Chapter 28 : Unconvinced
Chapter 28 - Unconvinced
Chen Ran had quite a few programs in his mind, but restricted by the limitations of a local TV station, he filtered out some at the time.
The main factor was budget constraints. Many brilliant programs required a massive amount of funding to support them. Zhaonan Entertainment Channel was responsible for its own profits and losses, and the budget provided for a single program certainly could not be compared to that of a satellite TV station.
In the end, what Chen Ran selected was a program that integrated music and puzzle-solving: 'I Love Remembering Lyrics'!
In his previous life, it was produced and broadcast by Zhejiang Satellite TV in its early years, and its performance had always been excellent.
Chen Ran chose this program first because of its track record.
The program was broadcast on satellite TV, and its results had been affirmed.
Second, because of its entertainment value.
'I Love Remembering Lyrics' had high entertainment value. Elements like singing, memory, and PK prize money were not at all outdated even now.
Finally, naturally, was the budget.
Although it was a satellite TV program, its budget could not be compared to others. Relative to current technology, the program's requirements for equipment and stage were not high.
Furthermore, other large-scale programs would be restricted by being on a local channel; even with adaptations, it would be a waste of a creative idea, which Chen Ran was unwilling to do.
'I Love Remembering Lyrics' wasn't the top tier among the satellite TV programs in his mind, but it was definitely not bad. Placed on Zhaonan Entertainment Channel, if not a standout success, its results would at least be quite good.
Based on these considerations, Chen Ran decided to use it.
Chen Ran ate at Director Zhang’s house, politely declined Auntie Yun’s invitation to stay longer, and began running around.
Actually, with Director Zhang's help, he could easily have contacted these KTVs, but for something like this, it was definitely more appropriate to make the trip in person.
This wasn't just to look for data, but also to inquire about the feasibility of cooperation.
Chen Ran was not a person who liked to do useless work; since he had made a decision, he had to do it well.
“Hello, I am a program planner from Zhaonan TV Station’s Entertainment Channel. I am doing market research regarding a new program.”
“Yes, that's right. I've brought my staff ID. If possible, could we talk in person?”
“Alright, I'll head over first and wait for you.”
Chen Ran hung up the phone. So far, everything was going relatively smoothly.
There were several large KTV chains in all of Zhaonan. He wasn't in a hurry and could take his time talking to them.
Within these few days, Chen Ran was confident he could reach an agreement.
……
While Chen Ran was running around, at the home of Lin Jun, the Director of the Economic Channel, Lin Fan was rubbing the space between his eyebrows.
He turned around and said helplessly,
“Dad, what do you think the station is thinking? I've looked at that Chen Ran's files. He’s only been on the job for a few months. I’ve worked at the Entertainment Channel for several years. On what basis is he competing with me?”
Lin Jun set down his teacup, looked at his son who was clearly unconvinced, and shook his head.
“That mindset won't do. I've also looked at the files. Although Chen Ran's time on the job is short, his resume isn't just a blank sheet of paper. The Public Channel's Zhaonan Focus is soaring now and will be one of the pillar programs for all local channels in the future. He’s the one who contributed the most to that program. You tell me—on what basis?”
Lin Fan said, “I know about Zhaonan Focus, but there's no way a program like that could be made by a newcomer. The head of the Public Channel's program department is his uncle; most of the credit must belong to his uncle!”
“Your dad is also a Director; how come I don't see you making a Zhaonan Focus? Besides, that Zhang Chongning used to be a colleague of mine. I know his character; he’s very upright. Even assuming the credit for Zhaonan Focus doesn't belong to Chen Ran, wouldn't Zhang Chongning know that? If he knew, why would he still try to stuff him into the Entertainment Channel?”
Lin Fan was suddenly at a loss for words.
He knew his father made sense. If Chen Ran truly lacked ability, wouldn't Zhang Chongning putting him in the Entertainment Channel just expose him?
That theory clearly didn't hold up.
Lin Fan sighed. “I'm just not convinced. I've been at the Entertainment Channel for several years, always following the production crews. I finally get an opportunity, only for a newcomer to come out and compete with me.”
“It’s no use being unconvinced; this is an order from the station. In this industry, if you don't have results, it's useless no matter how much seniority you have. Chen Ran has results, and you don't. It's as simple as that.”
Lin Jun glanced at his son and spoke slowly, “It might even be that your chance to compete this time is only because the station's leaders are giving me face.”
Being told this by his father, Lin Fan was instantly struck with a heavy blow.
He knew that since entering the TV station, he had always been under his father's care, moving step by step and progressing slowly.
But this was also the reason why he was so eager to produce a program to prove himself; he didn't want to keep going on like this.
Lin Jun stood up, holding his phone in one hand while patting his son's shoulder with the other.
“Alright, thinking too much about these things is useless. Instead of wasting time being bitter here, you'd be better off thinking about what kind of proposal will be able to win. If you're dissatisfied with Chen Ran, then use results to prove you're stronger than him!”
Lin Fan watched his father enter the study and sat on the sofa for a long time without moving.
He wasn't just unconvinced; it was mainly because of jealousy.
A person who had only been at the TV station for a few months could create a program like Zhaonan Focus—that was a brilliant resume.
How many years had he been in the Entertainment Channel? He only got his chance this year!
Comparing the two, jealousy was only natural.
Lin Fan wasn't someone easily blinded by jealousy, and after being criticized by his father, Lin Jun, he also came to his senses.
Since the station had already made its decision, it wouldn't help to continue complaining. His father was the Director of the Economic Channel and had no authority over the Entertainment Channel.
But he also had an advantage. Aside from his father's status, he was also a member of the Entertainment Channel. If the quality of the proposals was the same, the station would definitely be more willing to choose him.
“I don't believe I'm truly inferior to a newcomer!”
Lin Fan held his breath and went back to his room to review the materials.
At this time in the study, Lin Jun was dialing a number.
“Hello, Old Yang.”
“It's all for that boy Lin Fan.”
“No, I'm not trying to make things difficult for you, and I know it's not a decision you can make alone. It's just that if the other party's proposal is of equal quality to Lin Fan's at the time, just find some faults with it and give Lin Fan a chance.”
“Yes, that's exactly what I mean. I'm talking about equal quality, within the rules.”
“Actually, I'm not just doing this for my son. Although Chen Ran's results aren't bad, he's too young. In our line of work, if you don't have time to mature, problems easily arise. Chen Ran is young; he can be tempered a bit more.”
“Alright, I'll invite you out for a drink another day!”
After hanging up this call, Lin Jun dialed two more.
When he was done, he sat at his desk and sighed slightly.
He hadn't wanted to make these calls; making them meant owing favors.
Lin Jun wasn't the kind of person to break the rules; his phone calls were just meant to make people lean a bit more toward Lin Fan and increase his son's chances of winning.
Lin Jun laughed mockingly at himself.
Just a moment ago, he had verbally lectured his son, yet when it came to his own actions, he was still resorting to underhanded methods.