My Wife is a Big Star

Chapter 58 - Goodbyes Also Need a Sense of Ritual

Monday.

The Entertainment Channel held its meeting.

Director Liu Xianlong followed the routine of announcing the ratings for the previous week’s programs; this was a summary that took place every single week.

The program that received the most praise was, naturally, I Love Remembering Lyrics. It was the weekly champion upon its premiere and had even broken records, earning it excessive praise from Director Liu.

The performance of Saturday Lotto was also decent, showing an upward trend for two consecutive weeks; the veteran program remained stable.

The only thing that caused Director Liu’s brows to furrow slightly was the program on Sunday.

“Here, I want to single out Qingying Lecture for criticism. Its ratings have dropped for three consecutive episodes. Not only the ratings, but its reputation has also declined significantly. Some viewers even called in to complain, saying the program instills unhealthy values...”

Chen Ran looked over with the rest of the group; the director and others from the Qingying Lecture crew looked somewhat embarrassed.

When he was studying the Entertainment Channel previously, he had seen the information for this program. Qingying Lecture was built around the host, Fang Qingying; it was roughly considered an emotional or fashion-related program.

Occasionally, they would invite relationship experts for interviews or speeches, and they would also release special features on clothing coordination, beauty, and fashion.

The target audience was women, and it had been airing for several years. Although the ratings fluctuated, it had always been stable, belonging to the middle tier.

However, something had gone wrong with the program crew; the ratings had declined for three consecutive episodes, and now it looked like it was heading toward the bottom.

Furthermore, a viewer had called in to report them during the last episode, claiming that Qingying Lecture spread distorted values which led to a breakup with his girlfriend; the show had already been criticized once last week.

The continued decline in ratings for this episode was likely the "effect" of the "cause" from the previous one.

In a channel with so many programs, it was natural for some to have good results and others to have poor ones; Chen Ran wasn't surprised.

Once the meeting adjourned and they arrived back at the program crew's office, Director Yang Qijun also came over.

“The program ratings are excellent. Everyone has worked hard.”

Director Yang’s visit was not just to offer praise, but also to serve as a reminder; essentially, he wanted the program crew to guard against arrogance and impetuosity, to keep working hard, and to strive for new heights.

What made everyone happiest, however, was the bonus issue mentioned by the Director.

Breaking the record this time acted like a shot of adrenaline for everyone. The unexpected premiere record made not only Director Yang happy but the leaders of the entire Entertainment Channel happy as well. The bonuses for all lead creators would be issued according to the highest tier.

In addition, the profit-sharing for the lead creators would be settled quarterly; this was not included in the bonuses.

Naturally, everyone in the program crew was happy. When hard work was rewarded, everyone was pleased.

Director Yang specifically singled out Chen Ran for praise, then said with a hint of regret:

“If only you had come over a bit earlier. With a bit more effort, you could have contended for the position of the station's Best Planner.”

Seeing that Chen Ran didn't quite understand, and considering he had only joined the TV station this year, Director Yang specifically offered an explanation.

Every year, the TV station held an annual gala that included a summary, during which many awards were established for people from all channels to compete for.

This included the Satellite Channel.

Chen Ran felt his heart stir upon hearing this, but it wasn't realistic!

Director Yang held high expectations for him, but one had to look at how many planners there were in the Satellite Channel; where would it be his turn?

As if seeing Chen Ran’s doubt, Director Yang smiled and said:

“Although there are many programs on the Satellite Channel, the factors for the awards consider more than just the platform; they also include originality, program contribution, and degree of innovation—a comprehensive evaluation of all aspects.”

Put this way, Chen Ran understood. Although the Satellite Channel programs were massive hits, many of them were imported from abroad; furthermore, every program was the result of group discussions.

Considering the points above, with Chen Ran completing the main planning for I Love Remembering Lyrics individually, there truly was a slight possibility.

It was a pity that he had only made one program in the Entertainment Channel. If there were another one, the chances would be even greater; this was the reason for Director Yang’s regret.

“Although there’s no hope for this year, there will still be a chance next year. Work hard!” Director Yang encouraged Chen Ran for a moment before leaving.

Once Director Yang left, Director Wu and the others also felt regretful on Chen Ran's behalf. This award wasn't just a hollow title; besides the prize money, it was also a form of honor.

Chen Ran, however, took it very well. He hadn't known about this thing before, so there was nothing to regret. He smiled and said:

“For us, making a good program is better than any award!”

Director Wu also nodded: “That’s the truth.”

Before long, Chen Ran received an unexpected phone call; it was Manager Yao from Diamond KTV.

"Teacher Chen, congratulations on the show becoming a massive hit!"

Manager Yao’s hearty voice came through the phone.

Teacher Chen?

This title made Chen Ran feel a bit unaccustomed.

He mainly thought of the photography master from his previous life.

Chen Ran said, "Thank you, Manager Yao."

Manager Yao: "No, no, no, it’s I who should be saying thank you. Teacher Chen, you have no idea—your show is a hit, and our Diamond KTV has become a hit too! Now, every private room in our entire chain is fully booked!"

Chen Ran wasn't surprised; this was within his expectations.

Manager Yao continued, "The boss told me today that I must invite Teacher Chen out for a meal to properly thank you!"

Manager Yao emphasized the word "thank" very heavily, and Chen Ran instantly understood his underlying meaning.

Chen Ran said, "Manager Yao, please don't say that. When we first started the partnership, I said it was a win-win situation. Our program’s ratings are good, and your KTV’s business is booming; that’s enough. Everyone is just doing their job. When I have time, we can have a meal, but there’s no need for anything else."

Although he wasn't very old, he still understood some of the ways of the world. Manager Yao hadn't just made this call to express gratitude; there was another layer of meaning.

When the sponsorship was first signed, the boss of the KTV had been somewhat hesitant, so they only signed for three months. A typical program lasts about a dozen episodes, so three months is roughly enough time to see the results.

If the program's performance was acceptable, they could naturally continue the contract; if not, they wouldn't lose too much.

But the program's premiere was unexpectedly popular, and the benefits it brought to the KTV far exceeded the sponsorship fee. Thus, Manager Yao’s call had other motives as well.

Chen Ran didn't want to get involved in these things and rejected him without hesitation.

If the other party truly wanted to negotiate, the program crew would eventually look for sponsors themselves. They could certainly secure them, it was just that the price would be much higher.

In the end, Manager Yao could only hang up the phone in disappointment.

……

Evening, near closing time.

As Chen Ran was getting some boiled water, he froze for a moment in surprise.

That car outside looked a bit like Zhang Fanzhi’s.

However, after thinking about it, it was probably just the same brand. When they were on WeChat earlier, she said her flight was at seven o'clock; no matter how he thought about it, she shouldn't be here.

Just as Chen Ran turned around, his phone rang.

"Come down." It was still Zhang Fanzhi’s signature line.

Chen Ran checked the time and went straight downstairs.

He ran to the car and saw Zhang Fanzhi sitting inside. Today, she wasn't wearing a mask.

"How come you're here? Weren't you going to catch your flight?" Chen Ran asked, slightly out of breath.

Zhang Fanzhi looked at him: "You wrote a song for me. It’s a bit impolite to say goodbye to you over the phone."

Chen Ran found it funny.

"Saying goodbye needs a sense of ritual? It's not like you’re going back to Lin City and never coming back!"

Zhang Fanzhi didn't answer. Instead, she said to Chen Ran very seriously:

"Thank you!"