On the way to take Xia Weiliang to discuss the next filming schedule for Night Vision, Ji Huan received a call from Director Du.
"Qiji is handed over to Director Ma?"
Ji Huan was not surprised.
Director Ma had followed President Jiang even before he joined Meiyu; he was a trusted confidant. While Director Du was considered his right-hand man, President Jiang still valued this right hand more...
"What? Director Du, have you lost your mind? What old meat, recycled meat..."
Beside her, Xia Weiliang flinched, then silently lowered her head, trying to shrink into the chair and minimize her presence.
Unsure of what Director Du was saying, Ji Huan's frown deepened. She turned to look at Xia Weiliang, on whose face "guilt" was practically written.
After a long moment, she rubbed her temples. "Do you have a plan? What's the budget?"
Xia Weiliang had already pulled her hat down, wishing she could perform invisibility on the spot.
After hanging up, Ji Huan slowly looked at her. "Director Du has been stimulated."
"Oh~"
"He wants me to ask you, so I'll know."
"Oh?!"
Xia Weiliang quickly sat up straight, shaking her head like a rattle drum. "The old meat and recycled meat have nothing to do with me. I just gave a not-so-mature suggestion, and then Little Du, perhaps immaturely, listened to it..."
"Yes, it is indeed very immature," Ji Huan said calmly. "He's going to go head-to-head with Ma Xiao and has publicly declared a military order to create a different kind of talent show. Sudan Novel Network."
"Really? I wouldn't have thought it. Little Du is quite spirited! Good, good!"
"The budget is pitifully small, not even enough to decorate the stage. He regrets it now, but Director Ma isn't giving him any chances; the rumors have already been spread."
Ji Huan looked at her, word for word. "In other words, by the time he called me, everyone outside already knew that Director Du was going to do an unconventional talent show. And... according to his own 'confession,' this was a plan you actively, enthusiastically, and proactively provided."
"..."
Xia Weiliang truly couldn't laugh or cry anymore.
You good-for-nothing Little Du!
Digging a hole to bury yourself and then dragging down the person who kindly handed you a shovel!
Ji Huan crossed her arms. "Let me summarize it for him. If this show is successful, it will be called bold innovation; if it fails, it will be 'look at the terrible idea you gave.' Of course, if it succeeds, it will be Director Du's credit, and he'll be sending out press releases to brag about himself, and then it won't have much to do with you."
Xia Weiliang understood.
"So, I'm the one who'll take the blame?"
Ji Huan shrugged. "'Look at the terrible idea you gave.'"
"..."
Xia Weiliang narrowed her big eyes. "So what! Let's do it together! Isn't that what he called about?"
"You're involved whether you help or not. Those with influence are all on Ma Xiao's side, and no one thinks his project will succeed; those who are just watching to see what happens wouldn't be able to help if they could."
"In other words..."
"You can't shake this blame."
"..."
Alright, time to lie down and accept fate.
Xia Weiliang expertly pinched the acupoint under her nose.
After returning from the Night Vision platform, Director Du's call came.
"Little Liang, your Brother Du was particularly tough today..."
"Alright, Little Du, I know about this. Tell me, how should I take the blame for this... uh, no, how should I help with this matter?"
"That's the spirit!" Director Du sighed deeply. "Little Liang, Brother Du is betting his entire future career..."
After this call, Xia Weiliang felt terrible.
It felt like leading someone onto a wrong path.
What to do?
Words spoken in jest lead to trouble; you have to see it through, even if you have to crawl!
Late at night, Nuomi came out to use the restroom and saw the light still on in Xia Weiliang's room.
"Sister Weiwei, why aren't you asleep yet?"
Xia Weiliang was furiously writing. "If Old Du's matter isn't resolved, how can I sleep? I'm writing a proposal for him!"
"No way, Sister Weiwei? You're writing a proposal?"
Nuomi leaned closer and read word for word: "《I Am Your Grandfather》?!"
"Yes, the Grandfather Plan!"
"Sister Weiwei, you're not thinking of... selecting grandfathers, are you?"
"The audience is tired of all these young idols. Let's find those grandfathers and uncles to participate in the show! It's guaranteed to be exciting!"
"But... but... it's unprecedented!"
"Yes, I am that 'precedent'."
"..."
Little Nuomi silently turned around and sent a message to Ji Huan: [Sister Huan, Sister Weiwei...]
——
Two days later, Xia Weiliang was scheduled to film the second episode of "Courage," and after returning, she had to film the Spring Festival special of "Challenge."
Therefore, she had to finalize the preliminary preparations for Old Du within these two days.
When he received the plan, Director Du's hands were trembling. "You... you really are going to select recycled meat and old meat..."
"Yes, you have short notice, so a nationwide audition isn't possible. Besides, the companies are all sending young idols. And they've all gone to Director Ma's side to participate in 'Qiji'."
Mentioning Ma Xiao, Director Du seemed to feel refreshed.
"Come, come, tell me all about your plan!"
Xia Weiliang smiled. "It's simple. Invite some artists who haven't been active on screen for a while. They have a fan base and national appeal, which will surely trigger a wave of nostalgia and create buzz!"
Director Du's eyes lit up. As an industry insider, how could he not understand the brilliance of this program?
"Good job, Little Liang'er!"
He raised his hand to pat her shoulder but suddenly remembered something and quickly withdrew it.
"There's one thing to note: inviting these uncles and grandfathers will be a bit difficult. I've temporarily drafted a list; try inviting them. Also, about the guests..."
"Liang'er, there's something Brother Du has to tell you, and that's our budget..." Director Ma sighed with annoyance. "President Jiang has allocated all the money to Ma Xiao, and only scraps are left for me."
Xia Weiliang looked at the usually annoying Director Du, who was rarely so pitiful. Especially since she was also directly responsible for this situation, she impulsively gave her word. "Don't worry, it's on me!"
"Liang'er! You're truly Brother Du's lucky star!!!"
Seeing his excited expression, Xia Weiliang started regretting it again and slapped her mouth.
It's all your fault!
All you do is cause trouble all day!
After submitting the proposal, it was up to Director Du to execute it. However, the guests and judges truly required some thought.
Since the budget was small, she decided to start with people around her!
After thinking, she took out her phone and contacted Brother Cheng and Sister Hua.
These two were the golden duo in "Challenge," their chemistry was impeccable; a single glance would let them know what each other was going to set up.
Inviting them to anchor the show would surely build momentum.
Upon hearing the proposal, both agreed readily, which relieved Xia Weiliang.
With two people playing the "good cop," she now needed a professional "bad cop," someone to smooth things over.
But whom to invite?
So difficult~
Ahhhh! I don't want to go bald!
Don't turn into Manager Tu!!