Chapter 25 : Competition is Needed
Chapter 25 - Competition is Needed
Chen Yao naturally didn’t dare to say anything. Although her personality was relatively strong, that was only toward outsiders; she was very gentle when facing her family.
Because she hadn’t told Chen Ran about her change of number, she was already somewhat in the wrong, and now she dared not say anything more.
After Chen Ran hung up the phone, he added Chen Yao’s new WeChat and, without a word, transferred two thousand yuan over.
Chen Yao: "???"
Chen Ran: "I got paid. If you don’t accept it, don’t call me brother anymore."
After saying that, he turned off his phone and closed WeChat, not replying no matter what Chen Yao said.
In the dormitory, Chen Yao sent several consecutive messages without a response, feeling a bit of a headache.
The reason she didn’t give Chen Ran her phone number was precisely because she was afraid he would give her money.
She knew Chen Ran had just started his internship and didn’t have much of a salary; if he gave her two thousand yuan directly, what would he use for himself?
But Chen Ran clearly ignored her thoughts and sent it over directly, threatening to get angry if she didn’t accept it, which left Chen Yao with no options.
Thump.
The dormitory door opened, and a girl with shoulder-length short hair walked in from outside, shivering as she said:
"Hiss, the wind is so strong outside, I’m freezing to death!"
After the girl closed the door, she seemed to come back to life. She took off her coat, revealing a shapely and curvaceous figure, and began to climb toward her upper bunk.
It wasn't until she burrowed into her blankets that she showed a face of satisfaction.
Seeing Chen Yao’s dejected expression, she asked in surprise: "Yao Yao, why do you have that look on your face?"
Chen Yao sighed: "My brother transferred money to me on WeChat."
The short-haired girl asked incomprehensibly: "He transferred money to you and you’re still unhappy?"
Chen Yao said: "You don’t understand. When my brother was in university, our family was poor, so he basically worked while studying. Back then I was in high school, and every time he got paid, he would send me some living expenses.
The main thing was that back then I was young and didn't understand; I didn't know all my brother's money was earned from part-time jobs, and I spent it all recklessly. My brother just started working now and his salary isn't high; I don't want him to transfer money to me."
The short-haired girl said enviously: "The relationship between you and your brother is really good, he even sends you money. Unlike my sister, who has to compete with me over everything. Although I win every time, it’s exhausting."
Chen Yao glanced at the short-haired girl and said flatly: "I feel like your sister is actually quite good to you. Didn't you say your phone and computer were both bought for you by your sister?"
The short-haired girl sighed with the same expression Chen Yao had earlier: "You don't understand either. When we were little, things were always taken by force. Later, my sister got rich and didn't care anymore, and I couldn't find anyone to snatch things from..."
Chen Yao was dazed: "What kind of logic is that? You’re unhappy when someone competes with you for things, and you’re unhappy when no one competes with you. Aren’t you being a bit too extra?"
The short-haired girl threw up her hands: "I don't know either. I’m also very lost."
Chen Yao had nothing to say to her. After agonizing over it for a long while, she finally accepted the money Chen Ran had sent.
The short-haired girl added: "By the way, didn't you want to find a place to sing? I know a music bar that is looking for a resident singer. Do you want to go try it out?"
Chen Yao hesitated: "Is it... messy there?"
The short-haired girl said: "I guarantee it’s not messy. I know the owner; it was opened by the owner of a recording studio."
"You even know a recording studio owner?"
"Of course. When my sister was recording songs back then, I followed her along and met the owner. I took note when you mentioned it last time."
"Your sister records songs? Is she a singing star?"
"That’s not important. What’s important is that you go try it out and see if your skill level is up to par."
"He's a recording studio owner, so his requirements must be very strict. I’m just an amateur; I feel like I won’t make the cut."
"I think you sing quite well. The singing videos you upload already have over a hundred thousand fans. If you sang poorly, would anyone follow you?"
"That’s not the same, okay?"
"It’s all the same, all the same. Trying it out won't cost you anything."
……
Chen Ran slept until broad daylight. When he woke up, he felt refreshed and invigorated.
He had been busy with overtime lately, and even when he had time off, he hadn't slept this comfortably.
He gave a satisfying stretch, picked up his phone, and saw that Chen Yao had accepted the money he transferred.
Chen Ran smiled; he understood Chen Yao quite well, and the result was completely unsurprising.
Today was Saturday, and his parents were at work without any time off. Chen Ran checked the work group and found that the ratings for Zhaonan Focus had increased a bit more yesterday.
The speed of the increase was slowing down, and the ratings were nearing stabilization. Chen Ran estimated the peak would be 20%, but it would take time to ferment slowly.
By noon, Chen Ran received a phone call from Director Zhang.
“Chen Ran, are you still at home?” Director Zhang asked.
Chen Ran said, “Yes, I came back last night.”
Director Zhang said, “Then you might have to return early.”
Chen Ran hurriedly asked, “Did something happen to the program?”
Director Zhang said, “The program is fine; it’s about the matter of going to the Entertainment Channel.”
Hearing that it wasn't something with the program, Chen Ran breathed a sigh of relief and asked further, “Is the station not letting me go over?”
“That’s not it. A gap for a new program has opened up over there. After consideration from above, they plan to let you be the chief planner. However, you aren't the only one interested in this position; the Entertainment Channel has their own candidate as well.”
At this point, Director Zhang paused for a moment before continuing,
“Your results are good, but the other party has more seniority. The station doesn't plan to simply appoint someone; they want you two to compete.”
“How will we compete?” Chen Ran was curious.
Director Zhang said, “Two people, each writing a program proposal. The higher-ups and the people from the Entertainment Channel will discuss and choose; whoever has the better proposal will be the winner.”
Chen Ran thought for a moment; this method sounded decent.
But if the choice was left to the people of the Entertainment Channel, and the candidate was one of their own, wouldn't he be at a disadvantage?
Chen Ran asked his question, and Director Zhang laughed:
“You don't need to worry about that. If either of your proposals is outstanding, it will be used as a new program for project initiation. Therefore, people from the station will also review it together; there won't be any bias.”
Hearing this, Chen Ran immediately felt at ease. “I will work hard.”
Director Zhang said seriously, “I'm not asking you to work hard; I'm asking you to give it your all.”
This was a good opportunity. If Chen Ran stayed in the Public Channel forever, it would be a waste of time.
The ratings for the Entertainment Channel have always been in the second position at the station, and some programs are even promoted from the Entertainment Channel to be broadcast on Satellite TV.
This meant that if Chen Ran’s program did well, it was possible for him to go straight to Satellite TV. Therefore, in Director Zhang’s heart, Chen Ran absolutely had to go to the Entertainment Channel.
Chen Ran knew that Uncle Zhang had great expectations for him, and said solemnly, “I understand. I definitely won't let you down!”
Director Zhang nodded with satisfaction. “Not only should you not let me down, but don't let Zhizhi down either.”
Chen Ran, who was originally full of fighting spirit, was suddenly speechless upon hearing Zhang Fanzhi’s name. What could she possibly be disappointed about? It would be good enough if she didn't criticize him!
“Time is tight. Return today and come to the station tomorrow morning. Tell me whatever information you need, and I'll have someone send it to you.”
After finishing, Director Zhang asked Chen Ran to send his regards to Chen Ran’s father and mother on his behalf before hanging up.
Chen Ran held his phone and scratched his head. I only just got back for one night, and now I have to leave immediately?