glad grace,

"and loved your beauty with love false or true.

"But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,

"And loved the sorrows of your changing face."

It was quiet in the garden!

Everyone was listening, mesmerized!

A lot of people had been moved by it!

It was that poem!

"When You Are Old"!

It was the poem Zhang Ye used to announce his engagement on Weibo, the poem that went viral online!

He really could sing it!

He managed to arrange that poem into a song!

Zhang Ye kept singing.

"When you are old, with eyes draping,

"and lights appearing dim.

"The winds brings to me,

"news about you.

"It turns into a song in my heart."

The song was over!

Applause broke out instantly!

The more than a 100 spectating reporters were also cheering loudly!

It was fantastic!

How very nice!

This song was so memorable for a wedding!

Chen Guang gave it the thumbs up!

Zhang Xia also gave it the thumbs up!

A lot of people were impressed once again!

Zhang Ye put the guitar down and said with a smile, "This should do it, right?"

The applause had already made it clear. This song was great. If it wasn't good, then there wouldn't be many songs that were considered good!

Xin Ya rolled her eyes. "This is only the first song. The subject for the second song is 'love song.'"

A love song?

That should be easy!

But very quickly, Fat Sis added, "By love song, we don't mean the genre. What we want is a song that revolves around the words 'love song' to be written for Zeqing, haha."

Using the words "love song" to write a love song?

What kind of a topic was this!

The topics were really getting more and more tricky!

Everyone was left dizzy at these topics!

But Zhang Ye simply chuckled at that. This time, he sat down in front of the piano. Without any hesitation again, the melody was already playing. He sang out clearly 2 :

"This piece is a simple little love song.

"It sings of the innocence in our hearts.

"I think I'm perfect for

"being a singer.

"Our youth drifts along in the wind.

"You know, even if the whole city were torn down by storms, I would still embrace you.

"I can't take it, waiting for you to come back, so I wrote down the unbearable lament and mourning that I feel.

"Even if the whole world were kidnapped by loneliness, I wouldn't run away.

"It's inescapable; we'll all end up old someday, so I wrote down the nostalgia mixed with time and the piano."

This song was called "A Little Love Song."

Zhang Ye sang it without a blemish.

"Bravo!"

"Great singing!"

"That was fantastic!"

"Incredible!"

"Zhang Ye is indeed Zhang Ye!"

"Hahahaha, awesome!"

"I'm kneeling!"

"Boss Zhang is such a genius!"

Xin Ya was getting anxious. "For the third question, aren't you holding a Chinese style ceremony? So we require you to write a song related to a bridal sedan 3 . No, wait. A bridal sedan will be too simple. Let's see you write a song about the wedding veil!"

A wedding veil?

The hanging cloth that covered the bride's face?

What the fuck? When has there ever been a song about a wedding veil!

Can the topics get any stranger than this!

Everyone was blindsided!

However, Zhang Ye opened his mouth and sang.

He mischievously played the piano 4 .

"Raise your wedding veil for me.

"Let me look at your eyebrows.

"They are so fine and so long.

"Like the crescent moon atop the trees.

"They are so fine and so long.

"Like the crescent moon atop the trees."

A wedding veil?

So you could write a song with that too?!

Everyone was shocked!

Subconsciously, a lot of them were already following the beat!

Some people even started dancing to it!

Zhang Ye laughed as he sang.

"Raise your wedding veil for me.

"Let me look at your eyes.

"They are so bright and so clear.

"Like the ripples in a pond.

"They are so bright and so clear.

"Like the ripples in a pond."

Old Wu's team of friends and relatives broke down!

You can even do that?

You can even do it like that?

Oh my God!

You win!

Zhang Ye, you win!

Chapter 1300: The big wedding (Guess I'm a scaredy-cat)

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

Onstage.

Dong Shanshan shouted, "Does everyone think that the songs are great?"

"They're great!"

"Great!"

"There's no problems!"

"All of them pass!"

Yu Yingyi laughed and said, "Congratulations to Zhang Ye again on passing the second test."

Zhang Ye cockily said with clasped hands, "Please don't laugh at my performance."

The reporters were all amused!

The guests were enjoying themselves to the fullest!

Old Wu's team of friends and relatives were once again left kneeling!

The three consecutive song topics that were extremely tricky to answer had all been answered by Zhang Ye without a stumble. He could even write a song about something as nonsensical as a wedding veil. Moreover, every song fit its topic, and every one of them was fantastic. This was obviously not something that a normal person could achieve. Of all the songwriters in the show business, none of them could do it to such great effect. This was Zhang Ye's skill, and there wasn't a second person you could find in the entertainment circle who could do the same!

Those who were on the bride's team finally realized it. To hope that such topics would make things difficult for Zhang Ye was clearly impossible. It was a good thing that they still had something up their sleeves.

Xin Ya had no other choice.

Fat Sis gave her a glance.

Old Wu's two nephews and one niece were getting anxious.

"It's time for the big one!"

"Auntie Xin!"

"Bring it on!"

"It's the final test!"

Xin Ya nodded. "Alright, leave it to me!"

Zhang Ye laughed and said, "What move do you have left? Come at me!"

Xin Ya sneered and harrumphed up onto the stage. She took the microphone from Yu Yingyi and turned around, then suddenly broke out into laughter. "Dear guests, friends, and relatives. Before I bring up the topic for the third test, let me say a few words first. I've known Old Wu for many years now, with our friendship dating back to childhood, and we're best friends. It's her big day today, so I'm very happy for her. Before the wedding, I asked her a question. Actually, this was to sound something out from her. I asked her what was something that would be difficult for someone like Zhang Ye? Old Wu told me that there weren't a lot of things that Zhang Ye couldn't do. He is the type who is straightforward and decisive, so most things do not pose a problem to him. But I told her that she had to give me something anyway. Old Wu gave it some thought and finally told me that it would surely be very difficult to get Zhang Ye to say 'I love you' to her."

Your sister!

Zhang Ye chuckled, "Pfft!"

The crowd jeered.

"He hasn't even said 'I love you'?"

"Hahaha, Teacher Zhang, you're so terrible!"

"This won't do!"

Xin Ya calmed the crowd down and helped put in a word for Zhang Ye. "Actually, I've also known Zhang Ye for quite some time now. I know what he and Old Wu are like. They're both people who don't really know how to put their feelings into words. If you want them to both say 'I love you' to each other, that is truly an insurmountable task."

His father nodded.

His mother chuckled.

He was their son, so of course they understood this quite well.

Xin Ya then said, "But I refuse to accept that. Old Wu warned me not to put Zhang Ye in a bind. That's fine, I'll just put it in a different way. For the topic of the third test—" She looked at Zhang Ye. "—since we're both in the field of mathematics, why don't you use the language of math to express your love for Old Wu?"

Zhang Ye responded with a helpless grin.

The guests roared!

"Come on!"

"Teacher Zhang, do it!"

"Right, express it, express your love!"

"Saying 'I love you' in the language of math does sound pretty good!"

There was no difficulty for this test at all!

The language of math?

Everyone thought, what language could math have?

It would have to be 520 1 ! That, or 521 2 !

Only these two numbers were homonyms for expressing love!

But if he were to use that, then that wouldn't actually be any different from him saying "I love you." It was as good as making him say it directly!

But Zhang Ye just smiled without saying anything.

Fat Sis said, "Zhang'er, the bride won't be coming out if you don't say it."

Old Wu's niece urged, "Heehee, hurry up, Uncle-in-law! Speak in the language of math; say it using math!"

This was too difficult for Zhang Ye. He really couldn't say those words, not even if it was 520 or 521.

At this moment, Zhang Ye remembered a story. It was a classic story from his previous world:

The mathematician Descartes met 18-year-old Princess Christina of Sweden. Being inseparable, they soon developed feelings for each other. When the king found out, he flew into a rage and immediately ordered the execution of Descartes. After Princess Christina pleaded with her father, the king sent him back to France and placed his daughter in confinement. Not long after Descartes returned to France, he became seriously ill. He wrote letters to the princess, but because of the king's meddling, Christina never received any of them. After Descartes sent out the 13th letter, he passed away. The last letter contained only a short equation. The king could not understand it and somewhat felt that it might not always be sweet nothings between the two. So he summoned all the mathematicians in the city to the palace to study it, but no one could decipher it. The king couldn't bear to see his daughter always unhappy. Therefore, he handed the letter over to the sullen Christina. When the princess saw it, she immediately understood what her lover was saying. She knew that he still loved her as ever.

Of course, that was only a story.

But that famous equation in the story really existed.

Xin Ya stared at him. "Are you going to say it or what?"

Fat Sis said, "Zhang'er, don't feel shy about it."

The language of math?

To express his love?

Zhang Ye smiled and went onstage. He picked up a pen and a piece of paper, then wrote an on it:

r = a(1－sinθ)

No one understood what it meant!

A lot of people were taken aback!

What is this?

What kind of an answer is this?

Shouldn't it be 520 or 521? Why did it become an equation instead?

Xin Ya was also confused. "Zhang Ye, what is this?"

Zhang Ye said, "That is what I want to say to Old Wu."

Xin Ya was floored. "How could there be anything to say to her!"

"That's because you don't understand it," Zhang Ye said calmly.

The bride's team was having none of it.

"You can't do it like that."

"You're just throwing random things at us."

"How can your answer be a formula?"

"There's nothing to it!"

"Is it a homonym? But it doesn't look like it!"

The reporters were puzzled.

The guests could not understand.

A few of the professors from Peking University's Math Department also came forward.

Dean Pan Yang said, "Let me have a look."

Xin Ya was leaning over to study the equation. "What the heck is this? Some kind of code?"

Pan Yang was also confused by it. "This formula doesn't mean anything, does it?" He picked up a pen and tried to work it out, then put it back down and shook his head. "It really doesn't mean a thing."

A Peking University teacher looked over. "Professor Zhang, just what kind of a formula is this?"

All of a sudden, Xin Ya looked startled. "Wait! This—where's a computer?"

Pan Yang pointed. "It's over by the stage."

Xin Ya took the equation and marched over. Then she typed a series of inputs!

Looking at the large screen display, everyone could see what Xin Ya was doing, but they could not understand why she was doing it.

However, the Peking University teachers could.

"What?"

"Polar coordinates?"

"Is she going to draw it?"

"What use is there in graphing the equation?"

But several minutes later!

When r = a(1－sinθ) got represented as a graph and shown onscreen, everyone present at the ceremony burst out in a loud exclamation!

"Oh my God!"

"What am I seeing?"

"This is so beautiful!"

"Fuck, this is so amazing!"

"This, this—"

Xin Ya was dumbfounded!

Pan Yang looked shaken to his core!

Fat Sis covered her mouth in shock!

The reporters were all screaming!

All of the guests were astonished!

This equation that couldn't be any simpler was actually in the shape of a heart!

It was an astonishing heart!

"It could even be done like this?"

"Is this what the language of math can do?"

"So this is what Zhang Ye wants to say to his wife?"

"This is too romantic!"

"So it's not only 520 that can be expressed through math!"

"This is so awesome!"

For a moment, everyone's eyes were on Zhang Ye!

He didn't know how to say "I love you."

Nor was he one to whisper sweet nothings.

In some ways, Zhang Ye's character was actually closer to that of a strict mathematician.

r = a(1－sinθ)

This was Zhang Ye's code word to his wife!

This was the greatest romance of a mathematician!

1. 520 sounds similar to "I love you" in Chinese

2. 521 also sounds similar to "I love you" in Chinese

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Chapter 1301: The big wedding (If I don't finish you can beat me up)

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

Xin Ya was utterly defeated!

Old Wu's team had been taken down!

This third test was purposely devised by them to make things difficult for Zhang Ye at first. They just wanted to make him say the things that he didn't used to say. But to everyone's surprise, Zhang Ye did not get shepherded the way they wanted him to go. He actually brought out a simple math equation in response to the question. And that equation, when graphed in polar coordinates, was in the shape of a heart that represented love. Just how shocking that drawing was to everyone was something that only those who saw it understood. To use a short mathematical equation to represent something so romantic, it was unheard of!

What did it mean to be capable?

This was what it meant to be capable!

He really had the skills to back it up!

And to be able to pull off something like that as and when he wanted to?

Like coming up with those one-syllable essays!

Like composing those songs!

And like this graph of a heart that had astonished everyone here!

The people from Peking University's Math Department were amazed.

"Math can even be this much fun?"

"That's right! Who says that mathematics is a boring subject?"

"Math can be really romantic too!"

"If I had this trick of Professor Zhang's back then, would I have had to spend seven years to woo my wife?! I, I could have wrapped it up with just one equation!"

"Hahaha, consider me enlightened today!"

"I've learned something good. I'll have to show this to my wife when I get back!"

"This is an eye-opening day for me!"

Dong Shanshan was announcing with a smile, "Congratulations to Zhang Ye on passing the third test!"

Yu Yingyi held up her microphone and said, "We are finally going to meet the bride!"

Xin Ya harrumphed and said, "No, let's have another challenge!"

"Right!"

"The ones before don't count!"

"We still have some more topics to give!"

Old Wu's team of friends and relatives did not agree that the door games were over yet. The main issue was that they had been embarrassed big time. With three tests to pass, and each one more difficult than the previous one, how did the results turn out? It didn't even trouble Zhang Ye a bit. There was no hesitation from him as he passed the three tests with flying colors. That really didn't look good on this group of female comrades!

At this moment, a voice sounded from afar!

It was the sound of the bride laughing. She said, "Alright, haven't you all realized it? It doesn't matter how many tests you make him do. Even if you all band together, you won't be a match for him."

Zhang Ye looked over.

The guests looked over.

The reporters looked over.

"Ah!"

"It's the bride!"

"The bride has appeared!"

There were cheers all around!

There was screaming everywhere!

The venue was overflowing with excitement!

The reporters' lenses and cameras immediately turned to the other end of the red carpet like there was a sale. They snapped away without holding back. But the moment the bride in her wedding gown came into their frames, the reporters were too dumbfounded to react. They gasped deeply and some couldn't help but squeal!

"So beautiful!"

"This—"

"How glamorous!"

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"Hot damn!"

"Does she have to be this pretty?"

"Even a celebrity doesn't look this good!"

"So this is the bridal gown that Zhang Ye designed himself?"

"She's so beautiful that I could die!"

"No one else compares!"

Everyone present at the wedding was entranced by her beauty!

Zhang Ye was also stunned on the spot. The sight of her took his breath away!

This is my wife?

This is the woman I'll be spending the rest of my life with?

In this moment, Zhang Ye thought that he must have saved the world somehow in his previous life. He had the thought in the past, but it was never as strong a belief as right now!

Memories flooded through him.

They first met on a plane. Zhang Ye still remembered Old Wu's hairstyle from that day, the color of her outfit, the type of shoes she had on, and even the first thing she said to him. He remembered all of it, clearly and vividly.

A chance meeting.

They became colleagues.

They became lovers.

They became husband and wife.

Is this a dream?

Because if it is, then please never let me wake up!

I wanna dream for the rest of my life!

No one noticed, but Zhang Ye had walked over the piano in the open-air garden. He sat down slowly, resting his fingers on the keys and started playing emotionally.

The bride.

The wedding dress.

It was all coming together.

The piano rang out without warning.

Everyone in the garden got a little surprised.

Zhang Ye sang gently, singing the story 1 of the two of them.

"Because I took a second glance at you in the crowd.

"I could never forget your face.

"Dreaming that one day we'll bump into each other again.

"Since then, I've been yearning for you."

The bride watched him as she walked over step by step.

Zhang Ye sang.

"When I think of you, you appear on the horizon.

"When I think of you, you appear before my eyes.

"When I think of you, you appear in my mind.

"When I think of you, you appear in my heart."

Everyone was infected by the emotions in the song!

Then they all looked at Zhang Ye. Everyone was moved!

Zhang Ye's eyes had reddened and a tear rolled down his cheeks, yet he was smiling.

"I like to think we promised each other in a past life.

"And that the story of our love won't change in this life.

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"I'd rather spend my whole life waiting for you to find out

"That I've always been at your side and never far away."

No one had ever seen Zhang Ye cry before!

Not during the plane hijacking!

Not when he was seriously ill and standing onstage wearing his mask!

Not when he was burdened with colossal tasks on I Am a Singer!

Not even when his peers were repressing him and calling him out as their enemy!

In the eyes of the media, his friends, and family, Zhang Ye was a warrior. A warrior who wasn't afraid of anything!

But today!

In this moment!

Zhang Ye was crying!

Many of the people here were deeply affected!

Zhang Ye's mother cried!

Xin Ya cried!

Xiaodong cried!

Fan Wenli cried!

Amy was also in tears!

They were all feeling happy for Zhang Ye. They were feeling overjoyed for him. As Zhang Ye's friends and relatives, they knew how hard it had been for Zhang Ye to get to where he was today. It might look like Zhang Ye was a chatterbox, but he was actually someone who didn't really like talking much. Only he himself knew what his heartfelt words were. He didn't want anyone else to worry about him. In fact, Zhang Ye had been journeying all alone.

Fortunately.

Fortunately, someone was accompanying him now.

Fortunately, someone understood him now.

The bride finally made her way over. She did not stop in her tracks on the red carpet. Instead, she passed everyone as she made her way slowly to Zhang Ye.

"Because I took a second glance at you in the crowd.

"I could never forget your face.

"Dreaming that one day we'll bump into each other again.

"Since then, I've been yearning for you."

At the piano.

The bride sat down beside Zhang Ye.

Zhang Ye was playing the piano and singing.

"When I think of you, you appear on the horizon.

"When I think of you, you appear before my eyes.

"When I think of you, you appear in my mind.

"When I think of you, you appear in my heart."

Wu Zeqing reached out with a smile to wipe away the teardrop on Zhang Ye's face. Unbeknownst to her, her own face was also covered with tears.

Zhang Ye sang passionately.

"I like to think we promised each other in a past life.

"And that the story of our love won't change in this life.

"I'd rather spend my whole life waiting for you to find out

"That I've always been at your side and never far away."

This sight was incredibly touching!

Looking at them.

Hearing their song.

Listening to the love story between them.

In the open-air garden, everyone was mesmerized!

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Chapter 1302: The big wedding (You're actually trying to hit me?!)

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The auspicious hour arrived.

The bride and groom changed into their traditional Chinese wedding clothes. The Chinese wedding ceremony was officially beginning.

First, a bow to the Heavens and to Earth.

Second, a bow to the parents.

Third, a bow to each other.

…

Outside.

The media personnel had already been cleared out from the venue. As many of the reporters made their way out of the hot spring resort's hotel, they still felt somewhat unfulfilled. This grand wedding affair of Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing had really shaken them. What sort of occasions had they not seen, being such seasoned reporters? Which celebrity's wedding had they not attended? But it was truly their first time experiencing such an amazing and touching wedding like the one today. The talents of the groom, the beauty of the bride, no other celebrity's wedding had opened their eyes like today's.

"This is wonderful."

"Yeah, there aren't a lot of guests, but the atmosphere was incredible."

"It's such a pity that we're not allowed inside!"

"They're probably already going through the ceremony to be wed right now!"

"Well, let's give them their privacy."

"Yeah, for someone as foul-tempered as Zhang Ye to allow us to go inside to take pictures before the actual ceremony is already a pretty nice gesture. Let's hurry back now!"

"Yeah, let's quickly get back to the office to write our reports!"

"Enough talking, let's go!"

…

In the outside world.

Online.

On the streets.

At home.

In the companies.

The entire country's attention and focus were all on Zhang Ye's wedding.

The sporadic few pictures uploaded online made the citizens talk nonstop.

"Has the wedding ceremony started yet?"

"It must have started already!"

"Will there be a live broadcast?"

"Yeah, why isn't there any news?"

"They're not allowing it to be broadcast. We can only wait for the reporters to come out."

"I'm dying from anxiety. Is the bride really Chief Wu?"

"I don't believe it either, even now!"

"It's true!"

"It's been confirmed!"

"The SARFT's Chief Wu is a very beautiful lady!"

"That Zhang Ye fellow has struck gold!"

"Who's at the venue right now? How is the wedding ceremony going?"

"Wow, Old Chen has posted something on Weibo!"

"Is it a picture from the wedding?"

"Damn, who did I see there?"

"Is that Lillian?"

"Nani? Even Lillian is attending?"

"Goddammit, that's really giving too much face to Zhang Ye!"

"Yeah, what kind of friendship do they have? They're so tight? Just to attend Zhang Ye's wedding, Lillian flew more than 10 hours? Zhang Ye is really great!"

"There are so many celebrities in the photo!"

"They're all big names!"

"The suspense is killing me! I want a video of the entire proceedings of the wedding!"

As news and pictures of the wedding ceremony spread, it got even more tantalizing for the public. Everyone was eagerly hoping to find out what was going on at the venue!

…

In the end, news of the wedding started coming one after another!

The entire country was bombarded by a series of news reports about Zhang Ye's wedding!

"The beautiful bride amazes everyone at the wedding!"

"Zhang Ye's self-designed bridal gown revealed!"

"Prettier than anything in the world!"

"The bride's glamor puts celebrities to shame!"

The pictures were exposed!

The videos were published!

The people were overflowing with excitement!

"She's too beautiful!"

"Does she have to be this pretty!"

"I'm so jealous!"

"What karma did Zhang Ye earn in his past life?"

"Ahhhhh! My eyes have been blinded! She's really too beautiful!"

"This bridal gown's design is simply perfect. If it gets brought out onto the international stage, it might even be able to win some bridal gown design awards. Zhang Ye is really talented in too many areas!"

"This fellow is just like a bug 1 ; he has all kinds of skills!"

...

"A most unexpected guest at the wedding!"

"International Superstar Lillian dressed to the nines for Zhang Ye's wedding!"

"The guest list revealed!"

"SARFT's leaders in attendance!"

"Damn, it's really Lillian!"

"Ning Lan is there too?"

"Shanshan is hosting the wedding?"

"What a prestigious group of guests!"

"They're all there for Zhang Ye!"

"The SARFT's leaders are there too!"

"The SARFT's leaders are attending the wedding together with the celebrities of the entertainment circle. This is so weird! It's not a thing that could ever happen again in the future!"

"Yeah, just this point alone is enough for Zhang Ye's wedding to leave a mark on the history of the entertainment industry, and it's even an unprecedented mark. No other celebrity weddings could possibly outdo this. Good gracious, for a celebrity to get married and have the SARFT's officials come together to offer their congratulations, who else is capable of something like that?"

…

"The bride's team of relatives and friends make things 'difficult!'"

"Zhang Ye clears three tasks in a row!"

"One-syllable essays shock the guests in attendance!"

"Zhang Ye's five one-syllable essays gives the bridal team the shock of their lives!"

"The groom's talents shoot through the roof!"

"As proven: The winner of the highest domestic literary award is indeed well-deserved!"

"One-syllable essays?"

"Damn, I never even knew such things existed!"

"Jī jī jí jī jì?"[Narration on an Assembly of Starving Chickens on a Rocky Sandbar]

"Shī shìshíshī shǐ."[Lion-Eating Poet in the Stone Den]

"That's so scary!"

"He could even write something like that spontaneously?"

"Just how much abilities does Zhang Ye keep in his stomach!"

"Hahahaha, the bride's team have really encountered a tough opponent!"

"Yeah, they've given this fellow a chance to posture again!"

"When it comes to competing on literary skills, who would be a match for Zhang Ye?"

…

"Math can be this romantic?"

"A mathematical formula that surprises everyone!"

"A mathematician's way of expressing his love!"

"The heart equation makes its first appearance!"

"The romantic expression of Zhang Ye!"

"Holy fuck!"

"A mathematical formula?"

"A heart?"

"This is awesome!"

"I'm stunned!"

"That's too fucking awesome!"

"Using a math formula to graph a heart?"

"This tart can even be romantic? I'm kneeling!"

"This is eye-opening! This is really too goddamn eye-opening!"

"Zhang Ye's fancy tricks keep coming!"

…

"'When You Are Old adapted' into a song by Zhang Ye!"

"'Raise Your Wedding Veil For Me'?"

"The wedding ceremony turns into a showcase of Zhang Ye's new songs!"

"A 'Legend' that moved everyone!"

"Zhang Ye's tearful breakdown!"

"Both bride and groom in tears!"

"Great songs!"

"They're awesome!"

"Requesting a cleaner sounding upload of the song!"

"Is the original recording released yet?"

"'Legend' is such a nice song to listen to!"

"This song is so well-written!"

"Zhang Ye is going to be trending again!"

…

All kinds of information!

All kinds of news!

All kinds of songs!

In the end, a video recording of the entire wedding proceedings was uploaded. Instantly, everyone gathered around in a buzz as the views blew up!

A 100 million!

200 million!

300 million!

A few online video hosting sites were crippled by the network traffic!

The popularity of this video was pushed into first place without any suspense!

Zhang Ye's four songs also instantly charted onto the Top Chinese Music Chart. At #1 was his "Legend," which led the other songs by a mile. As for his other songs, "When You Are Old" was #2, "A Little Love Song" was #3, while "Raise Your Wedding Veil For Me" came in at #4. The top four songs on the chart were all Zhang Ye songs. He had taken over the chart with his songs, and all the other songs could only stand aside in their presence!

The search engine statistics show that the "heart formula" was number one on trending!

In the Weibo headlines, seven of the top ten trending topics were about Zhang Ye!

The media blew up!

Everyone was heatedly discussing it!

It was simply too crazy!

The news was entirely taken over by Zhang Ye's wedding!

The headlines were totally filled up by Zhang Ye's wedding!

On this day, Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing's wedding swept the entire Internet and country over and over again!

It was such pomp!

And it was truly unprecedented!

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Chapter 1303: To the bridal chamber!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

At night.

The moonlight was shining serenely.

At Taoran Pavilion's East Gate.

A car slowly drove into the district and parked in the garage of Old Wu's villa. When the car door opened, Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing got out and entered the house. The first floor's living room was no longer like before. It was now decorated with red everywhere. There were even lanterns and the characters of "double happiness" put up as well. It really did look like a newlywed's house.

After changing into a pair of slippers.

And taking off the tuxedo jacket.

Zhang Ye slumped onto the sofa, dead tired.

"Aiyo, I can't move anymore."

"That's because you were entertaining everyone whenever they offered you a toast."

"Hai, I was just feeling really happy."

"Do you want something to drink?"

"Yes, please."

"Alright, wait while I boil some water."

"Old Wu, should I buy a house?"

"There's no need. Isn't it fine to live here?"

"But now that we're married, it's doesn't feel right to live here."

"Then what are we going to do with this place? Leave it empty?"

"Yeah, leave it empty."

"Hur hur, that would be such a waste."

"Alright, we'll talk about it again in the future."

The water boiled.

Wu Zeqing made a cup of tea for him. "It's hot; let it cool first."

Zhang Ye laid there happily and said in satisfaction, "My wife is the best. Getting married is really too tiring. It's completely unlike what I've watched on TV. Look at what those Chinese weddings are like. They just bow to the Heavens and to Earth, then to the parents, then to each other, and off they go to the bridal chamber. But look at us. Where's the bridal chamber? We spent the entire day entertaining the guests and were kept busy throughout the wedding without end. Actually, this bro has been looking to go home since a long time ago."

"Then turn in early."

"Old Wu, I'm hungry."

"What do you want to eat?"

"Some hot soup noodles is enough."

"Alright."

Finally, there were only the two of them left.

Zhang Ye's eyes started misbehaving again. Wu Zeqing had already changed back into her own clothes. She was dressed in a gold qipao with a thin sweater and looked especially gentle in it. Looking at her doing the chores around the house, Zhang Ye felt his heart grow warmer. He looked at his watch and realized it was only 8 PM.

Wu Zeqing smiled. "Head upstairs first. I'll bring it up when it's done."

Zhang Ye stayed put. "I'm not moving unless you give me a kiss."

"I'm cooking. I'll do that later," Old Wu said.

"You can always cook after you've kissed me," Zhang Ye said.

In the end, Old Wu came over with a smile. Slightly bending her legs wrapped in nude stockings, she arched over with her untied hair sprawling onto his face and kissed his lips.

"Is that good enough?"

"Again."

"How's that then?"

"Again."

"I've already kissed you thrice."

"Alright, I've finally regained some strength!"

"Hur hur, go upstairs and wait for the noodles then."

Zhang Ye walked upstairs and opened the door to the master bedroom.

Two days ago, his mother packed and brought over his luggage along with some daily necessities. After all, he was going to settle in for the long haul, so he had to have everything prepared. As such, Zhang Ye's slippers and pajamas were all here as well. He nimbly changed into his pajamas and then rushed to sit down at the computer since there was nothing to do. He turned on the computer and shouted downstairs.

"Old Wu, let me use your computer."

Old Wu's voice came from below. "Go ahead."

Zhang Ye rubbed his hands together and started checking Weibo on the web browser. At times, he would laugh out loud, curse at something, or mumble to himself, like he was suffering from somniloquy 1 .

"Damn, who's scolding me!"

"Haha, go ahead and be jealous!"

"Yes, yes, that's exactly how awesome this bro is!"

"What? The Top Chinese Music Chart has been conquered by me? Beautiful!"

"What? You guys have never seen a graph of a heart before? Well, that's true. It's high tech from my previous world, so of course none of you would have seen it before."

"The bridal gown design was beautiful, wasn't it? Y'all have great taste!"

Be it the online news or the comments from the people, Zhang Ye was finally free to browse them. Most of them were messages of blessings and reactions of amazement that made Zhang Ye's gratification burst at its seams. He was overjoyed to know how he must have reaped eight lifetimes of blessings to be able to marry such a beautiful wife. As such, this fellow wanted the whole world to know about it too. He even wished that he could stand atop the Tiananmen Tower and use a megaphone while holding Old Wu in his arms to tell them that she was his wife. Usually, he preferred to stay low-key. But this time, he was really enjoying the limelight. Look at this popularity, look at these discussions, look at all these looks of envy!

Footfalls approached.

When Old Wu came upstairs, Zhang Ye was still foolishly laughing to himself.

"What are you laughing about?" Old Wu said with a smile.

Zhang Ye spiritedly pointed to the screen and said, "Look, they're all so envious of me. Our wedding has bombarded the entire country several times over, and it's even slowly spreading to Asia. My popularity will definitely rise again, and I think it will rise by a lot too. Well, whatever, let's not care about that for now. It can rise however much it likes, and we can talk about getting to the S-list afterwards too. I don't care about all of that. I just want to spend my time with you and have our honeymoon together first. Everything else can wait for later."

Old Wu placed down two bowls of piping hot noodles.

"Let's eat the noodles first."

"You're hungry too?"

"Yes."

"Alright, let's eat together."

"How many days did you take off from work?"

"Me? I'll plan mine according to your schedule."

"I applied for seven days off."

"Only seven?"

"There's still a lot of work at the office, so it's already pretty good that I could get seven days off."

"Sure, I'll take seven days' break from work too then."

With many slurps, the big bowls of piping hot soup noodles were finished. It felt very nice eating them.

When he finished, Zhang Ye looked at Old Wu eagerly and asked, "Are you sleepy yet?"

Wu Zeqing smile and said, "Not really?"

Zhang Ye gave a hollow laugh and said, "But we should still go to bed soon."

Old Wu looked at her watch. "Sleep? Now?"

"Yes." Zhang Ye was restless. "We've been busy all day, so let's hurry and get some rest. And besides that, we still haven't gotten to the serious business."

Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "OK."

Zhang Ye said excitedly, "Then I'll go and shower first?"

Old Wu said, "Alright, you go first."

"I can't wait." Zhang Ye had already stood up. He said, "I'll go over to the guest room to shower; you can take the master bedroom's shower. Let's meet back here when we're done."

In the guest bedroom.

In the shower.

This fellow only took three minutes to finish showering. Zhang Ye swore that he had never showered so quickly before in his life. He shampooed his head, applied some body wash, and brushed his teeth, almost doing all of it concurrently. But all that was still not enough to stop him from humming. His movements were really robust and nimble. This fellow had even resorted to using his Taiji Fist basics in here. With a quick shake of the face towel in his hand, his body was dry. This was indeed a case of a minute's brilliant performance onstage being attributed to ten years' of practice off it.

Why did he practice martial arts so hard for?

Why did he practice Taiji Fist so hard for?

It had been all for this moment of efficiency!

But by the time Zhang Ye had put on his bathrobe and rushed back to the master bedroom, he discovered that Wu Zeqing had not even finished taking off her clothes. She had just removed her stockings and was about to place them onto the end of the bed.

"Why aren't you showering?"

"I'm already done."

"So quickly?"

"Yeah!"

Wu Zeqing laughed. She stood up with her back facing Zhang Ye and said, "Just in time. The buttons on the back are difficult to undo. Why don't you help me with it?"

Zhang Ye stared straight at it. Without any hesitation, he said, "Sure, leave it to me!"

Quickly and easily, he undid all of them!

Old Wu said, "Hur hur, slowly."

Zhang Ye said, "I can't be slow!"

It's about efficiency!

Efficiency, my comrade!

Chapter 1304: Drawing first blood!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

In the master bedroom.

The red pillows.

The red blanket.

The red mattress.

Zhang Ye had already gotten under the sheets and was lying in bed with a million thoughts racing through his mind. It wasn't easy getting here. How many competitors did he have to fend off before he painstakingly managed to get Wu Zeqing to marry him? Calm down, relax, you cannot be so impatient at this point in time. You've already waited all this time having known each other for so long and been in a relationship for almost two years now. It's only a few more minutes, so it isn't too much to ask to wait this bit longer, right?

Was it difficult?

Think about the Red Army's long march 1 !

Was it tiring?

Think about the revolutionary predecessors!

"Old Wu."

"What is it?"

"Are you done yet?"

"Soon."

A few minutes later.

"Old Wu."

"Eh?"

"Have you finished showering?"

"Almost."

Another few minutes later.

"Old Wu."

"I heard you."

"Can you hurry?"

"Hur hur, alright."

As she was trying to shower, all Zhang Ye did was nag.

Zhang Ye sat up from the bed, not feeling too good. Then he lay down again, but it did not feel right either. He turned over once more, but was still feeling restless. So he put on his slippers and got out of bed to pace around with his hands behind his back. Zhang Ye happened to come to the piano that was in the bedroom and looked down at it before sitting down at it.

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath.

When Zhang Ye opened his eyes, his hand hovered over the piano keys.

As the light and joyful sound of the piano rippled through the air like flowing water, an image of a woman danced to life from the tune of the melody.

She was gentle and beautiful.

This was Beethoven's Für Elise 2 .

Its original name was Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor.

As Zhang Ye played, he calmed down.

…

In the district.

In a house.

"Hubby, listen to that."

"Who's playing the piano?"

"It sounds really nice."

"Yeah, what song is it?"

"I don't know."

…

In another house.

"Dad, did you put the music on?"

"No?"

"Then is that coming from outside? Someone is playing the piano?"

"Is it coming from that direction again? Someone also played the piano in that direction before."

"Yes, I remember it too. It was a pop music piece the last time, but it's different now!"

"It's really quite nice."

"Yeah, I think it's really good too."

…

In another house.

"Who is it? Why are they playing the piano at this time of the night!"

"Shhh!"

"What!"

"Stop talking, I'm listening to it!"

"Is it that good?"

"Shut up if you don't know anything!"

…

In another house.

This was the home of a piano teacher.

In the bedroom, a middle-aged couple was already asleep. Then the middle-aged man was rudely awakened. He pricked up his ears and quickly sat up in bed.

His wife was also awakened. "What's the matter?"

The husband said in shock, "Wh-Who is that?"

The wife also heard the sound of the piano. She said in slight surprise, "Is that a rondo 3 ?"

The two of them grew even more surprised and shocked as they listened!

The wife gasped and said, "Which master is this?"

"Have you heard this melody before?"

"No, it's definitely not a published piece!"

The husband said aghast, "In all of China, the number of pianists who can play at such a level can be counted on one hand. In the world, there are no pianists who can write such a piece of music and are still alive. Who could it be? When did someone of such caliber move into our neighborhood?"

The musical piece was reaching its conclusion. Just as the melody was building up to its climax, it was suddenly followed by a descending chromatic scale over two octaves. At the same time, it tapered off until it reached a dynamics level where it blended back into the original theme. The final part of the piece ended with the omission of the arpeggiated series.

The couple was mesmerized by what they heard.

…

At Old Wu's residence.

In the bedroom.

The final note of the piece echoed.

Zhang Ye pulled his hands back, finally feeling satisfied.

Clapping suddenly rang out from behind.

When Zhang Ye turned around to look, he smiled and said, "You've finished showering?"

Wu Zeqing was clapping slowly as she said, "That was really such a great piece of music. What's it called?"

Zhang Ye casually answered, "Für Elise."

Wu Zeqing looked at him and asked, "Who is Elise?"

Hearing that, Zhang Ye was taken aback.

Who is Elise?

How the hell would I know who Elise is!

Zhang Ye was afraid that Old Wu would misunderstand that he knew a woman named Elise, so he anxiously explained, "Hai, I was just giving it a name. If you're fine with it, I can call it Für Zeqing, or Für Wang Erhong, or even Für Widow Sun." If Beethoven were living in this world, the first person that he would want dead would probably be Zhang Ye.

Wu Zeqing laughed and said, "What kind of names are those."

Zhang Ye stood up. "So are we going to bed now?"

Old Wu said reluctantly, "I still haven't heard enough."

"Aiya, let's talk about that tomorrow." Zhang Ye couldn't hold himself back anymore and said, "If you really want to hear it, I'll hold a recital for you tomorrow. I'll play for you alone for three days and three nights. It's getting really late now, so we shouldn't bother the neighbors in the district. Let's hurry to bed."

Old Wu nodded.

Zhang Ye got into bed first and burrowed under the sheets. He even flipped open the other end of the blanket and said, "Hurry, hurry."

Wu Zeqing smiled and nodded, walking over slowly. She elegantly took off her slippers and lifted up her leg that was under her bathrobe and slid it under the blanket. She had just finished taking a hot shower, and it felt like her leg was still emitting some of that warmth.

It was fair and smooth!

It smelled sweet and tender!

And there was even quite a bit of suppleness to it!

Her leg was too beautiful!

Beneath the sheets, it was suddenly filled with the fragrance of a woman.

Zhang Ye nudged himself over and started caressing.

Old Wu did not move away as she stayed there meekly.

Seeing this, Zhang Ye became even bolder. That satisfaction he felt in his heart did not even need to be mentioned. If it wasn't because of the atmosphere, he would have burst into song. " That is a magical heavenly road, heyyyyy! 4 "

Ba da.

The lights were flipped off.

Creak.

Creak.

The bed started rocking.

It felt like spring had arrived within the sheets.

Five minutes later.

The creaking stopped.

"Old Wu."

"Eh?"

"Why don't you put on the Chinese Kwa?"

"Why?"

"I thought you looked really pretty when you were wearing it today. It was really nice."

"Hur hur, alright."

"I'll go and get it for you."

Ba da. The lights were flipped back on.

Zhang Ye brought the clothes over and Old Wu changed into it.

The lights were dimmed.

Creak.

Creak.

Creak.

Five minutes later.

It went quiet again under the sheets.

"Darling."

"Hm?"

"Why don't you put on the bridal gown this time for me to see?"

"You want me to wear it again?"

"I haven't had enough of seeing you in it yet. I only got a few looks today."

"OK."

"Where is it? I'll get it."

"It's in the suitcase that we brought back."

"Alright."

Zhang Ye ran over to get it.

Wu Zeqing changed into the bridal gown.

The bridal gown was tighter and harder to get into. Zhang Ye eagerly helped Old Wu with it and tinkered around for a long time before she finally got it on. In the end, he even made a request to her.

"Put on the high heels too."

"The high heels too?"

"It's nicer if you wear them."

"OK."

"Don't dim the lights any further, or I won't be able to see."

"Mmm."

"Can you lay down over there?"

"How do you want me to lie down?"

"No, not that way. This way."

"This way?"

"That's right, that's right!"

"Hur hur, done."

"OK!"

On this night.

Old Wu went through quite a few costume changes.

On this night.

Zhang Ye drew first blood and arrived at the peak of his life!

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Chapter 1305: Drawing second blood!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The next day.

Early in the morning.

Muted sounds of people talking drifted up as they passed by the window.

"Old Li, going to work?"

"That's right."

"Do you know who was playing the piano last night?"

"Oh, you heard that too?"

"Of course, it was such a joy listening to it."

"When I finished listening to it, it felt like I still hadn't had enough."

"Could it be that piano teacher in our district who played it?

"I don't think so, the direction of the music didn't seem to come from his house.

"That's strange then, did someone new move in?"

"Maybe it's some master pianist."

In the room.

Zhang Ye had already woken up. He stretched and let out a loud yawn. This night of sleep felt very nice. He flipped onto his side and flopped his arm down but was met with nothing. He patted the empty blanket and realized that there was no one there anymore.

Eh?

Where did my wife go to?

Looking around the bedroom, he saw that it had been tidied up.

The qipao?

The bridal gown?

The Chinese Kwa?

The stockings?

The high heels?

The clothes that were scattered all over the floor last night were no longer there. Even Zhang Ye's own clothes that he had casually thrown onto the chair had been neatly folded and placed piece by piece onto the nightstand. One look and Zhang Ye knew that Wu Zeqing had tidied it up. Old Wu was a meticulous type of person who liked to keep things neat, so she would never leave her things lying around. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye was the polar opposite. This fellow was more carefree and would always leave his clothes lying around. He never folded his bedsheets either.

It sounded like someone was downstairs.

Zhang Ye smiled, then put on his slippers and got out of bed to head downstairs. As the slippers were made of cotton, they didn't really make noise while walking. He deliberately lightened his footsteps as he walked downstairs. The moment he came down, he saw Wu Zeqing cooking in the open kitchen. She was dressed in a domestic attire with an apron on top and was frying something.

Zhang Ye sneaked up and hugged her from behind.

Wu Zeqing turned around and laughed. "You scared me."

Zhang Ye said, "Why are you up so early?"

"It's my biological clock." Old Wu was frying some bacon. "You got up at just the right time; it's time for breakfast. When we're done eating, we still have to head over to your mom's place."

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright."

Old Wu looked at him. "Wait."

"What?" Zhang Ye blinked.

"Don't move." Old Wu reached out to fiddle with the messy hair on his head before saying, "OK, go and wash your face first. When you're finished, breakfast should almost be ready."

"Let me help you fry them."

"There's no need."

"Aiya, I can't always let you do all the chores."

"Hur hur, it's fine, I can handle this by myself."

"Well, alright then, thanks."

"It's nothing."

Old Wu's virtuousness really could not be picked on.

After breakfast, they drove over to Zhang Ye's parents' house.

…

Caishikou.

In the neighborhood.

When the car stopped, Zhang Ye immediately spotted his mother outside the apartment complex chatting with their neighbors. He saw her chattering away and wondered what she was bragging about this time.

"Hey!"

"It's Little Ye's car!"

"Sister Cao, your son and daughter-in-law are back!"

They got out of the car.

Zhang Ye called out from afar, "Mom."

Wu Zeqing also said with a smile, "Mom."

His mother swelled with pride. "Hey, hey, you're here? Come over quickly, Zeqing. Let me introduce you to a few of our old neighbors. This here is Auntie Sun, this is Auntie Cui, that is Grandpa Xu—" After introducing them one by one, his mother turned to them and pointed at Wu Zeqing, declaring proudly, "This is my daughter-in-law!" With that, it was clear that they had walked in on Zhang Ye's mother's bragging time.

The neighbors surrounded them in excitement.

"Old Cao, your daughter-in-law is so beautiful."

"That's right, she's even prettier in person than on the news and in pictures!"

"Our Little Ye is so blessed."

"Little Ye, you had better treat your wife well in the future."

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That's for sure."

Auntie Sun said, "We had to catch your wedding on television yesterday. Why didn't you invite us? Now you owe us a meal."

Everyone hooted.

"That's right."

"You owe us a meal!"

"Little Ye, you're terrible."

Zhang Ye said happily, "Alright, you're all picking on me now. Actually, yesterday's wedding ceremony was just a show for the media. So many reporters were there and it was so chaotic, so I didn't dare invite you all. I'll arrange another day with Old Wu to treat you all to a meal, alright? It'll only be the old neighbors, no outsiders."

"Sure!"

"We'll be waiting then!"

"You said it yourself, Little Ye."

Zhang Ye said, "Yes, I said it."

His mother decided, "Then let's have it the day after tomorrow. We'll reserve a few tables and have a meal together."

"No problem."

"We will definitely be there."

"Right, right, everyone must come."

"Let's all have a good time together."

Back upstairs.

The three of them came back.

His father was reading the newspapers when he heard them and looked up. "Zeqing, you're here?"

Wu Zeqing smiled. "Dad, you're reading the news?"

His father smiled and said, "Yes, your mom went out to buy the newspapers this morning and brought them back for me to read. The headlines are all about you and Little Ye. Oh yes, have you two had breakfast yet?"

Wu Zeqing said, "We came after eating."

His mother was still smiling from earlier. She said, "Both of you had such a tiring day yesterday. I said that you could stay home to rest for a while more and that you don't have to come over so early today. We're very casual about such things and don't really pay attention to these traditions 1 that much."

Old Wu said, "Mom, it's fine."

Zhang Ye said, "We still have to go and visit the relatives anyway. This should have been done before the wedding itself, but since we were really busy beforehand and couldn't spare any time, we must definitely go and see them now that the wedding is over. We have to visit Grandma's place, and Aunt's place too. Where are we going first this afternoon? Grandma's place?"

His mother said, "Yes, we'll go to your grandma's place first."

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright."

His father asked, "Aren't you two going on a honeymoon?"

Wu Zeqing chuckled. "Little Ye and I don't have too many days off from work. We only have a few days of leave, so we discussed it and decided that we won't be going anywhere far."

After making some small talk.

His father looked at his watch. "It's still a while until the afternoon. Why don't you two get a little more rest?"

Zhang Ye yawned the moment he heard that. "I did wake up quite early."

"Then go and catch up on some sleep." His mother said, "Zeqing, go and lie down too."

Old Wu smiled and said, "OK."

The door closed.

Both of them went back into Zhang Ye's room.

Zhang Ye was very sleepy. He took off his slippers and buried himself underneath the sheets. Even though Old Wu's house was big and nicely furnished, Zhang Ye still found his own bed more comfortable. After all, he had been sleeping here for over 20 years.

Old Wu sat down. "You get some rest; I'll read for a while."

Zhang Ye asked, "Hey, aren't you sleeping?"

"I'm not tired."

"Just lie down for a while. I can't sleep if I don't have my arms around you."

"Hur hur, alright."

"Take off your clothes."

"It's too troublesome to take these autumn clothes off."

"Just take them off."

"Why?"

"Ahem, no reason."

"Aren't you sleepy?"

"Seeing you, I feel all awake again."

"Dad and Mom are outside."

"We can be quiet."

"Didn't we just do it yesterday."

"Yesterday was yesterday, today is today."

"Oh, you."

"Gogogo!"

"Then make sure we keep it down, alright?"

"Alright, understood!"

On this morning, Zhang Ye drew second blood!!

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Chapter 1306: Doing a favor

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

Noon.

At Zhang Ye's maternal grandma's house.

When the door opened, Zhang Ye's grandpa and grandma, his three uncles and aunties, and his three sisters were already here. Lunch was almost ready and it looked like it was going to be a very sumptuous meal. After all, this was Wu Zeqing's first visit. Even though they had already met each other during the wedding and also spoken, there were too many outsiders around at that time. And with the couple so busy entertaining guests yesterday, they didn't really manage to talk much. Only today could they have a proper conversation.

Zhang Ye led Wu Zeqing around to greet everyone.

Wu Zeqing said, "Grandpa, Grandma."

Grandma replied, "Hello! Hello!"

Wu Zeqing asked, "How has your health been, Grandpa and Grandma?"

"Pretty good," Grandma said with a broad smile.

"I heard from Little Ye that Grandpa hasn't been feeling too well recently?"

"Hai, it's just some old chronic problems; it's nothing much. Mengmeng's mother, what are you looking at, all starstruck? Hurry up and bring my granddaughter-in-law some water. Shouldn't you know what to do!"

Old Wu said, "It's fine, Third Aunt, I'll help myself."

Zhang Ye's third aunt smiled and said, "Zeqing, take a seat and don't bother yourself."

Mengmeng came over eagerly. "Sister-in-law."

"Hey, Mengmeng." Old Wu smiled.

Mengmeng said in envy, "Sister-in-law, you're so pretty."

Old Wu replied, "Hur hur, thank you. You'll be even prettier when you grow up."

"Really?" Cao Mengmeng got very excited.

Only to hear Zhang Ye add, "You really believe that?"

Cao Mengmeng said angrily, "Brother! I really want to hit you!"

His grandma slapped her head and said, "You, how can you speak like this to your brother?"

Cao Mengmeng wailed, "Look at this, just look at this, Grandma is being biased again!"

Everyone laughed.

Zhang Ye's mother was the eldest in her family, and Zhang Ye was also the eldest one of his generation. Together with the fact that he was a male, his grandpa and grandma naturally doted on him more. Now that Zhang Ye had married Wu Zeqing, his status in the family was elevated even further. Grandpa and Grandma couldn't be more proud of that, so of course they would side more with their grandson.

…

Elsewhere.

In the Celebrity Goof Group.

A B-list female celebrity posted several news links in the group.

"Ning Lan's new movie banned?"

"Distribution company reveals film has yet to pass approval process!"

"Due to a few scenes that violated the rules, Ning Lan's new film won't get released in time for the Lunar New Year festivities?"

Everyone emerged.

Zhang Xia: "Little Ning, what's the matter?"

Director Li Ke: "It hasn't been approved yet?"

Xiaodong: "Sister Ning, is it serious?"

Ning Lan responded: "Hai, don't mention it anymore. We don't even know how to deal with it. All our plans have been disrupted. Those scenes were not originally planned and wouldn't affect the plot either. They've already been deleted, but the approval board has rejected it. It doesn't matter what is being said anymore."

Huo Dongfang: "Have you received the remuneration yet?"

Ning Lan sent a crying emoji. "What could I have received? I didn't ask for a remuneration this time and opted to get a share of the box office earnings instead. Now that it can't even be released, how can I possibly get any payment? If the film doesn't make it in time for the holiday screening, the company will suffer a big loss for sure. This turn of events has come too suddenly this time. It was also our own fault for not handling it well and taking all the considerations. Otherwise, we could have been preparing for distribution already if the approval had made it through the first time."

Li Ke suggested: "Try to pull some strings to get the problem resolved."

Ning Lan: "Who can we find? The sponsors have only an average influence in the industry and can't get direct access to the top to speak with them. The film is stuck now because the authorities are not passing it."

Amy suddenly said: "Try looking for Teacher Zhang."

Ning Lan: "He has only just held his wedding. Is this really appropriate?"

Xiaodong: "I think he didn't go on a honeymoon. He's probably still in Beijing."

Chen Guang: "Yes, try to ask Zhang Ye."

…

Late in the evening.

Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing were driving back to Taoran Pavilion. They had been to his maternal grandma's house in the afternoon, followed by his paternal aunt's place in the evening. After a day of visiting his relatives, Zhang Ye felt like it still wasn't enough. He really enjoyed such gatherings with his family. With all his work pushed back, spending every day traveling with Old Wu was such a nice feeling. This was why a person had to take a proper vacation to enjoy themselves and not think about anything else. Otherwise, if they kept working every day, not even an iron man could bear it.

"Old Wu, what should we do when we get back?"

"Let's watch a movie?"

"Sure, we'll stream one on your computer."

"Hur hur, OK."

As they were chatting, his cell phone rang.

Wu Zeqing picked it up and asked, "How do you want to answer it?"

Zhang Ye said as he drove, "Put it on speakerphone."

Old Wu answered the call.

It was from Ning Lan.

"Zhang'er, it's me."

"Sister Ning, what's the matter?"

"Are you at home?"

"I'm on the road and will be arriving home soon."

"We haven't had a meal in a long time. Do you want to meet up?"

"I just ate dinner. What is it? Is something wrong?"

"Well, there's something. It's about a movie."

"A movie? Then do you want to come over to my place?"

"Is that appropriate?"

"Just come over, we're all family."

"Sure, but I might be bringing two people along with me."

"Alright, I'll be waiting for you then. I'll send you the address in a bit."

In the entertainment circle, friends were usually quite open to meeting and having discussions at their own homes. This was because doing so out in the public was quite inconvenient. If you were slightly more famous, people would still recognize you even with sunglasses and a face mask on. When the reporters arrived and the fans started gathering around, what conversation could be made? Wouldn't it be better to just go home?

After reaching home.

Zhang Ye happily walked upstairs with Old Wu. They picked a movie to watch on the computer and found that there weren't too many sources for the newer films. In the end, they selected a film from half a year ago after browsing through the titles. Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing had both chosen the same romance film when the doorbell rang.

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Start the download."

Old Wu acknowledged, "OK, go on and answer the door."

When he got downstairs and opened the door, he was greeted by the sight of Ning Lan. The two people standing beside her, though, he didn't know. "Come on in and have a seat."

"Boss Zhang."

"Sorry to bother you, Boss Zhang."

Those two people were speaking very politely.

But Ning Lan did not stand on ceremony with Zhang Ye. The moment she stepped into the house, she looked around and remarked, "This space doesn't look cheap? Did you buy this villa recently? Not bad at all."

Zhang Ye shrugged. "I didn't buy it. It's my wife's place."

When those two people heard that, they exchanged a glance and looked even more cautious.

Zhang Ye poured them some tea. "So what is it, Sister Ning?"

"Have you read the news yet?"

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "No, how would I have the time to do that in recent days?"

"True." Ning Lan frowned and said, "Well, your sis here has encountered some trouble. The new holiday movie that I just took part in has not been approved and was left in limbo by the authorities." She explained the issue in detail to Zhang Ye and said at the end, "Actually, it was our fault to begin with. We did not make sure that everything was in order before sending it in for approval, so it ended up this way. I kept thinking about it but just couldn't come up with any ideas on how to handle it. It's almost time for the cinemas to schedule their screenings for the holidays. If we don't quickly get it in, we'll definitely miss the timing. That's why I came to look for you to see if anything could be done. If it weren't an urgent matter, I wouldn't have come looking for you at this time. So what do you think? Can you help?"

The other two people were from the film distributors. They also lamented about the situation.

Zhang Ye knew what they were trying to say. "Since Boss Ning has asked, I definitely have to help. But this is not something that I can make a decision on. I can only ask for you."

He shouted upstairs, "Old Wu."

A moment later, Wu Zeqing came down.

Ning Lan smiled. "Chief Wu, sorry to disturb you so late at night."

Old Wu smiled and said, "It's fine."

Then Zhang Ye said, "Their film has been stopped on your end."

"Which one?" Old Wu asked.

Zhang Ye said, "Flames of War."

Wu Zeqing nodded. "I know. I heard that there were some scenes that violated the guidelines and that the relevant people have notified you all to get it changed, right?"

One of the people from the film distributor said respectfully, "Yes, they've already notified us and we carried out the changes immediately. But when we sent it in the second time, we heard nothing about it."

Old Wu asked, "Have all the necessary changes been made?"

The other person from the film distributor immediately answered, "We've changed everything so that there shouldn't be any issues."

Wu Zeqing acknowledged, "Alright, I know what to do then. I'll make a call to hurry them up for you. If there's nothing wrong with the source footage, then everything should proceed."

The two people immediately gave their thanks.

"Thank you, Chief Wu!"

"We're really grateful to you!"

After sitting for a while more, they hurriedly left so as not to disturb them anymore.

Zhang Ye saw them out.

Ning Lan quietly whispered to him, "Thanks."

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Come on, you don't have to be so polite. You should do something more practical instead, like treating me to a big meal."

Ning Lan was amused. "If I have to treat anyone, it would be your wife. But then again, you've really helped me big time. There is finally someone in the artists' circle who can speak to the people at the top. Everyone has better days ahead. Zhang'er, it's all credit to you."

Zhang Ye said righteously, "Hai, it's just a small matter. If I don't descend into Hell, who will?"

Ning Lan rolled her eyes. "Whoa, how is that Hell? I can see that you'll have quite beautiful days ahead."

Zhang Ye chuckled, "Haha, I guess so."

…

The SARFT was really efficient in handling the matter.

Of course, this was in the context of the matter being brought to the attention of Wu Zeqing.

On that night, the film distributor received news that Flames of War had been approved. With the movie approved and the paperwork filed, they could finally set the screening dates.

This news left many of those from the film distributor and the film crew very excited!

In the Goof Group.

Ning Lan sent a message: "@ZhangYe It's settled, thanks!"

Xiaodong asked: "Has it been approved already?"

Amy said in surprise: "That fast?"

Ning Lan posted a smiley face. "It's been approved. It was all credit to Boss Zhang, what a loyal friend!"

…

However, Zhang Ye did not reply.

This was because he didn't have the time to pay attention about the chat group.

At Old Wu's house, Zhang Ye was busy drawing third blood from Old Wu after they finished watching the movie!

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Chapter 1307: The return, and a new high in popularity!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

A week later.

On this morning, it was snowing heavily in the streets.

A familiar piece of music was playing in the vicinity of Zhang Ye's Studio. On one side, the aunties had taken a corner of the garden and were plaza dancing. On the other side, Yang Shu was leading the uncles from the neighboring neighborhoods to practice Taiji Fist. The two parties did not encroach on each other's territories and over the course of many daily encounters, it had always worked out peacefully.

"Eh, Senior Bro!"

"Little Yang, you're practicing Taiji?"

"Yup."

The moment he spoke, everyone turned to look at him.

"Zhang Ye is here."

"It's Little Zhang!"

"Heh, you're totally different after your wedding. You look so much more spirited."

"Teacher Little Zhang, happy marriage to you."

"Your wife is really beautiful. You're very blessed."

"You're back from your honeymoon already?"

"When are you going to try for a kid?"

"We haven't seen you in so many days."

The neighbors chattered away as they gathered around.

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yes, my break's over. I haven't worked in half a month, so I'm officially back starting today. Otherwise, I won't be able to feed myself if I run out of money. Well, thank you everyone for your concern. Please carry on with your activities. I have to get to work." He then turned to Yang Shu and told her, "The snow is pretty heavy, so don't practice for too long. They're all uncles and aunties and aren't young anymore. Don't let anyone slip and fall. They're not as strong as you are."

Yang Shu said respectfully, "Got it, Senior Bro."

Only then did Zhang Ye proceed upstairs.

At the studio.

Zhang Ye pushed the door open and entered. "Good morning, everyone."

Everyone looked over and were pleasantly surprised.

"Wow!"

"Director Zhang!"

"Why are you back?"

"I thought you were going to take a few more days off?"

"Good morning, Director Zhang!"

"Good morning to you, Director Zhang."

Ha Qiqi.

Zhang Zuo.

Little Wang.

Tong Fu.

The staff were all present. In recent days when Zhang Ye had stopped all of his work, the staff obviously could not stop theirs. A lot of matters had to be handled by them, especially since his wedding had such a great effect, even to the point of causing a stir in the Asian region. As a result, it would be odd if they could get any rest at all, but at the same time, it was the reason why they had to hold the fort. This was so that Zhang Ye could rest properly for many days without anyone disturbing him.

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Everyone has done a great job during this period of time. My break is officially over and I will be starting work again today. Come on, let's have a meeting. I haven't checked the Internet much during my break, so I'm not up to speed about many things. Is there a summary? Just briefly run it through with me. Come."

In the meeting room.

The key staff members were all in attendance.

Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Do you want to hear the good news or the bad news first?"

"Let's go with the bad news first." Zhang Ye shrugged.

Ha Qiqi brought out a document. "This is our tabulation of those seven S-listers' activities and their popularity scores. Ever since our target of reaching the S-list was made known, those seven Heavenly Kings and Queens also started making big moves. Three of them have made the biggest moves of all. It includes the screening of their movies, Internet livestreaming, targeting an international award, taking part in a global new year countdown concert, and so on and so forth. They've gained a large increase in their popularity scores and has resulted in them advancing a small step from before."

Zhang Ye nodded and said, "We can't do anything about that. This is a fair competition, so we cannot expect them to do nothing. If we want to make an assault on the top spots, then we must allow them to defend too."

Zhang Zuo said, "Right, we expected this. If those Heavenly Kings and Queens did not do anything after learning our plans, then that would truly be strange. Nobody had it easy when reaching their current status. To be sitting in those spots at the top of the entertainment industry for so many years, who would be willing to give it up just like that?"

The S-listers could no longer stay quiet.

They were very active and were garnering more and more popularity.

This was indeed bad news.

Zhang Ye asked, "Then what is the good news?"

The studio's staff smiled at one another.

"Look at this." Ha Qiqi pushed a form over to Zhang Ye. "This is your popularity score curve from before your wedding up until today. It's skyrocketed!"

Zhang Ye exclaimed, "By this much?"

Zhang Zuo said excitedly, "Although those seven people have drummed up quite a bit of activity, the speed of their popularity growth has not been as fast as yours in recent days. In fact, they're lagging by a lot compared to you. Your wedding has shocked everyone all over the nation."

Little Wang interrupted, "Not only that, it has shocked everyone in Asia!"

Zhang Ye blinked and said, "Asia?"

Tong Fu guffawed. "Director Zhang, don't you know?"

Zhang Ye said, "Know about what?"

Tong Fu said excitedly, "You're already on the Asian A-list rankings!"

Zhang Ye was stunned. "Really? No way, right? I was still hovering in the B-list, wasn't I?"

"This was just reflected in yesterday's update of the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index." Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "If you had bought a copy of the morning newspapers on the way here, you would have known. We've also analyzed the reason for this. First, your popularity in China has soared by a lot, moving you closer and closer to the S-list. Naturally, your popularity score in the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index would go up as well. After all, the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index also takes into account one's domestic popularity, so it rises along with that. Second, it was mainly because of how shocking your wedding ceremony was. Be it the status of your wife, the songs that you wrote at your wedding, or the mathematical equation that you used, all of it was too shocking. Oh yes, there was also that incident where you swept the global servers in Go that brought you great attention in the Asian region. Regarding your wedding, it even got on the entertainment headlines in Japan and Korea. You're also the first person in history to become an Asian A-lister without stepping out of the country!"

Everyone laughed at the fact.

Japan?

Korea?

Yes, Director Zhang had never been to those places before!

Yet he could still get promoted into the Asian A-list? Even if he was at the bottom few spots, an A-lister was still an A-lister!

There really weren't too many artists in China who were ranked as an A-list celebrity in both the domestic and Asian region at the same time. After all, the Hallyu wave was still the predominant culture in the Asian region.

Copies and copies of data.

Copies and copies of tables.

After going through everything, Zhang Ye made a decision!

This situation was really good!

How delightful!

But he still placed the most importance on his domestic popularity. If he didn't reach the top of the domestic rankings, everything else would be pointless. Be it the Asian stage or the international stage, all of those matters would have to be considered at a later time. Zhang Ye also had not consciously made any plans to advance to the international stage, so the most important thing right now was to take a spot in the S-list and reach the summit of the domestic entertainment circle first. Moreover, Zhang Ye's initial plan did not leave much time for this to be done. He was hoping to get this done before the year ended, which meant he had to settle this big affair around the time when the Spring Festival Gala was to take place. All of that had been discussed since the very beginning.

Zhang Ye chuckled. "We've already completed the several milestones of the 'Reach the Summit' plan."

Zhang Zuo added, "How was that just completing it? We basically surpassed every one of the targets. We're now only a step away from reaching the S-list!"

Zhang Ye looked at them. "There's still that final milestone left in the 'Reach the Summit' plan. I guess we can start on it?"

Zhang Zuo laughed and said, "Of course!"

Ha Qiqi said, "It's about time!"

Little Wang got all excited!

Tong Fu was looking forward to it!

Wu Yi could feel his pulse racing!

That's right!

They were only a step away!

Zhang Ye's popularity had soared again after his wedding like it didn't cost a thing!

Just one more step and Zhang Ye would be able to reach the summit of the Chinese entertainment circle!

They had been waiting and anticipating this moment for too long!

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Chapter 1308: The invitation from Central TV's Spring Festival Gala!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

Later that morning.

The studio's staff were all getting into action.

Zhang Ye was not sitting idle either and had already started writing a script.

Singing?

Performing a crosstalk?

Or performing a skit?

He deleted and changed it many times as he kept working hard on it.

In the end, Zhang Ye was still undecided about what to do. So he thought that he might as well call Yao Jiancai to ask him over.

When Old Yao arrived, Zhang Ye had him to sit down and handed him a crosstalk script. "I've written something in broad strokes. Take a look and tell me how is it, please."

Yao Jiancai was still unsure about what was going on. "Why?"

"Have a look first," Zhang Ye urged.

When Yao Jiancai had a look, he was stunned. After he came back around, he started wondering why Zhang Ye had written a crosstalk script. Was there a performance or gala coming up soon?

The answer was too obvious!

Old Yao said in a stunned manner, "Holy shit! You're planning to go on the Spring Festival Gala?"

Zhang Ye threw up his hands. "Do you have to be this surprised?"

"How is this not surprising!" Yao Jiancai exclaimed.

Zhang Ye said, "Let me correct you, first of all. It's not that I'm planning to go on the Spring Festival Gala, we are planning to go on the Spring Festival Gala." With a pause, he smacked his lips and said, "But this script is too sloppy and won't be suitable for a stage like the Spring Festival Gala. Although I can also do a more formal type of crosstalk, that's not our style at all. Why don't we perform a skit instead?"

Yao Jiancai interrupted, "Before talking about what kind of a performance to do, can you first consider the possibility of getting invited to the gala?"

"In the past, I couldn't. But it's different now," Zhang Ye said with a smile.

Yao Jiancai was startled and finally realized it. "That's right, I nearly forgot!"

"Haha, so are you gonna join me or not?"

"Of course! How can I miss out on something as good as this!"

"That's that, then."

"You're really going to make a push for the S-list?"

"Yep."

"Alright then, let this old bro give you a helping hand!"

The last step of the "Reach the Summit" plan was: get on the Central TV Spring Festival Gala!

There really weren't too many A-list celebrities who hadn't been on the Central TV Spring Festival Gala. But Zhang Ye was exactly one of those few oddities that existed, even though this didn't mean that he would never get on the Spring Festival Gala. It was just that he didn't get a chance to do so in the past. In recent years, Central TV's Spring Festival Gala had been scolded and criticized by an enormous amount of people, yet this was still the largest stage that one could be on in China with nothing else coming close. Be it Zhang Ye's A Bite of China, King of Masked Singers, The Voice, or I Am a Singer, the viewership ratings of those shows would not even make up a tiny portion that the gala would get. The number of viewers for all of those show also could not outnumber the Spring Festival Gala's audience numbers even if they were all added together. This was because they were on a totally different magnitude of performance stages. In the entire country, and even across Asia or the entire world, there wasn't another stage that was bigger than the stage of China's Spring Festival Gala!

This was what the Spring Festival Gala was!

The one and only of its kind in the world!

Back when the studio was drawing up the "Reach the Summit" plan, they had not really considered the feasibility and practicality of the proposal. Zhang Ye had told them to come up with anything that they could think of and to be more daring with their ideas. That was how they came up with such a proposal in the end. At that time, Zhang Ye and Central TV's relationship was at a low as they battled each other with seething passion. Central TV had entirely banned him at that time, so not to mention having him appear on the Spring Festival Gala, if he even dared to come through the main entrance of Central TV, he would surely get a lot of disdainful looks. As such, this last step of the "Reach the Summit" plan was also the most difficult one of all. At the beginning, none of the studio's staff thought that this could be accomplished.

So who could have expected that all of that would change in a few months down the road?

Central TV had gone through a leadership change!

Zhang Ye was reported about on News Simulcast!

All of these indicated that the relationship between Zhang Ye and Central TV was finally thawing!

And the most crucial factor was that Zhang Ye had married the head of the SARFT. This made the situation even harder to gauge. Disregarding anything else, just the ban should no longer be in effect. So if you seriously thought about it, at this point in time, there was actually hope that Zhang Ye could get on this year's Spring Festival Gala. In fact, he even stood a very great chance of doing so. The director of this year's Spring Festival Gala had already been decided. It was Director Li Ke, one of the top three directors of the Chinese film industry. Zhang Ye knew him personally, and it could even be said that they had quite a good relationship. The two of them had worked together during the opening ceremony of the Olympics, and Li Ke also attended his wedding.

It was a golden opportunity!

This should be the closest that Zhang Ye had gotten to appearing on the Spring Festival Gala!

If he wanted to make it into the S-list, how could he not appear on the Spring Festival Gala? Therefore, this was why it was included as the last step in the "Reach the Summit" plan. This would be Zhang Ye's final push to get him into the S-list!

Noon.

A call came in.

It was Ha Qiqi who answered. After a few words, she hung up and then announced excitedly, "Comrades, the Spring Festival Gala's production team has officially invited Director Zhang to appear on the show!"

"Ah!"

"That's great!"

"They've really sent out the invitation!"

"I knew it!"

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Then let's make the most of today to get the show out."

"Alright!"

"Got it!"

Everyone was motivated and gung ho!

Dong Shanshan also dropped by.

Zhang Ye waved to her. "Hurry up, Shanshan. It's time to go through the script!"

Dong Shanshan laughed and said, "Are you serious?"

"Of course I am!" Zhang Ye said.

Yao Jiancai said, "The Spring Festival Gala's production team has officially invited Zhang Ye to the show."

Dong Shanshan shrugged. "Alright, but we better not get eliminated when it goes up for selection. That would be too embarrassing."

Zhang Ye was a little exasperated. "My dear classmate, can you have a little more confidence in me? How bad can it be if it's a skit written by this bro?"

Dong Shanshan beamed and said, "Just because you came up with that reject prostitution, reject gambling, and reject table tennis skit during Beijing TV's Spring Festival Gala? Haven't you been scolded enough?"

"That was an exception. I'll write a better one this time." Zhang Ye cleared his throat.

Yao Jiancai chuckled and said, "Come on, Shanshan."

Dong Shanshan said, "Alright then."

The decision of appointing the executive director for the Spring Festival Gala had dragged on for a very long time this year. The main issue was that no one had wanted to take this "hot potato" of a job. In the end, it was still Li Ke who took it on. It was also during this time that the program list would slowly start forming as show proposals from all over the country got submitted to them before a selection was carried out. There was still quite a bit of time before the Spring Festival Gala took place, but the preparations for it had already kicked off. The countdown to the Spring Festival Gala had begun!

…

In a crosstalk troupe.

"Old Tang, this script isn't good enough!"

"Hai, let's keep working on it."

"Little Sun, you guys come up with another version."

"It's already been a month, but we still haven't come up with an acceptable version?"

"Everyone, let's put more effort in! The show selection has already begun!"

…

In a dance school.

"Do it once more!"

"That's not good enough, again!"

"Little He, what's with you!"

"Little Sun, how many times do I have to criticize you? Your movements are too soft!"

"What kind of a stage is the Spring Festival Gala? We've been practicing for half a year, but the two dances are still not good enough! I'll say this to you all. Either do it well, or I'll replace you with someone else!"

…

At a skit actor's house.

"How's the script!"

"It's not working out. I can't write it."

"We're almost out of time."

"Give me another two weeks. I'll come up with something even if I die trying!"

"Are you sure you can finish it within two weeks?"

"I can definitely do it this time!"

"Alright!"

…

For one show.

Some people prepared for three months.

Some people prepared for six months.

There were even some people who took a full year to prepare for it.

This was what the Central TV Spring Festival Gala was. It was a stage with the most brutal competition as everyone gave their all just to be able to get on the show. Further, they weren't even guaranteed a spot.

In contrast, the situation was wholly different at Zhang Ye's Studio!

The scripts were getting completed too easily!

It was so easy that it was scary!

One after another!

And another!

Later that afternoon.

"Old Yao, what do you think of this script?"

"Eh? There's still another one?"

"Yeah, read it!"

"Alright—OK, I'm done reading it. It's really good! It's fantastic!"

"Shanshan, what do you think?"

"It's not as good as the last one."

"Is that so? Then I'll write another one."

"Ah? You're still writing more?"

"Yeah, I want everyone to agree on it!"

"This, this is already more than enough."

During the morning hours until now, Zhang Ye had written two crosstalk and six skit scripts in total. Furthermore, to everyone in Zhang Ye's Studio, and both Yao Jiancai and Dong Shanshan, they were all good works that would shock anyone who read them. They were all masterpieces that would definitely qualify for the Spring Festival Gala performances. Because of that, they were unable to decide on which one to use as they thought that all of them were way too fucking good!

After ten minutes, another script was completed!

Little Wang yelled, "This one is good!"

Ha Qiqi said anxiously, "Aiya! Actually, the third one is pretty good too!"

Zhang Zuo disagreed with her. "I like the fourth skit's script better!"

Tong Fu exclaimed excitedly, "Director Zhang, use the fifth one please. It's such a classic!"

In the end, Zhang Ye became exhausted from all the writing.

He sighed in lament and said, "In the past when people said that it was very tiring and not easy to write a script for the Spring Festival Gala, I didn't believe them. But now, I finally believe it."

Hearing that, everyone nearly puked blood!

Yao Jiancai called out to him, "Zhang'er."

Zhang Ye turned around. "What?"

Yao Jiancai stared at him. "Can you not show off?"

Zhang Ye said in surprise, "When was I showing off?"

Dong Shanshan rolled her eyes. "If anyone else hears you saying that, they'd probably be driven to their graves by you!"

Zhang Ye did not understand. "What's wrong? I'm really tired after writing eight or nine of these scripts!"

Ha Qiqi was speechless.

Zhang Zuo was speechless.

Little Wang was speechless.

Others couldn't come up with a good script even after working for several months on it. Just one script alone could have several dozen versions that would have taken them several months to write!

But in only a few hours, you've already produced nine scripts like it!

And you call this tiring?

You're saying this isn't easy?

Then wouldn't it be better for the others to just go and die?!

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Chapter 1309: Returning to Central TV!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The next day.

At around 9 in the morning.

In the compound of Central TV.

When the car drove up to the entrance, the barrier gate was in the down position. But when gate security saw the car, they shivered and quickly raised it without asking who was in the car or for any identification to be produced. Then they watched the BMW X5 drove off into the distance with a complex expression and a bitter smile on their faces.

It was this car again!

That jinx was back again!

In the car.

Dong Shanshan wondered, "Don't you need a pass to get in?"

Yao Jiancai said, "Zhang'er already made an appointment with the production team."

Dong Shanshan said, "But shouldn't he still have to produce identification even if he has an appointment?"

However, Zhang Ye just laughed and said, "My license plate is the identification."

Dong Shanshan laughed and said, "Don't get too cocky."

In fact, Zhang Ye was not bragging.

At Central TV, no one did not know of Zhang Ye's car!

How long had it been?

Half a year?

A year?

Or perhaps longer?

Looking at the television tower, Zhang Ye gave a small sigh.

Hello, Central TV. I, Hu Hansan, am back again![1.]

After he parked the car, the trio of Zhang Ye, Yao Jiancai, and Dong Shanshan got out and walked upstairs to the office of the Spring Festival Gala's production team. Zhang Ye and the others had come here today for a face-to-face meeting with Li Ke, as well as have an initial meeting with the language performances production team to seek a general direction and requirements for their performance. This would help them to make a proper selection of their scripts. As for the first approval session of the Spring Festival Gala, there were still some days to go before that would happen.

The initial meeting.

The first approval session.

The second approval session.

This was the basic flow of the Central TV Spring Festival Gala's selection process.

Of course, there could also be a third approval session sometimes, but that was not always the case.

The office space was quite the mess.

The Spring Festival Gala's production team had only been set up a short while ago. This year's executive director role needed Li Ke to come save the day, while the language performances director was a famous screenwriter. The remaining members of the production team were generally the same old people as before, with most of them being staff members picked from the several departments of Central TV, and mostly chosen from those at Central TV Department 1.

"Old Xu!"

"I'm here!"

"Where's Director Li?"

"The leaders from the organizing committee are here and Director Li is speaking with them."

"There's something urgent that I have to ask regarding my team's work. Can I check if the stage plans have been confirmed yet?"

"The higher-ups are not in agreement. They said that it was too extravagant and did not approve it."

"Aiya, then what do we do?"

"Let's see how Director Li's discussion with them goes."

"It's always the same every year. They want us to make the Spring Festival Gala a good one, yet they don't agree to this or don't approve of that. They aren't willing to let us make our own decisions, so how can we do anything?"

"Enough, don't speak about such things unnecessarily."

Then Zhang Ye and the other two came in.

The entire office fell silent.

One person.

Ten people.

Twenty people.

Everyone turned to look at Zhang Ye.

Yao Jiancai whispered to Dong Shanshan, "See what a domineering presence Little Zhang has?"

Dong Shanshan giggled. "That's not presence, it's notoriety."

Zhang Ye asked graciously, "Is Director Li here?"

A female employee answered, "Director Li is not around."

Zhang Ye asked, "When will he be back?"

Another person from the Spring Festival Gala's production team said, "We're not sure either."

Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright, we'll wait for him."

When he turned around, he immediately looked for a place to sit down. He even reached out his hand to beckon for Yao Jiancai and Dong Shanshan to come over to have a seat. He was behaving as though he was at home and didn't feel the slightest bit awkward.

The people on the Spring Festival Gala's production team were a little angry. They were too familiar with this person. He had fought a lawsuit against them, scolded their leaders, created trouble at the television station, and most importantly, led the flaming of last year's Spring Festival Gala. At that time, those on the Spring Festival Gala's production team had been called out so badly that they received a terrible scolding from the public. They were not sure about the attitudes of the other Central TV departments for him, but to the majority of those on the Spring Festival Gala's production team, they despised him, loathed him. As such, now that Zhang Ye was at the office, they couldn't be bothered with him at all and would rather avoid him.

As for giving him attitude?

Well, forget that. They really didn't dare to do so. This guy's spouse was even higher ranking than their Central TV's Station Head on the SARFT's Party Committee!

They couldn't afford to offend him, but that didn't mean they couldn't choose to avoid him!

Hai, why did Director Li have to invite him! He could have invited anyone else, but why did he have to ask this scourge of a person to come?

So an awkward atmosphere descended upon the entire office.

But even if they did not say a word, Zhang Ye turned out to be rather talkative. He sat there and poured himself a cup of tea, calling out to some people at times, and also making small talk with others.

"Eh, aren't you Central TV Department 1's Little He?"

"Mhm."

"How have things been?"

"Ah, pretty good."

"That's great to hear. I see that you've lost some weight. Is it because you've been suffering under Director Jiang's leadership?"

"Director Jiang has been transferred!"

"What? Surely not, right?"

"It's true."

"But Director Jiang is such a 'loyal' person."

"…"

"Why did he get transferred?"

"…"

"Eh, you are Little Liu from Sing!'s program team, aren't you?"

"Uh, that's me."

"The show was done pretty well."

"Uh…"

"What were the viewership ratings at the end of it? I didn't really follow it to the end."

"Not that much."

"That can't be!"

"It really was not much."

"Don't be so modest. Speak proudly!"

"It really was…not much!"

Zhang Ye drank tea and chitchatted with everyone.

Dong Shanshan was "impressed" by him.

Yao Jiancai was also rolling his eyes from nearby.

Quite a few of those who were on the Spring Festival Gala's production team were close to tears. Your sister! Aren't you spiting us on purpose?! Can you not bring up a matter as sensitive as that? After the leadership change, how could you not know that Central TV Department 1's Deputy Director Jiang Yuan had been transferred away? Don't bullshit! Director Jiang had more than enough run-ins with you back then, so how could you not know about something as important as this? And you dare ask what the viewership ratings for Sing! were? As if you didn't know? Didn't it recently get battered by your show, I Am a Singer?!

Heavens!

Please hurry up and make this fellow go away!

They finally understood why Zhang Ye could so easily offend people. This fellow was born with the innate ability to taunt others. He could say anything and it would be enough to anger anyone to death!

Finally, one of the Spring Festival Gala's assistant directors appeared.

Everyone cried out.

"Director Wang!"

"Director Wang, you're here at last!"

"Teacher Zhang is here, so about the initial meeting arrangements…"

Someone had finally come to save them!

They almost couldn't bear Zhang Ye's sarcasm!

But when he heard them, the assistant director stopped in his tracks, stunned. Before he even stepped into the office, he was already turning around to leave. "I forgot, I still have something to attend to. Let's wait for Director Li to come back to handle the initial meeting."

"Ah?"

"Director Wang?"

The production team's members were all dumbfounded!

Yao Jiancai was speechless.

Dong Shanshan was speechless.

Zhang Ye also felt a little speechless. "What's this about?"

Yao Jiancai laughed and said, "Just how many people have you offended?"

Zhang Ye had probably worked at Central TV for a longer time than he had been at Beijing Television. So how could he know how many people he had offended? There were probably some of them that he couldn't even remember. But what was certain was that in all of Central TV, there weren't too many who would want to have any dealings with Zhang Ye. As such, even though Spring Festival Gala Executive Director Li Ke had invited Zhang Ye to take part in this year's show selection, most of those on the production team were still trying to avoid him at all costs.

Whoever wishes to receive him can do it!

Just don't count on us doing so!

—This attitude of those on the Spring Festival Gala's production team was surprisingly consistent throughout!

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Chapter 1310: The Spring Festival Gala's executive director calls it quits!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

At Central TV.

Department 2.

"Have you heard?"

"About what?"

"Zhang Ye just arrived at Central TV!"

"Ah? What?"

"I saw him with my own eyes. He's at the office of the Spring Festival Gala's production team!"

"The Spring Festival Gala invited him?"

"Heavens! Who could have invited someone like him!"

"How can they allow him on the Spring Festival Gala!"

Department 6.

"Nani?"

"Zhang Ye came back?"

"Damn, what is he doing here!"

"Is he going to wreak havoc at Central TV again?"

"I don't think he is. He's just there to have a 'talk' with them."

"Talk about what?"

"God knows, why don't you go and take a look to find out?"

"Up yours!"

Department 1.

"Let's go, everything's been settled."

"Little Qi, where are you going?"

"Where? I'm heading to the Spring Festival Gala's production team office to get something."

"You can't do that now."

"They said that it was urgent."

"It's better if you go over in the afternoon."

"Why's that?"

"Zhang Ye is sitting in there."

"Damn! You should have told me earlier! I'll go over later!"

The news of Zhang Ye's return instantly spread.

As their biggest enemy in the history of Central TV, the return of Zhang Ye was being talked about across the ranks of the station. They felt that this fellow was haunting them at every opportunity. Since the day he left, no one had expected that Zhang Ye would come back one day. Zhang Ye was the first artist to sue Central TV in history. He was also the first person to have won a court case against Central TV. He led Central TV Department 1 to create a viewership rating legend, but he also brought Central TV's shows to their knees. The love-hate relationship between Zhang Ye and Central TV was convoluted and complex. It was so complicated that it could never be unraveled.

…

On Weibo.

And the news.

This information was also revealed.

"Zhang Ye returns to Central TV?"

"Someone witnessed Zhang Ye's car driving into Central TV!"

"Zhang Ye's honeymoon ends!"

"The executive director of the Spring Festival Gala, Li Ke, invites Zhang Ye to take part?"

"Will Zhang Ye be able to get on the stage of the Spring Festival Gala?"

"Shocking! Zhang Ye to appear on the Spring Festival Gala?"

"Zhang Ye breaking into the S-list!"

"With the leadership changes at Central TV, and a prior relationship with Li Ke, a huge turnaround chance for Zhang Ye to appear on the Spring Festival Gala he has long been missing out on?"

The Lunar New Year was approaching.

Online, news regarding the Spring Festival Gala was also getting increasingly prevalent. Any news about the program lists or the invited performers were being reported on regardless of it being real or fake. And today, the moment the news broke of Zhang Ye appearing at Central TV, the topic of the Spring Festival Gala got pushed even higher!

…

At a crosstalk society.

"What?"

"Zhang Ye went there?"

"Th-This—"

"What is that Li Ke thinking!"

"Don't panic, the first approval session hasn't even begun. Zhang Ye definitely won't be chosen."

"Yeah, the requirements for a Spring Festival Gala performance are really strict. Strictly speaking, none of his works would qualify."

…

At a skit studio.

"Zhang Ye?"

"We're done for."

"It's going to get really competitive this time."

"Yeah, there are only those few spots for the performances. If someone else gets chosen for one, that's one fewer chance for us!"

…

However, the netizens were delighted!

"Really?"

"Does this fellow have the qualifications to appear on the Spring Festival Gala?"

"Well, he does have the qualifications since he's such a big name. Domestically, I doubt there's any other celebrity on the level of Zhang Ye who hasn't been on the Spring Festival Gala before!"

"Right, this is not a matter of qualifications. The issue here is that he has offended too many people, especially after being locked in a fierce struggle with Central TV. No matter how you think about it, it's impossible that he could appear on the Spring Festival Gala. But all of that has now changed with Central TV's leader replaced, and the deputy directors and related staff of Central TV Department 1 getting transferred out, possibly due to those incidents that showed that they were indeed in dereliction of duty. Coupled with the fact that Zhang Ye and Li Ke know each other, the last hindrance preventing Zhang Ye from appearing on the Spring Festival Gala has been removed. As for the industry-wide ban? Hur hur, let's ask Zhang Ye's wife first if she is agreeable to that!"

"I'm so looking forward to it!"

"Me too, I'm looking forward to seeing Zhang Ye's new work!"

"Will it be a crosstalk?"

"A skit might be possible too!"

"Ahhh, I'll have to catch the Spring Festival Gala this year!"

"Bringing Zhang Ye onto the Spring Festival Gala is indeed quite good publicity for it. This is a big move that the Spring Festival Gala is resorting to just to bring in viewership. But I don't suppose that even with Zhang Ye's show, they'll able to save the Spring Festival Gala. The gala is getting worse and worse in recent years. It's an accumulated weakness that has caused everyone to lose confidence in it."

"Yeah, I can't help but complain about that too."

"The Spring Festival Gala is dead!"

"I stopped watching it a long time ago."

"We can't put it that way. The issues regarding the Spring Festival Gala are slightly more complicated. It's not an ordinary gala but one that carries political leanings. Together with the increasing standards and nitpicking that the audience has for it, it's unavoidable that it would disappoint. Everyone should understand that. I still have hopes for it this year since a big name director like Li Ke has taken on the responsibility of heading it. So perhaps that might bring about some changes to the Spring Festival Gala."

"I hope so."

"We're depending on Director Li this year."

"He's a big director in the film industry, so hopefully he can handle an event like a gala."

"I doubt it. Actually, Li Ke is already on the brink, and he's only here to right the ship. The waters of the Spring Festival Gala run too deep, so no one is willing to take it on."

…

At Central TV.

In the office of the Spring Festival Gala's production team.

Zhang Ye kept making small talk with those people.

Outside, Yu Yingyi came in with a smile on her face. "Zhang'er, Shanshan."

Zhang Ye turned his head. "Hey, what are you doing here?"

"I learned that you three had come, so I came over to have a look." Yu Yingyi was a host at Central TV Sports Channel, so it was just a stone's throw away for her.

Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "How did you know that we were here?"

Yu Yingyi rolled her eyes and said, "Do you need to ask? The moment Zhang Ye arrived, the news already started spreading all over the station. Even if I don't wish to know about it, I can't." Then she looked at Zhang Ye and asked, "Have they really invited you?"

Zhang Ye nodded. "Yeah."

Yu Yingyi gave him a thumbs up. "Nice!"

Zhang Ye smiled. "It was mainly due to Director Li's influence."

Yu Yingyi said in a low voice, "Right, if it were any other executive director, they might not dare to invite you at all. But since Director Li has a pretty good relationship with you and you've both worked together before, he was willing to take the risk."

Zhang Ye said, "Haha, I'll have to treat Old Li to a meal after this!"

As they were chatting, Li Ke came back to the office!

The Spring Festival Gala's production team saw him and finally heaved a sigh of relief.

Zhang Ye and the others also saw Li Ke coming in and stood up with a smile.

What happened next dumbfounded everyone!

When Li Ke pushed open the glass door, he looked infuriated as he yelled, "Old Qi, Old Qu, pack up. It's time to leave!" He was calling out to the staff from his own team.

His team was startled.

"Old Li, what's wrong?"

"Director Li, what happened?"

"We're leaving? To where?"

Li Ke said loudly, "To where? We're going home! This job is impossible! How can it even be done? Can someone make them tell me how I should do it?! They can't accept this, and they won't approve that, yet they're asking me to innovate and turn the decline around for the Spring Festival Gala. How am I supposed to innovate? How can I turn things around? All of the requests and suggestions that I gave did not even make it past approval! Why don't you all show me the way, show me how I should do it? Am I supposed to achieve it through magic? I'm not going to put up with any of this. They can find someone else to do it!"

Clearly, Li Ke must have been angered during the discussion with the organizing committee!

The production team staff were all shocked beyond belief!

Damn!

Director Li is quitting?

Yao Jiancai was dumbfounded!

Dong Shanshan and Yu Yingyi exchanged glances!

Zhang Ye very nearly fell over and hit his head!

You're quitting?

Damn!

If you quit, how am I going to appear on the Spring Festival Gala!

Zhang Ye quickly said, "Old Li, calm down, calm down."

Li Ke finally saw someone with a familiar face. He immediately said, "Boss Zhang, you don't understand. I can't communicate with them at all! They're making things too difficult for people! And it's not just this issue. There's still the program list and invited performers. Most of it cannot be decided by me. A lot of the shows were set in stone a long time ago, but when I saw what they were, I had to roll my eyes. If those shows made it onto the Spring Festival Gala, it would be a wonder for the gala to do well!"

Zhang Ye tried to calm him down. "It's not easy; we know it's not easy."

Li Ke said, "Boss Zhang, you're a director yourself, so you should understand what I mean. Oh, if they're going to decide on the shows and the format of the gala, why would they still need me as a director? I'm not important at all. At most, after the gala is broadcast, I'll bear the brunt of the negative comments!"

Zhang Ye said, "You can't say that, Old Li. The entire country's citizens are counting on you, so you've got to stand firm. Please endure it for everyone's sakes."

Li Ke waved him off. "I can't suffer through this. My temper is usually quite good, but if it were you talking to them just now? You'd surely have come to blows with them! I don't want to endure this either. I've already told the leaders from the organizing committee that I'm not going to stay on as the executive director. I'll just go back to wherever I came from!"

Zhang Ye said in panic, "Don't!"

Li Ke packed up and left with his team in all haste!

Zhang Ye shouted after him.

"Old Li!"

"Old Li!"

"Aiyo, what are you doing!"

"Impulsiveness is the devil itself, Old Li!"

Everyone on the Spring Festival Gala's production team could only stare with wide eyes in shock!

Yao Jiancai threw up his hands. "Well, looks like we're done for!"

Dong Shanshan laughed and said, "We've been blinded this time."

Zhang Ye facepalmed and speechlessly turned to the Heavens for an answer!

This was a chance they had in the palm of their hands!

And it was almost time for the first approval session!

But it's over!

It slipped away!I am Really a Superstar #Chapter 1311: Who will the Spring Festival Gala's executive director role fall to? - Read I am Really a Superstar Chapter 1311: Who will the Spring Festival Gala's executive director role fall to? Online - All Page - NOVEL NEXT

Chapter 1311: Who will the Spring Festival Gala's executive director role fall to?

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The news blew up!

On that same afternoon, the news started spreading!

"The Spring Festival Gala's executive director quits?"

"Director Li clashes with the leaders!"

"Li Ke calls it quits!"

"Central TV has confirmed the news!"

"A gloom cast over the Spring Festival Gala. No one to take the job?"

"The public calls for the Spring Festival Gala to be canceled!"

"Where will the Spring Festival Gala go from here?"

Central TV issued a statement very quickly.

Immediately after, Li Ke also issued a statement. He simply explained his reasons for withdrawing from the Spring Festival Gala's production team, albeit being relatively tactful about it. But reading between the lines, it could be felt that Li Ke was rather emotional about it.

At this point in time the previous years, Central TV's Spring Festival Gala would already have assigned a director for the job. In fact, the first approval session would even have almost been completed. However, this year, the appointment of the executive director was still not confirmed, much less the first approval session. They had finally convinced Li Ke to take the role after dragging on the matter for a long time, but it still ended up with him quitting. Did they have to do everything all over again?

To restart the process of selecting a director?

To redo their plan anew?

To invite the performers from the beginning again?

They hadn't even gotten the stage setup ready yet!

Would there still be enough time to get everything together?

As such, when this news was revealed, it caused quite a stir in the country. The public's view of this matter was more pessimistic. They already did not have much hope for this year's Spring Festival Gala, but this news put even more doubt into their minds.

On Weibo.

"Even Director Li has quit?"

"He never wanted to take this 'hot potato' of a job in the first place!"

"Yeah, Director Li is already doing very well on his films. He should just stick to that and not get his hands dirty by taking the Spring Festival Gala job. That's only finding trouble for himself."

"Well now, they don't even have an executive director to handle things anymore!"

"Who else can they get?"

"I don't know, they've probably approached everyone that they could already."

"Yeah, they're really shuffling through a lot of people for the Spring Festival Gala's executive director role in recent years. They've already used almost every first-rate director in the country, even getting those famous directors from the film industry and those who are based overseas. Just from the Central TV system alone, there's already Old Hai, Old Qu, and Old Li. Who hasn't been considered for the role before? But as it stands? They're all getting worse and worse with each passing year. The same goes for the viewership ratings and the reputation of the gala, both of which are declining as well. There are almost no examples of an executive director getting reelected for the role in the following year. Everyone who takes the job would only end up taking the rap for the poor showing, and then that repeats for the next person in line after that."

"They're probably not going to be ready in time this year, right?"

"I think so too. There might not even be a broadcast of the gala anymore."

"That's not going to happen. The Spring Festival Gala will surely take place."

"But there's no one left to choose from anymore. The big directors have all been used already."

"But there are still many smaller directors around."

"There may be a lot of them, and they are surely eyeing the directing of the Spring Festival Gala as well, but the higher-ups would have to be willing to settle for them first. This is not a job that anyone can do. If you want to direct the Spring Festival Gala, you have to have some achievements first, don't you? You have to show some capabilities and results first, right? Otherwise, who would be convinced by you? Actually, a lot of people might be criticizing and flaming the Spring Festival Gala harshly each year, even threatening not to watch it anymore. The organizers are also often ridiculed year after year too. I remember that such things have been going on for the past four to five years already, hasn't it? But in the end? When we come to the night of Lunar New Year's Eve, aren't we all still always sitting in front of our televisions and waiting there eagerly? Hai, everyone still has feelings for the Spring Festival Gala, after all. That's why we're so pissed about it. We all have our expectations and just hope that it will be well produced."

"Yeah, my childhood memories are all of the Spring Festival Gala."

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"Yup, those were the days. I really miss them."

"Let's see who they get this time to save the day."

"In any case, I can't think of a suitable candidate."

On Weibo.

In the discussion forums.

On the social networks.

On the streets.

In the companies.

The people were heatedly discussing it!

Then the media joined in!

The people's attention of the Spring Festival Gala reached a peak. All the citizens were paying attention to the developments of the matter and were waiting for the latest news updates to come from the top!

…

There was also chaos within the arts circle!

At Zhang Ye's Studio.

Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were all frowning.

Little Wang didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Director Li is really not going to continue working? Then what should we do?"

Zhang Ye said, "Who knows what we can do?"

Tong Fu said, "We don't care who becomes the director. All we want is for them to let us get on the Spring Festival Gala."

Ha Qiqi said helplessly, "The problem is that other than Director Li Ke, none of the other big directors in the country are on good terms with Director Zhang, right? Even if they do give face to our Director Zhang, they wouldn't possibly stand their ground to invite Director Zhang against Central TV's wishes, would they?"

Zhang Zuo said angrily, "Just tell me, what is this? The show was all prepared and the script was nearly approved too. With Director Li leaving at this time, everything will have to restart from scratch. The invite list to the performers that Director Li drew up definitely won't count anymore. To think that we were still banking on the Spring Festival Gala to push us to the S-list!"

Then, Zhang Ye's cell phone rang.

It was from the famous skit actress, Ci Xiufang.

"Auntie Ci."

"Boss Zhang, I heard that you were there when it happened? What went on in there!"

"I'm not too sure either. Old Li seemed like he got into a fight with the higher-ups and then suddenly said that he was quitting. I couldn't persuade him since he wasn't willing to listen at all."

"Hai, then what will happen to our show?"

"You were invited as well?"

"Yes, that's why I am so anxious about this. So do we continue preparing for it or not?"

"Who knows!"

Afterwards, Zhang Xia also called.

Zhang Xia was also one of the invited performers for this year's Spring Festival Gala.

"Zhang'er, has Central TV contacted you yet about the show matters?"

"Not yet, how about you?"

"They didn't contact me after that either. I've already asked, but they've been plunged into chaos over there."

"Hai, all the plans have been messed up!"

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"Yes, this came too suddenly. There were no signs of it happening at all. We can only wait for the new director to be appointed before the new program list gets drawn up again."

"I guess we can only wait then. There's no other way about it."

…

At the organizing committee for the Spring Festival Gala.

In the large conference room, several dozen people were in a terrible fix.

There were people from Central TV in here, as well as comrades from the Ministry of Culture and leaders from the SARFT. Every one of them was worrying over the Spring Festival Gala's executive director role!

"Old Li went too far!"

"Yeah, how can he just quit like that!"

"There's no point arguing about it anymore. What candidates do we have? Please make a few recommendations!"

"Chief Chen, what do you think of Director Wang Qi?"

"Wang Qi is not good enough."

"Yes, he doesn't have enough experience."

"What about Li Chaoran?"

"Little Li is a masterful director in the world of theater, but that's too different from the stage of the Spring Festival Gala. It's too big of a jump, so appointing Little Li to head the Spring Festival Gala would make it into a laughing matter for sure."

"Then there really isn't anyone else!"

"Yeah, there are only so many best directors we have in the country. They can all be counted on two hands. Even if we were to lower the requirements, there shouldn't be more than 20 people we can consider. A majority of these people have already taken the Spring Festival Gala job before, but their results weren't exactly good either. What's more, perhaps due to there being too much criticism afterwards which affected their reputations, many of these top directors are no longer willing to take on such a 'hot potato' role. All of them are hiding as far away from it as possible."

"Is there really no one else?"

"In the camp of top directors, there really isn't anyone else."

"That might not be true."

"Oh? Old Han, who else is there?"

"That person…forget it. Take it that I didn't mention anything."

"What's with the suspense? Hurry up and say it."

"That person's status is a little bit special."

"Special? Is he a top director?"

"He is a top director. In fact, he's definitely one of the best in the country. He's also quite different from Li Ke. Although Li Ke is a top director in the film industry, he cannot be considered the best. At most, he is one of the top three directors in film. But that person is definitely the top in his industry, without anyone coming close."

"He's number one?"

"Yes."

"Is there a big difference in his role in the industry from the gala's director role?"

"Not much. In fact, it might even be a smaller jump than a film director's role."

"So who is it? Don't keep us in suspense, Old Han!"

"But that person…well, his temper isn't really that good."

A silence fell upon the large conference room!

Everyone gasped!

"You're talking about him?"

"It's him?"

Everyone was looking at each other, clearly having guessed who Old Han was referring to!

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Chapter 1312: Zhang Ye takes charge of the Spring Festival Gala!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The next day.

At the studio.

It was 9 in the morning when Yao Jiancai arrived wearing a down jacket.

"Teacher Yao, you're here?"

"Where's Director Zhang?"

"He's upstairs on the balcony basking in the sun."

"Heh, what sun can there be in the middle of winter?"

"The work progress for the Spring Festival Gala has been shelved, so there's nothing for Director Zhang to do at the moment."

"I'll go look for him."

Out on the balcony.

Zhang Ye really was basking in the sun in a chair.

Yao Jiancai said in a speechless manner, "Kid, aren't you cold?"

"Old Yao, you're here?" Zhang Ye crossed his legs and put on the demeanor of an artistic youth. "Of course I'm cold, but it can't be colder than what I'm feeling in my heart. In this cold wind, I can feel the loneliness of the world."

Yao Jiancai rolled his eyes. "Why are you quoting some essay?"

"Then what should I do?" Zhang Ye said idly.

Yao Jiancai asked, "You didn't arrange any events?"

Zhang Ye shrugged. "For the Spring Festival Gala, I'd turned down all of my other work. There's nothing for me to do in the coming two months, so I can only lay here and bask in the sun."

Ding dong.

Ding dong.

The doorbell rang from downstairs.

Yao Jiancai asked, "Is that Shanshan?"

Zhang Ye shook his head. "I don't know."

Then Ha Qiqi shouted from downstairs, "Director Zhang, we have guests."

"Who is it?" Zhang Ye shouted downstairs.

Ha Qiqi said, "It's an executive from Central TV."

Central TV?

And it was even an executive?

Zhang Ye and Old Yao were stunned to hear that.

When they went downstairs, Zhang Ye saw who had come. It turned out to be a deputy station head of Central TV. He went by the name of Hong, and Zhang Ye also knew him too. However, they'd never crossed paths back at Central TV. This Deputy Station Head Hong should be the only executive at Central TV who hadn't had a falling-out or quarrel with Zhang Ye. Deputy Station Head Hong brought quite a few people along with him. There were men and women, totaling around eight people.

What was with this group?

What were they here for?

Zhang Ye wondered.

Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were also confused.

Zhang Ye smiled and stretched out his hand. "Station Head Hong, what brings your important self here?"

"Boss Zhang, you're too polite." Deputy Station Head Hong shook hands with him. "I hope I'm not bothering you?"

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "No, I'm not doing anything at the moment. What brings you here, Station Head Hong?"

Deputy Station Head Hong said, "I'm here today regarding the Spring Festival Gala."

Zhang Ye was taken aback. "The Spring Festival Gala?"

"Yes." Deputy Station Head Hong looked around the office. "Can we talk somewhere?"

Zhang Ye called out to his assistant, "Little Wang, get the conference room ready."

Little Wang answered, "Got it!"

The two groups of people proceeded to the conference room and sat down across from each other.

Before the guests could speak, Zhang Ye started rambling, "Station Head Hong, I would also like to talk about the Spring Festival Gala with you all. Just what is going on? Are we still supposed to continue rehearsing our act? Will the first approval session still be held? Everyone is really confused. For a good person like Old Li, you all should have just allowed him to work. But look at this, he got driven away in anger by you all. It's not that I'm trying to put the blame on you, Station Head Hong, but this matter was really not handled well."

Deputy Station Head Hong said, "Hai, we also have our hands tied regarding this matter. Boss Zhang, the truth is that the decision-making process for the Spring Festival Gala is no longer under Central TV's jurisdiction, but we still have to abide by the guidelines issued from above. We'd gone through the few proposals that Old Li wrote up, and I agree with him on one or two of them too. Central TV is actually very supportive of him, and we would also like to make those changes and innovate. But as long as the higher-ups don't agree to it, we won't be able to implement them. The Spring Festival Gala is not just a simple gala. There are too many levels of decisions involved that aren't easily explainable with a few words."

Zhang Ye threw his hands up. "Then what about our act?"

Deputy Station Head Hong said, "As long as the executive director is not appointed, the issue of the acts will be left hanging."

Zhang Ye didn't care about anything else. All he wanted to know was whether his act would be chosen for the Spring Festival Gala or not. "Then why don't you all quickly appoint someone for the role? There isn't much time left."

"That's right."

Zhang Ye said, "Yes, that's right."

"Yup."

What are you yupping about?

I'm getting anxious over here!

Zhang Ye looked at him bewilderedly.

Only to see Deputy Station Head Hong pondering for a long time. Then he said in seriousness, "This is why I brought my team here today. Boss Zhang, after getting a recommendation from the Spring Festival Gala's organizing committee, and going through a selection and voting process, we received an approval from the higher management's leaders. On behalf of the Spring Festival Gala's organizing committee, I officially invite you to take charge of this year's Central TV Spring Festival Gala!"

His words were too shocking!

Yao Jiancai was stunned!

Ha Qiqi was stunned!

Zhang Zuo was stunned!

The staff of Zhang Ye's Studio were dumbfounded!

What?

Get Zhang Ye to take charge of the Spring Festival Gala?

What the fuck, are you all crazy?

Dead silence fell upon the entire conference room!

Deputy Station Head Hong called out, "Boss Zhang?"

Zhang Ye pointed at himself with wide eyes. "Me?"

Deputy Station Head Hong nodded. "Yes."

"You guys are inviting me?" Zhang Ye immediately said, "Can you not tease me?"

One of the chiefs who had come along said with a bitter laugh, "Boss Zhang, we're not joking. The higher-ups have already given the nod, and the Spring Festival Gala's organizing committee has also held a meeting to discuss this. You're the most suitable candidate, so as long as you accept the job, you'll become this year's Spring Festival Gala's executive director!"

Zhang Ye said dumbfoundedly, "But I've never taken charge of a gala before!"

A female executive adjusted her glasses and said, "You might not have experience in directing a large-scale gala, but that won't stop an excellent variety show director like you. No, calling you excellent does not describe it well enough. You're now the best director in the country when it comes to variety shows, a director who can be considered one of the very best across the fields in the industry. Since we could invite Director Li Ke to take the role, why can't we extend our invitation to you? You're both top directors in your respective fields. And if we consider the difference in jumps between the fields, be it your I Am a Singer or The Voice, those competitions and show formats are all closer to a gala's style than directing a film."

Zhang Ye waved his hands, then covered his face and rubbed it. "Let me get over this. I'm still quite shocked."

Deputy Station Head Hong said, "Boss Zhang, do accept the invitation. It's very chaotic, and the media is speculating as well. Everyone is in a panic regarding the executive director's role being empty, and that's delaying all the work related to the gala." With a pause, he said, "I also know that the executive director role for the Spring Festival Gala is not an easy job since there are so many rules to adhere to and there's a limit to how much you can control for the event. But I feel that this would be a good test of your directing skills, and I'm sure that there would be no problem if we have you leading the production team."

No problem, my ass!

You're putting it so simply!

Who do you think you're fooling!

Zhang Ye said, "I like the Spring Festival Gala very much too. I've watched it since I was young and have a lot of feelings for it, but how can I possibly handle this job? This is not a situation that can easily be saved! Just look at Old Li. Even before he could start directing the Spring Festival Gala, he had already been so harshly scolded! Look at how badly he has been criticized! If I were to accept the role, if I finish directing the Spring Festival Gala, then wouldn't I get scolded like a dog?! What will happen to my reputation then? My honor is at stake here!"

Deputy Station Head Hong: "…"

The accompanying staff: "…"

They were all speechless at this!

Reputation?

Since when did you have any reputation!

Getting scolded?

You're speaking you don't be scolded just because you're not directing the Spring Festival Gala!

But of course, they couldn't say that out loud.

Deputy Station Head Hong said, "Boss Zhang, don't joke with us. You're so battle hardened. Surely you don't care about a little criticism, right? If you say that Old Li is hopping mad after getting scolded by people, I'll believe that. If you say that the other Spring Festival Gala directors can't bear to be criticized by people, I'll believe that too. But you, Boss Zhang? I really don't believe it. You've been through so many more storms than everyone else. How could that gossip and chatter possibly bother you? Surely it doesn't!"

Zhang Ye's temper rose!

Your sister!

You're putting it as though I'm really that thick-skinned!

This bro has got pride too, alright!

Zhang Ye said, "I have to consider it first."

Deputy Station Head Hong said, "Sure, of course you have to."

Zhang Ye looked at them. "Then why don't you all lea—"

"That's not necessary, Boss Zhang." Deputy Station Head Hong said, "We'll wait right here. Just let us know after you've decided. It'll be easier for us when we go back to answer to the management."

Zhang Ye was taken aback. "No, I was saying that you all should leave first."

Deputy Station Head Hong said, "This is an urgent matter that has to be decided immediately. Even if we go back, there's nothing for us to do. Just take your time to consider it while we wait for your news."

Zhang Ye could only say, "Little Zhou, entertain the guests for a bit."

Little Zhou stayed behind to attend to them.

Zhang Ye and the others went outside and headed upstairs to discuss it.

"What do you all think?" Zhang Ye immediately asked them when they were upstairs.

He had thought that his group would object to it, but who knew that it was actually the opposite!

Little Wang shouted, "Accept it!"

Tong Fu said excitedly, "Of course you should take the job!"

Zhang Zuo was panting excitedly. "Director Zhang, this is a great chance. If you can direct the Spring Festival Gala well, that would immortalize your reputation forever!"

Zhang Ye rolled his eyes, "Immortalize my reputation? I'm just afraid it would condemn me to eternity!"

Yao Jiancai said, "But you're already condemned anyway. Even if you don't direct the Spring Festival Gala, you're still getting scolded by so many people every day, isn't that so? So how bad can it be? Other people are afraid of ruining their statuses and wasting their accumulated reputation, but you have nothing to be afraid of! You've none of that!"

Zhang Ye said angrily, "Fuck you!"

Ha Qiqi could barely hide her excitement. "Director Zhang, take the job!"

"Yeah!"

"Let's do it!"

"Who's afraid of who!"

"Such an opportunity only comes once in a lifetime!"

"There are so many people who wish to direct the Spring Festival Gala but don't have a chance to do so!"

"Right, let's accept it first and see how it goes!"

This was a huge affair!

This was much bigger than anything Zhang Ye had ever done before!

This was the Central TV Spring Festival Gala and the role of the executive director that they were talking about. The higher-ups would be watching, the media would be watching, the citizens would be watching, and all of the Chinese people around the world would have their attention turned here. If it was directed well, that wouldn't be so bad. But if there were any slip-ups, wouldn't Zhang Ye become a cultural sinner? Honestly, Zhang Ye only wanted to perform in a skit or do a crosstalk on the gala. He had never thought about anything else. As a result, he was totally unprepared for this. The invitation has come too suddenly! Even though he has always been a very decisive person in the past, he was now hesitating!

Should he take it?

Should he really accept the job?

The studio's staff were staring at him, waiting for him to make his decision.

Zhang Ye clenched his teeth. "Then let's leave it to science to decide!"

Science?

What science?

Everyone was taken aback.

Then Zhang Ye took a coin out of his pocket and piously flipped it up into the air. "Believe in science. If it lands heads, I'll take the job. If it's tails, I'll reject it."

Clink, clink, clink!

Under the speechless gaze of everyone, the coin landed!

It was heads!

"Wow!"

"It's heads!"

"Take it!"

"Take the job, Director Zhang!"

Zhang Ye hesitated. "Why don't I flip it again?"

Everyone went silent.

Zhang Ye heaved a deep sigh. "Alright then, it's only the role of the Spring Festival Gala's executive director, isn't it? It's just a role that requires me taking the rap, right? I've already taken the rap for plaza dancing anyway, so it's not like I can't take another! I'll accept it!"

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Chapter 1313: How did this fellow get appointed!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

In the evening.

At Zhang Ye's parents' house.

When Zhang Ye came home from work with a heavy heart, dinner was already prepared.

His parents were sitting on the sofa and watching television. On it, there was a discussion going on about the Spring Festival Gala. This topic had already been in the news for several days, and his parents were no exception in paying attention to it every day. Zhang Ye's family was a typical traditional Chinese family. They would have dumplings every holiday when it called for dumplings, and eat sweet glutinous rice balls during the Mid-Autumn Festival, never missing out on celebrating the traditional holidays. It was the same for Chinese New Year's Eve too. They would have dinner together while watching the Spring Festival Gala, and this was always what they did as a family since Zhang Ye was born. As such, the words "Spring Festival Gala" were as important as anything could be to many families, as well as in the hearts of the elderly.

"Son, you're home?"

"Has Old Wu knocked off yet?"

"She's not back yet."

"I'll give her a call to check then."

"No, don't call her. Zeqing is busy with her work. She'll come back when she's done."

Zhang Ye picked up a cup to drink some water, but something else was going through his mind.

The television was showing the news and there was a reporter conducting a street interview at the moment.

Reporter: "May I ask if you'll be watching the Spring Festival Gala this year?"

Passerby: "I will. It's a custom in my family to watch the Spring Festival Gala on Lunar New Year's Eve. But right now, I'm quite worried about it. Didn't they say on the news that the executive director role hasn't been filled yet? Every year in the past, the stage would have almost been completed by this time of the year. That's why I'm worried that they won't be able to meet the deadline this time."

"Do you have any hopes and suggestions for the Spring Festival Gala?"

"I just hope that the acts can be more exciting and not always similar to what we've had in the past. At least, they should come up with something that will make our eyes light up? But of course, this is what the executive director has to take into consideration. It wouldn't help even if I gave all the suggestions I have. I just hope that they can find a good director to do the job this year. Otherwise, if they keep doing the same things over and over, and the viewership ratings keep dropping lower and lower, I'm afraid that there will be a day when my family will finally stop watching the Spring Festival Gala."

Zhang Ye was starting to feel very pressured. "Mom, change the channel."

"Why? I'm watching it." His mother said, "Who do you think will be the executive director for this year's Spring Festival Gala? Why isn't there any news about that yet? Aren't they anxious about it?"

His father commented, "This won't be an easy role to assign."

His mother said, "Yeah, there aren't too many top directors in the country who are capable of directing a gala."

His father said, "Let's wait for Zeqing to come home so that we can ask her. She should have some news about it."

His mother nodded. "That's right, she's from the overseeing authority, so she'll definitely know. Our son's act is still waiting to be approved for the Spring Festival Gala, but that's now up in the air."

Hearing that, Zhang Ye said feebly, "There's no need to ask her."

"What's the matter?" His mother glanced at him. "You know something about it?"

Zhang Ye took another sip of water and placed down the cup before saying, "Regarding the executive director role for this year's Central TV Spring Festival Gala, the Spring Festival Gala's organizing committee approached me during the day. I accepted their offer."

A silence fell over in the house.

His mother said, stunned, "What did you say?"

Zhang Ye shrugged. "I'm the executive director for this year's Spring Festival Gala."

His father was extremely shocked. "Don't joke!"

"Why would I joke about that? I've already signed the agreement," Zhang Ye said.

The doorbell rang.

"Old Wu is back; I'll get the door." Zhang Ye quickly went to open the door. It was indeed Wu Zeqing. "You're finally off work? It's so late."

Wu Zeqing smiled. "I was caught in a bit of a traffic jam."

Zhang Ye said, "Let's start dinner."

Wu Zeqing changed out of her shoes and stepped into the living room. "Dad, Mom. Eh? What's the matter?"

Both of them looked rather shocked.

His mother immediately said, "Zeqing, Little Ye says that he's going to be the Spring Festival Gala's executive director!"

Wu Zeqing looked at him. "Hmm? You've accepted the job?"

"I've accepted it." Zhang Ye couldn't compose himself in this moment. He was unsure if his decision was the correct one. "Why? You didn't know?"

Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "I heard that you were one of the shortlisted candidates, but since I'm not directly overseeing matters regarding the Spring Festival Gala, I didn't ask."

His father stood up and said loudly, "Son! Are you really going to be the Spring Festival Gala's executive director?"

Zhang Ye threw his hands up. "It's not that I'm going to be, I already am."

His mother exclaimed, "This is marvelous! It's great! This is the Spring Festival Gala we're talking about! The Spring Festival Gala! And my son is going to take charge of it?"

Zhang Ye said bitterly, "What's so great about that? I'm worried that I'll mess it up for them."

His mother said without a care, "If it gets messed up, so be it. Worst comes to worst, you'll get a scolding. What else can they do to you?"

"Whoa, you're speaking like that because you won't be the one getting scolded." Zhang Ye didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He said, "In any case, I've already made plans for the worst case scenario. Dad, Mom, Old Wu, let's eat dinner quickly. I think this will the last day that I'll be able to eat in peace for a while."

That same night.

The matters surrounding the Spring Festival Gala that had captured the entire country's attention finally got some new developments. Compared to the common folk, the people in the arts world and entertainment industry were the first ones to catch wind of it.

…

At Ci Xiufang's Skit Studio.

A middle-aged man answered a call and was stunned after taking it!

"Ah!"

"Old Hu, what's the matter?"

"Uncle Hu, what happened?"

"Where's Big Sis Ci?"

"Big Sis Ci is studying the script."

"Quickly inform her about this! The executive director for the Spring Festival Gala has been hired!"

"Who is it?"

"Zhang Ye!"

…

At a song and dance troupe 1 .

Some singers were having a meal together and discussing the Spring Festival Gala. They were also unsure of how many of them who were seated at this very table would have a chance of taking to the stage and singing.

Then someone came in from outside.

"Aiyo, why are you all still here eating?"

"What is it, Teacher Chu?"

"Didn't you all hear?"

"Hear about what?"

"The executive director has been hired!"

"What? Who is it?"

"Zhang Ye!"

"What!"

…

At a folk art 2 troupe.

Tang Dazhang and several crosstalk actors were currently going through their scripts.

"This is bad! Something terrible has happened!"

"What's the matter?"

"I've just received news about the executive director for this year's Spring Festival Gala. They—they—"

"What about them?"

"They—"

"Say it already!"

"They've invited Zhang Ye to take the role!"

"Holy shit!"

"What?"

"Impossible! That's impossible!"

"It's true! The news has already spread!"

"This…this…"

"It's over! We're doomed!"

Tang Dazhang and those crosstalk actors blanched!

…

At Grandma Zhang Xia's house.

Chen Guang and Fan Wenli were visiting today.

"Hai, I wonder what's going to happen to the acts."

"We can only wait. There should be a conclusion soon."

"With a change of directors, will our song act still get chosen for the gala?"

"We'll have to see who the director is first."

At this moment, Zhang Xia's phone rang. When she answered it, she got a surprise. "Alright, I understand. Thank you." After hanging up, she looked dumbfounded.

Chen Guang asked, "What's the matter, Grandma Zhang?"

Zhang Xia looked at them and said, "The Spring Festival Gala's executive director has been confirmed."

Fan Wenli said in surprise, "Who is it?"

Zhang Xia paused for a moment before saying, "Zhang Ye."

Fan Wenli snorted in surprise when she heard!

Chen Guang said dumbfoundedly, "What?"

…

Abroad.

In the hotel the film crew was residing in, Zhang Yuanqi was currently soaking in the bathtub.

Her manager, Fang Weihong, faced her and said, "Sister Zhang."

"What is it?"

"Are you preparing to take part in the Spring Festival Gala this year?"

"I'll start preparing after we get back to the country, but hasn't the executive director not been decided on yet?"

"It's been decided."

"Oh? Who is it?"

"Haha, you definitely won't be able to guess."

"Who?"

"Zhang Ye."

…

The industry was rocked to its core!

This news was simply too shocking!

Nine out of ten industry insiders were left dumbfounded after hearing the news!

Zhang Ye?

Zhang Ye?

How could it be him!

Why did this fellow get appointed!

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Chapter 1314: The most powerful person in the entertainment circle!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

…

At Jiang Hanwei's studio.

"Why is it him!"

"Yeah, they could have gotten anyone else to do it!"

"Then do we still have to make preparations for our act?"

"What do you think!"

"What's there left to prepare for!"

…

At his old classmate's house.

Yu Yingyi's jaw dropped!

"Holy shit!"

"Zhang'er is going to be the executive director?"

"That's so awesome! He's going to soar to the skies again!"

…

At Central TV.

"Ah!"

"Heavens!"

"Zhang Ye?"

"Someone tell me this isn't true!"

"Why did they get him!"

"No, please, no!"

…

What was the Spring Festival Gala?

How important was the executive director of the Spring Festival Gala?

Just what kind of an important role was this?

This didn't need any explaining at all. This was the leader of the Spring Festival Gala's production team who would be in charge of the stage production, personnel arrangements, screening of acts, production of the event, as well as making approvals. All of those matters would have to go through the executive director! Even if any of the upper management raised an objection, they wouldn't be able to directly intervene on specific matters of the event, nor bypass him to make any decisions. They would have to communicate and discuss this thoroughly with the executive director!

This was a role that the entire world's Chinese population was most concerned about right now!

Yet they had appointed Zhang Ye to the role?

Many of those in the industry who had offended Zhang Ye were unable to accept this!

Especially to those from the crosstalk world and entertainment industry, this was simply a disaster. The images of the recent call for an industry-wide boycott on Zhang Ye were extremely vivid, so if Zhang Ye were to become the Spring Festival Gala's executive director, would their group of people still be able to get onto the Spring Festival Gala?

As if that would still be possible!

They would surely be destroyed instead!

The crosstalk world was plunged into chaos.

Quite a few crosstalk actors quickly held emergency meetings.

"What should we do?"

"How are we going to handle this?"

"What else can we do? Just carry on doing whatever we've been doing."

"We've already been preparing for half a year!"

"There's nothing confirmed yet, and if there are enough people objecting to it, the higher-ups might even change their mind!"

"Right, we'll have to leave it to the media from here!"

"Let's see how the media will criticize him!"

However, whatever they had in mind did not happen at all!

The news arrived first to the industry.

Then the news started reporting about it.

"Watch out, Spring Festival Gala. Zhang Ye is coming!"

"The Spring Festival Gala's executive director role falls to Zhang Ye!"

"The Spring Festival Gala will be helmed by the best director of television variety shows!"

"Zhang Ye in danger! Will he be able to turn the tide?"

"Zhang Ye's debut on the Spring Festival Gala turns out this way!"

"Zhang Ye to bring a new look to the Spring Festival Gala!"

"Zhang Ye's Spring Festival Gala leaves us in anticipation!"

On this night, there was a surprising consistency not only among the smaller tabloids and social media news blogs, but also the attitude through mainstream media. There were no criticism or doubting voices, with the mainstream media almost giving their full support to Zhang Ye. Some of the media even listed Zhang Ye's achievements all the way back from Lecture Room to the present. They were all reaffirming Zhang Ye abilities in directing as though they had discussed it beforehand and were greatly anticipating his directing of the Spring Festival Gala!

The people from the crosstalk world were dumbfounded!

Tang Dazhang and several older crosstalk actors nearly vomited blood!

"Anticipating? Your sister!"

"What's with the media!"

"Why are they giving him so much support?"

"Zhang Ye is just a variety show director. How can he be experienced enough to direct a gala!"

"Aren't these media outlets lying through their teeth!"

"Yeah, didn't the media always gang up against Zhang Ye whenever there was any news related to him? Didn't they always question and criticize him at the earliest available moment?"

"That was all in the past. Have you all forgotten who his wife is? Ever since the merger of the SARFT and GAPP 1 , the newspaper media has also come under the jurisdiction of the SARFT. Do you think the media are crazy enough to do that in these circumstances? Knowing that Zhang Ye is the husband of their overseeing authority's leader, would they still dare to tread around as recklessly as they did in the past? Do you think they're idiots?"

"They're just swaying in the wind!"

"Shameless! Shameless to the extreme!"

"These media outlets really don't have any principles at all!"

The wheel of fortune is always turning. They could never have expected that this fellow with no artistic integrity who on kept fighting them would suddenly become the husband to the leader of the SARFT in just a few years. And now, he was even going to direct this year's Spring Festival Gala and have the final authoritative say in its matters?!

How could they accept this?

They were completely unable to accept it!

To be honest, it would be a lie to say that they didn't regret it. The crosstalk world had to swallow this insult and humiliation in silence and couldn't voice their bitterness. Just think about it; why did they have to take it up with Zhang Ye all the way back then? Couldn't they just have ignored him? In the end, they were the ones who made such a big enemy for themselves. This was such a terrible defeat for them. And most importantly, if they had managed to face smack Zhang Ye just once in the past, it would have appeased them slightly and made them feel less terrible now. But in every fight they had with Zhang Ye, they'd never come out on top once. Not even once!

So what had they been fighting for then?

As such, many of the crosstalk actors couldn't help but be unhappy with Tang Dazhang over this matter. It was all because of you! You were the one who led us against him, you were the one who picked on things. It was you who provoked the enemy, it was you who brought us the catastrophe. Look at this! Is the entire world going to have to be buried together with you? Why should that be the case!

…

When the news got out, excitement ripped through the Internet!

The netizens were all expressing their disbelief!

"Oh my God!"

"It's really Zhang Ye?"

"They've gotten him to direct the Spring Festival Gala? This is such a big move!"

"How could this be!"

"If it's really him, then the Spring Festival Gala this year might be interesting to watch!"

"Yeah, this fellow can kick up a storm wherever he goes!"

"Why are all the media outlets praising him?"

"I'm also not used to this. Didn't they always speak badly of Zhang Ye in the past?"

"Starting from today, Zhang Ye's door sill will soon be trampled flat. All of the acts' chances of getting onto the Spring Festival Gala are now in Zhang Ye's hands!"

"The crosstalk world is gonna cry!"

"How domineering!"

"What's so domineering about that? Why does Zhang Ye even want to get involved in a mess like this? He's too bold!"

"Yeah, there's nothing to criticize about Teacher Zhang's directing skills. Everyone can see that for themselves. But the executive director role for the Spring Festival Gala is really just to take the rap when it fails, so appointing any other person would be the same. It doesn't matter who takes the job. The Spring Festival Gala is still going downhill no matter what, and nothing can be done to reverse that. The viewership ratings will still continue to drop. I'm just worried that Zhang Ye will gain nothing out of this, or even worse, end up getting blamed for it. If that is the case, then wouldn't it have been better not to take the role in the first place? There's no point in having a moment of glory if it ends up with him suffering a defeat. How could he wrap it up at the end? Zhang Ye has already made a name for himself, so why would he still take such a risk?"

"Well, at least he'll have tasted glory once!"

"I'm in support of Zhang Ye doing a good one for the Spring Festival Gala!"

"I'm not optimistic about it."

"Me neither."

There were many different opinions among the people, with everyone saying different things about Zhang Ye's appointment as the executive director of the Spring Festival Gala. However, the majority of the opinions were pessimistic. After all, the Spring Festival Gala had already "hurt" everyone too much!

Year after year of anticipation!

In exchange for year after year of disappointment!

As such, the people were no longer hopeful of anything!

…

Back at home.

In the bedroom.

Zhang Ye powered off his phone and went to bed early.

A news bombardment?

His industry peers in chaos?

The people in an uproar?

He couldn't see all of this, nor did he want to know about it. This was because Zhang Ye knew very well that tonight would be the last night that he would get a good night's rest. Starting tomorrow, he would officially be taking charge of the Central TV Spring Festival Gala. At that time, it would almost be impossible for him to get a proper night's rest. From tomorrow until Chinese New Year's Eve, Zhang Ye would be the busiest person in the entertainment circle. But of course, at the same time, he was going to be the most powerful person in the entertainment circle!

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Chapter 1315: The Spring Festival Gala is timeless!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The next day.

In the morning.

The entrance of Central TV was jam-packed with reporters from television stations and newspaper agencies. All of them had surrounded the entrance with hardly any space to maneuver. No one knew how long they had been waiting for.

Suddenly, a car drove towards them from afar.

"He's here!"

"It's the BMW X5!"

"It's Zhang Ye's car!"

"He's arrived!"

"Director Zhang!"

"How do you feel about taking over the Spring Festival Gala job?"

"Can we interview you?"

"What plans do you have to make the Spring Festival Gala good?"

"Do you have the confidence to do well for this year's Spring Festival Gala?"

"What is the first step that you'll be taking after getting appointed?"

40 to 50 reporters had surrounded Zhang Ye's X5, so the car was forced to stop since it couldn't move forward. A few of Central TV's security guards immediately came over to disperse the crowd, but to no effect even after shouting themselves hoarse. The reporters from all the major media outlets and newspapers were simply not going to allow Zhang Ye to leave. This was because everyone in the country had their attention on the role of the Spring Festival Gala's executive director. Furthermore, Zhang Ye was the youngest executive director in the gala's history. So the news of Zhang Ye's first day on the job was definitely not going to be missed being reported about by them. Some of the reporters had even been waiting here since midnight!

But unnoticed by anyone, a sedan drove into the premises from a side entrance.

When it stopped in the parking lot, the doors opened. Zhang Ye, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others got out.

Zhang Ye turned his head back to look. "Good thing you guys were smart."

Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Of course. You're the center of attention, so we definitely have to consider such situations happening. Things are no longer the same as before."

Zhang Zuo looked up at the television tower. "We're back again."

Little Wang sighed. "I kinda miss the days we spent at Central TV."

Tong Fu blinked. "Does this count as a homecoming then?"

Ha Qiqi said happily, "That's not the proper phrase to use here."

"Then what should I have said?" Tong Fu asked.

Zhang Ye stepped forward and went in, saying as he did so, "We're here to wreak havoc in the Heavenly Palace."

Tong Fu got a fright. "Director Zhang, please don't scare me like that."

Zhang Zuo didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Can you not always be saying such terrible things? When those words come out of your mouth, I feel really scared."

Little Wang giggled, "Pfft!"

Zhang Ye called out to them, "Let's go."

Today's Zhang Ye was somewhat different.

Compared to yesterday, his composure had changed drastically.

…

Upstairs.

At the temporary holding office of the Central TV Spring Festival Gala's production team.

"Uh…"

"Director Zhang."

"Good morning, director."

"Director."

"Morning, director."

He was getting looks from everyone along the way. Their eyes shone with a complex swirl of emotions. The look in their eyes was really indescribable.

Was it anxiety?

Speechlessness?

Strife?

Or guilt?

In any case, it was definitely a negative emotion.

The roomful of people on the Spring Festival Gala production team were all experiencing an unmentionable sense of bitterness. Thinking about the day Zhang Ye had come to attend the initial meeting with his act's script, he was so sarcastic that they couldn't bear it. None of these people in the room missed out on getting hit with that sarcasm of his and were almost pushed to the brink by him. But now? Just several days later, Zhang Ye had somehow turned from Central TV's greatest adversary into the executive director of the Spring Festival Gala? He had become their immediate superior?

Where could they go to reason against this!

A few of the those who were in charge came up to him.

"Director, my name is Li Liyi, I'm in charge of the stage setup."

"I'm in charge of the dance acts."

"I'm the manager of the screenwriting team."

"Director Zhang, nice to meet you. I'm in charge of the music."

Everyone took turns introducing themselves.

There were several dozen staff members on the production team who covered all aspects of the gala's requirements. It was a very well-rounded team.

It consisted of Central TV's current executives who were the top experts in the industry, as well as the most outstanding people from the relevant fields. This was likely a gathering of the most elite people for a gala team in the country, with everyone being the best of the best in their own capacities. One would simply not be able to be part of the Spring Festival Gala team if they didn't have some ability to speak of.

Zhang Ye memorized the names and roles of each of them.

A lot of people wondered what Zhang Ye's first task would be following his appointment. The answer was actually very simple. It was to integrate everyone so that they would be able to perform as a united front. The waters of the Spring Festival Gala ran too deep. With pressure from the top and the selection of the acts, this was already enough to give them headaches. If the production team was also a mess internally, then it would be impossible to get any work started. Therefore, the first task Zhang Ye had to do was get the production team under his control!

So he decided to say a few words to them.

Zhang Ye said, "Good day, everyone. I'm sure you've all received the news that I will be taking over the Spring Festival Gala production team starting today. You all know my temperament too. I'm a very straightforward person, so I'll say anything as it is. I personally know many of those who are here today, and some of you have had disagreements or quarrels with me in the past, while there are also some who have scolded me on the Internet before."

Hearing that, quite a few people in the production team looked embarrassed.

Zhang Ye spread his hands. "But that's OK. All of that happened because of work matters, so I can understand. We'll let bygones be bygones. You don't have to get stressed over it since I'm not a petty person. Starting today, we'll be colleagues. As long as it's for work, as long as everyone puts in the effort, anything goes!"

"Of course!"

"Don't worry about it!"

"Definitely!"

"We will listen to your orders!"

There was a scattered response from those in the production team that sounded very good, but their tone did not come across as too enthusiastic.

Zhang Ye looked at them, then said, "Actually to be honest, I did not want to take this job at first. Many of you here have been part of the Spring Festival Gala's production team many times, with some of you taking part twice, some thrice. But rather than gaining any credit for your work, you all received quite a fair share of the blame. I believe that a lot of you have a very mixed feelings about this like me. Some of you would be hesitating, some would feel quite bitter over it. To put it bluntly, this job that we're doing can simply be summarized as—a thankless task."

Everyone smiled wryly.

That's right.

It might sound very glorious to be on the Spring Festival Gala production team, but it really wasn't a good job at all.

Zhang Ye continued, "The viewership ratings for the Spring Festival Gala are falling, while the people's criticism is getting louder and louder. And who is that blame pinned on? It's always blamed on the Spring Festival Gala production team. At the previous gala, I was also one of those who showed a disgraceful side of me. I led the flaming of the Spring Festival Gala and on you guys, so let me first offer my apologies to you. When the Spring Festival Gala's organizing committee invited me to take the role, my first reaction was to hide. I had to avoid it as far as I could. I didn't want to accept the job, I really didn't." With a pause, he said, "But as it is, here I am. At first, I was thinking of what a foolish mistake I'd made and why I had accepted the role. Why did I accept it like I had been possessed by a ghost or something?"

Everyone listened on curiously.

Zhang Ye suddenly laughed. "I went to bed very early last night. The moment I opened my eyes this morning, I understood. I suddenly knew why I chose to stand here. It's because I still have feelings for the Spring Festival Gala. I love it as it is a part of my memories. This is also a beautiful memory that many of us Chinese will never be able to forget. I didn't want it to meet its end just like that, I didn't want it to get scolded so terribly by all the citizens and be criticized by everyone on the same day every year!"

A few people were visibly moved.

A few people stayed silent.

How could they not have that same feeling for the Spring Festival Gala?

Zhang Ye said loudly, "I'm someone who doesn't believe the lies! No one is optimistic about this year's Spring Festival Gala? Well, I won't believe that! So all the more I want to create a Spring Festival Gala that will catch the entire world's Chinese population by surprise! My abilities and standards are limited, but today! I will throw all hundred pounds of myself at the challenge! I will show them all! I want everyone to open their eyes and see it for themselves! The Spring Festival Gala is timeless!"

The Spring Festival Gala is timeless?

Everyone took a deep breath as they felt a certain emotion stirring deep within the recesses of their hearts!

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Chapter 1316: An unprecedented sponsorship for the Spring Festival Gala?

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

Later that morning.

Zhang Ye officially took control of the Spring Festival Gala production team.

The people on the production team gradually reported on their work progress.

The operating expenses.

The personnel.

The stage.

The list of acts.

The time of the first approval session.

All kinds of difficult issues were waiting to be solved!

All kinds of difficulties were waiting to be overcome!

But after that motivating speech by Zhang Ye, a lot of the production team staff were feeling motivated and pumped up. They no longer had that worrisome look they had when they first met Zhang Ye, nor was there the crushing anxiety and pressure from their work that had stalled. Some of them immediately got down to work, some of them rekindled their spirits, and some of them were full of energy!

That's right!

Who says that the Spring Festival Gala is kaput?

Who determined such a thing?

…

In the Spring Festival Gala's executive director office.

Zhang Ye was announcing the team appointments. "Sister Ha, you'll be the assistant director."

Ha Qiqi nodded firmly. "Alright!"

Zhang Ye said, "Brother Zuo, you too."

Zhang Zuo said, "No problem."

Zhang Ye said, "Little Wang, you will continue to be my assistant."

"As you command, Director Zhang," Little Wang said obediently.

The team that he brought along were assigned to roles in the production team. For the next two months, there wouldn't be a need to staff too many people at the studio since Zhang Ye would not be taking any other jobs for the time being. The core of his team could all be of use here in the Spring Festival Gala production team instead, so he brought them along with him. Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo were both originally from Central TV and were directors themselves. Putting aside their skill level, at least they had been working together with him long enough to have a good mutual understanding of each other. They understood his temper well and were familiar with his working style too. This was also where Zhang Ye needed them as he would require them to communicate his work assignments to the rest of the team.

Tong Fu said excitedly, "Director Zhang, what will we be doing this time? Just tell us your instructions!"

Little Wang also said with enthusiasm, "We will surely execute this year's Spring Festival Gala beautifully and let everyone know how strong our team is!"

Zhang Zuo laughed and said, "Right, let's shock them all!"

Ha Qiqi said, "Our names will be forever immortalized."

Hearing that, Zhang Ye was startled. "Immortalized? How?"

Ha Qiqi said, "By making sure that the Spring Festival Gala does well of course."

Zhang Ye was taken aback. "How are we going to make sure it does well?"

Everyone was dumbfounded.

"Ah?"

"How would we know?"

"Didn't you say it yourself earlier?"

"You said that the Spring Festival Gala was timeless!"

However, Zhang Ye's reply nearly made Ha Qiqi and the others faint on the spot. He said, "It's not like I'm God or something. In all the past years of the Spring Festival Gala, did you guys think that the executive directors were amateurs? That none of them had any true skill? For a problem that cannot be solved even after so many years of hard work by people like them, how do you expect me to suddenly solve it the moment I arrive? How is that possible! Aren't you guys too naïve?"

Us? Naïve?

The group of them vomited blood!

Ha Qiqi said, "But we weren't the ones who claimed that!"

Tong Fu said, "Director Zhang! You were the one who said it yourself!"

Zhang Ye stared at them and said, "I was just sweet talking them and you believed me?"

Little Wang said, "Ah?"

Zhang Zuo said, "Sweet talk?"

Everyone was baffled!

Damn! So you were just talking big?

So you didn't actually have a plan at all?

Aiyo, why are the words coming out of your mouth so unreliable? We thought that you were really brimming with confidence!

Soon after, the few of them left with a sense of uncertainty, leaving Zhang Ye alone in the office to go through some documents with an unceasing headache and a frown on his face. A plan? Like he would have a plan! That solemn speech he gave earlier was purely to reassure the team and increase their morale so that their fighting spirit could be raised. What was a speech? To put it plainly, a speech was just a tool used to fool people. The words Zhang Ye had said did not even sound convincing to himself. He didn't have any confidence that he could make the Spring Festival Gala good. He could only take it one step at a time and solve whatever difficulties that laid ahead of them.

The funding issue!

This was the most pressing matter to address!

It was also the biggest issue that had to be resolved first!

As everyone knows, the Spring Festival Gala does not actually pay an appearance fee to its performers. It was unlike those variety shows on the local and satellite channels where an invitation for a bigger name celebrity to join a show could cost up to tens of millions of yuan. Even a small-timer could cost them several million yuan to invite. This was what a joining fee was, and even an interview would have to pay a celebrity some money. But this wasn't necessary for the Central TV Spring Festival Gala. On this stage, the celebrities were basically made available like cabbages in a market. Zhang Ye could choose from any celebrity from all over the country and it wouldn't cost a thing!

Pay them?

That would be overthinking things!

All they needed to provide them with were two boxed meals a day!

They could make claims for their train rides to get here, but not if it was a business class ticket!

Claiming the expenses for a plane ticket would only be limited to an economy class seat, while first-class seats were out of the question!

You could count yourself lucky if they paid you 2,000 yuan for the appearance fee. Even if they only paid you 350 yuan, you would have to accept it. To them, the performers were all treated the same and there was no preferential treatment given to the bigger names.

So by all rights, since they didn't have to spend any money on appearance fees, they shouldn't be lacking money. But as it stood, it was the exact opposite. They lacked money, and they lacked it by too much. Why did Li Ke quit from his role? It was simply because he couldn't carry on working anymore. Without money, without a budget, they weren't even able to get the stage set up. Unless they continued using the same old stage from the previous years and made slight modifications to it while adding some new equipment, there was just no funding available to get them a bigger one. Regarding that stage, Zhang Ye also knew about it. Other than it being a very large venue, the equipment facilities and technology supporting it were lacking by a lot compared to the variety show stages used on the local and satellite channels. This was supposed to be Central TV's Spring Festival Gala! It was the biggest gala in the world. But why was its stage not even comparable to that of a randomly picked variety show? How could it be like that? So of course it would be a wonder if the audience liked watching the gala! Therefore, this problem with the funding was a matter that Zhang Ye definitely had to solve!

He started running through the figures!

…

At the deputy station head office of Central TV.

"Station Head Hong."

"Hi, Boss Zhang."

"Can you all come up with a bit more money for the Spring Festival Gala's budget?"

"Aiyo, you're making things difficult for us that way."

"It's only at 80 million RMB. What is that enough for us to spend on?"

"This was the figure approved by the higher-ups. The budget for the Spring Festival Gala would have to be run past them first."

"But, Old Hong, this is really too little!"

"I also know that this isn't a large sum, but it has always been this figure for all the past galas. If we increase it, it won't make it past the audits. Besides, we also can't come up with that kind of money."

"Why can't you come up with that kind of money? Old Hong, don't you play dumb with me. It's not like I've never done a show at Central TV before. A budget of 100 to 200 million should be child's play!"

"That's because variety show can generate profits back for us. If we invest 200 million RMB into it, we can still earn that back later on. But the Spring Festival Gala does not earn any money for us. However much we put into it would mean the same amount has been spent. If you want 80 million or 100 million, we are still able to take that out of our pockets. But any more and it won't be up for discussion at all."

…

At the audit office 1 .

In the chief's office.

"Chief Qian 2 ."

"Yo, Director Zhang?"

"Can you please approve an increase to the Spring Festival Gala's budget?"

"It's already at the limit."

"But it's not enough at all. It's definitely not going to work out."

"How about this, Director Zhang? I have also known Chief Wu for a long time now, so I will definitely give face to you regarding this matter. I will personally give the green light and increase your budget by another 20 million to make it a total of 100 million RMB. You can source it directly from Central TV, but any more and I can't do anything about it. I don't have the authority to do so either."

"That's too little!"

"How much do you need then?"

"At least 800 million!"

"Whoa! That's impossible. Don't talk about Central TV or us, which organization out there would be able to cough up that kind of money!"

…

No approval!

No money!

They couldn't dispense that sum at all!

After going around for an entire day to seven or eight departments and meeting with their heads, the answer from everyone was the same.

In the office of the Spring Festival Gala production team.

There was chattering.

"Director, this is what the situation is right now."

"Director Li also wanted to have a higher budget to work with to solve the issue with the stage, but he wasn't successful in getting it at the end."

"Your influence is already massive since you've managed to get another 20 million RMB. Director Li went around for so many days but wasn't even given an additional 1 million to work with!"

"There isn't any more time left. If we can't get more, let's just make do with this amount."

"Director, the leaders are already pressing us to quickly start work!"

"Hai, this is always how it ends up every year."

Everyone was giving suggestions.

But Zhang Ye was still very stubborn. "This amount of money isn't even enough to feed the birds! So what are we starting work for? As long as the money does not come in, I won't be moving a single plank! It's either I don't do it, or I'll do it to the best of my ability!"

This is the Spring Festival Gala we're talking about, alright?

The stage is too important!

It's the most crucial issue of crucial issues. We can't be sloppy about it!

You all can't come up with the money? Alright then! I'll think of a way myself!

Zhang Ye had already come to a decision. He immediately went to look for the leaders of the Spring Festival Gala's organizing committee to convene an emergency meeting.

In the conference room.

The executives were all very anxious.

"Director Zhang, has work started yet?"

"Please quickly get the stage set up."

"There isn't much time left."

But Zhang Ye said, "I can't do anything if there's no money."

The audit office's leader said, "There's no one who can cough up the money that you want."

Zhang Ye nodded. "I know the money issue is very troublesome. But have any of you given it any thought before? About why the Spring Festival Gala is getting worse with each passing year? The funding is actually one of the main reasons for it. With the rapid pace of technological development, many of the television stations have upgraded their equipment. But us? We're still stuck in a time where we're still using the most traditional stage and set designs. This sort of backwardness directly leads to the viewership ratings dropping. The world around us is advancing, so the Spring Festival Gala must also change with the times. We have been dragging our feet for too long year after year, and there's no time anymore. If we don't introduce the changes now, the Spring Festival Gala is finished for sure!"

"But what about the money?" the chief from the audit office said.

A leader from the Ministry of Culture said, "What suggestions do you have?"

Zhang Ye looked at everyone and said, "I have a proposal here that, as long as it's approved, will ensure that money will no longer be an issue. Not only will the funding issue be resolved, but we will also be able to upgrade the stage into a world-class one. On top of that, mass profits could be generated too. And by that, I mean that the profits will keep rolling in year after year. At that time, everyone will no longer have to worry about the issue of funding anymore, and the stage will only get bigger with each passing year!"

Everyone was stunned. "What proposal is that?"

Zhang Ye handed out over a dozen copies of documents to them.

When the executives on the organizing committee flipped through them, all of them inhaled sharply!

The people from the SARFT were shocked!

The people from the audit office were shocked!

The people from the Ministry of Culture were shocked!

Advertisements!

Oh my god!

He was actually thinking about getting advertising sponsorships!

In Zhang Ye's previous world, the Central TV Spring Festival Gala already had a standardized mode of operation. However, in this world, the Spring Festival Gala had still not been introduced to the advertising format. Ever since the first gala, there had never been any appearance of an advertisement in it, never! So, when the executives saw this proposal, they were all very shocked. They were shocked by Zhang Ye's out of this world courage!

You actually dared to think of something like that?

In the entire country, only you would dare to think up of something like this!

This was a big deal. It was a huge deal!

"But there's no such precedent!"

"I know."

"Have you thought about the consequences?"

"I've considered them."

"Do you know how big of a controversy this will cause?"

"I know."

"What if something goes wrong because of this?"

"I will take full responsibility for it!"

"So you're serious about this then?"

"Yes, I'm serious about it!"

Zhang Ye had a determined look in his eyes!

The Spring Festival Gala's organizing committee executives all looked at one another!

1. https/en./wiki/National_Audit_Office_(China)

2. This Qian surname is also the word for money.

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Chapter 1317: The most daring executive director in the history of the Spring Festival Gala! Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

Meetings!

Debates!

Disagreements!

Voting!

Two days!

The higher-ups spent two entire days discussing it!

At this time, the Spring Festival Gala was becoming a very pressing issue. The previous appointment of the executive director had already been dragged on for too long. In fact, it was one of the latest appointments in all the past years. In the end, that executive director did not even take a few days before he decided to step down from the role. After another period of dragging on, they finally invited Zhang Ye to take charge of the Spring Festival Gala. The timing was so tight that every minute and second was extremely precious and couldn't be wasted. Yet the higher-ups spent these two days cooped up in a meeting to decide on the possibility of implementing an advertising format for the Spring Festival Gala. From that, it showed how important this matter was!

No one dared to make the decision!

No one was willing to bear this infamy!

But now, Zhang Ye had stepped up. He would be responsible for all the consequences. Further, he even submitted such a shocking advertising proposal and had also worked out the preliminary negotiations with the other party. After the Spring Festival Gala's organizing committee saw this proposal, they were all astounded. And even the executives above these executives could not help but feel impressed by Zhang Ye's idea when they learned about it—he was truly a prodigy at advertising and marketing. If they adopted this advertising plan by Zhang Ye, not only would they be paid the advertising fees, it could even drive up the Spring Festival Gala's viewership ratings and popularity!

Should they go ahead with it?

Could they allow such a precedent?

The higher-ups were hesitating!

For such an important matter, even the Spring Festival Gala's organizing committee executives were unable to make a decision about it. It would require someone even higher up, or even the higher higher-ups to approve of the plan!

…

In the office of the Spring Festival Gala's production team.

Zhang Ye was busy preparing the set design proposal.

"Director, this won't work."

"It will work if I say it does."

"But this would cost too much money."

A bunch of stage designers were arguing back and forth.

Zhang Ye was actually waiting as well. He had already been waiting for the past two days. Without money, all these set design proposals would have been done for naught. It wouldn't get translated onto the set at all.

Were they still undecided?

Was it really not possible?

He was getting really anxious.

Suddenly, Ha Qiqi ran in. "Director Zhang!"

Zhang Ye looked at her. "How goes it?"

Ha Qiqi exclaimed excitedly, "It's been approved! They've approved it!"

Zhang Ye immediately said, "How did they say it would be done?"

Ha Qiqi quickly explained, "There can only be a maximum of five advertisers and we mustn't exceed on that number. Of the advertisement money received, 1 billion yuan will be disbursed to us for our operating expenses. The leader has requested that every single yuan be used wisely. As for how the money should be spent, you can decide on it as long as you submit the requests for approval!"

Instantly, the Spring Festival Gala production team's staff screamed!

"What?"

"The higher-ups have really approved it?"

"This is great!"

"Ahhhh!"

"We finally have money! We're rich!"

Some of the women on the team got so emotional that they almost cried!

There was a time when these people on the Spring Festival Gala production team were laughed at and called the poorest production team in the industry by their peers. They had the biggest gala stage to work on, but didn't have the budget of a large scale variety show. They couldn't afford to buy or get anything done, didn't manage to have their plans approved, and even had to miserly calculate if they had enough money left when ordering equipment. If they spent a little more than it looked necessary, they would get criticized by the media for recklessly spending the taxpayers' money. As a result, the higher-ups became very cautious and managed their spending very carefully. Who could understand what they went through? It was simply unbearable to look back upon that!

However, it was different now!

Their executive director's proposal had been approved by the higher-ups!

This would mean that they would be getting the funding very soon, and it wasn't just 100 million or 200 million they were talking about. It was 1 billion RMB! And it was even money from sponsors, so they wouldn't have to worry about others wagging their tongues about how they spent it! They were about to turn from the poorest production team into the richest one in the world!

What did that feel like?

They felt as though they were soaring to the skies!

Zhang Ye also suddenly became very confident. "Old Ha, quickly contact the advertisers. Make an appointment with them to get the contracts signed so that we can immediately execute the advertising proposal!"

Ha Qiqi replied, "OK, I'll get to it immediately!"

Zhang Ye said, "I only have one request for them!"

Ha Qiqi said, "What is it?"

Zhang Ye said, "That they disburse the advertising fees within a week!"

Ha Qiqi said, "Alright, I'll talk to them about that!"

Everyone got down to business!

Some of the people were full of energy, while others had a bitter look on their faces.

Director Zhang was playing with fire this time. Was the Spring Festival Gala really going to advertise now? What kind of a result would that garner? Right now, no one dared to make any predictions!

…

In the outside world.

The media was getting restless.

It has already been two days, but there was still no sign of any activity regarding the Spring Festival Gala. They had spent the past few days waiting for Zhang Ye's first move since his appointment as the executive director. However, there was still nothing that came out of that. A lot of the reporters could not believe this. This was Zhang Ye they were talking about, the well-known hooligan of the entertainment industry. If it were any other executive director who stayed quiet after their appointment, they might still believe it! But to see Zhang Ye not making a move? That was just impossible! He didn't pick a fight with anyone? He didn't scold anyone? When had this fellow ever been so composed? This was not his style!

Beijing Times.

The editorial department was abuzz with conversation.

"The Spring Festival Gala production team is too quiet."

"Yeah, it's so quiet that it's scary."

"Why do I feel like a storm is brewing?"

At this moment, someone ran in!

"Not good!"

"What's the matter, Little Li?"

"I just got back from Central TV. Something big has happened with the Spring Festival Gala!"

"What is it? Say it quickly!"

"Zhang Ye is—"

"What did he do?"

"He's turning to advertisements!"

"What?"

"Holy shit!"

"I knew it, I knew that something big would happen!"

…

At Xinhua News Agency.

"Something has happened! The Spring Festival Gala is going to advertise!"

"Get lost, that's impossible."

"It's true!"

"Hur hur, who would dare advertise during the Spring Festival Gala?"

"Zhang Ye dares!"

"Damn, are you serious?"

"It's verified to be 100% true! This news has been confirmed!"

"What?"

"Has Zhang Ye gone crazy?"

…

People's Daily.

The editorial department was in utter silence!

"Holy fuck!"

"This—"

"This is crazy!"

"This is insanity!"

"They're going to have advertisements on the Spring Festival Gala?"

"Heavens!"

"This year's Spring Festival Gala is going to be chaos!"

"That's what they get for appointing a reckless man like Zhang Ye to take charge of the gala!"

…

The media was stunned!

The industry was puking blood!

After two days of waiting and inaction, the first thing that Zhang Ye did for the Spring Festival Gala had stunned the entire country's citizens! Zhang Ye was indeed still that same old Zhang Ye. When he didn't make a move, everything was fine. But the moment he did, it would always be earth-shattering. The Spring Festival Gala was going to have advertisements in it? Other than him, who would even toy with that sort of idea!

The people were dumbfounded!

"Are you serious?"

"Oh my God!"

"Zhang Ye is too bold!"

"He fucking has the courage of a lion!"

"I knew that there would be trouble the moment they said he was taking charge of the Central TV Spring Festival Gala. Just look at this. It's only been a few days, but the Spring Festival Gala is going to take advertisers? If this continues for another two months, the Spring Festival Gala will surely get dismantled by Zhang Ye! Aiyo, goddammit, there have never been advertisements on the Spring Festival Gala before!"

"Pfft!"

"Zhang Ye is such a scammer!"

"This is great. He's dragged the Spring Festival Gala down!"

"He's capable of causing trouble everywhere he goes!"

"This has turned into something big!"

"How could he bring what they do on variety shows onto the Spring Festival Gala!"

"If the Spring Festival Gala has advertisements on it, how much would the advertising fees cost? Just having a brief moment of screen time would cost at least a 100 million, right?"

"What a scammer this Zhang Ye is! They appointed you to be in charge of the Spring Festival Gala so that you could improve it, not earn money for it. Aiyo, this is so funny!"

"Hahahahaha!"

"Zhang Ye is indeed very unconventional!"

"The higher-ups too, why would they approve a proposal like this?"

"Yeah, the higher-ups are really giving a lot of face to Zhang Ye."

"This year's Spring Festival Gala will definitely be different from the previous years."

"That's right. With Zhang Ye around, how can there not be any controversies?"

"The world can't stop our Lord Zhang!"

"Just let him do it. The past years have always been too traditional because everyone was so concerned with their statuses. It's not bad to have Zhang Ye introduce some chaos into the equation. Who knows, he might just be able to come up with a few tricks. Furthermore, this year's Spring Festival Gala bears his name. It won't matter how much of a mess it gets into. Zhang Ye will be totally responsible for it. He must have considered the consequences before going ahead with this plan."

People were praising it.

People were sarcastically poking fun at it.

People were scolding it.

People were criticizing it.

Zhang Ye's actions had caused a great uproar in the country!

The news also started being reported about in the nation!

Even the Asian media outlets started picking up on the reports. For a world-class stage like the Spring Festival Gala, there was also a lot of attention given to it in Asia. Besides, Zhang Ye was also an A-list celebrity in the Asian Celebrity Rankings, so even if he was still not that appealing to people in Asian countries, he was still known to many of them!

He was getting a mixed reception!

There was a continued controversy about this!

But there was an opinion that seemed pretty unified across all the media outlets!

All of them unanimously agreed that Zhang Ye was: the most daring executive director in the history of the Spring Festival Gala!

Daring to advertise also required courage!

Further, on a stage like the Spring Festival Gala?

This was a decision that no any ordinary person could make!

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Chapter 1318: Arrival of the five rip-off cards of fortune!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

When the 1 billion RMB was received.

Work on the stage began.

The advertising negotiations were carried out.

The program list was drawn up.

Preparations for the first approval session began.

The Spring Festival Gala's production team led by Zhang Ye suddenly got busy.

Meanwhile, there was no lack of doubting voices from the outside world.

Little Wang reported, "Director Zhang, there is quite a lot of scolding directed at us outside."

Zhang Ye said, "I know, just leave them be."

Tong Fu was slightly surprised. "Aren't we going to issue a response?"

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "There's no need. If they keep talking about us, it proves that there is a lot of attention given to the Spring Festival Gala. That's much better than having no attention at all, isn't it? It can also be seen as a different form of publicity. Besides, this isn't even that much of a scolding. They still have not started with the serious scolding." There was a deeper meaning to his words.

Everyone was dismayed.

"Ah?"

"Have not started yet?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"Is it because of the advertisements?"

"Are there going to be problems with the advertisements?"

They kept up with the questioning. The Spring Festival Gala production team members did not have the same strong mental fortitude as Zhang Ye.

However, Zhang Ye did not give them a direct answer. He simply gave a sheepish smile and said, "You'll find out when the time comes."

For the Spring Festival Gala's viewership ratings, Zhang Ye had resorted to using his killer move. This killer move was the kind that would sacrifice a 2,000-strong army to defeat an army with only 1,000 enemies. It was one of the most controversial marketing cases in Zhang Ye's previous world but an extremely explosive technique that was very deceitful as well. The people of this world would surely not know about it, but if it was mentioned to anyone in Zhang Ye's previous world, eighty percent people would surely jump up and start cursing at it!

That's right!

It was just such a deceitful marketing technique!

And now, Zhang Ye was getting ready to introduce it to this world!

…

The days passed.

The production pace of the Spring Festival Gala started picking up.

…

On this day.

The country was in an uproar!

Everyone had been stunned by a sudden piece of news!

The Spring Festival Gala's advertising partner, one of the country's largest payment processors called " Unipay 1 ," had announced some extremely shocking news. With a cash prize pool of 200 million RMB, the Spring Festival Gala's "Five Cards of Fortune Collection" campaign was launched.

And what were the five fortunes?

The prosperity and strength card of fortune.

The harmony card of fortune.

The friendship card of fortune.

The patriotism card of fortune.

The work dedication card of fortune.

The rules were: A user who adds ten new friends on Unipay will stand to receive three cards of fortune. The remaining two cards could be gifted or exchanged between Unipay friends, and the users who managed to gather all five cards of fortune would stand to win an equal share of the 200 million RMB cash prize. This was not simply a chance at winning the prize money, but a definite one as long as you could gather all five cards of fortune. So that would mean that if only one person could gather all the cards, then that person would win the entire share of the 200 million RMB. If two people each managed to gather the five cards, the 200 million yuan cash pool would be split equally between them!

It was cold, hard cash!

This was as fair as it could get!

The Spring Festival Gala's official Weibo shared the post!

This campaign was widely advertised across all the major forums!

Unipay's promotions instantly covered every nook and cranny in an overwhelming fashion!

When had the people ever witnessed such a strong marketing push before? They were dumbfounded!

"Holy shit!"

"200 million RMB?"

"I didn't read it wrong, did I? Has Unipay gone crazy?"

"Is this what the Spring Festival Gala's advertisement is?"

"Haha, I like this advertisement!"

"No shit, who wouldn't like it since it involves money to be won!"

"Are they really going to give out 200 million yuan in red packets?"

"Did they have to make such a big move! Isn't this a little too much?"

"This is fucking 40 times higher than the prize money for those sports lottery tickets!"

"My God!"

"Ahhhhh! 200 million! It's 200 million!"

"Great showing, Unipay! Nicely done!"

"200 million, here I come!"

"Get lost, it's mine!"

"I'm gonna give it a try!"

"Hurry, add me as a friend! Quick!"

"If we're too slow, it'll be gone. Requesting ten contacts to add!"

"Let's help each other out, comrades!"

"This is so exciting!"

Everyone was bursting with excitement!

The red packet war had started!

…

At Tsinghua University.

In a classroom.

An English teacher was currently giving a lecture from the front of the room.

"How do we play this?"

"Add me as a friend first, then I'll tell you."

"Wow, I've already gotten three fortune cards!"

"Me too, I'm just short of another two!"

"Who has the work dedication card of fortune? I'll trade the prosperity and strength card of fortune for it!"

"Shh, be quiet. We're in class."

…

At a company.

"Old Li, I've already gathered four cards of fortune."

"What cards of fortune? Why are you gathering them?"

"Don't you know? There's 200 million yuan to be won!"

"Ah?"

"Quickly sign up for a Unipay account."

"Alright, let me give this card gathering thing a try too!"

…

In a restaurant.

The waiters were huddled together in groups of two and three.

"Give me a patriotism card! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"

"I only have two cards of fortune!"

"I'll trade the harmony card with you!"

"Alright, I've sent it to you!"

"Where's the work dedication card?"

"I don't know! No one has it!"

…

In the crosstalk world.

"What are you all doing?"

"We're gathering the five fortunes."

"Whoa, you guys are also playing such games at your age?"

"There's no chance for us to get on the Spring Festival Gala anyway, so we might as well just give it a try. Who knows, we might end up winning the red packet prize."

The number of people collecting the cards of fortune was increasing!

Even the old comrades from the crosstalk world had joined in, so just imagine what kind of a situation this was!

…

On one of the days.

A Weibo photo went viral.

The first person in the country to gather all five of the cards of fortune finally appeared. That person posted a screenshot with the five cards flush with color 2 , while the comments below were all envious voices.

"That's amazing!"

"You've gathered them all so quickly?"

"Big Bro, please give me a share of your prize!"

"This is worth 200 million, bro!"

"If no one else manages to gather them all, the entire 200 million RMB prize will belong to you!"

"Damn, where's the work dedication card!"

"I'm also looking for it. There are too few of them!"

"Fucking work dedication card, show yourself!"

"Collecting the work dedication card, paying 50 yuan for one!"

"I'll pay 100 yuan!"

"Whoever has the work dedication card, please PM me. I can act cute for you and warm your bed too!"

"Could this poster end up winning the entirety of the prize money?"

"No way, right? There will definitely be others who can gather all five of them as well. In fact, I heard that there will be an indication of how many people have managed to gather all the cards of fortune during the live broadcast of the Spring Festival Gala on Lunar New Year's Eve. The hosts will also be handing out cards of fortune that will be up for grabs to the viewers, so there should still be quite a few work dedication cards getting released. We can only depend on luck to see if we can get them!"

"What? It will be a concurrent event with the Spring Festival Gala?"

"That's right."

"This advertising campaign is really fun and gimmicky!"

"Zhang Ye is so devious!"

"Yeah, the campaign was thought up by him in the first place!"

"Pfft, Zhang Ye is too good at business. I was still wondering why he was suddenly open to taking advertisements for the gala. So it was because the advertisements could help increase the viewership ratings and bring in viewership for the Spring Festival Gala!"

"I don't care about the gala. All I want is the work dedication card!"

"I'll be the girlfriend of whoever gives me their work dedication card!"

"Damn, previous poster, are you serious?"

"I hope the Spring Festival Gala gets broadcast soon. I can't wait anymore!"

"I hope they'll give out a few more of the work dedication cards during the Spring Festival Gala!"

One spread to ten.

Ten spread to a 100.

Some people were doing it for the red packets while others were doing it purely for the fun of it. There were also people who saw their friends asking for cards of fortune who ended up joining in the activity as well. A propagation like this through social media was extremely frightening. Once a user started gathering the cards of fortune, the ten friends they added would also know about it. When those ten friends joined in to gather the cards, they would then bring in another 100 friends with them. The 100 friends would then bring in 1,000 friends, and the 1,000 friends would bring in 10,000 friends. This would go on and on until no new users were left!

It was a form of viral marketing!

In just a short period of time, the entire country was caught up in the craze of the Spring Festival Gala's Five Cards of Fortune Collection!

That's right!

It was crazy!

It was an unparalleled madness!

…

Elsewhere.

Zhang Ye had been on the receiving end of countless phone calls from his relatives and friends in recent days.

His mother called.

"Son."

"Mom, I'm busy at work."

"Wait, I haven't even said anything yet."

"Go on, go on."

"Send me a work dedication card."

"Ah?"

"The work dedication card! Hurry up!"

"But I don't have it."

"The cards of fortune are given out by the Spring Festival Gala, so how can you not have any when you're the executive director?"

"I really don't have any. They're handed out by Unipay; we're just their partner."

"Alright then, I'll go check with others."

Rao Aimin called.

"Little Zhang!"

"Big Sis Rao, what's the matter?"

"Send me a work dedication card."

"What? You're playing that too?"

"There's money to be won. Only a fool would not play!"

"But you're already so rich. Anyway, I don't have it."

"Rascal, don't you give me that bullshit. Hurry up and get me the card!"

"I really don't have it."

After hanging up, Zhang Ye gave a wry smile. Then he looked at Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the group of people from the Spring Festival Gala production team who were on their break. A lot of them were whispering to each other, and it could be seen that they were all trading cards of fortune with one another. They were really enjoying it, and it could be seen that even the Spring Festival Gala production team had fallen into the craze of gathering the five fortunes!

The entire country had fallen!

No one was spared!

They had all been taken in by the scam!

It had gotten big!

It had gotten huge!

Zhang Ye shuddered in fear on the inside. He wiped away his sweat and called Ha Qiqi over. "Sister Ha, uhh, come over for a bit. I have something that I need to talk to you about."

"Coming, Director Zhang." Ha Qiqi quickly traded a card of fortune with Little Wang before coming over. "Is the noon break over? Should I notify everyone to start working?"

Zhang Ye coughed and said, "Were you the one who liaised with Unipay?"

Ha Qiqi nodded. "Yes, I'm in charge of that."

Zhang Ye cleared his throat and stammered, "Umm, so, tell them quickly that I said to let them come up with another promotion to create another prize pool on the day of the Spring Festival Gala. It doesn't have to be much, just tens of millions, or a 100 million would be fine too. Or they could also work with some of the artist studios and invite the celebrities to join in. They can then hand out red packets in the name of the celebrities or stuff like that. This would not require the use of the cards of fortune, nor will there be any limitations on who can grab the red packets. Everyone is allowed to take part, and it's best that everyone can participate in it. When the time comes, we'll also help them to promote it here on the Spring Festival Gala."

Ha Qiqi was taken aback. "That shouldn't be necessary, right, Director Zhang? This Five Cards of Fortune Collection campaign has taken off so crazily that everyone is trying their hand at it. Why is there still a need to directly give out additional red packets? The publicity effect is in place, and the advertising world is totally shocked by this advertising and marketing push that you've started!"

Yes!

They were all in shock!

But what was even more shocking was still to come!

This marketing push was a complete scam. It was a bottomless pit!

Zhang Ye said, "Just do as I say."

"Alright, understood. I'll get in contact with them about it," Ha Qiqi said.

Zhang Ye said, "Tell them that this is to earn goodwill for them, so don't be afraid to spend. They've already spent 200 million anyway, so this amount should not really matter that much."

Ha Qiqi went to carry out his instructions. "OK."

This proposal that Zhang Ye was suggesting was actually to help Unipay dig its way out of the pit. Once the campaign ended, Unipay should be able to benefit quite a bit from it, and the Spring Festival Gala would not be implicated either. Be it the Five Cards of Fortune Collection or grabbing of the red packets that the celebrities would be giving out, all of that would help to boost the Spring Festival Gala's viewership ratings. As such, the Spring Festival Gala was the party that stood to gain the most out of this campaign. So when you thought about it, the blame would only fall onto Zhang Ye. Not only was he the executive director of the Spring Festival Gala, he was also the manager of this advertising and marketing proposal. This fellow could already imagine how many people would curse at him on the day the campaign ended!

Hai, come at me then. He was already mentally prepared for the backlash that he would receive over his "scamming" of the entire country's citizens in a bid to boost the viewership ratings of the Spring Festival Gala!

The five fortunes?

Five fortunes, my ass!

This was more like the five deceptions!

But the thing was, nobody knew what it was yet!

Unipay = Alipay

If the cards have not been collected yet, they're grayed out.

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Chapter 1319: Zhang Ye resorts to cheating!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

At the outside world.

The cards of fortune continued taking the country by storm.

And on this day, the Spring Festival Gala held its first approval session.

…

At Central TV.

In the morning.

At the venue of the first approval session.

In a large studio, only several dozen people were seated in the first two rows of the audience seating. Zhang Ye sat right in the middle with a group of executives from the Spring Festival Gala's organizing committee on either side. Behind them were several assistant directors and staff participating in the approval session, while the remaining seats were all empty. Meanwhile, the backstage was filled with the waiting celebrity artists and song and dance troupes from the various government branches. Together with the staff of Central TV's Spring Festival Gala, the backstage was bursting with people.

First up was the review of the singing acts.

Zhang Ye flipped through the list of acts and commanded, "Let's get it started."

Ha Qiqi read out loud, "Will the first group of performers please stand by."

The leaders and staff participating in the approval session picked up their pens, ready to give scores.

The list of acts for today's approval session was actually not changed from the previous one that Li Ke had drawn up when he was in charge. Of course, a majority of the performers were in the "guaranteed" groups, which consisted of the song and dance troupes nominated through the various government branches. Zhang Ye did not make any changes to it and followed with this list of acts for the approval session. The main reason for this was simply because there wasn't enough time. Zhang Ye had taken over the Spring Festival Gala event in a rush when it was almost time to hold the first approval session, so he could only follow with what had been drawn up for the time being. He would have to observe how it went before making any further decisions. As for the acts, he would have to filter through them afterwards to make selections. Zhang Ye needed to first understand what the standards of the performers and acts were.

Chen Guang.

Fan Wenli.

Zhang Xia.

Spring Garden.

Team VAA.

Singers from a song and dance troupe.

The performers appeared on stage one after another.

"This one isn't too bad."

"This one is good."

"This song is a little old, isn't it?"

"Isn't Team VAA's performance too simple?"

"That performance by Spring Garden won't do."

The members of the approval board for the first approval session were whispering. As the performers sang on stage, they discussed among themselves in the audience.

Then it was time for the dances.

Teachers from a song and dance troupe.

Students from a dance school.

There were a total of eight art troupes.

"It's a little boring to watch."

"Who recommended this group?"

"It's the Naval Song and Dance Troupe 1 ."

"It's not really that great to watch."

"Yes, it feels very similar to the dance they did two years ago."

"Hai, this definitely won't do."

"That student group's dance performance was somewhat interesting."

Acrobatic performances: There were a total of three acts.

Stage magic tricks: There were also three acts.

They were followed by ten language performances.

There was crosstalk.

Skits.

And even a three-person talk show.

And so on.

"This skit is pretty good!"

"Teacher Ci is still going strong after all these years."

"The script still needs a little fine-tuning. There are areas that can be improved upon."

"This talk show is no good."

"Right, I agree. Let's take this one out."

"Director Zhang is the creator of the talk show genre, so performing a talk show in front of him is indeed putting on a performance in front of a professional."

"The three-person talk show might be a rather refreshing idea, but it's a little too nondescript."

"Eh, what about Director Zhang, Yao Jiancai, and Dong Shanshan's skit?"

"Director Zhang is the main judge of the first approval session, so how would he have the time to get on stage to perform. He can only put it aside for the time being and might perform it during the second approval session."

An hour.

Five hours.

Ten hours.

From morning until night.

From dawn until dark.

After an entire day of work, the Spring Festival Gala's first approval session finally came to an end.

The performers had all left, and many of the staff also returned home to rest. However, Zhang Ye and the other approval board heads stayed behind at the venue in their seats in the first row.

Zhang Ye was silent.

Ha Qiqi looked at him.

Zhang Zuo blinked several times, unsure of what Director Zhang was thinking.

Ever since the first performance started during today's approval session, Zhang Ye did not say a word. He did not express any attitude to any of the performances. Was he happy? Was he satisfied? No one knew exactly what he was thinking. They were all evaluating the performances and pointing about as they wrote down scores. Only Zhang Ye did not have any reaction throughout.

An executive on the Spring Festival Gala's organizing committee glanced at him. "Boss Zhang?"

"Boss Zhang" was clearly just a form of address they had for him since Zhang Ye couldn't strictly be considered a boss. Based on these executives' statuses and ranks, there wouldn't be anything wrong if they just addressed him as Little Zhang. However, not anyone could call him that as they liked. This was because Zhang Ye's wife was Wu Zeqing. From the perspective of ranks, the two highest-ranking leaders on the Spring Festival Gala's organizing committee were only of equal status with Wu Zeqing, while the rest of them were ranked lower than her. And since the office was a place where seniority was considered important, when they were faced with Wu Zeqing's husband, they couldn't address him as Little Zhang, could they? So calling him Boss Zhang or Director Zhang was the most suitable form of address.

"Director Zhang, what do you think?"

"The acts for the first approval session have all performed. What do you think about them?"

The organizing committee's executives were all seeking his opinion.

In the end, Zhang Ye came up with a startling response.

He said, "I only have one thought right now. Is it too late to say I quit? 'Cause, you know, I still have some matters to attend to at home. Why don't you check again with someone else to see if they can take the role of executive director?"

Everyone was floored!

"Ah?"

"Director Zhang, please don't joke like that."

"You cannot be talking like this. You mustn't joke about such things!"

"Aiyo, what's this about?"

"Boss Zhang, please calm down, calm down!"

The executives got scared!

The production team staff were dumbfounded!

What the heck!

Even Zhang Ye is thinking of calling it quits?

But Zhang Ye was feeling even more scared than them. He pointed at the stage and asked, "Those are the best acts that were 'carefully selected' from all across the country? Every one of you saw it earlier too, right? You all watched every act without missing a single one, right? If you all say that these acts are especially wonderful, so wonderful that you'll want to applaud them, then I will feel that it is an insult to me as an artist. I'd have nothing to say!"

Some people had a wry smile on their faces.

Some of them were slightly embarrassed.

A leader said, "Boss Zhang, don't be angry. I admit that this year's acts are indeed lacking when compared to the previous years'. But isn't it just the first approval session? There's still a lot of room for improvement. Didn't the higher-ups invite you to take charge because they needed you to help with improving the acts? I know that you're not happy about there being so many nominated song and dance troupes from the government branches and feel that it is limiting you. We can still discuss it further. If there are any acts that you still find unsuitable after watching, and which we also think is average, then we can cut it from the program list. All of that can be discussed."

"Yes, we can talk about it."

"Those acts performed by the song and dance troupes this year are indeed a little poor."

The executives on the Spring Festival Gala organizing committee were a little less restrictive about things this time.

What were the reasons behind Li Ke's resignation?

One of them was that he could not secure the funding that he needed!

And the other reason was that of the list of acts!

What about the funding?

What about the stage?

What about the promotions?

All of those were just auxiliary!

Only the acts mattered. The Spring Festival Gala was dependent on its content to attract viewers in the end. If the acts were not good, everything else would be done in vain. Zhang Ye finally understood why Old Li had quit from his role. If he knew about the situation with the list of acts, he would never have agreed to take the job either!

What the heck were all these acts!

Zhang Ye had already reviewed the past Spring Festival Galas of this world.

The previous year.

The year before that.

And even the ones from 10, 20 years ago, he had gone through as many as he could!

Sometimes, Zhang Ye wondered why the Spring Festival Gala was getting worse year after year. Was it really because the quality of acts was declining? He didn't feel so. Looking at the past years' program lists and being honest about it, from the technical level of the staff to the complexity of the stage, things had always been improving year after year. What contributed to the poor reputation that the Spring Festival Gala was suffering from was the nitpicking of the audience. The audience's expectations had become higher. If you could get on the Spring Festival Gala, everyone would know that you got there because you were good. So expectations would be raised. Even if you disappeared into thin air onstage, the audience would not be surprised by it. In fact, they would even think that this was the norm. But if you don't disappear? Then the audience's expectations of your show would not be met. They would start thinking that you were not good enough and that the show was just as bad.

So what could they do about that?

This was asking too much of them!

Besides, this nitpicking could even be said to be extremely harsh!

In all fairness, if those acts that were performed for the first approval session were used in any event other than the Spring Festival Gala, they would surely get a lot of cheers and be praised as wonderful. But since they were going to be on the Spring Festival Gala, they were simply unacceptable. On the stage of the Spring Festival Gala, they were just too ordinary! There were no surprises!

This would not do!

It would not work out!

If it was like this, then this year's Spring Festival Gala would just be as bad as the previous years'!

Everyone was getting anxious as they came up with all kinds of suggestions.

"If it's not good enough, let's add a few more acts."

"What about the backup acts? Maybe we can bring them in?"

"Let's invite another few big names?"

"There's not much time left until the second approval session. Will it be too late?"

"We still have to do it even if there's no time. I agree with Director Zhang's opinion; the acts we saw in the first approval session only have a pass rate of 30%. The remaining ones are totally unsuitable!"

"But the issue is that there aren't any good acts!"

"Where are the writers? Maybe we should employ more of them?"

"The writing team is already very strong at what they do."

"Get them to write another few acts that are good. The performers' standards and technical levels are actually very outstanding. As long as they can write something good for them, there will surely be someone who can perform up to standards. The problem right now is that there aren't enough good scripts. On top of that, even if we feel that some of these scripts are good, the common folk will not necessarily feel the same way as us!"

"Yeah, that's what makes this really difficult."

The meeting went on until past 10 in the evening.

Everyone was feeling very pressured and exhausted.

Finally, Zhang Ye spoke, "Let's end it here today. I'll come up with a list of acts tomorrow!"

"You're going to plan one yourself?"

"Yes."

"For which kinds of performances?"

"All of them!"

"All of them?!"

Everyone was stunned!

At this point, no one seemed to have realized how great of an impact Zhang Ye's words would have. They did not know how determined he was. At the beginning, Zhang Ye had hoped to count on the works of this world. He thought that based on the size of China, it shouldn't be too difficult to uncover a few wonderful acts in the country. He didn't want to touch the works from his previous world at all. Such works would only decrease in number every time he used one of them. Those who knew him would know that he was extremely "miserly." All of the works were supposed to be left for himself, and he rarely would take them out for others to use. Even if it were Zhang Yuanqi approaching him for a song that he wouldn't sing since he wasn't a woman, Zhang Ye would never willingly give away any of them and would always grumble about this and that.

But he couldn't do that this time!

Zhang Ye had been forced to show his hand!

The acts were not good enough?

They really couldn't come up with something good?

Alright then, I'll do it!

Dance?

I'll choreograph it!

Songs?

I'll write them!

Crosstalks?

Let me handle it!

Skits?

I'll write the scripts!

Magic?

Let me plan some tricks!

Acrobatics?

I'll direct it!

The acts that I won't be using or are unsuitable for me, I'll write them down, choreograph them, and teach them to all of you one by one. I'll bring out the acts that are most closely followed and talked about in my previous world, the ones that have been market tested, and present them to all of you one by one. I'll redo all of the gala's acts from start to finish!

Fuck!

I won't fucking believe it!

I won't believe that this year's Spring Festival Gala will end in failure!

The cornered Zhang Ye was finally about to resort to cheating!

Legge Legge

Chapter 1320: An entirely new program list rolls out!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The next morning.

News was spreading through the grapevine.

"A situation at the Spring Festival Gala's first approval session?"

"No acts were passed at the first approval session?"

"The Spring Festival Gala's program list could be cast aside! "

"The Spring Festival Gala's organizing committee is extremely unsatisfied with the acts!"

"Zhang Ye loses his temper in public!"

"Where will this year's Spring Festival Gala go from here?"

"The most difficult year of the Spring Festival Gala!"

"Will Zhang Ye be able to save things?"

…

At Central TV.

In the office of the Spring Festival Gala's production team.

Zhang Ye stayed overnight. This was the fifth night he spent at Central TV. He did not step out of Central TV during the day either. He ate, slept, and worked there. As long as the production team or organizing committee had any matters to resolve with him, they could always find him in his office or on the stage. This was who Zhang Ye was. When it came to work, he would risk his life. For the Spring Festival Gala, he was really throwing all he had into it.

The brand-new program list was out!

Only the names of the acts could be seen. No description of their contents was available. Only he knew all about them for the time being.

But this was the most brilliant program list that Zhang Ye felt that he had come up with after racking his brains all night. He had deliberated repeatedly and changed his choices until he thought it was the most appropriate and brilliant program list there was!

An opening dance?

Acrobatics?

Magic?

Skits?

Crosstalks?

It had all of that. In fact, even the order of the acts was rudimentarily decided upon!

If the people of this world had a look at the program list, they would definitely find it rather odd and not understand it. But if it were the people of Zhang Ye's previous world who saw it, they would surely be dumbfounded. This was because all of the acts listed were the most closely watched programs in all the years of the Spring Festival Gala in that world. They were the most hotly debated and talked about acts of all. To put all of these earth-shattering acts into one gala, just what kind of an impact would that have? No one knew, and not even Zhang Ye himself could predict it!

With the program list out, all that remained was to find the performers. Some of these performers were easy to get, but some were not. Many of the new acts on this list required him to pick out the performers very carefully. Not only would they need to have skill, their statuses, image, and presence would also need to fit together. This was what was so difficult.

Zhang Ye called out, "Old Ha."

"Director Zhang, you're calling for me?"

"Where's Little Wang?"

"She's at the main stage."

"Get her here. I need you both to go out with me for a bit."

"Now?"

"Yes, now."

"Alright!"

Then Zhang Ye called over Assistant Director Zhang Zuo as well and gave him some instructions. After that, he left with Ha Qiqi and Little Wang. Right now, Zhang Ye didn't need to stay put at Central TV in his capacity as the executive director. Only one month was left until the second approval session, which was also the final one before the rehearsals, so there was a need to get all of the acts finalized before that. What Zhang Ye had to do now was to find the performers and make sure that he could get the acts out one by one!

It was a fine day today.

After having not been out for so many days, the sun was very piercing to his eyes.

Little Wang was driving. "Director Zhang, where are we heading?"

Zhang Ye handed her his cell phone. "Just follow the GPS."

"Th-This is a construction site?" Little Wang was stunned.

Ha Qiqi said startled, "Why are we going to a construction site?"

Zhang Ye laughed and said, "A song on my new program list requires two people to sing it."

Ha Qiqi said floored, "And those two people are at the construction site?"

"That's right," Zhang Ye said calmly.

Ha Qiqi was speechless.

Little Wang was speechless.

Both of them were a little confused.

Half an hour later, the car reached the location.

Loud singing reached their ears.

Zhang Ye rolled down the car window. "Stop the car and park it to the side."

Little Wang steered to the curb and stepped on the brakes.

Ha Qiqi pricked up her ears.

Two voices were coming from that direction. They were singing songs that Zhang Ye had performed on King of Masked Singers.

…

"There are times I feel like I'm a small, li'l bird.

"I wanna fly, but no matter how I can't fly high.

"Perhaps I'll one day perch on the branches,

"Yet the hunters I've incurred.

"Only when I flew into the blue sky did I discover,

"that I had nothing upon which to rely."

…

"Arise!

"ye pris'ners of starvation!

"Arise!

"ye wretched of the Earth!"

…

One song.

Two songs.

Three songs.

Two people were singing as they carried steel beams.

They were blood-related brothers. One was called Zhang Guang, the other was called Zhang Fang.

Their nearby coworkers were listening in enjoyment and even sang along with them at times.

In the car.

Little Wang exclaimed, "It's the Laborer Brothers!"

Ha Qiqi looked at Zhang Ye in surprise. "You're here to look for the Laborer Brothers?"

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You two know them as well?"

"Of course, we know them really well." Little Wang said, "They're really popular online. It was around the end of last year when a passerby recorded a video of them and put it up on the Internet, which ended up going viral. That song was especially touching. I heard that a lot of people came from afar just to listen to them sing. They've been calling them the Laborer Brothers. In terms of laborers, the two of them are the most well-known. But I wonder why they're still working at the construction site?"

Ha Qiqi said, "That's because their singing is not up to standard. Do you think everyone can sing as well as Director Zhang? Just listen to them. Even though they're not singing out of tune and have quite an alright vocalization technique, would it be proper to describe it as an earth-shattering performance? Is their singing really that exquisite? I really don't think so. We can pick any professional singer, and they would all sing better than them. Besides, they're too lacking in their image as well. If they're thinking of making it in show business? That possibility is too far-fetched."

They continued listening for a while longer.

Little Wang nodded. "You're right. They're really not comparable to pros."

Ha Qiqi said, "Director Zhang, you've heard them too, right? Let's go. They can't sing your songs, and they're also not popular enough. Right now, you have the entire entertainment circle's performers and singers to pick from."

Zhang Ye chuckled. "But they're who I've picked."

Ha Qiqi said, "Are you serious?"

"Little Wang, go approach them," Zhang Ye instructed.

Little Wang didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "You're sure about this?"

Zhang Ye laughed and said, "Of course! Why else would I come all the way here for? Do you think that I have a lot of time on my hands?"

The Spring Festival Gala has been too routine in recent years. Other than celebrities, it was still celebrities. Other than big name performers, it was still big name performers. It seemed to suggest that only they could support the stage of the Spring Festival Gala. It was as though the audience would only recognize them. Actually, that wasn't how things worked. They simply could not understand how powerful it was to subvert expectations.

So what if they were laborers?

So what if they didn't have the looks?

So what if they weren't professional singers?

Their voices could still be just as impressive!

At the site.

Zhang Guang and Zhang Fang sat down for their break. Both of them had not eaten breakfast yet and wiped their hands before picking up a large bun each and pairing it with some pickled vegetables, chewing on the food. They changed their lifestyle much ever since they became famous.

Their coworkers were chatting with them.

"The Spring Festival Gala is almost here."

"Yeah, I heard that they're still selecting the performers."

"Zhang Guang, Zhang Fang, it would be great if you two could get on the Spring Festival Gala."

"That would really cheer us up as well!"

Zhang Guang gave a wry smile as he waved it off. "Us two brothers are just singing for fun, so how could we possibly dare to think of getting onto the Spring Festival Gala's stage?"

Zhang Fang chewed on his bun and whined, "I wish I could though."

Zhang Guang rolled his eyes. "Stop dreaming."

Zhang Fang snorted, then simpered, "We have to have dreams."

In the distance, a pretty girl came walking over.

The workers looked over.

"Eh?"

"It's someone from the city?"

"She must be here to listen to Zhang Guang and Zhang Fang sing."

No one found this strange.

Little Wang walked up to them. "Are you Teacher Zhang Guang and Teacher Zhang Fang?"

Zhang Guang hurriedly put down his bun and stood up. "We're not teachers, we're not teachers."

Zhang Fang was also taken aback by this term of address.

Little Wang said, "Hello, I am from the Central TV Spring Festival Gala production team. We would like to invite both of you teachers to take part in the Spring Festival Gala this year. Would you be interested?"

They were stunned silly!

The other workers present were dumbfounded as well!

Zhang Guang exclaimed, "Ah?"

Zhang Fang did not believe it. "Us? On the Spring Festival Gala?"

Little Wang smiled. "That's right."

Zhang Guang furiously waved his hands and said, "That's impossible, impossible."

Zhang Fang said, "Are you teasing us?"

Little Wang said, "Come with me to the car and you'll understand."

Some of their coworkers cautioned them.

"Don't go! She must be lying!"

"Yeah, you two might get sold off and still be clueless as to how it happened."

"Yeah, there are a lot of scammers in the city these days."

"You must not get into the car!"

The group of them nearly surrounded Little Wang!

A scammer?

Sell them both off?

Little Wang nearly fainted. You two are rugged, grown men. Who would possibly want to buy you two!

Zhang Ye, who was inside the car, was quite amused. He opened the car door and got out, saying, "Little Wang, I only asked you to do a simple task, but look at this efficacy of yours."

Little Wang said anxiously, "You can't blame me for that, Director Zhang. They don't trust me."

Zhang Ye said with a grin, "That's because you look like a bad guy."

Little Wang got angry.

Ha Qiqi also got out of the car in laughter.

An uproar occurred at the construction site!

Zhang Ye!

It was Zhang Ye!

The executive director of this year's Spring Festival Gala!

Zhang Guang and Zhang Fang were stunned!

At this point, their coworkers should surely know that this was for real even if they were idiots. These people were really from Central TV!

"Alright, let me say it." Zhang Ye looked at the two brothers. "Do you wish to go on the Spring Festival Gala?"

Zhang Guang's eyes reddened. "Yes! We wish to!"

Zhang Fang also stared with wide eyes as he nodded furiously.

Zhang Ye said, "Alright then, I've got a song here. If the two of you can perfect it before the Spring Festival Gala's second approval session, I'll leave a slot open for the two of you on this year's gala."

Zhang Guang was so excited that he almost went crazy. "Thank you! Thank you!"

Zhang Fang said, "We, we'll definitely sing it well! Definitely!"

Zhang Ye said, "During this time, there will definitely be a need to practice, go to the approval session, and attend the rehearsals. As such, from now until Lunar New Year's Eve, the two of you might not exactly have much time to work. I'll say this first. The appearance pay for the Spring Festival Gala is not much, probably amounting to only several thousand yuan. So if you two have any difficulties or requests, please let me know in advance. I can help you to handle the issue in private. Be it if you need assistance in your daily lives or financial help, it's all fine with me."

Zhang Guang and Zhang Fang immediately looked at one another.

Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Just speak. You don't have to stand on ceremony with Director Zhang."

Zhang Guang said hesitatingly, "We don't lack any money, we have enough to use."

Zhang Ye said, "What about any other difficulties? You can request anything you want."

Zhang Fang said, "Anything?"

Zhang Guang tugged at him.

Zhang Ye nodded. "Yes, anything is fine."

Zhang Fang cautiously said, "I'm really gonna say it then?"

"Go ahead." Zhang Ye grinned.

Zhang Fang suddenly said, "Can you send me a work dedication card of fortune?"

"What?" Zhang Ye sounded like he had misheard.

Zhang Fang quickly said, "I can use the prosperity and strength fortune card to trade for it!"

Zhang Ye was floored!

Little Wang giggled, "Pfft!"

Ha Qiqi was speechless.

Those five rip-off cards of fortune had even made its way to the laborers and the construction sites?

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